Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 31 January 2015 - Year of Dynamic Development in the New Era of Worldwide Kosen Rufu

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Saturday, January 31, 2015

 

Youth should not seek an easy comfortable path. No one develops in a pampered environment. Youth should instead actively seek out challenges and hardships, transforming them all into valuable assets as they strive to become individuals of outstanding character and ability.

 

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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Saturday, January 31, 2015

 

Carry through with your faith in the Lotus Sutra. You cannot strike fire from flint if you stop halfway. Bring forth the great power of faith, and be spoken of by all the people of Kamakura, both high and low, or by all the people of Japan as "Shijo Kingo, Shijo Kingo of the Lotus school!" Even a bad reputation will spread far and wide. A good reputation will spread even farther, particularly if it is a reputation for devotion to the Lotus Sutra.

 

 The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 319

Earthly Desires are Enlightenment

Written to Shijo Kingo on May 2, 1272

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Saturday, January 31, 2015

 

A higher religion does not negate rationality. No religion that suppresses human reason can earn the trust of humankind. Buddhism, the "religion of wisdom," is an extremely rational religion. In fact, it is so rational that many Westerners even question whether it can be classified as a religion, since it does not teach the existence of a supreme being in the image of humankind.

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (28 July 1958) p.414

 

Attended a youth division meeting and a district chiefs meeting. They have a greater seeking spirit than I do. Respect them.

Resolved to further deepen my Buddhist study beginning in August. Those who seriously exert themselves in study during this age of stagnation will show, after a few years, a remarkable difference from those who do not. Must be careful.

 

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 30 January 2015 - Year of Dynamic Development in the New Era of Worldwide Kosen Rufu

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Friday January 30, 2015

 

Buddhism teaches that "all phenomena in the universe are manifestations of the Law" (Gosho Zenshu, p. 564). I hope you will, with this understanding, engage yourselves in broad-ranging studies with vigour and determination. Your brains have a potential as vast and boundless as the universe. How then do we manifest the brain's full creative powers? There is only one way to bring out our full intellectual capacity: by constantly putting our minds to work.

 

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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Friday January 30, 2015

 

My disciples, you should believe what I say and watch what happens. These things do not occur because I myself am respect worthy, but because the power of the Lotus Sutra is supreme. If I praise myself, people will think that I am boastful, but if I humble myself, they will despise the sutra. The taller the pine tree, the longer the wisteria vine hanging from it. The deeper the source, the longer the stream. How fortunate, how joyful! In this impure land, I alone enjoy true happiness and delight.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 642

A Sage Perceives the Three Existences of Life

Written to Toki Jonin in 1275

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Friday January 30, 2015

 

Just as a diamond can only be polished by another diamond, it is only through intense human interaction engaging the entire personality that people can forge themselves, raising themselves up to ever-greater heights.

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (24 July 1958) p.412

 

In the evening went to the home of attorney H. to discuss the cemetery issue and other matters. Few lawyers stand up for justice. Because of this, the underprivileged remain miserable. In the power politics realm, the common people's sufferings are the same as in the days of the Tokugawa shogunate.

Religious revolution. Social revolution. The people must rise to create their own society. Must become the detonator to spark this change.

 

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Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 29 January 2015 - Year of Dynamic Development in the New Era of Worldwide Kosen Rufu

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Thursday, January 29, 2015

 

Practicing Buddhism means being victorious. In advancing one step at a time amid the realities of our daily lives, in showing concrete actual proof, in becoming victors and successes we are demonstrating with our very beings the validity of Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism and serving as a source of hope and inspiration for those who will follow us on the path of faith.

 

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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Thursday, January 29, 2015

 

Understand then that the votary who practices the Lotus Sutra exactly as the Buddha teaches will without fail be attacked by the three powerful enemies. In the more than two thousand years that have passed since the Buddha's advent, Shakyamuni himself, T'ien-t'ai and Dengyo were the only three who perfectly carried out the Buddha's teachings. Now in the Latter Day of the Law, Nichiren and his disciples and lay believers are just such practitioners.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 395

On Practicing the Buddha's Teachings

Written to all followers in May 1273

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Thursday, January 29, 2015

 

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 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.

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (20 July 1958) p.411

 

Took the 12:00 p.m. steamship to  Sado   Island  with quite a few others, crossing amid giant waves. Many became seasick from the rolling of the ship. We finally arrived after being sprayed by the waves for more than four hours. All ferry service after ours was cancelled. An unforgettable day.

Checked into an inn and slept deeply from fatigue.

