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

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Saturday, November 30, 2013

 

President Toda often said: "Those of you who have problems or sufferings, pray earnestly! Buddhism is a deadly serious win-or-lose struggle. If you should [pray with such an earnest attitude] and still have no solution forthcoming, then I will give you my life!" This invincible conviction on which Mr. Toda was willing to stake his life inspired the members.

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Saturday, November 30, 2013

 

Though water may be muddied, it will again become clear. Though the moon may hide behind the clouds, it will surely reappear. Similarly, in time my innocence became apparent, and my predictions proved not to have been in vain.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1007

Letter to the Lay Priest Nakaoki

Written to the lay priest Nakaoki and his wife on November 30, 1279

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Saturday, November 30, 2013

 

That we take pains to protect weapons while we expose children - the future of the race - to peril is impermissible. To ignore this absurdity will spell defeat for humanity. We must not live to destroy. We have the spiritual power to create peace and happiness.

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (07 March 1951) p. 96

 

Day after day, I am filled with gratitude and deep emotion.  Gradually, I am comprehending the sublime blessings of the Gohonzon. Because this teaching is infinitely profound and immeasurable, I can only exert myself untiringly and wholeheartedly.  Who can fathom the actual proof, the reality of what we experience through this faith?  Could there be a more magnificent principle, manifesting itself in our lives and in our daily affairs?  Such phenomena - such power - cannot be denied.  To do so would be the same as denying that which can be scientifically proven.

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

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Friday, November 29, 2013

 

Compassion is the very soul of Buddhism. To pray for others, making their problems and anguish our own; to embrace those who are suffering, becoming their greatest ally; to continue giving them our support and encouragement until they become truly happy - it is in such humanistic actions that the Daishonin's Buddhism lives and breathes.

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Friday, November 29, 2013

 

Whether or not your prayer is answered will depend upon your faith; [if it is not,] I will in no way be to blame. When the water is clear, the moon is reflected. When the wind blows, the trees shake. Our minds are like the water. Faith that is weak is like muddy water, while faith that is brave is like clear water. Understand that the trees are like principles, and the wind that shakes them is like the recitation of the sutra.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1079

Reply to the Lay Nun Nichigon

Written to the lay nun Nichigon on November 29, 1280

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Friday, November 29, 2013

 

Do not become subservient. Do not dwell on every tiny setback in the course of pursuing your chosen path. To do so would be foolish. Victory or defeat is determined by our entire lives. Moreover, our final years are the most crucial. What is enviable about the pretentious rich? What is great about conceited celebrities? What is admirable about political leaders who gained their positions of power by treating others with contempt? Dig right where you stand, for there lies a rich wellspring!

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (06 March 1951) p. 95/96

 

Read "The True Aspect of All Phenomena"  and "Reply to Lord Matsuno" together with members of Kanagawa Prefecture chapters.  To study Buddhist doctrines leads to the deepening of our faith.  This is truly the greatest of joy.

 

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

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Thursday, November 28, 2013

 

Nichiren Daishonin discusses the meaning of the Chinese characters for the word benefit (Jpn kudoku), as follows: "The ku of kudoku means to extinguish evil and doku means to bring forth good" (Gosho Zenshu, p. 762). We fight against those who try to destroy the True Law. That struggle purifies us and brings forth benefits in our lives. Justice or happiness without a battle is just an illusion. Thinking that happiness means a life free of hard work and effort is fantasy.

Events

 

SGI Day of Spiritual  Independence

1991 Nichiren Shoshu excommunicates 12 million SGI members worldwide.

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Thursday, November 28, 2013

 

Buddhism spreads according to the time and the people's capacity. Although I may not be worthy of this teaching, I expound it because the time is right.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 861

This is What I Heard

Written to the lay priest Soya Jiro on November 28, 1277

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Thursday, November 28, 2013

 

Many young women agonize over perceived personality flaws and a lack of self-confidence. Nichiren Buddhism, however, teaches the great path of human revolution that enables each of us to shine in our own unique way. With this philosophy, you can decisively overcome a weak and easily swayed life-state and become a person of strength and purpose. It will allow you to withstand the storms of suffering and build a rock-solid foundation that will support you throughout your entire precious lives.

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (05 March 1951) p. 95

 

Went to Mr. Toda's for an evening lecture... Afterward, we received detailed explanations of the Ten Worlds and the concept of nonsubstantiality (ku).  Can only be astonished by the Buddha's great principles.

