Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 30 June 2013 - Year of Victory for a Youthful SGI

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Sunday, June 30, 2013

 

The place where we are right now is what matters. This is all the more true for us who embrace the Mystic Law. Buddhism teaches that we can transform wherever we are into the Land of Eternally Tranquil Light.

 

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From the Writing of Nichiren Daishonin

Sunday, June 30, 2013

 

Because I have expounded this teaching, I have been exiled and almost killed. As the saying goes: "Good advice grates on the ear." But still I am not discouraged.

  

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 748

The Essentials for Attaining Buddhahood

Written to Soya Jiro Hyoe-no-jo Kyoshin on August 3, 1276

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Sunday, June 30, 2013

 

In one of his writings, renowned microbiologist Rene Dubos, stated. "History teaches that man without effort is sure to deteriorate; man cannot progress without effort, and man cannot be happy without effort." This is indisputable. You may be experiencing various hardships now, but because you continue to make efforts in the midst of those challenges, no matter how painful they are, you will definitely become happy. Effort and happiness are indivisible.

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary  (03 Jun 1950) p.30

 

The pain of self-scrutiny and the drive to progress, extremes of suffering and hope, worldly thoughts and pure ideals - these are what torture youth.  Youth must possess sharp, critical minds, a strong sense of justice and the passion to forge ahead.

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Youth, be light-hearted! Advance seriously toward your ideal

 

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Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 29 June 2013 - Year of Victory for a Youthful SGI

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Saturday, June 29, 2013

 

The important thing is to advance brightly and strive to be victorious at each moment, right where we are; to begin something here and now instead of fretting and worrying over what will happen. This is the starting point for transforming our lives.

 

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From the Writing of Nichiren Daishonin

Saturday, June 29, 2013

 

If one hopes to study and master Buddhism, then one cannot do so without devoting time to the task.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 690

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

Saturday, June 29, 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.

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary  (02 Jun 1950) p.29

 

Went to Takashimaya Department Store in Shinbashi with my department chief, en route to visit A.  Was amazed at the bustle of the department store, stocked with all the latest top-quality goods.  How many wealthy people there must be!

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Does business create and motivate the times?  Is business the best arena for a stalwart youth?  There are so many kinds of business.  Which is the most important?  It must be a business linked to establishing eternal peace for the happiness of humanity.

 

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

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Friday, June 28, 2013

 

In the "Ongi Kuden" (Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings), the Daishonin says, "One should regard meeting obstacles as true peace and comfort" (Gosho Zenshu, p. 750). You may wonder how encountering obstacles could be a source of peace and comfort. But the truth of the matter is that through struggling against and overcoming difficulties, we can transform our destiny and attain Buddhahood. Confronting adversity, therefore, represents peace and comfort.

 

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From the Writing of Nichiren Daishonin

Friday, June 28, 2013

 

The fourth volume of the Lotus Sutra states, "[I will send...] men and women of pure faith, to offer alms to the teachers of the Law." The meaning of this sutra passage is that the heavenly gods and benevolent deities will assume various forms such as those of men and women, and present offerings to help the persons who practice the Lotus Sutra. There can be no doubt that this refers to you and your wife being born as a man and woman, and making offerings to Nichiren, the teacher of the Law.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 35

The Izu Exile

Written to Funamori Yasaburo on June 27, 1261

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Friday, June 28, 2013

 

If you are unwilling to make efforts to heal yourself, it will be very difficult to cure your illness. One day of life is more valuable than all the treasures of the major world system, so first you must muster sincere faith - Nichiren

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary  (01 Jun 1950) p.29

 

June opens with fragrant breezes.

1. Take care of my health

2. Study hard

3. Live productively.

Looking forward to a month of progress and fulfilment, grounded in faith.  Will advance confidently in the vanguard of justice and the highest good.

How wonderful!  How rewarding!

