Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 23 February 2021 - Year of Hope and Victory



    Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

February 23, 2021

Without courage we cannot be compassionate. Courage and compassion are inseparable, like the two sides of a coin. Faith is the wellspring of courage. The Daishonin says, "Nichiren's disciples cannot accomplish anything if they are cowardly," (The Major Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 128). A cowardly person cannot realize victory in life. Unless we have the courage to really dedicate our lives to kosen-rufu, we cannot construct true happiness for ourselves and others.

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

February 23, 2021 

Even though one may encounter a wise teacher and the true sutra and thereby embrace the correct teaching, when one resolves to break free from the sufferings of birth and death and attain Buddhahood, one will inevitably encounter seven grave matters known as the three obstacles and four devils, just as surely as a shadow follows the body and clouds accompany rain. Even if you should manage to overcome the first six, if you are defeated by the seventh, you will not be able to become a Buddha. 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 894

Letter to Misawa

Written to Misawa Kojiro on February 23, 1278

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

February 23, 2021 

The only way for human beings to change is for them to conquer their inner darkness and rediscover the eternal dignity within their own lives. Cultivating the noble spirit with which all people are endowed will directly lead to a change in the destiny of humankind.

 

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 Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (25 January 1958) p.379 

To say nam is to express one's heart of respect and praise. Unable to do gongyo and chant daimoku with a rich heart. Reflected deeply.