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

 Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Monday, April 30, 2012

 

Nobel laureate Gabriela Mistral (1889-1957) of  Chile , was well respected as a humanistic educator. Indicative of the great spirit of compassion and caring with which she interacted with her students is her "Teacher's Prayer": "Let me be more mother than the mother herself in my love and defense of the child who is not flesh of my flesh. Help me to make one of my children my most perfect poem and leave within him or her my most melodious melody from that day when my own lips no longer sing." With this same spirit, let us care for and nurture young people.

 

---

 

From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Monday, April 30, 2012

 

You are indeed an unusual woman since you asked me to explain the effects of various degrees of slander. You are every bit as praiseworthy as the dragon king's daughter when she said, "I unfold the doctrines of the great vehicle to rescue living beings from suffering." The Lotus Sutra reads, "If one can ask about its meaning, that will be difficult indeed." There are very few people who inquire about the meaning of the Lotus Sutra.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 626

The Embankments of Faith

Written to the lay nun Sennichi on September 3, 1275

 

---

 

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Monday, April 30, 2012

 

Nichiren wrote that wrath can be either good or bad. Self-centered anger generates evil, but wrath at social injustice becomes the driving force for reform. Strong language that censures and combats a great evil often awakens adverse reactions from society, but this must not intimidate those who believe they are right. A lion is a lion because he roars.

 

---

 

Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1955) p. 224

 

President Toda gave severe guidance from the morning on.  My heart feels as if I am standing on an icy mountain peak, naked before the cold wind.  No excuse.  Spiritual age, physical age: must revolutionize both simultaneously.  Actual proof will result from my Buddhist practice, due to the principle of 'the oneness of body and mind.'

 

---

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

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Sunday, April 29, 2012

 

What is success in life? Who are the truly successful? There are famous and powerful people who become pitiful figures in their old age. There are people who die alone, feeling empty and desolate inside. Just what is success? The English thinker Walter Pater (1839-94) wrote: "To burn always with this hard, gemlike flame, to maintain this ecstasy, is success in life." The person who lives life fully, glowing with life's energy, is the person who lives a successful life.

 

---

 

From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Sunday, April 29, 2012

 

Little streams come together to form the great ocean, and tiny particles of dust accumulate to form Mount Sumeru . When I, Nichiren, first took faith in the Lotus Sutra, I was like a single drop of water or a single particle of dust in all the country of Japan . But later, when two people, three people, ten people, and eventually a hundred, a thousand, ten thousand, and a million people come to recite the Lotus Sutra and transmit it to others, then they will form a Mount Sumeru of perfect enlightenment, an ocean of great nirvana.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 579

The Selection of the Time

Written to Yui in 1275

 

---

 

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Sunday, April 29, 2012 

 

Our efforts for the sake of dialogue, in order to be worthy of the term dialogue, must be carried through to the end. To refuse peaceful exchange and choose force is to compromise and give in to human weakness; it is to admit the defeat of the human spirit. Socrates encourages his youthful disciples to train and strengthen themselves spiritually, to maintain hope and self-control, to advance courageously, choosing virtue over material wealth, truth over fame.

 

---

 

Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1955) p.223

 

Fatigued throughout my body.  An agonizing day.  Is it my evil karma?  I am reading with my life the passage from a sutra that states, "The people's sins are like frost or dew, which vanish in the sunlight of wisdom."

At noon, shopped for birthday gifts for President Toda…  Purchased a dress shirt, two neckties, pearl cuff links and a shoehorn. Confident these gifts express my sincere feeling.

 

---

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

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Saturday, April 28, 2012
 
How incredible it is to chant this wonderful daimoku each day! Nichiren Daishonin writes, "There is no greater happiness for human beings than chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. The sutra [Lotus Sutra] says, The people there [in my land] are happy and at ease.
 
Events
1253 Nichiren Daishonin chants Nam-myoho-renge-kyo for the first time.
 

