Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 17 November 2011

 

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Thursday, November 17, 2011
 

Only if you challenge your human revolution in a manner that is true to yourself will the people around you naturally begin to trust and respect you. That in itself is the greatest way of laying the groundwork for the spread of Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism.  

 

   

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Thursday, November 17, 2011
 

The same is true of your attaining Buddhahood. No matter what grave offenses you might have committed, because you did not turn against the Lotus Sutra, but showed your devotion by accompanying me, you will surely become a Buddha. Yours is like the case of King Possessor of Virtue, who gave his life to save the monk Realization of Virtue and became Shakyamuni Buddha. Faith in the Lotus Sutra acts as a prayer [to attain Buddhahood]. Strengthen your resolve to seek the way all the more and achieve Buddhahood in this lifetime.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 946
The Receipt of New Fiefs
Written to Shijo Kingo in October 1278  

 

  

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Thursday, November 17, 2011
 

The Lotus Sutra, which explains that all people can attain Buddhahood and that all people are Buddhas, embodies a spirit of supreme respect for human beings. By contrast, those teachings and ideas that seek to turn people into objects to be exploited embody ultimate disrespect for human beings. Such disrespect is an expression of fundamental darkness. On the level of the individual, practicing the Lotus Sutra means confronting the fundamental darkness in one's own life.  

 

  

Daisaku Ikeda – A Youthful Diary (1951) p. 105

 

Admonished on many points by Mr. Toda.  Every time I am scolded, I feel as though I am falling into the pit of hell.  I am completely at a loss.  No one encourages or helps me. 

Will visit the head temple the day after tomorrow. Will resolve once again to make a fresh start.