Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 02 January 2020 - Year of Advancement and Capable People

       

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

January 2, 2020 

The people are most important and noble. President Toda was firmly convinced of this point. And I have advanced with the same spirit. This is also Nichiren Daishonin's undying spirit. Please always treasure and protect this organization of the people that is the SGI. 

Events

1928 Daisaku Ikeda, SGI president, is born.

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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

January 2, 2020 

The Buddha has already been called a skilled physician, and the Law has been likened to good medicine and all living beings to people suffering from illness. The Buddha took the teachings that he had preached in the course of his lifetime, ground and sifted them, blended them together, and compounded an excellent medicine, the pill of the Mystic Law. Regardless of whether one understands it or not, so long as one takes the pill, can one fail to be cured of the illness of delusion? 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 132-33

Conversation between a Sage and an Unenlightened Man

Recipient unknown; written in 1265

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

January 2, 2020 

In Nichiren Buddhism, attaining enlightenment is not about embarking on some inconceivably long journey to become a resplendent, godlike Buddha; it is about accomplishing a transformation in the depths of one's being. In other words, it is not a matter of practicing in order to scale the highest summit of enlightenment at some point in the distant future. Rather, it is a constant, moment-to-moment inner struggle between revealing our innate Dharma nature or allowing ourselves to be ruled by our fundamental darkness and delusion.

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (15 October 1957) p.343 

Yesterday, the retired high priest, Nissho, died. Received communication there would be an evening service for him. Sensei came directly to the head temple from Osaka, and we, from Tokyo. Severely rebuked by Sensei, who said all communication had been poor. Reflecting, I realize he was right.

The evening memorial service was held at the Renyoan at 7:00. Countless emotions. Was moved to tears watching Sensei eulogize Nissho.…

At 11:00, the casket was removed. Can imagine what it must have been like when the Daishonin died.

Gazed upon High Priest Nissho's face one last time. Amazed at his sublime and venerable Buddha-like countenance. Returned to Tokyo with Sensei on the steam train, which left just after 3:00. In the train, received profound guidance concerning the future of the priesthood and the Gakkai.