Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 09 April 2014 - Year of Opening a New Era of Worldwide Kosen-rufu

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

 

Nothing is wasted in faith. One never loses out. Please be confident that all your efforts to help others and promote Buddhism are accumulating immense treasures of good fortune in your life. This is what is meant by inconspicuous benefit.

 

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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

 

And yet there is one river called the Sahaya that follows a course as straight as a taut rope, flowing directly into the western sea. A woman who has faith in the Lotus Sutra will be like this river, proceeding directly to the  Pure   Land  in the west. Such is the virtue inherent in the single character myo.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 149

The Daimoku of the Lotus Sutra

Recipient unknown; writen on January 6, 1266

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

 

Illusion about the true nature of existence is literally illusion about the nature of one's own life. This is the fundamental source of all illusions. If we are ignorant about the nature of our own existence, then we will be ignorant about the nature of other people's lives, too. On the other hand, when our lives are free of illusion, we can perceive the treasure tower that shines resplendent in all people, in all beings.

 

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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (11 April 1954) p.167

 

7:00 at Josen-Ji – my last meeting with the First Corps. They seemed sad to see me go.

You have fought well. I am grateful to you.

You have followed me closely. I thank you deeply.

You have endured many hardships. Well done!

I will protect you steadfastly throughout my life.

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 07 April 2014 - Year of Opening a New Era of Worldwide Kosen-rufu

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Monday, April 7, 2014

 

Strength is the source of happiness. We mustn't shy away from life's challenges. We mustn't be defeated. Refusing to be defeated equals victory. A person who perseveres to the end is a winner. In the course of promoting our movement, the Soka Gakkai has never pulled back in the face of any hindrance. We have kept moving forward. And that is the key to our success. Never to retreat a single step, no matter what - that is the Soka Gakkai spirit. Those who embrace this spirit can achieve unlimited victory.

 

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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Monday, April 7, 2014

 

If you try to treat someone's illness without knowing its cause, you will only make the person sicker than before.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 774

The Actions of the Votary of the Lotus Sutra

Written to the lay nun Konichi in 1276

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Monday, April 7, 2014

 

The Buddhist teaching of the inseparability of evil and good means that everything can be made one or the other in an instant, according to what we harbour in our hearts. Everything begins with the self. A change in one's outlook or intention triggers a change in the self and radiates outward to effect society-wide revolutions. This idea is what we in the SGI refer to as "human revolution."

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (05 April 1954) p.166

 

My physical condition is extremely poor. Went to the Namamugi area on business. Felt ill all day.

Must chant daimoku, first and foremost. There is no other way to challenge and overcome my destiny than to chant daimoku. Practice – concrete action with a bold, unyielding spirit. Not even partial reform can be accomplished through mere theory. To the headquarters in the evening for a Daibyakurenge editorial staff meeting

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 06 April 2014 - Year of Opening a New Era of Worldwide Kosen-rufu

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Sunday, April 6, 2014

 

There is no retirement age in faith. Sincere faith never ages. Those who exert themselves for the sake of the Law are ever young. Our heart is what matters most. Let us strive to the end of our days for kosen-rufu.

 

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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Sunday, April 6, 2014

 

So if a woman makes offerings to the Lotus Sutra now in the last five hundred year period, [Bodhisattva Gladly Seen's] benefits will all be bequeathed to her without exception, just as a wealthy man transfers his entire fortune to his only son.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 911

An Outline of the "Entrustment" and Other Chapters

Written to Nichinyo on June 25, 1278

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Sunday, April 6, 2014

 

Pure and committed practice of Nichiren Buddhism entirely changes the meaning of hardships in our lives. We no longer view challenges and trials as negatives to be avoided but as things which, when overcome, bring us closer to our attainment of Buddhahood.

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (03 April 1954) p165

 

Visited President Toda at home to apologize for the other evening.  Arrived at 5:45.  He was still in an unpleasant mood.  Escorted him to Tokyo Station where he took the 7:27 to Kansai.  My heart is clouded as he did not forgive me.

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 05 April 2014 - Year of Opening a New Era of Worldwide Kosen-rufu

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Saturday, April 5, 2014

 

In all things patience is the key to victory. Those who cannot endure cannot hope to win. Ultimate triumph belongs to those who can forbear.

 

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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Saturday, April 5, 2014

 

I, Nichiren, observing this state of affairs, proceeded to consult the great collection of Buddhist scriptures. There I discovered the reason why these prayers are without effect and on the contrary actually make the situation worse, along with passages of proof to support it. In the end I had no other recourse than to compile a work to present my findings, entitling it On Establishing the Correct Teaching for the Peace of the Land…

This I did solely that I might repay the debt of gratitude that I owe to my native land.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 161

The Rationale for Writing "On Establishing the Correct Teaching for the Peace of the Land"

Written to Hogan on April 5, 1268

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Saturday, April 5, 2014

 

Even places that have been shrouded in darkness for billions of years can be illuminated. Even a stone from the bottom of a river can be used to produce fire. Our present sufferings, no matter how dark, have certainly not continued for billions of years - nor will they linger forever. The sun will definitely rise. In fact, its ascent has already begun.

