Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 31 January 2014 - Year of Opening a New Era of Worldwide Kosen-rufu

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Friday, January 31, 2014

 

Youth should not seek an easy comfortable path. No one develops in a pampered environment. Youth should instead actively seek out challenges and hardships, transforming them all into valuable assets as they strive to become individuals of outstanding character and ability.

 

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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Friday, January 31, 2014

 

Carry through with your faith in the Lotus Sutra. You cannot strike fire from flint if you stop halfway. Bring forth the great power of faith, and be spoken of by all the people of  Kamakura , both high and low, or by all the people of  Japan  as "Shijo Kingo, Shijo Kingo of the Lotus school!" Even a bad reputation will spread far and wide. A good reputation will spread even farther, particularly if it is a reputation for devotion to the Lotus Sutra.

 

 The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 319

Earthly Desires are Enlightenment

Written to Shijo Kingo on May 2, 1272

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Friday, January 31, 2014

 

A higher religion does not negate rationality. No religion that suppresses human reason can earn the trust of humankind. Buddhism, the "religion of wisdom," is an extremely rational religion. In fact, it is so rational that many Westerners even question whether it can be classified as a religion, since it does not teach the existence of a supreme being in the image of humankind.

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (01 February 1953) p.135

 

Attended a youth division meeting at 6:00pm.  Witnessed their bold departure toward the coming year.  How splendid!  Someday, want Sensei to see the result of our behind-the-scenes unity and growth.  I talked about the importance of study.  I, myself, however, must first take the initiative and serve as an example. Personally resolved to take a great leap forward during the coming year.

  

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 30 January 2014 - Year of Opening a New Era of Worldwide Kosen-rufu

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Thursday January 30, 2014

 

Buddhism teaches that "all phenomena in the universe are manifestations of the Law" (Gosho Zenshu, p. 564). I hope you will, with this understanding, engage yourselves in broad-ranging studies with vigour and determination. Your brains have a potential as vast and boundless as the universe. How then do we manifest the brain's full creative powers? There is only one way to bring out our full intellectual capacity: by constantly putting our minds to work.

 

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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Thursday January 30, 2014

 

My disciples, you should believe what I say and watch what happens. These things do not occur because I myself am respect worthy, but because the power of the Lotus Sutra is supreme. If I praise myself, people will think that I am boastful, but if I humble myself, they will despise the sutra. The taller the pine tree, the longer the wisteria vine hanging from it. The deeper the source, the longer the stream. How fortunate, how joyful! In this impure land, I alone enjoy true happiness and delight.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 642

A Sage Perceives the Three Existences of Life

Written to Toki Jonin in 1275

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Thursday January 30, 2014

 

Just as a diamond can only be polished by another diamond, it is only through intense human interaction engaging the entire personality that people can forge themselves, raising themselves up to ever-greater heights.

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (30 January 1953) p.135

 

The Gakkai headquarters leaders meeting…

Felt it to be miniature world of Buddhas and bodhisattvas who have passionately arisen to achieve kosen-rufu. It is apparent however, that steep mountains and violent storms await us. Will it be possible to achieve kosen-rufu in our time? Or will it be 50, 100, 200 years from now? In the end, there is no other way for me but to devote this life, until I die, to the battle of propagation, with a determination, conviction and dream for two hundred years from now.

  

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 29 January 2014 - Year of Opening a New Era of Worldwide Kosen-rufu

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

 

Practicing Buddhism means being victorious. In advancing one step at a time amid the realities of our daily lives, in showing concrete actual proof, in becoming victors and successes we are demonstrating with our very beings the validity of Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism and serving as a source of hope and inspiration for those who will follow us on the path of faith.

 

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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

 

Understand then that the votary who practices the Lotus Sutra exactly as the Buddha teaches will without fail be attacked by the three powerful enemies. In the more than two thousand years that have passed since the Buddha's advent, Shakyamuni himself, T'ien-t'ai and Dengyo were the only three who perfectly carried out the Buddha's teachings. Now in the Latter Day of the Law, Nichiren and his disciples and lay believers are just such practitioners.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 395

On Practicing the Buddha's Teachings

Written to all followers in May 1273

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

 

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 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.

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (27 January 1953) p.134

 

Ichinen, single-minded determination – this is what enables the arrow to pierce the rock, as the saying goes. Mr. Toda's frequent statement that "there is no power stronger or greater than faith" has gradually come to touch my heart.

  

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 28 January 2014 - Year of Opening a New Era of Worldwide Kosen-rufu

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

 

All of you are chanting for the happiness of many members - children of the Buddha - in your respective communities, you support and encourage them and work tirelessly on their behalf as if they were your own children. Your actions are truly those of great bodhisattvas, your state of life that of noble Buddhas.

 

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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

 

Let others hate you if they will. What have you to complain of, if you are cherished by Shakyamuni Buddha, Many Treasures Buddha, and the Buddhas of the ten directions, as well as by Brahma, Shakra, and the gods of the sun and the moon? As long as you are praised by the Lotus Sutra, what cause have you for discontent?"

