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

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Saturday, May 31, 2014

 

 Buddhism is about bringing happiness, joy and fulfillment to all. It enables us not only to become happy ourselves but to make causes for the enlightenment of our ancestors seven-plus generations back and for the happiness and prosperity of our children, grandchildren and descendants throughout future generations. This is the great benefit of Buddhism.

 

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 From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Saturday, May 31, 2014

 

 Those who believe in the Lotus Sutra are as if in winter, but winter always turns to spring. Never, from ancient times on, has anyone heard or seen of winter turning back to autumn. Nor have we ever heard of a believer in the Lotus Sutra who turned into an ordinary person. The sutra reads, "If there are those who hear the Law, then not a one will fail to attain Buddhahood."

 

 The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 536

Winter Always Turns to Spring

Written to the lay nun Myoichi in May 1275

 

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 Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Saturday, May 31, 2014

 

 The poetic spirit encourages people in all ranks and places to return to their naked humanity. Neither sentimental nor fantastic, it embraces and affirms the whole world and all its inhabitants; it imparts the will to remain optimistic and unbending in the face of all hardships. As a believer in innate human goodness, I am certain that the concentrated power of good can overcome the greatest forces of evil. The poetic spirit helps us control the greed-dominated self. It helps us handle the actual while keeping our eyes turned toward the ideal.

 

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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (29 August 1954) p.198

 

Glad my physical condition has improved. With this as a turning point, must further my human revolution. Stayed home all morning. The children are noisy, but it's good they are in high spirits. Amazed a how quickly they are growing. Never want to grow old. Wish to live out this century as a youth.

 

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

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Friday, May 30, 2014

 

Those who make many friends have greater opportunities for growth and self-development; as such they make society a better place and lead happy, satisfying lives. In every situation, human relations, communication and personal interaction are vital. We need to initiate and nurture friendships and contacts with many people, both within the organization and in society at large. Our lives will open and be enriched to the extent that we do so.

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Friday, May 30, 2014

 

But your faith alone will determine all these things. A sword will be useless in the hands of a coward. The mighty sword of the Lotus Sutra must be wielded by one courageous in faith. Then one will be as strong as a demon armed with an iron staff.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 412

Reply to Kyo'o

Written to Kyo'o and her parents, Shijo Kingo and Nichigen-nyo, on August 15, 1273

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Friday, May 30, 2014

 

All children are gems, full of precious potential. There is hope in every child since life itself is full of hope. Should the hopes of children be stifled or broken, that would be our responsibility as adults. It pains my heart to see what goes on in today's society. I do not want to see the eyes of children darkened with fear and clouded with tears of sorrow. Society must be absolutely transformed. Children are mirrors that reflect adult society. When adults are ailing and their vision clouded, children will also suffer. Let us wipe away the tears of sorrow from the face of each child! We must protect children and give them courage, strength and vitality. It is parents who nurture children, the hope of humanity. How noble parents are! What a great mission and responsibility they fulfill.

 

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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (25 August 1954) p.198

 

A cool day. Feeling physically healthy. Must never forget faith. Must remember to maintain strict practice and training. I, myself, am weak. On my own, I am timid and cowardly. Strong faith is important. Need a strong senior; rather, a strong mentor in life. Then, I must become a strong disciple.

 

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

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Thursday, May 29, 2014

 

We who embrace the Mystic Law will not suffer on account of old age or death. As long as we keep the flame of faith alive, the fire of life force will forever burn brightly within us; we can live with great confidence transcending birth and death. Faith is the engine that enables us to live with hope throughout our lives.

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Thursday, May 29, 2014

 

When one carries out the single practice of exercising faith in Myoho-renge-kyo, there are no blessings that fail to come to one, and no good karma that does not begin to work on one's behalf. It is like the case of a fishing net: though the net is composed of innumerable small meshes, when one pulls on the main cord of the net, there are no meshes that do not move. Or it is like a garment: though the garment is composed of countless tiny threads, when one pulls on a corner of the garment, there are no threads that are not drawn along.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 133

Conversation between a Sage and an Unenlightened Man

Recipient unknown; written in 1265

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Thursday, May 29, 2014

 

Shakyamuni proclaims, "People who are vigilant do not die; people who are negligent are as if dead." This is definitely true. Unremitting diligence in our Buddhist practice - brave and vigorous exertion - infuses our lives with the great life force of the eternal Buddha. In contrast, people who try to get by in life through cunning and deception enact a living death.

