Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 29 December 2012 - The Year of Developing a Youthful SGI

  

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Saturday, December 29, 2012

 

Who is truly great? I hope you can develop the ability to discern true human greatness. A great person is someone who forges unity among human beings through sincere dialogue, armed with a solid philosophy, feet firmly planted on the ground. A great person is one who lives among the people and earns their unshakable trust. Fickle popularity and temporary fads are nothing but illusions.

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Saturday, December 29, 2012

 

To hope to attain Buddhahood without speaking out against slander is as futile as trying to find water in the midst of fire or fire in the midst of water. No matter how sincerely one believes in the Lotus Sutra, if one is guilty of failing to rebuke slander of the Law, one will surely fall into hell, just a single crab leg will ruin a thousand pots of lacquer. This is the meaning of the passage in the sutra, "Because the poison has penetrated deeply and their minds no longer function as before."

 

The Essentials for Attaining Buddhahood

This letter is addressed to Soya, a lay follower who lived in Soya Village in Shimosa Province in the year 1276.

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Saturday, December 29, 2012

 

Ralph Waldo Emerson writes: "And so of cheerfulness, or a good temper, the more it is spent, the more of it remains." Cheerfulness is not the same as frivolousness. Cheerfulness is born of a fighting spirit. Frivolousness is the reverse side of cowardly escape. Emerson also said that "power dwells with cheerfulness; hope puts us in a working mood." Without cheerfulness there is no strength. Strive to advance still more brightly and cheerfully.

 

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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1959) p.440

 

In the evening, offered encouragement and guidance to the Bunkyo Block members…, mainly focusing on "Reply to Shijo Kingo."

 

I get a headache from some self-centred leaders who twist the Gosho.  Leaders should never be obstinate or narrow-minded.  Felt so sorry for the members.  Felt indignant.  Wanted to ask them if they have already forgotten the guidance and training they received from our mentor.

 

Read until late The Elementary Forms of the Religious Life by Emile Durkheim.  Complex.

 

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Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 28 December 2012 - The Year of Developing a Youthful SGI

  

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Friday, December 28, 2012

 

Kosen-rufu is a very long struggle. It is a march that will continue over the 10,000 years of the Latter Day of the Law. Therefore, let us advance joyfully and unhurriedly. Activities must not be conducted in such a way that people suffer and become exhausted. Meetings should be short and not too numerous and conducted so that they are valuable and productive for all concerned.

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Friday, December 28, 2012

 

In the next life you should use this sword as your staff. The Lotus Sutra is the staff that helps all the Buddhas of the three existences as they set their minds on enlightenment. However, you should rely upon Nichiren as your staff and pillar. When one uses a staff, he will not fall on treacherous mountain paths or rough roads, and when led by the hand, he will never stumble.

 

The Swords of Good and Evil

This letter was written to Hojo Yagenta, a lay believer in Kamakura, although no year is indicated, it is believed to be 1274.

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Friday, December 28, 2012

 

Those who believe in the Lotus Sutra are as if in winter, but winter always turns to spring. Never, from ancient times on, has anyone heard or seen of winter turning back to autumn. Nor have we ever heard of a believer in the Lotus Sutra who turned into an ordinary person. The sutra reads, "If there are those who hear the Law, then not one will fail to attain Buddhahood" - Nichiren

 

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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1959) p.440

 

Listened to the recording of Sensei's Lecture on the Gosho "The Actions of the Votary of the Lotus Sutra."  For a half day, stayed at the headquarters to organize Sensei's guidance as well as his personal items.  Shed unexpected tears.

 

In the evening, had dinner meeting at H. with President Toda's family and relatives, including M.  Dialogue on our faith and future is great nourishment for me.  Don't want to hear complaints for now.

 

In the evening, wrote a manuscript regarding the one-year anniversary of my mentor's passing for The Daibyakurenge.

 

If we forget about propagation, there would be no reason for the Soka Gakkai to exist.

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Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 27 December 2012 - The Year of Developing a Youthful SGI

  

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Thursday, December 27, 2012

 

No matter what the circumstances, you should never concede defeat. Never conclude that you've reached a dead end, that everything is finished. You possess a glorious future. And precisely because of that, you must persevere and study. Life is eternal. We need to focus on the two existences of the present and the future and not get caught up in the past. We must always have the spirit to begin anew "from this moment," to initiate a new struggle each day.