________________________________

 
From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Saturday, April 28, 2012
 
The greater the hardships befalling him, the greater the delight he feels, because of his strong faith. Doesn't a fire burn more briskly when logs are added? All rivers flow into the sea, but does the sea turn back their waters? The currents of hardship pour into the sea of the Lotus Sutra and rush against its votary. The river is not rejected by the ocean; nor does the votary reject suffering. Were it not for the flowing rivers, there would be no sea. Likewise, without tribulation there would be no votary of the Lotus Sutra.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 33
A Ship to Cross the Sea of Suffering
Written to Shiji Shiro on April 28, 1261
 

________________________________

  
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday, April 28, 2012
 
When deluded, one is called an ordinary being, but when enlightened, one is called a Buddha. This is similar to a tarnished mirror that will shine like a jewel when polished. A mind now clouded by the illusions of the innate darkness of life is like a tarnished mirror, but when polished, it is sure to become like a clear mirror, reflecting the essential nature of phenomena and the true aspect of reality. Arouse deep faith, and diligently polish your mirror day and night. How should you polish it? Only by chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo -Nichiren   
 

________________________________

 Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1955) p.222
 
Must apologize to President Toda for many things.  Must spur myself on.  Youth must not be caught up in the past.  Isn't the Daishonin's teaching that of 'for the present and the future'?  If people become too caught up in the past, their hearts will age and their spirit will die. Must forge ahead, even if laughed at or scorned.

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

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Friday, April 27, 2012  

 

Age is not an excuse for giving up. If you allow yourself to grow passive and draw back, it's a sign of personal defeat. There may be a retirement age at work, but there is no retirement age in life. How then could there be any "going into retirement" in the world of faith? The Buddhist Law is eternal, extending across the three existences of past, present and future, and one of the benefits of faith is perennial youth and eternal life.

  

---

   

From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Friday, April 27, 2012

 

The five characters of Myoho-renge-kyo, the heart of the essential teaching of the Lotus Sutra, contain the benefit amassed through the countless practices and meritorious deeds of all Buddhas throughout the three existences. Then, how can these five characters not include the benefits obtained by observing all of the Buddhas' precepts?

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 481

The Teaching, Practice, and Proof 

Written to Sammi-bo on March 21, 1275

  

---

   

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Friday, April 27, 2012

 

We all long for things of beauty - beauty of nature, of appearance, of life, a beautiful family and so on. But these cannot be gained if we are withdrawn and isolated, just looking at ourselves. We must create better relationships with other people and interact with our community and society with an open heart. We must be kind to nature. It is only through this process that we really grow and cultivate our own beauty.

---

 

Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1955) p.222

 

A quiet day.  Reflected, must sincerely consider my societal obligations and responsibilities without ever becoming arrogant.

From tomorrow, must further intensify my determination and deal with everything that arises.  Inertia and construction; obligation and privilege; negative and positive.  Also, discipline and self-indulgence; confidence and self-contempt.  What fine qualities and superior points do great people hold in common?  Ultimately, isn't it that they have successfully challenged and overcome their own weaknesses and persevered until they achieved their desired goals?

 

---

 

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

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Thursday, April 26, 2012  

 

What matters is winning in the end, the wins and losses along the way are of secondary significance. It's final victory in life that counts and that is the reason for our Buddhist practice. No matter how powerful or famous or privileged a person might be, Nichiren Daishonin says, from a Buddhist point of view it is all nothing more than a dream, an illusory pleasure; true happiness can only be attained by revealing the state of Buddhahood within our own life.  

 

---

 

From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Thursday, April 26, 2012 

 

There are two types of illness: minor and serious. Early treatment by a skilled physician can cure even serious illnesses, not to mention minor ones. Karma also may be divided into two categories: fixed and unfixed. Sincere repentance will eradicate even fixed karma, to say nothing of karma that is unfixed.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 954

On Prolonging One's Life Span 

Written to the lay nun Myojo in 1279

 

---

 

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Thursday, April 26, 2012 

 

As globalization proceeds, we enter an age in which everybody's actions strongly influence everybody else. When we realize this, we can then alter our mindset and strive to build a global society of mutual coexistence and mutual prosperity. This will be done by going beyond devotion to the interests of the nation-state and devoting ourselves to the interests of all humanity. As Martin Luther King Jr. said, injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. The key to the solution is the imagination to care for others. It is the empathizing heart or what Buddhists refer to when they talk about mercy.

