Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Monday, December 23, 2013
Leo Tolstoy concluded that the only way to bring about a fundamental change in society is to realize a change in public opinion, a change in people's minds. Then how can we change public opinion? Tolstoy asserted: "It is only necessary for people to say what they really think or at least to refrain from saying what they do not think." It is vital, in other words, not to be swayed by others' opinions or past ways of thinking or doing. Instead each of us must become wise, possessing our own firm convictions.
From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Monday, December 23, 2013
In view of all this, your sincerity in sending a gift of five strings of blue-duck coins whenever the opportunity arises truly entitles you to be known as one who propagates the daimoku of the Lotus Sutra in Japan . As first one person, then two persons, then a thousand, ten thousand, a hundred thousand and then all the people throughout the country come to chant the daimoku, before you know it their blessings will accrue to you.
The Blessings of the Lotus Sutra
This letter was written at Minobu in 1276 and addressed to Myomitsu, a believer who lived at Kuwagayatsu in Kamakura .
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Monday, December 23, 2013
Peace and culture are one. A genuinely cultured nation is a peaceful nation, and vice versa. When conflicts multiply, culture wanes and nations fall into a hellish existence. The history of the human race is a contrast between culture and barbarity. Only culture is a force strong enough to put an end to conflict and lead humanity in the direction of peace.
Daisaku Ikeda – A Youthful Diary (23 May 1951) p.112
Lectured in the evening to a dozen or so members at I. 's house on "The Opening of the Eyes" and "Reply to Hakiri Saburo." Everyone looked delighted. Nothing makes me happier than to see members' spirits raised even a little.
Returned home at 8:50. Tried working on copy for The Daibyakurenge but could make no progress. Felt discouraged. When will the day come that I can satisfactorily express my thoughts in writing?
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