Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 21 August 2012 - The Year of Developing a Youthful SGI

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Tuesday, August 21, 2012   Those who say "I'll do it," who are willing to take on a challenge even if they are alone, are true winners. The determination, the commitment to take action yourself, is the force that leads to victory. As Buddhism teaches in the principle of a life - moment possesses 3,000 realms, our mind or attitude can change everything.     From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Tuesday, August 21, 2012   T'ien-tai states, "By observing the fury of the rain, we can tell the greatness of the dragon that caused it, and by observing the flourishing of the lotus flowers, we can tell the depth of the pond they grow in." Miao-lo says, "Wise men can perceive the cause of things, as snakes know the way of snakes." When the skies are clear, the ground is illuminated. Similarly, when one knows the Lotus Sutra, one understands the meaning of all worldly affairs.   The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 376 The Object of Devotion for Observing the Mind Established in the Fifth Five-Hundred-Year Period after the Thus Come One's Passing Written to Toki Jonin on April 25, 1273   Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Tuesday, August 21, 2012   It is important to remember that your worth as a person is not based on your profession. It is not based on wealth, fame or academic credentials. What counts is how hard you have striven in your chosen path, how much good you have accomplished, how earnestly you have devoted your energies to it. It is your spirit of devotion, your sincerity, that determines your true worth.   Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary p.347   Was severely admonished by Sensei in the morning.  Confucius said, "nine thoughts to one word," but I haven't been putting this into practice.  Had better watch myself.   At 12:10, the ceremony to bring out the casket was held in the Reception Hall.  Then, the main funeral ceremony was held before the Sutra Repository.   Was moved by the service, which lasted more than two hours and was held in accord with ancient tradition.   Heartbroken to see Sensei and his wife in tears, purely bidding their final farewell to Nissho…. Oh, how things change.  Common mortal reflect the general principle that all is transient, nothing is permanent.  In light of the Mystic Law, this principle becomes the four virtues – eternity, happiness, true self and purity.  I, my wife, my mentor and my friends – several decades from now, we will all have passed from this world.  Impermanence.