Monday 29 February 2016

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



Daily Encouragement (& Wisdom for Modern Life)
Monday, February 29, 2016
 
When parents exert themselves in the way of faith, they can lead their children to happiness without fail. Likewise, the attainment of Buddhahood of the child guarantees the attainment of Buddhahood of the parents. One lighthouse illuminates the way for many ships to steer a course safely through uncertain waters. In the same way, people with strong and committed faith shine as beacons of hope for their family and relatives.
   
 
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Monday, February 29, 2016
 
In the end it is nothing other than the loving kindness with which the woman cares for her child that makes the difference. Her concern concentrates on one thing just like the Buddhist practice of concentration. She thinks of nothing but her child, which is similar to Buddhist compassion. That must be why, although she created no other causes to bring it about, she was reborn in the Brahma heaven.
 
Written to Shijo Kingo in February 1272
 
 
Daisaku Ikeda – A Youthful Diary (03 May 1951) p. 110
 
Advance! Holding high the banner of the Mystic Law, toward attaining kosen-rufu. Two billion people await us, await the Soka Gakkai's bold advance.
The leaders' faces were clear and bright as the new organization implementation was announced. Everyone in high spirits, each determination, lecture and resolution statement filled with dynamic vigor. I sat by myself in the centre of the meeting, quietly listening to my mentor and the other senior leaders, thinking that no one but Mr. Toda is aware that a lone youth's sights are firmly set on the Soka Gakkai's path ten years into the future.
 



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Sunday 28 February 2016

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



Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Sunday, February 28, 2016
 
 You can forge the path to a fulfilling and enjoyable life if you have the depth of faith to regard everything as a source for creating happiness and value. Conversely, if you see everything only in a negative or pessimistic light, your life will gradually but inevitably be plunged into darkness. Buddhism teaches the subtle principle of ichinen, and moreover, the power of faith.
 
 
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Sunday, February 28, 2016
 
 Since you now appear certain to attain Buddhahood, perhaps the heavenly devil and evil spirits are using illness to try to intimidate you. Life in this world is limited. Never be even the least bit afraid!".
 
The Proof of the Lotus Sutra
Written to Nanjo Tokimitsu on February 28, 1282
 
 
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Sunday, February 28, 2016
 
Make goals. Whether big or small, work toward realizing them. You must be serious about and dedicated to your goals - you'll get nowhere if you just treat them like jokes. An earnest, dedicated spirit shines like a diamond and moves people's hearts. That is because a brilliant flame burns within. If we are sincere, people will understand our intentions, and our positive qualities will shine forth. It is pointless to be caught up in outward appearances. The German poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe writes: "How may one get to know oneself? Never by contemplation,only , indeed, by action. Seek to do your duty, and you will know at once how it is with you."
 
 
Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Daisaku Ikeda – A Youthful Diary (03 May 1951) p. 110
 
The second Soka Gakkai president, Mr. Josei Toda, was inaugurated.
The place - Josen-ji in Mukojima.
Fine weather. The ceremony began at 2:00, and the day's events ended at 9:00, after a celebration.
At last, Mr. Toda has become president. This was the long-awaited, common wish of all his disciples. I will remember this day for the rest of my life. A thousand and some several hundred must have attended.
 



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Saturday 27 February 2016

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



Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday, February 27, 2016
 
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.
 
Events; SGI-USA Womens Day.
 
 
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Saturday, February 27, 2016
 
However, people all turn their backs on these sutra passages, and the world as a whole is completely confused with regard to the principles of Buddhism. Why do you persist in following the teachings of evil friends? T'ien-t'ai said that to accept and put faith in the doctrines of evil teachers is the same as drinking poison. You should deeply consider this and beware.
 
Questions and Answers about Embracing the Lotus Sutra
Recipient unknown; written in March 1263
 
 
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday, February 27, 2016
 
We each move forward secure on our own earth, not the earth of others. Happiness is something we must create for ourselves. No one else can give it to us.
 
 
Daisaku Ikeda – A Youthful Diary (27 April 1951) p. 108/9
 
The Soka Gakkai is advancing faster and faster. Our district must also try its best. Must make the propagation spirit and our organisation's solidification the fundamental causes for our development. In any case, I myself must strive, I must be responsible.
 



