Sensei's Daily Encouragement -October 17 2024- Year of Fresh Departure for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
October 17, 2024
 
I hope that each of you will study broadly and develop your understanding of life, society and the universe, based on your faith in Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism. This type of learning enables you to cultivate a rich state of life, or inner world, drawing forth profound wisdom and limitless leadership ability from the depths of your life.
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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
October 17, 2024
 
In the eighth volume of Great Concentration and Insight and in the eighth volume of The Annotations on "Great Concentration and Insight" it says, "The stronger one's faith, the greater the protection of the gods." This means that the protection of the gods depends on the strength of one's faith. The Lotus Sutra is a fine sword, but its might depends upon the one who wields it.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 953
General Stone Tiger
Written to Shijo Kingo on October 22, 1278
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
October 17, 2024
 
One's actions in previous existences are all engraved in and contained in this lifetime. The causes for our present suffering or joy, happiness or misery, all lie in our own past actions. But Nichiren Buddhism enables us to fundamentally reform our destiny. When we truly base ourselves on Buddhism's view of life's eternity, we realize the first thing to change is how we live in the present. In Nichiren Buddhism, change arises from the depths of our being. Strong, pure vitality abundantly wells forth. The iron chains of destiny are cut and our original identity, the fresh and robust world of Buddhahood, appears.
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (31 October 1955) p. 265
 
Isn't conservatism a tendency to place great importance upon, or become caught up in, formality? Isn't it also the inclination to cherish only the past while disregarding reform for the future? Reform – not in the commonly understood sense of the word but true reform – is to enable genuine vitality to surge forth from the midst of a society enslaved by formalism. In other words, by invoking the Mystic Law, we bring forth pure, fresh life force, revolutionizing our own lives and thereby transforming our environment.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -October 16 2024- Year of Fresh Departure for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
October 16, 2024
 
Intellect will play a very important role in the coming age. By intellect I mean refined wisdom, clear reasoning, profound philosophy and broad-ranging knowledge. We are entering an age when people will develop their intelligence and wisdom, infusing society with their new outlook.
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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
October 16, 2024
 
None of you who declare yourselves to be my disciples should ever give way to cowardice.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 764
The Actions of the Votary of the Lotus Sutra
Written to the lay nun Konichi in 1276
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
October 16, 2024
 
The air around us is filled with radio waves of various frequencies. While these are invisible, a television set can collect them and turn them into visible images. The practice of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo aligns the rhythm of our own lives with the world of Buddhahood in the universe. It "tunes" our lives, so to speak, so that we can manifest the power of Buddhahood in our very beings.
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (30 October 1955) p.265
 
Is it detrimental to think about myself too deeply? Or is it absolutely necessary? Some people become negative through too much self-criticism. Others, after deep introspection, can forge ahead boldly. These days, isn't it more important to always challenge our situation with youthful courage instead of being foolishly self-critical? Ultimately, once we embrace the Mystic Law, we should feel free to think, move and advance in a way most natural to us, so long as we do not cause others trouble.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -October 15 2024- Year of Fresh Departure for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
October 15, 2024

There is no need to be impatient. Anything that is accomplished quickly and easily will not long endure. Now is the time to concentrate on the construction of a solid foundation. I hope you will complete this work slowly but surely, filled with hope and joy.
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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
October 15, 2024
Do not these interpretations make clear that, among all the teachings of the Buddha's lifetime, the Lotus Sutra is first, and that, among the teachings of the Lotus Sutra, that of women attaining Buddhahood, is first? For this reason, though the women of Japan may be condemned in all sutras other than the Lotus Sutra as incapable of attaining Buddhahood, as long as the Lotus Sutra guarantees their enlightenment, what reason have they to be downcast?"

The Sutra of True Reqluita
Written to the lay nun Sennichi on July 28, 1278
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
October 15, 2024
I view things through the Buddha eye, I see the living beings in the six paths, how poor and distressed they are, without merit or wisdom, how they enter the perilous road of birth and death, their sufferings continuing with never a break, how deeply they are attached to the five desires, like a yak enamored of its tail, blinding themselves with greed and infatuation, their vision so impaired they can see nothing. They do not seek the Buddha, with his great might, or the Law that can end their sufferings, but enter deeply into erroneous views, hoping to shed suffering through greater suffering. For the sake of these living beings I summon up a mind of great compassion -The Lotus Sutra
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (28 October 1955) p.263

Fall, the season for reading. No, I would rather make each of the 365 days of the year a "day for reading."
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1. Must read the Gosho in its entirety.

2. Will thoroughly read Nichikan's Six-volume Writings.

3. Will carefully read good books of past and present, East and West – especially during the next three years.

The course of my life will be determined over these three years.

Fate, destiny – they are like the flow of a great river.

No one to confide in, no one to blame.

To the dentist in the afternoon. Can everything be this bad?   

