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

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Sunday, September 29, 2013

 

Faith, which at first glance may appear weak, is actually the most powerful force in the world. Many people put on a show of being strong, but true strength has nothing to do with appearances. On the contrary, we usually find that the weaker the individual, the greater their bravado or outward display of strength.

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Sunday, September 29, 2013

 

The number of those endowed with human life is as small as the amount of earth one can place on a fingernail. Life as a human being is hard to sustain ‚ as hard as it is for the dew to remain on the grass. But it is better to live a single day with honour than to live to 120 and die in disgrace. Live so that all the people of  Kamakura  will say in your praise that Nakatsukasa Saburo Saemon-no-jo is diligent in the service of his lord, in the service of Buddhism, and in his concern for other people.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 851

The Three Kinds of Treasure

Written to Shijo Kingo on September 11, 1277

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Sunday, September 29, 2013

 

A sword is useless in the hands of a coward. The mighty sword of the Lotus Sutra must be wielded by one courageous in faith. Then one will be as strong as a demon armed with an iron staff - Nichiren

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary  (28 November 1950) p.65

 

A cold day.  Each day grows colder.  My physical condition is improving steadily.  I am confident this is a benefit of my faith.

My salary has been delayed three months.  Today I received a little.  Bought some shirts in Omori on my way home. Cost ¥160.

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

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Saturday, September 28, 2013

 

Faith means making a hundred percent effort ourselves - in our daimoku and in our actions. When we practice in this way, the Buddhist gods will lend us their protection. We mustn't have a complacent, dependent attitude in faith, chanting haphazardly without definite goals and making only halfhearted efforts in the belief that we'll automatically be protected. Depth of determination and unshakable character are vital. Those possessing these qualities are second to none in faith.

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Saturday, September 28, 2013

 

Never seek this Gohonzon outside yourself. The Gohonzon exists only within the mortal flesh of us ordinary people who embrace the Lotus Sutra and chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 832

The Real Aspect of the Gohonzon

Written to Nichinyo on August 23, 1277

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Saturday, September 28, 2013

 

Your home is where your loved ones live. Your home is the place where you work together with your fellow human beings to build a paradise, a realm of peace and prosperity for all. When we are asked where our home is, we can answer: "My home is the world. Everywhere in the world where my fellow human beings live, all of it, is my home."

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary  (27 November 1950) p.65

 

Today I was promoted to business department chief.

 1. Must study economics

2. Must assume more responsibility for the company's future development.

3. Must not fall behind the advance of the Soka Gakkai.

 

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

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Friday, September 27, 2013

 

Pioneering takes steady dedicated effort; it is advancing surely one step at a time. True Buddhist practice lies in such activities as visiting members, giving personal encouragement, talking to our friends about Buddhism and introducing others to faith. How many members do you take the time to visit and encourage in a month? In a year? True pioneering lies in making precisely such efforts. Our challenge is to deepen the understanding of friends and fellow members toward the philosophy and activities of the SGI through our encounters with them.

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Friday, September 27, 2013

 

What the Lotus Sutra, T'ien-t'ai, and Miao-lo intend to say is that the act of accepting and upholding or protecting and embracing one verse of the Lotus Sutra surpasses the act of making offerings to all living beings, or making offerings to arhats, or even of filling the entire major world system with the seven kinds of treasures as an offering to all Buddhas.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 973

The Unmatched Blessings of the Law

Written to the lay priest Nishiyama on May 11, 1279

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Friday, September 27, 2013

 

The wise course is to control and make correct use of knowledge. Buddhism is a means for developing wisdom, and it teaches how to overcome the four inherent sufferings or sorrows - birth, aging, illness and death - in order to lead a happy, meaningful life. In addition it teaches how to control desire rather than be controlled by it.

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary  (26 November 1950) p.64

 

The season is turning wintry.  I have no overcoat.  This winter, too, I will have to make do without one. 

Went with T. to M.'s house to encourage M. to take faith.  He declined.  To convert even one person is extremely difficult.  No other action, however, is nobler, greater or more worthy of respect...

Home at 10:30.  It's cold.  I wish I at least had some tea.  I suppose not having anything will be a good memory in the future.

