Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 22 November 2011

 

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, November 22, 2011

 

There is a Russian proverb that says: "It is no use to blame the looking glass if your face is awry." Likewise, one's happiness or unhappiness is entirely the reflection of the balance of good and bad causes accumulated in one's life. No one can blame others for his misfortunes. In the world of faith, it is necessary to realize this all the more clearly.

 

 

  

 

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
 

But now you, born a woman in the evil world of the latter age, while being reviled, struck and persecuted by the barbaric inhabitants of this island country who are unaware of these things, have endured and are propagating the Lotus Sutra. The Buddha at Eagle Peak surely perceives that you surpass the nun [Mahaprajapate] as greatly as clouds do mud. The name of that nun, the Buddha Gladly Seen by All Living Beings, is no unrelated matter; it is now the name of the lay nun Myoho.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1106
Reply to the Lay Nun Myoho
Written to the lay nun Myoho in 1281

 

 

 

 

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
 

Wisdom, not might, is the most important thing. Wisdom and compassion are deeply connected. Giving earnest thought to others' welfare, asking ourselves what can we do to help -- using our minds in this way is a sign of compassion.

 

 

 

 

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

 

Regret that I cannot progress as I desire.  Some days I feel so miserable I want to cry.  I keep worrying about Omori District.  Will pray to the Gohonzon for it to become a perfect district. 

Why are youth's minds always changing?  Inspiration, despair, joy, suffering, the desire for improvement, dejection, high spirit, worry, optimism, caution… In any event, I must be youthful.  Must live as befits a young man.