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

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Saturday, June 30, 2012

 

The place where we are right now is what matters. This is all the more true for us who embrace the Mystic Law. Buddhism teaches that we can transform wherever we are into the Land of Eternally Tranquil Light .

 

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From the Writing of Nichiren Daishonin

Saturday, June 30, 2012

 

Because I have expounded this teaching, I have been exiled and almost killed. As the saying goes: "Good advice grates on the ear." But still I am not discouraged.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 748

The Essentials for Attaining Buddhahood 

Written to Soya Jiro Hyoe-no-jo Kyoshin on August 3, 1276  

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Saturday, June 30, 2012

 

In one of his writings, renowned microbiologist Rene Dubos, stated. "History teaches that man without effort is sure to deteriorate; man cannot progress without effort, and man cannot be happy without effort." This is indisputable. You may be experiencing various hardships now, but because you continue to make efforts in the midst of those challenges, no matter how painful they are, you will definitely become happy. Effort and happiness are indivisible.

 

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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1956) p.305

 

A panel discussion for the New Year's Seiko Shimbun issue began at 2:00.  The topic, "The five main temples of Fuji ."  It lasted until 5:00.  The dialogue covered Nikko Shonin's six original and six new disciples and the origin of Fuji 's five or seven main temples.  Concluded with the present status of these temples.  Keenly reflected on the importance of ability in Buddhist study and of having a correct historical perspective.

 

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

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Friday, June 29, 2012

 

The important thing is to advance brightly and strive to be victorious at each moment, right where we are; to begin something here and now instead of fretting and worrying over what will happen. This is the starting point for transforming our lives. 

  

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From the Writing of Nichiren Daishonin

Friday, June 29, 2012

 

If one hopes to study and master Buddhism, then one cannot do so without devoting time to the task.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 690

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

Friday, June 29, 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.

 

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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1956) p.303

 

Heard that Mars has approached within thirty-five million miles of the Earth.  I am very fond of astronomy.  Today's society is so hectic, people don't have the freedom to look into the sky and ponder the Milky Way.  Want to lead a noble life in which I can better contemplate nature.

 

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

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Thursday, June 28, 2012 

 

In the "Ongi Kuden" (Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings), the Daishonin says, "One should regard meeting obstacles as true peace and comfort" (Gosho Zenshu, p. 750). You may wonder how encountering obstacles could be a source of peace and comfort. But the truth of the matter is that through struggling against and overcoming difficulties, we can transform our destiny and attain Buddhahood. Confronting adversity, therefore, represents peace and comfort.  

 

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From the Writing of Nichiren Daishonin

Thursday, June 28, 2012 

 

The fourth volume of the Lotus Sutra states, "[I will send...] men and women of pure faith, to offer alms to the teachers of the Law." The meaning of this sutra passage is that the heavenly gods and benevolent deities will assume various forms such as those of men and women, and present offerings to help the persons who practice the Lotus Sutra. There can be no doubt that this refers to you and your wife being born as a man and woman, and making offerings to Nichiren, the teacher of the Law.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 35

The Izu Exile 

Written to Funamori Yasaburo on June 27, 1261  

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Thursday, June 28, 2012 

 

If you are unwilling to make efforts to heal yourself, it will be very difficult to cure your illness. One day of life is more valuable than all the treasures of the major world system, so first you must muster sincere faith - Nichiren

 

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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1956) p.298

 

I am an emotional person.  Rather, I am a man of flaring passions.  Toward justice, toward myself and toward the battle.  Is this correct?  Or am I mistaken?  The future will determine whether I am correct.  Proof will most definitely appear.  Then it will be decided.  Right now, there is nothing more I can do.

 

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

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Wednesday, June 27, 2012 

 

In a world where indifference and inhumanity prevail, let us use our discussion meetings as the pivot for creating oasis of peace and harmony in our homes and in our local communities and then extending them to encompass every sphere of society.

 

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From the Writing of Nichiren Daishonin

Wednesday, June 27, 2012 

 

Though worldly troubles may arise, never let them disturb you. No one can avoid problems, not even sages or worthies. Drink sake only at home with your wife, and chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. Suffer what there is to suffer, enjoy what there is to enjoy. Regard both suffering and joy as facts of life, and continue chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, no matter what happens. How could this be anything other than the boundless joy of the Law?"

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 681

Happiness in this World 

Written to Shijo Kingo on June 27, 1276

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

 

When individuals practice a teaching as intended, the expected result becomes manifest in their lives as well as in their environment. Religion not only deals with spirituality but also has a significant impact - positive or negative, upon people's daily lives and their society. The nature and extent of a particular religion's impact becomes the standard for evaluating its validity.

 

 

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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1956) p.298

 

Life's ambitions, life's tedium, life's significance.  What is the purpose of my existence?  Why must I lead such a difficult life?  There are days I wonder heedlessly about such things.  Must challenge society and challenge myself every day.  Many in this society grow weary and are defeated.

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What is power?  It is the energy of faith.

 

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

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

 

This spirit of engaging others in dialogue on equal terms is the essence of Buddhism. Ordering people about in a high-handed, arrogant manner, shouting at them to do one's bidding is truly deplorable behaviour. Such a world has no relation to Buddhism. Through dialogue Shakyamuni opened hearts that were closed, softened hearts that had grown hard and melted hearts that were frozen. 

