Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 31 August 2011

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Wednsday, August 31, 2011   As long as we pray earnestly and sincerely with all our being, if we have strong and genuine faith, even though results may not be immediately visible, they will definitely manifest without fail in generations of our children and our children's children. I would like all of you to have absolute confidence in this.     From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Wednsday, August 31, 2011   Believers in the Lotus Sutra should fear those who attempt to obstruct their practice more than they fear bandits, burglars, night raiders, tigers, wolves, or lions even more than invasion now by the Mongols.   The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 495 Letter to the Brothers Written to Ikegami Muneaka and Ikegami Muneaga on April 16, 1275     Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Wednsday, August 31, 2011   Overcoming the four sufferings of birth, old age, sickness and death is not just a matter of theory. We mustn't move away from the issues of how we can lead healthy, fulfilling and long lives, and how we can die without suffering. Buddhism teaches the wisdom that enables us to do this.     Sensei on Health and Illness   Sickness and death are unavoidable in life. To experience illness is not itself misfortune, but to be defeated by illness is misfortune.

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 30 August 2011

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Tuesday, August 30, 2011    The Daishonin states, "The voice does the Buddha's work" (Gosho Zenshu, p. 708). To chant the Mystic Law is to praise the Gohonzon. Hearing the sound of our daimoku, the heavenly deities will be set into motion and work to protect us. A weak and unclear voice will not move the heavenly deities. That is why it is important for us to chant daimoku with voices that are clear, strong and brimming with joy.      From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Tuesday, August 30, 2011    Misfortune comes from one's mouth and ruins one, but fortune comes from one's heart and makes one worthy of respect.   The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1137 New Year's Gosho Written to the wife of Omosu on January 5, year unknown      Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Tuesday, August 30, 2011    Buddhism stresses the interconnectedness of all life. It is only the limited capacity of our senses that causes us to place so much stock in the separation between "them" and "us." Because of this interconnectedness, by using violence, you not only injure or destroy the other person but also yourself. Those who use violence and devalue others' lives actually devalue and ruin their own lives.      Sensei on Happiness - Words of Wisdom     It is impossible to build one's own happiness on the unhappiness of others. This perspective is at the heart of Buddhist teachings.

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 29 August 2011

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Monday, August 29, 2011    Worldly success and good circumstances based on luck can easily crumble. They are as transient as an illusion. But the state of Buddhahood, once attained, can never be destroyed, not for all eternity. We will enjoy an existence overflowing with good fortune and immense joy in lifetime after lifetime.       From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Monday, August 29, 2011   [As a youth] he received great wisdom from the living Bodhisattva Space Treasury. He prayed to the bodhisattva to become the wisest person in Japan. The bodhisattva must have taken pity on him, for he presented him with a great jewel as brilliant as the morning star, which Nichiren tucked away in his right sleeve. Thereafter, on perusing the entire body of sutras, he was able to discern in essence the relative worth of the eight schools as well as of all the scriptures.   The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 650 Letter to the Priests of Seicho-ji Written to the priests of Seicho-ji temple on January 11, 1276       Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Monday, August 29, 2011   Though one might point at the earth and miss it, though one might bind up the sky, though the tides might cease to ebb and flow and the sun rise in the west, it could never come about that the prayers of the practitioner of the Lotus Sutra would go unanswered - Nichiren       Sensei on Life - Words of Wisdom     Whether it be individuals, organizations, nations, civilizations, all forms of life in nature -- for all entities in this universe, life is an ongoing challenge. In this struggle we find the essence and unchanging truth of life. When one stops challenging, decline begins.

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 28 August 2011

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Sunday, August 28, 2011    Success is not a matter of accumulating more of this or that, it is not measured in quantity. It means changing the quality of your life. Wealth, power, fame and knowledge alone cannot make you happy, no matter how much of these you acquire. Nor can you take them with you when you die. But by improving the quality of your life you will at last approach true happiness.      From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Sunday, August 28, 2011   Everyone in Japan, from the sovereign on down to the common people, without exception has tried to do me harm, but I have survived until this day. You should realize that this is because, although I am alone, I have firm faith.   The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 614 The Supremacy of the Law Written to Oto and her mother, Nichimyo, on August 4, 1275      Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Sunday, August 28, 2011   Anger is fundamentally an arrogant state of life. People in the state of anger are attached to the illusory assumption that they are better than others and direct their energy toward sustaining and enhancing this image. To ensure that others think of them in similarly glowing terms, they can never reveal their true feelings. Instead, they act obsequiously while a burning desire to surpass all others is their exclusive focus. With their inner feelings and their outward appearance out of accord, they don't speak from the heart. Buddhism teaches that the heart is most important. Of two people making comparable efforts, the results will differ greatly if one person is motivated by a value that transcends the self-good, beauty, the well-being of others - while the other is motivated by ego.     Sensei on Life - Human Relationships    It is important to keep the promises made to friends. This is the true meaning of friendship. To become people who can do so, however, we must first learn to keep the promises we have made to ourselves.

