Wednesday 21 December 2011

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 21 December 2011

 Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Wednesday, December 21, 2011 
 
Buddhism holds that everything is in a constant state of flux. Thus the question is whether we are to accept change passively and be swept away by it or whether we are to take the lead and create positive changes on our own initiative. While conservatism and self-protection might be likened to winter, night and death, the spirit of pioneering and attempting to realize ideals evokes images of spring, morning and birth.  
 

  
From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
 
 
Likewise the people of  Japan , by becoming enemies of the Lotus Sutra, have brought ruin on themselves and their country. And because I proclaim this, I am called arrogant by those of little understanding. But I do not speak out of arrogance. It is simply that if I did not speak out I would not be the votary of the Lotus Sutra. Moreover, when my words prove later to be true, people will be able to believe all the more readily. And because I write this down now, the people of the future will recognize my wisdom.
 
The Supremacy of the Law
Nichiren Daishonin wrote this letter at Minobu in 1275. It was addressed to Oto, the daughter of Nichimyo, an earnest believer living in Kamakura .
  

  
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
 
 
Even if today may seem to be a time of total darkness, it will not last forever. The dawn will surely come if you advance, ever forward, without being defeated. The day will definitely come when you can look back fondly and declare, "I am savoring this happiness because I struggled back then." It is those who know the bitterness of winter that can savor the true joy of spring. 

 
Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1953) p.135
 
Rise and fall, prosperity and decline – human history filled with discord and misery.  I believe the greatest person is one who strives to attain a bloodless revolution, based on a correct view of humanity, the world and the universe.  This is a standard that transcends commonly held views of right and wrong.


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