 

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From the Writing of Nichiren Daishonin

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

 

This is the first time that the fundamental darkness has erupted in the lives of ordinary people caught in the illusions of thought and desire. Even if they pray to the gods, the Buddha, or the Lotus Sutra, these calamities will only be aggravated. But it is different when the votary of the Lotus Sutra offers prayers to the essential teaching of the Lotus Sutra. In the final analysis, unless we succeed in demonstrating that this teaching is supreme, these disasters will continue unabated.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1114

The Treatment of Illness 

Written to Toki Jonin on June 26, 1278  

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

 

This lifetime will never come again, it is precious and irreplaceable. To live without regret, we must have a concrete purpose, continually setting goals and challenges for ourselves. And we need to keep moving toward those specific targets steadily and tenaciously, one step at a time.

 

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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1956) p.298

 

Today I thought I would like to spend my entire life as a youth in my twenties.  Reflected on the principle that  'Buddhahood is inherent in the nine worlds.'

 

Many obstacles and fierce storms lie ahead.  But the genuine glory is the glory we gain in winning over these, is it not?

 

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

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Monday, June 25, 2012

 

We live in an age where opportunities for profound life-to-life inspiration are all but nonexistent. Idle amusements bring only fleeting pleasure. They produce neither profound inspiration nor growth for one's life. By contrast, Buddhism exists to enable people to realize personal growth and to improve their lives. Buddhism is always rooted in the reality of life. It is the wellspring of wisdom for bringing harmony and happiness to our families, local communities and society at large. 

 

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From the Writing of Nichiren Daishonin

Monday, June 25, 2012 

 

There are trails in the sky where birds fly, but people cannot recognize them. There are paths in the sea along which fish swim, but people cannot perceive them. All people and things of the four continents are reflected in the moon without a single exception, but people cannot see them. But they are visible to the heavenly eye. In like manner, ordinary people cannot see that the " Treasure Tower " chapter exists within the body of Lady Nichinyo, but Shakyamuni, Many Treasures, and the Buddhas of the ten directions perceive it. I, Nichiren, also presume this to be the case.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 915

An Outline of the "Entrustment" and Other Chapters 

Written to Nichinyo on June 25, 1278

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Monday, June 25, 2012 

 

The first thing is to pray. From the moment we begin to pray, things start moving. The darker the night, the closer the dawn. From the moment we chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo with a deep and powerful resolve, the sun begins to rise in our hearts. Hope - prayer is the sun of hope. To chant each time we face a problem, overcoming it and elevating our life condition as a result - this is the path of "changing earthly desires into enlightenment," taught in Nichiren Buddhism.

 

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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1956) p.295/6

 

Human society is complex.  At times, I become disgusted with society.  Arrogance, power, scheming… Fortune, sincerity, conviction… A baffling mixture of realities.  Youth is painful.  Heard the Tokyo-area members are facing a difficult struggle in the House of Councillors election campaign.  They must not forget that only faith and unity will lead to victory.  "Too many cooks…"  Leaders!  Understand Sensei's intention!  There is no other way to victory.

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

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Sunday, June 24, 2012

 

You must be strong. There is no hope of winning in this chaotic world if you are weak. No matter what others do or say, it is important to develop your ability and then put that ability to use. Strong faith, of course, is the best means for drawing out one's inner strength. You each have a very important mission, and I hope you will awaken to and be proud of that mission.

 

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From the Writing of Nichiren Daishonin

Sunday, June 24, 2012 

 

Everyone believes in those Buddhist teachers who were revered in their own time. But the Buddha enjoins us in the Nirvana Sutra as his final instruction, "Rely on the Law and not upon persons." The Buddha taught us to rely on the sutras if the Buddhist teachers should be in error. You say those teachers could not possibly be in error, but between the Buddha's golden words and your personal opinion, I am committed to the former.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 805

The Letter of Petition from Yorimoto 

Written on behalf of Shijo Kingo on June 25, 1277

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Sunday, June 24, 2012 

 

Flint has the potential to produce fire, and gems have intrinsic value. We ordinary people can see neither our own eyelashes, which are so close, nor the heavens in the distance. Likewise, we do not see that the Buddha exists in our own hearts  - Nichiren

 

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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1956) p.295

 

Spent the morning discussing various plans with the Culture Department chief.  He is young.  I, too, am young.  We each have strong opinions.  Reflect.  We must excuse each other's intrinsic arrogance.

 

Left for home on the Dove at 12:30 from Umeda Station.  Couldn't read during the eight-hour train ride.  Regret I wasted the time.  Must quit smoking if I want to improve my health. 

 

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

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Saturday, June 23, 2012

 

Jesse Owens, who won four gold medals at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, later remarked that one's inner life is the true Olympics. Life itself is an Olympics where we strive each day to better own personal records.

 

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From the Writing of Nichiren Daishonin

Saturday, June 23, 2012

 

Our present tribulations are like moxibustion; at the time, it is painful, but because it has beneficial after effects, the pain is not really pain. Urge on, but do not frighten, the ones from Atsuhara who are ignorant of Buddhism. Tell them to be prepared for the worst, and not to expect good times, but take the bad times for granted.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 998

On Persecutions Befalling the Sage 

Written to all followers (and entrusted to Shijo Kingo on October 1, 1279

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Saturday, June 23, 2012

 

If a person is hungry, we should give them bread. When there is no bread, we can at least give words that nourish. To a person who looks ill or is physically frail, we can turn the conversation to some subject that will lift their spirits and fill them with the hope and determination to get better. Let us give something to each person we meet: joy, courage, hope, assurance, philosophy, wisdom, a vision for the future. Let us always give something.

 

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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1956) p.290

 

Discussed propagation for about an hour. 

Finally, Sensei said, in essence, that shakubuku means to live with the great conviction that we ourselves are entities of Myoho-renge-kyo.

We carry out the gentle practice of Shoju based on the spirit of Shakubuku.  In other words, shakubuku naturally includes the practice of shoju.  In terms of 'offerings of wealth' and 'offering of the Law', true shakubuku corresponds to an offering of the Law.

 

 

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