Daily Encouragement - 14 July 2011

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Thursday, July 14, 2011    Governments come and go, economies rise and fall and society constantly changes. Only the good fortune that we accumulate during our lives lasts forever. The true victors are those who cultivate the tree of Buddhahood in the vast earth of their lives, while achieving success both in society and their personal lives through true faith and a true way of living.        From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Thursday, July 14, 2011   Outstanding Principles also declares: "Neither teacher nor disciples need undergo countless kalpas of austere practice in order to attain Buddhahood. Through the power of the Lotus Sutra of the Wonderful Law they can do so in their present form.". . . The purpose of [this passage] of commentary is to clarify that the attainment of Buddhahood in one's present form is limited to the Lotus Sutra alone.   The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1052 The Doctrine of Attaining buddhahood in One's Present Form Written to Myoichi-nyo on July 14, 1280       Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Thursday, July 14, 2011   An awareness of death enables us to live each day each moment - filled with appreciation for the unique opportunity we have to create something of our time on Earth. I believe that in order to enjoy true happiness, we should live each moment as if it were our last. Today will never return. We may speak of the past or of the future, but the only reality we have is that of this present instant. And confronting the reality of death actually enables us to bring unlimited creativity, courage and joy into each instant of our lives.      Sensei on Leadership - Words of Wisdom   Greatness as a human being is not determined by educational background or social position. A truly great person is one who can be a friend to those in suffering, pain and misery.

2011 Peace Proposal (Synopsis)

Toward a World of Dignity for All: The Triumph of the Creative Life (2011)

Our contemporary society is becoming increasingly fragmented as traditional family and community bonds break down. This is closely linked to a failure of communication, a breakdown of language as words become devalued and degraded.

Few have analyzed the vulnerability of language to abuse as incisively as the French philosopher Henri Bergson, who, guided by the axiom primum vivere (first, live!), warned consistently of Western philosophy's tendency to view everything through the lens of abstracted language and logic. Bergson's optimism can supply a catalyzing vision of a hopeful future, helping to redirect the course of modern civilization. This is the aim shared by all those who uphold the ideals of humanism.

The essence of the Buddhist humanism practiced by the members of the Soka Gakkai International (SGI) lies in the insistence that human beings strive to exercise their spiritual capacities to the limit, coupled with an unshakable belief in their ability to do this. It is on the basis of this faith in the unlimited creative capacities of human beings that we must address the concrete issues that face our world today. In this, it is vital to ensure that our responses are not overshadowed by the clash of national interests, and the United Nations must play a pivotal role in ensuring this.

To this end, the UN needs to strengthen and solidify its collaborative endeavors with civil society, and in particular with nongovernmental organizations. Where there is an absence of international political leadership, civil society can step in to fill the gap, providing the energy and vision needed to move the world in a new and better direction.

A world free of nuclear weapons

Together, the people of the world should undertake three challenges toward the creation of a world free of nuclear weapons: We should establish the structures through which states possessing nuclear weapons can advance disarmament toward the goal of complete elimination; we should establish the means to prevent all development or modernization of nuclear weapons; and we should establish a Nuclear Weapons Convention (NWC) comprehensively prohibiting them.

We need a fundamental revision of the framework for nuclear disarmament, such that the goal of multilateral negotiations is not confined to arms control but aims toward a clear vision of nuclear weapons abolition.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has called for the regular convening of a UN Security Council Summit on nuclear nonproliferation and disarmament. These summits should not be limited to the members of the Security Council: participation should also be opened to states that have chosen to relinquish their nuclear weapons or programs, as well as specialists in the field and NGO representatives.

This process should aim toward holding the 2015 Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) review conference in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Bringing together national leaders as well as representatives of global civil society, this would be a nuclear abolition summit which could mark the effective end of the nuclear era.

Regarding the prohibition and prevention of nuclear weapons development, the entry into force of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) is key. Non-nuclear-weapon states and civil society organizations should work together to encourage those countries that have yet to do so to ratify this treaty. In addition, there could be interlocking agreements on bi- or multi-lateral levels by which groups of states, such as Egypt, Israel and Iran, would mutually commit to ratify the treaty. A similar arrangement based on the Six-Party Talks could be used to move toward the denuclearization of Northeast Asia.

