Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 30 November 2011

 

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

 

President Toda often said: "Those of you who have problems or sufferings, pray earnestly! Buddhism is a deadly serious win-or-lose struggle. If you should [pray with such an earnest attitude] and still have no solution forthcoming, then I will give you my life!" This invincible conviction on which Mr. Toda was willing to stake his life inspired the members.

 

 

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

 

Though water may be muddied, it will again become clear. Though the moon may hide behind the clouds, it will surely reappear. Similarly, in time my innocence became apparent, and my predictions proved not to have been in vain.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1007
Letter to the Lay Priest Nakaoki
Written to the lay priest Nakaoki and his wife on November 30, 1279

 

 

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

 

That we take pains to protect weapons while we expose children - the future of the race - to peril is impermissible. To ignore this absurdity will spell defeat for humanity. We must not live to destroy. We have the spiritual power to create peace and happiness.

 

 

Daisaku Ikeda – A Youthful Diary (1951) p. 120

 

Having my own family has changed my life in many ways from the days when I was single.  There are good sides and troublesome sides to married life.  On one hand it has been a real help to me, while on the other, I sometimes feel as if my freedom has been curtailed.

Convinced that the direct path, the shortest route to a happy life for oneself and one's family, in a spiritual, physical and material sense, is absolutely nothing other than faith.

 

 

 

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 29 November 2011

  

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, November 29, 2011

 

Compassion is the very soul of Buddhism. To pray for others, making their problems and anguish our own; to embrace those who are suffering, becoming their greatest ally; to continue giving them our support and encouragement until they become truly happy - it is in such humanistic actions that the Daishonin's Buddhism lives and breathes. 

 

 

 

 

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
 

Whether or not your prayer is answered will depend upon your faith; [if it is not,] I will in no way be to blame. When the water is clear, the moon is reflected. When the wind blows, the trees shake. Our minds are like the water. Faith that is weak is like muddy water, while faith that is brave is like clear water. Understand that the trees are like principles, and the wind that shakes them is like the recitation of the sutra.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1079
Reply to the Lay Nun Nichigon
Written to the lay nun Nichigon on November 29, 1280

 

 

 

 

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
 

Do not become subservient. Do not dwell on every tiny setback in the course of pursuing your chosen path. To do so would be foolish. Victory or defeat is determined by our entire lives. Moreover, our final years are the most crucial. What is enviable about the pretentious rich? What is great about conceited celebrities? What is admirable about political leaders who gained their positions of power by treating others with contempt? Dig right where you stand, for there lies a rich wellspring!

 

 

 

Daisaku Ikeda – A Youthful Diary (1951) p. 120

 

Snow fell from noon.  A cold day.  Rain, wind and snow in nature, as well as the rain, wind and snow that exist within our lives, all become a stage setting for developing and polishing ourselves.

The great universe possesses the Ten Worlds.  My life, too contains the Ten Worlds.  So there should be nothing in the world to fear.

 

  

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 28 November 2011

 

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Monday, November 28, 2011

Nichiren Daishonin discusses the meaning of the Chinese characters for the word benefit (Jpn kudoku), as follows: "The ku of kudoku means to extinguish evil and doku means to bring forth good" (Gosho Zenshu, p. 762). We fight against those who try to destroy the True Law. That struggle purifies us and brings forth benefits in our lives. Justice or happiness without a battle is just an illusion. Thinking that happiness means a life free of hard work and effort is fantasy.

Events

 

SGI Day of Spiritual Independence
1991 Nichiren Shoshu excommunicates 12 million SGI members worldwide.

 

 

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Monday, November 28, 2011

 

Buddhism spreads according to the time and the people's capacity. Although I may not be worthy of this teaching, I expound it because the time is right.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 861
This is What I Heard
Written to the lay priest Soya Jiro on November 28, 1277

 

 

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Monday, November 28, 2011

Many young women agonize over perceived personality flaws and a lack of self-confidence. Nichiren Buddhism, however, teaches the great path of human revolution that enables each of us to shine in our own unique way. With this philosophy, you can decisively overcome a weak and easily swayed life-state and become a person of strength and purpose. It will allow you to withstand the storms of suffering and build a rock-solid foundation that will support you throughout your entire precious lives.

 

 

Daisaku Ikeda – A Youthful Diary (1951) p. 118

 

The brilliant moon shining in the cold night sky makes me temporarily forget the whirlpool of intense struggle I am in the midst of.  How it calms my agitated mind, affording a respite to prepare me for tomorrow and the future!  This is the Buddhism of 'the oneness of body and mind.'  I have never before been as keenly aware of this principle, in my body, my spirit and my life, as I have this year.  Rather this year I sensed it so deeply I often felt alone or in anguish.

