Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 03 May 2012 - The Year of Developing a Youthful SGI

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Thursday, May 3, 2012

 

As direct disciples of the Daishonin, we have summoned forth the three powerful enemies of Buddhism. And defeating their schemes and repelling their onslaughts, we have carved out a great path of kosen-rufu. This has been the unrivalled pride of Mr. Makiguchi, Mr. Toda and myself as Soka Gakkai presidents. It is indisputable proof that the Soka Gakkai is the foremost organization in the entire world acting in accord with the Buddha's will and decree.

 

Events

1951 Josei Toda inaugurated as the second Soka Gakkai president.

1960 Daisaku Ikeda inaugurated as the third Soka Gakkai president.

 

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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Thursday, May 3, 2012 

 

Life is the most precious of all treasures. Even one extra day of life is worth more than ten million ryo of gold. The Lotus Sutra surpasses all the other sacred teachings of the Buddha's lifetime because of the "Life Span" chapter. The greatest prince in the land of Jambudvipawould be of less consequence than a blade of grass if he died in childhood. If he died young, even a person whose wisdom shone as brilliantly as the sun would be less than a living dog. So you must hasten to accumulate the treasure of faith and quickly conquer your illness.

 

 The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 955

On Prolonging One's Life Span

Written to the lay nun Myojo in 1279

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Thursday, May 3, 2012

 

The SGI is a gathering of ordinary people. We struggle to ensure that the people are not despised and exploited by the powerful. To help all people become strong and wise, we are developing a network of peace and culture and putting great effort into education. By nature, the people are strong, wise, cheerful and warm. Religious faith has the power to draw out those qualities. The purpose of faith is not to turn people into sheep; it is to make them wise. Wisdom isn't knowledge that causes suffering for others; it is enlightened insight for improving one's own life as well as the lives of others.

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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1955) p.230

 

Some Friendships are shallow; others are deep.  My relations with some are superficial, while others share my pleasures and my pains. Many people believe only in themselves, but they are egoistic and self-centered.  Is this instinctual?  Only the Gakkai tries to realize profound and powerful unity based on the principle of 'many in body, one in mind.'  In all the world, we are the only ones to do so.

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