Grace.C

"The French thinker Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712-78) wrote: 'But we, made to be vigorous, do we believe we can become so painlessly?' Become strong, no matter what! Every hardship and adversity we face in life is an opportunity to strengthen ourselves.

"Nichiren Daishonin, who was born on the 16th day of the winter month of February, writes: 'Put into flames...gold becomes pure gold' (WND-1, 497). People of genuine ability shine all the brighter when they are trained and tested by life's challenges. This is the unchanging formula for spiritual growth.

SGI Newsletter No. 7524, THE LIGHT OF THE CENTURY OF HUMANITY, The Future Division: The Hope-filled Treasure of the World--Part 1 [of 2], Feb 16th, 2008 Seikyo Shinbun, translated April 9th, 2008