Sensei's Daily Encouragement -January 17 2025- Year of Soaring Higher Toward a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
January 17, 2025
 
Please remember that patience is in and of itself a great challenge and that it often holds the key to breaking through a seeming impasse.
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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
January 17, 2025
 
Though one might point at the earth and miss it, though one might bind up the sky, though the tides might cease to ebb and flow and the sun rise in the west, it could never come about that the prayers of the practitioner of the Lotus Sutra would go unanswered.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 345
On Prayer
Written to Sairen-bo in September 1272
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
January 17, 2025
 
When you devote yourself to achieving your goal, you will not be bothered by shallow criticism. Nothing important can be accomplished if you allow yourself to be swayed by some trifling matter, always looking over your shoulder and wondering what others are saying or thinking. The key to achievement is to move forward along your chosen path with firm determination.
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (18 November 1957) p.355
 
Through Sensei's power, we have grown this much.
Through Sensei's power, we have opened the life-condition of the Mystic Law.
Through Sensei's power, we can manifest our own power.
 
The debt of gratitude I owe Sensei as my mentor is higher than a mountain. Deeper than the ocean. I must not forget this. Will leave a historical record of my superb mentor for the entire world. This, I firmly pledge.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -January 16 2025- Year of Soaring Higher Toward a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
January 16, 2025
 
It is important to take a long-range view. No great achievement is accomplished overnight or without difficulty. Should benefit be obtained easily without our making any efforts in Buddhist practice, we'd probably just as easily abandon our faith and end up miserable as a consequence. Because it isn't easy to get into a highly-ranked school, students study with all their might, gaining an abundance of knowledge and ability. Faith follows basically the same formula: Practice is essential to attaining Buddhahood.
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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
January 16, 2025
 
It is the way of ordinary people that, even though they spur themselves on to arouse the aspiration for enlightenment and wish for happiness in the next life, they exert themselves no more than one or two out of all the hours of the day, and this only after reminding themselves to do so. As for myself, I read the Lotus Sutra without having to remember to, and practice it even when I do not read its words aloud.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 43
The Four Debts of Gratitude
Written to Kudo Sakon-no-jo Yoshitaka on January 16, 1262
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
January 16, 2025
 
The Sanskrit word buddha means "One who is awakened [to the truth]." While the term was widely employed by various schools of the time, it eventually came to be used exclusively in reference to Shakyamuni. At the same time, the word buddha implies "to bloom." A person who causes flowers of lofty character to brilliantly bloom and who bears the fruits of good fortune and benefit in abundance is a Buddha. Such a person manifests the benefit of the Law and shines with character overflowing with blessings.
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (17 November 1957) p.355
 
Felt chest pains this morning. Woke up early. At 5:00, my wife said. Went back to sleep. Worked on my article without eating. Felt nauseated, perhaps from smoking too much.
 
Lately, have been thinking about how I will live the next fifty or so years of my life. The difficulty of living vibrantly and energetically, day after day and month after month.
 
Worked on the continuation of my article until after 2:00. My wife said she doesn't feel well. Worried.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -January 15 2025- Year of Soaring Higher Toward a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
January 15, 2025
 
Doing gongyo every day is a challenge. Introducing others to the practice is a challenge. Getting people to subscribe to our publications is a challenge. Attending meetings is a challenge. Sometimes it can all become too much and leave one feeling negative and wanting to take a break! Since we are human beings, it's only natural that we might feel this way on occasion. The important thing, however, is not to spin out of the orbit of faith. I hope you will continue to pursue the path of Buddhahood steadily and patiently, encouraging one another on your journey.
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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
January 15, 2025
 
When a tree has been transplanted, though fierce winds may blow, it will not topple if it has a firm stake to hold it up. But even a tree that has grown up in place may fall over if its roots are weak. Even a feeble person will not stumble if those supporting him are strong, but a person of considerable strength, when alone, may fall down on an uneven path.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 598
Three Tripitaka Masters Pray for Rain
Written to the lay priest Nishiyama on June 22, 1275
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
January 15, 2025
 
