Sensei's Daily Encouragement - October 18 2023 - Year of Youth and Triumph

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
 October 18, 2023

A victor is one whose life shines with faith. Emerson, one of the favourite writers of my youth, once said, "That which befits us...is cheerfulness and courage, and the endeavour to realize our aspirations." To advance toward our dreams cheerfully, to courageously work toward achieving them - this is what gives sublime meaning and value to our lives.
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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
 October 18, 2023

Without exception, all these Buddhas, bodhisattvas, great sages, and, in general, all the various beings of the two worlds and the eight groups who appear in the "Introduction" chapter of the Lotus Sutra dwell in the Gohonzon. Illuminated by light of the five characters of the Mystic Law, they display the dignified attributes they inherently possess. This is the object of devotion.

The Real Aspect of the Gohonzon
Written to Nichinyo on August 23, 1277
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
 October 18, 2023

Such things as money, fame, and material possessions offer a fleeting satisfaction, something that can be called relative happiness. However, when we transform our lives internally, when we develop within ourselves a brilliant inner palace, then we can be said to have established absolute happiness. If we develop a state of mind as vast and resplendent as a magnificent palace, then nothing - no matter where we go or what we may encounter in life can undermine or destroy our happiness.
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (31 October 1955) p.265

Worried about next spring's House of Councillors election. This battle will determine my destiny. My only recourse is to believe in the Buddhist gods' protection. No, rather than simply parroting Buddhist terms, I must first dedicate my entire spirit, my essence. Only then can I expect protection from the Buddhist gods. Must strictly avoid using terminology to support my own sense of value or my personal view of faith. Using Gosho terms irresponsibly will only impeded the progress of kosen rufu.

*Heavenly gods and benevolent deities: http://www.sgilibrary.org/search_dict.php?id=975
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