 

 

 

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 27 November 2011

 

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Sunday, November 27, 2011

Faith is the ultimate essence of intellect. Through the practice of correct faith, the intellect comes to shine. Intellect without correct faith lacks a firm anchor in the soil of life and eventually becomes disordered. This prompted the first Soka Gakkai president, Tsunesaburo Makiguchi, to remark that many modern thinkers were suffering from what he termed "higher psychosis." Faith without intellect, meanwhile, leads to blind faith and fanaticism. Faith or intellect alone - one without the other - is unhealthy.

 

 

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Sunday, November 27, 2011

 

Only in the Lotus Sutra do we read that a woman who embraces this sutra not only excels all other women, but also surpasses all men.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 462
The Unity of Husband and Wife
Written to Nichigen-nyo on January 27, 1275

 

 

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Sunday, November 27, 2011

The true victors in life are those who, enduring repeated challenges and setbacks, have sent the roots of their being to such a depth that nothing can shake them.

 

 

Daisaku Ikeda - Youthful diary (1951) p.116

 

Before the gohonzon, I must make a vow and deeply apologize. Also I must reflect on the following points:

1. Take action for propagation and practice for others.

2. Awaken to a sense of responsibility for the sake of my district.

3. Be careful about my speech.

4. Deeply reflect on my tendency to insist on my own viewpoint.

5. Be careful to show proper courtesy to senior members.

My language and actions with regard to Y. were clearly wrong. Must reflect. There is truly no end to my problems.

When we reflect, we can advance. Resolutely, determinedly. Nothing else suits my nature.

 

 

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 26 November 2011

 

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday, November 26, 2011
 

Buddhism teaches that being led astray by evil friends, (negative influences) is to be feared more than being killed by a mad elephant. A mad elephant can only destroy our physical body, but evil friends, if we allow ourselves to be influenced by them, will drag us down into a state of hell.

 

 

 

 

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Saturday, November 26, 2011

 

Even if we should gather all the water of the four great oceans to wet inkstones, burn all the trees and plants to cinders to make ink, collect the hairs of all beasts for writing brushes, employ all the surfaces of the worlds in the ten directions for paper and, with these, set down expressions of gratitude, how could we possibly repay our debt to the Buddha?"

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 44
The Four Debts of Gratitude
Written to Kudo Sakon-no-jo Yoshitaka on January 16, 1262

 

 

 

 

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday, November 26, 2011

 

Life is long. The important thing is to remain true to a lofty goal to the very end. Buddhism enables you to adorn the final chapter of your life with brilliant success, just as the golden sun colours the sky in glorious crimson hues and beams of sublime light. To do so, you need to keep making efforts year after year and winning year after year.

 

 

 

Daisaku Ikeda – A Youthful Diary (1951) p. 115

 

1.      Write a poem titled "Forward, White Horse!"

2.      Reflect on myself for not compiling President Toda's guidance.

3.      Strictly and seriously refrain from overestimating myself.

4.      Be clear about what I do and don't know.

5.      Take people's good qualities to heart and make them a model for myself.

 

 

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 25 November 2011

 

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Friday, November 25, 2011

 

 

Please do not forget your mother's love or the hardships she has endured for you. I am convinced that while people keep the memory of their mothers' loving faces alive in their mind, they will never go far astray. Similarly, as long as we bear in mind the Daishonin's profound compassion and live in deep appreciation of it, our lives will be illuminated brightly by the light of Buddhahood. And enveloped in the Gohonzon's great compassion, we will walk along a path that is filled with tranquillity and immeasurable joy.

 

 

 

 

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Friday, November 25, 2011
 

Strive ever harder in faith, and never give in to negligence. All the people appear to believe sincerely when they first embrace the Lotus Sutra, but as time passes, they tend to become less devout; they no longer revere nor make offerings to the priest, giving themselves up to arrogance and forming distorted views. This is most frightening.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1027
Letter to Niike
Written to Niike Saemon-no-jo in February 1280

 

 

 

 

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Friday, November 25, 2011
 

Suppose that a person is standing at the foot of a tall embankment and is unable to ascend. And suppose that there is someone on top of the embankment who lowers a rope and says, "If you take hold of this rope, I will pull you up to the top of the embankment." If the person at the bottom begins to doubt that the other has the strength to pull him up, or wonders if the rope is not too weak and therefore refuses to put forth his hand and grasp it, then how is he ever to get to the top of the embankment? But if he follows the instructions, puts out his hand, and takes hold of the rope, then he can climb up - Nichiren

 

 

  

Daisaku Ikeda – A Youthful Diary (1951) p. 114

 

Awoke at 6:50.  Did gongyo, feeling refreshed both in body and spirit. 

