Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 31 July 2012 - The Year of Developing a Youthful SGI

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Tuesday, July 31, 2012   What is the secret to victory? Mr. Toda once described that in a certain sense life is a gamble. "If you are lucky, you will win," he said. "But if you are unlucky, then sometimes no matter how hard you try you lose. This is a hard fact." That is why, in addition to ability, good fortune is essential. The key to creating good fortune is found in faith and daimoku. I hope that you will all act in accord with the fundamental Law of Buddhism and lead victorious lives filled with unsurpassed good fortune.     From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Tuesday, July 31, 2012   Even a wise man cannot become a Buddha through the other sutras, but with the Lotus Sutra, even fools can plant the seeds that lead to Buddhahood. As the sutra passage I have quoted earlier puts it, "Although they do not seek emancipation, emancipation will come of itself."   The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 283 The Opening of the Eyes Written to Shijo Kingo in February 1272     Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Tuesday, July 31, 2012   What is the purpose of life? It is happiness. But there are two kinds of happiness: relative and absolute. Relative happiness comes in a wide variety of forms. The purpose of Buddhism is to attain Buddhahood. In modern terms, this could be explained as realizing absolute happiness - a state of happiness that can never be destroyed or defeated.     Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1957) p.333   In the afternoon, Z., Hiromasa and I went to see the Japan International Trade Fair.  Surprised at the large number of people.  Science is rapidly increasing its importance in society.  People must not fall behind.  To know the times, to live with the times and to create the times – forgetting this will lead to grave problems.  Sense the arrival of the "Age of Automation" more keenly than ever before.  Reported what we saw at the fair to Sensei.  A scientist himself, he listened with apparent interest.  "We must think about science and religion" were his only words of guidance.

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

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Monday, July 30, 2012   Faith enables us to secure ultimate victory. It enables us to live with vigour and joy and to strive to improve ourselves - to become the very best people we can be. Moreover, faith enables us to walk through life with complete assurance and confidence, unafraid of anything.     From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Monday, July 30, 2012   Our worldly misdeeds and evil karma may have piled up as high as  Mount   Sumeru , but when we take faith in this sutra, they will vanish like frost or dew under the sun of the Lotus Sutra.   The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1026 Letter to Niike Written to Niike Saemon-no-jo in February 1280     Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Monday, July 30, 2012   Religion must teach an "attitude to life." To live a life of true human dignity is certainly difficult. Life is change; it is continuous change. Nothing is constant. The four sufferings of birth, old age, sickness and death are an eternal theme that no one can escape. Amid harsh reality, people yearn from the depths of their beings to live with dignity and for their lives to have meaning, and they make efforts toward that end. The product of these human yearnings, these prayers, is religion. Religion was born from prayer. What is Nichiren's response to these prayers of human beings? What attitude toward life does he teach? The answer, in short, is the principle of attaining Buddhahood in this lifetime.     Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1957) p.331   More rain.  The train was packed.  My strength is all but gone.  Could not even read the paper while on the train.  Neither society nor my life affords me any slack…   At 6:00, a farewell gathering for Chapter Chief B., who is being reassigned.  Attended with Sensei.  The dinner lasted until 10:00.  Is M. a person of backbone?  Fed up with a life of criticism. Must forge a firm, dauntless character.   Returned home alone, without the company of friends.

