Monday, 30 June 2014

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

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Monday, June 30, 2014
 
The place where we are right now is what matters. This is all the more true for us who embrace the Mystic Law. Buddhism teaches that we can transform wherever we are into the  Land  of  Eternally Tranquil Light .
 
 
From the Writing of Nichiren Daishonin
Monday, June 30, 2014
 
Because I have expounded this teaching, I have been exiled and almost killed. As the saying goes: "Good advice grates on the ear." But still I am not discouraged.
 
The Essentials for Attaining Buddhahood
Written to Soya Jiro Hyoe-no-jo Kyoshin on August 3, 1276
 
 
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Monday, June 30, 2014
 
In one of his writings, renowned microbiologist Rene Dubos, stated.  "History teaches that man without effort is sure to deteriorate; man cannot progress without effort, and man cannot be happy without effort. " This is indisputable. You may be experiencing various hardships now, but because you continue to make efforts in the midst of those challenges, no matter how painful they are, you will definitely become happy. Effort and happiness are indivisible.
 
 
Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (27 February 1955) p.229
 
Up at 8:00. While I am young, I do not want to live with reservations. It is vital that I act with conviction, life force and responsibility.
 
 


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Sunday, 29 June 2014

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

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Sunday, June 29, 2014
 
The important thing is to advance brightly and strive to be victorious at each moment, right where we are; to begin something here and now instead of fretting and worrying over what will happen. This is the starting point for transforming our lives.
 
 
From the Writing of Nichiren Daishonin
Sunday, June 29, 2014
 
If one hopes to study and master Buddhism, then one cannot do so without devoting time to the task.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 690
On Repaying Debts of Gratitude
Written to Joken-bo and Gijo-bo on July 21, 1276
 
 
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Sunday, June 29, 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.
 
 
Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (26 February 1955) p.228
 
Some days I feel little hope or joy; others, I sense progress and advancement. Ultimately, no matter how bad I feel, I must continue my training. Especially within the realm of Buddhist practice which enables us to grasp the eternity of life.
 
 


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Saturday, 28 June 2014

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

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday, June 28, 2014
 
In the "Ongi Kuden" (Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings), the Daishonin says, "One should regard meeting obstacles as true peace and comfort" (Gosho Zenshu, p. 750). You may wonder how encountering obstacles could be a source of peace and comfort. But the truth of the matter is that through struggling against and overcoming difficulties, we can transform our destiny and attain Buddhahood. Confronting adversity, therefore, represents peace and comfort.
 
 
From the Writing of Nichiren Daishonin
Saturday, June 28, 2014
 
The fourth volume of the Lotus Sutra states, "[I will send...] men and women of pure faith, to offer alms to the teachers of the Law." The meaning of this sutra passage is that the heavenly gods and benevolent deities will assume various forms such as those of men and women, and present offerings to help the persons who practice the Lotus Sutra. There can be no doubt that this refers to you and your wife being born as a man and woman, and making offerings to Nichiren, the teacher of the Law.
 
The Izu Exile
Written to Funamori Yasaburo on June 27, 1261
 
 
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday, June 28, 2014
 
If you are unwilling to make efforts to heal yourself, it will be very difficult to cure your illness. One day of life is more valuable than all the treasures of the major world system, so first you must muster sincere faith - Nichiren
 
 
Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (15 February 1955) p. 224
 
President Toda gave severe guidance from the morning on. My heart feels as if I am standing on an icy mountain peak, naked before the cold wind. No excuse. Spiritual age, physical age: must revolutionize both simultaneously. Actual proof will result from my Buddhist practice, due to the principle of 'the oneness of body and mind.'
 
 


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Friday, 27 June 2014

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



Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Friday, June 27, 2014
 
In a world where indifference and inhumanity prevail, let us use our discussion meetings as the pivot for creating oasis of peace and harmony in our homes and in our local communities and then extending them to encompass every sphere of society.
 
 
From the Writing of Nichiren Daishonin
Friday, June 27, 2014
 
Though worldly troubles may arise, never let them disturb you. No one can avoid problems, not even sages or worthies. Drink sake only at home with your wife, and chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. Suffer what there is to suffer, enjoy what there is to enjoy. Regard both suffering and joy as facts of life, and continue chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, no matter what happens. How could this be anything other than the boundless joy of the Law?"
 
Happiness in this World
Written to Shijo Kingo on June 27, 1276
 
 
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Friday, June 27, 2014
 
When individuals practice a teaching as intended, the expected result becomes manifest in their lives as well as in their environment. Religion not only deals with spirituality but also has a significant impact - positive or negative, upon people's daily lives and their society. The nature and extent of a particular religion's impact becomes the standard for evaluating its validity.
 
 
Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (10 February 1955) p.223
 
 Fatigued throughout my body. An agonizing day. Is it my evil karma? I am reading with my life the passage from a sutra that states, "The people's sins are like frost or dew, which vanish in the sunlight of wisdom."
At noon, shopped for birthday gifts for President Toda… Purchased a dress shirt, two neckties, pearl cuff links and a shoehorn. Confident these gifts express my sincere feeling.
 


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Thursday, 26 June 2014

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



Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Thursday, June 26, 2014
 
This spirit of engaging others in dialogue on equal terms is the essence of Buddhism. Ordering people about in a high-handed, arrogant manner, shouting at them to do one's bidding is truly deplorable behaviour. Such a world has no relation to Buddhism. Through dialogue Shakyamuni opened hearts that were closed, softened hearts that had grown hard and melted hearts that were frozen.
 
