Why Do We Have To Pray For Others Happiness In Spite Of Our Own Problem?

Why do we Have To pray for others Happiness in spite of our own problem? The practice of Nichiren Buddhism concerns itself with happiness for both, oneself and others. The spirit to pray for and work for the happiness of others (kosen-rufu) regardless of one’s own problems is an important part of our practice. Through making a greater cause and chanting for another, one is able to expand one’s own life condition. In such a life state one’s own problems cease to be problems and instead function as stepping stones to victory. It is then that one is able to transcend all obstacles in one’s way. In Buddhism, one’s prayers are answered only to the extent that one exerts oneself to realize the Buddha’s wish for the happiness of all humanity. The stronger the power of one’s practice for oneself and for others, the more one can tap into the power of the Buddha and the power of the Law. Explaining this further, the first president of the Soka Gakkai, Tsunesaburo Makiguchi, once said, “There...