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Thursday, December 27, 2012

 

Your own offerings were not made to me, Nichiren, but to the Lotus Sutra. Therefore, we must leave it to Shakyamuni Buddha, Many Treasures Buddha, and the Buddhas of the ten directions [to fathom the greatness of] the resulting benefits.

 

Roots of Good Fortune

Nichiren Daishonin wrote this letter at Minobu in 1281 to the lay nun of Kubo, thanking her for the offerings that she had sent him.

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Thursday, December 27, 2012

 

Religious strife must be avoided at all cost; under no circumstance should it be allowed. People may hold different religious beliefs, but the bottom line is that we are all human beings. We all seek happiness and desire peace. Religion should bring people together. It should unite the potential for good in people‚'s hearts toward benefiting society and humanity and creating a better future.

 

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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1959) p.440

 

My emotions are becoming difficult.  Is it due to my passion?

 

Everything I see and hear in this defiled Latter Day is repulsive.

Youth who advance with absolute disregard for personal profit and fame are those I like most.  The wellspring of our movement's flow can be found nowhere else.

 

The old and cunning are everywhere.  Cannot stand them.

 

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Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 26 December 2012 - The Year of Developing a Youthful SGI

  

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

 

Good health equals Buddhism. Daily life equals faith. Taking care to avoid traffic accidents and making efforts to stay in good health, therefore, are all part of our Buddhist practice. It is important that we live wisely, striving with the awareness each day that all the actions and activities we undertake for the sake of faith contribute to our good health and well-being.

 

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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

 

In addition, we live today in a time of trouble, when there is little that ordinary people can do. And yet, busy as you are, in your sincerity of heart you have sent me thick-stemmed bamboo shoots of the moso variety as offerings to the Lotus Sutra here in the mountains. Surely you are sowing good seeds in a field of fortune. My tears flow when I think of it.

 

The Bodies and Minds of Ordinary Beings

The opening and concluding portions of this letter have been lost, so its date and recipient are both unknown

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

 

It is foolish to ignore or deny the contribution of medicine. Otherwise, faith descends into fanaticism. We must use medical resources wisely in fighting illness. Buddhism gives us the wisdom to use medicine properly. Wisdom is the basic ingredient to health, to long life, and to happiness. The new century of health, then, must be a new century of wisdom.

 

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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1959) p.439

 

Must make it known that by exerting great effort in the present we can create value hundreds of times greater in the future.

 

Yesterday, gave a general lecture on "Letter from Sado" at Toshima Civic Auditorium.

Conducted a lecture and offered encouragement with my entire being while appealing to all of President Toda's disciples to rise.

 

Want to satisfy all those who come seeking.  Gakkai members are so dear to my heart.

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Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 25 December 2012 - The Year of Developing a Youthful SGI

  

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

 Tuesday, December 25, 2012

 

If a person is hungry, we should give them bread. When there is no bread, we can at least give words that nourish. To a person who looks ill or is physically frail, we can turn the conversation to some subject that will lift their spirits and fill them with the hope and determination to get better. Let us give something to each person we meet: joy, courage, hope, assurance, or philosophy, wisdom, a vision for the future. Let us always give something.

 

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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

 Tuesday, December 25, 2012

 

And if we go by the words of the Lotus Sutra, you should also teach the sutra to the best of your ability. When the world makes you feel downcast, you should chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, remembering that, although the sufferings of this life are painful, those in the next life could be much worse. And when you are happy, you should remember that your happiness in this life is nothing but a dream within a dream, and that the only true happiness is that found in the pure land of Eagle Peak, and with that thought in mind, chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo.

 

The Fourteen Slanders

Written near the end of 1276, this letter was a reply to the lay priest Matsuno Rokuro Saemon. Four in his family received letters from Nichiren Daishonin

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

 Tuesday, December 25, 2012

 

Buddhism does not ask "What religion does this person follow?" but "What is this person's state of life?" Buddhism exists to enable all people to cultivate and manifest the world of Buddhahood in their lives. Society is a realm of discrimination and distinctions. But Buddhism transcends all superficial differences and focuses directly on life.

 

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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1959) p.439

 

Did gongyo with this prayer in mind: to develop faith that releases abundant life force to advance kosen-rufu.

