Sunday, 22 July 2012

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!

 



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