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

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Sunday, July 29, 2012   The ultimate essence of Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism lies in living on through to the very end, pressing ever forward, courageously taking on each new challenge we encounter and never giving up. Constructing eternal glory - the state of Buddhahood within our own lives is the purpose of our Buddhist practice in this lifetime. Hence the Daishonin's constant urging that we make tenacious efforts in the present.     From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Sunday, July 29, 2012   Believe in the Gohonzon with all your heart, for it is the robe to protect you in the world after death. No wife would ever leave her husband unclothed, nor could any parents fail to feel compassion for their child shivering in the cold. Shakyamuni Buddha and the Lotus Sutra are like one's wife and parents. You have helped me and thereby saved me from disgrace in this life; in return, I will protect you from disgrace in the next. What one has done for another yesterday, will be done for oneself today.   The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 994 Letter to Jakunichi-bo Written to Jakunichi-bo Niike on September 16, 1279     Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Sunday, July 29, 2012   Compassion is the very soul of Buddhism. To pray for others, making their problems and anguish our own; to embrace those who are suffering, becoming their greatest ally; to continue giving them our support and encouragement until they become truly happy - it is in such humanistic actions that Nichiren Buddhism lives and breathes.     Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1957) p.331   Sensei has begun another "Orally Transmitted Teachings" lecture.  My heart pounds when I listen to his fine lectures.  The power of insight and foresight that derives from a grand philosophy.  Words and expressions that derive from an enlightened state of life.  Ashamed of myself; can only lament my own lack of ability.  Left with the top leaders, feeling forlorn.  Faith is not to be found in sentimentalism.  Must use Shijo Kingo's faith as a mirror for myself.  Rather, unless I surpass him as a leader, kosen-rufu will be impossible.  Must not lose.  Must never lose to obstacles and devils.  Challenge myself.

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

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Saturday, July 28, 2012   Life is a process of ongoing challenge. Those who lead lives of boundless challenge realize boundless growth. In a time of tumultuous change, what people need most is the vitality to challenge their circumstances and the wisdom to open the treasure-house of knowledge and to ceaselessly strive to create new value.     From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Saturday, July 28, 2012   Since I have realized that only the Lotus Sutra teaches the attainment of Buddhahood by women, and that only the Lotus is the sutra of true requital for repaying the kindness of our mother, in order to repay my debt to my mother, I have vowed to enable all women to chant the daimoku of this sutra.   The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 931 The Sutra of True Requital Written to the lay nun Sennichi on July 28, 1278     Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Saturday, July 28, 2012   The Buddha's compassion is perfectly equal and impartial. The Buddha views all beings as his own children and strives to elevate them to attain his same enlightened state of life. It's not that there are no differences among people. Rather, it's that the Buddha, while fully recognizing people's differences, does not discriminate among them.     Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1957) p.329   The Gakkai's future is extremely important.  This year so far has been agonizing – fierce storms of 'the three obstacles and four devils' have arisen.  The House of Councillors election in Osaka was a great loss.   No matter how many times I stand on the field of battle, I shall never forget today's sadness.   One day we shall definitely defeat the establishment's corrupt influence.  Definitely.

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

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Friday, July 27, 2012   Buddhism is found in the reality of society and daily life. Because Buddhism is in no way separate from this reality, we must strive through our actions and behaviour to be exemplary models for others.     From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Friday, July 27, 2012   Since childhood, I, Nichiren, have never prayed for the secular things of this life but have single-mindedly sought to become a Buddha. Of late, however, I have been ceaselessly praying for your sake to the Lotus Sutra, Shakyamuni Buddha and the god of the sun, for I am convinced that you are a person who can inherit the soul of the Lotus Sutra.   The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 839 The Hero of the World Written to Shijo Kingo in 1277     Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Friday, July 27, 2012   The brilliance of true humanity lies in surmounting feelings of envy with the resolute attitude "I'll create an even more wonderful life for myself." If you are jealous of others, you will not advance; you will only become miserable. Please do not be defeated or consumed by such emotions.     Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1957) p.329   Stomach cramps kept me in bed in the morning.  My wife was extremely worried; she said I should see the doctor.  Went to work in the afternoon.  The devil of illness… Sorry to worry Sensei. … Home just after 8:00.  While lying down, carefully polished the Osaka House of Councillors election campaign strategy.  Statistically speaking, we cannot win.  Our only choice is to fight with the spirit to "lodge an arrow deep into a rock."*  Pray, fight, open the way; forge a path.   * "Lodge an arrow…": A reference to the story of General Stone Tiger, whose simple arrow penetrated a boulder he had mistaken for the tiger that had mauled his mother to death.

