Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 31 January 2020 - Year of Advancement and Capable People

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

January 31, 2020 

Youth should not seek an easy comfortable path. No one develops in a pampered environment. Youth should instead actively seek out challenges and hardships, transforming them all into valuable assets as they strive to become individuals of outstanding character and ability.

 

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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

January 31, 2020 

Carry through with your faith in the Lotus Sutra. You cannot strike fire from flint if you stop halfway. Bring forth the great power of faith, and be spoken of by all the people of Kamakura, both high and low, or by all the people of Japan as "Shijo Kingo, Shijo Kingo of the Lotus school!" Even a bad reputation will spread far and wide. A good reputation will spread even farther, particularly if it is a reputation for devotion to the Lotus Sutra. 

 The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 319

Earthly Desires are Enlightenment

Written to Shijo Kingo on May 2, 1272

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

January 31, 2020 

A higher religion does not negate rationality. No religion that suppresses human reason can earn the trust of humankind. Buddhism, the "religion of wisdom," is an extremely rational religion. In fact, it is so rational that many Westerners even question whether it can be classified as a religion, since it does not teach the existence of a supreme being in the image of humankind.

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (09 December 1957) p. 362 

A cold day. When Sensei is not active, the Gakkai is somehow quiet. Asking myself whether this is acceptable.

Must increase my life force with daimoku. "Myo means 'to revive'."…

On the 12^th, the main funeral service for High Priest Nichiko Hori will be held at the head temple. My last pilgrimage of this year. Wish to offer him a heartfelt send-off to Eagle Peak. Did a fulfilling gongyo. Read.

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 30 January 2020 - Year of Advancement and Capable People

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

January 30, 2020 

Buddhism teaches that "all phenomena in the universe are manifestations of the Law" (Gosho Zenshu, p. 564). I hope you will, with this understanding, engage yourselves in broad-ranging studies with vigour and determination. Your brains have a potential as vast and boundless as the universe. How then do we manifest the brain's full creative powers? There is only one way to bring out our full intellectual capacity: by constantly putting our minds to work.

 

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 From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

January 30, 2020 

My disciples, you should believe what I say and watch what happens. These things do not occur because I myself am respect worthy, but because the power of the Lotus Sutra is supreme. If I praise myself, people will think that I am boastful, but if I humble myself, they will despise the sutra. The taller the pine tree, the longer the wisteria vine hanging from it. The deeper the source, the longer the stream. How fortunate, how joyful! In this impure land, I alone enjoy true happiness and delight. 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 642

A Sage Perceives the Three Existences of Life

Written to Toki Jonin in 1275

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

January 30, 2020 

Just as a diamond can only be polished by another diamond, it is only through intense human interaction engaging the entire personality that people can forge themselves, raising themselves up to ever-greater heights.

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (05 December 1957) p.361/62 

A slight fever. A dark and gloomy day.

Spent the whole day battling myself; fighting for kosen-rufu. Way behind in writing my article. Very troubling.

Keenly aware of the excellence of President Makiguchi's and President Toda's scholarship. Lament my own lack of ability. Have no choice but to do human revolution.

Attended a YMD group chiefs meeting in the evening. Talked about Eta Benzo, the pioneer of Obihiro. 

Boldly, I set my heart on the Northern Sea.

Let the wind blow!

Let the waves rise! 

This verse speaks of destiny.

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 29 January 2020 - Year of Advancement and Capable People

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

January 29, 2020 

Practicing Buddhism means being victorious. In advancing one step at a time amid the realities of our daily lives, in showing concrete actual proof, in becoming victors and successes we are demonstrating with our very beings the validity of Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism and serving as a source of hope and inspiration for those who will follow us on the path of faith.

 

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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

January 29, 2020 

Understand then that the votary who practices the Lotus Sutra exactly as the Buddha teaches will without fail be attacked by the three powerful enemies. In the more than two thousand years that have passed since the Buddha's advent, Shakyamuni himself, T'ien-t'ai and Dengyo were the only three who perfectly carried out the Buddha's teachings. Now in the Latter Day of the Law, Nichiren and his disciples and lay believers are just such practitioners. 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 395

On Practicing the Buddha's Teachings

Written to all followers in May 1273

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

January 29, 2020 

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 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.

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (04 December 1957) p.361 

Until ten: My childhood, as the son of a seaweed farmer.

Until twenty: Developed self-awareness, battled the devil of illness.

Until thirty: Buddhist practice and study; fighting to destroy the devil of illness.

Until forty: Perfect my Buddhist study; perfect my Buddhist practice.

Until fifty: Make my declaration to society.

