Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 30 September 2011

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Friday, September 30, 2011   Those who strengthen their faith day by day and month after month are genuine practitioners. Our daily practice of gongyo, therefore, is important, as well as is attending meetings every month. We must not let our faith grow weak. We must make it stronger today than yesterday, stronger this month than last. Buddhist practice is a succession of such untiring efforts, the ultimate goal of which is attaining the summit of Buddhahood.       From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Friday, September 30, 2011   The meaning of this passage is that those who obtained benefit during the Former and Middle Days of the Law received "conspicuous" benefit, because the relationship they formed with the Lotus Sutra during the lifetime of the Buddha had finally matured. On the other hand, those born today in the Latter Day of the Law receive the seeds of Buddhahood for the first time, and their benefit is therefore "inconspicuous."   The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 474 The Teaching, Practice and Proof Written to Sammi-bo on March 21, 1275       Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Friday, September 30, 2011   Knowledge gives rise to wisdom. If you like, knowledge is the pump; wisdom is the water that we get from the pump. If we can't obtain water, the pump is useless. At the same time, without knowledge, without the pump, we won't be able to obtain water.       Sensei on Human Relationships - Words of Wisdom   If a person has just one good friend, their happiness is doubled and their life immeasurably enriched. This is genuine wealth.

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 29 September 2011

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Thursday, September 29, 2011   Faith, which at first glance may appear weak, is actually the most powerful force in the world. Many people put on a show of being strong, but true strength has nothing to do with appearances. On the contrary, we usually find that the weaker the individual, the greater their bravado or outward display of strength.       From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Thursday, September 29, 2011   The number of those endowed with human life is as small as the amount of earth one can place on a fingernail. Life as a human being is hard to sustain ‚ as hard as it is for the dew to remain on the grass. But it is better to live a single day with honour than to live to 120 and die in disgrace. Live so that all the people of Kamakura will say in your praise that Nakatsukasa Saburo Saemon-no-jo is diligent in the service of his lord, in the service of Buddhism, and in his concern for other people.   The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 851 The Three Kinds of Treasure Written to Shijo Kingo on September 11, 1277      Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Thursday, September 29, 2011   A sword is useless in the hands of a coward. The mighty sword of the Lotus Sutra must be wielded by one courageous in faith. Then one will be as strong as a demon armed with an iron staff - Nichiren        Sensei on Success - Words of Wisdom    This lifetime will never come again; it is precious and irreplaceable. To live without regret, we must have a concrete purpose, continually setting goals and challenges for ourselves. And we need to keep moving toward those specific targets steadily and tenaciously, one step at a time.

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 28 September 2011

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Wednesday, September 28, 2011     Faith means making a hundred percent effort ourselves - in our daimoku and in our actions. When we practice in this way, the Buddhist gods will lend us their protection. We mustn't have a complacent, dependent attitude in faith, chanting haphazardly without definite goals and making only halfhearted efforts in the belief that we'll automatically be protected. Depth of determination and unshakable character are vital. Those possessing these qualities are second to none in faith.     From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Wednesday, September 28, 2011   Never seek this Gohonzon outside yourself. The Gohonzon exists only within the mortal flesh of us ordinary people who embrace the Lotus Sutra and chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo.   The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 832 The Real Aspect of the Gohonzon Written to Nichinyo on August 23, 1277     Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Wednesday, September 28, 2011   Your home is where your loved ones live. Your home is the place where you work together with your fellow human beings to build a paradise, a realm of peace and prosperity for all. When we are asked where our home is, we can answer: "My home is the world. Everywhere in the world where my fellow human beings live, all of it, is my home."      Sensei on Aging -- Words of Wisdom    Life loses its dynamism from the moment we lose the passion with which to live it. No matter what our age, we cannot afford to let the flame within our heart grow dim. We do not become unhappy because we grow old. We become unhappy only when we grow ever more unwilling to change as we age.

