Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 7 December 2017 - ‘Developing Youth in the New Era

 

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

December 7, 2017

 It is our hearts that change others' hearts. Friendship changes people. Travellers who pull their capes over their shoulders and brace themselves determinedly against the cold wind naturally relax and change their outlook and actions when warmed by the sun.

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

December 7, 2017

 A single life is worth more than the major world system. You still have many years ahead of you, and moreover you have encountered the Lotus Sutra. If you live even one day longer, you can accumulate that much more benefit. How precious your life is!"

 

On Prolonging One's Life Span

Nichiren Daishonin sent this letter in 1279 to the lay nun Toki, the wife of Toki Jonin.

 

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 Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

December 7, 2017

Peace can never be attained by passively waiting for it. It is necessary for each of us, no matter how weak we may feel we are, to build deep within our hearts a stronghold for peace that can withstand, and in the end silence, the incessant calls for war.

 

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 Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (06 March 1957) p.328

 The social standard for what constitutes good and bad people contains unresolved contradictions. Must become one who can deeply and keenly perceive good and evil based upon the standard of the Mystic Law. In leading people, it is important not to make mistakes. Must fairly and objectively perceive and understand the strong points and shortcomings of people's characters, their hearts and minds and their actions. Want to protect the disadvantaged. Want to enable good people to arise. Want to support people of justice and integrity… Toward the final victory.

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 6 December 2017 - ‘Developing Youth in the New Era

 

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

 December 6, 2017

 

Where can we find the royal road to reformation and change? Emerson declared: "Not he is great who can alter matter, but he who can alter my state of mind." He strongly urged us to undergo an inner reformation. I want you to be assured that the challenge to which we set ourselves day after day - that of our human revolution -- is the royal road to bringing about a reformation in our families, local regions and societies. An inner revolution is the most fundamental and at the same time the ultimate revolution for engendering change in all things.

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

 December 6, 2017

 

The host: You have associated with a friend in the orchid room and have become as straight as mugwort growing among the hemp. If you will truly give consideration to the troubles I have been describing and put entire faith in these words of mine, then the winds will blow gently, the waves will be calm, and in no time at all we will enjoy bountiful harvests.

 

On Establishing The Correct Teaching (1260)

The work consists of a dialogue between a host and a visitor. The host

represents Nichiren Daishonin, and the visitor, it is thought, represents Hojo Tokiyori. At the outset, the host lays the blame for the disasters that have befallen the country on the belief in an erroneous religion, the Pure Land teachings of Honen.

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

 December 6, 2017

 

Human society can be full of contradictions. It can be unfair; unforgiving, too. Yet we cannot afford to turn our backs to the world. A person who does loses, and no excuse can gloss that over. Given a choice whether to sink or swim, one must swim to the very end, no matter how the seas around us may rage.

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (06 March 1957) p.328

 

Read Japan's Prime Ministers and How to Lead People. Uninteresting. Abe Isenokami Masahiro was councilor to the shogun at twenty-five. In England, William ("the Younger") Pitt became prime minister at twenty-four. This accorded with the solution of national crises. The power of youth. Lately, have come to a vivid awareness that faith and human revolution are one, and human revolution and social revolution are one.

 

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 5 December 2017 - ‘Developing Youth in the New Era

 

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

December 5, 2017

 If you practice faith yet have an attitude of complaint, you will destroy your good fortune in direct proportion. Those who are full of complaint are not respected by others. From both Buddhist and secular perspectives, their behaviour does not befit a wise or worthy person.

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

December 5, 2017

Money serves various purposes according to our needs. The same is true of the Lotus Sutra. It will be a lantern in the dark or a boat at a crossing. At times it will be water, and at other times, fire. This being so, the Lotus Sutra assures us of "peace and security in this life and good circumstances in the next."

The Swords of Good and Evil

This letter was written to Hojo Yagenta, a lay believer in Kamakura in 1274

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

December 5, 2017

 Inconspicuous virtue brings conspicuous reward. From the perspective of Buddhism, we never fail to receive the effect of our actions, whether good or bad; therefore, it's meaningless to be two-faced or to pretend to be something we're not.

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (13 February 1957) p..327

Lately, I have been reflecting upon my lack of proficiency in Buddhist study. Need unremitting effort. This is the most essential requirement for leaders from now on. Want this year to be a year of reading.

My quiet home, my warm home; a home overflowing with good fortune. My pure, clean home; home of youthful poetry. While it is small, this home is my great pride.

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Tidied up my bookshelf for a while. My books are like my children.

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 4 December 2017 - ‘Developing Youth in the New Era

 

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

December 4, 2017

 In any earnest struggle, there come crucial challenges -- mountains that must be scaled and conquered if we are to win. In Buddhist practice, too, we face such crucial challenges. If we hope to advance kosen-rufu and attain Buddhahood, then we must prevail over these mountains.

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

December 4, 2017

 

When it comes to understanding the Lotus Sutra, I have only a minute fraction of the vast ability that T'ien-t'ai and Dengyo possessed. But as regards my ability to endure persecution and the wealth of my compassion for others, I believe they would hold me in awe.

 

 The Opening of the Eyes

In 1272, still in exile under harsh conditions on Sado Island, the Daishonin completed this work in two volumes and addressed it to Shijo Kingo

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

December 4, 2017

 

There is an expansive life-state of profound, secure happiness that transcends any material or social advantage. It is called faith; it is called the life-state of Buddhahood. As Nichiren reminds us: "It is the heart that is important." It is in the heart of faith that Buddhahood resides and boundless and immeasurable happiness shines forth. Happiness is not something located far away. We must realize that it exists within our own lives.. Nichiren Buddhism teaches this and shows us how to attain indestructible happiness.

