Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 30 November 2017 - ‘Developing Youth in the New Era

 

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

November 30, 2017

 

President Toda often said: "Those of you who have problems or sufferings, pray earnestly! Buddhism is a deadly serious win-or-lose struggle. If you should [pray with such an earnest attitude] and still have no solution forthcoming, then I will give you my life!" This invincible conviction on which Mr. Toda was willing to stake his life inspired the members.

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

November 30, 2017

 

Though water may be muddied, it will again become clear. Though the moon may hide behind the clouds, it will surely reappear. Similarly, in time my innocence became apparent, and my predictions proved not to have been in vain.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1007

Letter to the Lay Priest Nakaoki

Written to the lay priest Nakaoki and his wife on November 30, 1279

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

November 30, 2017

 

That we take pains to protect weapons while we expose children - the future of the race - to peril is impermissible. To ignore this absurdity will spell defeat for humanity. We must not live to destroy. We have the spiritual power to create peace and happiness.

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (27 December 1956) p..316/317

 

Sensei talked about deductive and inductive reasoning. Consciousness as viewed by the Western philosopher Heinrich Rickert of the new Kantian school and the theory of consciousness espoused in Eastern philosophy are diametrically opposed. Western philosophy posits that consciousness begins with the six senses and then arrives at what Buddhism refers to as the seventh, eighth and ninth levels of consciousness. Buddhism, on the other hand, teaches that consciousness arises out of the "Palace of the Ninth Consciousness of Essential Truth" and permeates the eighth, seventh, and first six levels of consciousness.. There are deductive civilizations and inductive civilizations. Which surpasses the other? It is important to strike a balance between these two. What will the future hold?

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 29 November 2017 - ‘Developing Youth in the New Era

 

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

 November 29, 2017

 

Compassion is the very soul of Buddhism. To pray for others, making their problems and anguish our own; to embrace those who are suffering, becoming their greatest ally; to continue giving them our support and encouragement until they become truly happy - it is in such humanistic actions that the Daishonin's Buddhism lives and breathes.

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

 November 29, 2017

 

Whether or not your prayer is answered will depend upon your faith; [if it is not,] I will in no way be to blame. When the water is clear, the moon is reflected. When the wind blows, the trees shake. Our minds are like the water. Faith that is weak is like muddy water, while faith that is brave is like clear water. Understand that the trees are like principles, and the wind that shakes them is like the recitation of the sutra.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1079

Reply to the Lay Nun Nichigon

Written to the lay nun Nichigon on November 29, 1280

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

 November 29, 2017

 

Do not become subservient. Do not dwell on every tiny setback in the course of pursuing your chosen path. To do so would be foolish.. Victory or defeat is determined by our entire lives. Moreover, our final years are the most crucial. What is enviable about the pretentious rich? What is great about conceited celebrities? What is admirable about political leaders who gained their positions of power by treating others with contempt? Dig right where you stand, for there lies a rich wellspring!

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (22 December 1956) p.315

 

In any general meeting, or any important campaign, I am always standing behind the scenes, unknown to anyone, without worrying about pleasing anyone or whether anyone appreciate me; there I pour my entire life into leading the battle and driving a wedge of faith. I smile happily at this destiny. Firmly believe everything is revealed under the light of the Mystic Law.

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 28 November 2017 - ‘Developing Youth in the New Era

 

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

November 28, 2017

 

Nichiren Daishonin discusses the meaning of the Chinese characters for the word benefit (Jpn kudoku), as follows: "The ku of kudoku means to extinguish evil and doku means to bring forth good" (Gosho Zenshu, p. 762). We fight against those who try to destroy the True Law. That struggle purifies us and brings forth benefits in our lives. Justice or happiness without a battle is just an illusion. Thinking that happiness means a life free of hard work and effort is fantasy.

Events

 

SGI Day of Spiritual Independence

1991 Nichiren Shoshu excommunicates 12 million SGI members worldwide.

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

November 28, 2017

 

Buddhism spreads according to the time and the people's capacity. Although I may not be worthy of this teaching, I expound it because the time is right.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 861

This is What I Heard

Written to the lay priest Soya Jiro on November 28, 1277

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

November 28, 2017

 

Many young women agonize over perceived personality flaws and a lack of self-confidence. Nichiren Buddhism, however, teaches the great path of human revolution that enables each of us to shine in our own unique way. With this philosophy, you can decisively overcome a weak and easily swayed life-state and become a person of strength and purpose. It will allow you to withstand the storms of suffering and build a rock-solid foundation that will support you throughout your entire precious lives.

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (20 December 1956) p.314

 

In keeping a diary, am I engraving a glimpse of my life for posterity? Will it remain in history? A free dialogue. In any case, I will write on. There are times, however, when I write about the real state of things and times I do not. Sly, people are. Want to get up early these days. My life is becoming stagnant.