---

 

Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1955) p.220

 

At times I am frustrated by certain aspects of my nature, while at others I think it is fine the way it is.  Ultimately, no matter what criticism or slander I encounter, I will follow my mentor and, while invoking the Mystic Law, shall continue each day with patience and perseverance, carrying out my Buddhist practice so that I will have no regrets.

 

---

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

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Wednesday, April 25, 2012 

 

 Adversity gives birth to greatness. The greater the challenges and difficulties we face, the greater opportunity we have to grow and develop as people. A life without adversity, a life of ease and comfort, produces nothing and leaves us with nothing. This is one of the indisputable facts of life.

  

---

  

From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

 

 Buddhahood is the most difficult to demonstrate. But since you possess the other nine worlds, you should believe that you have Buddhahood as well. Do not permit yourself to have doubts. Expounding on the human world, the Lotus Sutra says, "The Buddhas wish to open the door of Buddha wisdom to all living beings." . . . That ordinary people born in the latter age can believe in the Lotus Sutra is due to the fact that the world of Buddhahood is present in the human world.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 358

The Object of Devotion for Observing the mind Established in the Fifth Five-Hundred-Year Period after the Thus Come One's Passing 

Written to Toki Jonin on April 25, 1273  

 

---

  

 Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

 

 If you think about it, although we may not be destined to die five minutes from now, we are all, without exception, going to die at some point. We can count on it 100 percent. There is nothing surer than this. Victor Hugo says, "We are all under sentence of death, but with a sort of indefinite reprieve." Ideally, we should live every minute of our lives valuably, as if it were the last moment of our lives. Those who live aimlessly are left with a sense of emptiness at the end of their lives, but those who live all-out, striving right to the end, will die peacefully. Leonardo da Vinci says, "As a well-spent day brings happy sleep, so life well used brings happy death." One aware that death could come at any time will live each day to the fullest.

---

 

Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1955) p.218

 

Went to the headquarters at 3:30 to work on public relations matters.  It seems others are not given much responsibility.  Cannot help feeling the responsibility always falls on me.  Am I complaining?

 

---

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

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Tuesday, April 24, 2012  

 

When youth are awakened to a sense of mission, their power is limitless. Ultimately, we have to entrust our hopes and visions for the future to the youth. This is a golden rule. Youth is pure. Youth will rise up to fulfill their ideals without calculation or self-interest. The fundamental spirit of a leader must be to reach out to such young people, work with them and bring out their capabilities and direct their youthful energies in a positive direction.

  

---

  

From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

 

What matters most is that we honour the Buddha's words. As a rule, people in the world value what is distant and despise what is near, but this is the conduct of the ignorant. Even the distant should be repudiated if it is wrong, while what is near should not be discarded if it accords with the truth. Even though people may revere [their predecessors' doctrines], if those doctrines are in error, how can we employ them today?"

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 155

Reply to Hoshina Goro Taro 

Written to Hoshina Boro Taro on December 5, 1267

  

---

  

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

 

The Buddhas, the World-Honoured Ones, wish to open the door of Buddha wisdom to all living beings, to allow them to attain purity. That is why they appear in the world. They wish to show the Buddha wisdom to living beings, and therefore they appear in the world. They wish to cause living beings to awaken to the Buddha wisdom, and therefore they appear in the world. They wish to induce living beings to enter the path of Buddha wisdom, and therefore they appear in the world. -The Lotus Sutra.

---

Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (28 January 1955) p.218

 

At 4:20 in the afternoon, my second child was born.  Relieved to see he is healthy and normal.  Feel great appreciation to the Gohonzon. 

The mystery of life.  Scholars, medical doctors, scientists, politicians or diplomats – none can solve, with even the slightest confidence, the indeterminable question of this child's destiny.  Ultimately, life's fundamental questions can be answered nowhere but within Buddhism's essence.  From today, my awareness of my responsibility as a parent, and for my entire family has deepened.   Must have strength.  Must protect my children and my family and bring them happiness.

---

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

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Monday, April 23, 2012 

 

Our fellow members are all family with whom we are linked by deep bonds. If we support and protect this family, they will act as protective forces in our environment, supporting and keeping us from harm in lifetime after lifetime. This is a profound principle of Buddhism.  