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (02 April 1954) p.165

 

A youth division general staff meeting at 8:00 at S.'s. President Toda stopped by after his lecture. He severely rebuked us – like an atomic bomb going off. Calling us naive, he trembled with rage as he spoke. Completely unable to understand his intentions. Severely reproached myself, reflecting deeply.

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 03 April 2014 - Year of Opening a New Era of Worldwide Kosen-rufu

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Thursday, April 3, 2014

 

From one perspective, gongyo and daimoku are lyrics and songs. They are an ode to life. I hope, therefore, that your gongyo and daimoku will be such that even people who are not practicing will be favourably impressed by the sonorous and invigorating sound of your voices. That too will contribute to the spread of kosen-rufu.

 

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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Thursday, April 3, 2014

 

If one doubts the strength of the Buddha when he says, "I am the only person who can rescue and protect others," if one is suspicious of the rope held out by the Lotus Sutra when its teachings declare that one can "gain entrance though faith alone," if one fails to chant the Mystic Law which guarantees that "such a person assuredly and without doubt [will attain the Buddha way]," then the Buddha's power cannot reach one, and it will be impossible to scale the embankment of enlightenment.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 59

Questions and Answers about Embracing the Lotus Sutra

Recipient unknown; written in March 1263

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Thursday, April 3, 2014

 

A life lived without purpose or value, the kind in which one doesn't know the reason why one was born, is joyless and lacks lustre. To just live, eat and die without any real sense of purpose surely represents a life pervaded by the life-state of animals. On the other hand, to do, create or contribute something that benefits others, society and ourselves and to dedicate ourselves as long as we live up to that challenge - that is a life of true satisfaction, a life of value. It is a humanistic and lofty way to live.

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (23 March 1954) p162

 

The Suiko Group met at 6:00.  Have gradually come to sense my heavy responsibility.

Stopped by the chapter chief's house on the way home.  Seriously discussed the chapter's future development.  Emphasized that good communication among top leaders is fundamental to effectively managing the chapter.

  

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 02 April 2014 - Year of Opening a New Era of Worldwide Kosen-rufu

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Wednesday, April 2, 2014

 

Why are human beings born? This question has posed a great challenge. President 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 the Daishonin's Buddhism is what enables us to bring forth the great life force we need to lead such an existence.

 

Events

1958 Josei Toda, the Soka Gakkai's second President, dies.

 

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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Wednesday, April 2, 2014

 

Though I may be a person of little ability, I have reverently given myself to the study of the Mahayana. A blue fly, if it clings to the tail of a thoroughbred horse, can travel ten thousand miles, and the green ivy that twines around the tall pine can grow to a thousand feet.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 17

On Establishing the Correct Teaching for the Peace of the Land

Submitted to Hojo Tokiyori on July 16, 1260

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Wednesday, April 2, 2014

 

Promptness is crucial in leading a victorious life. How we start each morning determines that day's victory or defeat. It's important that we resolve to win in the morning and begin our work with an energetic, refreshed spirit. We mustn't forget that this is the secret to continual success. We live in a tumultuous age, and in such times, swift action is the key to success.

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (18 March 1954) p162

 

Early morning – worked on a thesis titled "On the Sacred Teachings Concerning the Eternity of Life." Fifteen pages. My graduate thesis for the Study Department. Thoroughly reflecting on my lack of deep insight.

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 01 April 2014 - Year of Opening a New Era of Worldwide Kosen-rufu

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

 

Emerson writes: "And so of cheerfulness, or a good temper, the more it is spent, the more of it remains." Cheerfulness is not the same as frivolousness. Cheerfulness is born of a fighting spirit. Frivolousness is the reverse side of cowardly escape. Emerson also said that "power dwells with cheerfulness, hope puts us in a working mood." Without cheerfulness there is no strength. Let us strive to advance still more brightly and cheerfully.

 

Events

1974 SGI President Ikeda gives his first university lecture, at UCLA.

 

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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

 

This teaching was not propagated in the Former or Middle Day of the Law because the other sutras had not yet lost their power of benefit. Now, in the Latter Day of the Law, neither the Lotus Sutra nor the other sutras lead to enlightenment. Only Nam-myoho-renge-kyo can do so. This is not my own judgment. Shakyamuni, Many Treasures, the Buddhas of the ten directions, and the bodhisattvas who emerged from the earth as numerous as the dust particles of a thousand worlds have so determined it.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 903

The Teaching for the Latter Day

Written to Nonjo Tokimitsu on April 1, 1278

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

 

At all times I think to myself: How can I cause living beings to gain entry into the unsurpassed way and quickly acquire the body of a Buddha? -The Lotus Sutra

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (11 March 1954) p.162

 

Spoke one to one with about ten people. Giving personal guidance is difficult. President Toda and the other senior leaders are truly skilled at it. They can grasp thoroughly the nature of the other person's problem and what he or she is seeking, leading that person to a solution. Though it might seem simple, it is really vital. The guidance given by a senior in faith can determine the course of a person's entire life.