Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 3 September 2021 - Year of Hope and Victory

             

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
September 3, 2021

True character is only forged through hardship and suffering. Moreover, it is the mentor-disciple relationship, not organizational structures, that builds character. Many great scholars, pioneers and leaders of the world have come to note how crucial the mentor-disciple relationship is. 
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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
September 3, 2021

Suppose there is a ship that sails on the open sea. Though the ship is stoutly built, if it is flooded by a leak, those on the ship are sure to drown together. Though the embankment between rice fields is firm, if there is an ant hole in it, then surely, in the long run, it will not remain full of water. Bail the seawater of slander and disbelief out of the ship of your life, and solidify the embankments of your faith.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 626
The Embankments of Faith
Written to the lay nun Sennichi on September 3, 1275
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
September 3, 2021

Viewing events and situations in a positive light is important. The strength, wisdom and cheerfulness that accompany such an attitude lead to happiness. To regard everything in a positive light or with a spirit of goodwill, however, does not mean being foolishly gullible and allowing people to take advantage of your good nature. It means having the wisdom and perception to actually move things in a positive direction by seeing things in their best light, while all the time keeping your eyes firmly focused on reality.
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 Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (9 February 1955) p.222 

 Must apologize to President Toda for many things. Must spur myself on. Youth must not be caught up in the past. Isn't the Daishonin's teaching that of 'for the present and the future'? If people become too caught up in the past, their hearts will age and their spirit will die. Must forge ahead, even if laughed at or scorned.
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