Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 30 June 2019 - Year of Soka Victory - Toward Our 90th Anniversary

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

June 30, 2019 

The place where we are right now is what matters. This is all the more true for us who embrace the Mystic Law. Buddhism teaches that we can transform wherever we are into the Land of Eternally Tranquil Light.

 

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From the Writing of Nichiren Daishonin

June 30, 2019 

Because I have expounded this teaching, I have been exiled and almost killed. As the saying goes: "Good advice grates on the ear." But still I am not discouraged. 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 748

The Essentials for Attaining Buddhahood

Written to Soya Jiro Hyoe-no-jo Kyoshin on August 3, 1276

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

June 30, 2019 

In one of his writings, renowned microbiologist Rene Dubos, stated. "History teaches that man without effort is sure to deteriorate; man cannot progress without effort, and man cannot be happy without effort." This is indisputable. You may be experiencing various hardships now, but because you continue to make efforts in the midst of those challenges, no matter how painful they are, you will definitely become happy. Effort and happiness are indivisible.

 

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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (25 May 1954) p.173

 

Physical condition extremely poor. Have been pondering deeply my severe destiny. Pained over the complexity of my own feelings.

The Suiko Group met at 6:00 at the headquarters. My spirits were not especially high. Like a brave soldier who has just entered a peaceful forest. The other members, though, were quite inspired. This is as it should be. Received strict guidance from President Toda. Felt as if I had been stabbed in the chest. Faith. Nothing but faith. Faith with passionate resolve

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 29 June 2019 - Year of Soka Victory - Toward Our 90th Anniversary

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

June 29, 2019 

The important thing is to advance brightly and strive to be victorious at each moment, right where we are; to begin something here and now instead of fretting and worrying over what will happen. This is the starting point for transforming our lives.

 

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From the Writing of Nichiren Daishonin

June 29, 2019 

If one hopes to study and master Buddhism, then one cannot do so without devoting time to the task.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 690

On Repaying Debts of Gratitude

Written to Joken-bo and Gijo-bo on July 21, 1276

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

June 29, 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.

 

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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (19 May 1954) p.172

 

Physical condition very poor.

Could I be suffering from tuberculosis? Or perhaps I have stomach trouble or diabetes. How I wish I was healthy.

If the principle 'the oneness of body and mind' is true, then my spiritual determination should spur me on, and there is no reason my body cannot be restored to health. Reflecting, I realize I must firmly establish powerful faith.

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 28 June 2019 - Year of Soka Victory - Toward Our 90th Anniversary

 

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

June 28, 2019 

In the "Ongi Kuden" (Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings), the Daishonin says, "One should regard meeting obstacles as true peace and comfort" (Gosho Zenshu, p. 750). You may wonder how encountering obstacles could be a source of peace and comfort. But the truth of the matter is that through struggling against and overcoming difficulties, we can transform our destiny and attain Buddhahood. Confronting adversity, therefore, represents peace and comfort.

 

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From the Writing of Nichiren Daishonin

June 28, 2019 

The fourth volume of the Lotus Sutra states, "[I will send...] men and women of pure faith, to offer alms to the teachers of the Law." The meaning of this sutra passage is that the heavenly gods and benevolent deities will assume various forms such as those of men and women, and present offerings to help the persons who practice the Lotus Sutra. There can be no doubt that this refers to you and your wife being born as a man and woman, and making offerings to Nichiren, the teacher of the Law. 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 35

The Izu Exile

Written to Funamori Yasaburo on June 27, 1261

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

June 28, 2019 

If you are unwilling to make efforts to heal yourself, it will be very difficult to cure your illness. One day of life is more valuable than all the treasures of the major world system, so first you must muster sincere faith - Nichiren

 

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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (18 May 1954) p.172 

Attended a chapter leaders meeting at S.'s in the evening. To Jozai-jo afterward for a meeting of the Fourth Corps. Gave my utmost. The Gakkai is advancing rapidly. The chapters and the youth division are seeing victory as well.

Want to live undefeated until the end. Want my life to be a succession of victories.

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 27 June 2019 - Year of Soka Victory - Toward Our 90th Anniversary

  

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

June 27, 2019 

In a world where indifference and inhumanity prevail, let us use our discussion meetings as the pivot for creating oasis of peace and harmony in our homes and in our local communities and then extending them to encompass every sphere of society. 

