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

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Wednesday, September 30, 2015

 

Those who strengthen their faith day by day and month after month are genuine practitioners. Our daily practice of gongyo, therefore, is important, as well as is attending meetings every month. We must not let our faith grow weak. We must make it stronger today than yesterday, stronger this month than last. Buddhist practice is a succession of such untiring efforts, the ultimate goal of which is attaining the summit of Buddhahood.

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Wednesday, September 30, 2015

 

The meaning of this passage is that those who obtained benefit during the Former and Middle Days of the Law received "conspicuous" benefit, because the relationship they formed with the Lotus Sutra during the lifetime of the Buddha had finally matured. On the other hand, those born today in the Latter Day of the Law receive the seeds of Buddhahood for the first time, and their benefit is therefore "inconspicuous."

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 474

The Teaching, Practice and Proof

Written to Sammi-bo on March 21, 1275

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Wednesday, September 30, 2015

 

Knowledge gives rise to wisdom. If you like, knowledge is the pump; wisdom is the water that we get from the pump. If we can't obtain water, the pump is useless. At the same time, without knowledge, without the pump, we won't be able to obtain water.

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (9 July 1950) p.38

 

Mr. Toda and I keep struggling desperately. The business is obviously failing day by day.

Anxious about Mr. Toda's health deteriorating.

No one but i can succeed my teacher, Mr. Toda.

I must not die. I must not fall

 

Billows grow in power

as they buffet the immovable.

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

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Tuesday, September 29, 2015

 

Faith, which at first glance may appear weak, is actually the most powerful force in the world. Many people put on a show of being strong, but true strength has nothing to do with appearances. On the contrary, we usually find that the weaker the individual, the greater their bravado or outward display of strength.

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Tuesday, September 29, 2015

 

The number of those endowed with human life is as small as the amount of earth one can place on a fingernail. Life as a human being is hard to sustain ‚ as hard as it is for the dew to remain on the grass. But it is better to live a single day with honour than to live to 120 and die in disgrace. Live so that all the people of Kamakura will say in your praise that Nakatsukasa Saburo Saemon-no-jo is diligent in the service of his lord, in the service of Buddhism, and in his concern for other people.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 851

The Three Kinds of Treasure

Written to Shijo Kingo on September 11, 1277

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Tuesday, September 29, 2015

 

A sword is useless in the hands of a coward. The mighty sword of the Lotus Sutra must be wielded by one courageous in faith. Then one will be as strong as a demon armed with an iron staff - Nichiren

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (7 July 1950) p.38

 

A thoroughly hot, miserable day. Discussion meeting at K.'s. Home at 11:00. Returned with T. and the others.

Reflected on these points:

1. Don't be conceited.

2. Don't speak ill of others.

3. Don't get entangled with weak-spirited people.

4. Don't waste money.

5. Don't talk too much.

 

To bed at 1:00

 

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

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Monday, September 28, 2015

 

Faith means making a hundred percent effort ourselves - in our daimoku and in our actions. When we practice in this way, the Buddhist gods will lend us their protection. We mustn't have a complacent, dependent attitude in faith, chanting haphazardly without definite goals and making only halfhearted efforts in the belief that we'll automatically be protected. Depth of determination and unshakable character are vital. Those possessing these qualities are second to none in faith.

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Monday, September 28, 2015

 

Never seek this Gohonzon outside yourself. The Gohonzon exists only within the mortal flesh of us ordinary people who embrace the Lotus Sutra and chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 832

The Real Aspect of the Gohonzon

Written to Nichinyo on August 23, 1277

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Monday, September 28, 2015

 

Your home is where your loved ones live. Your home is the place where you work together with your fellow human beings to build a paradise, a realm of peace and prosperity for all. When we are asked where our home is, we can answer: "My home is the world. Everywhere in the world where my fellow human beings live, all of it, is my home."

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (05 July 1950) p.38

 

Strove vigorously all day. Mr Toda seems in grave financial troubles.

Pressured by work, I cannot freely take part in Gakkai activities. It makes me feel lonely.

I caused trouble for K. and H. on account of work.

 

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

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Sunday, September 27, 2015

 

Pioneering takes steady dedicated effort; it is advancing surely one step at a time. True Buddhist practice lies in such activities as visiting members, giving personal encouragement, talking to our friends about Buddhism and introducing others to faith. How many members do you take the time to visit and encourage in a month? In a year? True pioneering lies in making precisely such efforts. Our challenge is to deepen the understanding of friends and fellow members toward the philosophy and activities of the SGI through our encounters with them.

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Sunday, September 27, 2015

 

What the Lotus Sutra, T'ien-t'ai, and Miao-lo intend to say is that the act of accepting and upholding or protecting and embracing one verse of the Lotus Sutra surpasses the act of making offerings to all living beings, or making offerings to arhats, or even of filling the entire major world system with the seven kinds of treasures as an offering to all Buddhas.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 973

The Unmatched Blessings of the Law

Written to the lay priest Nishiyama on May 11, 1279

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Sunday, September 27, 2015

 

The wise course is to control and make correct use of knowledge. Buddhism is a means for developing wisdom, and it teaches how to overcome the four inherent sufferings or sorrows - birth, aging, illness and death - in order to lead a happy, meaningful life. In addition it teaches how to control desire rather than be controlled by it.

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (04 July 1950) p.37

 

Put up a good fight all day. I have no regrets.

Am truly grateful for being in the happiest of circumstances.

I rejoice with all my heart that my efforts and dedication will bear fruit.

I regret only that I cannot study in a settled atmosphere.

Distressed I cannot convince my parents, brothers, sister and relatives to take faith.