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

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Thursday, July 26, 2012   Faith is perseverance. The key to victory in any struggle in life is persistence. That is why Nichiren Daishonin stresses the importance of having faith that flows ceaselessly like water rather than faith that flames up briefly like fire. To advance continuously, it is important never to become exhausted. Carrying out activities until late at night does not equate with strong faith.     From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Thursday, July 26, 2012   Faith in this sutra means that you will surely attain Buddhahood if you are true to the entirety of the Lotus Sutra, adhering exactly to its teachings without adding any of your own ideas or following the arbitrary interpretations of others.   The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1030 Letter to Niike Written to Niike Saemon-no-jo in February 1280     Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Thursday, July 26, 2012   What does attaining Buddhahood mean for us? It does not mean that one day we suddenly turn into a Buddha or become magically enlightened. In a sense, attaining Buddhahood means that we have securely entered the path or orbit of Buddhahood inherent in the cosmos. Rather than a final static destination at which we arrive and remain, achieving enlightenment means firmly establishing the faith needed to keep advancing along the path of absolute happiness limitlessly, without end.     Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1957) p.328   Heavy fatigue from last night's train trip.  Suffering from physical exhaustion all day.  I don't like uneventful days.  It is a difficult problem to change one's destiny. … My quiet, rich and happy home.  Powerful thoughts emerge as I chant daimoku.   1. Lead a life for which I need make no excuse 2. Lead a sound and steady life. 3. Lead a healthy life.   Another day of my youth has passed.

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

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Wednesday, July 25, 2012   Buddhism is, in a sense, an eternal struggle between the Buddha and demons; in other words, a contest between positive and negative forces. If we fail to be assailed by negative influences, we cannot be said to be truly practicing Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism. Buddhist practice lies in bravely facing and overcoming adversity.     From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Wednesday, July 25, 2012   A bird's egg contains nothing but liquid, yet by itself this develops into a beak, two eyes, and all the other parts, and the bird soars into the sky. We, too, are the eggs of ignorance, which are pitiful things, but when nurtured by the chanting of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, which is like the warmth of the mother bird, we develop the beak of the thirty-two features and the feathers of the eighty characteristics and are free to soar into the skies of the true aspect of all phenomena and the reality of all things.   The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1030 Letter to Niike Written to Niike Saemon-no-jo in February 1280     Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Wednesday, July 25, 2012   Many people talk about peace, but few really do anything about it. Very few are willing to fight the battle to the end. Josei Toda instilled in me the hard and fast rule that, even if we stand alone, we must never give up but must see the struggle through to its conclusion. The year before he died, he said something I have never forgotten for a minute: "If we don't fight, justice will be defeated. Because justice is on our side, we must not lose, we absolutely must win. That's why we fight. The lion is most lion like when he roars."     Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1957) p.328   The social standard for what constitutes good and bad people contains unresolved contradictions.  Must become one who can deeply and keenly perceive good and evil based upon the standard of the Mystic Law.  In leading people, it is important not to make mistakes.  Must fairly and objectively perceive and understand the strong points and shortcomings of people's characters, their hearts and minds and their actions.  Want to protect the disadvantaged.  Want to enable good people to arise.  Want to support people of justice and integrity… Toward the final victory.

