Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Sunday, December 21, 2014
Buddhism holds that everything is in a constant state of flux. Thus the question is whether we are to accept change passively and be swept away by it or whether we are to take the lead and create positive changes on our own initiative. While conservatism and self-protection might be likened to winter, night and death, the spirit of pioneering and attempting to realize ideals evokes images of spring, morning and birth.
From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Sunday, December 21, 2014
Likewise the people of Japan , by becoming enemies of the Lotus Sutra, have brought ruin on themselves and their country. And because I proclaim this, I am called arrogant by those of little understanding. But I do not speak out of arrogance. It is simply that if I did not speak out I would not be the votary of the Lotus Sutra. Moreover, when my words prove later to be true, people will be able to believe all the more readily. And because I write this down now, the people of the future will recognize my wisdom.
The Supremacy of the Law
Nichiren Daishonin wrote this letter at Minobu in 1275. It was addressed to Oto, the daughter of Nichimyo, an earnest believer living inKamakura .
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Sunday, December 21, 2014
Even if today may seem to be a time of total darkness, it will not last forever. The dawn will surely come if you advance, ever forward, without being defeated. The day will definitely come when you can look back fondly and declare, "I am savoring this happiness because I struggled back then." It is those who know the bitterness of winter that can savor the true joy of spring.
Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (11 February 1958) p.385
Visited Sensei's home at 9:00 in the morning. Relieved to see his spirited face. Today is his fifty-eighth birthday.
Ate red-bean rice and sweet bean soup together with Sensei. My life-time memory and honor. He spoke about economy, stocks, politics as well as directions for a new era.
Attended with several dozen top leaders a celebration for Sensei's recovery at N. restaurant at 5:30pm…
Quoting the Gosho passage "The farther the source, the longer the stream" (WND, 940), Sensei expounded a philosophical Buddhist principle and gave strict guidance that remains in my heart: "Leaders' determination is fundamental. It is not the responsibility of general members. Leaders' faith and growth determine the entire organization's development."
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