 

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

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Saturday, September 26, 2015

 

Our voice costs nothing and it is our strongest weapon. Nichiren Daishonin wrote, "Do not spare your voice" (Gosho Zenshu, p. 726).There are different voices for different situations: the clear, resounding voice that declares truth and justice; the strong voice that refutes evil; the bright, confident voice that tells others about the greatness of this Buddhism; the warm voice that gives encouragement; the sincere, friendly voice that offers praise and words of appreciation to others. The important thing is that we meet and speak with people widely, inside and outside the organization.

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Saturday, September 26, 2015

 

Although at heart you are of the same mind as Nichiren, since your person is in service to your lord, it would have been extremely difficult for you to have avoided the offense of complicity in slander. How admirable it is that, despite this, you communicated this teaching to your lord and urged him to take faith in it. Even though he may fail to accept it now, you have managed to avoid the offense of complicity.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 461

On Recommending This Teaching to Your Lord and Avoiding the Offense of Complicity in Slander

Written to Shijo Kingo on September 26, 1274

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Saturday, September 26, 2015

 

Live in a way that is full of life‚ for yourself, for your loved ones, for your friends. People who do so will find the courage to transform sufferings into hopes. Not only that, but they will be able to light the lamp of hope in the hearts of many others, as well.

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (03 July 1950) p.37

 

War is a crime. Must avert it, no matter what. Keenly aware of the need for valid religion.

Must carry out propagation. When the time comes, I wish to die with dignity.

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

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Friday, September 25, 2015

 

Everything ultimately depends on whether there is someone who is willing to wage a desperate all-out struggle, someone who will take 100 percent responsibility without relying on or leaving things to others, someone who will work with selfless dedication for the sake of the people without any concern for what others think. Such a person is a true leader and a genuine Buddhist.

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Friday, September 25, 2015

 

Ever since I began to study the Law handed down from Shakyamuni Buddha and undertook the practice of the Buddhist teachings, I have believed it is most important to understand one's obligations to others, and made it my first duty to repay such debts of kindness. In this world, we owe four debts of gratitude. One who understands this is worthy to be called human, while one who does not is no more than an animal.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 122

Conversation between a Sage and an Unenlightened Man

Recipient unknown; written in 1265

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Friday, September 25, 2015

 

In the true reality of life as viewed from the enlightened state of the Buddha - who has broken free of all delusion - all things are equal, transcending distinctions and differences between subject and object, self and others, mind and body, the spiritual and the material. In its true aspect, life is infinitely expansive and eternal, without beginning or end. Life is dynamic; it is wisdom and compassion; it embodies the principle of the indivisibility of life and death; it is a universal law. The cosmos is not so big that life cannot embrace it, nor a particle of matter so small that life cannot be contained within it.

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (02 July 1950) p.37

 

Fine weather. Slept until 10:00.

K. came by. Lent him some of my hard-earned money.

My younger brother and my sister visited for the first time in quite a while. She's my only sister. I want to guide her well, to make her happy.

Held a discussion meeting in my room. Very few came. Many tasks and hardships lie ahead.

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

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Thursday, September 24, 2015

 

"What kinds of causes am I making right now?" "What actions am I taking?" The answers to these questions are what will determine our future in this life and throughout the three existences. Herein lies the foundation of faith. True glory and victory in life lie in basing oneself on this fundamental principle.

 

Events

1993 The Boston Research Center for the 21st Century founded by SGI President Ikeda.

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Thursday, September 24, 2015

 

Though muddy water has no mind, it can catch the moon's reflection and so naturally become clear. When plants and trees receive the rainfall, they can hardly be aware of what they are doing, and yet do they not proceed to put forth blossoms? The five characters of Myoho-renge-kyo do not represent the sutra text, nor are they its meaning. They are nothing other than the intent of the entire sutra. So, even though the beginners in Buddhist practice may not understand their significance, by practicing these five characters, they will naturally conform to the sutra's intent.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 788

On the Four Stages of Faith and the Five Stages of Practice

Written to Toki Jonin on April 10, 1277

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Thursday, September 24, 2015

 

We are all human beings, whatever our positions. If we open our hearts and speak with sincerity, we can communicate and touch others on the deepest level. World peace starts with trust between one individual and another.

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (28 June 1950) p.36

 

I yearn for peace. The flames of war must not spread.

My resolution is as firm as Mount Taishan.

I have nothing to fear.

But I think of the weak, and my head aches.

I pray that all may live long and dwell in peace.

 

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

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Wednesday, September 23, 2015

 

Winning in life is not a matter of form or appearances. It has nothing to do with vanity. Victory in life ultimately hinges on whether one has truly fought, whether one has truly advanced.

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Wednesday, September 23, 2015

 

Miao-lo said, "Wise men can perceive the cause of things, as snakes know the way of snakes." The present epidemics are like the virulent boils of King Ajatashatru that could not be cured by anyone but the Buddha. They can only be eliminated by the Lotus Sutra.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 920

The Two Kinds of Illness

Written to Shijo Kingo on June 26, 1278

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Wednesday, September 23, 2015

 

Now, if you wish to attain Buddhahood, you have only to lower the banner of your arrogance, cast aside the staff of your anger, and devote yourself exclusively to the one vehicle of the Lotus Sutra. Worldly fame and profit are mere baubles of your present existence, and arrogance and prejudice are ties that will fetter you in a next one - Nichiren

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (26 June 1950) p.36

 

War finally broke out between North and South Korea. Anxious that it might trigger another world war.

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Is humanity to be plunged again into a whirlpool of grief and suffering, loneliness and torment?

 

The time has come for us to rise to action.

First, prayer. Then, practice. For the sake of kosen-rufu.

Behold, humanity, our gallant image: our love for humanity, our aspiring toward peace.