Saturday, 22 March 2014

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 22 March 2014 - Year of Opening a New Era of Worldwide Kosen-rufu



Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday, March 22, 2014
 
I call to each of you: Strive for prosperity! Strive for development! Strive for victory! Life is about striving all out to achieve our aims; it is about hard work and effort. Regardless of how smart you may be, intelligence alone cannot guarantee your future.

 
From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Saturday, March 22, 2014
 
If a tree is deeply rooted, its branches and leaves will never wither. If the spring is inexhaustible, the stream will never run dry. Without wood, a fire will burn out. Without earth, plants will not grow. I, Nichiren, am indebted solely to my late teacher, Dozen-bo, for my having become the votary of the Lotus Sutra and my being widely talked about now, in both a good and bad sense. Nichiren is like the plant, and my teacher, the earth.
 
Flowering and Bearing Grain
Written to Joken-bo and Gijo-bo in April 1278

 
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday, March 22, 2014
 
Life is full of unexpected suffering. Even so, as Eleanor Roosevelt said: "If you can live through that [a difficult situation] you can live through anything. You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, "I lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along." That's exactly right. Struggling against great difficulty enables us to develop ourselves tremendously. We can call forth and manifest those abilities lying dormant within us. Difficulty can be a source of dynamic growth and positive progress.
 
 
Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (14 February 1954) p.158
 
Poured all my energy into giving guidance.
Faith and guidance must be carried out with the realization that "now is my last moment."
Can I visit this area again one day?
I believe some can become happy as a result of the guidance they received during these two days.
  

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Friday, 21 March 2014

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 21 March 2014 - Year of Opening a New Era of Worldwide Kosen-rufu



Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Friday, March 21, 2014
 
Why is it that sometimes our prayers seem to not be answered? This is a manifestation of the Buddha's wisdom - so that we can deepen our prayers, become stronger people, live more profound lives and secure deeper, more lasting good fortune. If our slightest prayer were answered immediately, we'd become lazy and degenerate. And we couldn't hope to build a life of great dignity and substance.
 
 
From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Friday, March 21, 2014
 
Now in the Latter Day of the Law, any person whether wise or ignorant, priest or lay believer or of high or low position who embraces Myoho-renge-kyo and practices it in accordance with the Buddha's teaching cannot fail to gain the fruit of Buddhahood.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 482
The Teaching, Practice, and Proof
Written to Sammi-bo on March 21, 1275
 
 
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Friday, March 21, 2014
 
The function of fire is to burn and give light. The function of water is to wash away filth. The winds blow away dust and breathe life into plants, animals, and human beings. The earth produces the grasses and trees, and heaven provides nourishing moisture. The five characters of Myoho-renge-kyo are also like that. They are the cluster of blessings brought by the Bodhisattvas of the Earth, disciples of the Buddha in his true identity - Nichiren.
 
 
Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (13 February 1954) p.157
 
At 12:30, took the Niagra Express to Niigata District for propagation activities, arriving around 6:00...
Praying that many capable future leaders will arise one after another from this area. Yet how many fellow members will truly trust and follow me?
Must not think people are attracted to me due to my own power or ability. They are following the power of the Mystic Law. The members will advance on account of the Gakkai's power. Disgusted with my tendency to ignore my own lack of ability and pretend to know more than I do. Must seriously reflect.
  


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Thursday, 20 March 2014

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 20 March 2014 - Year of Opening a New Era of Worldwide Kosen-rufu



Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Thursday, March 20, 2014
 
There may be times when life seems gloomy and dull. When we feel stuck in some situation or other, when we are negative toward everything, when we feel lost and bewildered, not sure which way to turn - at such times we must transform our passive mind-set and determine, "I will proceed along this path," "I will pursue my mission today." When we do so a genuine springtime arrives in our hearts and flowers start to blossom.
 
 
From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Thursday, March 20, 2014
 
It is impossible to fathom one's karma. Iron, when heated in the flames and pounded, becomes a fine sword. Worthies and sages are tested by abuse. My present exile is not because of any secular crime. It is solely so that I may expiate in this lifetime my past grave offenses and be freed in the next from the three evil paths.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 303
Letter from Sado
Written to Toki Jonin on March 20, 1272
 
 
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Thursday, March 20, 2014
 
Buddhism aims to make people free in the most profound sense, its purpose is not to restrict or constrain. Buddhist prayer is a right, not an obligation. Because Buddhism entails practice, tenacious efforts are required, but these are all for your own sake. If you want to have great benefits or to develop a profound state of life, you should exert yourself accordingly.
 
 
Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (12 February 1954) p.157
 
I don't feel so well. Very tired. Angry seniors, jealous friends and those who are full of hostility. A person with a goal and a mission will forge directly ahead, facing any difficulty with a smile.
 


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Wednesday, 19 March 2014

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 19 March 2014 - Year of Opening a New Era of Worldwide Kosen-rufu



Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
 
By devoting ourselves earnestly to SGI activities, we gain the ability to turn all difficulties and obstacles into benefit, recognizing that earthly desires and delusions are enlightenment and that the sufferings of birth and death are nirvana. No matter how unpleasant the circumstances we find ourselves in, we can transform them into hope and good fortune - into eternal happiness. How incredible this is!
 
 
From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
 
Although I and my disciples may encounter various difficulties, if we do not harbor doubts in our hearts, we will as a matter of course attain Buddhahood. Do not have doubts simply because heaven does no lend you protection. Do no be discouraged because you do not enjoy an easy and secure existence in this life. This is what I have taught my disciples morning and evening, and yet they begin to harbour doubts and abandon their faith.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 283
The Opening of the Eyes
Written to Shijo Kingo in February 1272
 
 
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
 
There are many elements involved in a prayer being answered, but the important thing is to keep praying until it is. By continuing to pray, you can reflect on yourself with unflinching honesty and begin to move your life in a positive direction on the path of earnest, steady effort. Even if your prayer doesn't produce concrete results immediately, your continual prayer will at some time manifest itself in a form greater than you had ever hoped.
 
