Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 19 September 2012 - The Year of Developing a Youthful SGI

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

 

Our existence in this world can be likened to a dream. The issue of by far the greatest importance and eternal relevance is how we face death, the inescapable destiny of all living beings. For in the face of death, external factors such as social status or position in the organization count for naught. Everything depends on one's faith, one's state of life.

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

 

Is it not the meaning of the sutra and commentary that the way to Buddhahood lies within the two elements of reality and wisdom? Reality means the true nature of all phenomena, and wisdom means the illuminating and manifesting of this true nature. Thus when the riverbed of reality is infinitely broad and deep, the water of wisdom will flow ceaselessly. When this reality and wisdom are fused, one attains Buddhahood in one's present form.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 746

The Essentials for Attaining Buddhahood

Written to Soya Jiro Hyoe-no-jo Kyoshin on August 3, 1276

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

 

 The highest offering to the Buddha is not to worship something reminiscent of the Buddha. Rather, it is to inherit the Buddha's spirit. In other words, the highest offering lies in struggling to manifest, as one's own way of life, even a part of the spirit of the Buddha, who upheld the philosophy that everyone is a Buddha and tirelessly strove to save all from suffering.

 

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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1957) p.365

 

Had a fever all day.  A daily battle against the devil of illness. Decided to reread Collected Works of George A. Gamow.  Transcending my past preconceptions about Buddhism, I steadily realize the greatness of this Buddhism of sowing.

 

As my mentor always says, "The more science advances, the easier it will be to prove the profound significance of this great Buddhism."

 

(George Gamow (1904-1968), Ukrainian-born theoretical physicist and cosmologist; an early advocate and developer of Lemaître's Big Bang theory)

 

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Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 18 September 2012 - The Year of Developing a Youthful SGI

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

 

How can we create the greatest value in the short span of a lifetime? Those of us who embrace the Mystic Law know the answer. Our faith in and practice of the Daishonin's Buddhism enables us in this lifetime to solidify the world of Buddhahood in our lives and establish a state of eternal happiness. That is the purpose of faith in the Mystic Law, the purpose of our Buddhist practice.

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

 

I entrust you with the propagation of Buddhism in your province.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1117

The Properties of Rice

Written to the lay priest Takahashi, date unknown

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

 

You have been able to accept, uphold, read, recite and ponder this sutra and to preach it for others. The good fortune you gain thereby is immeasurable and boundless. It cannot be burned by fire or washed away by water. Your benefits are such that a thousand Buddhas speaking all together could never finish describing them. Now you have been able to destroy all devils and thieves, to annihilate the army of birth and death, and all others who bore you enmity or malice have likewise been wiped out.

Good man, a hundred, a thousand Buddhas will employ their transcendental powers to join in guarding and protecting you. Among the heavenly and human beings of all the worlds, there will be no one like you. -The Lotus Sutra

 

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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1957) p. 364

 

The general director stopped by in the morning.  He brought his dog with him.  Left for Sensei's house in Meguro at 8:00.  He talked with us for about an hour.  Reported on yesterday's general meeting and other matters.  Sensei treated us to strawberries. 

 

He said, "Daisaku, I want to fight for the next seven years until we attain a membership of two million households."  "I will fight resolutely, with a hundred times the courage," I replied.

 

Nevertheless, in the depths of my life I feel a hint of loneliness.  My sadness will not disappear.  How long will Sensei live?  What is his condition?  Ah, how distressing.  How miserable.  How terribly regrettable.  Sensei, I know.  I do.

 

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Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 17 September 2012 - The Year of Developing a Youthful SGI

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Monday, September 17, 2012

 

 Buddhism teaches, through the example of Bodhisattva Never Disparaging, to never look down on anyone. This is the essence of Buddhism. Nichiren Daishonin states that the "ultimate transmission" of Buddhism is to accord friends and fellow believers who are striving for kosen-rufu the same respect and reverence one would a Buddha.

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Monday, September 17, 2012

 

Even a word or a phrase of the correct teaching will enable one to gain the way, if it suits the time and the capacity of the people. But though one studies a thousand sutras and ten thousand treatises, one will not attain Buddhahood if these teachings are unsuitable for the time and the people's capacity.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 302

Letter to Sado

Written to Toki Jonin on March 20, 1272

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Monday, September 17, 2012

 

Life can unfold unlimitedly as long as we have a heart of appreciation and an undefeated mind. Based on the Buddhist perspective of the eternity of life, we volunteered to be born in our current life-condition and chose to encounter the problems we have. If you can take this perspective, you should be able to overcome any difficulty with joy.

 

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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1957) p.364

 

On the evening of the 14^th, attended a meeting in Yoshihara City in Shizuoka Prefecture – a group of members connected with Bunkyo Chapter.

 

No spirit or vigor.  Need to dispatch a capable leader to this area. 

 

Returned home late at night.  My wife waited up for me, sewing.

A beautiful night.  Want to build a family vulnerable to no one, dependent upon no one.

 

Yes! Will advance tomorrow again, even if only an inch or two.

 

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Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 16 September 2012 - The Year of Developing a Youthful SGI

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Sunday, September 16, 2012

 

A nurse who cared for many terminal patients has observed, "Ultimately, people only die as they have lived." To die happily is therefore extremely difficult. And since death is the final settlement of accounts for one's life, it is when our true self comes to the fore. We practice faith to live happily and also to die happily. One who has faith in the Mystic Law will not die an unhappy death.

