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Sunday, 31 July 2011
Daily Encouragement - 31 July 2011
Saturday, 30 July 2011
Chapter Study
August Chapter Study, based on the gosho, The selection of the time, will be at Catriona's on 10th August, given by Sally. All welcome.
Catherine McC is hosting a repeat of Narice's July's lecture on Tues 2 August at her place, for youth division, if other divisions are interested they should contact her.
Catherine McC is hosting a repeat of Narice's July's lecture on Tues 2 August at her place, for youth division, if other divisions are interested they should contact her.
Daily Encouragement - 30 July 2011
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Friday, 29 July 2011
Daily Encouragement - 29 July 2011
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Thursday, 28 July 2011
Daily Encouragement - 28 July 2011
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Wednesday, 27 July 2011
Daily Encouragement - 27 July 2011
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Tuesday, 26 July 2011
Daily Encouragement - 26 July 2011
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Monday, 25 July 2011
Inspiration for SGI-UK Kosen-rufu Gongyo Meetings in August
'If the nation is destroyed and people's homes are wiped out, then where can one flee for safety?
If you care anything about your personal security, you should first of all pray for order and tranquillity throughout the four quarters of the land, should you not?'
(Writings of Nichiren Daishonin 1 p24)
'If nuclear weapons epitomize the forces that would divide and destroy the world, they can only be overcome by the solidarity of ordinary citizens, which transforms hope into the energy to create a new era.'
(SGI President Ikeda's Proposal 'Building Global Solidarity toward Nuclear Abolition' September 2009).
August 6th and 9th mark the anniversaries of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki respectively in 1945.
Daily Encouragement - 25 July 2011
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Monday, July 25, 2011
Monday, July 25, 2011
Buddhism is, in a sense, an eternal struggle between the Buddha and demons; in other words, a contest between positive and negative forces. If we fail to be assailed by negative influences, we cannot be said to be truly practicing Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism. Buddhist practice lies in bravely facing and overcoming adversity.
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Monday, July 25, 2011
Monday, July 25, 2011
A bird's egg contains nothing but liquid, yet by itself this develops into a beak, two eyes, and all the other parts, and the bird soars into the sky. We, too, are the eggs of ignorance, which are pitiful things, but when nurtured by the chanting of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, which is like the warmth of the mother bird, we develop the beak of the thirty-two features and the feathers of the eighty characteristics and are free to soar into the skies of the true aspect of all phenomena and the reality of all things.
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1030
Letter to Niike
Written to Niike Saemon-no-jo in February 1280
Letter to Niike
Written to Niike Saemon-no-jo in February 1280
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Monday, July 25, 2011
Monday, July 25, 2011
Many people talk about peace, but few really do anything about it. Very few are willing to fight the battle to the end. Josei Toda instilled in me the hard and fast rule that, even if we stand alone, we must never give up but must see the struggle through to its conclusion.
The year before he died, he said something I have never forgotten for a minute: "If we don't fight, justice will be defeated. Because justice is on our side, we must not lose, we absolutely must win. That's why we fight. The lion is most lionlike when he roars."
Sensei on Courage - Words of Wisdom
To be fearless no matter what happens -- that is the root of true happiness. To move forward resolutely regardless of what lies in store--that is the spirit, the resolve, that leads to human victory.
Sunday, 24 July 2011
Daily Encouragement - 24 July 2011
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Our lives are our own. It is not for someone else to dictate to us how we should live them. All that awaits those who allow themselves to be continually swayed by what other people say or do is unhappiness. We simply need to have the self-belief to be able to say: "This is right. This is the path I will follow. I am content." Happiness is born from such inner fortitude. Moreover, those who earnestly devote themselves in accord with the Mystic Law cannot fail to realize lives of total fulfillment.
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Sunday, July 24, 2011
The Great Teacher Nan-yueh has stated, "If one sees a foe of the Lotus Sutra and yet fails to censure him, one becomes a slanderer of the Law and will fall into the hell of incessant suffering." Even a man of great wisdom, if he sees such a person and fails to speak out, will fall into the depths of the hell of incessant suffering, and as long as that hell shall endure, he will never escape.
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1021
Letter to Akimoto
Written Akimoto Taro Hyo-no-jo on January 27, 1280
Letter to Akimoto
Written Akimoto Taro Hyo-no-jo on January 27, 1280
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Sunday, July 24, 2011
The Argentine educator Almafuerte wrote: "To the weak, difficulty is a closed door. To the strong, however, it is a door waiting to be opened." Difficulties impede the progress of those who are weak. For the strong, however, they are an opportunity to open wide the doors to a bright future. Everything is determined by our attitude, by our resolve.
Sensei on Human Relationships - Words of Wisdom
When we treat children with respect, they in turn learn how to respect other human beings.
Thursday, 21 July 2011
Daily Encouragement - 21 July 2011
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Thursday, July 21, 2010
Thursday, July 21, 2010
True and lasting happiness only and always comes from our own efforts, our own wisdom, our own good fortune. This is a fundamental truth. Faith is the key to strengthening our efforts, wisdom and good fortune; SGI activities are the key to strengthening ourselves.
