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

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Tuesday, June 30, 2015

 

The place where we are right now is what matters. This is all the more true for us who embrace the Mystic Law. Buddhism teaches that we can transform wherever we are into the Land of Eternally Tranquil Light.

 

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From the Writing of Nichiren Daishonin

Tuesday, June 30, 2015

 

Because I have expounded this teaching, I have been exiled and almost killed. As the saying goes: "Good advice grates on the ear." But still I am not discouraged.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 748

The Essentials for Attaining Buddhahood

Written to Soya Jiro Hyoe-no-jo Kyoshin on August 3, 1276

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Tuesday, June 30, 2015

 

In one of his writings, renowned microbiologist Rene Dubos, stated. "History teaches that man without effort is sure to deteriorate; man cannot progress without effort, and man cannot be happy without effort." This is indisputable. You may be experiencing various hardships now, but because you continue to make efforts in the midst of those challenges, no matter how painful they are, you will definitely become happy. Effort and happiness are indivisible.

 

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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (14 April 1960) p.500

 

Left home at 8:30 a.m., my feet feeling heavy.

In reception room #1, the general director and three other directors conveyed their desire for me to become third president. It was 10:10 a.m. Could not refuse, and they naturally took my inability to decline as an acceptance. So this is my destiny.

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The directors said they had been waiting, along with President Toda's family and everyone else, for me to accept. Now, it's finally over. This day will be a great turning point in my life.

 

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

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Monday, June 29, 2015

 

The important thing is to advance brightly and strive to be victorious at each moment, right where we are; to begin something here and now instead of fretting and worrying over what will happen. This is the starting point for transforming our lives.

 

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From the Writing of Nichiren Daishonin

Monday, June 29, 2015

 

If one hopes to study and master Buddhism, then one cannot do so without devoting time to the task.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 690

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

Monday, June 29, 2015

 

Originally, every person's life is a brilliantly shining mirror. Differences arise depending on whether one polishes this mirror: A polished mirror is the Buddha's life, whereas a tarnished mirror is that of a common mortal. Chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is what polishes our lives.

 

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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (12 Apr 1960) p.499/500

 

Not feeling well.

In the afternoon, met with directors H. and Z. at N. They related everyone's strong desire for me to become the third president. Declined once again.

Deep in my heart I have already decided to succeed President Toda.

But could not formally express my feeling. My heart and mind contradict one another.

Conveyed my wish to postpone my presidency until the beginning of the seventh year after President Toda's passing. They have been holding board of directors meetings repeatedly. I am well aware of their dilemma. Sorry for them.

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

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Sunday, June 28, 2015

 

In the "Ongi Kuden" (Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings), the Daishonin says, "One should regard meeting obstacles as true peace and comfort" (Gosho Zenshu, p. 750). You may wonder how encountering obstacles could be a source of peace and comfort. But the truth of the matter is that through struggling against and overcoming difficulties, we can transform our destiny and attain Buddhahood. Confronting adversity, therefore, represents peace and comfort.

 

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From the Writing of Nichiren Daishonin

Sunday, June 28, 2015

 

The fourth volume of the Lotus Sutra states, "[I will send...] men and women of pure faith, to offer alms to the teachers of the Law." The meaning of this sutra passage is that the heavenly gods and benevolent deities will assume various forms such as those of men and women, and present offerings to help the persons who practice the Lotus Sutra. There can be no doubt that this refers to you and your wife being born as a man and woman, and making offerings to Nichiren, the teacher of the Law.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 35

The Izu Exile

Written to Funamori Yasaburo on June 27, 1261

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Sunday, June 28, 2015

 

If you are unwilling to make efforts to heal yourself, it will be very difficult to cure your illness. One day of life is more valuable than all the treasures of the major world system, so first you must muster sincere faith - Nichiren

 

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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (11 April 1960) p.499

 

The Gohonzon is as vast as the universe; it is infinite and eternal. All I can do is to keep my faith in it and take leadership.

I am a youth! I am a man! Advance boldly over mountains and deserts, through raging waves and storms.

Physically exhausted. Must take care of my health for the sake of all the Gakkai members.

1. From May, will put more energy into Buddhist study.

2. From May, will place top priority on discussion meetings.

3. From May, will base everything on gongyo.

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 27 June 2015 - Year of Dynamic Development in the New Era of Worldwide Kosen Rufu

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Saturday, June 27, 2015

 

In a world where indifference and inhumanity prevail, let us use our discussion meetings as the pivot for creating oasis of peace and harmony in our homes and in our local communities and then extending them to encompass every sphere of society.

