Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 15 August 2011

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Monday, August 15, 2011   The first thing is to pray. From the moment we begin to pray, things start moving. The darker the night, the closer the dawn. From the moment we chant daimoku with a deep and powerful resolve, the sun begins to rise in our hearts. Hope - prayer is the sun of hope. To chant daimoku each time we face a problem, overcoming it and elevating our life-condition as a result - this is the path of "changing earthly desires into enlightenment," taught in Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism.   Events 1964 World Tribune publishes first issue.      From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Monday, August 15, 2011   I, Nichiren, have inscribed my life in sumi ink, so believe in the Gohonzon with your whole heart. The Buddha's will is the Lotus Sutra, but the soul of Nichiren is nothing other than Nam-myoho-renge-kyo.   The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 412 Reply to Kyo'o Written to Kyo'o and her parents, Nichigen-nyo and Shijo Kingo, on August 15, 1273      Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Monday, August 15, 2011   The world is growing increasingly interrelated and interdependent. We have reached a point where, in order to deal with not only environmental problems but every other issue confronting humankind, leaders with a broad, global perspective are indispensable. Everything hinges on how many capable leaders we can produce who are willing to fight wholeheartedly for the world's future and the happiness of humanity.     Sensei on Health and Illness- Words of Wisdom    Illness is not something to feel ashamed of. It is not a sign of misfortune or defeat. Suffering is the fuel of wisdom, and it opens the way to happiness. Through illness, human beings can gain insight into the meaning of life, understand its value and dignity, and strive to lead more fulfilling lives.