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Friday 26 February 2016

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



Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Friday, February 26, 2016
 
Buddhism teaches that life at each moment embraces all phenomena. This is the doctrine of a life-moment possessing 3,000 realms, which is the Lotus Sutra's ultimate teaching and Buddhism's essence. Because of the profound way our lives interact with people around us, it is vital that we reach out to others, that we be engaged with our environment and with our local community. A self-absorbed practice or theory without action is definitely not Buddhism.
 
 
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Friday, February 26, 2016
 
The Great Teacher Tz'u-en wrote a work in ten volumes entitled Praising the Profundity of the Lotus Sutra in which he praised the Lotus Sutra, but the Great Teacher Dengyo criticized it, saying, "Though he praises the Lotus Sutra, he destroys its heart." If we consider these examples carefully, we will realize that, among those who read the Lotus Sutra and sing its praises, there are many who are destined for the hell of incessant suffering.
 
On Repaying Debts of Gratitude
Written to Joken-bo and Gijo-bo on July 21, 1276
 
 
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Friday, February 26, 2016
 
No discrimination exists in Nichiren Buddhism. Nichiren teaches that the Buddha and all people are absolutely equal. Chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo with faith in this point is a matter of the utmost importance. Doing so is to embrace the Lotus Sutra. It is also an act of succeeding to the heritage of Buddhism. In this light, we can say that the gist of the teaching of the Lotus Sutra is that all people are equal.
 
 
Daisaku Ikeda – A Youthful Diary (27 April 1951) p. 108/9
 
Could observe, for the first time, the behavior of a court bailiff. Clearly witnessed the strictness of the legal system, or rather, the miserable state of the weak. Can only pity them - is this reality? Feel that I now know a bit more about society's harshness and complexity. Aware that I have been too innocent and idealistic until today
 



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Thursday 25 February 2016

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




Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Thursday, February 25, 2016
 
Gandhi taught people to live with lion-like courage, impressing upon them that they could not afford to leave things up to others, that they had to stand up for themselves and fight for justice. Ultimately, the only way forward is by developing self-reliance, forging a stand-alone spirit. That is the only path to victory.
 
 
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Thursday, February 25, 2016
 
Today there are people who have faith in the Lotus Sutra. The belief of some is like fire while that of others is like water. When the former listen to the teachings, their passion flares up like fire, but as time goes on, they tend to discard their faith. To have faith like water means to believe continuously without ever regressing.
 
 The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 899
The Two Kinds of Faith
Written to Nanjo Tokumitsu on February 25, 1278
 
 
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Thursday, February 25, 2016
 
When you hold fast to your beliefs and live true to yourself, your true value as a human being shines through. Buddhism teaches the concept of "realizing your inherent potential." In other words manifesting your true entity, your innate self, revealing it and bringing it to shine, illuminating all around you. It refers to your most refined individuality and uniqueness.
 
 
Daisaku Ikeda – A Youthful Diary (26 April 1951) p. 108
 
An evening youth division meeting. Discussed "On the Four Stages of Faith and Five Stages of Practice." Given an assignment on the 'three assemblies in two places' by Mr. Toda.
Must deeply ponder the Daishonin's teachings and study them systematically. Must undertake my study based upon faith.
Ashamed of my shallow Buddhist study. I can only forge ahead.

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Wednesday 24 February 2016

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 24 February 2016 - ‘The Year of Expansion in the New Era of Worldwide Kosen Rufu’





Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Wednesday, February 24, 2016
 
Buddhism is not about leading a self-centered existence. If we do not base our lives on the Law, we are not practicing Buddhism. The German writer Friedrich von Schiller writes, "The brave man thinks upon himself the last." This is analogous to the spirit of not begrudging one's life taught in the Lotus Sutra. This means treasuring the Law more highly than one's life. The Law and kosen-rufu are central.
 