Finally, we must build on recent developments to promote a Nuclear Weapons Convention that will outlaw nuclear weapons. We stand at a watershed moment: we have before us the potential to bring the era of nuclear weapons to an end through a treaty that comprehensively bans them. We must not allow this historic opportunity to pass.

The crucial thing is to arouse the awareness that, as a matter of human conscience, we can never permit the people of any country to fall victim to nuclear weapons. We must each make a personal decision and determination to build a new world free of nuclear weapons.

The accumulated weight of such choices made by individual citizens can be the basis for a Nuclear Weapons Convention. Such a convention could then represent a qualitative transformation from traditional international law--negotiated solely among governments--to a form of law that derives its ultimate authority from the expressed will of the world's peoples.

A culture of human rights

The term "a culture of human rights" was popularized in part through the UN Decade for Human Rights Education (1995-2004), and it refers to an ethos that encourages people to take the initiative to respect and protect the full spectrum of human rights and the dignity of life. This UN framework was realized largely through the work of NGOs. At its foundation lies the awareness that, alongside legal guarantees of human rights--and remedies in the event they are violated--it is necessary to foster a culture that prevents violations from occurring in the first place.

It is not because they have been codified into law that human rights have value. The spiritual wellspring that supports the law is found in the struggle to gain and realize our rights, the succession of courageous individuals who take up the challenge of extending and expanding them.

Drafting work continues on a UN declaration on human rights education and training. In order to gain the support of as many states as possible in the UN General Assembly, and to ensure that the declaration is implemented worldwide, the consistent backing of civil society is indispensable. To this end, the development of collaborative relations between the UN and civil society would be assisted by the formation of an international coalition of NGOs for human rights education, and by the creation of a standing specialized UN agency to promote human rights education.

There is also a need to focus on the role of youth in human rights education. The importance of youth in challenging seemingly intractable social realities and creating a new era cannot be overstated. One possibility would be to explore youth initiatives for human rights education on a regional basis, including opportunities for direct exchange. Such exchanges can promote the spirit of recognizing human commonalities and respecting diversity as a source of creativity and vitality.

Finally, dialogue among different faiths can greatly promote the construction of a culture of human rights. It is through real-life daily struggles and challenges that a genuine sensitivity to human rights is inculcated. The foundation for this must be the workings of conscience, a determination to behave at all times and in all situations in a manner that one can proudly affirm. And it is the original mission of religion to encourage the growth and development of such an ethos.

It is only when the norms of human rights are elevated to a personal vow that they become a source of inexhaustible energy for social transformation. The world's religions should conduct dialogue toward the shared goal of constructing a culture of human rights and strive together to foster in people the capacity to take the lead in this endeavor.

When each of us makes our irreplaceable contribution and we develop multiple overlapping networks of solidarity, we can construct a new era founded on respect for the inherent value and dignity of life. Each of the world's seemingly ordinary individuals can be a protagonist in the creation of this new era. Members of the SGI are determined to continue working in solidarity and partnership with those who share our aspirations toward this goal of a new global society of peace and coexistence.Download the full proposal in pdf format

Daily Encouragement - 13 July 2011

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Wednesday, July 13, 2011    The glory we enjoy in a dream vanishes without a trace when we awaken. When an illusion disappears, nothing is left of its joy except a sense of emptiness, like that which one feels when finally sobering from a state of drunkenness. The joy of Buddhahood, however, is profound, indestructible and everlasting.        From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Wednesday, July 13, 2011   The Venerable Maudgalyayana put his faith in the Lotus Sutra, which is the greatest good there is, and thus not only did he himself attain Buddhahood, but his father and mother did so as well. And, amazing as it may seem, all the fathers and mothers of the preceding seven generations and the seven generations that followed, indeed, of countless lifetimes before and after, were able to become Buddhas.   The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 820 On Offerings for Deceased Ancestors Written to Jibu-bo Nichii's grandmother on July 13, 1279       Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Wednesday, July 13, 2011   People shouldn't hesitate to exert their all, in a way true to themselves. How can you possibly ever know how far or fast you can go if you've never run all-out? To give up even before you've tried is actually arrogance - an affront to the wondrous power of life within you and disrespectful to yourself. It is cowardly.       Sensei on Life & Death - Words of Wisdom   From the standpoint of eternity, there is hardly any difference between a "long" and a "short" life. Therefore, it's not whether one's life is long or short, but how one lives that is important. It is what we accomplish, the degree to which we develop our state of life, the number of people we help become happy--that is what matters.

