Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 08 August 2012 - The Year of Developing a Youthful SGI

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Wednesday, August 8, 2012   The present, as I am sure you all sense, is an age pervaded by great weariness and apathy. I would like you to be aware that the power and energy to serve humanity in such an enervated age can only be born from a vigorous, indomitable, noble will. Though the times may be rife with petty human conflicts, a pervading sense of hopelessness and all manner of turbulent storms, I hope that all of you will forge ahead boldly, with unflagging good cheer.     From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Wednesday, August 8, 2012   The sutras expounded prior to the Lotus Sutra cannot lead to Buddhahood because they are provisional and expedient teachings that separate reality and wisdom. The Lotus Sutra, however, unites the two as a single entity. The sutra says that the Buddhas open the door of Buddha wisdom to all living beings, show it, cause them to awaken to it, and induce them to enter its path. By realizing this Buddha wisdom, one attains Buddhahood.    The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 746 The Essentials for Attaining Buddhahood Written to Soya Jiro Hyoe-no-jo Kyoshin on August 3, 1276     Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Wednesday, August 8, 2012   Depending on the use to which it is put, religion can be a demonic force. Religion should bring us together, but it is exploited by some to create greater schisms among us. Nothing could be more unfortunate. Religion must always be for the people. People do not exist for the sake of religion. This must be the fundamental guideline of religion in the twenty-first century.   Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1957) p.337   Tolstoy defined unhappiness as having regrets.  Must make efforts to live each day meaningfully.  Lately, I am thoroughly aware of the joy of chanting daimoku.  Had better think carefully about laying the foundation for my life, my direction and planning my living expenses.