Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 30 September 2012 - The Year of Developing a Youthful SGI

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Sunday, September 30, 2012

 

Those who strengthen their faith day by day and month after month are genuine practitioners. Our daily practice of gongyo, therefore, is important, as well as is attending meetings every month. We must not let our faith grow weak. We must make it stronger today than yesterday, stronger this month than last. Buddhist practice is a succession of such untiring efforts, the ultimate goal of which is attaining the summit of Buddhahood.

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Sunday, September 30, 2012

 

The meaning of this passage is that those who obtained benefit during the Former and Middle Days of the Law received "conspicuous" benefit, because the relationship they formed with the Lotus Sutra during the lifetime of the Buddha had finally matured. On the other hand, those born today in the Latter Day of the Law receive the seeds of Buddhahood for the first time, and their benefit is therefore "inconspicuous."

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 474

The Teaching, Practice and Proof

Written to Sammi-bo on March 21, 1275

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Sunday, September 30, 2012

 

Knowledge gives rise to wisdom. If you like, knowledge is the pump; wisdom is the water that we get from the pump. If we can't obtain water, the pump is useless. At the same time, without knowledge, without the pump, we won't be able to obtain water.

 

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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1958) p.373

 

Woke up, 7:00.  Physically and spiritually exhausted.  Yet, I am throbbing with the awareness and determination that I am about to embark upon my thirties.

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At 9:00, greeted Sensei at his home in Meguro.  Nothing could be greater than the youth division leaders' pride and joy upon welcoming the New Year with their mentor. 

 

Sensei seemed in high spirits.  Want to develop such faith that I will never leave him throughout my life.  There is no other life for me. 

 

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Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 29 September 2012 - The Year of Developing a Youthful SGI

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Saturday, September 29, 2012

 

Faith, which at first glance may appear weak, is actually the most powerful force in the world. Many people put on a show of being strong, but true strength has nothing to do with appearances. On the contrary, we usually find that the weaker the individual, the greater their bravado or outward display of strength.

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Saturday, September 29, 2012

 

The number of those endowed with human life is as small as the amount of earth one can place on a fingernail. Life as a human being is hard to sustain ‚ as hard as it is for the dew to remain on the grass. But it is better to live a single day with honour than to live to 120 and die in disgrace. Live so that all the people of Kamakura will say in your praise that Nakatsukasa Saburo Saemon-no-jo is diligent in the service of his lord, in the service of Buddhism, and in his concern for other people.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 851

The Three Kinds of Treasure

Written to Shijo Kingo on September 11, 1277

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Saturday, September 29, 2012

 

A sword is useless in the hands of a coward. The mighty sword of the Lotus Sutra must be wielded by one courageous in faith. Then one will be as strong as a demon armed with an iron staff - Nichiren

 

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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1957) p.370

 

An eternal goodbye to my twenty-ninth year.  May I live gloriously in my thirties.  It has been a difficult year.  It may have been a losing battle.  This coming year, I will definitely win and make a fresh start toward a splendid life.  Farewell, 1957!  Mount Fuji stands undaunted, as always, against the bitter wind.

 

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Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 28 September 2012 - The Year of Developing a Youthful SGI

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Friday, September 28, 2012

 

Faith means making a hundred percent effort ourselves - in our daimoku and in our actions. When we practice in this way, the Buddhist gods will lend us their protection. We mustn't have a complacent, dependent attitude in faith, chanting haphazardly without definite goals and making only half-hearted efforts in the belief that we'll automatically be protected. Depth of determination and unshakable character are vital. Those possessing these qualities are second to none in faith.

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Friday, September 28, 2012

 

Never seek this Gohonzon outside yourself. The Gohonzon exists only within the mortal flesh of us ordinary people who embrace the Lotus Sutra and chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 832

The Real Aspect of the Gohonzon

Written to Nichinyo on August 23, 1277

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Friday, September 28, 2012

 

Your home is where your loved ones live. Your home is the place where you work together with your fellow human beings to build a paradise, a realm of peace and prosperity for all. When we are asked where our home is, we can answer: "My home is the world. Everywhere in the world where my fellow human beings live, all of it, is my home."

 

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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1957) p. 369

 

I will only be twenty-nine for a few more days.  Soon I will be thirty.  I can no longer go on being a spoiled child.  Must study.  Must develop my true ability.  Must fight.