 

---

  

From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Monday, April 23, 2012

 

As I have often mentioned before, it is said that, where there is unseen virtue, there will be visible reward. Your fellow samurai all slandered you to your lord, and he also has wondered if it was true, but because you have for some years now honestly maintained a strong desire for your lord's welfare in his next life, you received a blessing like this. This is just the beginning, be confident that the great reward also is sure to come.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 907

Unseen Virtue and Visible Reward 

Written to Shijo Kingo on April 23, 1278  

 

---

  

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Monday, April 23, 2012

 

When we are aware that each moment of each day, each gesture and step we take, is truly mystical and full of wonder, we will live our lives with greater thought and care. We will also have greater respect and appreciation for the lives of others.

 

---

 

Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1955) p.215/16

 

Went to T.'s home for a study meeting.  All were serious.  Ashamed of my own lack of study.  No matter how high our leadership positions, if we fail to study seriously, our juniors will eventually surpass us.  Frightening.  The Daishonin's words, "Exert yourself in the two ways of practice and study," apply equally to everyone.  I am no exception.

 

---

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

   

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Sunday, April 22, 2012

 

I hope you will always have the spirit to learn with a lively curiosity and interest. When leaders are enthusiastic to keep on learning and growing, they inspire others. New ideas emerge and spread. Fresh energy to advance surges forth. Instead of pretending to know all the answers, assuming an air of wisdom, let us always strive for greater understanding and insight into all manner of things, so that we can continue learning together and spur one another to grow. This is the kind of spirit I want to cherish.  

 

---

  

From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Sunday, April 22, 2012

 

In the Latter Day of the Law, no treasure tower exists other than the figures of the men and women who embrace the Lotus Sutra. It follows, therefore, that whether eminent or humble, high or low, those who chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo are themselves the treasure tower, and likewise, are themselves the Thus Come One Many Treasures.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 299

On the Treasure Tower 

Written to Abutsu-bo Nittoku on March 13, 1272

  

---

  

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Sunday, April 22, 2012

 

Do not compare yourselves to others. Be true to who you are and continue to learn with all your might. Even if you are ridiculed, even if you suffer disappointments and setbacks, continue to advance and do not be defeated.

---

 

Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1955) p.215

 

Awaiting the growth of the Seikyo Press as a pioneer of journalism.  It must set the pace for Kosen Rufu's progress.

The paper began with just one or two amateurs and has now grown to a circulation in the tens of thousands.  People laughed.  "What can amateurs accomplish?" they asked.  But Sensei replied, "In five years' time, even amateurs will turn into professionals."

 

---

 

 PS: If you would like to be taken off this mailing list please reply: Unsubscribe or if you would like someone else to be added simply reply with the email address

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

 

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Saturday, April 21, 2012

 

Buddhism is reason. It doesn't exist apart from society, apart from reality. That is why it is important for each of us to cultivate good judgment and common sense. We must respect and harmonize with society's ways. Respecting the life of each individual, we work among the people. This is the SGI's fundamental creed.  

 

 

From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Saturday, April 21, 2012 

 

Amber draws dust, and a magnet attracts iron particles; here our evil karma is like the dust or iron, and the daimoku of the Lotus Sutra is like the amber or the magnet. If we consider these [analogies, we can see why] we should always chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 142

The Daimoku of the Lotus Sutra 

Recipient unknown; written on January 6, 1266  

 

 

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Saturday, April 21, 2012

 

There are many people, many lives, on this planet, too numerous, in fact, to count. From this great multitude, we wondrously find ourselves together with those in our families - as parents and children, as brothers and sisters, as husbands and wives. If we do not live joyfully and cheerfully in the company of those with whom we share this profound bond, what is life for?  Should the atmosphere at home be somber, you yourself can be the "sun." By being a shining presence, you can cast the light of hope on your father, mother and whole family.

 

 

Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1955) p.214 

 

The annual children's group meeting…

Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.  President Toda gave strict guidance to one couple who was late.  Feel that this was only proper.  Pained when I think of those who couldn't attend.  Whenever people are enjoying themselves, others are definitely sad or lonely.  Want never to forget this throughout my life.  Want to be a man of fairness, that is, an ally to those who work behind the scenes, to those who are lonely, who are suffering.