Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 31 January 2013 - Year of Victory for a Youthful SGI

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Thursday, January 31, 2013

 

Youth should not seek an easy comfortable path. No one develops in a pampered environment. Youth should instead actively seek out challenges and hardships, transforming them all into valuable assets as they strive to become individuals of outstanding character and ability.

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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Thursday, January 31, 2013

 

Carry through with your faith in the Lotus Sutra. You cannot strike fire from flint if you stop halfway. Bring forth the great power of faith, and be spoken of by all the people of Kamakura, both high and low, or by all the people of Japanas "Shijo Kingo, Shijo Kingo of the Lotus school!" Even a bad reputation will spread far and wide. A good reputation will spread even farther, particularly if it is a reputation for devotion to the Lotus Sutra.

 

 The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 319

Earthly Desires are Enlightenment

Written to Shijo Kingo on May 2, 1272

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Thursday, January 31, 2013

 

A higher religion does not negate rationality. No religion that suppresses human reason can earn the trust of humankind. Buddhism, the "religion of wisdom," is an extremely rational religion. In fact, it is so rational that many Westerners even question whether it can be classified as a religion, since it does not teach the existence of a supreme being in the image of humankind.

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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1960) p.462

 

Never forget that we become worthy to be called true practitioners of faith only when we, as Gakkai members, live up to the Daishonin's golden words.  "However wretched a beggar you might become, never disgrace the Lotus Sutra." (WND, 824)

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Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 30 January 2013 - Year of Victory for a Youthful SGI

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Wednesday January 30, 2013

 

Buddhism teaches that "all phenomena in the universe are manifestations of the Law" (Gosho Zenshu, p. 564). I hope you will, with this understanding, engage yourselves in broad-ranging studies with vigour and determination. Your brains have a potential as vast and boundless as the universe. How then do we manifest the brain's full creative powers? There is only one way to bring out our full intellectual capacity: by constantly putting our minds to work.

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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Wednesday January 30, 2013

 

My disciples, you should believe what I say and watch what happens. These things do not occur because I myself am respect worthy, but because the power of the Lotus Sutra is supreme. If I praise myself, people will think that I am boastful, but if I humble myself, they will despise the sutra. The taller the pine tree, the longer the wisteria vine hanging from it. The deeper the source, the longer the stream. How fortunate, how joyful! In this impure land, I alone enjoy true happiness and delight.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 642

A Sage Perceives the Three Existences of Life

Written to Toki Jonin in 1275

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Wednesday January 30, 2013

 

Just as a diamond can only be polished by another diamond, it is only through intense human interaction engaging the entire personality that people can forge themselves, raising themselves up to ever-greater heights.

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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1960) p.461/462

 

Senior leaders seem to hold themselves above all.  They move in the direction most advantageous for themselves.  In many instances, junior members find it difficult to trust their senior leaders, even those they thought they could trust in the beginning.

No members are more pitiful and sad than those whose seniors are not trustworthy and lack responsibility.

In any case, rather than criticize others, I myself must first become a great senior to the members.  Will extend my love to everyone.  Must expand my capacity.  Must become as all -encompassing as the vast expanse of an ocean..

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Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 29 January 2013 - Year of Victory for a Youthful SGI

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

 

Practicing Buddhism means being victorious. In advancing one step at a time amid the realities of our daily lives, in showing concrete actual proof, in becoming victors and successes we are demonstrating with our very beings the validity of Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism and serving as a source of hope and inspiration for those who will follow us on the path of faith.

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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

 

Understand then that the votary who practices the Lotus Sutra exactly as the Buddha teaches will without fail be attacked by the three powerful enemies. In the more than two thousand years that have passed since the Buddha's advent, Shakyamuni himself, T'ien-t'ai and Dengyo were the only three who perfectly carried out the Buddha's teachings. Now in the Latter Day of the Law, Nichiren and his disciples and lay believers are just such practitioners.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 395

On Practicing the Buddha's Teachings

Written to all followers in May 1273

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

 

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 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.

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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1960) p.461

 

Became painfully aware of my immaturity and of my weakness stemming from my pure-hearted and honest nature. Everyone seems to try to take advantage of me.  But I shall walk along my own path as a youth, resolute and unperturbed, experiencing boundless joy from the Law.

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Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 28 January 2013 - Year of Victory for a Youthful SGI

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Monday, January 28, 2013

 

All of you are chanting for the happiness of many members - children of the Buddha - in your respective communities, you support and encourage them and work tirelessly on their behalf as if they were your own children. Your actions are truly those of great bodhisattvas, your state of life that of noble Buddhas.

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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Monday, January 28, 2013

 

Let others hate you if they will. What have you to complain of, if you are cherished by Shakyamuni Buddha, Many Treasures Buddha, and the Buddhas of the ten directions, as well as by Brahma, Shakra, and the gods of the sun and the moon? As long as you are praised by the Lotus Sutra, what cause have you for discontent?"