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Sunday, September 16, 2012

 

Therefore, those who become Nichiren's disciples and lay believers should realize the profound karmic relationship they share with him and spread the Lotus Sutra as he does. Being known as a votary of the Lotus Sutra is a bitter, yet unavoidable destiny.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 994

Letter to Jakunichi-bo

Written to Jakunichi-bo Nikke on September 16, 1279

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Sunday, September 16, 2012

 

One thing is certain: That is, that the power of belief, the power of thought, will move reality in the direction of what we believe and conceive of it. If you really believe you can do something, you can. That is a fact.

 

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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1957) p. 363

 

In the evening, a corps chiefs meeting in preparation for the Sixth Youth Division General Meeting.  The meeting, a meaningful one, lasted until after 8:00.  If they maintain the same degree of earnestness as today, then according to the concept of 'consistency from beginning to end,' the general meeting ought to be a great success.

 

An important cause for victory is determined by the progress of the planning phase. 

 

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Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 15 September 2012 - The Year of Developing a Youthful SGI

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Saturday, September 15, 2012

 

I hope that each of you will realize success in your respective fields, fully recognizing that success means not giving up halfway but resolutely pursuing the path you have chosen. To this end, it is also important that you realize that the place where you work is a place for forging your character and growing as a human being. By extension, therefore, it is a place for your Buddhist practice, a place for practicing and deepening your faith. When you view things from this angle, all your complaints will disappear. No one is more pathetic than someone who is constantly complaining.

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Saturday, September 15, 2012

 

The deeper the roots, the more luxuriant the branches. The farther the source, the longer the stream. All sutras other than the Lotus Sutra have shallow roots and short streams, while the Lotus Sutra has deep roots and a distant source. That is why the Great Teacher T'ien-t'ai stated that the Lotus Sutra would survive and spread even in the evil latter age.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 940

The Father the Source, the Longer the Stream

Written to Shijo Kingo on September 15, 1278

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Saturday, September 15, 2012

 

When one is deluded, it is as if one were dreaming. And when one is enlightened, it is as if one had awakened - Nichiren

 

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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1957) p. 362

 

A cold day.  When Sensei is not active, the Gakkai is somehow quiet.  Asking myself whether this is acceptable.

Must increase my life force with daimoku.  "Myo means 'to revive'."

…

On the 12^th, the main funeral service for High Priest Nichiko Hori will be held at the head temple.  My last pilgrimage of this year.  Wish to offer him a heartfelt send-off to Eagle Peak.  Did a fulfilling gongyo.  Read.

 

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Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 14 September 2012 - The Year of Developing a Youthful SGI

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Friday, September 14, 2012

 

One's true worth as a human being is not a matter of outward appearance or title but derives rather from the breadth of one's spirit. Everything comes down to faith and conviction. It is what is in one's heart and the substance of one's actions that count.

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Friday, September 14, 2012

 

The government's persecution of me has clearly demonstrated my faith in the Lotus Sutra. There is no doubt that the moon wanes and waxes and that the tide ebbs and flows. In my case, too, since punishment has already occurred, benefit must be forthcoming. What is there to lament?"

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 194

Letter from Echi

Written to Toki Jonin on September 14, 1271

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Friday, September 14, 2012

 

The Buddha does not look down on living beings from on high. He lifts them up to the same level as himself. He teaches them that they are all equally treasure towers worthy of supreme respect. This is the philosophy of the Lotus Sutra and Nichiren's spirit. It is true humanism.

 

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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1957) p.361/62

 

A slight fever.  A dark and gloomy day.

Spent the whole day battling myself; fighting for kosen-rufu.  Way behind in writing my article.  Very troubling. 

Keenly aware of the excellence of President Makiguchi's and President Toda's scholarship.  Lament my own lack of ability.  Have no choice but to do human revolution. 

Attended a YMD group chiefs meeting in the evening.  Talked about Eta Benzo, the pioneer of Obihiro.

 

Boldly, I set my heart on the Northern Sea.

Let the wind blow!

Let the waves rise!

 

This verse speaks of destiny.

 

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Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 13 September 2012 - The Year of Developing a Youthful SGI

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Thursday, September 13, 2012

 

The functions of both the "devil" and the "Buddha" exist within our lives. Ultimately, our battle is with ourselves. Whether in our Buddhist practice or in activities in society, or whether in historical, political or economic developments, everything essentially boils down to a struggle between positive and negative forces.

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Thursday, September 13, 2012

 

Now Nichiren's lifelong prayer and desire will be achieved in an instant. And this fits the Buddha's prediction regarding the fifth five hundred years, just as one half of a tally matches the other.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 901

Reply to the Followers

Written to followers in Kamakura on March 21, 1278

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Thursday, September 13, 2012

 

Exerting yourself by chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo each day amounts to what might be called a spiritual workout. It purifies and cleanses your life, gets your motors running and puts you on the right course for the day. It gets your body and mind working smoothly and puts you in rhythm, in sync, with the universe.

 

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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1957) p.361

 

Until ten: My childhood, as the son of a seaweed farmer.

Until twenty: Developed self-awareness, battled the devil of illness.

Until thirty: Buddhist practice and study; fighting to destroy the devil of illness.

Until forty: Perfect my Buddhist study; perfect my Buddhist practice.

Until fifty: Make my declaration to society.

Until sixty: Complete the foundation of kosen-rufu in Japan.

 

Many thoughts.  Signposts for the future.

 

Now that I am approaching my thirties, I ponder alone how many of my life's goals I have completed.

 

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