Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 31 January 2012 - The Year of Developing a Youthful SGI

   

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Tuesday, January 31, 2012 

 

Youth should not seek an easy comfortable path. No one develops in a pampered environment. Youth should instead actively seek out challenges and hardships, transforming them all into valuable assets as they strive to become individuals of outstanding character and ability.  

 

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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

 

Carry through with your faith in the Lotus Sutra. You cannot strike fire from flint if you stop halfway. Bring forth the great power of faith, and be spoken of by all the people of Kamakura , both high and low, or by all the people of Japan as "Shijo Kingo, Shijo Kingo of the Lotus school!" Even a bad reputation will spread far and wide. A good reputation will spread even farther, particularly if it is a reputation for devotion to the Lotus Sutra.

 

 The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 319

Earthly Desires are Enlightenment

Written to Shijo Kingo on May 2, 1272  

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Tuesday, January 31, 2012 

 

A higher religion does not negate rationality. No religion that suppresses human reason can earn the trust of humankind. Buddhism, the "religion of wisdom," is an extremely rational religion. In fact, it is so rational that many Westerners even question whether it can be classified as a religion, since it does not teach the existence of a supreme being in the image of humankind. 

 

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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1954) p.158

 

Sensei struggles relentlessly against the devil of sickness.

I, too, continuously battle the same devil.

Where there is passionate faith, there must be victory.  I am young; my life begins from now.  If only I can be the engine that turns President Toda's plans and ideas into reality…

Life is nothing but struggle and advancement.  Such is my destiny.

 

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Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 30 January 2012 - The Year of Developing a Youthful SGI

   

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Monday January 30, 2012 

 

Buddhism teaches that "all phenomena in the universe are manifestations of the Law" (Gosho Zenshu, p. 564). I hope you will, with this understanding, engage yourselves in broad-ranging studies with vigour and determination. Your brains have a potential as vast and boundless as the universe. How then do we manifest the brain's full creative powers? There is only one way to bring out our full intellectual capacity: by constantly putting our minds to work.

  

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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Monday January 30, 2012 

 

My disciples, you should believe what I say and watch what happens. These things do not occur because I myself am respectworthy, but because the power of the Lotus Sutra is supreme. If I praise myself, people will think that I am boastful, but if I humble myself, they will despise the sutra. The taller the pine tree, the longer the wisteria vine hanging from it. The deeper the source, the longer the stream. How fortunate, how joyful! In this impure land, I alone enjoy true happiness and delight.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 642

A Sage Perceives the Three Existences of Life

Written to Toki Jonin in 1275  

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Monday January 30, 2012

 

Just as a diamond can only be polished by another diamond, it is only through intense human interaction engaging the entire personality that people can forge themselves, raising themselves up to ever-greater heights.

 

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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1954) p.156/57

 

I helped administer the Study Department oral examination, along with Secretary Y.  About forty candidates took the exam.  Ashamed about my own lack of ability.  Must study.  Must not be defeated. 

Must burn with a youthful passion to learn.  Must advance with a seeking spirit, like one truly seeking the Way. 

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

 

  Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Sunday, January 29, 2012 

 

Practicing Buddhism means being victorious. In advancing one step at a time amid the realities of our daily lives, in showing concrete actual proof, in becoming victors and successes we are demonstrating with our very beings the validity of Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism and serving as a source of hope and inspiration for those who will follow us on the path of faith.  

 

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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Sunday, January 29, 2012 

 

Understand then that the votary who practices the Lotus Sutra exactly as the Buddha teaches will without fail be attacked by the three powerful enemies. In the more than two thousand years that have passed since the Buddha's advent, Shakyamuni himself, T'ien-t'ai and Dengyo were the only three who perfectly carried out the Buddha's teachings. Now in the Latter Day of the Law, Nichiren and his disciples and lay believers are just such practitioners.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 395

On Practicing the Buddha's Teachings

Written to all followers in May 1273  

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Sunday, January 29, 2012 

 

It may seem perfectly all right to put ourselves and our own wishes first, to simply follow the dictates of our emotions and cravings, but the truth is that there is nothing more unreliable than our own mind. Life doesn't always go like clockwork and things will not necessarily turn out as we hope or plan. Consequently, Nichiren frequently stressed: "You should become the master of your mind, not let your mind master you." We mustn't allow ourselves to be ruled by a self-centered mind. Rather, we have to discipline our mind and gain mastery over it.  

 

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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1954) p.157

 

Praying that many capable future leaders will arise one after another from this area.  Yet how many fellow members will truly trust and follow me?

Must not think people are attracted to me due to my own power or ability.  They are following the power of the Mystic Law.  The members will advance on account of the Gakkai's power.  Disgusted with my tendency to ignore my own lack of ability and pretend to know more than I do.  Must seriously reflect.

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

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Saturday, January 28, 2012

 

All of you are chanting for the happiness of many members  - children of the Buddha - in your respective communities, you support and encourage them and work tirelessly on their behalf as if they were your own children. Your actions are truly those of great bodhisattvas, your state of life that of noble Buddhas.  

 

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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Saturday, January 28, 2012

 

Let others hate you if they will. What have you to complain of, if you are cherished by Shakyamuni Buddha, Many Treasures Buddha, and the Buddhas of the ten directions, as well as by Brahma, Shakra, and the gods of the sun and the moon? As long as you are praised by the Lotus Sutra, what cause have you for discontent?"

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 464

The Unity of Husband and Wife

Written to Nichigen-nyo on January 27, 1275  

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Saturday, January 28, 2012 

Why are human beings born? This question has posed a great challenge. Josei Toda lucidly set forward his conclusion. Namely, that this world is a place for people to, as the Lotus Sutra states, "enjoy themselves at ease." We were born here in order to thoroughly savour the joys of life. Faith in Nichiren Buddhism enables one to bring forth the great life force needed to lead such an existence.

