According to Mr. Josei Toda, the second president of Soka Gakkai, there are three criterias to consider when choosing a job: beauty, benefit and good. “Beauty” refers to a job that you find enjoyable and fulfilling. “Benefit” pertains to a job that provides financial security or pays well. “Good” indicates finding a job that contributes to society or serves a greater purpose. Unfortunately, in real life, it is hard for everyone to find a job that fulfils all three criteria. Some jobs may pay well, but may not necessarily align with personal interest. On the other hand, you may find a job that you love, but may not provide sufficient income to sustain your livelihood. Additionally, those who are new to the working class may often find themselves in jobs that lack both “benefit” and “beauty” due to their limited experience and skill set. These circumstances contribute to the belief held by some that life would be better without the burden of work. Is this realistic in a constantly fast changing world ❓ Rather than complaining about our jobs, Mr. Toda emphasised that we should first become indispensable at our workplace. Through hard work and dedication, we will eventually discover a job that aligns with our preferences provides a good income, and allows us to contribute meaningfully to society. In retrospect, we will realise that all of our past efforts and hard work have not been in vain. These experiences will become valuable assets that enable us to excel in our current job and future endeavours. Nothing is ever wasted. When Mr. Ikeda was young, he encountered the same thing. He worked at Mr. Toda’s publishing company, and developed a deep passion for the publishing industry. No matter how hard life was, he found the work fulfilling. However, after the war, the publishing company ran aground and had to be shut down. Mr. Toda then ventured into a financial cooperative of a credit union. Mr. Ikeda had no prior knowledge nor interest in finance. In fact, he did not even like it. However, driven by his commitment to support Mr. Toda’s business, Mr. Ikeda faced the obstacles head-on and embraced the challenges that lay ahead. Eventually, the financial cooperative faced failure, but the experiences that Mr. Ikeda gained during that time were invaluable. Mr. Ikeda often shares his own experiences and draws inspiration from Kōnosuke Matsushita’s belief that truly youthful people should demonstrate a readiness to accept challenges, even to the point of paying for hardships, as they strive in their workplace. This serves as encouragement for the Youthful being to persevere in their jobs and pursue their goals with determination. Plan your life and stay true to your choices. Enjoy what you have chosen and be indispensable at work. Doing so will surely create the best value at your workplace.iIn
Sunday, September 20, 2026
Wednesday, September 16, 2026
three core qualities. Wisdom, courage, and compassion 三个核心品质。智慧、勇气和同情心
Ikeda sensei often pointed to three core qualities. Wisdom, courage, and compassion. He framed them as essential to personal growth and global citizenship. Wisdom to know what’s right, courage to act on it, and compassion to act for others’ happiness. Underneath it all is that steady inner work of becoming someone more humane, more caring, and more strong.
Friday, September 4, 2026
September 4
In life, the "season" of youth comes but once. What seeds are you planting in your life during this precious period? What are you engraving? What are you devoting your youthful passion towards? All of these things will have a critical impact on your whole future.
—生只有一次的青春时代，在自己的青春生命里，播下怎样的种子？刻下什么历史？用青春的热情燃烧点什么？这大概会决定人的一生。
LEADERS WHO ARE responsible for organising and holding discussion meetings in the SGI must study. If they do not, they cannot hope to satisfy the participants and inspire them with fresh energy and enthusiasm.
A FIRE BuRNs higher when logs are added, and a strong wind makes a kalakula grow larger. The pine tree lives for ten thousand years, and therefore its boughs become bent and twisted. The votary of the Lotus Sutra is like the fire and the kalakula, while his persecutions are like the logs and the wind.
The Difficulty of Sustaining Faith (WND, 471)
Wednesday, September 2, 2026
Pacific Ocean—— the biggest thing on Earth
Pacific Ocean—— the biggest thing on Earth
The deepest trench—- 11km below sea level > height of Mount Everest