Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 28 February 2013 - Year of Victory for a Youthful SGI

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Thursday, February 28, 2013

 

 You can forge the path to a fulfilling and enjoyable life if you have the depth of faith to regard everything as a source for creating happiness and value. Conversely, if you see everything only in a negative or pessimistic light, your life will gradually but inevitably be plunged into darkness. Buddhism teaches the subtle principle of ichinen, and moreover, the power of faith.

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Thursday, February 28, 2013

 

 Since you now appear certain to attain Buddhahood, perhaps the heavenly devil and evil spirits are using illness to try to intimidate you. Life in this world is limited. Never be even the least bit afraid!".

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1109

The Proof of the Lotus Sutra

Written to Nanjo Tokimitsu on February 28, 1282

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Thursday, February 28, 2013

 

Make goals. Whether big or small, work toward realizing them. You must be serious about and dedicated to your goals - you'll get nowhere if you just treat them like jokes. An earnest, dedicated spirit shines like a diamond and moves people's hearts. That is because a brilliant flame burns within. If we are sincere, people will understand our intentions, and our positive qualities will shine forth. It is pointless to be caught up in outward appearances. The German poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe writes: "How may one get to know oneself? Never by contemplation,only , indeed, by action. Seek to do your duty, and you will know at once how it is with you."

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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (8 Feb. 1960) p.474

 

Lately, many people are trying to use me.  Troubling.  Must self-reflect as well.  Although I'm not sure if there much value in taking advantage of me, they are indeed frightening.  So many shallow people!

Will advance resolutely.  Will stride forward as a man of responsibility.

Will move ahead with a sense of equity like that of a renowned general.

Will charge on, upholding Buddhism as a supreme guide, never turning back.

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Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 27 February 2013 - Year of Victory for a Youthful SGI

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

 

Originally, every person's life is a brilliantly shining mirror. Differences arise depending on whether one polishes this mirror: A polished mirror is the Buddha's life, whereas a tarnished mirror is that of a common mortal. Chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is what polishes our lives.

 

Events; SGI-USA Womens Day.

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

 

However, people all turn their backs on these sutra passages, and the world as a whole is completely confused with regard to the principles of Buddhism. Why do you persist in following the teachings of evil friends? T'ien-t'ai said that to accept and put faith in the doctrines of evil teachers is the same as drinking poison. You should deeply consider this and beware.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 61

Questions and Answers about Embracing the Lotus Sutra

Recipient unknown; written in March 1263

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

 

We each move forward secure on our own earth, not the earth of others. Happiness is something we must create for ourselves. No one else can give it to us.

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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (8 Feb. 1960) p.474

 

The spirit of Kosen Rufu is alive in Hokuriku.   Deeply sensed President Toda's greatness. Hokuriku was dark.  But through the power of the Mystic Law, many now show actual proof of their human revolution.  My conviction deepens. 

There is no greater strategy than the Mystic Law.

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Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 26 February 2013 - Year of Victory for a Youthful SGI

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

 

Buddhism teaches that life at each moment embraces all phenomena. This is the doctrine of a life-moment possessing 3,000 realms, which is the Lotus Sutra's ultimate teaching and Buddhism's essence. Because of the profound way our lives interact with people around us, it is vital that we reach out to others, that we be engaged with our environment and with our local community. A self-absorbed practice or theory without action is definitely not Buddhism.

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

 

The Great Teacher Tz'u-en wrote a work in ten volumes entitled Praising the Profundity of the Lotus Sutra in which he praised the Lotus Sutra, but the Great Teacher Dengyo criticized it, saying, "Though he praises the Lotus Sutra, he destroys its heart." If we consider these examples carefully, we will realize that, among those who read the Lotus Sutra and sing its praises, there are many who are destined for the hell of incessant suffering.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 718

On Repaying Debts of Gratitude

Written to Joken-bo and Gijo-bo on July 21, 1276

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

 

No discrimination exists in Nichiren Buddhism. Nichiren teaches that the Buddha and all people are absolutely equal. Chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo with faith in this point is a matter of the utmost importance. Doing so is to embrace the Lotus Sutra. It is also an act of succeeding to the heritage of Buddhism. In this light, we can say that the gist of the teaching of the Lotus Sutra is that all people are equal.

