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

  Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Saturday, December 31, 2016

 

To lead a life in which we are inspired and can inspire others, our hearts have to be alive; they have to be filled with passion and enthusiasm. To achieve that, as President Toda also said, we need the courage to "live true to ourselves." And to live true to ourselves, we need the strength of mind not to be swayed by our environment or be obsessed with vanity and superficial appearances. Rather than borrowing from or imitating others, we need the conviction to be able to think for ourselves and to take action from our own sense of responsibility.

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Saturday, December 31, 2016

 

I, Nichiren, am the richest man in all of present-day Japan . I have dedicated my life to the Lotus Sutra, and my name will be handed down in ages to come.

 

The Opening of the Eyes

This treatise is one of Nichiren Daishonin's five most important writings, in which he reveals his identity as the Buddha of the Latter Day of the Law who possesses the three virtues of sovereign, teacher, and parent.In the year 1272, still in exile under harsh conditions on Sado Island, the Daishonin completed this work in two volumes and addressed it to Shijo Kingo, one of his leading disciples in Kamakura

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Saturday, December 31, 2016

 

Buddhism enables us to tap from within the depths of our beings the greatest courage and strongest life force there is. Buddhas are not destined for unhappiness or defeat. Those who practice Buddhism can definitely transform all adversity into something positive, irrespective of the troubled time in which they live, their personal circumstances or the hardships that befall them.

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Yout

Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (12 October 1957) p.342

 

Took the 1:30 p.m. express from Tokyo Station to the head temple. Sensei, Division Chief I., Chapter Chief T., my wife and me. My thoughts turned to the Dai-Gohonzon "bestowed upon the entire world" enshrined in the Hoan-den, on this, the anniversary of its inscription. When, conjectured Sensei, will the day come that it will be enshrined in the Sho-Hondo, completing the first step in securing the foundation for kosen-rufu?

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Ushitora gongyo was conducted at 2:00 a.m. Joyfully participated. Was received by the retired high priest, Nissho, in the afternoon. A high priest of magnificent virtue. He has treated me with great fondness, and my visit with him will be my lifelong joy.

 

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

                                                

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Friday, December 30, 2016

 

Taking good care of our health is most important. In particular, it is vital for those who are advanced in years to get sufficient rest to avoid becoming fatigued. Sleep is the best medicine. I also hope you will put your wisdom to work and find various ways to improve and maintain your health.

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Friday, December 30, 2016

 

In the yard around the hut the snow piled deeper and deeper. No one came to see me; my only visitor was the piercing wind. Great Concentration and Insight and the Lotus Sutra lay open before my eyes, and Nam-myoho-renge-kyo flowed from my lips. My evenings passed in discourse to the moon and stars on the fallacies of the various schools and the profound meaning of the Lotus Sutra. Thus, one year gave way to the next.

 

The Actions of the Votary of the Lotus Sutra

This work is an autobiographical account covering the events of an important period in Nichiren Daishonin's life— from the time shortly before the Tatsunokuchi Persecution through his two-and-a-half-year exile on Sado Island to his eventual retirement to Mount Minobu.This letter was written in the year 1276 and addressed to the lay nun Konichi, a widow who lived in Awa, the Daishonin's native province.

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Friday, December 30, 2016

 

Defeat for a Buddhist lies not in encountering difficulties but rather in not challenging them. Difficulties only truly become our destiny if we run away from them. We must fight as long as we live.

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (13 October 1957) p.342

 

Attended a unit chiefs meeting in Numazu on the way back from the head temple. Along with the chapter chief, I poured my full effort into fostering the growth of capable individuals. Where the sun shines brightly, grass and trees will flourish. Convinced that where there is guidance in faith, a procession of able people will develop.

Fatigue accumulates with each passing day. If myo means "to revive," then how can I fail to be revitalized?

 

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

 

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Thursday, December 29, 2016

 

Who is truly great? I hope you can develop the ability to discern true human greatness. A great person is someone who forges unity among human beings through sincere dialogue, armed with a solid philosophy, feet firmly planted on the ground. A great person is one who lives among the people and earns their unshakable trust. Fickle popularity and temporary fads are nothing but illusions.