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

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Thursday, September 26, 2013

 

Our voice costs nothing and it is our strongest weapon. Nichiren Daishonin wrote, "Do not spare your voice" (Gosho Zenshu, p. 726).There are different voices for different situations: the clear, resounding voice that declares truth and justice; the strong voice that refutes evil; the bright, confident voice that tells others about the greatness of this Buddhism; the warm voice that gives encouragement; the sincere, friendly voice that offers praise and words of appreciation to others. The important thing is that we meet and speak with people widely, inside and outside the organization.

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Thursday, September 26, 2013

 

Although at heart you are of the same mind as Nichiren, since your person is in service to your lord, it would have been extremely difficult for you to have avoided the offense of complicity in slander. How admirable it is that, despite this, you communicated this teaching to your lord and urged him to take faith in it. Even though he may fail to accept it now, you have managed to avoid the offense of complicity.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 461

On Recommending This Teaching to Your Lord and Avoiding the Offense of Complicity in Slander

Written to Shijo Kingo on September 26, 1274

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Thursday, September 26, 2013

 

Live in a way that is full of life‚ for yourself, for your loved ones, for your friends. People who do so will find the courage to transform sufferings into hopes. Not only that, but they will be able to light the lamp of hope in the hearts of many others, as well.

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary  (22 November 1950) p.64

 

A still moonlit night.  Recited poetry to myself on the way home, for the first time in a long while.  My thoughts are many.

I read somewhere that if our hearts are light, our tasks will be light as well, and the prudent actions are more important than wise thoughts.

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

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

 

Everything ultimately depends on whether there is someone who is willing to wage a desperate all-out struggle, someone who will take 100 percent responsibility without relying on or leaving things to others, someone who will work with selfless dedication for the sake of the people without any concern for what others think. Such a person is a true leader and a genuine Buddhist.

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

 

Ever since I began to study the Law handed down from Shakyamuni Buddha and undertook the practice of the Buddhist teachings, I have believed it is most important to understand one's obligations to others, and made it my first duty to repay such debts of kindness. In this world, we owe four debts of gratitude. One who understands this is worthy to be called human, while one who does not is no more than an animal.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 122

Conversation between a Sage and an Unenlightened Man

Recipient unknown; written in 1265

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

 

In the true reality of life as viewed from the enlightened state of the Buddha - who has broken free of all delusion - all things are equal, transcending distinctions and differences between subject and object, self and others, mind and body, the spiritual and the material. In its true aspect, life is infinitely expansive and eternal, without beginning or end. Life is dynamic; it is wisdom and compassion; it embodies the principle of the indivisibility of life and death; it is a universal law. The cosmos is not so big that life cannot embrace it, nor a particle of matter so small that life cannot be contained within it.

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary  (20 November 1950) p.63

 

Discussed our company's reconstruction all day with Mr Toda.  Many things to do and many hardships to overcome. Many passionate thoughts and emotional feelings.

With my common mortal's wisdom, I can accomplish nothing.  But confident of the teaching that because our wisdom is inadequate, we substitute faith, I chant daimoku single-mindedly and exert myself to the utmost in the cause of construction.

...

My room is so cold.  Yet when I chant daimoku, my entire being seems to warm up.  It is most strange, indeed.

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

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

 

"What kinds of causes am I making right now?" "What actions am I taking?" The answers to these questions are what will determine our future in this life and throughout the three existences. Herein lies the foundation of faith. True glory and victory in life lie in basing oneself on this fundamental principle.

 

Events

1993 The Boston Research Center for the 21st Century founded by SGI President Ikeda.

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

 

Though muddy water has no mind, it can catch the moon's reflection and so naturally become clear. When plants and trees receive the rainfall, they can hardly be aware of what they are doing, and yet do they not proceed to put forth blossoms? The five characters of Myoho-renge-kyo do not represent the sutra text, nor are they its meaning. They are nothing other than the intent of the entire sutra. So, even though the beginners in Buddhist practice may not understand their significance, by practicing these five characters, they will naturally conform to the sutra's intent.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 788

On the Four Stages of Faith and the Five Stages of Practice

Written to Toki Jonin on April 10, 1277

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

 

We are all human beings, whatever our positions. If we open our hearts and speak with sincerity, we can communicate and touch others on the deepest level. World peace starts with trust between one individual and another.

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary  (17 November 1950) p.62

 

Read "On Practicing the Buddha's Teachings."

Deeply realized the necessity of courageous faith.

