Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Sunday, June 22, 2014
It's foolish to be obsessed with past failures. And it's just as foolish to be self-satisfied with one's small achievements. Buddhism teaches that the present and the future are what are important, not the past. It teaches us a spirit of unceasing challenge to win over the present and advance ever toward the future. Those who neglect this spirit of continual striving steer their lives in a ruinous direction.
From the Writing of Nichiren Daishonin
Sunday, June 22, 2014
In judging the relative merit of Buddhist doctrines, I, Nichiren, believe that the best standards are those of reason and documentary proof. And even more valuable than reason and documentary proof is the proof of actual fact.
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 599
Three Tripitaka Masters Pray for Rain
Written to the lay priest Nishiyama on June 22, 1275
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Sunday, June 22, 2014
The Buddha keenly understands various sufferings as though his own children were experiencing them. Sorrow and empathy well from his life. A Buddha is a person of compassion. Josei Toda said: "Compassion is not a Buddhist austerity. It is something that should be expressed unconsciously and naturally in one's actions, and in the workings of one's heart. The Buddha knows no path of living apart from that of living with compassion."
Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (28 January 1955) p.218
At 4:20 in the afternoon, my second child was born. Relieved to see he is healthy and normal. Feel great appreciation to the Gohonzon.
The mystery of life. Scholars, medical doctors, scientists, politicians or diplomats – none can solve, with even the slightest confidence, the indeterminable question of this child's destiny. Ultimately, life's fundamental questions can be answered nowhere but within Buddhism's essence. From today, my awareness of my responsibility as a parent, and for my entire family has deepened. Must have strength. Must protect my children and my family and bring them happiness.
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