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From the Writing of Nichiren Daishonin

June 27, 2019 

Though worldly troubles may arise, never let them disturb you. No one can avoid problems, not even sages or worthies. Drink sake only at home with your wife, and chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. Suffer what there is to suffer, enjoy what there is to enjoy. Regard both suffering and joy as facts of life, and continue chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, no matter what happens. How could this be anything other than the boundless joy of the Law?" 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 681

Happiness in this World

Written to Shijo Kingo on June 27, 1276

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

June 27, 2019 

When individuals practice a teaching as intended, the expected result becomes manifest in their lives as well as in their environment. Religion not only deals with spirituality but also has a significant impact - positive or negative, upon people's daily lives and their society. The nature and extent of a particular religion's impact becomes the standard for evaluating its validity.

 

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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (06 May 1954) p.170/71 

Home from work with a severe headache. Even at home, I could not relax. Left the house at 3:30. Saw Mr. Toda in the president's office at the headquarters. Reported to him on my physical condition. He gave me guidance: "You're engaged in a battle with the 'three obstacles and four devils'. There is no other way to break through than to pray, shedding tears before the Gohonzon." 

Must live powerfully!

Must stand up powerfully!

Must fight powerfully! 

This is a battle between me and the devil of sickness.

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 26 June 2019 - Year of Soka Victory - Toward Our 90th Anniversary

   

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

June 26, 2019

This spirit of engaging others in dialogue on equal terms is the essence of Buddhism. Ordering people about in a high-handed, arrogant manner, shouting at them to do one's bidding is truly deplorable behaviour. Such a world has no relation to Buddhism. Through dialogue Shakyamuni opened hearts that were closed, softened hearts that had grown hard and melted hearts that were frozen.

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From the Writing of Nichiren Daishonin

June 26, 2019

 This is the first time that the fundamental darkness has erupted in the lives of ordinary people caught in the illusions of thought and desire. Even if they pray to the gods, the Buddha, or the Lotus Sutra, these calamities will only be aggravated. But it is different when the votary of the Lotus Sutra offers prayers to the essential teaching of the Lotus Sutra. In the final analysis, unless we succeed in demonstrating that this teaching is supreme, these disasters will continue unabated.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1114

The Treatment of Illness

Written to Toki Jonin on June 26, 1278

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

June 26, 2019

This lifetime will never come again, it is precious and irreplaceable. To live without regret, we must have a concrete purpose, continually setting goals and challenges for ourselves. And we need to keep moving toward those specific targets steadily and tenaciously, one step at a time.

 

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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (03 May 1954) p.170

During the next three years, I must pour extra effort into studying Buddhism. I have a fierce disposition – like a roaring waterfall. Whether this leads to good or evil depends on my faith. Must prepare my mind for the next advance.

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 25 June 2019 - Year of Soka Victory - Toward Our 90th Anniversary

   

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

June 25, 2019

 We live in an age where opportunities for profound life-to-life inspiration are all but nonexistent. Idle amusements bring only fleeting pleasure. They produce neither profound inspiration nor growth for one's life. By contrast, Buddhism exists to enable people to realize personal growth and to improve their lives. Buddhism is always rooted in the reality of life. It is the wellspring of wisdom for bringing harmony and happiness to our families, local communities and society at large.

 

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From the Writing of Nichiren Daishonin

June 25, 2019

There are trails in the sky where birds fly, but people cannot recognize them. There are paths in the sea along which fish swim, but people cannot perceive them. All people and things of the four continents are reflected in the moon without a single exception, but people cannot see them. But they are visible to the heavenly eye. In like manner, ordinary people cannot see that the "Treasure Tower" chapter exists within the body of Lady Nichinyo, but Shakyamuni, Many Treasures, and the Buddhas of the ten directions perceive it. I, Nichiren, also presume this to be the case.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 915

An Outline of the "Entrustment" and Other Chapters

Written to Nichinyo on June 25, 1278

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

June 25, 2019

 The first thing is to pray. From the moment we begin to pray, things start moving. The darker the night, the closer the dawn. From the moment we chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo with a deep and powerful resolve, the sun begins to rise in our hearts. Hope - prayer is the sun of hope. To chant each time we face a problem, overcoming it and elevating our life condition as a result - this is the path of "changing earthly desires into enlightenment," taught in Nichiren Buddhism.