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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -October 14 2024- Year of Fresh Departure for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
October 14, 2024
 
True joy is to be found in working for kosen-rufu, in practicing and taking action for the happiness of oneself and others. The greatest joy in life is to be found in SGI activities. Our activities for kosen-rufu become memories that shine ever more brilliantly in our lives as time goes by.
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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
October 14, 2024
 
Make every possible effort for the sake of your next life. What is most important is that, by chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo alone, you can attain Buddhahood. It will no doubt depend on the strength of your faith. To have faith is the basis of Buddhism.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 832
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 14, 2024
 
Life is best lived by being bold and daring. People tend to grow fearful when they taste failure, face a daunting challenge or fall ill. Yet that is precisely the time to become even bolder. Those who are victors at heart are the greatest of all champions.
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (27 October 1955) p.262/263
 
Thought about the following points:
 
1. Don't be a person who makes excuses.
2. Feel joy at others' prosperity and happiness.
3. Don't meddle in others' affairs.
 
Visited S.'s home in Yaguchi after the lecture. Was joyfully welcomed by all present. Home a little after 10:00. My two children are sleeping quietly. They are so cute. Want them to become excellent, capable people for kosen-rufu.
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How trivial are worldly conflicts. How empty, the glories and pleasure of this world, vanishing before a single breeze. Fame and riches, too, vanish like a solitary bubble on a mighty river's surface.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -October 13 2024- Year of Fresh Departure for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
October 13, 2024
 
Once we have attained Buddhahood, we will be Buddhas in lifetime after lifetime. We will enjoy a state of absolute freedom throughout eternity. The Daishonin's golden words say so. This is the reason we practice faith.
 
Events
1282 Nichiren Daishonin dies.
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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
October 13, 2024
 
The present age has developed exactly as the Buddha predicted it would, and Nichiren may be the person of wisdom whom the Buddha described. Though some people wish to help me, either their determination is weak, or, though firmly resolved, they are unable to act on their intentions. Thus, you are one of the very few whose action match their will. You surpass others in your resolve, and it is because of your devoted support that I have been able to survive.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 753
Propagation by the Wise
Written to Shijo Kingo on September 6, 1276
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
October 13, 2010
 
Josei Toda explained the supreme benefit of faith as follows: "Attaining Buddhahood means achieving the state in which we are always reborn overflowing with abundant and powerful life force; we can take action to our heart's content based on a profound sense of mission; we can achieve all our goals; and we possess good fortune that no one can destroy." The purpose of faith is to realize a state of eternal happiness. This existence is as fleeting as a dream. We practice faith to awaken from this dream and firmly establish a state of eternal happiness in the depths of our lives during this lifetime.
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (26 October 1955) p.262
 
The average person's mind always changes rapidly. At times, it expresses the world of Anger; then, the suffering of Hell; and next, the joy of Heaven. With faith as our basis, our lives naturally become attuned to express the virtues of eternity, happiness, true self and purity.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -October 12 2024- Year of Fresh Departure for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
October 12, 2024
 
The Gohonzon encompasses the entire universe. Therefore, we who believe in and chant daimoku to the Gohonzon can live out our lives with the greatest serenity and composure. Please be confident that through faith in the Mystic Law we can definitely lead a wonderful and unsurpassed existence.
 
Events
1279 Nichiren Daishonin inscribes the Gohonzon for all humanity.
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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
October 12, 2024
 
This Gohonzon is also found only in the two characters for faith. This is what the sutra means when it states that one can "gain entrance through faith alone." Since Nichiren's disciples and lay supporters believe solely in the Lotus Sutra, honestly discarding the expedient means and never accepting even a single verse of the other sutras, they can enter the treasure tower of the Gohonzon. How reassuring!"
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 832
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 12, 2024
 
Today there are people who have faith in the Lotus Sutra. The belief of some is like fire while that of others is like water. When the former listen to the teachings, their passion flares up like fire, but as time goes on, they tend to discard their faith. To have faith like water means to believe continuously without ever regressing - Nichiren
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (22 October 1955) p. 260
 
It's Saturday; the weekend is already here. People in the Meiji period called Saturday handon, a combination of Japanese and Portuguese meaning to "rest half-a-day." None can resist the tide of the times, no matter how they may try. A life based on the Mystic Law will be in rhythm with the great power of the natural law. In Europe and America, people have both Saturdays and Sundays off. Will Japan someday follow suit?
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -October 11 2024- Year of Fresh Departure for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
October 11, 2024
 
It is important to have a sufficiently elevated life-condition so that you will be able to calmly accept whatever happens in life, striving to put problems into proper perspective and solving them with a positive attitude. Happiness blossoms forth from such a strong and all-encompassing life-condition.
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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
October 11, 2024
 
Take these teachings to heart, and always remember that believers in the Lotus Sutra should absolutely be the last to abuse one another. All those who keep faith in the Lotus Sutra are most certainly Buddhas, and one who slanders a Buddha commits a grave offence.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 756
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
October 11, 2024
 
It's valuable to look for the strengths in others - you gain nothing by criticizing people's imperfections. In fact, it is helpful to take a step back, for even a moment each day, and try to consider the feelings and positive qualities of others of whom you are critical.
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (21 October 1955) p. 259/260
 
Quite fatigued. Understand the severe difficulty of changing my destiny and transforming my fate and the strictness of my past slander's effects. Truly sense life's eternal nature with my entire being. Without this, it would be a contradiction to say I understand this life. Remained in the office all day, resting my body and thinking about many things.
Life is like a dream. Since this is the case, I shall be satisfied if I can spend each day, my entire life, fully exerting myself.
Wouldn't mind being a businessman or a politician or even an average person who lives life deeply.
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