Sunday, 11 December 2011

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 11 December 2011

 
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Sunday, December 11, 2011
 
President Toda used to say, "Become individuals who are strong physically, intellectually and spiritually." To be strong in all three areas is the ideal. Many people may be strong in one or two of these areas, but only when all three are combined can we enjoy a well-balanced life, a life of resounding victory. Those who cultivate such all-around strength are never defeated.
 

 
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Sunday, December 11, 2011
 
Over and over I recall the moment, unforgettable even now, when I was about to be beheaded and you accompanied me, holding the reins of my horse and weeping tears of grief. Nor could I ever forget it in any lifetime to come. If you should fall into hell for some grave offense, no matter how Shakyamuni might urge me to become a Buddha, I would refuse; I would rather go to hell with you. For if you and I should fall into hell together, we would find Shakyamuni Buddha and the Lotus Sutra there.
 
The Three Kinds of Treasure
This letter was written at Minobu in  1277 and addressed to Shijo Kingo.
 

 
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Sunday, December 11, 2011
 
When a tree has been transplanted, though fierce winds may blow, it will not topple if it has a firm stake to hold it up. But even a tree that has grown up in place may fall over if its roots are weak. Even a feeble person will not stumble if those supporting him are strong, but a person of considerable strength, when alone, may fall down on an
uneven path --- Nichiren
 

 
Daisaku Ikeda – A Youthful Diary (1951) p. 126
 
At 4:00 we had a year-end company gathering.  Everyone surrounded President Toda as he gave guidance to each individual, one by one.  To some he was strict, while to others, he spoke of the next ten years to come.  He also spoke of problems with the economy and foreign policy.  Sometimes he would mention the importance of Buddhist study, while to others he spoke of his own childhood and youth.  I ate until my stomach hurt.
 


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