Sensei's Daily Encouragement - December 4 2023 - Year of Youth and Triumph

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
December 4, 2023

In any earnest struggle, there come crucial challenges -- mountains that must be scaled and conquered if we are to win. In Buddhist practice, too, we face such crucial challenges. If we hope to advance kosen-rufu and attain Buddhahood, then we must prevail over these mountains.
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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
December 4, 2023

When it comes to understanding the Lotus Sutra, I have only a minute fraction of the vast ability that T'ien-t'ai and Dengyo possessed. But as regards my ability to endure persecution and the wealth of my compassion for others, I believe they would hold me in awe.

 The Opening of the Eyes
In 1272, still in exile under harsh conditions on Sado Island, the Daishonin completed this work in two volumes and addressed it to Shijo Kingo
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
December 4, 2023

There is an expansive life-state of profound, secure happiness that transcends any material or social advantage. It is called faith; it is called the life-state of Buddhahood. As Nichiren reminds us: "It is the heart that is important." It is in the heart of faith that Buddhahood resides and boundless and immeasurable happiness shines forth. Happiness is not something located far away. We must realize that it exists within our own lives. Nichiren Buddhism teaches this and shows us how to attain indestructible happiness.
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (31 January 1957) p.326

Want to do the kind of gongyo, morning and evening, in which I can practice the profound meditation of the Lotus Sutra. Reflecting deeply upon my life, which lacks the power of concentration. There are times I feel impelled to cross the oceans, soaring into the air to boldly advance global kosen-rufu – traveling to the mysterious developing nations of Southeast Asia; to the advanced civilization of America; to the tumultuous, newly developing communist countries; to the Christian democracies of Europe; to Africa and South America – the continents of the twenty-first century; and to Australia, the land of the future. Dreams! Never die!
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