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Visited Ichinosawa and a temple at Tsukahara on the next day… Became aware of the enormous difference between the real history of these places and what they represent now. In any case, enjoyed walking and reminiscing about the Daishonin's history…

My very first visit to Sado. Resolved to visit again and spend more time.

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Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 28 January 2015 - Year of Dynamic Development in the New Era of Worldwide Kosen Rufu

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Wednesday, January 28, 2015

 

All of you are chanting for the happiness of many members - children of the Buddha - in your respective communities, you support and encourage them and work tirelessly on their behalf as if they were your own children. Your actions are truly those of great bodhisattvas, your state of life that of noble Buddhas.

 

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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Wednesday, January 28, 2015

 

Let others hate you if they will. What have you to complain of, if you are cherished by Shakyamuni Buddha, Many Treasures Buddha, and the Buddhas of the ten directions, as well as by Brahma, Shakra, and the gods of the sun and the moon? As long as you are praised by the Lotus Sutra, what cause have you for discontent?"

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 464

The Unity of Husband and Wife

Written to Nichigen-nyo on January 27, 1275

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Wednesday, January 28, 2015

 

Why are human beings born? This question has posed a great challenge. Josei Toda lucidly set forward his conclusion. Namely, that this world is a place for people to, as the Lotus Sutra states, "enjoy themselves at ease." We were born here in order to thoroughly savour the joys of life. Faith in Nichiren Buddhism enables one to bring forth the great life force needed to lead such an existence.

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (16 July 1958) p.410

 

Stayed in a reception room at the headquarters. Talked with President Toda's family for half the day. They were extremely pleased. Nothing gives me more joy. My greatest happiness is seeing that they have overcome their sorrow and understood my heart. Want to be a person who understands the hearts of others.

 

A joint conference from 5:00. The meeting turned into heated discussion – we are only human. This may be good, since we are in the process of new construction.

 

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 25 January 2015 - Year of Dynamic Development in the New Era of Worldwide Kosen Rufu

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Sunday, January 25, 2015

 

The important thing is to hold on resolutely to one's convictions come what may, just as the Daishonin teaches. People who possess such unwavering conviction will definitely become happy.

 

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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Sunday, January 25, 2015

 

Buddhism teaches that, when the Buddha nature manifests itself from within, it will receive protection from without. This is one of its fundamental principles.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 848

The Three Kinds of Treasure

Written to Shijo Kingo on September 11, 1277

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Sunday, January 25, 2015

 

You cannot judge the quality of another's friendship by superficial appearances, especially when things are going smoothly. It is only when we have experienced the worst, most crushing of times - when we have plumbed the depths of life - that we can experience the joys of genuine friendship. Only a man of principle, a woman of resolve - a person who stays true to their chosen path - can be a trusted and true friend and have real friends in turn.

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (08 July 1958) p.408

 

Any society is complex, and things do not go as one wishes. Conflicts in the human world. There seems to be nothing as beautiful or as ugly as the human realm.

Buddhism transforms the realm of impermanence into that of eternity, true self and purity.

Cool all day. Want to live for ten or twenty more years. Want to show the clear actual proof of my mentor before I die.

 

I ses^shuju ho.

Mai ji sa ze nen.

 

I preach various doctrines for them.

At all time I think to myself…

 - (LS16, 232)

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 24 January 2015 - Year of Dynamic Development in the New Era of Worldwide Kosen Rufu

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Saturday, January 24, 2015

 

We use our voices not only to chant daimoku but to guide, encourage and introduce others to the Daishonin's Buddhism. Our voice, therefore, is very important. An angry voice, a coarse voice, a cold voice, an imperious voice - none of these will communicate how wonderful Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism is. I would like you to be humanistic leaders who can encourage others with bright warm voices, so that they will say, "What a lovely voice!" and "I'm always so inspired when I hear you speak." Becoming this kind of leader is one actual proof of your human revolution.

 

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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Saturday, January 24, 2015

 

I explained the teachings of the Lotus Sutra to you before. Matters of minor importance arise from good, but when it comes to a matter of great importance, great disaster without fail changes into great fortune.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 824

A Warning against Begrudging One's Fief

Written to Shijo Kingo in July 1277

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Saturday, January 24, 2015

 

Buddhism teaches equality and absolute respect for the dignity of life. Educating people to be citizens of the world begins with cultivating respect, compassion and empathy for others. I am certain that friendship and limitless trust in people can empower us to overcome socially disruptive discrimination and hatred. Open-minded exchanges on the popular level will be increasingly important in the years to come. When people engage in mind-to-mind dialogue, they are grateful to see ethnic and cultural differences not as obstacles but as expressions of society - enriching diversity that engenders respect and a desire for further exploration.

