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.