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With each year's passage, I feel my responsibility deepen.  Another year of Sensei's lectures and of advancing my own study has ended. As I look back, I keenly sense my growth this year.  Deeply, powerfully, toward revealing the actual proof of the inconspicuous benefit of Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism. 

 

Will climb the coming year's new slope.

 

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Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 27 September 2012 - The Year of Developing a Youthful SGI

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Thursday, September 27, 2012

 

Pioneering takes steady dedicated effort; it is advancing surely one step at a time. True Buddhist practice lies in such activities as visiting members, giving personal encouragement, talking to our friends about Buddhism and introducing others to faith. How many members do you take the time to visit and encourage in a month? In a year? True pioneering lies in making precisely such efforts. Our challenge is to deepen the understanding of friends and fellow members toward the philosophy and activities of the SGI through our encounters with them.

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Thursday, September 27, 2012

 

What the Lotus Sutra, T'ien-t'ai, and Miao-lo intend to say is that the act of accepting and upholding or protecting and embracing one verse of the Lotus Sutra surpasses the act of making offerings to all living beings, or making offerings to arhats, or even of filling the entire major world system with the seven kinds of treasures as an offering to all Buddhas.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 973

The Unmatched Blessings of the Law

Written to the lay priest Nishiyama on May 11, 1279

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Thursday, September 27, 2012

 

The wise course is to control and make correct use of knowledge. Buddhism is a means for developing wisdom, and it teaches how to overcome the four inherent sufferings or sorrows - birth, aging, illness and death - in order to lead a happy, meaningful life. In addition it teaches how to control desire rather than be controlled by it.

 

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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1957) p.369

 

In the afternoon, a Daibyakurenge panel discussion in the conference room at the headquarters.  The topic.  "Remembering High Priest Nichiko Hori."  My voice was weak, perhaps due to fatigue.  Had difficulty speaking.

Our voices reflect the state of our bodies and minds.  Our speech reveals the power of our lives.  The voice is important.  Ancient texts speak of demons and evil spirits that devour people's voices.  I believe such (vocal) problems cannot be solved by medicine alone.  I think they are problems of our entire being.

 

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Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 26 September 2012 - The Year of Developing a Youthful SGI

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

 

Our voice costs nothing and it is our strongest weapon. Nichiren Daishonin wrote, "Do not spare your voice" (Gosho Zenshu, p. 726).There are different voices for different situations: the clear, resounding voice that declares truth and justice; the strong voice that refutes evil; the bright, confident voice that tells others about the greatness of this Buddhism; the warm voice that gives encouragement; the sincere, friendly voice that offers praise and words of appreciation to others. The important thing is that we meet and speak with people widely, inside and outside the organization.

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

 

Although at heart you are of the same mind as Nichiren, since your person is in service to your lord, it would have been extremely difficult for you to have avoided the offense of complicity in slander. How admirable it is that, despite this, you communicated this teaching to your lord and urged him to take faith in it. Even though he may fail to accept it now, you have managed to avoid the offense of complicity.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 461

On Recommending This Teaching to Your Lord and Avoiding the Offense of Complicity in Slander

Written to Shijo Kingo on September 26, 1274

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

 

Live in a way that is full of life‚ for yourself, for your loved ones, for your friends. People who do so will find the courage to transform sufferings into hopes. Not only that, but they will be able to light the lamp of hope in the hearts of many others, as well.

 

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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1957) p.368

 

It has been seven years since Sensei assumed the presidency, and his goal of 750,000 member households had been fulfilled.  What should be the youth division goal?  As a first step, it is our destiny to gather 100,000 young men, as Sensei stated in his essay, "Youth, Be Patriotic."  It's up to me.  Until then, I will resolutely battle the devil of illness.  Can only pray for Sensei's recovery. 

 

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Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 25 September 2012 - The Year of Developing a Youthful SGI

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

 

Everything ultimately depends on whether there is someone who is willing to wage a desperate all-out struggle, someone who will take 100 percent responsibility without relying on or leaving things to others, someone who will work with selfless dedication for the sake of the people without any concern for what others think. Such a person is a true leader and a genuine Buddhist.

