Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 8 August 2021 - Year of Hope and Victory

                    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
August 8, 2021

The present, as I am sure you all sense, is an age pervaded by great weariness and apathy. I would like you to be aware that the power and energy to serve humanity in such an enervated age can only be born from a vigorous, indomitable, noble will. Though the times may be rife with petty human conflicts, a pervading sense of hopelessness and all manner of turbulent storms, I hope that all of you will forge ahead boldly, with unflagging good cheer.
 
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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
August 8, 2021

The sutras expounded prior to the Lotus Sutra cannot lead to Buddhahood because they are provisional and expedient teachings that separate reality and wisdom. The Lotus Sutra, however, unites the two as a single entity. The sutra says that the Buddhas open the door of Buddha wisdom to all living beings, show it, cause them to awaken to it, and induce them to enter its path. By realizing this Buddha wisdom, one attains Buddhahood. 

 The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 746
The Essentials for Attaining Buddhahood
Written to Soya Jiro Hyoe-no-jo Kyoshin on August 3, 1276
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
August 8, 2021

Depending on the use to which it is put, religion can be a demonic force. Religion should bring us together, but it is exploited by some to create greater schisms among us. Nothing could be more unfortunate. Religion must always be for the people. People do not exist for the sake of religion. This must be the fundamental guideline of religion in the twenty-first century.
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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (03 August 1954) p.196 

The summer training course.
Spent a meaningful time at the training course. Visited Shiraito Falls and even went under the falls. Strove to further develop my state of life at this training course. At next year's training course, I will have been practicing this faith for eight full years. Must do my best.
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