Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 08 January 2020 - Year of Advancement and Capable People

      

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

January 8, 2020 

Prayer is the foundation. But at the same time if we fail to make concrete efforts, no matter how much daimoku we chant, our prayers will not be answered. Buddhism is reason. If we just chant without doing any work we cannot succeed in our jobs.

 

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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

January 8, 2020 

The Lotus Sutra is the king of sutras, the direct path to enlightenment, for it explains that the entity of our life, which manifests either good or evil at each moment, is in fact the entity of the Mystic Law. If you chant Myoho-renge-kyo with deep faith in this principle, you are certain to attain Buddhahood in this lifetime. 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin , page 4

On Attaining Buddhahood in This Lifetime

Written to Toki Jonin in 1255

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

January 8, 2020 

Wisdom, in the Lotus Sutra, does not simply mean being smart; it is far more profound. Essentially, it is to have an excellent "heart." Wisdom signifies humanity and force of character borne of strength, breadth and profundity of spirit. Nichiren says, "The wise may be called human." He also explains that one who perseveres in following a correct way of life, unswayed by praise and censure, is truly wise.

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (29 October 1957) p.348 

Overslept. Was it from taking the night train yesterday? Every joint in my body aches.

"I've been waiting for you," Sensei said with a stern look when I arrived at the morning study session. As his disciple, I have absolutely no excuse. Reflected seriously.…

Stopped at a stand on the way home from the station where I ate eighteen barbecued beef skewers. My stomach hurts. Had better control my appetite.