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

 

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

 

When parents exert themselves in the way of faith, they can lead their children to happiness without fail. Likewise, the attainment of Buddhahood of the child guarantees the attainment of Buddhahood of the parents. One lighthouse illuminates the way for many ships to steer a course safely through uncertain waters. In the same way, people with strong and committed faith shine as beacons of hope for their family and relatives.

   

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

 

In the end it is nothing other than the loving kindness with which the woman cares for her child that makes the difference. Her concern concentrates on one thing just like the Buddhist practice of concentration. She thinks of nothing but her child, which is similar to Buddhist compassion. That must be why, although she created no other causes to bring it about, she was reborn in the Brahma heaven.

 

 Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 283
The Opening of the Eyes

Written to Shijo Kingo in February 1272

 

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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1954) p.177

 

Want to live powerfully and righteously throughout my life – to become respected and trusted by the people of society.  If I cannot accomplish this, I would like to be recognized by history after I die.  No, I think I would rather be a true disciple whose actions are recognized by the Mystic Law and who is praised by the Daishonin.  Should this not be my ultimate perspective on life?

 

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

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

 

 You can forge the path to a fulfilling and enjoyable life if you have the depth of faith to regard everything as a source for creating happiness and value. Conversely, if you see everything only in a negative or pessimistic light, your life will gradually but inevitably be plunged into darkness. Buddhism teaches the subtle principle of ichinen, and moreover, the power of faith.

  

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

 

 Since you now appear certain to attain Buddhahood, perhaps the heavenly devil and evil spirits are using illness to try to intimidate you. Life in this world is limited. Never be even the least bit afraid!".

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1109

The Proof of the Lotus Sutra

Written to Nanjo Tokimitsu on February 28, 1282

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Tuesday, February 28, 2012 

 

Make goals. Whether big or small, work toward realizing them. You must be serious about and dedicated to your goals - you'll get nowhere if you just treat them like jokes. An earnest, dedicated spirit shines like a diamond and moves people's hearts. That is because a brilliant flame burns within. If we are sincere, people will understand our intentions, and our positive qualities will shine forth. It is pointless to be caught up in outward appearances. The German poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe writes: "How may one get to know oneself? Never by contemplation,only , indeed, by action. Seek to do your duty, and you will know at once how it is with you."

 

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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1954) p. 177

 

Periodically, ideals and reality mix and my mind becomes very complex.  There are times I want to blame others, while overlooking my own faults.  Must not forget to self-reflect and consider my own shortcomings.

 

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

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Monday, February 27, 2012

 

Originally, every person's life is a brilliantly shining mirror. Differences arise depending on whether one polishes this mirror: A polished mirror is the Buddha's life, whereas a tarnished mirror is that of a common mortal. Chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is what polishes our lives.

 

Events; SGI-USA Womens Day.

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Monday, February 27, 2012

 

However, people all turn their backs on these sutra passages, and the world as a whole is completely confused with regard to the principles of Buddhism. Why do you persist in following the teachings of evil friends? T'ien-t'ai said that to accept and put faith in the doctrines of evil teachers is the same as drinking poison. You should deeply consider this and beware.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 61

Questions and Answers about Embracing the Lotus Sutra

Recipient unknown; written in March 1263

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Monday, February 27, 2012

 

We each move forward secure on our own earth, not the earth of others. Happiness is something we must create for ourselves. No one else can give it to us.  

 

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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1954) p.176

 

Ten years from now, I think the Gakkai will be playing an important role at the core of society; active in the fields of politics, economics, culture and education.  Now is the time to encourage youth division members to study earnestly, specializing in one of these specific fields.  To this end, I must master many things myself. 

The leaders should have the ability and power.  They should never be sly or conniving.  Without earnest study, they are not qualified to be leaders.  As part of my responsibility, I will study, little by little.  Reason and passion – intellect and conviction.

 

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

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Sunday, February 26, 2012

 

Buddhism teaches that life at each moment embraces all phenomena. This is the doctrine of a life-moment possessing 3,000 realms, which is the Lotus Sutra's ultimate teaching and Buddhism's essence. Because of the profound way our lives interact with people around us, it is vital that we reach out to others, that we be engaged with our environment and with our local community. A self-absorbed practice or theory without action is definitely not Buddhism.