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

 

Ever since I began to study the Law handed down from Shakyamuni Buddha and undertook the practice of the Buddhist teachings, I have believed it is most important to understand one's obligations to others, and made it my first duty to repay such debts of kindness. In this world, we owe four debts of gratitude. One who understands this is worthy to be called human, while one who does not is no more than an animal.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 122

Conversation between a Sage and an Unenlightened Man

Recipient unknown; written in 1265

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

 

In the true reality of life as viewed from the enlightened state of the Buddha - who has broken free of all delusion - all things are equal, transcending distinctions and differences between subject and object, self and others, mind and body, the spiritual and the material. In its true aspect, life is infinitely expansive and eternal, without beginning or end. Life is dynamic; it is wisdom and compassion; it embodies the principle of the indivisibility of life and death; it is a universal law. The cosmos is not so big that life cannot embrace it, nor a particle of matter so small that life cannot be contained within it.

 

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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1957) p.368

 

Took a taxi from home.  Think of the cab fare as a medical expense for maintaining my health.

Sensei is profoundly ill.  I, too, am ill.  Regrettable.

 

 

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Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 24 September 2012 - The Year of Developing a Youthful SGI

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Monday, September 24, 2012

 

"What kinds of causes am I making right now?" "What actions am I taking?" The answers to these questions are what will determine our future in this life and throughout the three existences. Herein lies the foundation of faith. True glory and victory in life lie in basing oneself on this fundamental principle.

 

Events

1993 The Boston Research Center for the 21st Century founded by SGI President Ikeda.

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Monday, September 24, 2012

 

Though muddy water has no mind, it can catch the moon's reflection and so naturally become clear. When plants and trees receive the rainfall, they can hardly be aware of what they are doing, and yet do they not proceed to put forth blossoms? The five characters of Myoho-renge-kyo do not represent the sutra text, nor are they its meaning. They are nothing other than the intent of the entire sutra. So, even though the beginners in Buddhist practice may not understand their significance, by practicing these five characters, they will naturally conform to the sutra's intent.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 788

On the Four Stages of Faith and the Five Stages of Practice

Written to Toki Jonin on April 10, 1277

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Monday, September 24, 2012

 

We are all human beings, whatever our positions. If we open our hearts and speak with sincerity, we can communicate and touch others on the deepest level. World peace starts with trust between one individual and another.

 

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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1957) p.368

 

A message from Sensei containing next year's direction. 

 

1. Faith to establish family harmony

2. Faith to enable each individual to obtain happiness.

3. Faith to overcome obstacles.

 

Our magnificent religious revolution advances…

 

The meeting ended 9:30.  Headed home. Read the Gosho alone.  It is shameful for a leader be deficient in study.  How could I, as a seeker of the way, fail to do so.  Must never become an arrogant person.  Strictly admonished by my mentor's eyes.

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 23 September 2012 - The Year of Developing a Youthful SGI

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Sunday, September 23, 2012

 

Winning in life is not a matter of form or appearances. It has nothing to do with vanity. Victory in life ultimately hinges on whether one has truly fought, whether one has truly advanced.

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Sunday, September 23, 2012

 

Miao-lo said, "Wise men can perceive the cause of things, as snakes know the way of snakes." The present epidemics are like the virulent boils of King Ajatashatru that could not be cured by anyone but the Buddha. They can only be eliminated by the Lotus Sutra.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 920

The Two Kinds of Illness

Written to Shijo Kingo on June 26, 1278

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Sunday, September 23, 2012

 

Now, if you wish to attain Buddhahood, you have only to lower the banner of your arrogance, cast aside the staff of your anger, and devote yourself exclusively to the one vehicle of the Lotus Sutra. Worldly fame and profit are mere baubles of your present existence, and arrogance and prejudice are ties that will fetter you in a next one - Nichiren

 

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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1957) p.367

 

The headquarters leaders meeting at Toshima Civic Auditorium.  Sensei did not attend.  We have finally achieved a membership of 750,000 households.  Our goal has been brilliantly achieved.  President Toda's conviction has clearly become a reality.  Lots of thoughts, stemming from a realization in the depths of my life about the strict, exacting nature of the Buddhist Law. 

 

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

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Saturday, September 22, 2012

 

The principle that "Buddhism equals life" means that everything in one's life is itself Buddhism. The principle that "Buddhism becomes manifest in society" means that society, too, is at one with Buddhism. The struggle for kosen-rufu can be waged only within the realities of life and society. Those who earnestly grapple with these realities develop strength and inner substance. They develop and grow.

