Saturday 17 December 2011

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 17 December 2011

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday, December 17, 2011 
 
We are all human beings; in that regard, we are all the same. The only real difference lies in people's life-conditions. Our life-condition continues beyond death, into eternity. Therefore, as the Daishonin says, "Faith alone is what really matters."

 
 From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Saturday, December 17, 2011 
 
The Buddha's utterances have become the works that compose the entire body of sutras and bring benefit to all living beings. And among the sutras, the Lotus Sutra is a manifestation in writing of the Thus Come One Shakyamuni's intent; it is his voice set down in written words. Thus the Buddha's heart is embodied in these written words. To illustrate, it is like seeds that sprout, grow into plants, and produce rice. Though the form of the rice changes, its essence remains the same.
 
The Pure and Far-Reaching Voice
This letter was written at Ichinosawa on Sado Island in 1272 and addressed to Shijo  Kingo 

 
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday, December 17, 2011 
 
There is no self-improvement without effort. Without taking action, happiness will never come, no matter how long you wait. A life without peaks and valleys is a fairy tale. Reality is strict, because it is a win or lose struggle. This is the way it is for human beings. Therefore, you should not allow yourselves to be battered about by reality but rather willingly rise to its challenges and use them as opportunities to train and strengthen yourselves.  

 
Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1953) p.133
 
Thought about the other day's spiritless leaders meeting of Koiwa chapter, held at Masui's House.  There were about sixty participants.  They lacked joy and appeared to have lost confidence.  Decided in my heart to charge forth with tremendous passion into this desert like area.  I am worried that these leaders, however, who lack spirit or an understanding of their mission, cannot accept my spirit and intent.

 

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