Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 31 July 2021 - Year of Hope and Victory

                    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
July 31, 2021

What is the secret to victory? Mr. Toda once described that in a certain sense life is a gamble. "If you are lucky, you will win," he said. "But if you are unlucky, then sometimes no matter how hard you try you lose. This is a hard fact." That is why, in addition to ability, good fortune is essential. The key to creating good fortune is found in faith and daimoku. I hope that you will all act in accord with the fundamental Law of Buddhism and lead victorious lives filled with unsurpassed good fortune.
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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
July 31, 2021
 
Even a wise man cannot become a Buddha through the other sutras, but with the Lotus Sutra, even fools can plant the seeds that lead to Buddhahood. As the sutra passage I have quoted earlier puts it, "Although they do not seek emancipation, emancipation will come of itself." 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 283
The Opening of the Eyes
Written to Shijo Kingo in February 1272
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
July 31, 2021
 
What is the purpose of life? It is happiness. But there are two kinds of happiness: relative and absolute. Relative happiness comes in a wide variety of forms. The purpose of Buddhism is to attain Buddhahood. In modern terms, this could be explained as realizing absolute happiness - a state of happiness that can never be destroyed or defeated.
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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (19 July 1954) p.192
 
Monday – a day on which I tend to lose my rhythm and feel off-balance. Since it's the first step of the week, must make a healthy start on this day. In the afternoon, a special staff conference to determine summer propagation activities. The meeting was somewhat restrained; dull. How self-serving I am. Strictly reflected that this is my greatest weak point. Then again, I am obstinate.
Highly value my great teacher, excellent seniors, fine friends and good neighbours! Must care for and respect them.
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