Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 31 August 2019 - Year of Soka Victory - Toward Our 90th Anniversary

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

August 31, 2019 

As long as we pray earnestly and sincerely with all our being, if we have strong and genuine faith, even though results may not be immediately visible, they will definitely manifest without fail in generations of our children and our children's children. I would like all of you to have absolute confidence in this.

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

August 31, 2019

Believers in the Lotus Sutra should fear those who attempt to obstruct their practice more than they fear bandits, burglars, night raiders, tigers, wolves, or lions even more than invasion now by the Mongols.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 495

Letter to the Brothers

Written to Ikegami Muneaka and Ikegami Muneaga on April 16, 1275

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

August 31, 2019

Overcoming the four sufferings of birth, old age, sickness and death is not just a matter of theory. We mustn't move away from the issues of how we can lead healthy, fulfilling and long lives, and how we can die without suffering. Buddhism teaches the wisdom that enables us to do this.

 

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 Excerpt from Daisaku Ike

Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (29 January 1955) p.218

Went to the headquarters at 3:30 to work on public relations matters. It seems others are not given much responsibility. Cannot help feeling the responsibility always falls on me. Am I complaining?

 

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

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

 August 30, 2019

 The Daishonin states, "The voice does the Buddha's work" (Gosho Zenshu, p. 708). To chant the Mystic Law is to praise the Gohonzon. Hearing the sound of our daimoku, the heavenly deities will be set into motion and work to protect us. A weak and unclear voice will not move the heavenly deities. That is why it is important for us to chant daimoku with voices that are clear, strong and brimming with joy.

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

 August 30, 2019

 Misfortune comes from one's mouth and ruins one, but fortune comes from one's heart and makes one worthy of respect.

 The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1137

New Year's Gosho

Written to the wife of Omosu on January 5, year unknown

 

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 Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

 August 30, 2019

Buddhism stresses the interconnectedness of all life. It is only the limited capacity of our senses that causes us to place so much stock in the separation between "them" and "us." Because of this interconnectedness, by using violence, you not only injure or destroy the other person but also yourself. Those who use violence and devalue others' lives actually devalue and ruin their own lives.

 

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 Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (28 January 1955) p.218 

At 4:20 in the afternoon, my second child was born. Relieved to see he is healthy and normal. Feel great appreciation to the Gohonzon.

The mystery of life. Scholars, medical doctors, scientists, politicians or diplomats – none can solve, with even the slightest confidence, the indeterminable question of this child's destiny. Ultimately, life's fundamental questions can be answered nowhere but within Buddhism's essence. From today, my awareness of my responsibility as a parent, and for my entire family has deepened. Must have strength. Must protect my children and my family and bring them happiness.

 

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

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

August 29, 2019 

Worldly success and good circumstances based on luck can easily crumble. They are as transient as an illusion. But the state of Buddhahood, once attained, can never be destroyed, not for all eternity. We will enjoy an existence overflowing with good fortune and immense joy in lifetime after lifetime.

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

August 29, 2019 

[As a youth] he received great wisdom from the living Bodhisattva Space Treasury. He prayed to the bodhisattva to become the wisest person in Japan. The bodhisattva must have taken pity on him, for he presented him with a great jewel as brilliant as the morning star, which Nichiren tucked away in his right sleeve. Thereafter, on perusing the entire body of sutras, he was able to discern in essence the relative worth of the eight schools as well as of all the scriptures. 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 650

Letter to the Priests of Seicho-ji

Written to the priests of Seicho-ji temple on January 11, 1276

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

August 29, 2019 

Though one might point at the earth and miss it, though one might bind up the sky, though the tides might cease to ebb and flow and the sun rise in the west, it could never come about that the prayers of the practitioner of the Lotus Sutra would go unanswered -Nichiren

 

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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (13 January 1955) p.215/16 

Went to T.'s home for a study meeting. All were serious. Ashamed of my own lack of study. No matter how high our leadership positions, if we fail to study seriously, our juniors will eventually surpass us. Frightening. The Daishonin's words, "Exert yourself in the two ways of practice and study," apply equally to everyone. I am no exception.