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 27 September 2011

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Tuesday, September 27, 2011    Pioneering takes steady dedicated effort; it is advancing surely one step at a time. True Buddhist practice lies in such activities as visiting members, giving personal encouragement, talking to our friends about Buddhism and introducing others to faith. How many members do you take the time to visit and encourage in a month? In a year? True pioneering lies in making precisely such efforts. Our challenge is to deepen the understanding of friends and fellow members toward the philosophy and activities of the SGI through our encounters with them.       From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Tuesday, September 27, 2011    What the Lotus Sutra, T'ien-t'ai, and Miao-lo intend to say is that the act of accepting and upholding or protecting and embracing one verse of the Lotus Sutra surpasses the act of making offerings to all living beings, or making offerings to arhats, or even of filling the entire major world system with the seven kinds of treasures as an offering to all Buddhas.    The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 973 The Unmatched Blessings of the Law Written to the lay priest Nishiyama on May 11, 1279      Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Tuesday, September 27, 2011    The wise course is to control and make correct use of knowledge. Buddhism is a means for developing wisdom, and it teaches how to overcome the four inherent sufferings or sorrows - birth, aging, illness and death - in order to lead a happy, meaningful life. In addition it teaches how to control desire rather than be controlled by it.     Sensei on Compassion - Words of Wisdom    Our true selves shine and the inherent strength of our lives wells forth when we exert ourselves for others. This is human nature. And this is the way of life Buddhism teaches.

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 26 September 2011

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Monday, September 26, 2011   Our voice costs nothing and it is our strongest weapon. Nichiren Daishonin wrote, "Do not spare your voice" (Gosho Zenshu, p. 726).There are different voices for different situations: the clear, resounding voice that declares truth and justice; the strong voice that refutes evil; the bright, confident voice that tells others about the greatness of this Buddhism; the warm voice that gives encouragement; the sincere, friendly voice that offers praise and words of appreciation to others. The important thing is that we meet and speak with people widely, inside and outside the organization.     From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Monday, September 26, 2011   Although at heart you are of the same mind as Nichiren, since your person is in service to your lord, it would have been extremely difficult for you to have avoided the offense of complicity in slander. How admirable it is that, despite this, you communicated this teaching to your lord and urged him to take faith in it. Even though he may fail to accept it now, you have managed to avoid the offense of complicity.   The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 461 On Recommending This Teaching to Your Lord and Avoiding the Offense of Complicity in Slander Written to Shijo Kingo on September 26, 1274     Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Monday, September 26, 2011   Live in a way that is full of life‚ for yourself, for your loved ones, for your friends. People who do so will find the courage to transform sufferings into hopes. Not only that, but they will be able to light the lamp of hope in the hearts of many others, as well.     Sensei on Life and Death - Words of Wisdom   From the standpoint of eternity, there is hardly any difference between a "long" and a "short" life. Therefore, it's not whether one's life is long or short, but how one lives that is important. It is what we accomplish, the degree to which we develop our state of life, the number of people we help become happy — that is what matters.

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 25 September 2011

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Sunday, September 25, 2011   Everything ultimately depends on whether there is someone who is willing to wage a desperate all-out struggle, someone who will take 100 percent responsibility without relying on or leaving things to others, someone who will work with selfless dedication for the sake of the people without any concern for what others think. Such a person is a true leader and a genuine Buddhist.     From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Sunday, September 25, 2011   Ever since I began to study the Law handed down from Shakyamuni Buddha and undertook the practice of the Buddhist teachings, I have believed it is most important to understand one's obligations to others, and made it my first duty to repay such debts of kindness. In this world, we owe four debts of gratitude. One who understands this is worthy to be called human, while one who does not is no more than an animal.   The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 122 Conversation between a Sage and an Unenlightened Man Recipient unknown; written in 1265     Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Sunday, September 25, 2011   In the true reality of life as viewed from the enlightened state of the Buddha - who has broken free of all delusion - all things are equal, transcending distinctions and differences between subject and object, self and others, mind and body, the spiritual and the material. In its true aspect, life is infinitely expansive and eternal, without beginning or end. Life is dynamic; it is wisdom and compassion; it embodies the principle of the indivisibility of life and death; it is a universal law. The cosmos is not so big that life cannot embrace it, nor a particle of matter so small that life cannot be contained within it.     Sensei on Human Relationships - Words of Wisdom    The relationships we have with people are a direct reflection of our inner state of life. To extend and deepen our human relationships is to expand our state of life.

