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

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Friday, February 28, 2014

 

 You can forge the path to a fulfilling and enjoyable life if you have the depth of faith to regard everything as a source for creating happiness and value. Conversely, if you see everything only in a negative or pessimistic light, your life will gradually but inevitably be plunged into darkness. Buddhism teaches the subtle principle of ichinen, and moreover, the power of faith.

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Friday, February 28, 2014

 

 Since you now appear certain to attain Buddhahood, perhaps the heavenly devil and evil spirits are using illness to try to intimidate you. Life in this world is limited. Never be even the least bit afraid!".

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1109

The Proof of the Lotus Sutra

Written to Nanjo Tokimitsu on February 28, 1282

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Friday, February 28, 2014

 

Make goals. Whether big or small, work toward realizing them. You must be serious about and dedicated to your goals - you'll get nowhere if you just treat them like jokes. An earnest, dedicated spirit shines like a diamond and moves people's hearts. That is because a brilliant flame burns within. If we are sincere, people will understand our intentions, and our positive qualities will shine forth. It is pointless to be caught up in outward appearances. The German poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe writes: "How may one get to know oneself? Never by contemplation, only, indeed, by action. Seek to do your duty, and you will know at once how it is with you."

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (10 October 1953) p.146

 

I have a mission. Without a mission, a Bodhisattva of the Earth has no reason to exist. Human beings must never forget their mission. Since this is the case, my only choice is to courageously carry out powerful unyielding, indomitable faith.

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 27 February 2014 - Year of Opening a New Era of Worldwide Kosen-rufu

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Thursday, February 27, 2014

 

Originally, every person's life is a brilliantly shining mirror. Differences arise depending on whether one polishes this mirror: A polished mirror is the Buddha's life, whereas a tarnished mirror is that of a common mortal. Chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is what polishes our lives.

 

Events; SGI-USA Womens Day.

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Thursday, February 27, 2014

 

However, people all turn their backs on these sutra passages, and the world as a whole is completely confused with regard to the principles of Buddhism. Why do you persist in following the teachings of evil friends? T'ien-t'ai said that to accept and put faith in the doctrines of evil teachers is the same as drinking poison. You should deeply consider this and beware.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 61

Questions and Answers about Embracing the Lotus Sutra

Recipient unknown; written in March 1263

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Thursday, February 27, 2014

 

We each move forward secure on our own earth, not the earth of others. Happiness is something we must create for ourselves. No one else can give it to us.

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (10 October 1953) p.146

 

The faith that can change destiny cannot be carried out easily. Must not doubt. The fundamental cause lies in my own determination and faith.

 

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

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

 

Gandhi taught people to live with lion-like courage, impressing upon them that they could not afford to leave things up to others, that they had to stand up for themselves and fight for justice. Ultimately, the only way forward is by developing self-reliance, forging a stand-alone spirit. That is the only path to victory.

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

 

Today there are people who have faith in the Lotus Sutra. The belief of some is like fire while that of others is like water. When the former listen to the teachings, their passion flares up like fire, but as time goes on, they tend to discard their faith. To have faith like water means to believe continuously without ever regressing.

 

 The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 899

The Two Kinds of Faith

Written to Nanjo Tokumitsu on February 25, 1278

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

 

When you hold fast to your beliefs and live true to yourself, your true value as a human being shines through. Buddhism teaches the concept of "realizing your inherent potential." In other words manifesting your true entity, your innate self, revealing it and bringing it to shine, illuminating all around you. It refers to your most refined individuality and uniqueness.

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (09 October 1953) p.146

 

In physical and spiritual anguish all day. My only choice is to improve my faith. Must make myself practice strictly. Went in the rain to  Yokohama  to help negotiate the construction of a new home for Mr.'s relative. I enjoyed a meal on the way back.

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

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Monday, February 24, 2014

 

Buddhism is not about leading a self-centered existence. If we do not base our lives on the Law, we are not practicing Buddhism. The German writer Friedrich von Schiller writes, "The brave man thinks upon himself the last." This is analogous to the spirit of not begrudging one's life taught in the Lotus Sutra. This means treasuring the Law more highly than one's life. The Law and kosen-rufu are central.