 

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From the Writing of Nichiren Daishonin

Saturday, June 27, 2015

 

Though worldly troubles may arise, never let them disturb you. No one can avoid problems, not even sages or worthies. Drink sake only at home with your wife, and chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. Suffer what there is to suffer, enjoy what there is to enjoy. Regard both suffering and joy as facts of life, and continue chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, no matter what happens. How could this be anything other than the boundless joy of the Law?"

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 681

Happiness in this World

Written to Shijo Kingo on June 27, 1276

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Saturday, June 27, 2015

 

When individuals practice a teaching as intended, the expected result becomes manifest in their lives as well as in their environment. Religion not only deals with spirituality but also has a significant impact - positive or negative, upon people's daily lives and their society. The nature and extent of a particular religion's impact becomes the standard for evaluating its validity.

 

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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (11 April 1960) p.499

 

An emergency board meeting was held in the headquarters... It was to discuss the important issue of who would become the third president. I may be unable to continue turning it down and ultimately have to accept this great responsibility as my destiny. Though I have declined several times, will I have no choice in the end but to make up my mind and accept.

This must be due to the Buddha's wisdom, but it is truly tormenting. I feel tension that defies expression.

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 26 June 2015 - Year of Dynamic Development in the New Era of Worldwide Kosen Rufu

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Friday, June 26, 2015

 

This spirit of engaging others in dialogue on equal terms is the essence of Buddhism. Ordering people about in a high-handed, arrogant manner, shouting at them to do one's bidding is truly deplorable behaviour. Such a world has no relation to Buddhism. Through dialogue Shakyamuni opened hearts that were closed, softened hearts that had grown hard and melted hearts that were frozen.

 

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From the Writing of Nichiren Daishonin

Friday, June 26, 2015

 

This is the first time that the fundamental darkness has erupted in the lives of ordinary people caught in the illusions of thought and desire. Even if they pray to the gods, the Buddha, or the Lotus Sutra, these calamities will only be aggravated. But it is different when the votary of the Lotus Sutra offers prayers to the essential teaching of the Lotus Sutra. In the final analysis, unless we succeed in demonstrating that this teaching is supreme, these disasters will continue unabated.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1114

The Treatment of Illness

Written to Toki Jonin on June 26, 1278

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Friday, June 26, 2015

 

This lifetime will never come again, it is precious and irreplaceable. To live without regret, we must have a concrete purpose, continually setting goals and challenges for ourselves. And we need to keep moving toward those specific targets steadily and tenaciously, one step at a time.

 

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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (10 April 1960) p.499

 

Could not sleep until 2:00 a.m.; the gusty winds kept making noise, banging on our tin roof. My modest home is sometimes troublesome. But this home is the fortress of my honour and pride, from where I venture into the world; it is my castle of glorious history. Thinking in this way, I feel limitless joy.

 

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

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Thursday, June 25, 2015

 

We live in an age where opportunities for profound life-to-life inspiration are all but nonexistent. Idle amusements bring only fleeting pleasure. They produce neither profound inspiration nor growth for one's life. By contrast, Buddhism exists to enable people to realize personal growth and to improve their lives. Buddhism is always rooted in the reality of life. It is the wellspring of wisdom for bringing harmony and happiness to our families, local communities and society at large.

 

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From the Writing of Nichiren Daishonin

Thursday, June 25, 2015

 

There are trails in the sky where birds fly, but people cannot recognize them. There are paths in the sea along which fish swim, but people cannot perceive them. All people and things of the four continents are reflected in the moon without a single exception, but people cannot see them. But they are visible to the heavenly eye. In like manner, ordinary people cannot see that the "Treasure Tower" chapter exists within the body of Lady Nichinyo, but Shakyamuni, Many Treasures, and the Buddhas of the ten directions perceive it. I, Nichiren, also presume this to be the case.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 915

An Outline of the "Entrustment" and Other Chapters

Written to Nichinyo on June 25, 1278

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Thursday, June 25, 2015

 

The first thing is to pray. From the moment we begin to pray, things start moving. The darker the night, the closer the dawn. From the moment we chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo with a deep and powerful resolve, the sun begins to rise in our hearts. Hope - prayer is the sun of hope. To chant each time we face a problem, overcoming it and elevating our life condition as a result - this is the path of "changing earthly desires into enlightenment," taught in Nichiren Buddhism.