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 24 September 2011

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Saturday, September 24, 2011     "What kinds of causes am I making right now?" "What actions am I taking?" The answers to these questions are what will determine our future in this life and throughout the three existences. Herein lies the foundation of faith. True glory and victory in life lie in basing oneself on this fundamental principle.   Events 1993 The Boston Research Center for the 21st Century founded by SGI President Ikeda.     From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Saturday, September 24, 2011    Though muddy water has no mind, it can catch the moon's reflection and so naturally become clear. When plants and trees receive the rainfall, they can hardly be aware of what they are doing, and yet do they not proceed to put forth blossoms? The five characters of Myoho-renge-kyo do not represent the sutra text, nor are they its meaning. They are nothing other than the intent of the entire sutra. So, even though the beginners in Buddhist practice may not understand their significance, by practicing these five characters, they will naturally conform to the sutra's intent. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 788 On the Four Stages of Faith and the Five Stages of Practice Written to Toki Jonin on April 10, 1277     Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Saturday, September 24, 2011    We are all human beings, whatever our positions. If we open our hearts and speak with sincerity, we can communicate and touch others on the deepest level. World peace starts with trust between one individual and another.     Sensei on Prayer - Words of Wisdom    Prayer is not a feeble consolation; it is a powerful, unyielding conviction. And prayer must become manifest in action. To put it another way, if our prayers are in earnest, they will definitely give rise to action.

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 23 September 2011

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Friday, September 23, 2011   Winning in life is not a matter of form or appearances. It has nothing to do with vanity. Victory in life ultimately hinges on whether one has truly fought, whether one has truly advanced.      From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Friday, September 23, 2011   Miao-lo said, "Wise men can perceive the cause of things, as snakes know the way of snakes." The present epidemics are like the virulent boils of King Ajatashatru that could not be cured by anyone but the Buddha. They can only be eliminated by the Lotus Sutra.   The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 920 The Two Kinds of Illness Written to Shijo Kingo on June 26, 1278       Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Friday, September 23, 2011   Now, if you wish to attain Buddhahood, you have only to lower the banner of your arrogance, cast aside the staff of your anger, and devote yourself exclusively to the one vehicle of the Lotus Sutra. Worldly fame and profit are mere baubles of your present existence, and arrogance and prejudice are ties that will fetter you in a next one - Nichiren     Sensei on Courage - Words of Wisdom   It takes courage to become happy—courage to remain true to one's convictions, courage not to be defeated by one's weaknesses and negativity, courage to take swift action to help those who are suffering.

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 22 September 2011

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Thursday, September 22, 2011   The principle that "Buddhism equals life" means that everything in one's life is itself Buddhism. The principle that "Buddhism becomes manifest in society" means that society, too, is at one with Buddhism. The struggle for kosen-rufu can be waged only within the realities of life and society. Those who earnestly grapple with these realities develop strength and inner substance. They develop and grow.     From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Thursday, September 22, 2011   I cannot see the sun in the daytime or the moon at night. In winter there is deep snow, and in summer the grass grows thick. Because so few people come to see me, the trail is very hard to travel. This year, especially, the snow is so deep that I have no visitors at all. Knowing that my life may end at any time, I put all my trust in the Lotus Sutra.   The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 779 The Actions of the Votary of the Lotus Sutra Written to the lay nun Konichi in 1276     Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Thursday, September 22, 2011   Buddhism views illness as an opportunity to attain a higher, nobler state of life. It teaches that, instead of agonizing over a serious disease, or despairing of ever overcoming it, we should use illness as a means to build a strong, compassionate self, which in turn will make it possible for us to be truly victorious.     Sensei on Life's Potential - Words of Wisdom   Life is filled with potential that is truly unfathomable. At last we are coming to see the enormous power it possesses. That is why we must never write anyone off. In particular, we mustn't put boundaries on our own potential. In most cases, our so-called limitations are nothing more than our own decision to limit ourselves.