 

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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (03 August 1954) p.196

 

The summer training course.

Spent a meaningful time at the training course. Visited Shiraito Falls and even went under the falls. Strove to further develop my state of life at this training course. At next year's training course, I will have been practicing this faith for eight full years. Must do my best.

 

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

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

 

What is true joy in life? This is a difficult question and one which has occupied a great many thinkers and philosophers. Joy can quickly give way to suffering. Joy is short and suffering long. Also what passes for joy in society is superficial. It cannot compare with the joy deriving from the Mystic Law. The key then lies in cultivating a state of mind where we can declare without reservation that life itself is a joy. This is the purpose of our Buddhist practice.

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

 

"Single-mindedly desiring to see the Buddha" may be read as follows: single-mindedly observing the Buddha, concentrating one's mind on seeing the Buddha, and when looking at one's own mind, perceiving that it is the Buddha.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 389

Letter to Gijo-bo

Written to Gijo-bo on May 28, 1273

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

 

The belief taught in the Lotus Sutra provides no easy answers, no escape route from the difficulties of human life. In fact, it rejects such easy answers; instead it implores us to take up the two tools for exploring life, belief and understanding, and use them to continually challenge and work to perfect ourselves. And it also provides us the energy to do just that.

 

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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (30 July 1954) p.196

 

Went to  Omiya  on business. Resent K.'s insolence. Wait another five or ten years, then we will see who is victorious. Exhausted, returned home just after 8:00. Bored. Must take care of my health. Sat quietly at my desk, scribbling notes in my notebook.

 

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

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Tuesday, May 27, 2014

 

Forward! Always forward! This is a basic spirit of Buddhism. Nichiren Daishonin's teaching is the Buddhism of true cause. We live with our gaze fixed on the future, not hung up on the past. To advance eternally - this is the essence of life and the essence of what it means to be a practitioner of the Daishonin's Buddhism.

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Tuesday, May 27, 2014

 

To accept, uphold, read, recite, take delight in, and protect all the eight volumes and twenty-eight chapters of the Lotus Sutra is called the comprehensive practice. To accept, uphold, and protect the "Expedient Means" chapter and the "Life Span" chapter is called the abbreviated practice. And simply to chant one four-phrase verse or the daimoku, and to protect those who do so, is called the essential practice. Hence, among these three kinds of practice, comprehensive, abbreviated, and essential, the daimoku is defined as the essential practice.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 143

The Daimoku of the Lotus Sutra

Recipient unknown; written on January 6, 1266

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Tuesday, May 27, 2014

 

Similar to the unifying and integrating self that Carl Jung perceived in the depths of the ego, the term greater self in Buddhism expresses the openness and expansiveness of character by which we can embrace all people's sufferings as our own. The greater self always seeks to alleviate pain and to augment the happiness of others here amid the realities of everyday life. Furthermore, the dynamic, vital awakening of the greater self enables each individual to experience both life and death with equal delight.

 

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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (29 July 1954) p.196

 

In the evening, a staff meeting at the G. Chinese restaurant…

 

President Toda gave guidance on various topics including:

 

1. The question of stock prices.

2. The increased issuance of bank notes by the Bank of Japan, and this year's national budget.

3. Praiseworthy individuals who embraced faith in the past.

4. Kosen-rufu in  East Asia  and the economy.

 

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

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Monday, May 26, 2014

 

In Buddhism, we either win or lose - there is no middle ground. Now and in the future, let us advance, determined to win in every sphere of our lives. By winning in our lives, we are advancing kosen-rufu; and by advancing kosen-rufu, we win in our lives.