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 27 November 2017 - ‘Developing Youth in the New Era

 

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

November 27, 2017

 

Faith is the ultimate essence of intellect. Through the practice of correct faith, the intellect comes to shine. Intellect without correct faith lacks a firm anchor in the soil of life and eventually becomes disordered. This prompted the first Soka Gakkai president, Tsunesaburo Makiguchi, to remark that many modern thinkers were suffering from what he termed "higher psychosis." Faith without intellect, meanwhile, leads to blind faith and fanaticism. Faith or intellect alone - one without the other - is unhealthy.

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

November 27, 2017

 

Only in the Lotus Sutra do we read that a woman who embraces this sutra not only excels all other women, but also surpasses all men.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 462

The Unity of Husband and Wife

Written to Nichigen-nyo on January 27, 1275

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

November 27, 2017

 

The true victors in life are those who, enduring repeated challenges and setbacks, have sent the roots of their being to such a depth that nothing can shake them.

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (19 December 1956) p.313/314

 

Confucius said:

"At thirty, I stood tall.

"At forty, I was free from doubt.

"At fifty, I realized heaven's will."

Yet, as a disciple of Nichiren Daishonin, it is not necessary to delineate things in terms of age. This is due to 'the simultaneity of cause and effect,' the 'three thousand realms in a single moment of life.' This is true as long as I feel my mission and maintain the unity of 'many in body, one in mind.' This should be the absolute basis of everything.

In any event, all I need is to continue my human revolution throughout my life based on faith.

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 27 November 2017 - ‘Developing Youth in the New Era

 

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

November 27, 2017

 

Faith is the ultimate essence of intellect. Through the practice of correct faith, the intellect comes to shine. Intellect without correct faith lacks a firm anchor in the soil of life and eventually becomes disordered. This prompted the first Soka Gakkai president, Tsunesaburo Makiguchi, to remark that many modern thinkers were suffering from what he termed "higher psychosis." Faith without intellect, meanwhile, leads to blind faith and fanaticism. Faith or intellect alone - one without the other - is unhealthy.

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

November 27, 2017

 

Only in the Lotus Sutra do we read that a woman who embraces this sutra not only excels all other women, but also surpasses all men.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 462

The Unity of Husband and Wife

Written to Nichigen-nyo on January 27, 1275

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

November 27, 2017

 

The true victors in life are those who, enduring repeated challenges and setbacks, have sent the roots of their being to such a depth that nothing can shake them.

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (19 December 1956) p.313/314

 

Confucius said:

"At thirty, I stood tall.

"At forty, I was free from doubt.

"At fifty, I realized heaven's will."

Yet, as a disciple of Nichiren Daishonin, it is not necessary to delineate things in terms of age. This is due to 'the simultaneity of cause and effect,' the 'three thousand realms in a single moment of life.' This is true as long as I feel my mission and maintain the unity of 'many in body, one in mind.' This should be the absolute basis of everything.

In any event, all I need is to continue my human revolution throughout my life based on faith.

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 26 November 2017 - ‘Developing Youth in the New Era

 

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

November 26, 2017

 

Buddhism teaches that being led astray by evil friends, (negative influences) is to be feared more than being killed by a mad elephant. A mad elephant can only destroy our physical body, but evil friends, if we allow ourselves to be influenced by them, will drag us down into a state of hell.

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

November 26, 2017

 

Even if we should gather all the water of the four great oceans to wet inkstones, burn all the trees and plants to cinders to make ink, collect the hairs of all beasts for writing brushes, employ all the surfaces of the worlds in the ten directions for paper and, with these, set down expressions of gratitude, how could we possibly repay our debt to the Buddha?"

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 44

The Four Debts of Gratitude

Written to Kudo Sakon-no-jo Yoshitaka on January 16, 1262

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

November 26, 2017

 

 

Life is long. The important thing is to remain true to a lofty goal to the very end. Buddhism enables you to adorn the final chapter of your life with brilliant success, just as the golden sun colours the sky in glorious crimson hues and beams of sublime light. To do so, you need to keep making efforts year after year and winning year after year.

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (19 December 1956) p.313

 

Overslept this morning. This day in my life's battle got off to a slow start. Considered my determination and reviewed our household budget. I have been selfish. Told we are a little short on living expenses. Must think about my personal spending.

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 25 November 2017 - ‘Developing Youth in the New Era

 

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

November 25, 2017

 

Please do not forget your mother's love or the hardships she has endured for you. I am convinced that while people keep the memory of their mothers' loving faces alive in their mind, they will never go far astray. Similarly, as long as we bear in mind the Daishonin's profound compassion and live in deep appreciation of it, our lives will be illuminated brightly by the light of Buddhahood. And enveloped in the Gohonzon's great compassion, we will walk along a path that is filled with tranquillity and immeasurable joy.