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 464

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

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

 

Why are human beings born? This question has posed a great challenge. Josei Toda lucidly set forward his conclusion. Namely, that this world is a place for people to, as the Lotus Sutra states, "enjoy themselves at ease." We were born here in order to thoroughly savour the joys of life. Faith in Nichiren Buddhism enables one to bring forth the great life force needed to lead such an existence.

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (26 January 1953) p.134

 

Worked vigorously all day. Gave a lecture for the first time this year. Feel I must study harder and harder. Had friends from work over for dinner late in the evening. Talked to our hearts' content about our dreams for the next twenty years.

  

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 26 January 2014 - Year of Opening a New Era of Worldwide Kosen-rufu

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Sunday January 26, 2014

 

Truly praiseworthy are those who resolve to work hard for kosen-rufu and the SGI within the lofty realm of Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism. They are genuinely capable people. And they will definitely attain life-conditions of complete fulfillment.

 

Events

1975 SGI Day

Soka Gakkai International established in  Guam ; Daisaku Ikeda inaugurated as SGI president.

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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Sunday January 26, 2014

 

One should not be intimidated by the fact that so many hold such beliefs. Nor does the truth of a belief depend on whether it has been held for a long or short time. The point is simply whether or not it conforms with the text of the scriptures and with reason.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 168

The Tripitaka Master Shan-wu-wei

Written to Joken-bo and Gijo-bo in 1270

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Sunday January 26, 2014

 

A coward cannot become a Buddha. We cannot attain Buddhahood unless we possess the heart of a lion. The harsher the situation, the bolder the stand we must take. This is the essence of the Soka Gakkai spirit.

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (25 January 1953) p.133

 

Thought about the other day's spiritless leaders meeting of Koiwa chapter, held at Masui's House. There were about sixty participants. They lacked joy and appeared to have lost confidence. Decided in my heart to charge forth with tremendous passion into this desert like area. I am worried that these leaders, however, who lack spirit or an understanding of their mission, cannot accept my spirit and intent.

  

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 25 January 2014 - Year of Opening a New Era of Worldwide Kosen-rufu

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Saturday, January 25, 2014

 

The important thing is to hold on resolutely to one's convictions come what may, just as the Daishonin teaches. People who possess such unwavering conviction will definitely become happy.

 

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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Saturday, January 25, 2014

 

Buddhism teaches that, when the Buddha nature manifests itself from within, it will receive protection from without. This is one of its fundamental principles.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 848

The Three Kinds of Treasure

Written to Shijo Kingo on September 11, 1277

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Saturday, January 25, 2014

 

You cannot judge the quality of another's friendship by superficial appearances, especially when things are going smoothly. It is only when we have experienced the worst, most crushing of times - when we have plumbed the depths of life - that we can experience the joys of genuine friendship. Only a man of principle, a woman of resolve - a person who stays true to their chosen path - can be a trusted and true friend and have real friends in turn.

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (23 January 1953) p.133

 

Many problems trouble the world. The newspapers are devoid of any encouraging news. A dreadful world. It pains my youthful heart. The only security is to advance with bold determination, without begrudging my life.

  

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 24 January 2014 - Year of Opening a New Era of Worldwide Kosen-rufu

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Friday, January 24, 2014

 

We use our voices not only to chant daimoku but to guide, encourage and introduce others to the Daishonin's Buddhism. Our voice, therefore, is very important. An angry voice, a coarse voice, a cold voice, an imperious voice - none of these will communicate how wonderful Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism is. I would like you to be humanistic leaders who can encourage others with bright warm voices, so that they will say, "What a lovely voice!" and "I'm always so inspired when I hear you speak." Becoming this kind of leader is one actual proof of your human revolution.

 

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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Friday, January 24, 2014

 

I explained the teachings of the Lotus Sutra to you before. Matters of minor importance arise from good, but when it comes to a matter of great importance, great disaster without fail changes into great fortune.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 824

A Warning against Begrudging One's Fief

Written to Shijo Kingo in July 1277

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Friday, January 24, 2014

 

Buddhism teaches equality and absolute respect for the dignity of life. Educating people to be citizens of the world begins with cultivating respect, compassion and empathy for others. I am certain that friendship and limitless trust in people can empower us to overcome socially disruptive discrimination and hatred. Open-minded exchanges on the popular level will be increasingly important in the years to come. When people engage in mind-to-mind dialogue, they are grateful to see ethnic and cultural differences not as obstacles but as expressions of society - enriching diversity that engenders respect and a desire for further exploration.

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (22 January 1953) p.133

 

Went to bed thinking about Mr. Toda. Have I served him well until today, or have I not? Have I acted sincerely? Have I travelled the path of mentor and disciple honourably? Ashamed of my incompetence as a disciple.