Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Thursday, December 25, 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, or philosophy, wisdom, a vision for the future. Let us always give something.
From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Thursday, December 25, 2014
And if we go by the words of the Lotus Sutra, you should also teach the sutra to the best of your ability. When the world makes you feel downcast, you should chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, remembering that, although the sufferings of this life are painful, those in the next life could be much worse. And when you are happy, you should remember that your happiness in this life is nothing but a dream within a dream, and that the only true happiness is that found in the pure land of Eagle Peak, and with that thought in mind, chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo.
The Fourteen Slanders
Written near the end of 1276, this letter was a reply to the lay priest Matsuno Rokuro Saemon. Four in his family received letters from Nichiren Daishonin
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Thursday, December 25, 2014
Buddhism does not ask "What religion does this person follow?" but "What is this person's state of life?" Buddhism exists to enable all people to cultivate and manifest the world of Buddhahood in their lives. Society is a realm of discrimination and distinctions. But Buddhism transcends all superficial differences and focuses directly on life.
Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (30 March 1958) p.388
Discussed Sensei's hospitalization with his son. His wife said, "I want him to come home." But the son suggested hospital care. We also recommended Sensei check into a hospital. In my heart, though, I hesitated about whether I should be responsible to honor Sensei's wish to "return to the headquarters."
Feel as if I am falling into a bottomless abyss. Lament my lack of strength as a disciple. Ah… will I gain it in this lifetime? Must take a strict look at myself. To make up for this, I have no choice but to carry through with Sensei's spirit throughout my life.
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