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.
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
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.
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.
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