Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Wednesday, August 5, 2015
We cannot build true character if we allow ourselves to be swayed by passing praise or censure. "Don't concern yourself with petty criticisms! Commune constantly with fine books and fine people and improve yourself!" This was the creed by which Mr. Makiguchi and Mr. Toda lived their lives.
From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Wednesday, August 5, 2015
The great lantern that illuminates the long night of the sufferings of birth and death, the sharp sword that severs the fundamental darkness inherent in life, is none other than the Lotus Sutra.
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1038
A Comparison of the Lotus and Other Sutras
Written to Toki Jonin on May 26, 1280
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Wednesday, August 5, 2015
Buddhist optimism is not the escapist optimism of those who throw up their hands and say, "Somehow or other things will work out." Rather it means clearly recognizing evil as evil and suffering as suffering and resolutely fighting to overcome it. It means believing in one's ability and strength to struggle against any evil or any obstacle. It is to possess a fighting optimism.
Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (25 October 1949) p.11/12
Cloudy skies in the morning. Later, the autumn rains. Gloomy day.
It was announced that we would stop publishing Boys' Japan. Utterly discouraged. Nothing to do all morning but deal with visitors in the editorial room or in the office.
If the Earth were to stop turning on its axis, the reaction would be overwhelming. If an engine suddenly broke down while a plane was in flight, the result would be tragic. Up until now, I poured my whole life into that magazine, and now it's been discontinued. Naturally, it's a shock.
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