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

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Saturday, October 27, 2012   Whether we regard difficulties in life as misfortunes or whether we view them as good fortune depends entirely on how much we have forged our inner determination. It all depends on our attitude or inner state of life. With a dauntless spirit, we can lead a cheerful and thoroughly enjoyable life. We can develop a "self" of such fortitude that we can look forward to life's trials and tribulations with a sense of profound elation and joy: "Come on obstacles! I've been expecting you! This is the chance that I've been waiting for!"     From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Saturday, October 27, 2012   The function of fire is to burn and give light. The function of water is to wash away filth. The winds blow away dust and breathe life into plants, animals and human beings. The earth nourishes the grasses and trees, and heaven provides nourishing moisture. The five characters of Myoho-renge-kyo are also like that. They are the cluster of blessings brought by the Bodhisattvas of the Earth, disciples of the Buddha in his true identity.   The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 218 The Heritage of the Ultimate Law of Life Written to Sairen-bo Nichijo on February 11, 1272     Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Saturday, October 27, 2012   Literature that works to refine, deepen and save the human soul is akin to a religion that elevates and binds people together. And the texts of great religions, such as the Bible and the Buddhist scriptures, make great literature. Literature and religion are parts of the human heritage, and determining how to use that heritage is essential to our further growth as human beings.     Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1958) p.391/392   Today, I bid my final farewell to my mentor.  Want to visit his home alone, as I see fit.  No disciple is as grief-stricken and sad to part from Sensei as I am. A strict father; a kind father.  Owe everything I am today to my beloved mentor.  Revere him. … Approximately 120,000 people came to offer incense today.  Sincere people who heartily respect Sensei. Determined that I must guide them further from here on, limitlessly, toward happiness.  On behalf of my "father".