 

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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (09 April 1960) p.498

 

Myoho-renge-kyo - my mentor Josei Toda; let me live and fight with composure until the beginning of the sixth anniversary of my mentor's passing. I am thirty-two - too young.

 

On that anniversary of my mentor's death I will be thirty-six, beginning the thirty-seventh year of my life the same age at which Nikko Shonin succeeded the Daishonin.

 

Ah - is there no one else who can take leadership in place of my tired, worn-out self? Have no one to talk to. My wife quietly watches over me in agony.

 

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

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Wednesday, June 24, 2015

 

You must be strong. There is no hope of winning in this chaotic world if you are weak. No matter what others do or say, it is important to develop your ability and then put that ability to use. Strong faith, of course, is the best means for drawing out one's inner strength. You each have a very important mission, and I hope you will awaken to and be proud of that mission.

 

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From the Writing of Nichiren Daishonin

Wednesday, June 24, 2015

 

Everyone believes in those Buddhist teachers who were revered in their own time. But the Buddha enjoins us in the Nirvana Sutra as his final instruction, "Rely on the Law and not upon persons." The Buddha taught us to rely on the sutras if the Buddhist teachers should be in error. You say those teachers could not possibly be in error, but between the Buddha's golden words and your personal opinion, I am committed to the former.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 805

The Letter of Petition from Yorimoto

Written on behalf of Shijo Kingo on June 25, 1277

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Wednesday, June 24, 2015

 

Flint has the potential to produce fire, and gems have intrinsic value. We ordinary people can see neither our own eyelashes, which are so close, nor the heavens in the distance. Likewise, we do not see that the Buddha exists in our own hearts - Nichiren

 

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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (09 April 1960) p.498

 

The stormy winds of my destiny are raging through the innermost recesses of my heart. My mission is like a series of raging waves repeatedly buffeting my entire being. The thick rope of my karma binds me strongly, harshly and tightly.

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

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Tuesday, June 23, 2015

 

Jesse Owens, who won four gold medals at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, later remarked that one's inner life is the true Olympics. Life itself is an Olympics where we strive each day to better own personal records.

 

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From the Writing of Nichiren Daishonin

Tuesday, June 23, 2015

 

Our present tribulations are like moxibustion; at the time, it is painful, but because it has beneficial after effects, the pain is not really pain. Urge on, but do not frighten, the ones from Atsuhara who are ignorant of Buddhism. Tell them to be prepared for the worst, and not to expect good times, but take the bad times for granted.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 998

On Persecutions Befalling the Sage

Written to all followers and entrusted to Shijo Kingo on October 1, 1279

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Tuesday, June 23, 2015

 

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, philosophy, wisdom, a vision for the future. Let us always give something.

 

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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (09 April 1960) p.498

 

An emergency board of directors meeting was called at the headquarters. It went until very late. Received a call saying the board of directors had decided to propose me as the third Soka Gakkai president.

Politely declined.

 

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

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Monday, June 22, 2015

 

It's foolish to be obsessed with past failures. And it's just as foolish to be self-satisfied with one's small achievements. Buddhism teaches that the present and the future are what are important, not the past. It teaches us a spirit of unceasing challenge to win over the present and advance ever toward the future. Those who neglect this spirit of continual striving steer their lives in a ruinous direction.

 

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From the Writing of Nichiren Daishonin

Monday, June 22, 2015

 

In judging the relative merit of Buddhist doctrines, I, Nichiren, believe that the best standards are those of reason and documentary proof. And even more valuable than reason and documentary proof is the proof of actual fact.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 599

Three Tripitaka Masters Pray for Rain

Written to the lay priest Nishiyama on June 22, 1275

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Monday, June 22, 2015

 

The Buddha keenly understands various sufferings as though his own children were experiencing them. Sorrow and empathy well from his life. A Buddha is a person of compassion. Josei Toda said: "Compassion is not a Buddhist austerity. It is something that should be expressed unconsciously and naturally in one's actions, and in the workings of one's heart. The Buddha knows no path of living apart from that of living with compassion."

 

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 Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (08 April 1960) p.497

 

 Encouraged leaders to self-reflect. I, too, self-reflected on various matters. Must become a person with capacity as vast as the ocean, someone who truly loves and protects all leaders. The Gakkai must be built upon the foundation of compassionate action and humanistic behaviour.