Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 7 April 2021 - Year of Hope and Victory

              

                             

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
April 7, 2021
 
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
April 7, 2021
 
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
April 7, 2021
 
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 (23 January 1953) p.133
 
Many problems trouble the world. The newspapers are devoid of any encouraging news. A dreadful world. It pains my youthful heart. The only security is to advance with bold determination, without begrudging my life.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 6 April 2021 - Year of Hope and Victory

                             

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
April 6, 2021

 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
April 6, 2021
 
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
April 6, 2021

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 (22 January 1953) p.133
 
Went to bed thinking about Mr. Toda. Have I served him well until today, or have I not? Have I acted sincerely? Have I travelled the path of mentor and disciple honorably? Ashamed of my incompetence as a disciple.

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Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 5 April 2021 - Year of Hope and Victory

                         

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

April 5, 2021

 

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

April 5, 2021

 

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

April 5, 2021

 

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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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (15 January 1953) p.132

 

Have decided to reflect on myself more seriously from now on. The path I must follow with respect to my mentor demands the greatest self-awakening. Deeply regret my thoughtlessness, having presumed upon President Toda's profound consideration. My own lack of realization is as clear as if reflected in a mirror. To trip over the same stone twice is indeed foolish. Will reflect, and then advance once again, cheerfully and boldly.

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Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 4 April 2021 - Year of Hope and Victory



                             

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
April 4,  2021
 
There is no means other than faith by which to open our lives and our inner state of Buddhahood. Faith is the most "open" state of mind of all. Infinite clusters of good fortune spill forth from this unbarred treasure house of life.
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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
April 4,  2021
 
Each of you should summon up the courage of a lion king and never succumb to threats from anyone. The lion king fears no other beast, nor do its cubs. Slanderers are like barking foxes, but Nichiren's followers are like roaring lions.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 997
On Persecutions Befalling the Sage
Written to all followers (and entrusted to shijo Kingo) on October 1, 1279
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
April 4,  2021
 
The flower of the Law blooms within the human being. It shines through our character. The Lotus Sutra is wholly a teaching for human beings. The purpose of religion is to help each person become happy. But even a teaching whose original intent was to promote human happiness may start to restrict people. Even the Lotus Sutra could be used incorrectly to justify discrimination. What is necessary to prevent the danger of such distortion from occurring? It is the disciple's inheritance of the resolute spirit and faith of the mentor to lead people to happiness.
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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (6 January 1953) p.131
 
In the morning, Mr Toda lectured on principles of law. Morning study is now in full swing. Must be clearheaded every morning so that I can absorb the lecture.
 
Indomitable spirit. Guts. Stubborn determination – these may not be elegant terms, but I believe they are necessary qualities for a man's life. Must fight hard now to ensure victory ten years from now. Will study hard and work hard, looking ahead ten years into the future.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 3 April 2021 - Year of Hope and Victory

                          

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
April 3, 2021
 
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
April 3,  2021 
 
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
April 3,  2021 
 
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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Daisaku Ikeda – A Youthful Diary (31 December 1951) p.126
 
At 4:00 we had a year-end company gathering. Everyone surrounded President Toda as he gave guidance to each individual, one by one. To some he was strict, while to others, he spoke of the next ten years to come. He also spoke of problems with the economy and foreign policy. Sometimes he would mention the importance of Buddhist study, while to others he spoke of his own childhood and youth. I ate until my stomach hurt.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 2 April 2021 - Year of Hope and Victory



                             

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
April 2, 2021
 
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
April 2, 2021
 
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
April 2, 2021
 
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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Daisaku Ikeda – A Youthful Diary (26 December 1952) p.125
 
Wish to become a leader who will never be swayed, who can always protect my juniors no matter what adversity I might encounter. Praying strongly that my fellow members and my family will spend the year-end enjoyably and safely. Wish to read many books next year. I will read and read and read. Next year will be my year of study. This is so I will not fall behind the Gakkai's advancement. 
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 1 April 2021 - Year of Hope and Victory



                             

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
April 1, 2021
 
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
April 1, 2021

 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
April 1, 2021
 
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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Daisaku Ikeda – A Youthful Diary (26 December 1952) p.125
 
A cold morning. I consider enduring the cold wind as training for both my body and mind. Must grow strong, to become someone on whom others can rely. I am now embraced by my mentor and protected by my parents. I have excellent comrades in faith. Society, too, enjoys better times.
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