 
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Wednesday, February 24, 2016
 
No matter how humble a person may be, if his wisdom is the least bit greater than yours, you should ask him about the meaning of the sutra. But the people in this evil age are so arrogant, prejudiced, and attached to fame and profit that they are afraid that, should they become the disciple of a humble person or try to learn something from him, they will be looked down upon by others. They never rid themselves of this wrong attitude, so they seem to be destined for the evil paths.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 757
The Fourteen Slanders
Written to the lay priest Matsuno Rokuro Saemon on December 9, 1276
 
 
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Wednesday, February 24, 2016
 
According to Buddhism, health is not a condition in which we merely escape negative influences. It is a highly positive, active state in which we hold ourselves responsible for such influences, in which we face and try to solve various problems - not just our own but others problems, too. The word disease implies a lack of ease, which conversely implies that health is a state of comfort. In the Buddhist sense, however, being "at ease" does not mean freedom from difficulties, it means having the strength to meet and overcome any problem.
 
 
Daisaku Ikeda – A Youthful Diary (26 April 1951) p. 108
 
Visited T. in Tachikawa. An evil man. Regret having maintained faithful friendship with him, not realizing him to be such a schemer. I was misled by his status as a senior graduate from the same school.
 



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Tuesday 23 February 2016

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 23 February 2016 - ‘The Year of Expansion in the New Era of Worldwide Kosen Rufu’





Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, February 23, 2016
 
Without courage we cannot be compassionate. Courage and compassion are inseparable, like the two sides of a coin. Faith is the wellspring of courage. The Daishonin says, "Nichiren's disciples cannot accomplish anything if they are cowardly," (The Major Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 128). A cowardly person cannot realize victory in life. Unless we have the courage to really dedicate our lives to kosen-rufu, we cannot construct true happiness for ourselves and others.
 
 
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Tuesday, February 23, 2016
 
Even though one may encounter a wise teacher and the true sutra and thereby embrace the correct teaching, when one resolves to break free from the sufferings of birth and death and attain Buddhahood, one will inevitably encounter seven grave matters known as the three obstacles and four devils, just as surely as a shadow follows the body and clouds accompany rain. Even if you should manage to overcome the first six, if you are defeated by the seventh, you will not be able to become a Buddha.
 
Letter to Misawa
Written to Misawa Kojiro on February 23, 1278
 
 
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, February 23, 2016
 
The only way for human beings to change is for them to conquer their inner darkness and rediscover the eternal dignity within their own lives. Cultivating the noble spirit with which all people are endowed will directly lead to a change in the destiny of humankind.
 
 
Daisaku Ikeda – A Youthful Diary (21 April 1951) p. 106
 
A monotonous day. My health is extremely poor. A real disappointment. Came home at 8:00 to get to bed early. To fight without resist is a cause for defeat. I must rest today for tomorrow's battle. Resting then, becomes part of the battle.
 



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Monday 22 February 2016

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 22 February 2016 - ‘The Year of Expansion in the New Era of Worldwide Kosen Rufu’



Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Monday, February 22, 2016
 
What was the secret to  Edison 's success? He explained that it was to never give up before he succeeded in what he was trying to do. Not giving up-that's the only way. Once you give up you are defeated. This is equally true in the realm of faith. Quitting is not faith. We have to keep chanting until our prayers are answered. That is the correct way of prayer.
 
 
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Monday, February 22, 2016
 
Though this mandala has but five or seven characters, it is the teacher of all Buddhas throughout the three existences and the seal that guarantees the enlightenment of all women. It will be a lamp in the darkness of the road to the next world and a fine horse to carry you over the mountains of death. It is like the sun and moon in the heavens or  Mount   Sumeru  on earth. It is a ship to ferry people over the sea of the sufferings of birth and death. It is the teacher who leads all people to Buddhahood and enlightenment.
 
On Offering Prayers to the Mandala of the Mystic Law
Recipient and date unknown
 
 
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Monday, February 22, 2016
 
Real optimism should not be confused with a carefree outlook on life, one in which we forfeit responsibility for our lives. The person undefeated by misfortune, poverty, insult and vilification, the person who can bounce back from every adversity and say, "What? That was nothing!" The person who marches on toward hope through sheer force of will - that person is a true optimist.
 
 
Daisaku Ikeda – A Youthful Diary (20 April 1951) p. 106
 
In the evening, Mr. Toda lectured on the "Letter to Akimoto."
 
1. Wish to raise the sacred torch of propagation in my community.
 
2. It is agony to know that I am a disciple of the Daishonin yet cannot propagate the Law.
 



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