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

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Sunday, October 28, 2012   It may seem perfectly all right to put ourselves and our own wishes first, to simply follow the dictates of our emotions and cravings, but the truth is that there is nothing more unreliable than our own mind. Life doesn't always go like clockwork and things will not necessarily turn out as we hope or plan. Consequently, Nichiren Daishonin frequently stressed: You should become the master of your mind, not let your mind master you. We mustn't allow ourselves to be ruled by a self-centered mind. Rather, we have to discipline our mind and gain mastery over it. This is the Daishonin's strict admonition.     From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Sunday, October 28, 2012   Showing profound compassion for those unable to comprehend the gem of the doctrine of three thousand realms in a single moment of life, the Buddha wrapped it within the five characters [of Myoho-renge-kyo], with which he then adorned the necks of the ignorant people of the latter age.   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 Sunday, October 28, 2012   Shakyamuni Buddha explained the fundamental spirit of Buddhism as a sense of individual responsibility. "You are your only master. Who else? Subdue yourself and discover your master." In other words, we must each take responsibility for our own self-discipline and for cultivating meaningful lives.     Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1958) p.392   On the 25th: Took the Swallow express to Kobe to administer the Study Department examination for the Kansai area.  My first visit since the death of my beloved mentor.  Though the mentor has departed, Gakkai members are refreshed and in high spirits.  Confident about their future…   Deeply moved to see the several tens of thousands of sincere examinees.  Is this a sign of the Gakkai's solid latent power?  No mishaps or accidents.  Relieved.