February 28, 2019 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 February 28, 2019 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 February 28, 2019 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 Youthful Diary (11 February 1958) p.385 Visited Sensei's home at 9:00 in the morning. Relieved to see his spirited face. Today is his fifty-eighth birthday. Ate red-bean rice and sweet bean soup together with Sensei. My life-time memory and honor. He spoke about economy, stocks, politics as well as directions for a new era. Attended with several dozen top leaders a celebration for Sensei's recovery at N. restaurant at 5:30pm… Quoting the Gosho passage "The farther the source, the longer the stream" (WND, 940), Sensei expounded a philosophical Buddhist principle and gave strict guidance that remains in my heart: "Leaders' determination is fundamental. It is not the responsibility of general members. Leaders' faith and growth determine the entire organization's development." |
Thursday, 28 February 2019
Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 28 February 2019 - Year of Soka Victory - Toward Our 90th Anniversary
Wednesday, 27 February 2019
Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 27 February 2019 - Year of Soka Victory - Toward Our 90th Anniversary
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
February 27, 2019
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
February 27, 2019
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.
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 61
Questions and Answers about Embracing the Lotus Sutra
Recipient unknown; written in March 1263
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
February 27, 2019
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.
Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (07 February 1958) p.383/84
Is it a turbulent time when the bold and daring will win? Or does true humanity lie in warmth and sensitivity? Confusing for a youth.
Thought about the stout heart of faith, the pure practice of faith. Also pondered revolution, selfless devotion, common sense and wisdom.
Must seriously consider a method and vision for 'the kosen-rufu through positive relationship' and 'the kosen-rufu of substantiation.'
Monday, 25 February 2019
Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 25 February 2019 - Year of Soka Victory - Toward Our 90th Anniversary
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
February 25, 2019
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
February 25, 2019
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 Two Kinds of Faith
Written to Nanjo Tokumitsu on February 25, 1278
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
February 25, 2019
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.
Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (02 February 1958) p.382
Had dinner with my family for the first time in a while. My wife and children seemed happy. My wife's father came over. He is in good spirits. Chanted for his longevity. All of us did a resounding gongyo and chanted daimoku together.
Sunday, 24 February 2019
Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 24 February 2019 - Year of Soka Victory - Toward Our 90th Anniversary
February 24, 2019
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
February 24, 2019
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 Fourteen Slanders
Written to the lay priest Matsuno Rokuro Saemon on December 9, 1276
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
February 24, 2019
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.
Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (30 January 1958) p.381
After the conference, returned to the headquarters to write an article. Completely forgot I had called my wife and promised to meet her at Kamata Station at 10:00 p.m. Made my pregnant wife wait for more than one hour in the cold. Terribly sorry for her. On the way home, the two of us stopped at a street vendor and ate grilled tripe to warm our chilled bodies.
Saturday, 23 February 2019
Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 23 February 2019 - Year of Soka Victory - Toward Our 90th Anniversary
February 23, 2019
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
February 23, 2019
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
February 23, 2019
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.
Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (25 January 1958) p.379
To say nam is to express one's heart of respect and praise. Unable to do gongyo and chant daimoku with a rich heart. Reflected deeply.
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