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (31 January 1957) p.326

Want to do the kind of gongyo, morning and evening, in which I can practice the profound meditation of the Lotus Sutra. Reflecting deeply upon my life, which lacks the power of concentration. There are times I feel impelled to cross the oceans, soaring into the air to boldly advance global kosen-rufu – traveling to the mysterious developing nations of Southeast Asia; to the advanced civilization of America; to the tumultuous, newly developing communist countries; to the Christian democracies of Europe; to Africa and South America – the continents of the twenty-first century; and to Australia, the land of the future. Dreams! Never die!

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 3 December 2017 - ‘Developing Youth in the New Era

 

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

December 3, 2017

Faith is the secret to happiness for all people. When you truly forge your mind of faith, you will become an eternal victor throughout the three existences of past, present and future. Strong faith enables you to display your wisdom appropriately, so that you can take advantage of change and move forward in the direction of victory and hope.

 

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 From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

December 3, 2017

The present time corresponds to the first five hundred years of the Latter Day of the Law. Passages of the sutra clearly state that at this time Bodhisattva Superior Practices will appear and bestow the five characters of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo on all the people of Japan. And they reveal that he will face exile and execution. I am also like the envoy of Bodhisattva Superior Practices because I spread this doctrine.

 Reply To The Lay Priest Takahashi

Nichiren Daishonin wrote this letter in 1275 at Minobu to the lay priest Takahashi Rokuro Hyoe. Takahashi's wife was the aunt of Nikko Shonin, and it was through this connection that he had been converted to the Daishonin's teaching.

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

December 3, 2017

 Dialogue is a positive endeavour. It builds solidarity and creates unity. To reject others only has negative repercussions. It invites division and leads to destruction. The point is to meet and to talk. It is only natural that our perspective may at times differ from that of others. But dialogue gives rise to trust, even among those who don't see eye to eye.

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (12 January 1957) p.325

 Cold all day. My life lacks common sense – I constantly overtax myself. This is my unstoppable course of destiny. Severe, uncowed by raging waves of diversity – the challenging path of mentor and disciple. I absolutely cannot die…

Tomorrow, I go alone to Hokkaido. The winds are cold. My finances are also bleak. Each day I spend building good fortune and wisdom is glorious.

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 2 December 2017 - ‘Developing Youth in the New Era

 

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

December 2, 2017

 

Nichiren Daishonin writes, "If you light a lantern for another, it will also brighten your own way" (Gosho Zenshu, p. 1598). Please be confident that the higher your flame of altruistic action burns, the more its light will suffuse your life with happiness. Those who possess an altruistic spirit are the happiest people of all.

 

 

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

December 2, 2017

 

All these things I have done solely in order to repay the debt I owe to my parents, the debt I owe to my teacher, the debt I owe to the three treasures of Buddhism, and the debt I owe to my country. For their sake I have been willing to destroy my body and to give up my life, though as it turns out, I have not been put to death after all.

 

On Repaying Debts Of Gratitude

Written in 1276, Nichiren Daishonin wrote this treatise to express his gratitude to Dozen-bo and sent it to Joken-bo and Gijo-bo, senior priests at the time.

 

 

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

December 2, 2017

 

What is defeat in life? It is not merely making a mistake; defeat means giving up on yourself in the midst of difficulty. What is true success in life? True success means winning in your battle with yourself. Those who persist in the pursuit of their dreams, no matter what the hurdles, are winners in life, for they have won over their weaknesses.

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1957) p.324

 

Another fine day. Happy. Rested through the morning – read. Various thoughts about the future arise like gathering clouds. At 2:00, lectured on the latter portion of "The Teaching Affirmed by All Buddhas Throughout Time" at I.'s. Though incapable, I gave it my all. In the evening, attended Shigi Chapter's first meeting of the year. Gave guidance sincerely. There are times I hope for people's happiness and other time that feeling does not arise. Strange, the common mortal's mind.

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 1 December 2017 - ‘Developing Youth in the New Era

 

 Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

December 1, 2017

 

Buddhism means putting the teachings into practice. Practice equals faith. With sincere prayer and action, our desires cannot possibly fail to be fulfilled. When you continue to apply yourselves to your Buddhist practice toward kosen-rufu, solidifying and gaining mastery in your faith, you will find that all your prayers will definitely be answered.

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

December 1, 2017

 

I vowed to summon up a powerful and unconquerable desire for the salvation of all beings, and never to falter in my efforts.

 

The Opening of the Eyes

Written to Shijo Kingo in February of 1272 from Sado - Tsukahara

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

December 1, 2017

 

The main thing is to be proud of the work you do, to live true to yourself. Activity is another name for happiness. What's important is that you give free, unfettered play to your unique talents, that you live with the full radiance of your being. This is what it means to be truly alive.

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (28 December 1956) p.317

 

Heard a report from the secretary's office that Sensei is in poor health. Concerned. Was told he will be staying home for two or three days to recuperate. This is what I want him to do. The fatigue of this tumultuous year has finally shown itself. Sensei is ill and I am, too. It's frustrating. Why are others, both within and outside the Gakkai, so healthy? Had been concerned about my year-end finances, but mysteriously, it seems we somehow had enough to see us through until the New Year. It is an inconspicuous benefit.