President’s Monthly Message
Everyone, Light a Lamp
Nichiko Niwano
President, Rissho Kosei-kai
“Rather Than Complaining About the Darkness”
At present, many people around the world are suffering due to war and oppression. Since the spring, Pope Leo XIV has been appealing to all world leaders to end war and make every effort to advance peace and reconciliation. In one of his homilies, he emphatically stated: “Enough of the idolatry of self and money! Enough of the display of power! Enough of war! True strength is shown in serving life” (“Prayer Vigil Led by Pope Leo XIV,” The Holy See, Vatican Publishing House, April 11, 2026, https://www.vatican.va/content/leo-xiv/en/homilies/2026/documents/20260411-rosario-pace.html).
Yet, in an unprecedented turn of events, the leader of one nation directed harsh criticism at the Pope’s message. I find it regrettable when the mind and the ability to use words—precious gifts bestowed upon humanity—are used to sow conflict and discord. And for our part, we can do nothing but look on and lament this state of affairs.
That said, even in a world that appears shrouded in darkness and has a seemingly unforeseeable future, there is a powerful message that asserts every one of us can do something. This concept, articulated by the renowned Eastern philosopher Masahiro Yasuoka (1898–1983), is called “the practice of illuminating one corner [of the world] with one lamp—the practice of illuminating the world with ten thousand lamps.”
Yasuoka says: “Rather than complaining about the darkness, light a lamp. / We should all definitely become lamps that illuminate the darkness around us. / Even if only faintly, let’s illuminate one corner [of the world]. / Let’s string together these lamps, as far as our arms can reach. / If every person lights one lamp, then ten thousand people will light ten thousand lamps. / And Japan will instantly become bright. / This is our practice of illuminating one corner with one lamp, which becomes the practice of illuminating everywhere with ten thousand lamps. / Together, we should wholeheartedly devote ourselves to this practice of transforming the world, shouldn’t we?” (Haruki Koshikawa, Ningengaku genshi roku [The study of human nature: Reflections on self-mastery], Ibunsha, 1984).
It might be more appropriate today if this proclamation said “[every country in] the world” instead of “Japan.” Also, I interpret the term “the practice of transforming the world” not as a call for a single individual to bring about some large-scale change, but as an appeal for everyone to take practical action close at hand. This is an extension of the theme discussed in last month’s issue, “light a fire for the sake of other people.”
Pope Leo also stated in his homily on April 11 that “all it takes is a little faith, a mere ‘crumb’ of faith, in order to face this dramatic hour in history together—as humanity and alongside humanity.” When every person’s daily actions become a lamp illuminating their corner of the world, and when these actions multiply into hundreds of millions or billions, we can look forward to a bright future for Earth—a future worthy of a planet that shines a brilliant blue in the pitch-black expanse of the universe.
As Far as Our Arms Can Reach
In Yasuoka’s proclamation, the phrase, “Let’s string together these lamps, as far as our arms can reach,” teaches us something: if we interpret “as far as our arms can reach” to mean “within the scope of our own capabilities,” then any practice of generosity—performed close at hand and without undue strain—can become a bright light that illuminates a world of darkness. In line with this thinking, surely it is no mere coincidence that on September 10, we observe the Annual Memorial Day of Rissho Kosei-kai’s Cofounder, Myoko Naganuma.
Cofounder Naganuma was well known for treating everyone she encountered as if they were her own children she had given birth to, and for giving them guidance that was at times stern, yet always kind. She devoted herself to practicing compassion that truly “lit a lamp wherever she went.” Whenever she saw someone in need, she did not hesitate to give them whatever she had—food, bedding, money, or even the very clothes she was wearing. Because she viewed everything as a gift entrusted to her by the Buddha, she continued to keep her lamp burning brightly.
If we take a look at our daily lives and those who are “within arm’s reach,” we see not only our family members but also neighbors, people sitting beside us on trains or buses, and those standing in the checkout line with us at the convenience store. Offering a smile or a word of thanks to those people—or extending a helping hand to someone in need—serves as a light that illuminates our surroundings. Caring for and expressing appreciation to our family serve as a light that warms and brightens the home. And when you offer prayers for people in distant lands who are facing hardships, you are lighting a noble lamp for them. Today, without a doubt, people around the world are transcending differences of nationality, race, and religion, sharing the same hope and praying that the light of peace will spread far and wide.
Just as Founder Niwano told us that “the lamp you light for others illuminates a corner of the world and never goes out,” let’s tirelessly, unflaggingly continue our daily practices that brighten our immediate surroundings.