Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Monday, September 9, 2013
Rather than sitting around idly and rusting, we must act, give of ourselves and contribute something to the world. The French scholar Robert Arnauld (1588-1674) declared, "Have we not all eternity to rest in?" Why do you seek to rest while you are still alive? he asks. These are venerable words indeed. When young people make truly dedicated efforts, almost punishing themselves, their true brilliance will shine forth.
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Monday, September 9, 2013
As I have been saying for some time, in your situation as a lay believer, you should just single-mindedly chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo morning and evening, day and night, and observe what happens at the last moments of your life. At that time, hasten to the summit of perfect enlightenment, and look around you in all directions. The entire realm of phenomena will have changed into the Land of Tranquil Light. . . . Buddhas and bodhisattvas all being caressed by breezes of eternity, happiness, true self, and purity. We, too, will surely be among their numbers.
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 843
Reply to Matsuno
Written to Matsuno Rokuro Saemon on September 9, 1277
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Monday, September 9, 2013
What matters is winning in the end; the wins and losses along the way are of secondary significance. It's final victory in life that counts and that is the reason for our Buddhist practice. No matter how powerful or famous or privileged a person might be, Nichiren says, from a Buddhist point of view it is all nothing more than a dream, an illusory pleasure; true happiness can only be attained by revealing the state of Buddhahood within your own life.
Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (13 October 1950) p.54/55
Work is important, but we must not neglect regular study of the Gosho.
I must be active to my heart's content.
Advance, raise the cry, fight!
I am young, I am young.
If I do not strive now, then when again shall I have my days of youthful struggle?
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