Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Wednesday, November 13, 2011
Buddhism aims to make people free in the most profound sense; its purpose is not to restrict or constrain. Doing gongyo is a right, not an obligation. Because Buddhism entails practice, tenacious efforts are required, but these are all for your own sake. If you want to have great benefits or to develop a profound state of life, you should exert yourself accordingly.
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Wednesday, November 13, 2011
Kai-ko said: ". . . I felt it a terrible pity that someone such as he, outstanding in every respect, should die so young. Reconsidering the matter, however, I realized that it was because of this boy's death that his mother became a seeker of the way and his father began to practice, praying for his repose. How marvelous, I thought. Moreover, the fact that they have put their trust in the Lotus Sutra, which all people detest, must mean that their deceased son has been at their side and encouraged them to do so." I also believe this to be the case.
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1050
The Sons Pure Storehouse and Pure Eye
Recipient unknown; written on July 7, 1280
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Wednesday, November 13, 2011
Nichiren writes, "None of you who declare yourselves to be my disciples should ever give way to cowardice." When the crucial moment comes, it is important to battle through it with the ferocity of a charging lion. This is the key to creating a record of lasting brilliance. As the ancient Greek poet and playwright Euripides inscribed, "Courage is very powerful against misfortune."
Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (14 February 1951) p.89
Left for work in a great rush after completing only three prayers of gongyo. Strange weather. I stayed in the office until 2:00. Discussed a pressing matter with Mr. Toda concerning his home mortgage. If the problem is not solved by tomorrow it will be foreclosed. I myself must solve this problem. Daimoku - with the power of daimoku!
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