Nam-myoho-renge-kyo.

In the end, our powers of faith and practice determine everything. The Gohonzon possesses the power of the Buddha and the Law. Only by our own faith can we prove, test and acquire the great power of the supreme Law embodied in the Gohonzon.

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

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Monday, September 23, 2013

 

Winning in life is not a matter of form or appearances. It has nothing to do with vanity. Victory in life ultimately hinges on whether one has truly fought, whether one has truly advanced.

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Monday, September 23, 2013

 

Miao-lo said, "Wise men can perceive the cause of things, as snakes know the way of snakes." The present epidemics are like the virulent boils of King Ajatashatru that could not be cured by anyone but the Buddha. They can only be eliminated by the Lotus Sutra.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 920

The Two Kinds of Illness

Written to Shijo Kingo on June 26, 1278

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Monday, September 23, 2013

 

Now, if you wish to attain Buddhahood, you have only to lower the banner of your arrogance, cast aside the staff of your anger, and devote yourself exclusively to the one vehicle of the Lotus Sutra. Worldly fame and profit are mere baubles of your present existence, and arrogance and prejudice are ties that will fetter you in a next one - Nichiren

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary  (12 November 1950) p.60

 

My resolution to follow Mr. Toda has grown firmer.  It is vital to reflect on ourselves while observing the progress and growth of our companions.  If we don't try to learn from others, we cannot understand the real meaning of progress.

Mr. Toda, keep your eyes on me.  Without fail, I will carry out your will.  This resolution arose in me during his lecture.

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

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Sunday, September 22, 2013

 

The principle that "Buddhism equals life" means that everything in one's life is itself Buddhism. The principle that "Buddhism becomes manifest in society" means that society, too, is at one with Buddhism. The struggle for kosen-rufu can be waged only within the realities of life and society. Those who earnestly grapple with these realities develop strength and inner substance. They develop and grow.

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Sunday, September 22, 2013

 

I cannot see the sun in the daytime or the moon at night. In winter there is deep snow, and in summer the grass grows thick. Because so few people come to see me, the trail is very hard to travel. This year, especially, the snow is so deep that I have no visitors at all. Knowing that my life may end at any time, I put all my trust in the Lotus Sutra.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 779

The Actions of the Votary of the Lotus Sutra

Written to the lay nun Konichi in 1276

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Sunday, September 22, 2013

 

Buddhism views illness as an opportunity to attain a higher, nobler state of life. It teaches that, instead of agonizing over a serious disease, or despairing of ever overcoming it, we should use illness as a means to build a strong, compassionate self, which in turn will make it possible for us to be truly victorious.

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary  (10 November 1950) p.60

 

I worry a little as it grows colder, since I have no other shirts to wear.

As Mr Toda's representative, visited several of our customers with my department chief.  Regardless of time or place, trust is the most vital thing.

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

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Saturday, September 21, 2013

 

In the twinkling of an eye we grow old. Our physical strength wanes and we begin to suffer various aches and pains. We practice Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism so that instead of sinking into feelings of sadness, loneliness and regret, we can greet old age with an inner richness and maturity as round and complete as a ripe, golden fruit of autumn. Faith exists so that we can welcome smiling and without regrets an old age that is like a breathtaking sunset whose dazzling rays colour heaven and earth in majestic hues.

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Saturday, September 21, 2013

 

I cannot adequately express my gratitude for your frequent letters. At the time of my persecution on the twelfth, not only did you accompany me to Tatsunokuchi, but also you declared that you would die by my side. This can only be called wondrous.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 196

The Persecution at Tatsunokuchi

Written to Shijo Kingo on September 21, 1271

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Saturday, September 21, 2013

 

Efforts to reach out and engage others in dialogue with the aim of fostering mutual understanding and bringing people closer together may seem ordinary and unexciting, but they in fact constitute a bold and daring challenge to create a new era of human civilization.

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary  (07 November 1950) p.59

 

Financially, I am in serious straits.  Mr. Toda's family also seems to suffer privations.  I hope life will be tranquil for them as soon as possible.  All I desire is that Mr. Toda can take the lead in the vanguard of kosen-rufu.

 

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

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Friday, September 20, 2013

 

When your determination changes, everything else will begin to move in the direction you desire. The moment you resolve to be victorious, every nerve and fiber in your being will immediately orient itself toward your success. On the other hand, if you think "This is never going to work out," then at that instant every cell in your being will be deflated and give up the fight, and then everything really will move in the direction of failure.

