Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 13 March 2021 - Year of Hope and Victory

        

           

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

March 13, 2021

 

If we don't practice gongyo, the rhythm of our lives will be thrown off kilter, just as a machine that isn't oiled will rust. Gongyo and chanting daimoku are like starting an automobile's engine every day and driving in the direction of happiness and truth. By doing so day after day, you will gradually attain perfect unity with the universe and the Law. That state is the state of the Buddha.

 

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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

March 13, 2021

 

Abutsu-bo is therefore the treasure tower itself, and the treasure tower is Abutsu-bo himself. No other knowledge is purposeful. It is the treasure tower adorned with the seven kinds of treasures - hearing the correct teaching, believing it, keeping the precepts, engaging in meditation, practicing assiduously, renouncing one's attachments, and reflecting on oneself. You may think you offered gifts to the treasure tower of the Thus Come One Many Treasures, but that is not so. You offered them to yourself.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 299

On the Treasure Tower

Written to Abutsu-bo Nittoko on March 13, 1272

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

March 13, 2021

 

In the face of rejection, you must learn to be courageous. It is important to believe in yourself. Be like the sun, which shines on serenely even though not all the heavenly bodies reflect back its light and even though some of its brilliance seems to radiate only into empty space. While those who reject your friendship may sometimes fade out of your life, the more you shine your light, the more brilliant your life will become.

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Daisaku Ikeda – A Youthful Diary (10 June 1951) p. 116

Before the Gohonzon, I must make a vow and deeply apologize. Also I must reflect on the following points:

 

1. Take action for propagation and practice for others.

2. Awaken to a sense of responsibility for the sake of my district.

3. Be careful about my speech.

4. Deeply reflect on my tendency to insist on my own viewpoint.

5. Be careful to show proper courtesy to senior members.

 

My language and actions with regard to Y. were clearly wrong. Must reflect. There is truly no end to my problems.

 

When we reflect, we can advance. Resolutely, determinedly. Nothing else suits my nature.

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