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Monday, February 24, 2014

 

No matter how humble a person may be, if his wisdom is the least bit greater than yours, you should ask him about the meaning of the sutra. But the people in this evil age are so arrogant, prejudiced, and attached to fame and profit that they are afraid that, should they become the disciple of a humble person or try to learn something from him, they will be looked down upon by others. They never rid themselves of this wrong attitude, so they seem to be destined for the evil paths.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 757

The Fourteen Slanders

Written to the lay priest Matsuno Rokuro Saemon on December 9, 1276

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Monday, February 24, 2014

 

According to Buddhism, health is not a condition in which we merely escape negative influences. It is a highly positive, active state in which we hold ourselves responsible for such influences, in which we face and try to solve various problems - not just our own but others problems, too. The word disease implies a lack of ease, which conversely implies that health is a state of comfort. In the Buddhist sense, however, being "at ease" does not mean freedom from difficulties, it means having the strength to meet and overcome any problem.

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (07 October 1953) p.145

 

Read a book on Oda Nobunaga – a courageous general. A sharp mind. He acted in the spirit of male ambition. Toyotomi Hideyoshi was also fascinating. He was an individual of great friendliness. Many times, Mr. Toda has encouraged me to read books on history. One's view of history is important.

  

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 23 February 2014 - Year of Opening a New Era of Worldwide Kosen-rufu

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Sunday, February 23, 2014

 

Without courage we cannot be compassionate. Courage and compassion are inseparable, like the two sides of a coin. Faith is the wellspring of courage. The Daishonin says, "Nichiren's disciples cannot accomplish anything if they are cowardly," (The Major Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 128). A cowardly person cannot realize victory in life. Unless we have the courage to really dedicate our lives to kosen-rufu, we cannot construct true happiness for ourselves and others.

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Sunday, February 23, 2014

 

Even though one may encounter a wise teacher and the true sutra and thereby embrace the correct teaching, when one resolves to break free from the sufferings of birth and death and attain Buddhahood, one will inevitably encounter seven grave matters known as the three obstacles and four devils, just as surely as a shadow follows the body and clouds accompany rain. Even if you should manage to overcome the first six, if you are defeated by the seventh, you will not be able to become a Buddha.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 894

Letter to Misawa

Written to Misawa Kojiro on February 23, 1278

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Sunday, February 23, 2014

 

The only way for human beings to change is for them to conquer their inner darkness and rediscover the eternal dignity within their own lives. Cultivating the noble spirit with which all people are endowed will directly lead to a change in the destiny of humankind.

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (07 October 1953) p.145

 

Bright sunshine. The sky, a stage in a dreamlike play. I want my life, too, to shine a spirited dance of "happiness in this world" on the stage of this earth.

Completed my astronomy study. Great nourishment for the future. Deeply thankful to President Toda.

  

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 22 February 2014 - Year of Opening a New Era of Worldwide Kosen-rufu

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Saturday, February 22, 2014

 

What was the secret to Edison's success? He explained that it was to never give up before he succeeded in what he was trying to do. Not giving up-that's the only way. Once you give up you are defeated. This is equally true in the realm of faith. Quitting is not faith. We have to keep chanting until our prayers are answered. That is the correct way of prayer.

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Saturday, February 22, 2014

 

Though this mandala has but five or seven characters, it is the teacher of all Buddhas throughout the three existences and the seal that guarantees the enlightenment of all women. It will be a lamp in the darkness of the road to the next world and a fine horse to carry you over the mountains of death. It is like the sun and moon in the heavens or Mount Sumeru on earth. It is a ship to ferry people over the sea of the sufferings of birth and death. It is the teacher who leads all people to Buddhahood and enlightenment.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 414

On Offering Prayers to the Mandala of the Mystic Law

Recipient and date unknown

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Saturday, February 22, 2014

 

Real optimism should not be confused with a carefree outlook on life, one in which we forfeit responsibility for our lives. The person undefeated by misfortune, poverty, insult and vilification, the person who can bounce back from every adversity and say, "What? That was nothing!" The person who marches on toward hope through sheer force of will - that person is a true optimist.

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (05 October 1953) p.145

 

A fine autumn day. There are days of rain, days of snow and overcast days. Similarly, there are days when we feel spirited, days of worry and days of sadness and regret. Travelled to the Joto area. My work is not going as planned. A youth's mind is intensely restless. Must be strong, upright, untiring and self-disciplined.

 

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Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 21 February 2014 - Year of Opening a New Era of Worldwide Kosen-rufu

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Friday, February 21, 2014

 

Friendship is strong. Friendship, camaraderie and unity in faith lie at the heart of the SGI. They come before the organization. We must never make the mistake of thinking that it is the other way around. The organization serves as a means for deepening friendship, comradeship and faith. To confuse the means and the end is a terrible mistake.