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 27 August 2011

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Saturday, August 27, 2011   The important thing is to keep working for kosen-rufu to the very end. On any journey, we cannot hope to reach our destination if we stop halfway. Likewise, if despite our good fortune in meeting and embarking on the unsurpassed way of Buddhism, we stop halfway, all the efforts we have made thus far will have been in vain, we will not be able to attain Buddhahood.   Events 1260 Matsubagayatsu Persecution. Incited by priests, Pure Land believers descend on the Daishonin's hermitage at Matsubagayatsu, Japan, to kill him. He is forced to flee for his life.      From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Saturday, August 27, 2011   Mugwort that grows in the midst of hemp or a snake inside a tube [will as a matter of course become straight], and those who associate with people of good character will consequently become upright in heart, deed and word. The Lotus Sutra exerts a similar influence. The Buddha will look upon one who simply puts faith in this sutra as a good person.   The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1128 The Bodies and Minds of Ordinary Beings Recipient and date unknown       Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Saturday, August 27, 2011   When we create or appreciate art, we set free the spirit trapped within. That is why art arouses such joy. Art - whether skillfully executed or not - is the emotion, the pleasure of expressing life as it is. Those who see art are moved by its passion and strength, its intensity and beauty. That is why it is impossible to separate life from art. Political and economic developments may seem to dominate the news, but culture and education are the forces that actually shape an age, since they transform the human heart.      Sensei on Power of the Heart - Words of Wisdom    Whatever your circumstances, whatever your past, the forces that determine your future are nowhere but within your own heart and mind. It is here that the star of your destiny shines.

Introduction to Buddhism, Acton, Thursday 1st September 2011

Alma, Mitsu and Catherine will be giving this  "Introduction to Buddhism"  talk at the West London Centre.

Aimed at anyone interested in Buddhism in general, or who is new to this practice and wants to find out more, information is clear, straightforward, and accessible to all

7.30pm on Thursday 1 September 2011 - FREE ADMISSION

 "How do we become happy in spite of our problems ?"  

This talk is open to anyone who would like to find out about Buddhism and there will be an opportunity to ask questions.

There will be chanting between 7.30pm and 8pm and the talk will be from 8pm to before 9pm.   The building closes at 9pm.   

The venue

SGI UK West London Centre
The Maples
18 High Street
Acton
London W3 6LJ

Tel:  020-8992-1120

Nearest tube:                 Acton Town
Nearest train station:      Acton Central
Buses:                          70, 207, 266, 440, 607 and E3

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 26 August 2011

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Friday, August 26, 2011   We accumulate great good fortune through our earnest prayers, devotion and efforts for the sake of Buddhism, kosen-rufu and humankind. Prayer without action is not the way of Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism.     From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Friday, August 26, 2011   It is easy to sustain our concern for someone who is before our very eyes, but quite a different thing when that person is far away, even though in our heart we may not forget him. Nevertheless, in the five years. . . that have already passed since I came to live here in the mountains, you have sent your husband from the province of Sado to visit me three times. How great is your sincerity! It is firmer than the great earth, deeper than the great sea! The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 933 The Sutra of True Requital Written to the lay nun Sennichi on July 28, 1278     Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Friday, August 26, 2011   There is no trace of coercion or concern for appearances in Nichiren's behaviour. He looked on those who were suffering, those who were bravely fighting alongside him, as if they were himself in the same situations. He prized each and every one of them. He encouraged them and sympathized with them, and we must never forget that the true essence of humanity is to be found in this. When we observe Nichiren's actions, we are deeply struck by the conviction that this is the way a Buddhist must live.     Sensei on Attitude - Words of Wisdom    None of us can exist in isolation. Our lives and existence are supported by others in seen and unseen ways, be it by parents, mentors or society at large. To be aware of these connections, to feel appreciation for them, and to strive to give something back to society in a spirit of gratitude is the proper way for human beings to live.

