Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
No one is more wonderful than a mother. And there is nothing more noble than a mother's heart. I hope you will all treasure your mothers. Truly praiseworthy are those who have a sense of gratitude and appreciation toward their parents. The Buddhist sutras teach that the practice of Buddhism is the ultimate expression of devotion to one's parents, and the Buddha excels in such dedication and concern.
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
The master of the house in private treated us with compassion. Though outwardly he appeared to be fearful of the authorities, at heart he had great pity for us, something that I will never forget in any future lifetime. At that time, he meant more to me than the very parents who gave me birth. However great the obligations I incurred to him, I must endeavour to repay them. Even more, I must not fail to do what I had promised him.
Letter to the Lay Priest Ichinosawa
Written to the wife of the lay priest Ichinosawa on May 8, 1275
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Wildflowers are neither vain nor haughty, neither jealous nor servile. Living in accord with their unique mission, characterizing the Buddhist principle of the equality of cherry, peach, plum, and damson blossoms, they neither envy other flowers nor belittle themselves. They take pride in their individuality, knowing that each is a flower with a bloom like no other. Even the prettiest and most delicate wildflowers are by no means weak. They may seem fragile, but they are strong, unperturbed by rain or wind.
Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1955) p.237
My health has been growing steadily worse. Feel my life gradually coming to an end. How sad. How vexing.
…
The sky is dark; my heart, too, is in the shadows. If my health deteriorates any more, I feel I am destined to fall into an abyss.
Entering a struggle with the devil of illness, a battle with the demon of death. The end equals a beginning. Must summon up my determination in faith like a raging blaze, and rely only on the Gohonzon.
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