Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 31 October 2013 - Year of Victory for a Youthful SGI

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Thursday, October 31, 2013

 

It is only natural that sometimes we fall sick. But we must see that sickness as a sickness that originally exists in life, based on the principle of the Mystic Law. In other words, there is no reason to allow yourself to be controlled by illness, for it to fill your life with suffering and distress. From the standpoint of eternal life through the three existences, your fundamentally happy self is incontrovertibly established.

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Thursday, October 31, 2013

 

Question: Is it possible, without understanding the meaning of the Lotus Sutra, but merely by chanting the five or seven characters of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo once a day, once a month, or simply once a year, once a decade, or once in a lifetime, to avoid being drawn into trivial or serious acts of evil, to escape falling into the four evil paths, and instead to eventually reach the stage of non-regression? Answer: Yes, it is.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 141

The Daimoku of the Lotus Sutra

Recipient unknown; written on January 6, 1266

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Thursday, October 31, 2013

 

Death does not discriminate; it strips of us everything. Fame, wealth and power are all useless in the unadorned reality of the final moments of life. When the time comes, we will have only ourselves to rely on. This is a solemn confrontation that we must face armed only with our raw humanity, the actual record of what we have done, how we have chosen to live our lives, asking, "Have I lived true to myself? What have I contributed to the world? What are my satisfactions or regrets?"

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary  (02 February 1951) p.85

 

Isn't good advise harsh to the ear?  Doesn't good medicine taste bitter?  If we carry out propagation, we will undoubtedly incur opposition.  It is certain that whoever practices faith now will be truly filled with fortune and gain absolute happiness in the future.

Those carrying out their faith now are pioneers.  Doubtlessly, they also will be praised by Nichiren Daishonin

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 30 October 2013 - Year of Victory for a Youthful SGI

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

 

The Gohonzon is the concrete manifestation of the very existence of Nichiren Daishonin, who taught kosen-rufu. Because of that, if you only practice gongyo and chant daimoku and don't take any other action for the sake of kosen-rufu or improving your own life, the Gohonzon will not have its true, full effect. If, however, you take actions to achieve kosen-rufu, they will serve as that extra push for your own life and help you leap to higher and higher states of mind in your gongyo and chanting as well.

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

 

Shakyamuni's practices and the virtues he consequently attained are all contained within the five characters of Myoho-renge-kyo. If we believe in these five characters, we will naturally be granted the same benefits as he was.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 365

The Object of Devotion for Observing the Mind Established in the Fifth Five-Hundred-Year Period af the Thus Come One's Passing

Written to Toki Jonin on April 25, 1273

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

 

If you allow the passing of time to let you forget the lofty vows of your youth, you stand to block the source of your own boundless good fortune and sever the roots of limitless prosperity for your family and loved ones as well. Please never let this happen. Only by remaining steadfast to the vows we have made in our youth can we shine as true victors in life.

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary  (01 February 1951) p.84

 

The fine weather brightens my heart.  Having trouble patching my worn-out clothes because I lack skill at sewing.

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

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

 

Gongyo is a practice that calls forth and activates the infinite power that the microcosm inherently possesses. It transforms your fate, breaks through any apparent dead ends and converts sufferings into happiness. It creates a transformation, a revolution of the microcosm. It is a diagram in miniature of kosen-rufu in our lives.

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

 

If a boat is handled by an unskilled steersman, it may capsize and drown everyone aboard. Likewise, though someone may have great physical strength, if he lacks a resolute spirit, even his many abilities will be of no use.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 614

The Supremacy of the Law

Written to Oto and her mother, Nichimyo, on August 4, 1275

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

 

As you meet various trials and difficulties, thus polishing all the many facets of the jewel which is life, you will learn to walk that supreme pathway of humanity. Of this, I am confident, and I am confident too that those who embrace life's native creativity now stand and will continue to stand in the vanguard of history. Bringing the creativity of life to its fullest flowering is the work of human revolution. Carrying out this kind of human revolution is your mission now as it will be throughout your lives.

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary  (31 January 1951) p.84

 

One month has already passed.  Time goes so quickly.  There will only be one "today" throughout eternity.

I want to live with a state of life as vast as the Pacific Ocean .

I want to struggle throughout my life, with a life force as powerful as the raging waves of the Pacific.

