Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 22 February 2021 - Year of Hope and Victory



    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

February 22, 2021 

What was the secret to Edison's success? He explained that it was to never give up before he succeeded in what he was trying to do. Not giving up-that's the only way. Once you give up you are defeated. This is equally true in the realm of faith. Quitting is not faith. We have to keep chanting until our prayers are answered. That is the correct way of prayer. 

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 From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

February 22, 2021 

Though this mandala has but five or seven characters, it is the teacher of all Buddhas throughout the three existences and the seal that guarantees the enlightenment of all women. It will be a lamp in the darkness of the road to the next world and a fine horse to carry you over the mountains of death. It is like the sun and moon in the heavens or Mount Sumeru on earth. It is a ship to ferry people over the sea of the sufferings of birth and death. It is the teacher who leads all people to Buddhahood and enlightenment. 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 414

On Offering Prayers to the Mandala of the Mystic Law

Recipient and date unknown

 

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 Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

February 22, 2020 

Real optimism should not be confused with a carefree outlook on life, one in which we forfeit responsibility for our lives. The person undefeated by misfortune, poverty, insult and vilification, the person who can bounce back from every adversity and say, "What? That was nothing!" The person who marches on toward hope through sheer force of will - that person is a true optimist.

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (23 January 1958) p.379 

Took an injection in the morning. Sensei's condition, too, is not good. He has often said, "The source of energy for our struggle lies in building iron bodies, life force and good health." Yet this mentor and his disciple both suffer from weak health. Resent this trick of fate.