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 21 September 2011

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Wednesday, September 21, 2011   In the twinkling of an eye we grow old. Our physical strength wanes and we begin to suffer various aches and pains. We practice Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism so that instead of sinking into feelings of sadness, loneliness and regret, we can greet old age with an inner richness and maturity as round and complete as a ripe, golden fruit of autumn. Faith exists so that we can welcome smiling and without regrets an old age that is like a breathtaking sunset whose dazzling rays colour heaven and earth in majestic hues.     From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Wednesday, September 21, 2011   I cannot adequately express my gratitude for your frequent letters. At the time of my persecution on the twelfth, not only did you accompany me to Tatsunokuchi, but also you declared that you would die by my side. This can only be called wondrous.   The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 196 The Persecution at Tatsunokuchi Written to Shijo Kingo on September 21, 1271      Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Wednesday, September 21, 2011   Efforts to reach out and engage others in dialogue with the aim of fostering mutual understanding and bringing people closer together may seem ordinary and unexciting, but they in fact constitute a bold and daring challenge to create a new era of human civilization.     Sensei on Prayer - Words of Wisdom   Prayer is the courage to persevere. It is the struggle to overcome our own weakness and lack of confidence in ourselves. It is the act of impressing in the very depths of our being the conviction that we can change the situation without fail.

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 20 September 2011

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Tuesday, September 20, 2011   When your determination changes, everything else will begin to move in the direction you desire. The moment you resolve to be victorious, every nerve and fiber in your being will immediately orient itself toward your success. On the other hand, if you think "This is never going to work out," then at that instant every cell in your being will be deflated and give up the fight, and then everything really will move in the direction of failure.     From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Tuesday, September 20, 2011   All those who keep faith in the Lotus Sutra are most certainly Buddhas, and one who slanders a Buddha commits a grave offense. When one chants the daimoku bearing in mind that there are no distinctions among those who embrace the Lotus Sutra, then the blessings one gains will be equal to those of Shakyamuni Buddha.   The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 756 The Fourteen Slanders Written to the lay priest Matsuno Rokuro Saemon on December 9, 1276      Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Tuesday, September 20, 2011   There has never been, nor will there ever be, a Buddha who does not encounter hardships. Only by struggling against difficulties can we attain the life-state of Buddhahood. Herein lies the essence of Buddhism.      Sensei on Success - Words of Wisdom   Defeat lies not in failing or making mistakes; rather, it lies in giving up on ourselves when we do so.

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 19 September 2011

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Monday, September 19, 2011   Our existence in this world can be likened to a dream. The issue of by far the greatest importance and eternal relevance is how we face death, the inescapable destiny of all living beings. For in the face of death, external factors such as social status or position in the organization count for naught. Everything depends on one's faith, one's state of life.     From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Monday, September 19, 2011   Is it not the meaning of the sutra and commentary that the way to Buddhahood lies within the two elements of reality and wisdom? Reality means the true nature of all phenomena, and wisdom means the illuminating and manifesting of this true nature. Thus when the riverbed of reality is infinitely broad and deep, the water of wisdom will flow ceaselessly. When this reality and wisdom are fused, one attains Buddhahood in one's present form.   The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 746 The Essentials for Attaining Buddhahood Written to Soya Jiro Hyoe-no-jo Kyoshin on August 3, 1276     Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Monday, September 19, 2011    The highest offering to the Buddha is not to worship something reminiscent of the Buddha. Rather, it is to inherit the Buddha's spirit. In other words, the highest offering lies in struggling to manifest, as one's own way of life, even a part of the spirit of the Buddha, who upheld the philosophy that everyone is a Buddha and tirelessly strove to save all from suffering.     Sensei on Interconnectedness - Words of Wisdom    Each form of life supports all others; together they weave the grand web of life. Thus there really is no happiness for oneself alone, no suffering that afflicts only others.