I want to live with passion and vigour, like the swirling Pacific current.

 

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

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Monday, October 28, 2013

 

It may seem perfectly all right to put ourselves and our own wishes first, to simply follow the dictates of our emotions and cravings, but the truth is that there is nothing more unreliable than our own mind. Life doesn't always go like clockwork and things will not necessarily turn out as we hope or plan. Consequently, Nichiren Daishonin frequently stressed: You should become the master of your mind, not let your mind master you. We mustn't allow ourselves to be ruled by a self-centered mind. Rather, we have to discipline our mind and gain mastery over it. This is the Daishonin's strict admonition.

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Monday, October 28, 2013

 

Showing profound compassion for those unable to comprehend the gem of the doctrine of three thousand realms in a single moment of life, the Buddha wrapped it within the five characters [of Myoho-renge-kyo], with which he then adorned the necks of the ignorant people of the latter age.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 376

The Object of Devotion for Observing the Mind Established in the Fifth Five-Hundred-Year Period after the Thus Come One's Passing

Written to Toki Jonin on April 25, 1273

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Monday, October 28, 2013

 

Shakyamuni Buddha explained the fundamental spirit of Buddhism as a sense of individual responsibility. "You are your only master. Who else? Subdue yourself and discover your master." In other words, we must each take responsibility for our own self-discipline and for cultivating meaningful lives.

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary  (30 January 1951) p.84

 

I think there are excellent people in the world with many enemies.  I also believe some gain others' enmity because of their own bad nature or misdeeds.  One sees fine people with many friends, while, at the same time, some who appear attractive and who are well liked by many are actually nothing but riffraff.

Am considering the correct way for a human being to live.

 

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

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Sunday, October 27, 2013

 

Whether we regard difficulties in life as misfortunes or whether we view them as good fortune depends entirely on how much we have forged our inner determination. It all depends on our attitude or inner state of life. With a dauntless spirit, we can lead a cheerful and thoroughly enjoyable life. We can develop a "self" of such fortitude that we can look forward to life's trials and tribulations with a sense of profound elation and joy: "Come on obstacles! I've been expecting you! This is the chance that I've been waiting for!"

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Sunday, October 27, 2013

 

The function of fire is to burn and give light. The function of water is to wash away filth. The winds blow away dust and breathe life into plants, animals and human beings. The earth nourishes the grasses and trees, and heaven provides nourishing moisture. The five characters of Myoho-renge-kyo are also like that. They are the cluster of blessings brought by the Bodhisattvas of the Earth, disciples of the Buddha in his true identity.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 218

The Heritage of the Ultimate Law of Life

Written to Sairen-bo Nichijo on February 11, 1272

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Sunday, October 27, 2013

 

Literature that works to refine, deepen and save the human soul is akin to a religion that elevates and binds people together. And the texts of great religions, such as the Bible and the Buddhist scriptures, make great literature. Literature and religion are parts of the human heritage, and determining how to use that heritage is essential to our further growth as human beings.

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary  (30 January 1951) p.84

 

It is very difficult to know oneself. It may be that all troubles and failures spring from the inability to know oneself.

Destiny, fate, personality - at times, I feel I can do nothing to control these aspects of my life. Must become stronger. A good environment is important, and a capable leader or teacher is also necessary. Most important, however, is the Gohonzon and my faith.

 

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

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Saturday, October 26, 2013

 

I hope that, basing yourself on faith, you will become wealthy people of virtue and influence who are widely respected. I would like to add, however, that worldly success is not equivalent to true happiness. Achieving this requires that we have a profound understanding of the nature of life. A person of success in the true sense is one who can enjoy a free and unrestrained state of life.

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Saturday, October 26, 2013

 

Life is the foremost of all treasures. It is expounded that even the treasures of the entire major world system cannot equal the value of one's body and life.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1125

The Gift of Rice

Recipient and date unknown

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Saturday, October 26, 2013

 

Buddhism is a movement emphasizing self-education with the aim of unlocking and developing our inherent Buddha nature while at the same time bringing forth diverse wisdom and using various expedient means to help others tap their Buddhahood. This development of potential, this education of oneself and others, is the noblest path a human being can ever pursue.

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (29 January 1951) p.84

 

Faith is the foundation of my life.

Pure faith, the root of my existence.