 

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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1954) p.157

 

I don't feel so well.  Very tired.  Angry seniors, jealous friends and those who are full of hostility.  A person with a goal and a mission will forge directly ahead, facing any difficulty with a smile.

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

  Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Friday, January 27, 2012 

 

Viewing events and situations in a positive light is important. The strength, wisdom and cheerfulness that accompany such an attitude lead to happiness. To regard everything in a positive light or with a spirit of goodwill, however, does not mean being foolishly gullible and allowing people to take advantage of our good nature. It means having the wisdom and perception to actually move things in a positive direction by seeing things in their best light, while all the time keeping our eyes firmly focused on reality.  

 

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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Friday, January 27, 2012 

 

If a vessel is free of these four faults of overturning, leaking, being defiled, and being mixed, then it can be called a perfect vessel. If the embankments around a moat do not leak, then the water will never escape from the moat. And if the mind of faith is perfect, then the water of wisdom, the great impartial wisdom, will never dry up.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1015

Letter to Akimoto

Written to Akimoto Taro Hyoe-no-jo on January 27, 1280  

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Friday, January 27, 2012 

 

Everyone has a right to flower, to reveal his or her full potential as a human being, to fulfill his or her mission in this world. You have this right, and so does everyone else. This is the meaning of human rights. To scorn, violate and abuse people's human rights destroys the natural order of things. Prizing human rights and respecting others are among our most important tasks.

 

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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1954) p.154

 

President Toda stated: "I am striving resolutely ahead to carry out a revolution.  My revolution, however, is a bloodless revolution, based on compassion and reason."  His words resound in my mind.

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

 

 Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Thursday January 26, 2012

 

Truly praiseworthy are those who resolve to work hard for kosen-rufu and the SGI within the lofty realm of Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism. They are genuinely capable people. And they will definitely attain life-conditions of complete fulfillment.

 

Events

1975 SGI Day

Soka Gakkai International established in Guam ; Daisaku Ikeda inaugurated as SGI president.

 

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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Thursday January 26, 2012

 

One should not be intimidated by the fact that so many hold such beliefs. Nor does the truth of a belief depend on whether it has been held for a long or short time. The point is simply whether or not it conforms with the text of the scriptures and with reason.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 168

The Tripitaka Master Shan-wr-wei

Written to Joken-bo and Gijo-bo in 1270 

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Thursday January 26, 2012

 

A coward cannot become a Buddha. We cannot attain Buddhahood unless we possess the heart of a lion. The harsher the situation, the bolder the stand we must take. This is the essence of the Soka Gakkai spirit.

 

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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1954) p.153/54

 

Must deepen my study of Buddhism... The reason is that study is unquestionably the Gakkai's cornerstone.  It is therefore a leader's most essential qualification.  Enthusiasm and practice are also vital.  In this connection, study becomes all the more important.

 

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

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

 

The important thing is to hold on resolutely to one's convictions come what may, just as the Daishonin teaches. People who possess such unwavering conviction will definitely become happy.

 

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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

 

Buddhism teaches that, when the Buddha nature manifests itself from within, it will receive protection from without. This is one of its fundamental principles.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 848

The Three Kinds of Treasure

Written to Shijo Kingo on September 11, 1277

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

 

You cannot judge the quality of another's friendship by superficial appearances, especially when things are going smoothly. It is only when we have experienced the worst, most crushing of times - when we have plumbed the depths of life - that we can experience the joys of genuine friendship. Only a man of principle, a woman of resolve - a person who stays true to their chosen path - can be a trusted and true friend and have real friends in turn.

 

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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1954) p.153

 

Worked on the second Gosho proofreading in Hatake, under the direction of Nichijun*, the retired high priest.  A noble task.  A sublime and important undertaking.

Must deepen my study of Buddhism.  Must likewise strengthen my understanding of philosophy.

 

(*further reference can be found: p136-138 The Untold History of the  Fuji   School )

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

 

  Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Tuesday, January 24, 2012 

 

We use our voices not only to chant daimoku but to guide, encourage and introduce others to the Daishonin's Buddhism. Our voice, therefore, is very important. An angry voice, a coarse voice, a cold voice, an imperious voice - none of these will communicate how wonderful Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism is. I would like you to be humanistic leaders who can encourage others with bright warm voices, so that they will say, "What a lovely voice!" and "I'm always so inspired when I hear you speak." Becoming this kind of leader is one actual proof of your human revolution. 

 

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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Tuesday, January 24, 2012 

 

I explained the teachings of the Lotus Sutra to you before. Matters of minor importance arise from good, but when it comes to a matter of great importance, great disaster without fail changes into great fortune.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 824

A Warning against Begrudging One's Fief

Written to Shijo Kingo in July 1277 

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

 

Buddhism teaches equality and absolute respect for the dignity of life. Educating people to be citizens of the world begins with cultivating respect, compassion and empathy for others. I am certain that friendship and limitless trust in people can empower us to overcome socially disruptive discrimination and hatred. Openminded exchanges on the popular level will be increasingly important in the years to come. When people engage in mind-to-mind dialogue, they are grateful to see ethnic and cultural differences not as obstacles but as expressions of society - enriching diversity that engenders respect and a desire for further exploration.

 

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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1953) p. 150

 

The morning lecture has progressed from law, to politics, to economics, to science, to Chinese literature.  How can I ever repay my debt of gratitude to my mentor, who has striven to raise this disciple without regard even for his own health? 

Now is the time to accumulate my power and ability.  Must develop my capability in preparation for the time to come.

 

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