Sunday 31 January 2016

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 31 January 2016 - ‘The Year of Expansion in the New Era of Worldwide Kosen Rufu’



Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Sunday, January 31, 2016
 
Youth should not seek an easy comfortable path. No one develops in a pampered environment. Youth should instead actively seek out challenges and hardships, transforming them all into valuable assets as they strive to become individuals of outstanding character and ability.
 
 
From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Sunday, January 31, 2016
 
Carry through with your faith in the Lotus Sutra. You cannot strike fire from flint if you stop halfway. Bring forth the great power of faith, and be spoken of by all the people of Kamakura, both high and low, or by all the people of Japan as "Shijo Kingo, Shijo Kingo of the Lotus school!" Even a bad reputation will spread far and wide. A good reputation will spread even farther, particularly if it is a reputation for devotion to the Lotus Sutra.
 
Earthly Desires are Enlightenment
Written to Shijo Kingo on May 2, 1272
 
 
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Sunday, January 31, 2016
 
A higher religion does not negate rationality. No religion that suppresses human reason can earn the trust of humankind. Buddhism, the "religion of wisdom," is an extremely rational religion. In fact, it is so rational that many Westerners even question whether it can be classified as a religion, since it does not teach the existence of a supreme being in the image of humankind.
 
 
Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (20 February 1951) p.91
 
Keenly aware of my mission in the vanguard of kosen-rufu. Throughout life, throughout eternity, the important thing is to raise capable people for the future. This is extremely vital. And to find capable people, one needs the eye of wisdom - that is the eye of faith.
Raising capable people requires time. There is no other way but to have them fuse their lives with the Gohonzon through the power of faith.
 



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Saturday 30 January 2016

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 30 January 2016 - ‘The Year of Expansion in the New Era of Worldwide Kosen Rufu’



Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday January 30, 2016
 
Buddhism teaches that "all phenomena in the universe are manifestations of the Law" (Gosho Zenshu, p. 564). I hope you will, with this understanding, engage yourselves in broad-ranging studies with vigour and determination. Your brains have a potential as vast and boundless as the universe. How then do we manifest the brain's full creative powers? There is only one way to bring out our full intellectual capacity: by constantly putting our minds to work.
 
 
From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Saturday January 30, 2016
 
My disciples, you should believe what I say and watch what happens. These things do not occur because I myself am respect worthy, but because the power of the Lotus Sutra is supreme. If I praise myself, people will think that I am boastful, but if I humble myself, they will despise the sutra. The taller the pine tree, the longer the wisteria vine hanging from it. The deeper the source, the longer the stream. How fortunate, how joyful! In this impure land, I alone enjoy true happiness and delight.
 
A Sage Perceives the Three Existences of Life
Written to Toki Jonin in 1275
 
 
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday January 30, 2016
 
Just as a diamond can only be polished by another diamond, it is only through intense human interaction engaging the entire personality that people can forge themselves, raising themselves up to ever-greater heights.
 
 
Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (18 February 1951) p.90
 
I want to have real power and ability. I want my mind to become clear.
 
1. Make certain that, until I am twenty-five, I can dedicate my life solely to kosen-rufu.
 
2. Until I am twenty five, I must polish my ability as a leader and solidify my determination to carry out the will of my teacher, Mr. Toda.
 



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Friday 29 January 2016

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 29 January 2016 - ‘The Year of Expansion in the New Era of Worldwide Kosen Rufu’



Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Friday, January 29, 2016
 
Practicing Buddhism means being victorious. In advancing one step at a time amid the realities of our daily lives, in showing concrete actual proof, in becoming victors and successes we are demonstrating with our very beings the validity of Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism and serving as a source of hope and inspiration for those who will follow us on the path of faith.
 
 
From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Friday, January 29, 2016
 
Understand then that the votary who practices the Lotus Sutra exactly as the Buddha teaches will without fail be attacked by the three powerful enemies. In the more than two thousand years that have passed since the Buddha's advent, Shakyamuni himself, T'ien-t'ai and Dengyo were the only three who perfectly carried out the Buddha's teachings. Now in the Latter Day of the Law, Nichiren and his disciples and lay believers are just such practitioners.
 
On Practicing the Buddha's Teachings
Written to all followers in May 1273
 
 
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Friday, January 29, 2016
 
It may seem perfectly all right to put ourselves and our own wishes first, to simply follow the dictates of our emotions and cravings, but the truth is that there is nothing more unreliable than our own mind. Life doesn't always go like clockwork and things will not necessarily turn out as we hope or plan. Consequently, Nichiren frequently stressed: "You should become the master of your mind, not let your mind master you." We mustn't allow ourselves to be ruled by a self-centered mind. Rather, we have to discipline our mind and gain mastery over it.
 
 
Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (16 February 1951) p.90
 
Spent the entire day in Koiwa, meeting with K. and discussing various matters.
 
Why are people so foolish?
Why are people so unhappy?
Why are people so arrogant?
How can people be so selfish?
 
Life's ultimate purpose, the simultaneity of cause and effect, happiness - Nam-myoho-renge-kyo.




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Thursday 28 January 2016

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 28 January 2016 - ‘The Year of Expansion in the New Era of Worldwide Kosen Rufu’



Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Thursday, January 28, 2016
 
All of you are chanting for the happiness of many members - children of the Buddha - in your respective communities, you support and encourage them and work tirelessly on their behalf as if they were your own children. Your actions are truly those of great bodhisattvas, your state of life that of noble Buddhas.
 
