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.