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

November 25, 2017

 

Strive ever harder in faith, and never give in to negligence. All the people appear to believe sincerely when they first embrace the Lotus Sutra, but as time passes, they tend to become less devout; they no longer revere nor make offerings to the priest, giving themselves up to arrogance and forming distorted views. This is most frightening.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1027

Letter to Niike

Written to Niike Saemon-no-jo in February 1280

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

November 25, 2017

 

Suppose that a person is standing at the foot of a tall embankment and is unable to ascend. And suppose that there is someone on top of the embankment who lowers a rope and says, "If you take hold of this rope, I will pull you up to the top of the embankment." If the person at the bottom begins to doubt that the other has the strength to pull him up, or wonders if the rope is not too weak and therefore refuses to put forth his hand and grasp it, then how is he ever to get to the top of the embankment? But if he follows the instructions, puts out his hand, and takes hold of the rope, then he can climb up – Nichiren

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (16 December 1956) p.312

 

Slept well – very well. Completely relieved the anxiety built up over the past week. My wife really has been taking care of things. Sincerely thank her. Now I must face the tempestuous battlefield ahead. My wife lives for the Mystic Law and exerts herself beside this young revolutionary. Believe the Gohonzon warmly watches over her.

 

What is the meaning of status? What is a position? Honor? Popularity?

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 24 November 2017 - ‘Developing Youth in the New Era o

 

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

November 24, 2017

 

Rosa Parks wrote in her book Quiet Strength: "I find that if I am thinking too much of my own problems and the fact that at times things are not just like I want them to be, I do not make any progress at all. But if I look around and see what I can do, and then I do it, I move on." Youth, and indeed life itself, flashes by in the blink of an eye. That is why it is important for you young people to ask yourselves what you can do for those who are suffering, what you can do to resolve the contradictions that plague society and to boldly take on these great challenges.

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

November 24, 2017

 

A person of wisdom is one who, understanding the time, spreads the teachings of the Lotus Sutra accordingly; this is his most important task.. If a person's throat is dry, what he needs is water; he has no use for bows and arrows, weapons and sticks. If a person is naked, he wants a suit of clothes but has no need for water. From one or two examples you can guess the principle that applies in general.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 518

Letter to Horen

Written to Soya Kyoshin in April 1275

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

November 24, 2017

 

There is no one lonelier or more unhappy than a person who does not know the pure joy of creating a life for himself or herself. To be human is not merely to stand erect and manifest intelligence or knowledge. To be human in the full sense of the word is to lead a creative life. The struggle to create new life from within is a truly wonderful thing. There is found the brilliant wisdom that guides and directs the workings of reason; the light of insight that penetrates the farthest reaches of the universe; the undaunted will to see justice done that meets and challenges all the assaults of evil; the spirit of unbounded care that embraces all who suffer. When these are fused with that energy of compassion that pours forth from the deepest sources of cosmic life, an ecstatic rhythm arises to colour the lives of all people.

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (12 December 1956) p.310

 

Felt empty this morning. Today I must bid my father a final farewell. Will it be an eternal separation? Or, as the sutra phrase hoben gen nehan indicates, is death simply an expedient? This is a crucial point for one who studies Buddhism.

 

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 23 November 2017 - ‘Developing Youth in the New Era of Worldwide Kosen Rufu’

 

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

November 23, 2017

 

If I were to make an allegory, thought and philosophy would be like the heart or respiratory system of the human body. When the heart is sound, the whole body can maintain healthy activity. This same principle applies to both the individual and society. The SGI has a mission to serve as the heart that ensures the healthy functioning of society. Consequently, taking good care of the SGI, (the heart) allows the fresh life-giving blood of humanism to flow to and nourish all areas of society, including culture, politics and the economy.

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

November 23, 2017

 

You absolutely must not lament over my exile. It says in the "Encouraging Devotion" chapter and in the "Never Disparaging" chapter [that the votary of the Lotus Sutra will meet with persecution]. Life is limited; we must not begrudge it. What we should ultimately aspire to is the Buddha land.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 214

Aspiration for the Buddha Land

Written to Toki Jonin on November 23, 1271

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

November 23, 2017

 

The purpose of Buddhism is to bring out the Buddha nature that all people inherently possess, to awaken people to it and enable them to attain Buddhahood. Moreover, the Lotus Sutra does not allow for any discrimination; all people are equally entitled to salvation.

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (11 December 1956) p.310

 

My mother wept openly. She has traveled the last fifty years of her journey of life with my father. No one can possibly understand my mother's feeling or state of mind. It has been a long, happy and difficult journey. My mother's tears of genuine love transcend everything – intellect, status, affluence or vanity. Ah, my simple, yet extraordinary mother and father. The sorrow of being separated from a loved one. Nam-myoho-renge-kyo

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 22 November 2017 - ‘Developing Youth in the New Era of Worldwide Kosen Rufu’

 

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

 November 22, 2017

 

There is a Russian proverb that says: "It is no use to blame the looking glass if your face is awry.." Likewise, one's happiness or unhappiness is entirely the reflection of the balance of good and bad causes accumulated in one's life. No one can blame others for his misfortunes. In the world of faith, it is necessary to realize this all the more clearly.

