Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 12 August 2012 - The Year of Developing a Youthful SGI

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Sunday, August 12, 2012   Courage is free. Anyone can have it. Courage is another name for the SGI spirit. Mr. Toda said: "The Buddha is filled with compassion, but it is hard for us common mortals to show compassion. So we must have courage instead." In other words, when we work courageously for kosen-rufu, our actions by their very nature become compassionate.     From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Sunday, August 12, 2012   What caused you to inwardly believe in the Lotus Sutra and to make offerings to me during my more than thirty-day stay there? I was hated and resented by the steward and the people of the district even more than I was in Kamakura. Those who saw me scowled, while those who merely heard my name were filled with spite. And yet, though I was there in the fifth month when rice was scarce, you secretly fed me. Have my parents been reborn in a place called Kawana, in Ito of Izu Province?"   The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 35 The Izu Exile Written to Funamori Yasaburo on June 27, 1261     Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Sunday, August 12, 2012   When you look at those of superior capacity, do not disparage yourself. The Buddha's true intention was that no one, even those of inferior capacity, be denied enlightenment. Conversely, when you compare yourself with persons of inferior capacity, do not be arrogant and over proud. Even persons of superior capacity may be excluded from enlightenment if they do not devote themselves wholeheartedly – Nichiren       Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1957) p.339   An "Orally Transmitted Teachings" lecture at the headquarters at 6:30.  On the parts that cover the Lotus Sutra's "Devadatta", "Encouraging Devotion" and "Peaceful Practices" chapters.  Sensei's excellent lecture applied to daily life from an objective standpoint, and, from a subjective standpoint, to life itself.  He said that when one steadfastly embraces the Mystic Law, living itself becomes a true pleasure.