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 25 August 2011

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Thursday, August 25, 2011   Life flashes by in an instant. By devoting our lives to Buddhism, we will live a life of complete fulfillment. We are selling ourselves short if we fail to attain such a wonderful state of life.     From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Thursday, August 25, 2011   This Gohonzon is the essence of the Lotus Sutra and the eye of all the scriptures. It is like the sun and moon in the heavens, a great ruler on earth, the heart in a human being, the wish-granting jewel among treasures and the pillar of a house. When we have this mandala with us, it is a rule that all Buddhas and gods will gather round and watch over us, protecting us like a shadow day and night, just as warriors guard their ruler, as parents love their children, as fish rely on water, as trees and plants crave rain, or as birds depend on trees.   The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 624 On Upholding Faith in the Gohonzon Written to the lay nun Myoshin on August 25, 1275     Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Thursday, August 25, 2011   One of the fascinating things about human beings is this: Believe for long enough that you are not as smart as others and this will actually lead to intellectual ineptitude. But, confronted with the same doubts, if you choose to believe that your mind is merely dormant for now, lacking in exercise, once you begin to train it, there are no bounds to what you can achieve.     Sensei on Prayer - Words of Wisdom   Prayers are neither light dreams nor vague wishes. They should be firm pledges of determination. Prayers made with such strong resolve invite clear results just as magnets attract iron.

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 24 August 2011

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Wednesday, August 24, 2011   Advancement - Nichiren Daishonin teaches the spirit that "not to advance is to retreat." The point is to continue forging ahead despite any storms or hardships that may arise, to be fearless and advance like a lion.   Events SGI-USA Men's Division Day 1947 Daisaku Ikeda joins the Soka Gakkai at age 19     From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Wednesday, August 24, 2011   People have varied tastes. Some prefer good and some prefer evil. There are many kinds of people. But though they differ from one another in such ways, once they enter into the Lotus Sutra, they all become like a single person in body and a single person in mind. This is just like the myriad different rivers that, when they flow into the ocean, all take on a uniformly salty flavour, or like the many kinds of birds that, when they approach Mount Sumeru, all assume the same [golden] hue.   The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1042 The Treasure of a Filial Child Written to the lay nun Sennichi on July 2, 1280     Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Wednesday, August 24, 2011   It has been said that aging gracefully is more difficult than dying, but as long as we have a forward-looking, positive attitude, a spirit to take on challenges, we will gain depth in our lives.     Sensei on Life - Words of Wisdom   The struggle between happiness and unhappiness is the story of human existence. The struggle between peace and war is the history of the human race. The power that leads us to eternal victory amid these struggles is the power of good within us.

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 23 August 2011

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Tuesday, August 23, 2011    Shijo Kingo, a person of strong faith, was at one point envied and slandered by others, earning the disfavour of his lord. But later he received a new estate from him. In modern terms, we might say that Shijo Kingo scored this victory by showing wonderful actual proof of faith at his place of work. The test of faith is winning in daily life and society, since that is where Buddhism finds expression.       From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Tuesday, August 23, 2011   How wondrous it is that, around two hundred years and more into the Latter Day of the Law, I was the first to reveal as the banner of propagation of the Lotus Sutra this great mandala that even those such as Nagarjuna and Vasubandhu, T'ien-t'ai and Miao-lo were unable to express! This mandala is in no way my invention. It is the object of devotion that depicts Shakyamuni Buddha, the World-Honored One, seated in the treasure tower of Many Treasures Buddha, and the Buddhas who were Shakyamuni's emanations as perfectly as a print matches its woodblock.   The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 831 The Real Aspect of the Gohonzon Written to Nichinyo on August 23, 1277        Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Tuesday, August 23, 2011   Ralph Waldo Emerson says, "Good-nature is plentiful, but we want justice with a heart of steel, to fight down the proud." If people are merely good-natured, then those who are arrogant and highhanded will have free rein to carry on as they please. Only those who fight with hearts of steel are people of justice.     Sensei on Happiness - Words of Wisdom   The gratification of desires is not happiness. Genuine happiness can only be achieved when we transform our way of life from the unthinking pursuit of pleasure to one committed to enriching our inner lives, when we focus on "being more" rather than simply having more.

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 22 August 2011

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Monday, August 22, 2011   It is not a question of your environment or those around you, nor what the organization or leaders may be like. To be swayed by such externals is pointless. It all comes down to one person: you. What matters is that you become a brilliant beacon, shining with joy and happiness and live your life with confidence and courage. If you shine with a radiant light, there can be no darkness in your life.     From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Monday, August 22, 2011   By considering the magnitude of the punishment suffered by those who harbor enmity toward the Lotus Sutra, we can understand the magnitude of the benefits obtained by devoting oneself to it.   The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1095 Reply to Jibu-bo Written to Jibu-bo on August 22, 1281     Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Monday, August 22, 2011   The times when I have most intensely felt and experienced the inner reality of creation have been those times when I have thrown myself wholeheartedly into a task, when I have carried through with that task to the very end. At such times, I experience a dramatically expanded sense of self. I can almost hear the joyous yell of victory issuing from the depths of my being.     Sensei on Courage - Words of Wisdom   True courage and adventure is found in exploring the meaning of life and discovering the reason for your existence. Even greater joy and fulfillment is found in the persistent struggle to contribute to others' happiness.