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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1960) p.474

 

Lectured on "On Practicing the Buddha's Teachings."  Herein pulsates the life of the votary of the Lotus Sutra, should I say, the original Buddha of the Latter Day, Nichiren Daishonin.  Frightening by pleasing.  For I am his disciple

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Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 25 February 2013 - Year of Victory for a Youthful SGI

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Monday, February 25, 2013

 

Gandhi taught people to live with lion-like courage, impressing upon them that they could not afford to leave things up to others, that they had to stand up for themselves and fight for justice. Ultimately, the only way forward is by developing self-reliance, forging a stand-alone spirit. That is the only path to victory.

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Monday, February 25, 2013

 

Today there are people who have faith in the Lotus Sutra. The belief of some is like fire while that of others is like water. When the former listen to the teachings, their passion flares up like fire, but as time goes on, they tend to discard their faith. To have faith like water means to believe continuously without ever regressing.

 

 The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 899

The Two Kinds of Faith

Written to Nanjo Tokumitsu on February 25, 1278

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Monday, February 25, 2013

 

When you hold fast to your beliefs and live true to yourself, your true value as a human being shines through. Buddhism teaches the concept of "realizing your inherent potential." In other words manifesting your true entity, your innate self, revealing it and bringing it to shine, illuminating all around you. It refers to your most refined individuality and uniqueness.

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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1960) p.473

 

Left for Kyoto on a night train.

 

Along the way, many members greeted me at Tsuruga and other stations.  Asked H. to strictly caution them not to trouble other passengers. 

 

Our guidance, propagation and faith must accord with social common sense.

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Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 24 February 2013 - Year of Victory for a Youthful SGI

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Sunday, February 24, 2013

 

Buddhism is not about leading a self-centered existence. If we do not base our lives on the Law, we are not practicing Buddhism. The German writer Friedrich von Schiller writes, "The brave man thinks upon himself the last." This is analogous to the spirit of not begrudging one's life taught in the Lotus Sutra. This means treasuring the Law more highly than one's life. The Law and kosen-rufu are central.

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Sunday, February 24, 2013

 

No matter how humble a person may be, if his wisdom is the least bit greater than yours, you should ask him about the meaning of the sutra. But the people in this evil age are so arrogant, prejudiced, and attached to fame and profit that they are afraid that, should they become the disciple of a humble person or try to learn something from him, they will be looked down upon by others. They never rid themselves of this wrong attitude, so they seem to be destined for the evil paths.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 757

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

Sunday, February 24, 2013

 

According to Buddhism, health is not a condition in which we merely escape negative influences. It is a highly positive, active state in which we hold ourselves responsible for such influences, in which we face and try to solve various problems - not just our own but others problems, too. The word disease implies a lack of ease, which conversely implies that health is a state of comfort. In the Buddhist sense, however, being "at ease" does not mean freedom from difficulties, it means having the strength to meet and overcome any problem.

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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1960) p.473

 

People's faces, their clothing, their minds and dispositions - are all different.  People are mysterious; no animal are as complex as humans.

Lectured on the latter half of "The Fourteen Slanders" from 6:30.  Self-reflected in the light of this strict writing of Nichiren Daishonin.  We should take this writing as the backbone of the Gakkai spirit.

Want some time to think.

Must genuinely cherish those spreading the Daishonin's Buddhism.  For only in them lies the foundation of Kosen-rufu.

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Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 23 February 2013 - Year of Victory for a Youthful SGI

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Saturday, February 23, 2013

 

Without courage we cannot be compassionate. Courage and compassion are inseparable, like the two sides of a coin. Faith is the wellspring of courage. The Daishonin says, "Nichiren's disciples cannot accomplish anything if they are cowardly," (The Major Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 128). A cowardly person cannot realize victory in life. Unless we have the courage to really dedicate our lives to kosen-rufu, we cannot construct true happiness for ourselves and others.