 
From the Writing of Nichiren Daishonin
Thursday, June 26, 2014
 
This is the first time that the fundamental darkness has erupted in the lives of ordinary people caught in the illusions of thought and desire. Even if they pray to the gods, the Buddha, or the Lotus Sutra, these calamities will only be aggravated. But it is different when the votary of the Lotus Sutra offers prayers to the essential teaching of the Lotus Sutra. In the final analysis, unless we succeed in demonstrating that this teaching is supreme, these disasters will continue unabated.
 
The Treatment of Illness
Written to Toki Jonin on June 26, 1278
 
 
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Thursday, June 26, 2014
 
This lifetime will never come again, it is precious and irreplaceable. To live without regret, we must have a concrete purpose, continually setting goals and challenges for ourselves. And we need to keep moving toward those specific targets steadily and tenaciously, one step at a time.
 
 
Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (9 February 1955) p.222
 
 Must apologize to President Toda for many things. Must spur myself on. Youth must not be caught up in the past. Isn't the Daishonin's teaching that of 'for the present and the future'? If people become too caught up in the past, their hearts will age and their spirit will die. Must forge ahead, even if laughed at or scorned.
 

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Wednesday, 25 June 2014

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



Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
 
We live in an age where opportunities for profound life-to-life inspiration are all but nonexistent. Idle amusements bring only fleeting pleasure. They produce neither profound inspiration nor growth for one's life. By contrast, Buddhism exists to enable people to realize personal growth and to improve their lives. Buddhism is always rooted in the reality of life. It is the wellspring of wisdom for bringing harmony and happiness to our families, local communities and society at large.
 
 
From the Writing of Nichiren Daishonin
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
 
There are trails in the sky where birds fly, but people cannot recognize them. There are paths in the sea along which fish swim, but people cannot perceive them. All people and things of the four continents are reflected in the moon without a single exception, but people cannot see them. But they are visible to the heavenly eye. In like manner, ordinary people cannot see that the " Treasure   Tower " chapter exists within the body of Lady Nichinyo, but Shakyamuni, Many Treasures, and the Buddhas of the ten directions perceive it. I, Nichiren, also presume this to be the case.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 915
An Outline of the "Entrustment" and Other Chapters
Written to Nichinyo on June 25, 1278
 
 
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
 
The first thing is to pray. From the moment we begin to pray, things start moving. The darker the night, the closer the dawn. From the moment we chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo with a deep and powerful resolve, the sun begins to rise in our hearts. Hope - prayer is the sun of hope. To chant each time we face a problem, overcoming it and elevating our life condition as a result - this is the path of "changing earthly desires into enlightenment," taught in Nichiren Buddhism.
 
 
 Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (8 February 1955) p.222
 
 A quiet day. Reflected, must sincerely consider my societal obligations and responsibilities without ever becoming arrogant.
From tomorrow, must further intensify my determination and deal with everything that arises. Inertia and construction; obligation and privilege; negative and positive. Also, discipline and self-indulgence; confidence and self-contempt. What fine qualities and superior points do great people hold in common? Ultimately, isn't it that they have successfully challenged and overcome their own weaknesses and persevered until they achieved their desired goals?
 


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Tuesday, 24 June 2014

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



Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
 
You must be strong. There is no hope of winning in this chaotic world if you are weak. No matter what others do or say, it is important to develop your ability and then put that ability to use. Strong faith, of course, is the best means for drawing out one's inner strength. You each have a very important mission, and I hope you will awaken to and be proud of that mission.
 
 
From the Writing of Nichiren Daishonin
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
 
Everyone believes in those Buddhist teachers who were revered in their own time. But the Buddha enjoins us in the Nirvana Sutra as his final instruction, "Rely on the Law and not upon persons." The Buddha taught us to rely on the sutras if the Buddhist teachers should be in error. You say those teachers could not possibly be in error, but between the Buddha's golden words and your personal opinion, I am committed to the former.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 805
The Letter of Petition from Yorimoto
Written on behalf of Shijo Kingo on June 25, 1277
 
 
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
 
Flint has the potential to produce fire, and gems have intrinsic value. We ordinary people can see neither our own eyelashes, which are so close, nor the heavens in the distance. Likewise, we do not see that the Buddha exists in our own hearts - Nichiren
 
 
Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (03 February 1955) p.220
 
At times I am frustrated by certain aspects of my nature, while at others I think it is fine the way it is. Ultimately, no matter what criticism or slander I encounter, I will follow my mentor and, while invoking the Mystic Law, shall continue each day with patience and perseverance, carrying out my Buddhist practice so that I will have no regrets.
 

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Monday, 23 June 2014

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



Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Monday, June 23, 2014
 
Jesse Owens, who won four gold medals at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, later remarked that one's inner life is the true Olympics. Life itself is an Olympics where we strive each day to better own personal records.
 
 
From the Writing of Nichiren Daishonin
Monday, June 23, 2014
 
Our present tribulations are like moxibustion; at the time, it is painful, but because it has beneficial after effects, the pain is not really pain. Urge on, but do not frighten, the ones from Atsuhara who are ignorant of Buddhism. Tell them to be prepared for the worst, and not to expect good times, but take the bad times for granted.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 998
On Persecutions Befalling the Sage
Written to all followers (and entrusted to Shijo Kingo on October 1, 1279
 
 
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Monday, June 23, 2014
 
If a person is hungry, we should give them bread. When there is no bread, we can at least give words that nourish. To a person who looks ill or is physically frail, we can turn the conversation to some subject that will lift their spirits and fill them with the hope and determination to get better. Let us give something to each person we meet: joy, courage, hope, assurance, philosophy, wisdom, a vision for the future. Let us always give something.
 
 
Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (29 January 1955) p.218
 
Went to the headquarters at 3:30 to work on public relations matters. It seems others are not given much responsibility. Cannot help feeling the responsibility always falls on me. Am I complaining?



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