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Monday, May 26, 2014

 

Because Buddhism has gradually been turned upside down, the secular world also has been plunged into corruption and chaos. Buddhism is like the body, and society like the shadow. When the body bends, so does the shadow. How fortunate that all of my disciples who follow the Buddha's true intention will naturally flow into the ocean of comprehensive wisdom!

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1039

A Comparison of the Lotus and Other Sutras

Written to Toki Jonin on May 26, 1280

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Monday, May 26, 2014

 

There is a saying that "Speech is silver, silence is golden." But when you are engaged in a struggle, the opposite is true. Then, speaking out is golden and silence is defeat.

 

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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (28 July 1954) p.195

 

A hot day. Bought two Japan Airlines tickets, one for Sensei and one for myself. Feel a childlike excitement at flying for the first time. Went to the headquarters at 6:30 to discuss problems and lay plans for a Study Department general meeting. Late in the evening, received a phone call from Sensei. Was scolded severely. This has deep meaning. Had no time to offer an explanation.

 

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

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Sunday, May 25, 2014

 

The heart is most important of all. In his classic The Little Prince, the French author Antoine de Saint-Exupery writes: "It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye." It is just as he says. We cannot always tell whether something is genuine just with our eyes. Only by looking with the heart can we discern the true essence.

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Sunday, May 25, 2014

 

If a spark as small as a bean is set to a single blade of grass in a spring field of a thousand square ri thick with grass, it becomes in an instant an immeasurable, boundless blaze. Such is also the case with this robe [you have offered]. Though only one robe, it has been offered to the Buddhas of all the characters of the Lotus Sutra. Be firmly convinced that the benefits from this will extend to your parents, your grandparents, nay, even to countless living beings, not to mention your own husband, whom you hold most dear.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 533

The Offering of an Unlined Robe

Written to the lady of Sajiki on May 25, 1275

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Sunday, May 25, 2014

 

The Indian poet Rabindranath Tagore compares the function of evil to the banks of a river. The riverbanks are obstructions, but they are necessary for keeping the river on track and flowing steadily forward. Without banks, the river would overflow, causing destruction instead of creating value.

 

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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (26 July 1954) p.195

 

Today was the first summerlike day of the season. Worried if the low temperatures continue, the rice crops will suffer. Praying for an abundant harvest…

In this world, economic collapse means the end of everything – the nation, the individual and the family. Is this the way it should be? No, the ultimate problem lies in preventing the environment from sapping people's determination, in other words, their resolution to defeat devilish forces. Either our determination is destroyed by the environment or we develop a condition of life powerful enough to reconstruct the environment. Must ponder deeply the relationship between life and its environment.

 

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

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Saturday, May 24, 2014

 

President Toda said: "Those who do not value the organization are practicing self-centered faith. With such faith you cannot expect to receive the truly profound benefits of this practice." Working hard within the organization for people's happiness and welfare is itself truly noble Buddhist practice.

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Saturday, May 24, 2014

 

Though I have long since ceased to think about my home, seeing this laver brings back many familiar memories, and I am saddened and find it hard to bear. It is the same kind of laver I saw long ago on the shore at Kataumi,  Ichikawa , and Kominato. I feel an unwarranted resentment that, while the color, shape, and taste of this laver have remained unchanged, my parents have passed away, and I cannot restrain my tears.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 466

Reply to Niiama

Written to the younger non Niiama on February 16, 1275

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Saturday, May 24, 2014

 

The ultimate and most glorious of human relationships is the relationship of spiritual successors. Even animals have relationships of parent and child. There are animals that share partnerships similar to marriage, and even those that enjoy friendships. However, the relationship of mentor and disciple, of spiritual successors, exists only among human beings.

 

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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (22 July 1954) p.193

 

Opportunities to talk with Sensei are few. Feel a sense of solitude. Cannot comprehend his life force and sublime state of mind. He is truly awakened to the mysterious law of Buddhism. Passionate, quiet, cool, insightful, composed, domineering, severe, compassionate…

Want to purify my faith, step by step. Deeply ashamed of my lack of ability, my tendency to rely on shallow understanding.