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Sunday, February 26, 2012 

 

The Great Teacher Tz'u-en wrote a work in ten volumes entitled Praising the Profundity of the Lotus Sutra in which he praised the Lotus Sutra, but the Great Teacher Dengyo criticized it, saying, "Though he praises the Lotus Sutra, he destroys its heart." If we consider these examples carefully, we will realize that, among those who read the Lotus Sutra and sing its praises, there are many who are destined for the hell of incessant suffering.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 718

On Repaying Debts of Gratitude

Written to Joken-bo and Gijo-bo on July 21, 1276

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Sunday, February 26, 2012

 

No discrimination exists in Nichiren Buddhism. Nichiren teaches that the Buddha and all people are absolutely equal. Chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo with faith in this point is a matter of the utmost importance. Doing so is to embrace the Lotus Sutra. It is also an act of succeeding to the heritage of Buddhism. In this light, we can say that the gist of the teaching of the Lotus Sutra is that all people are equal.

 

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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1954) p.175

 

Feel especially tormented and lonesome tonight.  Now, with no close friend or assistant, I feel as if my energy is waning, moment by moment.  Tears flow in torrents.  I do not want to die now.  I am only twenty-six.  It would be too miserable to die now without fully understanding the depth of my life, without having made any great contribution to humankind or society, or without repaying my debt of gratitude to my mentor.

 

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

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Saturday, February 25, 2012 

 

Gandhi taught people to live with lion-like courage, impressing upon them that they could not afford to leave things up to others, that they had to stand up for themselves and fight for justice. Ultimately, the only way forward is by developing self-reliance, forging a stand-alone spirit. That is the only path to victory.  

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Saturday, February 25, 2012 

 

Today there are people who have faith in the Lotus Sutra. The belief of some is like fire while that of others is like water. When the former listen to the teachings, their passion flares up like fire, but as time goes on, they tend to discard their faith. To have faith like water means to believe continuously without ever regressing.

 

 The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 899

The Two Kinds of Faith

Written to Nanjo Tokumitsu on February 25, 1278  

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Saturday, February 25, 2012 

 

When you hold fast to your beliefs and live true to yourself, your true value as a human being shines through. Buddhism teaches the concept of "realizing your inherent potential." In other words manifesting your true entity, your innate self, revealing it and bringing it to shine, illuminating all around you. It refers to your most refined individuality and uniqueness.  

 

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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1954) p.175

 

A cool dreary day.  My finances are marginal – like today's weather. Felt uninspired all day.  Scolded severely by Mr. Toda in the evening. The leaders closest to him were also scolded. A day that starts out wrong, ends up the same. Carp try again and again to climb a waterfall. Grass and flowers that have been trod upon, blossom again.  Surmounting many adversities, people achieve greatness.  Must youth be a time of such emotional turmoil?

 

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

 

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Friday, February 24, 2012 

 

Buddhism is not about leading a self-centered existence. If we do not base our lives on the Law, we are not practicing Buddhism. The German writer Friedrich von Schiller writes, "The brave man thinks upon himself the last." This is analogous to the spirit of not begrudging one's life taught in the Lotus Sutra. This means treasuring the Law more highly than one's life. The Law and kosen-rufu are central.  

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Friday, February 24, 2012 

 

No matter how humble a person may be, if his wisdom is the least bit greater than yours, you should ask him about the meaning of the sutra. But the people in this evil age are so arrogant, prejudiced, and attached to fame and profit that they are afraid that, should they become the disciple of a humble person or try to learn something from him, they will be looked down upon by others. They never rid themselves of this wrong attitude, so they seem to be destined for the evil paths.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 757

The Fourteen Slanders

Written to the lay priest Matsuno Rokuro Saemon on December 9, 1276

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Friday, February 24, 2012 

 

According to Buddhism, health is not a condition in which we merely escape negative influences. It is a highly positive, active state in which we hold ourselves responsible for such influences, in which we face and try to solve various problems - not just our own but others problems, too. The word disease implies a lack of ease, which conversely implies that health is a state of comfort. In the Buddhist sense, however, being "at ease" does not mean freedom from difficulties, it means having the strength to meet and overcome any problem.

