Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
Beethoven is called a genius. But we need to be aware that his genius was based on incredibly strenuous effort. It all comes down to hard work, to tenacious efforts. You cannot become a person of the highest calibre if you have a casual, easygoing attitude, thinking things will somehow just fall into place. Accordingly, Beethoven's motto was "No day without a line." Every day without fail, he wrote music. He would not let even a single day pass without working assiduously. To continue every day-this is just like our practice of gongyo. Making persistent efforts each day is a source of tremendous strength.
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
Just as the Buddha's words in the sutra predict, the ruler grew hostile and the common people began to attack me. And because they treated me with enmity, heaven grew enraged, the sun and moon displayed great changes in their behaviour, and huge comets appeared. The earth shook as though it would turn over, internecine strife broke out, and they were attacked by a foreign country. All happened just as the Buddha had predicted, and there is no doubt that I, Nichiren, am the votary of the Lotus Sutra.
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 607
Reply to the Lay Priest Takahashi
Written to the lay priest Takahashi on July 12, 1275
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
People's hearts are growing more complex, more confused and harder to understand. The same is true for human institutions. The darkness of this complicated and disturbed age may grow even deeper. This is why there is an even greater need for the brilliant inner light of culture, for education that polishes people's wisdom and character. This is the key to winning in life.
Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (15 June 1950) p.33/34
One step forward.
Effort. I advance on the great path, step by step, traversing mountains and valleys.
Patience. Weather the storms of criticism with a smile. Await the time. Create the opportunity. Step by step.
Confidence. Whatever the battle, no weapon can compare. Continue to set great waves in motion, with the full power of 'Three thousand realms in a single moment of life.'
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