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 464

The Unity of Husband and Wife

Written to Nichigen-nyo on January 27, 1275

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Monday, January 28, 2013

 

Why are human beings born? This question has posed a great challenge. Josei Toda lucidly set forward his conclusion. Namely, that this world is a place for people to, as the Lotus Sutra states, "enjoy themselves at ease." We were born here in order to thoroughly savour the joys of life. Faith in Nichiren Buddhism enables one to bring forth the great life force needed to lead such an existence.

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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1960) p.461

 

At 3:30 p.m., the entire board of directors went to Josen-Ji to offer New Year's greetings...

May be it was ok this time since it is the New Year.  But felt troubled they did not understand the Gakkai spirit toward accomplishing kosen-rufu.

 

Everyone appears to think they are right.  This must be people's essential nature.  It will require considerable effort to help them, one by one, cultivate "a land of spotless and good" (LS11, 181) within them, thereby leading them to a supreme state of life.  After all, have no choice but to call out continuously my faith and conviction.

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Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 27 January 2013 - Year of Victory for a Youthful SGI

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Sunday, January 27, 2013

 

Viewing events and situations in a positive light is important. The strength, wisdom and cheerfulness that accompany such an attitude lead to happiness. To regard everything in a positive light or with a spirit of goodwill, however, does not mean being foolishly gullible and allowing people to take advantage of our good nature. It means having the wisdom and perception to actually move things in a positive direction by seeing things in their best light, while all the time keeping our eyes firmly focused on reality.

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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Sunday, January 27, 2013

 

If a vessel is free of these four faults of overturning, leaking, being defiled, and being mixed, then it can be called a perfect vessel. If the embankments around a moat do not leak, then the water will never escape from the moat. And if the mind of faith is perfect, then the water of wisdom, the great impartial wisdom, will never dry up.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1015

Letter to Akimoto

Written to Akimoto Taro Hyoe-no-jo on January 27, 1280

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Sunday, January 27, 2013

 

Everyone has a right to flower, to reveal his or her full potential as a human being, to fulfill his or her mission in this world. You have this right, and so does everyone else. This is the meaning of human rights. To scorn, violate and abuse people's human rights destroys the natural order of things. Prizing human rights and respecting others are among our most important tasks.

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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1960) p.461

 

Some people live one year's worth in ten years; others live ten years worth in one year.  How precious it is to live each day to create value!

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Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 26 January 2013 - Year of Victory for a Youthful SGI

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Saturday January 26, 2013

 

Truly praiseworthy are those who resolve to work hard for kosen-rufu and the SGI within the lofty realm of Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism. They are genuinely capable people. And they will definitely attain life-conditions of complete fulfillment.

 

Events

1975 SGI Day

Soka Gakkai International established in Guam; Daisaku Ikeda inaugurated as SGI president.

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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Saturday January 26, 2013

 

One should not be intimidated by the fact that so many hold such beliefs. Nor does the truth of a belief depend on whether it has been held for a long or short time. The point is simply whether or not it conforms with the text of the scriptures and with reason.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 168

The Tripitaka Master Shan-wr-wei

Written to Joken-bo and Gijo-bo in 1270

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Saturday January 26, 2013

 

A coward cannot become a Buddha. We cannot attain Buddhahood unless we possess the heart of a lion. The harsher the situation, the bolder the stand we must take. This is the essence of the Soka Gakkai spirit.

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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1960) p.460

 

Left home at 8:00 a.m.  Annoyed by the crowded train.  Spent all my pocket money during New Year's vacation.  No money left for a cab. From today on, cannot waste money any more.

Must exert myself at work more earnestly from today on.

...

In the evening, top youth division leaders came by my home.  We dined together.  Talked about my vision seven years and fourteen years from now.  Did they understand or not?  Did they believe or not?

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Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 24 January 2013 - Year of Victory for a Youthful SGI

 

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Thursday, January 24, 2013

 

We use our voices not only to chant daimoku but to guide, encourage and introduce others to the Daishonin's Buddhism. Our voice, therefore, is very important. An angry voice, a coarse voice, a cold voice, an imperious voice - none of these will communicate how wonderful Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism is. I would like you to be humanistic leaders who can encourage others with bright warm voices, so that they will say, "What a lovely voice!" and "I'm always so inspired when I hear you speak." Becoming this kind of leader is one actual proof of your human revolution.

 

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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Thursday, January 24, 2013

 

I explained the teachings of the Lotus Sutra to you before. Matters of minor importance arise from good, but when it comes to a matter of great importance, great disaster without fail changes into great fortune.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 824

A Warning against Begrudging One's Fief

Written to Shijo Kingo in July 1277

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Thursday, January 24, 2013

 

Buddhism teaches equality and absolute respect for the dignity of life. Educating people to be citizens of the world begins with cultivating respect, compassion and empathy for others. I am certain that friendship and limitless trust in people can empower us to overcome socially disruptive discrimination and hatred. Open-minded exchanges on the popular level will be increasingly important in the years to come. When people engage in mind-to-mind dialogue, they are grateful to see ethnic and cultural differences not as obstacles but as expressions of society - enriching diversity that engenders respect and a desire for further exploration.

