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.