Daily Encouragement - 12 July 2011

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Tuesday, July 12, 2011    I imagine that some of you have family members who are not yet practicing Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism. There is no need to be impatient or to agonize over this. Whether people take faith has to do with their mystic connection with Buddhism, which takes a variety of different forms. Important is the presence of one person who is practicing. One person's attainment of Buddhahood brings happiness to family members and relatives and all those around him or her. When a single sun rises, everything is illuminated.        From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Tuesday, July 12, 2011   When I think that I will surely eradicate these karmic impediments and in the future go to the pure land of Eagle Peak, though various grave persecutions fall on me like rain and boil up like clouds, since they are for the sake of the Lotus Sutra, even these sufferings do not seem like sufferings at all.   The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 191 The Origin of the Service for Deceased Ancestors Written to Shijo Kingo on July 12, 1271       Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Tuesday, July 12, 2011   No one can better bask in summer's balm than those who have endured winter's bite. Similarly, it is those who have suffered through life's darkest hours who are able to truly savour the bright dawn of happiness. The person who has transformed the worst of fate into the best of fortune is life's champion.      Sensei on Human Relationships - Words of Wisdom   To the extent that we love others, we will be loved. To the extent that we work for others' happiness, we will enjoy protection and support. This is the law of cause and effect.

Daily Encouragement - 11 Jul 2011

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Monday, July 11, 2011   It is important that youth in particular actively seek challenges to forge and strengthen themselves. Those who enjoy material luxury from a young age and do not work hard cannot become people of outstanding character. They cannot become great leaders who protect the people. I hope that you will work hard, sparing no effort, and develop yourselves as indomitable champions, shaken or disheartened by nothing. Events 1951 Young men's division established.    From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Monday, July 11, 2011 Neither the pure land nor hell exists outside ourselves; both lie only within one's own heart. Awakened to this truth, one is called a Buddha; deluded about it, one is called an ordinary person. The Lotus Sutra reveals this truth, and one who embraces the Lotus Sutra will realize that hell is itself the Land of Tranquil Light.   The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 456 Hell is the Land of Tranquil Light Written to Nanjo Tokimitsu's mother on July 11, 1274     Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Monday, July 11, 2011   The heart of the Buddha's lifetime of teachings is the Lotus Sutra, and the heart of the practice of the Lotus Sutra is found in the "Never Disparaging" chapter. What does Bodhisattva Never Disparaging's profound respect for people signify? The purpose of the appearance in this world of Shakyamuni Buddha, the lord of teachings, lies in his behaviour as a human being - Nichiren     Sensei on Difficulties  - Words of Wisdom   Defeat lies not in failing or making mistakes; rather, it lies in giving up on ourselves when we do so.

Daily Encouragement - 10 July 2011

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda   Sunday, July 10, 2011    Beethoven is called a genius. But we need to be aware that his genius was based on incredibly strenuous effort. It all comes down to hard work, to tenacious efforts. You cannot become a person of the highest caliber if you have a casual, easygoing attitude, thinking things will somehow just fall into place. Accordingly, Beethoven's motto was "No day without a line." Every day without fail, he wrote music. He would not let even a single day pass without working assiduously. To continue every day-this is just like our practice of gongyo. Making persistent efforts each day is a source of tremendous strength.        From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Sunday, July 10, 2011   Just as the Buddha's words in the sutra predict, the ruler grew hostile and the common people began to attack me. And because they treated me with enmity, heaven grew enraged, the sun and moon displayed great changes in their behaviour, and huge comets appeared. The earth shook as though it would turn over, internecine strife broke out, and they were attacked by a foreign country. All happened just as the Buddha had predicted, and there is no doubt that I, Nichiren, am the votary of the Lotus Sutra.   The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 607 Reply to the Lay Priest Takahashi Written to the lay priest Takahashi on July 12, 1275       Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Sunday, July 10, 2011   People's hearts are growing more complex, more confused and harder to understand. The same is true for human institutions. The darkness of this complicated and disturbed age may grow even deeper. This is why there is an even greater need for the brilliant inner light of culture, for education that polishes people's wisdom and character. This is the key to winning in life.      Sensei on  Self - Mastery - Words of Wisdom   One who has mastered himself is truly free. Freedom lies in the heart of the sage, servitude in the heart of the fool.

