Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
True character is only forged through hardship and suffering. Moreover, it is the mentor-disciple relationship, not organizational structures, that builds character. Many great scholars, pioneers and leaders of the world have come to note how crucial the mentor-disciple relationship is.
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
Suppose there is a ship that sails on the open sea. Though the ship is stoutly built, if it is flooded by a leak, those on the ship are sure to drown together. Though the embankment between rice fields is firm, if there is an ant hole in it, then surely, in the long run, it will not remain full of water. Bail the seawater of slander and disbelief out of the ship of your life, and solidify the embankments of your faith.
The Embankments of Faith
Written to the lay nun Sennichi on September 3, 1275
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
Viewing events and situations in a positive light is important. The strength, wisdom and cheerfulness that accompany such an attitude lead to happiness. To regard everything in a positive light or with a spirit of goodwill, however, does not mean being foolishly gullible and allowing people to take advantage of your good nature. It means having the wisdom and perception to actually move things in a positive direction by seeing things in their best light, while all the time keeping your eyes firmly focused on reality.
Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (07 October 1950) p.52/53
Vexed at my dilapidated shoes and worn-out clothing.
Youth!
You are young.
Your youth itself makes you stronger than anyone.
We should practice without forgetting
our self-awakening.
If we do not live joyfully
then where is the joy of humankind?
Our bewilderment and fear
are mere illusion, like young shoots
trembling in the air.
Young leaves are fragrant. They endure
through heat and cold.
We must remember their image.
Our thinking, effort, devotion and practice:
All these will become our flesh and
blood; remember this.
Society is not a playground.
Develop a self that can endure, whatever the times and
society may bring.
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