Troubled because I lost my monthly commuter pass.  I don't have enough to buy another one, so for now I'll have to buy a ticket each morning.

 

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

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

 

Faith is the ultimate essence of intellect. Through the practice of correct faith, the intellect comes to shine. Intellect without correct faith lacks a firm anchor in the soil of life and eventually becomes disordered. This prompted the first Soka Gakkai president, Tsunesaburo Makiguchi, to remark that many modern thinkers were suffering from what he termed "higher psychosis." Faith without intellect, meanwhile, leads to blind faith and fanaticism. Faith or intellect alone - one without the other - is unhealthy.

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

 

Only in the Lotus Sutra do we read that a woman who embraces this sutra not only excels all other women, but also surpasses all men.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 462

The Unity of Husband and Wife

Written to Nichigen-nyo on January 27, 1275

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

 

The true victors in life are those who, enduring repeated challenges and setbacks, have sent the roots of their being to such a depth that nothing can shake them.

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (04 March 1951) p.95

 

A youth division meeting of about thirty young men and women.  A lively gathering, but somehow it felt as if we accomplish little.

Courageously expand our activities further in society.

Develop young leaders with a revolutionary spirit.

Instill in the youth division the pride, practice and awareness befitting young pioneers of the Gakkai.

I wish to promote the above.

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

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

 

Buddhism teaches that being led astray by evil friends, (negative influences) is to be feared more than being killed by a mad elephant. A mad elephant can only destroy our physical body, but evil friends, if we allow ourselves to be influenced by them, will drag us down into a state of hell.

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

 

Even if we should gather all the water of the four great oceans to wet inkstones, burn all the trees and plants to cinders to make ink, collect the hairs of all beasts for writing brushes, employ all the surfaces of the worlds in the ten directions for paper and, with these, set down expressions of gratitude, how could we possibly repay our debt to the Buddha?"

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 44

The Four Debts of Gratitude

Written to Kudo Sakon-no-jo Yoshitaka on January 16, 1262

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

 

Life is long. The important thing is to remain true to a lofty goal to the very end. Buddhism enables you to adorn the final chapter of your life with brilliant success, just as the golden sun colours the sky in glorious crimson hues and beams of sublime light. To do so, you need to keep making efforts year after year and winning year after year.

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (03 March 1951) p. 94/95

 

I am now filled with happiness - to the point where I can scarcely desire more.  Everything has been coming to fruition, a little at a time, and it is strangely satisfying.

 

In many cases, youth who struggle against the storms of hardship and suffering are likely to sense greater meaning in life.  Once again, must face the next storm and advance!  This is an expression of the courage and passion of youth undertaking the task of construction.

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

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Monday, November 25, 2013

 

Please do not forget your mother's love or the hardships she has endured for you. I am convinced that while people keep the memory of their mothers' loving faces alive in their mind, they will never go far astray. Similarly, as long as we bear in mind the Daishonin's profound compassion and live in deep appreciation of it, our lives will be illuminated brightly by the light of Buddhahood. And enveloped in the Gohonzon's great compassion, we will walk along a path that is filled with tranquillity and immeasurable joy.

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Monday, November 25, 2013

 

Strive ever harder in faith, and never give in to negligence. All the people appear to believe sincerely when they first embrace the Lotus Sutra, but as time passes, they tend to become less devout; they no longer revere nor make offerings to the priest, giving themselves up to arrogance and forming distorted views. This is most frightening.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1027

Letter to Niike

Written to Niike Saemon-no-jo in February 1280

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Monday, November 25, 2013

 

Suppose that a person is standing at the foot of a tall embankment and is unable to ascend. And suppose that there is someone on top of the embankment who lowers a rope and says, "If you take hold of this rope, I will pull you up to the top of the embankment." If the person at the bottom begins to doubt that the other has the strength to pull him up, or wonders if the rope is not too weak and therefore refuses to put forth his hand and grasp it, then how is he ever to get to the top of the embankment? But if he follows the instructions, puts out his hand, and takes hold of the rope, then he can climb up – Nichiren

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (01 March 1951) p. 94

 

Buddhism is a battle. Whether we are victorious or defeated - doesn't this determine happiness or unhappiness, construction and growth or retreat and ruin?  This month again, I must conquer myself, conquer my circumstances, and advance victoriously within society.

