Sensei's Daily Encouragement -31 0ctober 2018 - ‘Year of Brilliant Achievement in the New Era of Worldwide Kosen Rufu

       

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

October 31, 2018

 

It is only natural that sometimes we fall sick. But we must see that sickness as a sickness that originally exists in life, based on the principle of the Mystic Law. In other words, there is no reason to allow yourself to be controlled by illness, for it to fill your life with suffering and distress. From the standpoint of eternal life through the three existences, your fundamentally happy self is incontrovertibly established.

 

---

 

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

October 31, 2018

 

Question: Is it possible, without understanding the meaning of the Lotus Sutra, but merely by chanting the five or seven characters of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo once a day, once a month, or simply once a year, once a decade, or once in a lifetime, to avoid being drawn into trivial or serious acts of evil, to escape falling into the four evil paths, and instead to eventually reach the stage of non-regression? Answer: Yes, it is.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 141

The Daimoku of the Lotus Sutra

Recipient unknown; written on January 6, 1266

 

---

 

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

October 31, 2018

 

Death does not discriminate; it strips of us everything. Fame, wealth and power are all useless in the unadorned reality of the final moments of life. When the time comes, we will have only ourselves to rely on. This is a solemn confrontation that we must face armed only with our raw humanity, the actual record of what we have done, how we have chosen to live our lives, asking, "Have I lived true to myself? What have I contributed to the world? What are my satisfactions or regrets?"

 

---

 

Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (24 January 1956) p.288

 

Roused my tired body out of bed and left the house. Late for the morning lecture. Can only bow my head at Sensei's earnest attitude in waiting for me before beginning. How long can I live with Sensei, like parent and child, mentor and disciple? Things suddenly come to mind. Our precious bond is like a drama, joyous. Ultimately, it is my own fortune, my own ability, my sense of mission and conviction that matter.

Sensei's Daily Encouragement -30 0ctober 2018 - ‘Year of Brilliant Achievement in the New Era of Worldwide Kosen Rufu

       

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

October 30, 2018

 

The Gohonzon is the concrete manifestation of the very existence of Nichiren Daishonin, who taught kosen-rufu. Because of that, if you only practice gongyo and chant daimoku and don't take any other action for the sake of kosen-rufu or improving your own life, the Gohonzon will not have its true, full effect. If, however, you take actions to achieve kosen-rufu, they will serve as that extra push for your own life and help you leap to higher and higher states of mind in your gongyo and chanting as well.

 

---

 

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

October 30, 2018

 

Shakyamuni's practices and the virtues he consequently attained are all contained within the five characters of Myoho-renge-kyo. If we believe in these five characters, we will naturally be granted the same benefits as he was.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 365

The Object of Devotion for Observing the Mind Established in the Fifth Five-Hundred-Year Period af the Thus Come One's Passing

Written to Toki Jonin on April 25, 1273

 

---

 

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

October 30, 2018

 

If you allow the passing of time to let you forget the lofty vows of your youth, you stand to block the source of your own boundless good fortune and sever the roots of limitless prosperity for your family and loved ones as well. Please never let this happen. Only by remaining steadfast to the vows we have made in our youth can we shine as true victors in life.

 

---

 

Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (18 January 1956) p.287

 

A strict and fair meeting to determine the final results of the written exams. Everyone had hoped the candidates would do well. Many, however, did not pass. Ultimately, faith amounts to belief plus study. Being too easy on oneself in faith is the first step toward complacency. My wife passed. She tried hard, studying while praying pure-heartedly to the Gohonzon…

Went to T. with Y. and N. to get dinner and talk. Did not enjoy myself. Want to establish a rhythm of going to bed early and getting up early.

Sensei's Daily Encouragement -29 0ctober 2018 - ‘Year of Brilliant Achievement in the New Era of Worldwide Kosen Rufu

       

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

October 29, 2018

 

Gongyo is a practice that calls forth and activates the infinite power that the microcosm inherently possesses. It transforms your fate, breaks through any apparent dead ends and converts sufferings into happiness. It creates a transformation, a revolution of the microcosm. It is a diagram in miniature of kosen-rufu in our lives.

 

---

 

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

October 29, 2018

 

If a boat is handled by an unskilled steersman, it may capsize and drown everyone aboard. Likewise, though someone may have great physical strength, if he lacks a resolute spirit, even his many abilities will be of no use.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 614

The Supremacy of the Law

Written to Oto and her mother, Nichimyo, on August 4, 1275

 

---

 

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

October 29, 2018

 

As you meet various trials and difficulties, thus polishing all the many facets of the jewel which is life, you will learn to walk that supreme pathway of humanity. Of this, I am confident, and I am confident too that those who embrace life's native creativity now stand and will continue to stand in the vanguard of history. Bringing the creativity of life to its fullest flowering is the work of human revolution. Carrying out this kind of human revolution is your mission now as it will be throughout your lives.

 

---

 

Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (17 January 1956) p.286

 

Health is paramount, together with life force and good fortune. Will establish these with the Mystic Law, through the powers of faith and practice.