  

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

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Thursday, June 27, 2013

 

In a world where indifference and inhumanity prevail, let us use our discussion meetings as the pivot for creating oasis of peace and harmony in our homes and in our local communities and then extending them to encompass every sphere of society.

 

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From the Writing of Nichiren Daishonin

Thursday, June 27, 2013

 

Though worldly troubles may arise, never let them disturb you. No one can avoid problems, not even sages or worthies. Drink sake only at home with your wife, and chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. Suffer what there is to suffer, enjoy what there is to enjoy. Regard both suffering and joy as facts of life, and continue chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, no matter what happens. How could this be anything other than the boundless joy of the Law?"

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 681

Happiness in this World

Written to Shijo Kingo on June 27, 1276

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Thursday, June 27, 2013

 

When individuals practice a teaching as intended, the expected result becomes manifest in their lives as well as in their environment. Religion not only deals with spirituality but also has a significant impact - positive or negative, upon people's daily lives and their society. The nature and extent of a particular religion's impact becomes the standard for evaluating its validity.

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary  (31 May 1950) p.29

 

The past is a dream, and the future is a dream, too.  Dreams of the past, still and empty as the moon, excite no fires of passion. Dreams of the future, like the sun - the morning sun - giving birth to dawn and dreams that thrill with emotion.

Youth must pursue dreams of the future.

Bought all eleven volumes of the Selected Writings of the Fuji School. Cost me ¥3,500.

 

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

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

 

This spirit of engaging others in dialogue on equal terms is the essence of Buddhism. Ordering people about in a high-handed, arrogant manner, shouting at them to do one's bidding is truly deplorable behaviour. Such a world has no relation to Buddhism. Through dialogue Shakyamuni opened hearts that were closed, softened hearts that had grown hard and melted hearts that were frozen.

 

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From the Writing of Nichiren Daishonin

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

 

This is the first time that the fundamental darkness has erupted in the lives of ordinary people caught in the illusions of thought and desire. Even if they pray to the gods, the Buddha, or the Lotus Sutra, these calamities will only be aggravated. But it is different when the votary of the Lotus Sutra offers prayers to the essential teaching of the Lotus Sutra. In the final analysis, unless we succeed in demonstrating that this teaching is supreme, these disasters will continue unabated.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1114

The Treatment of Illness

Written to Toki Jonin on June 26, 1278

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

 

This lifetime will never come again, it is precious and irreplaceable. To live without regret, we must have a concrete purpose, continually setting goals and challenges for ourselves. And we need to keep moving toward those specific targets steadily and tenaciously, one step at a time.

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary  (29 May 1950) p.27/28

 

Twenty years since my life began.  Now this year is already halfway over.  This year is proving to be enjoyable.

Youth - what a promising word!  I'll live up to its promise and spend my own youth in a worthwhile and memorable way.

What is my mission?  To strive to my utmost in becoming capable for kosen-rufu.

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What counts is to be active and to meet today's challenges and advance to the limits of my youthful energy.

 

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

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

 

We live in an age where opportunities for profound life-to-life inspiration are all but non-existent. Idle amusements bring only fleeting pleasure. They produce neither profound inspiration nor growth for one's life. By contrast, Buddhism exists to enable people to realize personal growth and to improve their lives. Buddhism is always rooted in the reality of life. It is the wellspring of wisdom for bringing harmony and happiness to our families, local communities and society at large.

 

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From the Writing of Nichiren Daishonin

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

 

There are trails in the sky where birds fly, but people cannot recognize them. There are paths in the sea along which fish swim, but people cannot perceive them. All people and things of the four continents are reflected in the moon without a single exception, but people cannot see them. But they are visible to the heavenly eye. In like manner, ordinary people cannot see that the "Treasure Tower" chapter exists within the body of Lady Nichinyo, but Shakyamuni, Many Treasures, and the Buddhas of the ten directions perceive it. I, Nichiren, also presume this to be the case.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 915

An Outline of the "Entrustment" and Other Chapters

Written to Nichinyo on June 25, 1278

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

 

The first thing is to pray. From the moment we begin to pray, things start moving. The darker the night, the closer the dawn. From the moment we chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo with a deep and powerful resolve, the sun begins to rise in our hearts. Hope - prayer is the sun of hope. To chant each time we face a problem, overcoming it and elevating our life condition as a result - this is the path of "changing earthly desires into enlightenment," taught in Nichiren Buddhism.

