Tuesday 19 August 2014

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

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, August 19, 2014
 
Buddhism is wisdom. As long as we have wisdom, we can put all things to the best use, we can turn everything in the direction of happiness.
 

 
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
 Tuesday, August 19, 2014
 
During [Sudatta's] last period of poverty, when all the people had fled or perished and only he and his wife remained, they had five measures of rice that would nourish them for five days. At that time, five people , Mahakashyapa, Shariputra, Ananda, Rahula and Shakyamuni Buddha came one after another to beg for the five measures of rice, which Sudatta gave them. From that day on, Sudatta was the wealthiest man in all  India , and he built the Jetavana Monastery. From this, you should understand all things.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1086
The Wealthy Man Sudatta
Written to Nanjo Tokimitsu on December 27, 1280
 

 
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
 Tuesday, August 19, 2014
 
Ultimately, we are responsible for our own destiny. It may seem to us that our fate is predetermined, whether by our genes or by our environment. What really matters, however, is how we can improve ourselves from this moment forward, how we can change the circumstances that we find ourselves in. This enormous transformative force is what Buddhism is all about. In this struggle lies the source of never-ending youth and vitality.
 

 
Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (12 January 1956) p.285
 
Attended a study meeting for the upcoming Study Department exam. All the participants showed the utmost seriousness. Nevertheless, their eyes sparkled. This is a world of devotion and joy unseen in other organizations.
Studied until 10:30 pm, covering every subject.
I should worry about my next life. Reflected on my lack of ability. Study, study! Must pursue the two ways of practice and study.
 

 

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