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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1960) p. 457

 

Left for my first pilgrimage of the year aboard at 10:00 a.m. express from Tokyo Station…

 

Recalled my departed mentor while on the train, gazed at Mount Fuji.  No matter when I look at it, it is always a beautiful mountain.  It is the foremost mountain in the world.  Want to live as solid as this mountain.

 

A great sage and thinker, Nichiren Daishonin, in his boyhood, travelled the road along the eastern seaboard to MountHiei to study.  What did he think of Mount Fuji when he saw it?  Thought about his emotions at that time.

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Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 23 January 2013 - Year of Victory for a Youthful SGI

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

 

As practitioners of the Daishonin's Buddhism we get up in the morning and do gongyo. Some perhaps may do so rather reluctantly! Nevertheless, doing gongyo is itself a truly great and noble thing. Gongyo is a solemn ceremony in which we are looking out and over the universe. It is a dialogue with the universe.

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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

 

A wisteria vine, by twining around a pine, may climb a thousand fathoms into the air; and a crane, because it has wings to rely upon, can travel ten thousand ri. It is not their own strength that allows them to do these things. This applies likewise in the case of the priest Jibu-bo. Though he himself is like the wisteria vine, because he clings to the pine that is the Lotus Sutra, he is able to ascend the mountain of perfect enlightenment.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 820

On Offerings for Deceased Ancestors

Written to Jibu-bo Nichii's grandmother on July 13, 1279

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

 

Mahatma gandhi said, "Good travels at a snail's pace." The peace movement cannot accomplish things radically and all at once. Often, it can only advance by gradual and protracted means. Gradualism does not, however, imply negative compromise or merely passing time. It means truly reforming our times by sowing seeds of peace in individual minds through sincere dialogue and, in this way, cultivating consensus.

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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (01 Jan 1960) p.456

 

My whole family sat together before the Gohonzon.

Could not hold back my appreciation for the Gohonzon's protection of my entire family: myself; my wife; my eldest son, Hiromasa; my second son, Shirohisa; and my third son, Takahiro.

 

Made a deep resolution for this new year to my mentor, Josei Toda.  My wife seems to know what is in my heart.

 

The 708^th anniversary of the Daishonin's Buddhism has begun.  How will it unfold?  Could not help praying for every Gakkai member's steadfast faith, happiness and dynamic progress. Especially hoping for top leaders' self-awareness and earnestness.

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Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 21 January 2013 - Year of Victory for a Youthful SGI

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Monday, January 21, 2013

 

Humanity today lacks hope and vision for the future. It is for precisely this reason that the Bodhisattvas of the Earth have appeared. Without your presence, the future of humanity would be bleak and spiritual decline its destination. That is why you have been born in this age and are now playing an active role in society. This is the meaning of jiyu, or "emerging from the earth." Consequently, each of you will definitely become happy. Please be confident that you will lead lives overflowing with good fortune throughout the three existences of past, present and future.

 

From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Monday, January 21, 2013

 

I hope all those who are serious in their resolve will gather in one place and listen to this letter.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 622

The Problem to Be Pondered Night and Day

Written to Toki Jonin on August 12, 1275

 

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

 

Monday, January 21, 2013

 

We ordinary people can see neither our own eyelashes, which are so close, nor the heavens in the distance. Likewise, we do not see that the Buddha exists in our own hearts - Nichiren

 

Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1959) p.453

 

This year is almost over.  A year of worries, development, effort and earnestness.

 

I miss Sensei.  Every year, on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, I was moved by Sensei's encouraging words, which were like those of a parent appreciating his child's efforts.

 

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 20 January 2013 - Year of Victory for a Youthful SGI

 

 

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Sunday, January 20, 2013

 

In this lifetime, to demonstrate the power of faith in the Mystic Law to others some of you may have been born into poverty so that you could show actual proof by gaining secure and comfortable lives. Some of you may have been born with ill health so that you could show proof by growing strong and healthy. Irrespective of your situations, however, the light of faith in the depths of your beings will continue to shine on eternally with diamond-like brilliance.

 

From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Sunday, January 20, 2013

 

Strengthen your resolve more than ever. Ice is made of water, but it is colder than water. Blue dye comes from indigo, but when something is repeatedly dyed in it, the color is better than that of the indigo plant. The Lotus Sutra remains the same, but if you repeatedly strengthen your resolve, your color will be better than that of others, and you will receive more blessings than they do.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 615

The Supremacy of the Law

Written to Oto and her mother, Nichimyo, on August 4, 1275

 

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Sunday, January 20, 2013

 

A complete lack of exertion or stress may seem desirable, but in fact it results in boredom and stagnation. It is essential that we keep making continuous efforts amid challenging circumstances, pushing forward with dynamic creativity and breaking through all obstacles. That is the way to develop new strength and achieve fresh growth, whether it be in the case of an individual or an organization.

 

Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1959) p.452

 

In the morning, cleaned the yard for the first time in a long while.  Few flowers in the garden, but my home is like a flower garden of happiness.

 

Of late, I can deeply sense the benefit of the Gohonzon.

 

The Gosho states: "the words of the Dharma King contain no falsehoods" (DND, 654).  I have a palace in my heart, and it permeates my small home.