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Saturday, September 22, 2012

 

I cannot see the sun in the daytime or the moon at night. In winter there is deep snow, and in summer the grass grows thick. Because so few people come to see me, the trail is very hard to travel. This year, especially, the snow is so deep that I have no visitors at all. Knowing that my life may end at any time, I put all my trust in the Lotus Sutra.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 779

The Actions of the Votary of the Lotus Sutra

Written to the lay nun Konichi in 1276

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Saturday, September 22, 2012

 

Buddhism views illness as an opportunity to attain a higher, nobler state of life. It teaches that, instead of agonizing over a serious disease, or despairing of ever overcoming it, we should use illness as a means to build a strong, compassionate self, which in turn will make it possible for us to be truly victorious.

 

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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1957) p.367

 

Rested for a while in the late afternoon.  My strength returned.  Getting rest is also important.  Physical strength and energy are the source of power for waging a campaign.

 

Though winning and losing are normal events in the course of a person's life, I pray to the Buddha for my final victory.

 

I will engrave in my life this waka poem I received from Sensei; I shall not forget it.

 

In the evening, my wife and I discussed our plans for the coming year.  Hope rises.  The future opens.

 

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

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Friday, September 21, 2012

 

In the twinkling of an eye we grow old. Our physical strength wanes and we begin to suffer various aches and pains. We practice Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism so that instead of sinking into feelings of sadness, loneliness and regret, we can greet old age with an inner richness and maturity as round and complete as a ripe, golden fruit of autumn. Faith exists so that we can welcome smiling and without regrets an old age that is like a breathtaking sunset whose dazzling rays colour heaven and earth in majestic hues.

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Friday, September 21, 2012

 

I cannot adequately express my gratitude for your frequent letters. At the time of my persecution on the twelfth, not only did you accompany me to Tatsunokuchi, but also you declared that you would die by my side. This can only be called wondrous.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 196

The Persecution at Tatsunokuchi

Written to Shijo Kingo on September 21, 1271

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Friday, September 21, 2012

 

Efforts to reach out and engage others in dialogue with the aim of fostering mutual understanding and bringing people closer together may seem ordinary and unexciting, but they in fact constitute a bold and daring challenge to create a new era of human civilization.

 

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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1957) p. 365

 

A fever again today.  Physically and mentally weary.  Coughing.  Must take care.

 

Read the Gosho:

Iron, when heated in the flames and pounded, becomes a fine sword.  Worthies and sages are tested by abuse.  "Letter from Sado"

 

Read the following in a book.  "A person who lives to seventy has spent nineteen years working, twenty-three years sleeping, four years sick, nine years enjoying some form of amusement, two years getting dressed or changing clothes and three years eating." 

 

Think of it!  How many years of our lives are spent in a valuable way?

 

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Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 20 September 2012 - The Year of Developing a Youthful SGI

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Thursday, September 20, 2012

 

When your determination changes, everything else will begin to move in the direction you desire. The moment you resolve to be victorious, every nerve and fiber in your being will immediately orient itself toward your success. On the other hand, if you think "This is never going to work out," then at that instant every cell in your being will be deflated and give up the fight, and then everything really will move in the direction of failure.

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Thursday, September 20, 2012

 

All those who keep faith in the Lotus Sutra are most certainly Buddhas, and one who slanders a Buddha commits a grave offense. When one chants the daimoku bearing in mind that there are no distinctions among those who embrace the Lotus Sutra, then the blessings one gains will be equal to those of Shakyamuni Buddha.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 756

The Fourteen Slanders

Written to the lay priest Matsuno Rokuro Saemon on December 9, 1276

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Thursday, September 20, 2012

 

 There has never been, nor will there ever be, a Buddha who does not encounter hardships. Only by struggling against difficulties can we attain the life-state of Buddhahood. Herein lies the essence of Buddhism.

 

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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1957) p.365

 

An early evening chapter administrators meeting at my house.  A serious conference attended by the chapter chief.

Tired.  Truly exhausted.

1. Discussed the basic direction for the coming year.

2. To be a leader means to have confidence.

3. The mysterious nature of life, which is in a constant state of flux.

4. The necessity of the Gakkai accomplishing great change in this seventh year since Sensei assumed the presidency.

 

Discussed the above topics openly and frankly.  All are good and precious members.

 

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