Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 10 August 2012 - The Year of Developing a Youthful SGI

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Friday, August 10, 2012   From one perspective, Buddhist practice means plunging into the midst of the people and striving to strengthen our life force to the greatest extent. The purpose of SGI activities is for each of us to be able to build a strong, invincible, diamond-like self that can overcome every difficulty and blaze a way forward wherever we go. Obstacles are a golden opportunity to quickly forge an inner self that is as indestructible as a diamond, able to endure for eternity.     From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Friday, August 10, 2012   Concerning prayer, there are conspicuous prayer and conspicuous response, conspicuous prayer and inconspicuous response, inconspicuous prayer and inconspicuous response, and inconspicuous prayer and conspicuous response. But the only essential point is that, if you believe in this sutra, all your desires will be fulfilled in both the present and the future.   The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 750 Letter to the Lay Priest Domyo Written to the lay priest Domyo on August 10, 1276     Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Friday, August 10, 2012   The heart of one person moves another's. If one's own heart is closed, then the doors of other people's hearts will also shut tight. On the other hand, someone who makes all those around him or her into allies, bathing them in the sunlight of spring, will be treasured by all.     Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1957) p.338   It's becoming necessary to plan out our monthly finances.  Must think about setting guidelines to provide for the children's education.  Conducted the first lecture of the month in the evening.  In the meeting hall at the headquarters.  On the section of Nichikan's "The Threefold Secret Teaching" that enumerates the three thousand worlds in a single moment of life.  Since I had received direction on the material from Sensei, I could lecture confidently.  Went to M.'s house after the lecture, though I should have gone home early.  I wish to help people, but I'm astonished at how easily I let others take advantage of me.  Stayed up late discussing the family budget, among other things, with my wife.