Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, December 22, 2015
Our lives are infinitely precious. To not attain a state of absolute happiness in this life time is a great loss. Our Buddhist practice exists so that we can attain indestructible happiness. We must fight to the fullest right now, not some time in the future.
From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Tuesday, December 22, 2015
Since we are now living in the latter age when people are shallow in wisdom and puffed up with pride, it is unlikely that anyone will heed the points I have made in the discussion above. But when a sage or worthy appears, then the full truth of the matter will no doubt become clear. Because I care about you, I have written this letter as a guide. I hope you will study it when you have time.
Letter to Shomitsu-bo
This letter was written at Minobu 1277 and addressed to Shomitsu-bo, thought to be one of Nichiren Daishonin's disciples living at Seicho-ji temple in the province of Awa .
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, December 22, 2015
Even if you are born into the most affluent of circumstances or enjoy a spectacular marriage that is the envy of others, there is no guarantee that you will be happy. Happiness does not depend on wealth or personal appearance, nor does it hinge on fame or recognition. If your heart is empty, you cannot build genuine happiness.
There is an expansive life-state of profound, secure happiness that transcends any material or social advantage. It is called faith; it is called the life-state of Buddhahood.
Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (28 December 1950) p.69
I wish to adorn the finale of my battle with splendid efforts that are truly worthy of me. Whether I win or lose is secondary. I must make it my first priority, however, to display ability, power of action, firmness and responsibility in this struggle.
Napoleon won in battle, and then, after a crushing defeat, won again, but in the end, he was a defeated hero.
Pestalozzi's fifty-year struggle seemed a total defeat, yet in the end, he emerged victoriously as a great educator.
The important issue for me now is how to strive, how to crown my life's finale with victory.
Ultimately, there is no other way but to base one's life to the end upon daimoku.
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