 

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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Friday, February 21, 2014

 

Nam-myoho-renge-kyo will be your staff to take you safely over the mountains of death. The Buddhas Shakyamuni and Many Treasures, as well as the four bodhisattvas headed by Superior Practices, will lead you by the hand on your journey. If I, Nichiren, precede you in death, I will come to meet you at your last moment. If you should precede me, I will be sure to tell King Yama all about you. Everything that I tell you is true. According to the Lotus Sutra, Nichiren is the guide who knows the passes and gorges along the way."

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 451

The Swords of Good and Evil

Written to Hojo Yagenta on February 21, 1274

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Friday, February 21, 2014

 

There is no way of life more desolate or more pitiful than one of ignorance of the fundamental joy that issues from the struggle to generate and regenerate one's own life from within. To be human is much more than the mere biological facts of standing erect and exercising reason and intelligence. The full and genuine meaning of our humanity is found in tapping the creative fonts of life itself.

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (04 October1953) p.145

 

Home at 11:00. It is natural young pioneers are seldom at home – we are working to construct our happiness. Nothing - not the earth, the sun's flames, the cells of our bodies or the growth of plants – is ever stagnant. Our guidance and faith toward realizing kosen-rufu must also never cease.

 

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 20 February 2014 - Year of Opening a New Era of Worldwide Kosen-rufu

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Thursday, February 20, 2014

 

In his later years, President Toda often told his disciples: "Be courageous in faith! No matter what other people may say, advance boldly! Lead confident lives! Make courage the Gakkai's eternal emblem!" This was the spirit with which he charged us before he died. Faith is the source of true strength and courage. Without courage and confidence we cannot be said to have genuine faith.

 

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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Thursday, February 20, 2014

 

Even an ignorant person can obtain blessings by serving someone who expounds the Lotus Sutra. No matter if he is a demon or an animal, if someone proclaims even a single verse or phrase of the Lotus Sutra, you must respect him as you would the Buddha. This is what the sutra means when it says, "You should rise and greet him from afar, showing him the same respect you would a Buddha." You should respect one another as Shakyamuni and Many Treasures did at the ceremony in the "  Treasure   Tower  " chapter.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 757

The Fourteen Slanders

Written to the lay priest Matsuno Rokuro Saemon on December 9, 1276

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Thursday, February 20, 2014

 

When we plant the seeds of self-doubt, only noxious weeds sprout. When we limit ourselves with low expectations, the growth of the tree of happiness immediately ceases. The power of growth, of improvement, the power to overcome all stagnation and break through every obstacle and transform a barren wasteland into a verdant field -- that unstoppable power of hope resides right there in your own heart. It will well up from the rich earth of your innermost being when you face the future without doubt or fear: "I can do more. I can grow. I can become a bigger and better human being" --- life and faith are a never-ending struggle to grow.

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (03 October 1953) p.144

 

To  Kogane   City  in  Yokohama  with K. on business. Things did not turn out too well.

Reflected that faith equals work. Sensei's morning lecture passed the midpoint in our astronomy study. My heart leaps when I consider the relationship between Buddhism and the study of the cosmos.

 

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 19 February 2014 - Year of Opening a New Era of Worldwide Kosen-rufu

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

 

This lifetime will never come again; it is precious and irreplaceable. To live without regret, it is crucial for us to have a concrete purpose and continually set goals and challenges for ourselves. It is equally important that we keep moving toward specific targets steadily and tenaciously, one step at a time.

 

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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

 

Be sure to strengthen your faith, and receive the protection of Shakyamuni, Many Treasures, and the Buddhas of the ten directions. Exert yourself in the two ways of practice and study. Without practice and study, there can be no Buddhism. You must not only persevere yourself; you must also teach others. Both practice and study arise from faith. Teach others to the best of your ability, even if it is only a single sentence or phrase.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 386

The True Aspect of All Phenomena

Written to Sairen-bo Nichijo on May 17, 1273

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

 

Chang-an writes, "If one befriends another person but lacks the mercy to correct him, one is in fact his enemy." The consequences of a grave offense are extremely difficult to erase. The most important thing is to continually strengthen our wish to benefit others - Nichiren

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (02 October 1953) p.144

 

A steady autumn rain. Appreciative in many ways for my circumstances, which allow me to grow while fighting courageously day after day and night after night. How fortunate that I can dedicate myself heart and soul to my job, my mission and my activities during this active time of my youth. Next year I'll be twenty-six. Construction, improvement, fierce struggle, devotion – with these I will live, fight and advance under my mentor, in a way befitting a youth and a disciple.

 

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