Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 12 August 2021 - Year of Hope and Victory

                    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
August 12, 2021

Courage is free. Anyone can have it. Courage is another name for the SGI spirit. Mr. Toda said: "The Buddha is filled with compassion, but it is hard for us common mortals to show compassion. So we must have courage instead." In other words, when we work courageously for kosen-rufu, our actions by their very nature become compassionate.
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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
August 12, 2021

What caused you to inwardly believe in the Lotus Sutra and to make offerings to me during my more than thirty-day stay there? I was hated and resented by the steward and the people of the district even more than I was in Kamakura. Those who saw me scowled, while those who merely heard my name were filled with spite. And yet, though I was there in the fifth month when rice was scarce, you secretly fed me. Have my parents been reborn in a place called Kawana, in Ito of Izu Province?" 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 35
The Izu Exile
Written to Funamori Yasaburo on June 27, 1261
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
August 12, 2021

When you look at those of superior capacity, do not disparage yourself. The Buddha's true intention was that no one, even those of inferior capacity, be denied enlightenment. Conversely, when you compare yourself with persons of inferior capacity, do not be arrogant and over proud. Even persons of superior capacity may be excluded from enlightenment if they do not devote themselves wholeheartedly – Nichiren
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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (31 August 1954) p.199 

Another cool day. Everyone has been warning me to eat more vegetables. Agree with them. It stands to reason that a good daily diet is more important to my health than medicine.
6:30 – a headquarters leaders meeting at Toshima Civic Auditorium. Afterward, the top leaders met at Jozai-ji. Worried that the senior leaders are not listening carefully enough to the other leaders' views and ideas. Can only await the board of directors' further growth.
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