 

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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1954) p174

 

Read Wind and Waves , a book that describes the life of Teisuke Akiyama. Though it seems his life was truly interesting, I cannot sympathize with his way of thinking.  Each has his or her own way of living, so as not to have any regrets. Akiyama took his course and I shall take mine. 

 

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

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Wednesday, February 22, 2012 

 

What was the secret to Edison's success? He explained that it was to never give up before he succeeded in what he was trying to do. Not giving up-that's the only way. Once you give up you are defeated. This is equally true in the realm of faith. Quitting is not faith. We have to keep chanting until our prayers are answered. That is the correct way of prayer.  

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Wednesday, February 22, 2012 

 

Though this mandala has but five or seven characters, it is the teacher of all Buddhas throughout the three existences and the seal that guarantees the enlightenment of all women. It will be a lamp in the darkness of the road to the next world and a fine horse to carry you over the mountains of death. It is like the sun and moon in the heavens or Mount Sumeru on earth. It is a ship to ferry people over the sea of the sufferings of birth and death. It is the teacher who leads all people to Buddhahood and enlightenment.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 414

On Offering Prayers to the Mandala of the Mystic Law

Recipient and date unknown  

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Wednesday, February 22, 2012 

 

Real optimism should not be confused with a carefree outlook on life, one in which we forfeit responsibility for our lives. The person undefeated by misfortune, poverty, insult and vilification, the person who can bounce back from every adversity and say, "What? That was nothing!" The person who marches on toward hope through sheer force of will - that person is a true optimist.

 

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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1954) p.173

 

9:30 – a chapter leaders meeting at O.'s.  This month resulted in 420 new families.  Worried that the chapters may get too caught up in the propagation numbers alone.  My hope is that we will advance steadily, amid warm bonds of unity, without one person discarding faith or disrespecting the Gohonzon.  But can such a large-scale movement be free from a little overzealousness; can we help becoming result-oriented?   As of now, I cannot answer these questions, even for myself.

 

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

 

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, February 21, 2012  

 

Friendship is strong. Friendship, camaraderie and unity in faith lie at the heart of the SGI. They come before the organization. We must never make the mistake of thinking that it is the other way around. The organization serves as a means for deepening friendship, comradeship and faith. To confuse the means and the end is a terrible mistake.  

 

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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Tuesday, February 21, 2012

 

Nam-myoho-renge-kyo will be your staff to take you safely over the mountains of death. The Buddhas Shakyamuni and Many Treasures, as well as the four bodhisattvas headed by Superior Practices, will lead you by the hand on your journey. If I, Nichiren, precede you in death, I will come to meet you at your last moment. If you should precede me, I will be sure to tell King Yama all about you. Everything that I tell you is true. According to the Lotus Sutra, Nichiren is the guide who knows the passes and gorges along the way."

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 451
The Swords of Good and Evil
Written to Hojo Yagenta on February 21, 1274

  

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, February 21, 2012

 

There is no way of life more desolate or more pitiful than one of ignorance of the fundamental joy that issues from the struggle to generate and regenerate one's own life from within. To be human is much more than the mere biological facts of standing erect and exercising reason and intelligence. The full and genuine meaning of our humanity is found in tapping the creative fonts of life itself.

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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1954) p173

 

Physical condition extremely poor.  Have been pondering deeply my severe destiny.  Pained over the complexity of my own feelings.

The Suiko Group met at 6:00 at the headquarters.  My spirits were not especially high.  Like a brave soldier who has just entered a peaceful forest.  The other members, though, were quite inspired.  This is as it should be.  Received strict guidance from President Toda. Felt as if I had been stabbed in the chest.  Faith.  Nothing but faith.  Faith with passionate resolve.

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

 

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Monday, February 20, 2012 

 

In his later years, President Toda often told his disciples: "Be courageous in faith! No matter what other people may say, advance boldly! Lead confident lives! Make courage the Gakkai's eternal emblem!" This was the spirit with which he charged us before he died. Faith is the source of true strength and courage. Without courage and confidence we cannot be said to have genuine faith.

