Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Sunday, July 8, 2012
We must make steady and persistent efforts firmly grounded in daily life. If we travel in the orbit of "faith equals daily life," all our prayers will definitely be answered. We can then lead lives in which all our desires will be fulfilled. Should all our prayers be answered without our having to make any effort, we would grow lazy. Should all our desires be achieved without our ever having to experience suffering or hardship, we could not understand the pain and struggles of others, and our compassion would gradually wane.
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Just as I was thinking that, even if I remained free from illness, I would surely die of starvation, the wheat that you sent arrived. It is more wonderful than gold and more precious than jewels. Rida's millet changed into a golden man. How, then, could Tokimitsu's wheat fail to turn into the characters of the Lotus Sutra? These characters of the Lotus Sutra will become Shakyamuni Buddha and then a pair of wings for your deceased father, flying and soaring to the pure land of Eagle Peak . On returning, they will cover your body and protect you.
Reply to Tokimitsu
Written to Nanjo Tokimitsu on July 8, 1278
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Buddhism concerns itself with winning. When we battle a powerful enemy, either we will triumph or we will be defeated - there is no middle ground. Battling against life's negative functions is an indivisible part of Buddhism. It is by being victorious in this struggle that we become Buddhas. We have to win. Moreover, Buddhism ensures that we can definitely do so.
Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1956) p.309
Got up a little before 6:00 – pilgrimage. Mentally and physically exhausted; woke up just in time. Arrived at the head temple just after 11:00…
The light rain gave way to weather that was almost too good to be true. Chanted before the Dai-Gohonzon at 2:00. Gongyo was excruciatingly difficult, but afterward it was as if a dark cloud in my heart had lifted to reveal a clear state of life.
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