Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 22 August 2012 - The Year of Developing a Youthful SGI

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Wednesday, August 22, 2012   It is not a question of your environment or those around you, nor what the organization or leaders may be like. To be swayed by such externals is pointless. It all comes down to one person: you. What matters is that you become a brilliant beacon, shining with joy and happiness and live your life with confidence and courage. If you shine with a radiant light, there can be no darkness in your life.     From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Wednesday, August 22, 2012   By considering the magnitude of the punishment suffered by those who harbor enmity toward the Lotus Sutra, we can understand the magnitude of the benefits obtained by devoting oneself to it.   The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1095 Reply to Jibu-bo Written to Jibu-bo on August 22, 1281     Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Wednesday, August 22, 2012   The times when I have most intensely felt and experienced the inner reality of creation have been those times when I have thrown myself wholeheartedly into a task, when I have carried through with that task to the very end. At such times, I experience a dramatically expanded sense of self. I can almost hear the joyous yell of victory issuing from the depths of my being.     Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary p.348   Overslept.  Was it from taking the night train yesterday?  Every joint in my body aches.  "I've been waiting for you," Sensei said with a stern look when I arrived at the morning study session.  As his disciple, I have absolutely no excuse.  Reflected seriously. … Stopped at a stand on the way home from the station where I ate eighteen barbecued beef skewers.  My stomach hurts.  Had better control my appetite.