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

 November 22, 2017

 

But now you, born a woman in the evil world of the latter age, while being reviled, struck and persecuted by the barbaric inhabitants of this island country who are unaware of these things, have endured and are propagating the Lotus Sutra. The Buddha at Eagle Peak surely perceives that you surpass the nun [Mahaprajapate] as greatly as clouds do mud. The name of that nun, the Buddha Gladly Seen by All Living Beings, is no unrelated matter; it is now the name of the lay nun Myoho.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1106

Reply to the Lay Nun Myoho

Written to the lay nun Myoho in 1281

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

 November 22, 2017

 

Wisdom, not might, is the most important thing. Wisdom and compassion are deeply connected. Giving earnest thought to others' welfare, asking ourselves what can we do to help -- using our minds in this way is a sign of compassion.

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (11 December 1956) p.310

 

Slept at my parents' house for the first time in ten years. A dozen or so people – my brothers and their families – stayed over as well. Keenly sense that I must now stop by the house from time to time. The past cannot be helped. But from now on, I must.

In the morning, chanted daimoku for three hours to the small portable Gohonzon before my father's body. In this way I believe, I could fulfill my ultimate filial duty.

 

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 21 November 2017 - ‘Developing Youth in the New Era of Worldwide Kosen Rufu’

 

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

November 21, 2017

 

If you practice faith while doubting its effects, you will get results that are at best unsatisfactory. This is the reflection of your own weak faith on the mirror of the cosmos. On the other hand, when you stand up with strong confidence, you will accrue limitless blessings.

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

November 21, 2017

 

There is definitely something extraordinary in the ebb and flow of the tide, the rising and setting of the moon, and the way in which summer, autumn, winter and spring give way to each other. Something uncommon also occurs when an ordinary person attains Buddhahood. At such a time, the three obstacles and four devils will invariably appear, and the wise will rejoice while the foolish will retreat.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 637

The Three Obstacles and Four Devils

Written to Ikegami Hyoe no Sakan Munenga on November 20, 1277

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

November 21, 2017

 

Everyone born in this world has a unique role that only he or she can fulfill. Were this not the case, we would not be here. The universe never acts without cause; everything invariably has a reason for being. Even the weeds people love to loathe serve a purpose.

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (10 December 1956) p.309

 

On December 10, at 8:30 in the evening, my father died. He lived to sixty-eight. The cause of death – heart failure. Heard he died while everyone was watching television. My stern, kind father – the one who raised me – has died. Ah, I regret never being a truly filial son. I am twenty-eight.

My venerable, honest father. My old-fashioned, sincere and magnanimous father. Recall how he always watched quietly, never scolding me, not even once. Ah, as his body lay quietly and peacefully before me, I set out my small, portable Gohonzon, reciting the sutra and chanting daimoku, offering him my prayers for one hour.

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 20 November 2017 - ‘Developing Youth in the New Era of Worldwide Kosen Rufu’

 Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

November 20, 2017

 

What is the purpose of life? It is happiness. But here are two kinds of happiness: relative and absolute. Relative happiness comes in a wide variety of forms. The purpose of Buddhism is to attain Buddhahood. In modern terms, this could be explained as realizing absolute happiness - a state of happiness that can never be destroyed or defeated.

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

November 20, 2017

 

You should not have the slightest fear in your heart. It is lack of courage that prevents one from attaining Buddhahood, although one may have professed faith in the Lotus Sutra many times since innumerable kalpas ago.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 637

The Three Obstacles and Four Devils

Written to Ikegami Hyoe no Sakan Munenga on November 20, 1277

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

November 20, 2017

 

Many things happen in life. There are joyous days and times of suffering. Sometimes unpleasant things occur. But that's what makes life so interesting. The dramas we encounter are part and parcel of being human. If we experienced no change or drama in our lives, if nothing unexpected ever happened, we would merely be like automatons, our lives unbearably monotonous and dull. Therefore, please develop a strong self so that you can enact the drama of your life with confidence and poise in the face of whatever vicissitudes you may encounter.

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (09 December 1956) p.309

 

Got up a little before 6:00 – pilgrimage. Mentally and physically exhausted; woke up just in time. Arrived at the head temple just after 11:00…

 

The light rain gave way to weather that was almost too good to be true. Chanted before the Dai - Gohonzon at 2:00. Gongyo was excruciatingly difficult, but afterward it was as if a dark cloud in my heart had lifted to reveal a clear state of life.