Friday 28 October 2011

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 28 October 2011

 
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Friday, October 28, 2011

 
It may seem perfectly all right to put ourselves and our own wishes first, to simply follow the dictates of our emotions and cravings, but the truth is that there is nothing more unreliable than our own mind. Life doesn't always go like clockwork and things will not necessarily turn out as we hope or plan. Consequently, Nichiren Daishonin frequently stressed: You should become the master of your mind, not let your mind master you. We mustn't allow ourselves to be ruled by a self-centered mind. Rather, we have to discipline our mind and gain mastery over it. This is the Daishonin's strict admonition.
 
 

 
  
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Friday, October 28, 2011

 
Showing profound compassion for those unable to comprehend the gem of the doctrine of three thousand realms in a single moment of life, the Buddha wrapped it within the five characters [of Myoho-renge-kyo], with which he then adorned the necks of the ignorant people of the latter age.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 376
The Object of Devotion for Observing the Mind Established in the Fifth Five-Hundred-Year Period after the Thus Come One's Passing 
Written to Toki Jonin on April 25, 1273
 
 

 
 
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Friday, October 28, 2011

 
Shakyamuni Buddha explained the fundamental spirit of Buddhism as a sense of individual responsibility. "You are your only master. Who else? Subdue yourself and discover your master." In other words, we must each take responsibility for our own self-discipline and for cultivating meaningful lives. 
 
 

 
 
Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1950) p.38
 
A thoroughly hot, miserable day.  Discussion meeting at K.'s. Home at 11:00.  Returned with T. and the others.
Reflected on these points:
1. Don't be conceited.
2. Don't speak ill of others.
3. Don't get entangled with weak-spirited people.
4. Don't waste money.
5. Don't talk too much.

To bed at 1:00
 



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