 
From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Thursday, January 28, 2016
 
Let others hate you if they will. What have you to complain of, if you are cherished by Shakyamuni Buddha, Many Treasures Buddha, and the Buddhas of the ten directions, as well as by Brahma, Shakra, and the gods of the sun and the moon? As long as you are praised by the Lotus Sutra, what cause have you for discontent?"
 
The Unity of Husband and Wife
Written to Nichigen-nyo on January 27, 1275
 
 
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Thursday, January 28, 2016
 
Why are human beings born? This question has posed a great challenge. Josei Toda lucidly set forward his conclusion. Namely, that this world is a place for people to, as the Lotus Sutra states, "enjoy themselves at ease." We were born here in order to thoroughly savour the joys of life. Faith in Nichiren Buddhism enables one to bring forth the great life force needed to lead such an existence.
 
 
Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (15 February 1951) p.90
 
Stayed at home from work to research a solution to yesterday's problem (concerning Mr. Toda's mortgage). Made various arrangements over the phone. Went to visit O. at noon. I must reflect adequately on my own bad points. Must never become arrogant.
 



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Wednesday 27 January 2016

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 27 January 2016 - ‘The Year of Expansion in the New Era of Worldwide Kosen Rufu’



Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Wednesday, January 27, 2016
 
Viewing events and situations in a positive light is important. The strength, wisdom and cheerfulness that accompany such an attitude lead to happiness. To regard everything in a positive light or with a spirit of goodwill, however, does not mean being foolishly gullible and allowing people to take advantage of our good nature. It means having the wisdom and perception to actually move things in a positive direction by seeing things in their best light, while all the time keeping our eyes firmly focused on reality.
 
 
From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Wednesday, January 27, 2016
 
If a vessel is free of these four faults of overturning, leaking, being defiled, and being mixed, then it can be called a perfect vessel. If the embankments around a moat do not leak, then the water will never escape from the moat. And if the mind of faith is perfect, then the water of wisdom, the great impartial wisdom, will never dry up.
 
Letter to Akimoto
Written to Akimoto Taro Hyoe-no-jo on January 27, 1280
 
 
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Wednesday, January 27, 2016
 
Everyone has a right to flower, to reveal his or her full potential as a human being, to fulfill his or her mission in this world. You have this right, and so does everyone else. This is the meaning of human rights. To scorn, violate and abuse people's human rights destroys the natural order of things. Prizing human rights and respecting others are among our most important tasks.
 
 
Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (14 February 1951) p.89
 
At 7:30, I returned home. Had some vague thoughts. The important thing is not to let my life force drop. Must never let myself be defeated.
 


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Tuesday 26 January 2016

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 26 January 2016 - ‘The Year of Expansion in the New Era of Worldwide Kosen Rufu’



Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday January 26, 2016
 
Truly praiseworthy are those who resolve to work hard for kosen-rufu and the SGI within the lofty realm of Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism. They are genuinely capable people. And they will definitely attain life-conditions of complete fulfillment.
 
Events
1975 SGI Day
Soka Gakkai International established in Guam; Daisaku Ikeda inaugurated as SGI president.

 
From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Tuesday January 26, 2016
 
One should not be intimidated by the fact that so many hold such beliefs. Nor does the truth of a belief depend on whether it has been held for a long or short time. The point is simply whether or not it conforms with the text of the scriptures and with reason.
 
The Tripitaka Master Shan-wr-wei
Written to Joken-bo and Gijo-bo in 1270

 
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday January 26, 2016
 
A coward cannot become a Buddha. We cannot attain Buddhahood unless we possess the heart of a lion. The harsher the situation, the bolder the stand we must take. This is the essence of the Soka Gakkai spirit.
 
 
Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (14 February 1951) p.89
 
Went to Y.'s in the evening. He has worked so hard together with me. I am eternally grateful will remember his family as long as I live - a humble family, like a stone by the roadside. I think of them as unknown comrades even more precious than the valiant, capable people now in the spotlight. I love them from the bottom of my heart; I trust them dearly.
 



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Monday 25 January 2016

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 25 January 2016 - ‘The Year of Expansion in the New Era of Worldwide Kosen Rufu’



Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Monday, January 25, 2016
 
The important thing is to hold on resolutely to one's convictions come what may, just as the Daishonin teaches. People who possess such unwavering conviction will definitely become happy.
 
 
From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Monday, January 25, 2016
 
Buddhism teaches that, when the Buddha nature manifests itself from within, it will receive protection from without. This is one of its fundamental principles.
 
The Three Kinds of Treasure
Written to Shijo Kingo on September 11, 1277
 
 
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Monday, January 25, 2016
 
You cannot judge the quality of another's friendship by superficial appearances, especially when things are going smoothly. It is only when we have experienced the worst, most crushing of times - when we have plumbed the depths of life - that we can experience the joys of genuine friendship. Only a man of principle, a woman of resolve - a person who stays true to their chosen path - can be a trusted and true friend and have real friends in turn.
 
 
Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (14 February 1951) p.89
 
The third snowfall of year - snowflakes began to dance in the air. I wish the snow would cleanse my troubled mind, as well as my heart and body, which have been muddied by many battles within society. The golden saying "faith as pure as snow" flashed before my mind. But perhaps from lack of sleep. I walked on as if in a dream.
 



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