Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 17 August 2012 - The Year of Developing a Youthful SGI

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Friday, August 17, 2012   There is nothing more noble than inviting our friends to discussion meetings, gathering together to enable them to establish a connection with Buddhism, to talk about Buddhist teachings, and to deepen our faith. As the Lotus Sutra clearly indicates, through such steady, dedicated efforts to teach others about Buddhism, you are accumulating the good fortune and benefit to be reborn as great leaders and savour a state of unsurpassed freedom in lifetime after lifetime.     From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Friday, August 17, 2012   Rice is what sustains life. It is like the oil that sustains the life of the lamp. The Lotus Sutra is a lamp, and its votary is the oil that sustains it. Or again, the lay supporters are the oil that sustains the lamp of the votary.   The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 983 King Rinda  Written to Soya Doso on August 17, 1279     Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Friday, August 17, 2012   The Buddhist teaching of the oneness of life and its environment tells us that humanity and the natural world are one. That is why if we wish to protect the environment, we must transform and purify the three poisons - greed, anger and foolishness - that exist in people's lives. The principle of human revolution focuses on precisely that: inner transformation at the most fundamental level.     Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary p.343   Yesterday, the retired high priest, Nissho, died.  Received communication there would be an evening service for him.  Sensei came directly to the head temple from Osaka, and we, from Tokyo.  Severely rebuked by Sensei, who said all communication had been poor. Reflecting, I realize he was right. The evening memorial service was held at the Renyoan at 7:00.  Countless emotions.  Was moved to tears watching Sensei eulogize Nissho. … At 11:00, the casket was removed.  Can imagine what it must have been like when the Daishonin died. Gazed upon High Priest Nissho's face one last time.  Amazed at his sublime and venerable Buddha-like countenance.  Returned to Tokyowith Sensei on the steam train, which left just after 3:00.  In the train, received profound guidance concerning the future of the priesthood and the Gakkai.