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

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

August 28, 2019 

Success is not a matter of accumulating more of this or that, it is not measured in quantity. It means changing the quality of your life. Wealth, power, fame and knowledge alone cannot make you happy, no matter how much of these you acquire. Nor can you take them with you when you die. But by improving the quality of your life you will at last approach true happiness. 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

August 28, 2019 

Everyone in Japan, from the sovereign on down to the common people, without exception has tried to do me harm, but I have survived until this day. You should realize that this is because, although I am alone, I have firm faith. 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 614

The Supremacy of the Law

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

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

August 28, 2019 

Anger is fundamentally an arrogant state of life. People in the state of anger are attached to the illusory assumption that they are better than others and direct their energy toward sustaining and enhancing this image. To ensure that others think of them in similarly glowing terms, they can never reveal their true feelings. Instead, they act obsequiously while a burning desire to surpass all others is their exclusive focus. With their inner feelings and their outward appearance out of accord, they don't speak from the heart. Buddhism teaches that the heart is most important. Of two people making comparable efforts, the results will differ greatly if one person is motivated by a value that transcends the self-good, beauty, the well-being of others - while the other is motivated by ego.

 

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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (12 January 1955) p.215 

Awaiting the growth of the Seikyo Press as a pioneer of journalism. It must set the pace for Kosen Rufu's progress.

The paper began with just one or two amateurs and has now grown to a circulation in the tens of thousands. People laughed. "What can amateurs accomplish?" they asked. But Sensei replied, "In five years' time, even amateurs will turn into professionals."

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

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

August 27, 2019 

The important thing is to keep working for kosen-rufu to the very end. On any journey, we cannot hope to reach our destination if we stop halfway. Likewise, if despite our good fortune in meeting and embarking on the unsurpassed way of Buddhism, we stop halfway, all the efforts we have made thus far will have been in vain, we will not be able to attain Buddhahood. 

Events

1260 Matsubagayatsu Persecution. Incited by priests, Pure Land believers descend on the Daishonin's hermitage at Matsubagayatsu,Japan, to kill him. He is forced to flee for his life.

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

August 27, 2019 

Mugwort that grows in the midst of hemp or a snake inside a tube [will as a matter of course become straight], and those who associate with people of good character will consequently become upright in heart, deed and word. The Lotus Sutra exerts a similar influence. The Buddha will look upon one who simply puts faith in this sutra as a good person. 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1128

The Bodies and Minds of Ordinary Beings

Recipient and date unknown

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

August 27, 2019 

When we create or appreciate art, we set free the spirit trapped within. That is why art arouses such joy. Art - whether skillfully executed or not - is the emotion, the pleasure of expressing life as it is. Those who see art are moved by its passion and strength, its intensity and beauty. That is why it is impossible to separate life from art. Political and economic developments may seem to dominate the news, but culture and education are the forces that actually shape an age, since they transform the human heart.

 

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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (07 January 1955) p.214 

The annual children's group meeting…

Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. President Toda gave strict guidance to one couple who was late. Feel that this was only proper. Pained when I think of those who couldn't attend. Whenever people are enjoying themselves, others are definitely sad or lonely. Want never to forget this throughout my life. Want to be a man of fairness, that is, an ally to those who work behind the scenes, to those who are lonely, who are suffering.

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

Daily Encouragement by  Daisaku Ikeda

August 26, 2019 

We accumulate great good fortune through our earnest prayers, devotion and efforts for the sake of Buddhism, kosen-rufu and humankind. Prayer without action is not the way of Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism.

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

August 26, 2019 

It is easy to sustain our concern for someone who is before our very eyes, but quite a different thing when that person is far away, even though in our heart we may not forget him. Nevertheless, in the five years . . . that have already passed since I came to live here in the mountains, you have sent your husband from the province of Sado to visit me three times. How great is your sincerity! It is firmer than the great earth, deeper than the great sea! 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 933

The Sutra of True Requital

Written to the lay nun Sennichi on July 28, 1278

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

August 26, 2019 

There is no trace of coercion or concern for appearances in Nichiren's behaviour. He looked on those who were suffering, those who were bravely fighting alongside him, as if they were himself in the same situations. He prized each and every one of them. He encouraged them and sympathized with them, and we must never forget that the true essence of humanity is to be found in this. When we observe Nichiren's actions, we are deeply struck by the conviction that this is the way a Buddhist must live.

 

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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (06 January 1955) p.213 

The members are young; vigorous. The nature of the Gakkai is eternal. We are inexperienced, but the elements necessary to complete our great task lie far beyond mere experience. Daringly and courageously we cast off the old and open the way for the new. 

Because I have expounded this teaching, I have been exiled and almost killed. As the saying goes, "Good advice grates on the ear."

- "The Essentials for Attaining Buddhahood"

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

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

August 25, 2019 

Life flashes by in an instant. By devoting our lives to Buddhism, we will live a life of complete fulfillment. We are selling ourselves short if we fail to attain such a wonderful state of life.