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Friday, September 20, 2013

 

All those who keep faith in the Lotus Sutra are most certainly Buddhas, and one who slanders a Buddha commits a grave offense. When one chants the daimoku bearing in mind that there are no distinctions among those who embrace the Lotus Sutra, then the blessings one gains will be equal to those of Shakyamuni Buddha.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 756

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

Friday, September 20, 2013

 

There has never been, nor will there ever be, a Buddha who does not encounter hardships. Only by struggling against difficulties can we attain the life-state of Buddhahood. Herein lies the essence of Buddhism.

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary  (07 November 1950) p.59

 

1. Live up to the promise of youth and advance as a pioneer for kosen-rufu.

2. Make clear judgments about the Soka Gakkai top leaderships.

3. Thoroughly study the Gosho and reflect seriously on how to put it into practice.

4. Make the chapter I am assigned to develop and swiftly consolidate its organization.

5. Think about how to develop Mr. Toda's business.

6. Reflect on the depth of my conviction.

7. Resolve my financial problems, and think about when to establish a family.

 

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

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Thursday, September 19, 2013

 

Our existence in this world can be likened to a dream. The issue of by far the greatest importance and eternal relevance is how we face death, the inescapable destiny of all living beings. For in the face of death, external factors such as social status or position in the organization count for naught. Everything depends on one's faith, one's state of life.

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Thursday, September 19, 2013

 

Is it not the meaning of the sutra and commentary that the way to Buddhahood lies within the two elements of reality and wisdom? Reality means the true nature of all phenomena, and wisdom means the illuminating and manifesting of this true nature. Thus when the riverbed of reality is infinitely broad and deep, the water of wisdom will flow ceaselessly. When this reality and wisdom are fused, one attains Buddhahood in one's present form.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 746

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

Thursday, September 19, 2013

 

The highest offering to the Buddha is not to worship something reminiscent of the Buddha. Rather, it is to inherit the Buddha's spirit. In other words, the highest offering lies in struggling to manifest, as one's own way of life, even a part of the spirit of the Buddha, who upheld the philosophy that everyone is a Buddha and tirelessly strove to save all from suffering.

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary  (31 October 1950) p.58

 

Some people's lives are like aimless ships.

Others face life courageously, like battle cruisers of small purpose.

Others meet the high waves like warships of great ambition.

Some have no ships at all.  Some are in danger of drowning and sinking.

Some travel about with confidence, though they ride in small boats.

Others overload their tiny boats and do not realize they will capsize.

I want my life to be of the highest purpose, aboard the greatest vessel.

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 18 September 2013 - Year of Victory for a Youthful SGI

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

 

How can we create the greatest value in the short span of a lifetime? Those of us who embrace the Mystic Law know the answer. Our faith in and practice of the Daishonin's Buddhism enables us in this lifetime to solidify the world of Buddhahood in our lives and establish a state of eternal happiness. That is the purpose of faith in the Mystic Law, the purpose of our Buddhist practice.

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

 

I entrust you with the propagation of Buddhism in your province.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1117

The Properties of Rice

Written to the lay priest Takahashi, date unknown

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

 

You have been able to accept, uphold, read, recite and ponder this sutra and to preach it for others. The good fortune you gain thereby is immeasurable and boundless. It cannot be burned by fire or washed away by water. Your benefits are such that a thousand Buddhas speaking all together could never finish describing them. Now you have been able to destroy all devils and thieves, to annihilate the army of birth and death, and all others who bore you enmity or malice have likewise been wiped out.

Good man, a hundred, a thousand Buddhas will employ their transcendental powers to join in guarding and protecting you. Among the heavenly and human beings of all the worlds, there will be no one like you. -The Lotus Sutra

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary  (31 October 1950) p.58

 

Farewell to a memorable October.  A month of sufferings and pleasures, of disagreeable experiences and joyful ones.

A month of strife, of the rough billows of reality, of lakes of lyrical emotion and hopes like rainbows in the sky.

The curtain falls on the drama of this precious month.

...

On a vast stage, against the backdrop of nature, appalling scenes of human creation unfold, one after another.

Neither victors nor vanquished know the destiny at work backstage.