Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 19 November 2011

 

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday, November 19, 2011
 

The innate power of humanity is the driving force that breaks down all barriers of discrimination. The ultimate expression of this humanity is Buddhahood; it is the power of the Mystic Law. Daimoku is therefore the fundamental energy for realizing victory in the struggle for human rights.  

 

   

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Saturday, November 19, 2011
 

In this age, it is as natural for a woman to change her fixed karma by practicing the Lotus Sutra as it is for rice to ripen in fall or chrysanthemums to bloom in winter. When I prayed for my mother, not only was her illness cured, but her life was prolonged by four years. Now you too have fallen ill, and as a woman, it is all the more timely for you to establish steadfast faith in the Lotus Sutra and see what it will do for you.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 955
On Prolonging One's Life Span
Written to the lay nun Myojo in 1279  

 

  

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday, November 19, 2011
 

To be concerned only with one's own happiness is egoism. To claim you care only about the happiness of others is hypocrisy. Genuine happiness is becoming happy together with others. Josei Toda said: "Just becoming happy oneself -- there's nothing difficult to that. It's easy. Helping others become happy is the foundation of our faith."  

 

    

Daisaku Ikeda – A Youthful Diary (1951) p. 108

 

An evening youth division meeting.  Discussed "On the Four Stages of Faith and Five Stages of Practice."  Given an assignment on the 'three assemblies in two places' by Mr Toda.

Must deeply ponder the Daishonin's teachings and study them systematically.  Must undertake my study based upon faith.

Ashamed of my shallow Buddhist study.  I can only forge ahead.