Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 31 October 2012 - The Year of Developing a Youthful SGI

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Wednesday, October 31, 2012   It is only natural that sometimes we fall sick. But we must see that sickness as a sickness that originally exists in life, based on the principle of the Mystic Law. In other words, there is no reason to allow yourself to be controlled by illness, for it to fill your life with suffering and distress. From the standpoint of eternal life through the three existences, your fundamentally happy self is incontrovertibly established.     From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Wednesday, October 31, 2012   Question: Is it possible, without understanding the meaning of the Lotus Sutra, but merely by chanting the five or seven characters of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo once a day, once a month, or simply once a year, once a decade, or once in a lifetime, to avoid being drawn into trivial or serious acts of evil, to escape falling into the four evil paths, and instead to eventually reach the stage of non-regression? Answer: Yes, it is.   The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 141 The Daimoku of the Lotus Sutra Recipient unknown; written on January 6, 1266     Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Wednesday, October 31, 2012   Death does not discriminate; it strips of us everything. Fame, wealth and power are all useless in the unadorned reality of the final moments of life. When the time comes, we will have only ourselves to rely on. This is a solemn confrontation that we must face armed only with our raw humanity, the actual record of what we have done, how we have chosen to live our lives, asking, "Have I lived true to myself? What have I contributed to the world? What are my satisfactions or regrets?"     Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1958) p.393/394   After the great May 3 general meeting, the Gakkai has entered its second phase… My battle begins.  Sensei, please watch over me.  Pray for my protection and for my righteousness.  Am prepared to die for kosen-rufu, the noble and glorious path toward peace for humanity… Feel feverish.  Unwell both in body and mind.  Regrettable.  Rest, health; progress, value. Read "On Curing Karmic Disease"... Life's ultimate revolution… Have I any recourse but to chant daimoku.

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 30 October 2012 - The Year of Developing a Youthful SGI

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Tuesday, October 30, 2012   The Gohonzon is the concrete manifestation of the very existence of Nichiren Daishonin, who taught kosen-rufu. Because of that, if you only practice gongyo and chant daimoku and don't take any other action for the sake of kosen-rufu or improving your own life, the Gohonzon will not have its true, full effect. If, however, you take actions to achieve kosen-rufu, they will serve as that extra push for your own life and help you leap to higher and higher states of mind in your gongyo and chanting as well.     From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Tuesday, October 30, 2012   Shakyamuni's practices and the virtues he consequently attained are all contained within the five characters of Myoho-renge-kyo. If we believe in these five characters, we will naturally be granted the same benefits as he was.   The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 365 The Object of Devotion for Observing the Mind Established in the Fifth Five-Hundred-Year Period af the Thus Come One's Passing Written to Toki Jonin on April 25, 1273     Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Tuesday, October 30, 2012   If you allow the passing of time to let you forget the lofty vows of your youth, you stand to block the source of your own boundless good fortune and sever the roots of limitless prosperity for your family and loved ones as well. Please never let this happen. Only by remaining steadfast to the vows we have made in our youth can we shine as true victors in life.     Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1958) p.393   Still have a slight fever.  Listless all day.  If I don't become healthy within this year, it will be a great problem.  My human revolution is a serious, life-or-death struggle.   Read Sensei's essay – for publication (in the Daibyakurenge).  He writes: "You must give what benefits others."  To provide what supremely benefits others means to carry out propagation, does it not?  Aren't we convinced the Mystic Law is the greatest source of benefit?  Throughout his life, he was a mentor whose actions always accorded with his words.

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 29 October 2012 - The Year of Developing a Youthful SGI

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Monday, October 29, 2012   Gongyo is a practice that calls forth and activates the infinite power that the microcosm inherently possesses. It transforms your fate, breaks through any apparent dead ends and converts sufferings into happiness. It creates a transformation, a revolution of the microcosm. It is a diagram in miniature of kosen-rufu in our lives.     From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Monday, October 29, 2012   If a boat is handled by an unskilled steersman, it may capsize and drown everyone aboard. Likewise, though someone may have great physical strength, if he lacks a resolute spirit, even his many abilities will be of no use.   The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 614 The Supremacy of the Law Written to Oto and her mother, Nichimyo, on August 4, 1275     Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Monday, October 29, 2012   As you meet various trials and difficulties, thus polishing all the many facets of the jewel which is life, you will learn to walk that supreme pathway of humanity. Of this, I am confident, and I am confident too that those who embrace life's native creativity now stand and will continue to stand in the vanguard of history. Bringing the creativity of life to its fullest flowering is the work of human revolution. Carrying out this kind of human revolution is your mission now as it will be throughout your lives.     Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1958) p.393   May 3, a day of profound significance, is just round the corner.  This will be the day I take the Gakkai leadership in reality, will it not?   My heart is troubled.  A heavy load to carry.   Will fight to prove my mentor's greatness to the world.  Will advance, straight ahead.  Will fight resolutely, riding over the violent waves of obstacles and devils.  Have entered the essential part of my youth.

