Sensei's Daily Encouragement - April 28 2022 - The year of Youth and Dynamic Progress



                    
  
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
April 28, 2022

How incredible it is to chant this wonderful daimoku each day! Nichiren Daishonin writes, "There is no greater happiness for human beings than chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. The sutra [Lotus Sutra] says, The people there [in my land] are happy and at ease.
Events
1253 Nichiren Daishonin chants Nam-myoho-renge-kyo for the first time.
________________________________

From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
April 28, 2022

The greater the hardships befalling him, the greater the delight he feels, because of his strong faith. Doesn't a fire burn more briskly when logs are added? All rivers flow into the sea, but does the sea turn back their waters? The currents of hardship pour into the sea of the Lotus Sutra and rush against its votary. The river is not rejected by the ocean; nor does the votary reject suffering. Were it not for the flowing rivers, there would be no sea. Likewise, without tribulation there would be no votary of the Lotus Sutra.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 33
A Ship to Cross the Sea of Suffering
Written to Shiji Shiro on April 28, 1261
________________________________

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
April 28, 2022

When deluded, one is called an ordinary being, but when enlightened, one is called a Buddha. This is similar to a tarnished mirror that will shine like a jewel when polished. A mind now clouded by the illusions of the innate darkness of life is like a tarnished mirror, but when polished, it is sure to become like a clear mirror, reflecting the essential nature of phenomena and the true aspect of reality. Arouse deep faith, and diligently polish your mirror day and night. How should you polish it? Only by chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo -Nichiren
________________________________

Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (17 June 1953) p.142

A corps meeting at M.'s in Koiwa. There were about a hundred participants. Pleased to see everyone in high spirits, filled with hope, determination and vitality... Soiled clothes, wrinkled shirts, unkempt hair – they have, however, the precious eyes of youth looking toward and living for the future. Furthermore, though not apparent on the surface theirs is a gathering of young pioneers of the Mystic Law.

Resolved deep in my heart to develop them into a group of a hundred, a thousand, or ten thousand youth. Will take good care of my juniors. Must make them better than myself. This is the mission of a leader or senior in faith.
 _____________________________