Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
February 20, 2024
In his later years, President Toda often told his disciples: "Be courageous in faith! No matter what other people may say, advance boldly! Lead confident lives! Make courage the Gakkai's eternal emblem!" This was the spirit with which he charged us before he died. Faith is the source of true strength and courage. Without courage and confidence we cannot be said to have genuine faith.
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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
February 20, 2024
Even an ignorant person can obtain blessings by serving someone who expounds the Lotus Sutra. No matter if he is a demon or an animal, if someone proclaims even a single verse or phrase of the Lotus Sutra, you must respect him as you would the Buddha. This is what the sutra means when it says, "You should rise and greet him from afar, showing him the same respect you would a Buddha." You should respect one another as Shakyamuni and Many Treasures did at the ceremony in the " Treasure Tower " chapter.
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 757
The Fourteen Slanders
Written to the lay priest Matsuno Rokuro Saemon on December 9, 1276
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
February 20, 2024
When we plant the seeds of self-doubt, only noxious weeds sprout. When we limit ourselves with low expectations, the growth of the tree of happiness immediately ceases. The power of growth, of improvement, the power to overcome all stagnation and break through every obstacle and transform a barren wasteland into a verdant field -- that unstoppable power of hope resides right there in your own heart. It will well up from the rich earth of your innermost being when you face the future without doubt or fear: "I can do more. I can grow. I can become a bigger and better human being" --- life and faith are a never-ending struggle to grow.
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (20 January 1958) p.378
Visited Sensei at home in Meguro. Talked intimately for about an hour and a half. Could only express my appreciation for his deep compassion and concern for the future and beyond. Received guidance on the upcoming general pilgrimage and the Gakkai's cultural movement, including my own personal affairs. Must become more deeply and powerfully conscious of Sensei's instructions; must put them into practice and prove their validity.
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