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 18 September 2011

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Sunday, September 18, 2011   How can we create the greatest value in the short span of a lifetime? Those of us who embrace the Mystic Law know the answer. Our faith in and practice of the Daishonin's Buddhism enables us in this lifetime to solidify the world of Buddhahood in our lives and establish a state of eternal happiness. That is the purpose of faith in the Mystic Law, the purpose of our Buddhist practice.     From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Sunday, September 18, 2011   I entrust you with the propagation of Buddhism in your province.   The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1117 The Properties of Rice Written to the lay priest Takahashi, date unknown     Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Sunday, September 18, 2011   You have been able to accept, uphold, read, recite and ponder this sutra and to preach it for others. The good fortune you gain thereby is immeasurable and boundless. It cannot be burned by fire or washed away by water. Your benefits are such that a thousand Buddhas speaking all together could never finish describing them. Now you have been able to destroy all devils and thieves, to annihilate the army of birth and death, and all others who bore you enmity or malice have likewise been wiped out. Good man, a hundred, a thousand Buddhas will employ their transcendental powers to join in guarding and protecting you. Among the heavenly and human beings of all the worlds, there will be no one like you. -The Lotus Sutra        Sensei on Good and Evil - Words of Wisdom   Remaining silent in the face of injustice is the same as supporting it.

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 17 September 2011

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Saturday, September 17, 2011    Buddhism teaches, through the example of Bodhisattva Never Disparaging, to never look down on anyone. This is the essence of Buddhism. Nichiren Daishonin states that the "ultimate transmission" of Buddhism is to accord friends and fellow believers who are striving for kosen-rufu the same respect and reverence one would a Buddha.     From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Saturday, September 17, 2011   Even a word or a phrase of the correct teaching will enable one to gain the way, if it suits the time and the capacity of the people. But though one studies a thousand sutras and ten thousand treatises, one will not attain Buddhahood if these teachings are unsuitable for the time and the people's capacity.   The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 302 Letter to Sado Written to Toki Jonin on March 20, 1272     Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Saturday, September 17, 2011   Life can unfold unlimitedly as long as we have a heart of appreciation and an undefeated mind. Based on the Buddhist perspective of the eternity of life, we volunteered to be born in our current life-condition and chose to encounter the problems we have. If you can take this perspective, you should be able to overcome any difficulty with joy.      Sensei on Enlightenment - Words of Wisdom    Wisdom is invisible. It can only be gauged by a person's actual conduct and behaviour.

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 16 September 2011

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Friday, September 16, 2011   A nurse who cared for many terminal patients has observed, "Ultimately, people only die as they have lived." To die happily is therefore extremely difficult. And since death is the final settlement of accounts for one's life, it is when our true self comes to the fore. We practice faith to live happily and also to die happily. One who has faith in the Mystic Law will not die an unhappy death.     From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Friday, September 16, 2011   Therefore, those who become Nichiren's disciples and lay believers should realize the profound karmic relationship they share with him and spread the Lotus Sutra as he does. Being known as a votary of the Lotus Sutra is a bitter, yet unavoidable destiny.   The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 994 Letter to Jakunichi-bo Written to Jakunichi-bo Nikke on September 16, 1279     Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Friday, September 16, 2011   One thing is certain: That is, that the power of belief, the power of thought, will move reality in the direction of what we believe and conceive of it. If you really believe you can do something, you can. That is a fact.     Sensei on Strength - Words of Wisdom    Every hardship is an opportunity to strengthen ourselves, to temper our life and make it shine with greater luster.