 

March 1: A guidance trip to Hitachi.  Focussed mainly on a Gosho lecture, "Reply to Kyo'o"

 

March 2: A guidance trip to Mito.  Gave a lecture on "The Difficulty of Sustaining Faith."

 

March 4: To Omiya.  Gave a Gosho lecture on "Many in Body, One in Mind."

 

If I do not fight now, then when?

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Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 24 December 2012 - The Year of Developing a Youthful SGI

  

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Monday, December 24, 2012

 

Many religions have demanded blind faith, taking away people's independence. President Makiguchi opposed such enslavement.  What he called for instead was solidarity of awakened common people.  To achieve this, he proposed a self-reliant way of life in which we advance on the path of our choice with a firm, independent character.  He also stressed a contributive way of life in which we set our fundamental goal in life toward the realization of happiness for ourselves and others, casting aside arrogance and self-satisfaction to respect and benefit others.

 

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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Monday, December 24, 2012

 

Becoming a Buddha is nothing extraordinary. If you chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo with your whole heart, you will naturally become endowed with the Buddha's thirty-two features and eighty characteristics.  As the sutra says, "hoping to make all persons equal to me, without any distinction between us," you can readily become as noble a Buddha as Shakyamuni.

 

Letter to Niike

Nichiren Daishonin wrote this letter in 1280 to Niike Saemon-no-jo, an official in the Kamakura shogunate

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Monday, December 24, 2012

 

Where is happiness to be found?  The famous Roman philosopher - emperor Marcus Aurelius said, "A man's true delight is to do the things he was made for."  Human happiness, he maintained, lies in doing those things only humans can: seeking the truth and acting to help those who are suffering.  Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, too, asserted that those who work cheerfully and take joy in the fruits of their labour are truly happy. These are the words of great thinkers, and as you can see they are in complete accord with the teachings of Buddhism.

 

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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1959) p.439

 

Keenly sense the spiritual support for leaders waning after President Toda's passing.

Felt the urgent need for unbiased personnel appointments and warm encouragement.  Feel concerned lately.

Must pave the way for those trusted by Sensei to grow freely in our organization.  The Gakkai will decline if arrogant people behave as they please.

We cannot accomplish kosen-rufu unless our Gakkai family is a warmer, more solid place for its members than any other place.

 

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Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 23 December 2012 - The Year of Developing a Youthful SGI

  

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Sunday, December 23, 2012

 

Leo Tolstoy concluded that the only way to bring about a fundamental change in society is to realize a change in public opinion, a change in people's minds. Then how can we change public opinion? Tolstoy asserted: "It is only necessary for people to say what they really think or at least to refrain from saying what they do not think." It is vital, in other words, not to be swayed by others' opinions or past ways of thinking or doing. Instead each of us must become wise, possessing our own firm convictions. 

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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Sunday, December 23, 2012

 

In view of all this, your sincerity in sending a gift of five strings of blue-duck coins whenever the opportunity arises truly entitles you to be known as one who propagates the daimoku of the Lotus Sutra in  Japan . As first one person, then two persons, then a thousand, ten thousand, a hundred thousand and then all the people throughout the country come to chant the daimoku, before you know it their blessings will accrue to you.

 

The Blessings of the Lotus Sutra

This letter was written at Minobu in 1276 and addressed to Myomitsu, a believer who lived at Kuwagayatsu in Kamakura .

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Sunday, December 23, 2012

 

Peace and culture are one. A genuinely cultured nation is a peaceful nation, and vice versa. When conflicts multiply, culture wanes and nations fall into a hellish existence. The history of the human race is a contrast between culture and barbarity. Only culture is a force strong enough to put an end to conflict and lead humanity in the direction of peace.

 

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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1959) p.439

 

Listened to a tape of President Toda's lecture on the "Ten Blessings" chapter of the Sutra of Infinite Meanings, held at the reception hall, October 1956.  Made a resolve to listen to one tape each day.  Decided to make all the tape recordings into phonograph records.

 

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Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 22 December 2012 - The Year of Developing a Youthful SGI

  

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Saturday, December 22, 2012

 

Our lives are infinitely precious. To not attain a state of absolute happiness in this life time is a great loss. Our Buddhist practice exists so that we can attain indestructible happiness. We must fight to the fullest right now, not some time in the future. 