 

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

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Sunday, November 24, 2013

 

Rosa Parks wrote in her book Quiet Strength: "I find that if I am thinking too much of my own problems and the fact that at times things are not just like I want them to be, I do not make any progress at all. But if I look around and see what I can do, and then I do it, I move on." Youth, and indeed life itself, flashes by in the blink of an eye. That is why it is important for you young people to ask yourselves what you can do for those who are suffering, what you can do to resolve the contradictions that plague society and to boldly take on these great challenges.

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Sunday, November 24, 2013

 

A person of wisdom is one who, understanding the time, spreads the teachings of the Lotus Sutra accordingly; this is his most important task. If a person's throat is dry, what he needs is water; he has no use for bows and arrows, weapons and sticks. If a person is naked, he wants a suit of clothes but has no need for water. From one or two examples you can guess the principle that applies in general.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 518

Letter to Horen

Written to Soya Kyoshin in April 1275

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Sunday, November 24, 2013

 

There is no one lonelier or more unhappy than a person who does not know the pure joy of creating a life for himself or herself. To be human is not merely to stand erect and manifest intelligence or knowledge. To be human in the full sense of the word is to lead a creative life. The struggle to create new life from within is a truly wonderful thing. There is found the brilliant wisdom that guides and directs the workings of reason; the light of insight that penetrates the farthest reaches of the universe; the undaunted will to see justice done that meets and challenges all the assaults of evil; the spirit of unbounded care that embraces all who suffer. When these are fused with that energy of compassion that pours forth from the deepest sources of cosmic life, an ecstatic rhythm arises to colour the lives of all people.

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (28 February 1951) p.93

 

Since today was payday, I stopped to by some sweets before visiting Y.'s in the evening.  Ten or so people gathered to discuss business, and we talked of various matters as everyone shared the cakes I brought.  Delighted to spend a few pleasant hours.

 

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

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Saturday, November 23, 2013

 

If I were to make an allegory, thought and philosophy would be like the heart or respiratory system of the human body. When the heart is sound, the whole body can maintain healthy activity. This same principle applies to both the individual and society. The SGI has a mission to serve as the heart that ensures the healthy functioning of society. Consequently, taking good care of the SGI, (the heart) allows the fresh life-giving blood of humanism to flow to and nourish all areas of society, including culture, politics and the economy.

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Saturday, November 23, 2013

 

You absolutely must not lament over my exile. It says in the "Encouraging Devotion" chapter and in the "Never Disparaging" chapter [that the votary of the Lotus Sutra will meet with persecution]. Life is limited; we must not begrudge it. What we should ultimately aspire to is the Buddha land.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 214

Aspiration for the  Buddha   Land

Written to Toki Jonin on November 23, 1271

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Saturday, November 23, 2013

 

The purpose of Buddhism is to bring out the Buddha nature that all people inherently possess, to awaken people to it and enable them to attain Buddhahood. Moreover, the Lotus Sutra does not allow for any discrimination; all people are equally entitled to salvation.

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (26 February 1951) p.93

 

Together - we followers of the Mystic Law, children of the great sage, disciples of our revered teacher. Always encouraging one another, we fight until we achieve our purpose. Advancing, we try our best, never retreating.

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

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Friday, November 22, 2013

 

There is a Russian proverb that says: "It is no use to blame the looking glass if your face is awry." Likewise, one's happiness or unhappiness is entirely the reflection of the balance of good and bad causes accumulated in one's life. No one can blame others for his misfortunes. In the world of faith, it is necessary to realize this all the more clearly.

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Friday, November 22, 2013

 

But now you, born a woman in the evil world of the latter age, while being reviled, struck and persecuted by the barbaric inhabitants of this island country who are unaware of these things, have endured and are propagating the Lotus Sutra. The Buddha at Eagle Peak surely perceives that you surpass the nun [Mahaprajapate] as greatly as clouds do mud. The name of that nun, the Buddha Gladly Seen by All Living Beings, is no unrelated matter; it is now the name of the lay nun Myoho.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1106

Reply to the Lay Nun Myoho

Written to the lay nun Myoho in 1281

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Friday, November 22, 2013

 

Wisdom, not might, is the most important thing. Wisdom and compassion are deeply connected. Giving earnest thought to others' welfare, asking ourselves what can we do to help -- using our minds in this way is a sign of compassion.

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (23 February 1951) p.92

 

It rained incessantly all day.  Slept in.  My health is improving.  In the early evening.  I went to Mr. Toda's amid a heavy downpour.  There was no lecture, but he gave me an assignment on the topic of the eternity of life.

Utterly perplexed at the difficulty of this problem.