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary  (28 May 1950) p.27

 

Went to Kankiryo temple.

Forced to consider more deeply the attitude of one who studies Buddhism.

I am a follower of the true Buddha; I share a bond with Nichiren Daishonin.  I must never topple.

Pondered the grave mission of one who embraces Buddhism's supreme teachings and strives for kosen -rufu.  It forced me to reflect on my faith.  Arouse the great desire.  Advance smiling in the face of hardship for the sake of your noble mission.

I am young.  I will advance courageously, bursting with joy.

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

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Monday, June 24, 2013

 

You must be strong. There is no hope of winning in this chaotic world if you are weak. No matter what others do or say, it is important to develop your ability and then put that ability to use. Strong faith, of course, is the best means for drawing out one's inner strength. You each have a very important mission, and I hope you will awaken to and be proud of that mission.

 

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From the Writing of Nichiren Daishonin

Monday, June 24, 2013

 

Everyone believes in those Buddhist teachers who were revered in their own time. But the Buddha enjoins us in the Nirvana Sutra as his final instruction, "Rely on the Law and not upon persons." The Buddha taught us to rely on the sutras if the Buddhist teachers should be in error. You say those teachers could not possibly be in error, but between the Buddha's golden words and your personal opinion, I am committed to the former.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 805

The Letter of Petition from Yorimoto

Written on behalf of Shijo Kingo on June 25, 1277

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Monday, June 24, 2013

 

Flint has the potential to produce fire, and gems have intrinsic value. We ordinary people can see neither our own eyelashes, which are so close, nor the heavens in the distance. Likewise, we do not see that the Buddha exists in our own hearts - Nichiren

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary  (27 May 1950) p.27

 

Don't feel well at all.  It was 9:50 by the time I got to work.  Lost today's battle from the beginning.

May has been a month of gruelling struggles, both personally and at work.  Only four days left.  Must strive till the last moment. Mr. Toda also seems to be weathering great hardships.

I am a man now.  It's been twenty years already since I set out on the voyage of life.  This must be a time of joy and hope.  A time to burn with ideals.

Advance.  Only advance.

Time will tell.

 

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

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Sunday, June 23, 2013

 

Jesse Owens, who won four gold medals at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, later remarked that one's inner life is the true Olympics. Life itself is an Olympics where we strive each day to better own personal records.

 

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From the Writing of Nichiren Daishonin

Sunday, June 23, 2013

 

Our present tribulations are like moxibustion; at the time, it is painful, but because it has beneficial after effects, the pain is not really pain. Urge on, but do not frighten, the ones from Atsuhara who are ignorant of Buddhism. Tell them to be prepared for the worst, and not to expect good times, but take the bad times for granted.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 998

On Persecutions Befalling the Sage

Written to all followers (and entrusted to Shijo Kingo on October 1, 1279

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Sunday, June 23, 2013

 

If a person is hungry, we should give them bread. When there is no bread, we can at least give words that nourish. To a person who looks ill or is physically frail, we can turn the conversation to some subject that will lift their spirits and fill them with the hope and determination to get better. Let us give something to each person we meet: joy, courage, hope, assurance, philosophy, wisdom, a vision for the future. Let us always give something.

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary  (25 May 1950) p.26

 

The arrogance of "ignorant lay people", as the sutra calls it, is flourishing among my neighbours.  The people in my apartment building do nothing but criticize my faith without understanding.  How pitiable they are!  They move fearfully from one dream to another. 

How to awaken them?  Our mission is great.  My trials, to, will be greater and greater.

 

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