My weak self - low-spirited and agonized by troubles. Ultimately the only way to solve these problems is to chant daimoku. Is faith's ultimate purpose to prove myself to myself?

 

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

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Friday, October 25, 2013

 

It is the sharp sword of the Mystic Law and the great power of faith that enable us to completely sever the chains of suffering. Therefore, I wish to make it clear that to secure eternal freedom and happiness, you must absolutely not be cowardly, especially in faith.

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Friday, October 25, 2013

 

Moreover, I chant the daimoku, which is the heart and core of the entire sutra, and I urge others to do likewise. Although the mugwort growing in a hemp field or wood marked for cutting with an inked line may not be straight to begin with, they will as a matter of course become so. In the same way, one who chants the daimoku as the Lotus Sutra teaches will never have a twisted mind. For one should know that, unless the mind of the Buddha enters into our bodies, we cannot in fact chant the daimoku.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 670

The Blessings of the Lotus Sutra

Written to Myomitsu on March 5, 1276

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Friday, October 25, 2013

 

Health is not simply a matter of absence of illness. Health means constant challenge. Constant creativity. A prolific life always moving forward, opening up fresh new vistas - that is a life of true health. An unbeatable spirit is what supplies the power to keep pressing ahead.

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (29 January 1951) p.83/84

 

Felt tired from the time I awoke - perhaps because of nightmares.  It was warm and pleasant all day.

Received strict guidance from Mr. Toda. I've nearly come to understand the weak points of my own faith.

Propagation!... I will pour my whole life into working vigorously for kosen-rufu. Mere ideology or speculation is fruitless. For Youth, life should be based on nothing but practice and action.

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

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Thursday, October 24, 2013

 

The only way to succeed is by first bringing to completion that which is most immediate. This principle applies in all affairs - in our daily lives, our work and our families as well as in the progress of kosen-rufu.

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Thursday, October 24, 2013

 

The sutra known as the Lotus Sutra is a scripture that has no match among all the sacred teachings of the Buddha's lifetime. And, as indicated by its words "between Buddhas," it can only be understood between one Buddha and another. Those at the stage of near-perfect enlightenment or below, on down to ordinary mortals, cannot fathom it. This is why Bodhisattva Nagarjuna stated in his Treatise on the Great Perfection of Wisdom that persons below the level of Buddha should simply have faith, and in that way they can attain Buddhahood.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1072

Reply to the Mother of Ueno

Written tot he lay nun Ueno on October 24, 1280

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Thursday, October 24, 2013

 

What one has done for another yesterday will be done for oneself today. Blossoms turn into fruit, and brides become mothers-in-law. Chant  Nam -myoho-renge- kyo, and be always diligent in your faith - Nichiren

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (28 January 1951) p.83

 

Up at 9:30a.m.  A warm Sunday.  B., his wife and S. came to see me.  It's troublesome to have visitors first thing in the morning.  Ate a meal at noon - breakfast and lunch combined...

At 7:20 I arrived at Mr. Toda's for a lecture and was scolded for being late.  It was totally my fault... I must devote myself completely to this great teaching.

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

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

 

As far as the fundamental teachings of Buddhism and the Gosho are concerned, I hope that, regarding them as absolutely correct, you will first and foremost strive to put them into practice. I urge you to do so because this is the shortest route to understanding the essence of Buddhism in the depths of your life.

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

 

No matter how earnestly Nichiren prays for you, if you lack faith, it will be like trying to set fire to wet tinder. Spur yourself to muster the power of faith. Regard your survival as wondrous. Employ the strategy of the Lotus Sutra before any other.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1000

The Strategy of the Lotus Sutra

Written to Shijo Kingo on October 23, 1279

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

 

The misfortune of others is our misfortune. Our happiness is the happiness of others. To see ourselves in others and feel an inner oneness and sense of unity with them represents a fundamental revolution in the way we view and live our lives. Therefore, discriminating against another person is the same as discriminating against oneself. When we hurt another, we are hurting ourselves. And when we respect others, we respect and elevate our own lives as well.

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (26 January 1951) p.82

 

The Human mind is complex. It is vital to live strongly, courageously. This is especially true for maintaining correct faith.

The eternity of life, the simultaneity of cause and effect, fate, destiny, the moment - when I consider these realities of life's continuum, I lament over my own lack of ability. I know of no other way but the power of strong faith.