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Thursday, December 29, 2016

 

To hope to attain Buddhahood without speaking out against slander is as futile as trying to find water in the midst of fire or fire in the midst of water. No matter how sincerely one believes in the Lotus Sutra, if one is guilty of failing to rebuke slander of the Law, one will surely fall into hell, just a single crab leg will ruin a thousand pots of lacquer. This is the meaning of the passage in the sutra, "Because the poison has penetrated deeply and their minds no longer function as before."

 

The Essentials for Attaining Buddhahood

This letter is addressed to Soya, a lay follower who lived in Soya Village in Shimosa Province in the year 1276.

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Thursday, December 29, 2016

 

Ralph Waldo Emerson writes: "And so of cheerfulness, or a good temper, the more it is spent, the more of it remains." Cheerfulness is not the same as frivolousness. Cheerfulness is born of a fighting spirit. Frivolousness is the reverse side of cowardly escape. Emerson also said that "power dwells with cheerfulness; hope puts us in a working mood." Without cheerfulness there is no strength. Strive to advance still more brightly and cheerfully.

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (10 October 1957) p.341

 

The moon was full tonight. When I think about the satellite flying through space, what a profoundly poetic evening it was. With my tired body, it reminded me of listening to an exquisite, mysterious melody. The joy of living. Let it always be so. Read the Gosho "encouragement to a Sick Person".

Ultimately, the spirit of propagation, a life of propagation, is the source of the greatest, most powerful life force and vitality.

 

* 8 October: news report that the Soviet Union has successfully launched a human-made satellite.

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

 Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Wednesday, December 28, 2016

 

Kosen-rufu is a very long struggle. It is a march that will continue over the 10,000 years of the Latter Day of the Law. Therefore, let us advance joyfully and unhurriedly. Activities must not be conducted in such a way that people suffer and become exhausted. Meetings should be short and not too numerous and conducted so that they are valuable and productive for all concerned.

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Wednesday, December 28, 2016

 

In the next life you should use this sword as your staff. The Lotus Sutra is the staff that helps all the Buddhas of the three existences as they set their minds on enlightenment. However, you should rely upon Nichiren as your staff and pillar. When one uses a staff, he will not fall on treacherous mountain paths or rough roads, and when led by the hand, he will never stumble.

 

The Swords of Good and Evil

This letter was written to Hojo Yagenta, a lay believer in Kamakura, although no year is indicated, it is believed to be 1274.

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Wednesday, December 28, 2016

 

Those who believe in the Lotus Sutra are as if in winter, but winter always turns to spring. Never, from ancient times on, has anyone heard or seen of winter turning back to autumn. Nor have we ever heard of a believer in the Lotus Sutra who turned into an ordinary person. The sutra reads, "If there are those who hear the Law, then not one will fail to attain Buddhahood" - Nichiren

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (07 October 1957) p.339

 

An "Orally Transmitted Teachings" lecture at the headquarters at 6:30. On the parts that cover the Lotus Sutra's "Devadatta", "Encouraging Devotion" and "Peaceful Practices" chapters. Sensei's excellent lecture applied to daily life from an objective standpoint, and, from a subjective standpoint, to life itself. He said that when one steadfastly embraces the Mystic Law, living itself becomes a true pleasure.

 

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

 

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Tuesday, December 27, 2016

 

No matter what the circumstances, you should never concede defeat. Never conclude that you've reached a dead end, that everything is finished. You possess a glorious future. And precisely because of that, you must persevere and study. Life is eternal. We need to focus on the two existences of the present and the future and not get caught up in the past. We must always have the spirit to begin anew "from this moment," to initiate a new struggle each day.

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Tuesday, December 27, 2016

 

Your own offerings were not made to me, Nichiren, but to the Lotus Sutra. Therefore, we must leave it to Shakyamuni Buddha, Many Treasures Buddha, and the Buddhas of the ten directions [to fathom the greatness of] the resulting benefits.

 

Roots of Good Fortune

Nichiren Daishonin wrote this letter at Minobu in 1281 to the lay nun of Kubo, thanking her for the offerings that she had sent him.

