Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 31 May 2013 - Year of Victory for a Youthful SGI

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Friday, May 31, 2013

 

Buddhism is about bringing happiness, joy and fulfillment to all. It enables us not only to become happy ourselves but to make causes for the enlightenment of our ancestors seven-plus generations back and for the happiness and prosperity of our children, grandchildren and descendants throughout future generations. This is the great benefit of Buddhism.

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Friday, May 31, 2013

 

Those who believe in the Lotus Sutra are as if in winter, but winter always turns to spring. Never, from ancient times on, has anyone heard or seen of winter turning back to autumn. Nor have we ever heard of a believer in the Lotus Sutra who turned into an ordinary person. The sutra reads, "If there are those who hear the Law, then not a one will fail to attain Buddhahood."

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 536

Winter Always Turns to Spring

Written to the lay nun Myoichi in May 1275

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Friday, May 31, 2013

 

The poetic spirit encourages people in all ranks and places to return to their naked humanity. Neither sentimental nor fantastic, it embraces and affirms the whole world and all its inhabitants; it imparts the will to remain optimistic and unbending in the face of all hardships. As a believer in innate human goodness, I am certain that the concentrated power of good can overcome the greatest forces of evil. The poetic spirit helps us control the greed-dominated self. It helps us handle the actual while keeping our eyes turned toward the ideal.

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (29 October 1949 p13/14)

 

Had a meeting at 3:00 to discuss new projects.

Listened with bursting excitement to Mr. Toda's views on economics... He also related some of his business experiences.  I don't know how the others felt, but to me, the stories of his lifelong efforts, his passions and his agonizing struggles were all precious. 

At 6:00, we received part of our salary.  Our wages are being paid in instalments.

Went to the barber's.  Our wages are low.  Hard times for me, for everyone.

 

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