 

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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Monday, February 20, 2012

 

Even an ignorant person can obtain blessings by serving someone who expounds the Lotus Sutra. No matter if he is a demon or an animal, if someone proclaims even a single verse or phrase of the Lotus Sutra, you must respect him as you would the Buddha. This is what the sutra means when it says, "You should rise and greet him from afar, showing him the same respect you would a Buddha." You should respect one another as Shakyamuni and Many Treasures did at the ceremony in the "Treasure Tower" chapter.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 757

The Fourteen Slanders

Written to the lay priest Matsuno Rokuro Saemon on December 9, 1276

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Monday, February 20, 2012

 

When we plant the seeds of self-doubt, only noxious weeds sprout. When we limit ourselves with low expectations, the growth of the tree of happiness immediately ceases. The power of growth, of improvement, the power to overcome all stagnation and break through every obstacle and transform a barren wasteland into a verdant field -- that unstoppable power of hope resides right there in your own heart. It will well up from the rich earth of your innermost being when you face the future without doubt or fear: "I can do more. I can grow. I can become a bigger and better human being" --- life and faith are a never-ending struggle to grow. 

 

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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1954) p1172

 

Physical condition very poor.

Could I be suffering from tuberculosis?  Or perhaps I have stomach trouble or diabetes.  How I wish I was healthy.

If the principle 'the oneness of body and mind' is true, then my spiritual determination should spur me on, and there is no reason my body cannot be restored to health.  Reflecting, I realize I must firmly establish powerful faith.

 

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Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 19 February 2012 - The Year of Developing a Youthful SGI

 

 

 

 

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Sunday, February 19, 2012  

 

This lifetime will never come again; it is precious and irreplaceable. To live without regret, it is crucial for us to have a concrete purpose and continually set goals and challenges for ourselves. It is equally important that we keep moving toward specific targets steadily and tenaciously, one step at a time.

  

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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Sunday, February 19, 2012

 

Be sure to strengthen your faith, and receive the protection of Shakyamuni, Many Treasures, and the Buddhas of the ten directions. Exert yourself in the two ways of practice and study. Without practice and study, there can be no Buddhism. You must not only persevere yourself; you must also teach others. Both practice and study arise from faith. Teach others to the best of your ability, even if it is only a single sentence or phrase.

   

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 386

The True Aspect of All Phenomena

Written to Sairen-bo Nichijo on May 17, 1273  

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Sunday, February 19, 2012

 

Chang-an writes, "If one befriends another person but lacks the mercy to correct him, one is in fact his enemy." The consequences of a grave offense are extremely difficult to erase. The most important thing is to continually strengthen our wish to benefit others - Nichiren

 

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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1954) p1172

 

Attended a chapter leaders meeting at S.'s in the evening.  To Jozai-jo afterward for a meeting of the Fourth Corps. Gave my utmost.  The Gakkai is advancing rapidly. The chapters and the youth division are seeing victory as well.

Want to live undefeated until the end.  Want my life to be a succession of victories.

 

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Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 18 February 2012 - The Year of Developing a Youthful SGI

 

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Saturday, February 18, 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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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Saturday, February 18, 2012

 

Grass without roots will die in no time and a river without a source will not flow far. A child without parents is looked down upon. Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, the heart of the "Life Span" chapter, is the mother of all Buddhas throughout the ten directions and the three existences of past, present and future.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 184

The Essence of the "Life Span" Chapter

Recipient unknown; written on April 17, 1271  

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Saturday, February 18, 2012 

When you devote yourself to achieving your goal, you will not be bothered by shallow criticism. Nothing important can be accomplished if you allow yourself to be swayed by some trifling matter, always looking over your shoulder and wondering what others are saying or thinking. The key to achievement is to move forward along your chosen path with determination.  

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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1954) p170/71

 

Home from work with a severe headache.  Even at home, I could not relax.  Left the house at 3:30.  Saw Mr. Toda in the president's office at the headquarters.  Reported to him on my physical condition.  He gave me guidance: "You're engaged in a battle with the 'three obstacles and four devils'.  There is no other way to break through than to pray, shedding tears before the Gohonzon."

Must live powerfully!

Must stand up powerfully!

Must fight powerfully!

This is a battle between me and the devil of sickness.

 

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