 
Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (11 February 1954) p.156
 
Must burn with a youthful passion to learn.  Must advance with a seeking spirit, like one truly seeking the Way.  This is the most important requisite for becoming an excellent leader.
 


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Tuesday, 18 March 2014

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 18 March 2014 - Year of Opening a New Era of Worldwide Kosen-rufu



Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
 
Let us do our utmost to sustain the wonderfully warm atmosphere of the SGI - an atmosphere where members feel free to discuss whatever is on their minds. Unless we do so, our organization will stop growing, stop developing. The SGI is a world of humanity - of the heart, of faith, of compassion. It is a world of unity and mutual inspiration. That is why it is strong. If we continue to value and promote these qualities, the SGI will continue to grow and develop forever. I want to declare here and now the atmosphere where we can discuss anything is fundamental to the SGI.

 
From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
 
Regard your service to your lord as the practice of the Lotus Sutra. This is what is meant by "No worldly affairs of life or work are ever contrary to the true reality." I hope you will deeply consider the meaning of this passage.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 905
Reply to a Believer
Written to Shijo Kingo on april 11, 1278

 
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
 
Happiness doesn't exist on the far side of distant mountains. It is within you, yourself. Not you, however, sitting in idle passivity. It is to be found in the vibrant dynamism of your own life as you struggle to challenge and overcome one obstacle after another, as you clamber up a perilous ridge in pursuit of that which lies beyond.
 
 
Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (11 February 1954) p.156
 
Today is President Toda's fifty-fourth birthday. 
In the morning, I gave him a white shirt and neck tie as a gift.  He seemed quite fatigued.
At 2:00, I helped administer the Study Department oral examination, along with Secretary Y.  About forty candidates took the exam.  Ashamed about my own lack of ability. Must study.  Must not be defeated.


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Monday, 17 March 2014

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 17 March 2014 - Year of Opening a New Era of Worldwide Kosen-rufu



Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Monday, March 17, 2014
 
You mustn't allow yourselves to grow old before your time. Please live with a youthful spirit. That is what Buddhism teaches us to do and it is how life ought to be lived. If you make a commitment to work for the sake of others, you will be rejuvenated. If you devote your life to helping others, you'll stay young. The power of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo guarantees that.
 
 
From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Monday, March 17, 2014
 
Strengthen your faith day by day and month after month. Should you slacken in your resolve even a bit, devils will take advantage.
 
On Persecutions Befalling the Sage
Written to all followers (and entrusted to Shijo Kingo) on October 1, 1279
 
 
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Monday, March 17, 2014
 
Buddhism teaches that life at each moment embraces all phenomena. This is the doctrine of a life-moment possessing three thousand realms, which is the Lotus Sutra's ultimate teaching and Buddhism's essence. Because of the profound way our lives interact with people around us, it is vital that we reach out to others, that we be engaged with our environment and with our local community. A self-absorbed practice or theory without action is definitely not Buddhism.
 
 
Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (10 February 1954) p.156
 
Saw President Toda in his office at 1:30.  Reported on various matters.  Greatly appreciate Sensei's passion to instruct me in many areas, as ignorant as I am.
Gave a lecture in Ikebukuro this evening.  Visited President Toda again afterwards, bringing him two boxes of strawberries.  He was extremely happy.  Received guidance for an hour together with H.  Truly amazed at his life force and boundless wisdom. 
 


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Sunday, 16 March 2014

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 16 March 2014 - Year of Opening a New Era of Worldwide Kosen-rufu



Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Sunday, March 16, 2014
 
March 16, Kosen-Rufu Day. The spirit of this day lies not in magnificent ceremonies or high-sounding words. It lies in being victorious. That is the most crucial thing in all endeavours. In life and in Kosen-Rufu, we either win or lose. I would like you to be absolute victors in both. No matter what excuses we try to make, giving in to defeat brings misery and loses us the respect of others. I hope each of you without exception will adorn your life with indestructible triumph.
 
Events: Kosen-Rufu Day.
1958 More than 6,000 youth attend a ceremony at the head temple where President Josei Toda passes responsibility for the spread of the Daishonin's Buddhism to all youth division members.

 
From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Sunday, March 16, 2014
 
Now, at the beginning of the Latter Day of the Law, I, Nichiren, am the first to set out on propagating, throughout Jambudvipa, the five characters of Myoho-renge-kyo, which are the heart of the Lotus Sutra and the eye of all Buddhas. These five characters are the heart of the Lotus Sutra and the source of the enlightenment of all Buddhas.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 764
The Actions of the Votary of the Lotus Sutra
Written to the lay nun Konichi in 1276

 
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Sunday, March 16, 2014
 
There is no other course for us but to entrust everything to the youth. This holds true for families, businesses and countries. Youth are vitally important to the world and the human race. The key to eternal development lies in fostering, encouraging and training youth who will lead the way to a new era.
 
 
Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (09 February 1954) p.156
 
Yesterday evening, President Toda had a bout of ill health.  Heard that his condition is extremely poor.  There is no excuse for my absence at such a crucial time.  When I heard that he called out my name two or three times my heart ached.  I wonder what he was thinking.  He seems a little better today.  My only hope is that he lives long.  I am not the only one repeatedly amazed by his tremendous life force, which resurges like a great immortal  Phoenix ...
Met with Sensei in the president's office at 10:30.  He is completely unshaken by yesterday's episode.  My noble mentor!  "Study! Study!" he told me.
  


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