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a tireless crusader for human rights, said: "Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'" Do not say you will do it "someday," now is the time. Do not say "someone" will do it; you are the one. Now is the time for youth to take full responsibility and courageously pave the way for the people's triumph.
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (16 November 1957) p.354
 
Home close to 1:00 a.m. Hiromasa** and Shirohisa sleeping soundly. How will they grow up? What will they be like in ten or twenty years? Who can tell? Only the Gohonzon knows.
 
The "Life Span" chapter reads:
 
In order to save living beings,
as an expedient means I appear to enter nirvana
but in truth I do not pass into extinction.
I am always here, preaching the Law.*
- (LS16, 229)
 
*I do shujō ko. Hōben gen nehan. Ni jitsu fu metsu-do. Jō Jū shi seppō.
 
**(Book: 'My Path of Youth' by Hiromasa Ikeda, the eldest son of SGI President Daisaku Ikeda)
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -January 14 2025- Year of Soaring Higher Toward a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
January 14, 2025
 
Everyone at some time suffers from illness in one form or another. The power of the Mystic Law enables us to bring forth strength to overcome the pain and suffering of sickness with courage and determination. The Daishonin writes: "Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is like the roar of a lion. What sickness can therefore be an obstacle?" (The Major Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 119)
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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
January 14, 2025
 
Therefore, when you chant the daimoku of this sutra, you should be aware that it is a more joyful thing than for one who was born blind to gain sight and see one's father and mother, and a rarer thing than for a man who has been seized by a powerful enemy to be released and reunited with his wife and children.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 143
The Daimoku of the Lotus Sutra
Recipient unknown; written on January 6, 1266
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
January 14, 2025
 
Always speak the truth boldly, saying what needs to be said no matter whom you're addressing. When it comes to championing a just cause, you must never be cowardly, never fawn, never try to curry favour.
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (16 November 1957) p.354
 
Sensei's health is poor. I, too, am in poor shape, both physically and spiritually. When will I enjoy the fresh breezes of spring?
 
In the evening, a YWD unit chiefs meeting and interviews for YMD leaders. Want to spend my life living and fighting beside the youth. In this life, I will follow a golden path. Together with seeking, creative and pure young people.
Practice. Study.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -January 13 2025- Year of Soaring Higher Toward a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
January 13, 2025
 
A life lived without purpose or value, the kind in which one doesn't know the reason why one was born, is joyless and lacks luster. To just live, eat and die without any real sense of purpose surely represents a life pervaded by the world of Animality. On the other hand, to do, create or contribute something that benefits others, society and ourselves and to dedicate ourselves as long as we live to that challenge - that is a life of true satisfaction, a life of value. It is a humanistic and lofty way to live.
Events
 1995, Mr. Richard Causton, First SGI UK General Director passes away
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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
January 13, 2025
 
The sutra states, "If there are those who hear the Law, then not one will fail to attain Buddhahood." This means that, even if one were to point at the earth and miss it, even if the sun and moon should fall to the ground, even if an age should come when the tides cease to ebb and flow, or even if flowers should not turn to fruit in summer, it could never happen that a woman who chants Nam-myoho-renge-kyo would fail to be reunited with her beloved child. Continue in your devotion to faith, and bring this about quickly!"
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1092
The Gift of Clear Sake
Written to the lay nun Ueno on January 13, 1281
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
January 13, 2025
 
Buddhas respect people's individuality, and desire that they may freely manifest their unique qualities. They are neither partial nor adverse toward people on account of their individual proclivities. Buddhas love, rejoice at and try to bring out each person's uniqueness, this is their compassion and their wisdom.
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (13 November 1957) p.354
 