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

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Tuesday, July 24, 2012   Our lives are our own. It is not for someone else to dictate to us how we should live them. All that awaits those who allow themselves to be continually swayed by what other people say or do is unhappiness. We simply need to have the self-belief to be able to say: "This is right. This is the path I will follow. I am content." Happiness is born from such inner fortitude. Moreover, those who earnestly devote themselves in accord with the Mystic Law cannot fail to realize lives of total fulfillment.     From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Tuesday, July 24, 2012   The Great Teacher Nan-yueh has stated, "If one sees a foe of the Lotus Sutra and yet fails to censure him, one becomes a slanderer of the Law and will fall into the hell of incessant suffering." Even a man of great wisdom, if he sees such a person and fails to speak out, will fall into the depths of the hell of incessant suffering, and as long as that hell shall endure, he will never escape.   The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1021 Letter to Akimoto Written Akimoto Taro Hyo-no-jo on January 27, 1280     Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Tuesday, July 24, 2012   The Argentine educator Almafuerte wrote: "To the weak, difficulty is a closed door. To the strong, however, it is a door waiting to be opened." Difficulties impede the progress of those who are weak. For the strong, however, they are an opportunity to open wide the doors to a bright future. Everything is determined by our attitude, by our resolve.     Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1957) p.328   Read Japan's Prime Ministers and How to Lead People.  Uninteresting.  Abe Isenokami Masahiro was councilor to the shogun at twenty-five.  In England, William ("the Younger") Pitt became prime minister at twenty-four.  This accorded with the solution of national crises.  The power of youth.  Lately, have come to a vivid awareness that faith and human revolution are one, and human revolution and social revolution are one.

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

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Monday, July 23, 2012   If we attain the state of Buddhahood in this lifetime, that state will forever pervade our lives. Throughout the cycle of birth and death, in each new lifetime, we are endowed with good health, wealth and intelligence, along with a supportive, comfortable environment and lead lives that overflow with good fortune. Each of us will also possess a unique mission and be born in an appropriate form to fulfill it.     From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Monday, July 23, 2012   Among my disciples, those who think themselves well-versed in Buddhism are the ones who make errors. Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is the heart of the Lotus Sutra. It is like the soul of a person. To revere another teaching as its equal is to be like a consort who is married to two emperors, or who secretly commits adultery with a minister or a humble subject. It can only be a cause for disaster.   The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 903 The Teaching for the Latter Day Written to Nanjo Tokimitsu on April 1, 1278     Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Monday, July 23, 2012   I've suggested that the twenty-first be named the Century of Women. Women have the wisdom and strength to lead society in the direction of good, of hope and of peace. In expanding his own non-violence movement, Gandhi greatly relied on women. He said it is women who can teach pacific learning to a world that, while engaged in hostilities, nonetheless thirsts for the sweet dew of peace.     Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1957) p.327   Lately, I have been reflecting upon my lack of proficiency in Buddhist study.  Need unremitting effort.  This is the most essential requirement for leaders from now on.  Want this year to be a year of reading.   My quiet home, my warm home; a home overflowing with good fortune.  My pure, clean home; home of youthful poetry.  While it is small, this home is my great pride. …   Tidied up my bookshelf for a while.  My books are like my children.

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

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Sunday, July 22, 2012   Without practice or actual efforts, there is no bodhisattva. Action is the essence of a Buddha. A self-centered life lived solely in pursuit of one's own benefit and fortune is empty and base. A Bodhisattva of the Earth, in contrast, respects others and works for their happiness.     From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Sunday, July 22, 2012   A good believer is one who does not depend upon persons of eminence nor despise those of humble station; who does not rely on the backing of superiors or look down on inferiors; who, not relying upon the opinions of others, upholds the Lotus Sutra among all the sutras. Such a person the Buddha has called the best of all people.   The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 880 How Those Initially Aspiring to the Way Can Attain Buddhahood through the Lotus Sutra Written to the lay nun Myoho in 1277     Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Sunday, July 22, 2012   Josei Toda always urged us to live our lives with courage and never be cowards. He said: "Those who can't do anything but live cowardly lives are like beasts. They are ignoble and unhappy. Those who live out their lives courageously, on the other hand, lead the noblest and most sublime existences, they are happy."     Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1957) p.326   Want to do the kind of gongyo, morning and evening, in which I can practice the profound meditation of the Lotus Sutra.  Reflecting deeply upon my life, which lacks the power of concentration.  There are times I feel impelled to cross the oceans, soaring into the air to boldly advance global kosen-rufu – traveling to the mysterious developing nations of Southeast Asia; to the advanced civilization of America; to the tumultuous, newly developing communist countries; to the Christian democracies of Europe; to Africa and South America – the continents of the twenty-first century; and to Australia, the land of the future.  Dreams! Never die!