Not to be filled with vitality and burning with passion during the precious years of youth would be a waste.  Advancement – what a youthful word, filled with possibilities for the future.  I will, throughout my life, use and practice this word both in name and in reality.  Advancement – this word implies growth, hope, courage, youth and justice.

  

 

 

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 24 November 2011

  

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Thursday, November 24, 2011

 

Rosa Parks wrote in her book Quiet Strength: "I find that if I am thinking too much of my own problems and the fact that at times things are not just like I want them to be, I do not make any progress at all. But if I look around and see what I can do, and then I do it, I move on." Youth, and indeed life itself, flashes by in the blink of an eye. That is why it is important for you young people to ask yourselves what you can do for those who are suffering, what you can do to resolve the contradictions that plague society and to boldly take on these great challenges.

 

 

 

 

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Thursday, November 24, 2011
 

A person of wisdom is one who, understanding the time, spreads the teachings of the Lotus Sutra accordingly; this is his most important task. If a person's throat is dry, what he needs is water; he has no use for bows and arrows, weapons and sticks. If a person is naked, he wants a suit of clothes but has no need for water. From one or two examples you can guess the principle that applies in general.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 518
Letter to Horen
Written to Soya Kyoshin in April 1275

 

 

 

 

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Thursday, November 24, 2011
 

There is no one lonelier or more unhappy than a person who does not know the pure joy of creating a life for himself or herself. To be human is not merely to stand erect and manifest intelligence or knowledge. To be human in the full sense of the word is to lead a creative life. The struggle to create new life from within is a truly wonderful thing. There is found the brilliant wisdom that guides and directs the workings of reason; the light of insight that penetrates the farthest reaches of the universe; the undaunted will to see justice done that meets and challenges all the assaults of evil; the spirit of unbounded care that embraces all who suffer. When these are fused with that energy of compassion that pours forth from the deepest sources of cosmic life, an ecstatic rhythm arises to colour the lives of all people.

 

 

 

 

Daisaku Ikeda – A Youthful Diary (1951) p. 113

 

When each individual understands the True Law, and it becomes the driving force, the fundamental principle for that age, how deep the nation's foundation will be!  How reasonable and splendid a society will be established!  People will then lead lives free from contradictions and deadlocks.

 

The True Law: Understand it deeply!

The True Law: Spread it widely!

The True Law: Apply it powerfully to your daily life!

The True Law: Praise it highly!

The True Law: Let it flow, purely, to the depths of your life!

   

 

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 23 November 2011

 

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Wednesday, November 23, 2011

 

If I were to make an allegory, thought and philosophy would be like the heart or respiratory system of the human body. When the heart is sound, the whole body can maintain healthy activity. This same principle applies to both the individual and society. The SGI has a mission to serve as the heart that ensures the healthy functioning of society. Consequently, taking good care of the SGI, (the heart) allows the fresh life-giving blood of humanism to flow to and nourish all areas of society, including culture, politics and the economy.

 

 

  

 

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
 

You absolutely must not lament over my exile. It says in the "Encouraging Devotion" chapter and in the "Never Disparaging" chapter [that the votary of the Lotus Sutra will meet with persecution]. Life is limited; we must not begrudge it. What we should ultimately aspire to is the Buddha land.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 214
Aspiration for the Buddha Land
Written to Toki Jonin on November 23, 1271

 

 

 

 

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
 

The purpose of Buddhism is to bring out the Buddha nature that all people inherently possess, to awaken people to it and enable them to attain Buddhahood. Moreover, the Lotus Sutra does not allow for any discrimination; all people are equally entitled to salvation.  

 

 

 

 

Daisaku Ikeda – A Youthful Diary (1951) p. 113

 

My district has many points that need improvement.  U. and T. came by late in the evening.  Inwardly, I feel some Gakkai members could use a little more common sense.  Spontaneity deserves respect.  Nonetheless, it should be appropriate.  Actions that cause trouble for others can in no way be called spontaneity. Rather, we could conclude that those who act in such a way are taking advantage of Buddhism. 

Qualities like courtesy and common sense should serve to enhance spontaneity.  They should not exist merely for their own sake.