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Tuesday, December 27, 2016

 

Religious strife must be avoided at all cost; under no circumstance should it be allowed. People may hold different religious beliefs, but the bottom line is that we are all human beings. We all seek happiness and desire peace. Religion should bring people together. It should unite the potential for good in people‚'s hearts toward benefiting society and humanity and creating a better future.

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (07 October 1957) p.339

 

Mentally and physically drained all day. Prime Minister Nehru of India is now visiting Japan. At Keio and Waseda universities, he spoke of his love of world peace and humanity and declared, "Youth are the world of tomorrow". Want to visit India, the land from which Buddhism sprung, at the earliest possible opportunity.

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

 

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Monday, December 26, 2016

 

Good health equals Buddhism. Daily life equals faith. Taking care to avoid traffic accidents and making efforts to stay in good health, therefore, are all part of our Buddhist practice. It is important that we live wisely, striving with the awareness each day that all the actions and activities we undertake for the sake of faith contribute to our good health and well-being.

 

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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Monday, December 26, 2016

 

In addition, we live today in a time of trouble, when there is little that ordinary people can do. And yet, busy as you are, in your sincerity of heart you have sent me thick-stemmed bamboo shoots of the moso variety as offerings to the Lotus Sutra here in the mountains. Surely you are sowing good seeds in a field of fortune. My tears flow when I think of it.

 

The Bodies and Minds of Ordinary Beings

The opening and concluding portions of this letter have been lost, so its date and recipient are both unknown

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Monday, December 26, 2016

 

It is foolish to ignore or deny the contribution of medicine. Otherwise, faith descends into fanaticism. We must use medical resources wisely in fighting illness. Buddhism gives us the wisdom to use medicine properly. Wisdom is the basic ingredient to health, to long life, and to happiness. The new century of health, then, must be a new century of wisdom.

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (01October 1957) p.338

 

It's becoming necessary to plan out our monthly finances. Must think about setting guidelines to provide for the children's education.

Conducted the first lecture of the month in the evening. In the meeting hall at the headquarters. On the section of Nichikan's "The Threefold Secret Teaching" that enumerates the three thousand worlds in a single moment of life. Since I had received direction on the material from Sensei, I could lecture confidently.

Went to M.'s house after the lecture, though I should have gone home early. I wish to help people, but I'm astonished at how easily I let others take advantage of me.

Stayed up late discussing the family budget, among other things, with my wife.

 

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

 

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

 Sunday, December 25, 2016

 

If a person is hungry, we should give them bread. When there is no bread, we can at least give words that nourish. To a person who looks ill or is physically frail, we can turn the conversation to some subject that will lift their spirits and fill them with the hope and determination to get better. Let us give something to each person we meet: joy, courage, hope, assurance, or philosophy, wisdom, a vision for the future. Let us always give something.

 

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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

 Sunday, December 25, 2016

 

And if we go by the words of the Lotus Sutra, you should also teach the sutra to the best of your ability. When the world makes you feel downcast, you should chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, remembering that, although the sufferings of this life are painful, those in the next life could be much worse. And when you are happy, you should remember that your happiness in this life is nothing but a dream within a dream, and that the only true happiness is that found in the pure land of Eagle Peak, and with that thought in mind, chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo.

 

The Fourteen Slanders

Written near the end of 1276, this letter was a reply to the lay priest Matsuno Rokuro Saemon. Four in his family received letters from Nichiren Daishonin

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

 Sunday, December 25, 2016

 

Buddhism does not ask "What religion does this person follow?" but "What is this person's state of life?" Buddhism exists to enable all people to cultivate and manifest the world of Buddhahood in their lives. Society is a realm of discrimination and distinctions. But Buddhism transcends all superficial differences and focuses directly on life.

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (30 September 1957) p.337

 

The headquarters leaders meeting was held at 6:15 at Shinagawa Civic Hall. A remarkable display of progress. Afterward, T., the chief of Sakai Chapter, visited my home with his wife. Joyfully discussed the chapter's future development. Explained various aspects of the battle plan.

My wife will become the mother of three children. As she grows heavier, so does her responsibility: striving for social and religious revolution while raising her children to be excellent individuals.