Sensei's Daily Encouragement - November 13 2023 - Year of Youth and Triumph

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
November 13, 2023

Buddhism aims to make people free in the most profound sense; its purpose is not to restrict or constrain. Doing gongyo is a right, not an obligation. Because Buddhism entails practice, tenacious efforts are required, but these are all for your own sake. If you want to have great benefits or to develop a profound state of life, you should exert yourself accordingly.
________________________________

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
November 13, 2023

Kai-ko said: ". . . I felt it a terrible pity that someone such as he, outstanding in every respect, should die so young. Reconsidering the matter, however, I realized that it was because of this boy's death that his mother became a seeker of the way and his father began to practice, praying for his repose. How marvelous, I thought. Moreover, the fact that they have put their trust in the Lotus Sutra, which all people detest, must mean that their deceased son has been at their side and encouraged them to do so." I also believe this to be the case.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1050
The Sons Pure Storehouse and Pure Eye
Recipient unknown; written on July 7, 1280
________________________________

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
November 13, 2023

Nichiren writes, "None of you who declare yourselves to be my disciples should ever give way to cowardice." When the crucial moment comes, it is important to battle through it with the ferocity of a charging lion. This is the key to creating a record of lasting brilliance. As the ancient Greek poet and playwright Euripides inscribed, "Courage is very powerful against misfortune."
________________________________

Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (01 December 1956) p.305

Toward next year's Study Department entrance exam, I, too, will exert myself earnestly at study. A leader who lacks power in Buddhist study will definitely suffer in the future and will eventually take a step backward. We do not study to impress others; we study for our own sake.
        ________________________________