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 28 October 2012 - The Year of Developing a Youthful SGI

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Sunday, October 28, 2012   It may seem perfectly all right to put ourselves and our own wishes first, to simply follow the dictates of our emotions and cravings, but the truth is that there is nothing more unreliable than our own mind. Life doesn't always go like clockwork and things will not necessarily turn out as we hope or plan. Consequently, Nichiren Daishonin frequently stressed: You should become the master of your mind, not let your mind master you. We mustn't allow ourselves to be ruled by a self-centered mind. Rather, we have to discipline our mind and gain mastery over it. This is the Daishonin's strict admonition.     From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Sunday, October 28, 2012   Showing profound compassion for those unable to comprehend the gem of the doctrine of three thousand realms in a single moment of life, the Buddha wrapped it within the five characters [of Myoho-renge-kyo], with which he then adorned the necks of the ignorant people of the latter age.   The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 376 The Object of Devotion for Observing the Mind Established in the Fifth Five-Hundred-Year Period after the Thus Come One's Passing Written to Toki Jonin on April 25, 1273     Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Sunday, October 28, 2012   Shakyamuni Buddha explained the fundamental spirit of Buddhism as a sense of individual responsibility. "You are your only master. Who else? Subdue yourself and discover your master." In other words, we must each take responsibility for our own self-discipline and for cultivating meaningful lives.     Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1958) p.392   On the 25th: Took the Swallow express to Kobe to administer the Study Department examination for the Kansai area.  My first visit since the death of my beloved mentor.  Though the mentor has departed, Gakkai members are refreshed and in high spirits.  Confident about their future…   Deeply moved to see the several tens of thousands of sincere examinees.  Is this a sign of the Gakkai's solid latent power?  No mishaps or accidents.  Relieved.

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 27 October 2012 - The Year of Developing a Youthful SGI

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Saturday, October 27, 2012   Whether we regard difficulties in life as misfortunes or whether we view them as good fortune depends entirely on how much we have forged our inner determination. It all depends on our attitude or inner state of life. With a dauntless spirit, we can lead a cheerful and thoroughly enjoyable life. We can develop a "self" of such fortitude that we can look forward to life's trials and tribulations with a sense of profound elation and joy: "Come on obstacles! I've been expecting you! This is the chance that I've been waiting for!"     From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Saturday, October 27, 2012   The function of fire is to burn and give light. The function of water is to wash away filth. The winds blow away dust and breathe life into plants, animals and human beings. The earth nourishes the grasses and trees, and heaven provides nourishing moisture. The five characters of Myoho-renge-kyo are also like that. They are the cluster of blessings brought by the Bodhisattvas of the Earth, disciples of the Buddha in his true identity.   The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 218 The Heritage of the Ultimate Law of Life Written to Sairen-bo Nichijo on February 11, 1272     Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Saturday, October 27, 2012   Literature that works to refine, deepen and save the human soul is akin to a religion that elevates and binds people together. And the texts of great religions, such as the Bible and the Buddhist scriptures, make great literature. Literature and religion are parts of the human heritage, and determining how to use that heritage is essential to our further growth as human beings.     Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1958) p.391/392   Today, I bid my final farewell to my mentor.  Want to visit his home alone, as I see fit.  No disciple is as grief-stricken and sad to part from Sensei as I am. A strict father; a kind father.  Owe everything I am today to my beloved mentor.  Revere him. … Approximately 120,000 people came to offer incense today.  Sincere people who heartily respect Sensei. Determined that I must guide them further from here on, limitlessly, toward happiness.  On behalf of my "father".

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 26 October 2012 - The Year of Developing a Youthful SGI

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Friday, October 26, 2012   I hope that, basing yourself on faith, you will become wealthy people of virtue and influence who are widely respected. I would like to add, however, that worldly success is not equivalent to true happiness. Achieving this requires that we have a profound understanding of the nature of life. A person of success in the true sense is one who can enjoy a free and unrestrained state of life.     From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Friday, October 26, 2012   Life is the foremost of all treasures. It is expounded that even the treasures of the entire major world system cannot equal the value of one's body and life.   The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1125 The Gift of Rice Recipient and date unknown     Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Friday, October 26, 2012   Buddhism is a movement emphasizing self-education with the aim of unlocking and developing our inherent Buddha nature while at the same time bringing forth diverse wisdom and using various expedient means to help others tap their Buddhahood. This development of potential, this education of oneself and others, is the noblest path a human being can ever pursue.     Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1958) p.391   Have watched over Sensei's body for one week, in accord with his wishes.  Today is our final parting.  How sad.  How mournful.  Savored the golden words, "Those persons who had heard the Law dwelled here and there in various Buddha lands, constantly reborn in company with their teachers" (WND, 217)

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 25 October 2012 - The Year of Developing a Youthful SGI

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Thursday, October 25, 2012   It is the sharp sword of the Mystic Law and the great power of faith that enable us to completely sever the chains of suffering. Therefore, I wish to make it clear that to secure eternal freedom and happiness, you must absolutely not be cowardly, especially in faith.     From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Thursday, October 25, 2012   Moreover, I chant the daimoku, which is the heart and core of the entire sutra, and I urge others to do likewise. Although the mugwort growing in a hemp field or wood marked for cutting with an inked line may not be straight to begin with, they will as a matter of course become so. In the same way, one who chants the daimoku as the Lotus Sutra teaches will never have a twisted mind. For one should know that, unless the mind of the Buddha enters into our bodies, we cannot in fact chant the daimoku.   The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 670 The Blessings of the Lotus Sutra Written to Myomitsu on March 5, 1276     Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Thursday, October 25, 2012   Health is not simply a matter of absence of illness. Health means constant challenge. Constant creativity. A prolific life always moving forward, opening up fresh new vistas - that is a life of true health. An unbeatable spirit is what supplies the power to keep pressing ahead.     Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (Wed 02 April 1958) p.391   The life of a great hero of the Mystic Law, a towering figure of kosen-rufu, has ended.  But Sensei has left behind an extension of his life, and it is about to open the second act in the decisive battle to actualize Buddhist principles in society.  I will stand up.