 

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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (03 May 1954) p.170

The tenth annual Soka Gakkai general meeting…

The clean-up was completely finished by 8:00. I bow my head in respect to those nameless individual young men and women who stayed behind, working quietly to clean up after the meeting. Felt unworthy to be directing them. Resolved in my heart that I shall never forget the feelings of those who toil inconspicuously behind the scenes.

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 24 June 2019 - Year of Soka Victory - Toward Our 90th Anniversary

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

June 24, 2019

 You must be strong. There is no hope of winning in this chaotic world if you are weak. No matter what others do or say, it is important to develop your ability and then put that ability to use. Strong faith, of course, is the best means for drawing out one's inner strength. You each have a very important mission, and I hope you will awaken to and be proud of that mission.

 

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 From the Writing of Nichiren Daishonin

June 24, 2019

 Everyone believes in those Buddhist teachers who were revered in their own time. But the Buddha enjoins us in the Nirvana Sutra as his final instruction, "Rely on the Law and not upon persons." The Buddha taught us to rely on the sutras if the Buddhist teachers should be in error. You say those teachers could not possibly be in error, but between the Buddha's golden words and your personal opinion, I am committed to the former.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 805

The Letter of Petition from Yorimoto

Written on behalf of Shijo Kingo on June 25, 1277

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

June 24, 2019

 Flint has the potential to produce fire, and gems have intrinsic value. We ordinary people can see neither our own eyelashes, which are so close, nor the heavens in the distance. Likewise, we do not see that the Buddha exists in our own hearts - Nichiren

 

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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (22 April 1954) p.169

The first corps chiefs meeting, with new corps chiefs attending. Gave strict guidance.

1. Take responsibility

2. Give accurate direction and communication.

3. Do away with criticizing fellow believers.

4. Never behave in an authoritarian manner.

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 23 June 2019 - Year of Soka Victory - Toward Our 90th Anniversary

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

June 23, 2019

 Jesse Owens, who won four gold medals at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, later remarked that one's inner life is the true Olympics. Life itself is an Olympics where we strive each day to better own personal records.

 

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From the Writing of Nichiren Daishonin

June 23, 2019

 Our present tribulations are like moxibustion; at the time, it is painful, but because it has beneficial after effects, the pain is not really pain. Urge on, but do not frighten, the ones from Atsuhara who are ignorant of Buddhism. Tell them to be prepared for the worst, and not to expect good times, but take the bad times for granted.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 998

On Persecutions Befalling the Sage

Written to all followers (and entrusted to Shijo Kingo on October 1, 1279

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

June 23, 2019

 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, philosophy, wisdom, a vision for the future. Let us always give something.

 

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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (19 April 1954) p.168/69

Few friends know me.

Few members trust me.

Few seniors sincerely look after my development.

Few truly protect me.

No – such a spoiled attitude will not do.

Everything derives from my determination. Before Judging others, remember to look strictly at myself. Must take a good look at my own faith. The Gohonzon watches over and protects me. My mentor watches over me and guides my growth.

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 22 June 2019 - Year of Soka Victory - Toward Our 90th Anniversary

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

 June 22, 2019

 It's foolish to be obsessed with past failures. And it's just as foolish to be self-satisfied with one's small achievements. Buddhism teaches that the present and the future are what are important, not the past. It teaches us a spirit of unceasing challenge to win over the present and advance ever toward the future. Those who neglect this spirit of continual striving steer their lives in a ruinous direction.

 

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 From the Writing of Nichiren Daishonin

June 22, 2019

 In judging the relative merit of Buddhist doctrines, I, Nichiren, believe that the best standards are those of reason and documentary proof. And even more valuable than reason and documentary proof is the proof of actual fact.

 The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 599

Three Tripitaka Masters Pray for Rain

Written to the lay priest Nishiyama on June 22, 1275

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

June 22, 2019

 The Buddha keenly understands various sufferings as though his own children were experiencing them. Sorrow and empathy well from his life. A Buddha is a person of compassion. Josei Toda said: "Compassion is not a Buddhist austerity. It is something that should be expressed unconsciously and naturally in one's actions, and in the workings of one's heart. The Buddha knows no path of living apart from that of living with compassion."

 

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 Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (16 April 1954) p.167

 

Physically very ill. Pitiful. A young revolutionary with a great mission and dream for the future must never die young! I must live so I can show actual proof of my faith by changing my destiny…

Returned home around 10:30. Chapter members were waiting to receive guidance. All were suffering from grave daily-life problems. It made me truly appreciate the life-condition

and circumstances I am blessed with.