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

August 25, 2019 

This Gohonzon is the essence of the Lotus Sutra and the eye of all the scriptures. It is like the sun and moon in the heavens, a great ruler on earth, the heart in a human being, the wish-granting jewel among treasures and the pillar of a house. When we have this mandala with us, it is a rule that all Buddhas and gods will gather round and watch over us, protecting us like a shadow day and night, just as warriors guard their ruler, as parents love their children, as fish rely on water, as trees and plants crave rain, or as birds depend on trees.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 624

On Upholding Faith in the Gohonzon

Written to the lay nun Myoshin on August 25, 1275

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

August 25, 2019 

One of the fascinating things about human beings is this: Believe for long enough that you are not as smart as others and this will actually lead to intellectual ineptitude. But, confronted with the same doubts, if you choose to believe that your mind is merely dormant for now, lacking in exercise, once you begin to train it, there are no bounds to what you can achieve.

 

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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (31 December 1954) p.207 

Sensei reminisced about his childhood, his youth and his adulthood. He has led a tumultuous life. There have been many great individuals and many pioneers. Absolutely no one but President Toda, however, stands by the common people and inspires youth to construct a new era. Without power, wealth, background or status, all he possesses is the raw power of humanity, the power of faith gushing forth from his entire being, and the wisdom to see ten years, no, two hundred years into the future. Had profound thoughts.

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

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

August 24, 2019 

Advancement - Nichiren Daishonin teaches the spirit that "not to advance is to retreat." The point is to continue forging ahead despite any storms or hardships that may arise, to be fearless and advance like a lion. 

Events

SGI-USA Men's Division Day

1947 Daisaku Ikeda joins the Soka Gakkai at age 19

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

August 24, 2019 

People have varied tastes. Some prefer good and some prefer evil. There are many kinds of people. But though they differ from one another in such ways, once they enter into the Lotus Sutra, they all become like a single person in body and a single person in mind. This is just like the myriad different rivers that, when they flow into the ocean, all take on a uniformly salty flavour, or like the many kinds of birds that, when they approach Mount Sumeru, all assume the same [golden] hue. 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1042

The Treasure of a Filial Child

Written to the lay nun Sennichi on July 2, 1280

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

August 24, 2019 

It has been said that aging gracefully is more difficult than dying, but as long as we have a forward-looking, positive attitude, a spirit to take on challenges, we will gain depth in our lives.

 

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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (28 December 1954) p.206 

Only two or three days left to the year. I feel like a roc, a magnificent bird of legend who has flown and fought all year. Now, returning to his nest, he rests. This year of my youth, my twenty-sixth, is now over. Time passes. A new time approaches. History has been made and is now behind us. We shall make history from now on. How should one live? This is truly a difficult question. The right teacher, the correct faith. Beyond these, the strength of my determination is what's vital, is it not?

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

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

 August 23, 2019 

Shijo Kingo, a person of strong faith, was at one point envied and slandered by others, earning the disfavour of his lord. But later he received a new estate from him. In modern terms, we might say that Shijo Kingo scored this victory by showing wonderful actual proof of faith at his place of work. The test of faith is winning in daily life and society, since that is where Buddhism finds expression.

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

 August 23, 2019 

How wondrous it is that, around two hundred years and more into the Latter Day of the Law, I was the first to reveal as the banner of propagation of the Lotus Sutra this great mandala that even those such as Nagarjuna and Vasubandhu, T'ien-t'ai and Miao-lo were unable to express! This mandala is in no way my invention. It is the object of devotion that depicts Shakyamuni Buddha, the World-Honored One, seated in the treasure tower of Many Treasures Buddha, and the Buddhas who were Shakyamuni's emanations as perfectly as a print matches its woodblock.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 831

The Real Aspect of the Gohonzon

Written to Nichinyo on August 23, 1277

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

 August 23, 2019 

Ralph Waldo Emerson says, "Good-nature is plentiful, but we want justice with a heart of steel, to fight down the proud." If people are merely good-natured, then those who are arrogant and highhanded will have free rein to carry on as they please. Only those who fight with hearts of steel are people of justice.

 

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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (27 December 1954) p.206 

Sensei scolded me severely. Like the strict anger of a father, the intensity of his voice made me want to cringe.

Ah, I was at fault. It is exactly as Sensei said. His strict love aims to prevent me from becoming a failure in life. He admonishes me so I will not become a general defeated in battle. Over the past several days, I have looked hard at my negative karma – my destiny. I have shed tears, felt frustration and pondered deeply. Determined to reply to Sensei's expectations.