To the headquarters at 5:00. Missed Sensei. Truly miserable. To Katsushika block in the evening. Made rounds to two meeting places.
Guidance devoid of life force does not move people. Guidance in faith has nothing to do with intellectual knowledge or learning. The state of one's life; the dynamism of one's life – this is fundamental. Must care for my health, as my mission grows heavier and heavier.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -January 12 2025- Year of Soaring Higher Toward a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

   

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
January 12, 2025
 
In a passage of the "Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings," the Daishonin observes, "When you bow to a mirror, the reflected image bows back" (Gosho Zenshu, p. 769). People who respect others are respected by others in turn. Those who are unstinting in their compassion and concern for others are also protected and supported by others. Our environment is essentially a reflection of ourselves
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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
January 12, 2025
 
How, then, are you to go about nurturing faith in the Lotus Sutra? For if you try to practice the teachings of the sutra without faith, it would be like trying to enter a jeweled mountain without hands [to pick up its treasures], or like trying to make a thousand-mile journey without feet. The answer is simply to examine the proof that is close at hand, and thus take hold of faith that is far off.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin , page 511
Letter to Horen
Written to Soya Kyoshin in April 1275
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
January 12, 2025
 
Strength is happiness. Strength is itself victory. In weakness and cowardice there is no happiness. When you wage a struggle, you might win or you might lose. But regardless of the short-term outcome, the very fact of your continuing to struggle is proof of your victory as a human being. A strong spirit, strong faith and strong prayer—developing these is victory and the world of Buddhahood.
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (13 November 1957) p.353
 
Missed gongyo in the morning. Very tired. Could not meet with Sensei. Was told he was resting all day in conference room #1. He seems to be growing weaker. Such desolation, sadness.
Feel a tautness in my heart when I think of the Soka Gakkai's future. Above all, must enable the Gakkai to develop. Must forge ahead, placing faith first and foremost. Strong faith and the power of practice.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -January 11 2025- Year of Soaring Higher Toward a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
January 11, 2025
 
The role of leaders is important. Everything is determined by the leaders behavior. There is a passage in The Romance of the Three Kingdoms that says only those who possess genuine wisdom and virtue win the highest regard from people. It all comes down to you. You have to polish and develop yourselves. Should there be a leader or leaders in faith whom you do not like, all you have to do is determine not to become like them. All you have to do is decide that you will become leaders who will make everyone feel comfortable and at ease.
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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
January 11, 2025
 
The lion king is said to advance three steps, then gather himself to spring, unleashing the same power whether he traps a tiny ant or attacks a fierce animal. In inscribing this Gohonzon for [your daughter's] protection, Nichiren was like the lion king. This is what the sutra means by "the power [of the Buddhas] that has the lion's ferocity." Believe in this mandala with all your heart. Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is like the roar of a lion. What sickness can therefore be an obstacle?"
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin , page 412
Reply to Kyo'o
Written Kyo'o and her parents, Nichiogen-nyo and Shijo Kingo, on August 15, 1273
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
January 11, 2025
 
One tragedy of our times is the willingness of realists, in spite of impending crises, to criticize and obstruct people who expend their energy toward finding solutions. Their judgments, however, are superficial and conventional, and their attitude distances them from the essential quality of reality-change. Often the wisest realists cannot escape this trap. The challenge, then, is to create a new kind of reality that offers hope for changing the world.
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (09 November 1957) p.352
 
To spend my life with the greatest leader in the world, talk with him and live alongside him, makes me the happiest person in the world.
 
Met T. in the train. Sensei said, "Introduce us!" then assuredly said: "If you are an expert on roads, then focusing on roads in Japan alone is still thinking too small. Please link together as one the roads of the Orient – Korea, China and India." T. Said, I will rely on you for the realm of the metaphysical, but I will attend to the concrete realities myself," to which Sensei replied, "Yes, but one can only begin to accomplish things in the physical realm when firmly grounded in the metaphysical."
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