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Saturday, February 23, 2013

 

Even though one may encounter a wise teacher and the true sutra and thereby embrace the correct teaching, when one resolves to break free from the sufferings of birth and death and attain Buddhahood, one will inevitably encounter seven grave matters known as the three obstacles and four devils, just as surely as a shadow follows the body and clouds accompany rain. Even if you should manage to overcome the first six, if you are defeated by the seventh, you will not be able to become a Buddha.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 894

Letter to Misawa

Written to Misawa Kojiro on February 23, 1278

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Saturday, February 23, 2013

 

The only way for human beings to change is for them to conquer their inner darkness and rediscover the eternal dignity within their own lives. Cultivating the noble spirit with which all people are endowed will directly lead to a change in the destiny of humankind.

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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1960) p.473

 

My left lung ached all day.  Felt nauseated.

 

President Toda once said to me with deep emotion: "What good can those who aspire to study Buddhism do if they cannot resolve problems in their own lives?"  These words are excellent, superb, precious.  Must exert myself in constant self-discipline.

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Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 22 February 2013 - Year of Victory for a Youthful SGI

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Friday, February 22, 2013

 

What was the secret to Edison's success? He explained that it was to never give up before he succeeded in what he was trying to do. Not giving up-that's the only way. Once you give up you are defeated. This is equally true in the realm of faith. Quitting is not faith. We have to keep chanting until our prayers are answered. That is the correct way of prayer.

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Friday, February 22, 2013

 

Though this mandala has but five or seven characters, it is the teacher of all Buddhas throughout the three existences and the seal that guarantees the enlightenment of all women. It will be a lamp in the darkness of the road to the next world and a fine horse to carry you over the mountains of death. It is like the sun and moon in the heavens or Mount Sumeru on earth. It is a ship to ferry people over the sea of the sufferings of birth and death. It is the teacher who leads all people to Buddhahood and enlightenment.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 414

On Offering Prayers to the Mandala of the Mystic Law

Recipient and date unknown

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Friday, February 22, 2013

 

Real optimism should not be confused with a carefree outlook on life, one in which we forfeit responsibility for our lives. The person undefeated by misfortune, poverty, insult and vilification, the person who can bounce back from every adversity and say, "What? That was nothing!" The person who marches on toward hope through sheer force of will - that person is a true optimist.

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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1960) p.473

 

Attended a leaders meeting at 6:30.  Exerted all my energy.  As long as leaders remain steadfast in faith with the spirit of "We care nothing for our bodies or lives" (LS13, 194), our Gakkai will soar aloft for all eternity.  But the Gakkai will only come to a dead end if leaders start to act out of obligation or out of their desire to be promoted.

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Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 21 February 2013 - Year of Victory for a Youthful SGI

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Thursday, February 21, 2013

 

Friendship is strong. Friendship, camaraderie and unity in faith lie at the heart of the SGI. They come before the organization. We must never make the mistake of thinking that it is the other way around. The organization serves as a means for deepening friendship, comradeship and faith. To confuse the means and the end is a terrible mistake.

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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Thursday, February 21, 2013

 

Nam-myoho-renge-kyo will be your staff to take you safely over the mountains of death. The Buddhas Shakyamuni and Many Treasures, as well as the four bodhisattvas headed by Superior Practices, will lead you by the hand on your journey. If I, Nichiren, precede you in death, I will come to meet you at your last moment. If you should precede me, I will be sure to tell King Yama all about you. Everything that I tell you is true. According to the Lotus Sutra, Nichiren is the guide who knows the passes and gorges along the way."

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 451

The Swords of Good and Evil

Written to Hojo Yagenta on February 21, 1274

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Thursday, February 21, 2013

 

There is no way of life more desolate or more pitiful than one of ignorance of the fundamental joy that issues from the struggle to generate and regenerate one's own life from within. To be human is much more than the mere biological facts of standing erect and exercising reason and intelligence. The full and genuine meaning of our humanity is found in tapping the creative fonts of life itself.