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (06 July 1958) p.408

 

I gave a speech titled "toward Realizing Kosen-rufu."

My entire life is dedicated to declaring and fighting to realize President Toda's vision – his last will. This is my only mission in this world.

 

Let those who laugh do so. Let those who are angry with me be so.

It is only natural that I live my life as a disciple, true to my belief. To fulfill this mission throughout my life is absolutely correct from the standpoint of faith. May all bodhisattvas and Buddhas of the ten directions and throughout past, present and future watch over me.

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 23 January 2015 - Year of Dynamic Development in the New Era of Worldwide Kosen Rufu

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Friday, January 23, 2015

 

As practitioners of the Daishonin's Buddhism we get up in the morning and do gongyo. Some perhaps may do so rather reluctantly! Nevertheless, doing gongyo is itself a truly great and noble thing. Gongyo is a solemn ceremony in which we are looking out and over the universe. It is a dialogue with the universe.

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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Friday, January 23, 2015

 

A wisteria vine, by twining around a pine, may climb a thousand fathoms into the air; and a crane, because it has wings to rely upon, can travel ten thousand ri. It is not their own strength that allows them to do these things. This applies likewise in the case of the priest Jibu-bo. Though he himself is like the wisteria vine, because he clings to the pine that is the Lotus Sutra, he is able to ascend the mountain of perfect enlightenment.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 820

On Offerings for Deceased Ancestors

Written to Jibu-bo Nichii's grandmother on July 13, 1279

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Friday, January 23, 2015

 

Mahatma Gandhi said, "Good travels at a snail's pace." The peace movement cannot accomplish things radically and all at once. Often, it can only advance by gradual and protracted means. Gradualism does not, however, imply negative compromise or merely passing time. It means truly reforming our times by sowing seeds of peace in individual minds through sincere dialogue and, in this way, cultivating consensus.

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (05 July 1958) p.407

 

Went to a barber with  Department   Chief   U.  in the morning. Talked with him on the way.

Attended a guidance meeting at  I. 's home in the afternoon. Did gongyo.

 

Gen kai e renbo.

Ni sho katsu-go shin.

Shujo ki shin-buku.

Shichi-jiki I nyunan.

Isshin yokken butsu.

Fu ji shaku shinmyo.

 

All harbor thoughts of yearning

and in their minds thirst to gaze at me.

When living beings have become truly faithful,

honest and upright, gentle in intent,

single-mindedly desiring to see the Buddha,

not hesitating even if it costs them their lives,… - (LS16, 230)

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 22 January 2015 - Year of Dynamic Development in the New Era of Worldwide Kosen Rufu

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Thursday, January 22, 2015

 

Ultimately, happiness rests on how you establish a solid sense of self or being. Happiness does not lie in outward appearances nor in vanity. It is a matter of what you feel inside; it is a deep resonance in your life. To be filled each day with a rewarding sense of exhilaration and purpose, a sense of tasks accomplished and deep fulfillment - people who feel this way are happy. Those who have this sense of satisfaction even if they are extremely busy are much happier than those who have time on their hands but feel empty inside.

 

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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Thursday, January 22, 2015

 

A hundred years of practice in the land of Perfect Bliss cannot compare to the benefit gained from one day's practice in the impure world. Two thousand years of propagating Buddhism during the Former and Middle Days of the Law are inferior to an hour of propagation in the Latter Day of the Law. This is in no way because of Nichiren's wisdom, but simply because the time makes it so. In spring the blossoms open, in autumn the fruit appears. Summer is hot, winter is cold. The season makes it so, does it not?"

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 736

On Repaying Debts of Gratitude

Written to Joken-bo and Gijo-bo on July 21, 1276

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Thursday, January 22, 2015

 

There is a saying that the earth upon which we fall is the same ground which enables us to push ourselves up again. There's another which maintains that barley grows better after it has been trampled on. Human relationships are sometimes painful, but there is no such pain from which we cannot recover. It is up to us to decide to live a life free from self-doubt and despair in spite of our failures. Indeed, it is during our most humbling moments that we should show greatest poise and grace. Then the dignity of our lives will truly shine

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (04 July 1958) p.406/7

 

It's already July. Last July, I was confined at the Osaka Detention House. This year, though my body is free, my heart is bound. Last year, though immersed in the struggle to spread the Law, I was filled with joy because Sensei was here. This year, though the campaign for kosen-rufu is moving ahead, I am sad, because Sensei is gone.

 

My tooth has been aching lately. Must see a dentist.