Until sixty: Complete the foundation of kosen-rufu in Japan. 

Many thoughts. Signposts for the future. 

Now that I am approaching my thirties, I ponder alone how many of my life's goals I have completed.

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 28 January 2020 - Year of Advancement and Capable People

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

January 28, 2020

All of you are chanting for the happiness of many members - children of the Buddha - in your respective communities, you support and encourage them and work tirelessly on their behalf as if they were your own children. Your actions are truly those of great bodhisattvas, your state of life that of noble Buddhas.

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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

January 28, 2020

Let others hate you if they will. What have you to complain of, if you are cherished by Shakyamuni Buddha, Many Treasures Buddha, and the Buddhas of the ten directions, as well as by Brahma, Shakra, and the gods of the sun and the moon? As long as you are praised by the Lotus Sutra, what cause have you for discontent?"

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 464

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

January 28, 2020

Why are human beings born? This question has posed a great challenge. Josei Toda lucidly set forward his conclusion. Namely, that this world is a place for people to, as the Lotus Sutra states, "enjoy themselves at ease." We were born here in order to thoroughly savour the joys of life. Faith in Nichiren Buddhism enables one to bring forth the great life force needed to lead such an existence.

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (03 December 1957) p.360

It's getting cold – at the headquarters, in the street and in my house as well. On the other side of winter the bright sunshine of spring awaits. Life always faces the bitter north wind and awaits the coming of spring.

Life and society are complex. But life is long, and society, vast. Without fear of failure, must polish my body and mind while being buffeted by the great north wind. While walking or riding on the train, I ponder such principles as 'all is changing, nothing is constant' and the four virtues – eternity, happiness, true self and purity.

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 27 January 2020 - Year of Advancement and Capable People

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

January 27, 2020 

Viewing events and situations in a positive light is important. The strength, wisdom and cheerfulness that accompany such an attitude lead to happiness. To regard everything in a positive light or with a spirit of goodwill, however, does not mean being foolishly gullible and allowing people to take advantage of our good nature. It means having the wisdom and perception to actually move things in a positive direction by seeing things in their best light, while all the time keeping our eyes firmly focused on reality.

 

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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

January 27, 2020 

If a vessel is free of these four faults of overturning, leaking, being defiled, and being mixed, then it can be called a perfect vessel. If the embankments around a moat do not leak, then the water will never escape from the moat. And if the mind of faith is perfect, then the water of wisdom, the great impartial wisdom, will never dry up. 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1015

Letter to Akimoto

Written to Akimoto Taro Hyoe-no-jo on January 27, 1280

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

January 27, 2020 

Everyone has a right to flower, to reveal his or her full potential as a human being, to fulfill his or her mission in this world. You have this right, and so does everyone else. This is the meaning of human rights. To scorn, violate and abuse people's human rights destroys the natural order of things. Prizing human rights and respecting others are among our most important tasks.

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (28 November 1957) p.359 

My mentor's physical condition is not good. Yet no one is concerned about the gravity of Sensei's illness. They simply view his recovery as a foregone conclusion. Cannot help thinking of this as shallow. Can only sense the future, the prospects for kosen-rufu, the placement of personnel the deadlock we now face. Frightening. Sad. I never forget Sensei's guidance, even in my sleep.

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 26 January 2020 - Year of Advancement and Capable People

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

January 26, 2020 

Truly praiseworthy are those who resolve to work hard for kosen-rufu and the SGI within the lofty realm of Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism. They are genuinely capable people. And they will definitely attain life-conditions of complete fulfillment. 

Events

1975 SGI Day

Soka Gakkai International established in Guam; Daisaku Ikeda inaugurated as SGI president.

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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

January 26, 2020 

One should not be intimidated by the fact that so many hold such beliefs. Nor does the truth of a belief depend on whether it has been held for a long or short time. The point is simply whether or not it conforms with the text of the scriptures and with reason. 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 168

The Tripitaka Master Shan-wr-wei

Written to Joken-bo and Gijo-bo in 1270

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

January 26, 2020 

A coward cannot become a Buddha. We cannot attain Buddhahood unless we possess the heart of a lion. The harsher the situation, the bolder the stand we must take. This is the essence of the Soka Gakkai spirit.

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (28 November 1957) p.359 

My mentor's physical condition is not good. Yet no one is concerned about the gravity of Sensei's illness. They simply view his recovery as a foregone conclusion. Cannot help thinking of this as shallow. Can only sense the future, the prospects for kosen-rufu, the placement of personnel the deadlock we now face. Frightening. Sad. I never forget Sensei's guidance, even in my sleep.