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Thursday, July 21, 2010
Thursday, July 21, 2010
What can we say, then, of persons who are devoting themselves to Buddhism? Surely they should not forget the debts of gratitude they owe to their parents, their teachers and their country. But if one intends to repay these great debts of gratitude, one can hope to do so only if one learns and masters Buddhism, becoming a person of wisdom.
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 690
On Repaying Debts of Gratitude
Written to Joken-bo and Gijo-bo on July 21, 1276
On Repaying Debts of Gratitude
Written to Joken-bo and Gijo-bo on July 21, 1276
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Thursday, July 21, 2010
Thursday, July 21, 2010
We can lose ourselves in romantic attachment, but the truth is, the euphoria is unlikely to last for long. Indeed, the likelihood of undergoing suffering and sadness only grows over time. As long as we remain unable to redress our own weaknesses, we will be miserable no matter where or to whom we may take flight. We can never become truly happy unless we ourselves undergo a personal transformation.
Sensei on Attitude - Words of Wisdom
Being pretentious, hiding your weaknesses and failing to reflect on yourself will only limit your growth and potential.
--
Sally Long
Daily Encouragement - 20 July 2011
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Our lives are ruled by impermanence. But simply realizing that changes nothing. There is no value in bleak pessimism. The challenge is how to create something of enduring value within the context of our impermanent lives. The Lotus Sutra teaches us how to do this.
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
To speak out without fearing others and without flinching before society this is what the sutra means when it says, "We care nothing for our bodies or lives but are anxious only for the unsurpassed way." It is not that one does not recall the calumny, the staves and stones that were suffered by Bodhisattva Never Disparaging. It is not that one is unafraid of the world. It is just that the censure of the Lotus Sutra is even more severe.
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1017
Letter to Akimoto
Written to Akimoto Taro Hyo-no-jo on January 27, 1280
Letter to Akimoto
Written to Akimoto Taro Hyo-no-jo on January 27, 1280
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Although I and my disciples may encounter various difficulties, if we do not harbour doubts in our hearts, we will as a matter of course attain Buddhahood. Do not have doubts simply because heaven does not lend you protection. Do not be discouraged because you do not enjoy an easy and secure existence in this life. This is what I have taught my disciples morning and evening, and yet they begin to harbour doubts and abandon their faith - Nichiren
Sensei on Life - Words of Wisdom
Being halfhearted is such a waste. If we go around as if we're half-asleep all the time, we can't hope to savour a life that is free of regret. Enthusiasm and vigour are vital ingredients for a fulfilling life.
--
Sally Long
Tuesday, 19 July 2011
Daily Encouragement - 19 July 2011
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Youth is a truly wonderful thing. Unfortunately, though, this is often something that's hard to appreciate when we're young. Life passes by quickly. Before we know it, we are old. That's why in our youth we should be as active as we possibly can. Rather than a life of blank pages, live a life crammed full of memories - of battles well fought and wonderfully diverse experiences. Not to leave behind any history, to just grow old and die, is a sad way to live.
Events
1951 Young women's division established.
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Those who believe in the Lotus Sutra should beware of and guard themselves against the sutra's enemies. . . . If you do not know your enemies, you will be deceived by them.
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 664
Letter to Konichi-bo
Written to Konichi-bo in March 1276
Letter to Konichi-bo
Written to Konichi-bo in March 1276
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
It's foolish to be obsessed with past failures. And it's just as foolish to be self-satisfied with one's small achievements. The present and the future are what are important, not the past. Those who neglect this spirit of continual striving will start to veer off in a ruinous direction.
Sensei on Self- Mastery - Words of Wisdom
People of genuine strength and ability are people who are capable of overcoming their own weaknesses. They are people who unremittingly pursue the paths they have chosen in life, without giving up.
Monday, 18 July 2011
Daily Encouragement - 18 July 2011
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Monday, July 18, 2011
Monday, July 18, 2011
There is no need to seek impatiently for greatness, fame or wealth. The earth and sun do not hurry, they follow their own path at their own pace. If the earth were to accelerate and complete one rotation in three hours instead of twenty-four, we would be in big trouble! The most important thing in life, too, is to find a sure and certain path and confidently advance along it.
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Monday, July 18, 2011
Monday, July 18, 2011
The ten directions are the "environment" and living beings are "life." To illustrate, environment is like the shadow, and life, the body. Without the body no shadow can exist, and without life, no environment. In the same way, life is shaped by its environment.
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Monday, July 18, 2011
Monday, July 18, 2011
People of conviction, who stand alone, who pursue their chosen path - not only are such people good and trustworthy friends themselves, but they can make genuine friends of others. The bamboo groves of autumn are gorgeous. Each bamboo tree stands independently, growing straight and tall toward the sky. Yet in the ground, out of sight, their roots are interconnected. In the same way, true friendship is not a relationship of dependence, but of independence. It is the enduring bond that connects self-reliant individuals, comrades who share the same commitment, on a spiritual dimension.