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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Saturday, December 22, 2012

 

Since we are now living in the latter age when people are shallow in wisdom and puffed up with pride, it is unlikely that anyone will heed the points I have made in the discussion above. But when a sage or worthy appears, then the full truth of the matter will no doubt become clear. Because I care about you, I have written this letter as a guide. I hope you will study it when you have time.

 

Letter to Shomitsu-bo

This letter was written at Minobu 1277 and addressed to Shomitsu-bo, thought to be one of Nichiren Daishonin's disciples living at Seicho-ji temple in the province of Awa .

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Saturday, December 22, 2012

 

Even if you are born into the most affluent of circumstances or enjoy a spectacular marriage that is the envy of others, there is no guarantee that you will be happy. Happiness does not depend on wealth or personal appearance, nor does it hinge on fame or recognition. If your heart is empty, you cannot build genuine happiness.

There is an expansive life-state of profound, secure happiness that transcends any material or social advantage. It is called faith; it is called the life-state of Buddhahood.

 

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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1959) p.438

 

In the afternoon, conducted guidance sessions at the headquarters.  Did my best to offer humanistic, patient encouragement.

Had a planning meeting with K. and others over dinner at the Diamond Hotel.  I don't like K. very much.

The cry that issued from the life of my mentor must not be allowed to fade as the days pass.  It must never die out.

We have the organization, doctrinal study, social standing… but what's important is compassion – people of compassion; unflagging seeking spirit, individuals whose resolve to seek the Law knows no bounds.

 

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Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 21 December 2012 - The Year of Developing a Youthful SGI

  

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Friday, December 21, 2012

 

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.

 

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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Friday, December 21, 2012

 

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 inKamakura .

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

 

Friday, December 21, 2012

 

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.

 

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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1959) p.437

 

Good deeds, when accumulated, lead straight to Buddhahood.  Evil deed, when accumulated, lead directly to hell.  Want to maintain faith like flowing water and lead a meaningful existence throughout my life.  Must develop strict faith like Nikko Shonin's. 

Remonstrate with the nation like High Priest Nichimoku.

Wish all priests were like them.

My glorious six-tatami-mat room.  So quiet that the ticking of my clock gets on my nerves.  Ate a bowl of sweet red-bean soup my wife prepared for me. 

 

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Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 20 December 2012 - The Year of Developing a Youthful SGI

 

  

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Thursday, December 20, 2012

 

President Toda used to say: "Don't be impatient. Since you have embraced the Gohonzon, your situation will definitely improve. There's no need to worry. Sure there will be hard times, times when you feel like crying. But as long as you have the Gohonzon, your life will become bright and joyful." As long as we persevere in faith, we will become happy. We must never doubt this no matter what happens but always advance resolutely, staunchly enduring all hardships and obstacles along the way. This is what true faith is.

 

 

From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Thursday, December 20, 2012

 

In the past, Virtue Victorious offered a mudpie to the Buddha, and was reborn as King Ashoka... A poor woman cut off her hair and sold it to buy oil [for the Buddha], and not even the winds sweeping down from Mount Sumeru could extinguish the flame of the lamp fed by this oil. Accordingly, your offerings of two and three strings of coins are far greater even than those of the ruler of Japan , who may offer the nation and build a pagoda adorned with the seven kinds of treasures that reaches to the heaven of the thirty-three gods.

 

Reply to Onichi-nyo

This letter was written at Minobu in 1280 to a woman named Onichi-nyo

 

 

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Thursday, December 20, 2012

 

Creation is quite different from mere ideas. Even ideas require fundamental and extensive speculative accumulation. It goes without saying that creation in learning demands an incomparably greater fundamental ability. The task of creation is like a lofty mountain whose summit is formed only when there exist vast slopes and a solid foundation. Likewise, the fruitful work of creation can only be attained when it is based on the extensive knowledge of learning and profound speculation.

 

Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1959) p.433

 

Attended the children's group meeting at N. restaurant at 6:00.  An annual event since the days of President Toda…

To prevent this meeting from becoming meaningless, talked about what I would like to propose as guidelines for the children's group.

1. Our mentor was like a father to us.  It is of fundamental importance that we uphold his last words and practice them.

2. Develop responsibility and strive to one day lead the entire Gakkai.

3. Become genuine brothers and sisters to one another and exert your utmost to protect the entire Gakkai.

4. Protect and nurture children to be successors who possess the three virtues of sovereign, teacher and parent who will accomplish kosen-rufu.

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