Sensei's Daily Encouragement - October 30 2023 - Year of Youth and Triumph

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
October 30, 2023

The Gohonzon is the concrete manifestation of the very existence of Nichiren Daishonin, who taught kosen-rufu. Because of that, if you only practice gongyo and chant daimoku and don't take any other action for the sake of kosen-rufu or improving your own life, the Gohonzon will not have its true, full effect. If, however, you take actions to achieve kosen-rufu, they will serve as that extra push for your own life and help you leap to higher and higher states of mind in your gongyo and chanting as well.
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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
October 30, 2023

Shakyamuni's practices and the virtues he consequently attained are all contained within the five characters of Myoho-renge-kyo. If we believe in these five characters, we will naturally be granted the same benefits as he was.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 365
The Object of Devotion for Observing the Mind Established in the Fifth Five-Hundred-Year Period of the Thus Come One's Passing
Written to Toki Jonin on April 25, 1273
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
October 30, 2023

If you allow the passing of time to let you forget the lofty vows of your youth, you stand to block the source of your own boundless good fortune and sever the roots of limitless prosperity for your family and loved ones as well. Please never let this happen. Only by remaining steadfast to the vows we have made in our youth can we shine as true victors in life.
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (18 January 1956) p.287

A strict and fair meeting to determine the final results of the written exams. Everyone had hoped the candidates would do well. Many, however, did not pass. Ultimately, faith amounts to belief plus study. Being too easy on oneself in faith is the first step toward complacency. My wife passed. She tried hard, studying while praying pure-heartedly to the Gohonzon…

Went to T. with Y. and N. to get dinner and talk. Did not enjoy myself. Want to establish a rhythm of going to bed early and getting up early.
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