Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
September 9, 2024
Rather than sitting around idly and rusting, we must act, give of ourselves and contribute something to the world. The French scholar Robert Arnauld (1588-1674) declared, "Have we not all eternity to rest in?" Why do you seek to rest while you are still alive? he asks. These are venerable words indeed. When young people make truly dedicated efforts, almost punishing themselves, their true brilliance will shine forth.
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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
September 9, 2024
As I have been saying for some time, in your situation as a lay believer, you should just single-mindedly chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo morning and evening, day and night, and observe what happens at the last moments of your life. At that time, hasten to the summit of perfect enlightenment, and look around you in all directions. The entire realm of phenomena will have changed into the Land of Tranquil Light. . . . Buddhas and bodhisattvas all being caressed by breezes of eternity, happiness, true self, and purity. We, too, will surely be among their numbers.
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 843
Reply to Matsuno
Written to Matsuno Rokuro Saemon on September 9, 1277
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
September 9, 2024
What matters is winning in the end; the wins and losses along the way are of secondary significance. It's final victory in life that counts and that is the reason for our Buddhist practice. No matter how powerful or famous or privileged a person might be, Nichiren says, from a Buddhist point of view it is all nothing more than a dream, an illusory pleasure; true happiness can only be attained by revealing the state of Buddhahood within your own life.
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (02 March 1955) p.230
Some Friendships are shallow; others are deep. My relations with some are superficial, while others share my pleasures and my pains. Many people believe only in themselves, but they are egoistic and self-centered. Is this instinctual? Only the Gakkai tries to realize profound and powerful unity based on the principle of 'many in body, one in mind.' In all the world, we are the only ones to do so.
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