Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, October 28, 2014
It may seem perfectly all right to put ourselves and our own wishes first, to simply follow the dictates of our emotions and cravings, but the truth is that there is nothing more unreliable than our own mind. Life doesn't always go like clockwork and things will not necessarily turn out as we hope or plan. Consequently, Nichiren Daishonin frequently stressed: You should become the master of your mind, not let your mind master you. We mustn't allow ourselves to be ruled by a self-centered mind. Rather, we have to discipline our mind and gain mastery over it. This is the Daishonin's strict admonition.
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Tuesday, October 28, 2014
Showing profound compassion for those unable to comprehend the gem of the doctrine of three thousand realms in a single moment of life, the Buddha wrapped it within the five characters [of Myoho-renge-kyo], with which he then adorned the necks of the ignorant people of the latter age.
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 376
The Object of Devotion for Observing the Mind Established in the Fifth Five-Hundred-Year Period after the Thus Come One's Passing
Written to Toki Jonin on April 25, 1273
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, October 28, 2014
Shakyamuni Buddha explained the fundamental spirit of Buddhism as a sense of individual responsibility. "You are your only master. Who else? Subdue yourself and discover your master." In other words, we must each take responsibility for our own self-discipline and for cultivating meaningful lives.
Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (25 October 1957) p.347
Was severely admonished by Sensei in the morning. Confucius said, "nine thoughts to one word," but I haven't been putting this into practice. Had better watch myself.
At 12:10, the ceremony to bring out the casket was held in the Reception Hall. Then, the main funeral ceremony was held before the Sutra Repository. Was moved by the service, which lasted more than two hours and was held in accord with ancient tradition.
Heartbroken to see Sensei and his wife in tears, purely bidding their final farewell to Nissho….
Oh, how things change. Common mortal reflect the general principle that all is transient, nothing is permanent. In light of the Mystic Law, this principle becomes the four virtues – eternity, happiness, true self and purity. I, my wife, my mentor and my friends – several decades from now, we will all have passed from this world. Impermanence.
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