January 31, 2021
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.
January 31, 2021
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
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
January 31, 2021
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.
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 12th, 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.
