Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Friday, April 13, 2012
Quite simply, there can be no true democracy unless the citizens of a country realize that they are sovereign, that they are the main protagonists, and then with wisdom and a strong sense of responsibility take action based on that realization. Democracy cannot be successful in its mission unless the people rouse themselves to become more informed and involved, unless they unite, unless they establish an unshakable force for justice and keep a strict eye on the activities of the powerful.
From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Friday, April 13, 2012
Although I, Nichiren, am not a man of wisdom, the devil king of the sixth heaven has attempted to take possession of my body. But I have for some time been taking such great care that he now no longer comes near me. Therefore, because the power of the heavenly devil is ineffectual against me, he instead possesses the ruler and his high officials, or foolish priests such as Ryokan, and causes them to hate me.
Reply to Sairen-bo
Written to Sairen-bo Nichijo on april 13, 1272
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Friday, April 13, 2012
A great work of art is one that truly moves and inspires you. You yourself must be moved. Don't look at art with others eyes. Don't listen to music with others ears. You must react to art with your own feelings, your own heart and mind. If you allow yourself to be swayed by the opinions of others, it must be good because everyone else likes it, it must be bad, because no one else likes it - your feelings, your sensibility, which should be the very core of the artistic experience, will wither and die. To enjoy art to the fullest, you must abandon all preconceived notions, leaving a blank slate. Then confront the work directly, with your entire being. If you are deeply moved, then that work is, for you, a great work of art.
Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1954) p.203
Spoke intimately with the chapter and youth division corps leaders from Bunkyo Chapter. Listened patiently to all their questions concerning faith, life, daily living and work. Occasionally, there was an important problem. Where do these people's problems lie? When a river's flow is impeded, it may be blocked by accumulated refuse. Without knowing the subtle details of a person's life, guidance in faith will not get through.
Confucius taught that one should think nine times before uttering a single word. I, too, must choose my words carefully before speaking. Though all wish their actions would match their words, few can make that happen. I must follow through on this account.
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