Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 05 August 2012 - The Year of Developing a Youthful SGI

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Sunday, August 5, 2012   We cannot build true character if we allow ourselves to be swayed by passing praise or censure. "Don't concern yourself with petty criticisms! Commune constantly with fine books and fine people and improve yourself!" This was the creed by which Mr. Makiguchi and Mr. Toda lived their lives.     From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Sunday, August 5, 2012   The great lantern that illuminates the long night of the sufferings of birth and death, the sharp sword that severs the fundamental darkness inherent in life, is none other than the Lotus Sutra.   The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1038 A Comparison of the Lotus and Other Sutras Written to Toki Jonin on May 26, 1280     Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Sunday, August 5, 2012   Buddhist optimism is not the escapist optimism of those who throw up their hands and say, "Somehow or other things will work out." Rather it means clearly recognizing evil as evil and suffering as suffering and resolutely fighting to overcome it. It means believing in one's ability and strength to struggle against any evil or any obstacle. It is to possess a fighting optimism.     Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1957) p.336   It's been a little more than two months since my release from jail. Lately, keenly sense how profoundly important an experience it was. Someday, I will record what happened for posterity.  To do so, must jot down my memories.