Sensei on Hope - Words of Wisdom
Hope transforms pessimism into optimism. Hope is invincible. Hope changes everything. It changes winter into summer, darkness into dawn, descent into ascent, barrenness into creativity, agony into joy. Hope is the sun. It is light. It is passion. It is the fundamental force for life's blossoming.
--
Sally Long
Sunday, 17 July 2011
Daily Encouragement - 17 July 2011
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Life isn't always smooth. If it were, we would never grow and develop as human beings. If we succeed, we are envied if we fail, we are ridiculed and attacked. Sadly, this is how people are. Unexpected grief and suffering may lie ahead of you. But it is precisely when you encounter such trying times that you must not be defeated. Never give up. Never retreat.
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Those who chant Myoho-renge-kyo [the title of the Lotus Sutra] even without understanding its meaning realize not only the heart of the Lotus Sutra, but also the "main cord," or essential principle of the Buddha's lifetime teachings.
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 860
"This is What I Heard"
Written to the lay priest Soya Jiro on November 28, 1277
"This is What I Heard"
Written to the lay priest Soya Jiro on November 28, 1277
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Human beings inherently possess the strength to overcome any hardship. Religions have traditionally taught the importance of such spiritual strength. This is Buddhism's point of origin. Shakyamuni Buddha taught us to strive to win happiness and peace, not outside but within ourselves.
Sensei on Courage - Words of Wisdom
If you summon your courage to challenge something, you'll never be left with regret. How sad it is to spend your life wishing, "If only I'd had a little more courage." Whatever the outcome may be, the important thing is to step forward on the path that you believe is right.
--
Sally Long
Saturday, 16 July 2011
Daily Encouragement - 16 July 2011
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday, July 16, 2011
The powerful may appear great, but in reality they are not. Greatest of all are the ordinary people. If those in power lead lives of idle luxury it is because the people are silent. We have to speak out. With impassioned words, we need to resolutely attack abuses of power that cause people suffering. This is fighting on the side of justice. It is wrong to remain silent when confronted with injustice. Doing so is tantamount to supporting and condoning evil.
Events
1260 Nichiren Daishonin submits his treatise "On Establishing the Correct Teaching for the Peace of the Land ."
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Saturday, July 16, 2011
I have pondered the matter carefully with what limited resources I possess, and have looked a little at the scriptures for an answer. The people of today all turn their backs upon what is right to a person, they give their allegiance to evil. This is the reason that the benevolent deities have abandoned the nation and departed together, that sages leave and do not return. And in their stead devils and demons come, and disasters and calamities occur. I cannot keep silent on this matter. I cannot suppress my fears.
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 7
On Establshing the Correct Teaching for the Peace of the Land
Submitted to Hojo Tokiyori on July 16, 1260
On Establshing the Correct Teaching for the Peace of the Land
Submitted to Hojo Tokiyori on July 16, 1260
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Saturday, July 16, 2011
What will the future be like? No one knows the answer to this question. All we know is that the effects that will appear in the future are contained in the causes made in the present. The important thing, therefore, is that we stand up and take action to achieve great objectives without allowing ourselves to be distracted or discouraged by immediate difficulties.
Sensei on Life - Words of Wisdom
Those who always have a sense of appreciation and gratitude never reach an impasse in life.
--
Sally Long
Friday, 15 July 2011
Daily Encouragement - 15 July 2011
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Friday, July 15, 2011
Friday, July 15, 2011
What is the treasure of youth? It is struggle; it is hard work. Unless you struggle, you cannot become truly strong. Those who fight hard during their youth will have nothing to fear when the time comes to put the finishing touches on their lives. They will possess a great state of life that towers strong and unshakable. In Buddhism, we call this the state of Buddhahood, which nothing can undermine or destroy. It is a state of mind enjoyed by invincible champions of life.
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Friday, July 15, 2011
Friday, July 15, 2011
I, Nichiren, am hated by the people of Japan. This is entirely due to the fact that the lord of Sagami regards me with animosity. I grant that the government has acted quite without reason, but even before I encountered my difficulties, I foresaw that troubles of this kind would occur, and I resolved that, whatever might happen to me in the future, I must not bear any hatred toward others. This determination has perhaps acted as a prayer, for I have been able to come safely through any number of trials.
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 686
On Consecrating an Image of Shakyamuni Buddha Made by Shijo Kingo
Written to Shijo Kingo on July 15, 1276
On Consecrating an Image of Shakyamuni Buddha Made by Shijo Kingo
Written to Shijo Kingo on July 15, 1276
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Friday, July 15, 2011
Friday, July 15, 2011
Daily life can seem all too drab and unexciting. Living itself can sometimes seem a strain, and few of us realistically expect what joy we feel to last forever. But when we fall in love, life seems filled with drama and excitement. We feel like the leading character in a novel. But, if you get lost in love just because you are bored, and consequently veer from the path you should be following, then love is nothing more than escapism.
Sensei on Happiness - Words of Wisdom
A peaceful life does not mean a life free of toil and suffering, rather it means living without being swayed no matter what happens. This is a state of true peace and happiness.
--
Sally Long
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