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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1960) p.472

 

In the evening, lectured on "The fourteen Slanders" at Ryogoku Civic Hall.  Struck by the earnestness and seeking spirit of those who came. Keenly felt my lack of study.  Resolved once again to never grow arrogant.

 

It was cold on my way back.  Took a cab home.

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Opened Collected Essays of Lu Xun, which reads: "What is a road?  It is trodden where there was not a road; it is blazed through brambles. There was a road before, and there will be one forever."

 

My wife is so beautiful.  Is she mending clothes for our children?

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Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 20 February 2013 - Year of Victory for a Youthful SGI

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

 

In his later years, President Toda often told his disciples: "Be courageous in faith! No matter what other people may say, advance boldly! Lead confident lives! Make courage the Gakkai's eternal emblem!" This was the spirit with which he charged us before he died. Faith is the source of true strength and courage. Without courage and confidence we cannot be said to have genuine faith.

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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

 

Even an ignorant person can obtain blessings by serving someone who expounds the Lotus Sutra. No matter if he is a demon or an animal, if someone proclaims even a single verse or phrase of the Lotus Sutra, you must respect him as you would the Buddha. This is what the sutra means when it says, "You should rise and greet him from afar, showing him the same respect you would a Buddha." You should respect one another as Shakyamuni and Many Treasures did at the ceremony in the " Treasure Tower " chapter.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 757

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

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

 

When we plant the seeds of self-doubt, only noxious weeds sprout. When we limit ourselves with low expectations, the growth of the tree of happiness immediately ceases. The power of growth, of improvement, the power to overcome all stagnation and break through every obstacle and transform a barren wasteland into a verdant field -- that unstoppable power of hope resides right there in your own heart. It will well up from the rich earth of your innermost being when you face the future without doubt or fear: "I can do more. I can grow. I can become a bigger and better human being" --- life and faith are a never-ending struggle to grow.

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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1960) p.472

 

Today I felt a little better.

Everyone seems to be thinking only he or she is right in life.

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Visited M.'s to check on his son's injury.  Stayed late.  They are good people.  But hope they do not decide everything only thinking of their own family.  Want them to understand others' feelings as well.

 

My mind would not rest.  Fell asleep after 3:00.

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Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 19 February 2013 - Year of Victory for a Youthful SGI

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

 

This lifetime will never come again; it is precious and irreplaceable. To live without regret, it is crucial for us to have a concrete purpose and continually set goals and challenges for ourselves. It is equally important that we keep moving toward specific targets steadily and tenaciously, one step at a time.

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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

 

Be sure to strengthen your faith, and receive the protection of Shakyamuni, Many Treasures, and the Buddhas of the ten directions. Exert yourself in the two ways of practice and study. Without practice and study, there can be no Buddhism. You must not only persevere yourself; you must also teach others. Both practice and study arise from faith. Teach others to the best of your ability, even if it is only a single sentence or phrase.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 386

The True Aspect of All Phenomena

Written to Sairen-bo Nichijo on May 17, 1273

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

 

Chang-an writes, "If one befriends another person but lacks the mercy to correct him, one is in fact his enemy." The consequences of a grave offence are extremely difficult to erase. The most important thing is to continually strengthen our wish to benefit others - Nichiren

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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1960) p.472

 

In the evening, attended a Kamata Chapter leaders meeting at the Ota Ward Civic Centre in Ikegami.  At the end of the meeting, instead of giving guidance, offered a greeting.  Saw many dear faces.

 

Very difficult physically.  Must wage a battle to break through my karmic deadlock.

Must not lose no matter what.

 

Those aware of the nature of life do not resent the heavens.

Those who know themselves hold no grudges against others.

 

it is stated in An Account of My Hut: "The flow of a river is ceaseless, and its water never remains as before.  The bubbles in a pool come and go, they never stay long.  It is the same with people and their dwellings."

 

*An Account of My Hut 

An important short work of the Kamakura period (1185–1333) in Japan by Kamo no Chōmei. Written in 1212.

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