To the headquarters at 6:00 to grade the exams. Went to give guidance afterward at a YMD meeting in Nakano Civic Auditorium. My wife looked beautiful when I got home.

Sensei's Daily Encouragement -28 0ctober 2018 - ‘Year of Brilliant Achievement in the New Era of Worldwide Kosen Rufu

       

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

October 28, 2018

 

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 Daishonin 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. This is the Daishonin's strict admonition.

 

---

 

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

October 28, 2018

 

Showing profound compassion for those unable to comprehend the gem of the doctrine of three thousand realms in a single moment of life, the Buddha wrapped it within the five characters [of Myoho-renge-kyo], with which he then adorned the necks of the ignorant people of the latter age.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 376

The Object of Devotion for Observing the Mind Established in the Fifth Five-Hundred-Year Period after the Thus Come One's Passing

Written to Toki Jonin on April 25, 1273

 

---

 

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

October 28, 2018

 

Shakyamuni Buddha explained the fundamental spirit of Buddhism as a sense of individual responsibility. "You are your only master. Who else? Subdue yourself and discover your master." In other words, we must each take responsibility for our own self-discipline and for cultivating meaningful lives.

 

---

 

Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (14 January 1956) p.285/86

 

Left Tokyo Station at 12:30 on the Dove, the express for Osaka, for the Study Department exam. Thought I would study on the train, but couldn't. It was awful. Couldn't concentrate at all. Practice, training. Recalled Musashi*.

Answered exam prep questions until after 11:00. Overly tired. Feel a neuralgia-like pain in my left hand…

At 1:20, 423 people took the written exam. There were five questions. The quality of my lecture will be reflected in the examinees' performance. The responsibility is ultimately my own.

 

*Miyamoto Musashi (famed swordsman 1584 – 1645)

Sensei's Daily Encouragement -27 0ctober 2018 - ‘Year of Brilliant Achievement in the New Era of Worldwide Kosen Rufu

       

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

October 27, 2018

 

Whether we regard difficulties in life as misfortunes or whether we view them as good fortune depends entirely on how much we have forged our inner determination. It all depends on our attitude or inner state of life. With a dauntless spirit, we can lead a cheerful and thoroughly enjoyable life. We can develop a "self" of such fortitude that we can look forward to life's trials and tribulations with a sense of profound elation and joy: "Come on obstacles! I've been expecting you! This is the chance that I've been waiting for!"

 

---

 

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

October 27, 2018

 

The function of fire is to burn and give light. The function of water is to wash away filth. The winds blow away dust and breathe life into plants, animals and human beings. The earth nourishes the grasses and trees, and heaven provides nourishing moisture. The five characters of Myoho-renge-kyo are also like that. They are the cluster of blessings brought by the Bodhisattvas of the Earth, disciples of the Buddha in his true identity.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 218

The Heritage of the Ultimate Law of Life

Written to Sairen-bo Nichijo on February 11, 1272

 

---

 

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

October 27, 2018

 

Literature that works to refine, deepen and save the human soul is akin to a religion that elevates and binds people together. And the texts of great religions, such as the Bible and the Buddhist scriptures, make great literature. Literature and religion are parts of the human heritage, and determining how to use that heritage is essential to our further growth as human beings.

 

---

 

Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (12 January 1956) p.285

 

Attended a study meeting for the upcoming Study Department exam. All the participants showed the utmost seriousness. Nevertheless, their eyes sparkled. This is a world of devotion and joy unseen in other organizations.

Studied until 10:30pm, covering every subject.

I should worry about my next life. Reflected on my lack of ability. Study, study! Must pursue the two ways of practice and study.

Sensei's Daily Encouragement -26 0ctober 2018 - ‘Year of Brilliant Achievement in the New Era of Worldwide Kosen Rufu

        

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

October 26, 2018

 

I hope that, basing yourself on faith, you will become wealthy people of virtue and influence who are widely respected. I would like to add, however, that worldly success is not equivalent to true happiness. Achieving this requires that we have a profound understanding of the nature of life. A person of success in the true sense is one who can enjoy a free and unrestrained state of life.

 

---

 

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

October 26, 2018

 

Life is the foremost of all treasures. It is expounded that even the treasures of the entire major world system cannot equal the value of one's body and life.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1125

The Gift of Rice

Recipient and date unknown

 

---

 

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

October 26, 2018

 

Buddhism is a movement emphasizing self-education with the aim of unlocking and developing our inherent Buddha nature while at the same time bringing forth diverse wisdom and using various expedient means to help others tap their Buddhahood. This development of potential, this education of oneself and others, is the noblest path a human being can ever pursue.

 

---

 

Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (10 January 1956) p.285

 

Suffering mentally and physically. Perhaps I am the best physician when it comes to my own life. Because I am young, my heart burns with ambition. I am also unyielding, like a great boulder. On the other hand, my state of life is free and expansive, soaring into the sky like a great bird. I also possess the mind of a naturalist, who wishes to escape from society's harsh realities. I know the futility of seeking worldly fame and fortune and understand what it means to "perceive things exactly as they are." Complex – the psyche of youth.