SGI-UK - Study Exam 2011

Study Exam 2011 Only Grade 1 and Grade 3 exam this year. Inspiration from Sensei: "Some think of Buddhist practice as retreating to a quiet place and leading a life of calm and contemplation, but you should know that from its earliest origins Buddhism was a philosophy of practice, of living and energetically engaging with others in dialogue. Buddhism is a teaching for helping all living beings, and especially the people who are suffering the most. Therefore, study needs to be rooted in daily life and serve as a guide for action. Study becomes a revitalizing force when it provides assurance and self-confidence in the power to overcome life's difficulties and tribulations. The Soka Gakkai's emphasis on study has achieved just this in the real world." (Daisaku Ikeda, The New Human Revolution, Volume 24, Chapter 2, 'Vigilant Safeguarding 38', SGI Newsletter No. 8208, 12 April 2011) SGI-UK has uploaded the material for the Grade 1 & 3 Study Exams in Nov. 2011 on the website below (Exam participants can find all the information they need on this website): http://www.sgi-uk.info/study The study material is also available in SGI-UK shops or by mail order: mailorder@sgi-uk.org or telephone 01628-591235 (Voicemail) Grade 1 Date: Sunday 13th November 2011 Time: 2:00pm-4pm (or 5pm if additional time required) Venue: SGI UK West London Centre (Rainbow Room, First Floor) 18 High Street, Acton, London W3 6LJ   How to apply The exam is for SGI members only. Guests and Naitokus are welcome to participate in the study course, but may not take the exam. Please print out and fill in the application form and send it to your HQ study leader by 10 September 2011. Please download the questions and study material here or they are available from 9 July 2011 in the SGI-UK shops in national centres. Study Material  Grade 1 2011 Questions and Material http://www.sgi-uk.info/study/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Grade-1-2011-Questions-and-Material.pdf Application Form Grade 1   Application Form Grade 1 2011 http://www.sgi-uk.info/study/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Application-Form-Grade-1-2011.pdf Frequently Asked Questions  Grade 1 2011 FAQ http://www.sgi-uk.info/study/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Grade-1-2011-FAQ.pdf Grade 3 How to apply The exam is for SGI members only who passed Grade 2 in 2009 or before. If you passed Grade 2 in 2010 you're not eligible this year. Please print out and fill in the application form and send it to your HQ study leader by 10  September 2011. Please download the questions and study material here or they are available from 9 July 2011 in the SGI-UK shops in national centres. Your dissertation must be submitted by post to the  Study Administration team at Taplow Court by 30 October 2011. Grade 3 Information & Questions    Grade 3 2011 Study Questions http://www.sgi-uk.info/study/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Grade-3-2011-Study-Questions.pdf Question 1     Grade 3 2011 Question 1 http://www.sgi-uk.info/study/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Grade-3-2011-Question-1.pdf Question 2    Grade 3 2011 Question 2 http://www.sgi-uk.info/study/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Grade-3-2011-Question-2.pdf Question 3    Grade 3 2011 Question 3 http://www.sgi-uk.info/study/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Grade-3-2011-Question-3.pdf Oral Exam Question   Grade 3 2011 Oral Exam Question http://www.sgi-uk.info/study/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Grade-3-2011-Oral-Exam-Question.pdf Application Form Grade 3     Application Form Grade 3 2011 http://www.sgi-uk.info/study/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Application-Form-Grade-3-2011.pdf Frequently Asked Questions Grade 3 2011 FAQ http://www.sgi-uk.info/study/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Grade-3-2011-FAQ.pdf