Sensei's Daily Encouragement - February 28 2023 - Year of Youth and Triumph.

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
February 28, 2023

 You can forge the path to a fulfilling and enjoyable life if you have the depth of faith to regard everything as a source for creating happiness and value. Conversely, if you see everything only in a negative or pessimistic light, your life will gradually but inevitably be plunged into darkness. Buddhism teaches the subtle principle of ichinen, and moreover, the power of faith.
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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
February 28, 2023

Since you now appear certain to attain Buddhahood, perhaps the heavenly devil and evil spirits are using illness to try to intimidate you. Life in this world is limited. Never be even the least bit afraid!".

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1109
The Proof of the Lotus Sutra
Written to Nanjo Tokimitsu on February 28, 1282
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
February 28, 2023

Make goals. Whether big or small, work toward realizing them. You must be serious about and dedicated to your goals - you'll get nowhere if you just treat them like jokes. An earnest, dedicated spirit shines like a diamond and moves people's hearts. That is because a brilliant flame burns within. If we are sincere, people will understand our intentions, and our positive qualities will shine forth. It is pointless to be caught up in outward appearances. The German poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe writes: "How may one get to know oneself? Never by contemplation,only , indeed, by action. Seek to do your duty, and you will know at once how it is with you."
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (11 February 1958) p.385

Visited Sensei's home at 9:00 in the morning. Relieved to see his spirited face. Today is his fifty-eighth birthday.

Ate red-bean rice and sweet bean soup together with Sensei. My life-time memory and honor. He spoke about economy, stocks, politics as well as directions for a new era.

Attended with several dozen top leaders a celebration for Sensei's recovery at N. restaurant at 5:30pm…

Quoting the Gosho passage "The farther the source, the longer the stream" (WND, 940), Sensei expounded a philosophical Buddhist principle and gave strict guidance that remains in my heart: "Leaders' determination is fundamental. It is not the responsibility of general members. Leaders' faith and growth determine the entire organization's development."
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