Sensei's Daily Encouragement -25 September 2018 - ‘Year of Brilliant Achievement in the New Era of Worldwide Kosen Rufu

        

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

September 25, 2018

 

Everything ultimately depends on whether there is someone who is willing to wage a desperate all-out struggle, someone who will take 100 percent responsibility without relying on or leaving things to others, someone who will work with selfless dedication for the sake of the people without any concern for what others think. Such a person is a true leader and a genuine Buddhist.

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

September 25, 2018

 

Ever since I began to study the Law handed down from Shakyamuni Buddha and undertook the practice of the Buddhist teachings, I have believed it is most important to understand one's obligations to others, and made it my first duty to repay such debts of kindness. In this world, we owe four debts of gratitude. One who understands this is worthy to be called human, while one who does not is no more than an animal.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 122

Conversation between a Sage and an Unenlightened Man

Recipient unknown; written in 1265

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

September 25, 2018

 

In the true reality of life as viewed from the enlightened state of the Buddha - who has broken free of all delusion - all things are equal, transcending distinctions and differences between subject and object, self and others, mind and body, the spiritual and the material. In its true aspect, life is infinitely expansive and eternal, without beginning or end. Life is dynamic; it is wisdom and compassion; it embodies the principle of the indivisibility of life and death; it is a universal law. The cosmos is not so big that life cannot embrace it, nor a particle of matter so small that life cannot be contained within it.

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (21 September 1955) p.246

 

To carefully record one's own feelings, thoughts, recollections, secrets and even resentment in a single work - this, interestingly enough, is significant. It expands one's personal world and promotes interaction, dialogue and encouragement between one's self and the self of another. I strongly dislike a diary written only as a mere record of events or in an obligatory manner. Until I spread my yet immature wings, until my incomplete construction is successfully finished, I will maintain my dream of free skies, a free world and the free realm of action hidden deep within my heart. It is the fall of my twenty-seven year.

 

 

Sensei's Daily Encouragement -24 September 2018 - ‘Year of Brilliant Achievement in the New Era of Worldwide Kosen Rufu

     

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

September 24, 2018

 

"What kinds of causes am I making right now?" "What actions am I taking?" The answers to these questions are what will determine our future in this life and throughout the three existences. Herein lies the foundation of faith. True glory and victory in life lie in basing oneself on this fundamental principle.

 

Events

1993 The Boston Research Center for the 21st Century founded by SGI President Ikeda.

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

September 24, 2018

 

Though muddy water has no mind, it can catch the moon's reflection and so naturally become clear. When plants and trees receive the rainfall, they can hardly be aware of what they are doing, and yet do they not proceed to put forth blossoms? The five characters of Myoho-renge-kyo do not represent the sutra text, nor are they its meaning. They are nothing other than the intent of the entire sutra. So, even though the beginners in Buddhist practice may not understand their significance, by practicing these five characters, they will naturally conform to the sutra's intent.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 788

On the Four Stages of Faith and the Five Stages of Practice

Written to Toki Jonin on April 10, 1277

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

September 24, 2018

 

We are all human beings, whatever our positions. If we open our hearts and speak with sincerity, we can communicate and touch others on the deepest level. World peace starts with trust between one individual and another.

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (21 September 1955) p.246

 

The first page of my new diary notebook.

While life itself is eternal, everlasting, this life is like a dream; like the morning dew or winter frost that vanish instantly before the warmth of the rising sun. The record of this period of my life, my activities, and my future are, for better or for worse, less significant than a microbe. And yet, I will leave a mark on this earth and in the universe, a mark that likely will be seen and pondered by someone in the future. Human affairs are so small, so miniscule when viewed from the standpoint of limitless space and beginningless time.

 

 

Sensei's Daily Encouragement -23 September 2018 - ‘Year of Brilliant Achievement in the New Era of Worldwide Kosen Rufu

       

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

September 23, 2018

 

Winning in life is not a matter of form or appearances. It has nothing to do with vanity. Victory in life ultimately hinges on whether one has truly fought, whether one has truly advanced.

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

September 23, 2018

 

Miao-lo said, "Wise men can perceive the cause of things, as snakes know the way of snakes." The present epidemics are like the virulent boils of King Ajatashatru that could not be cured by anyone but the Buddha. They can only be eliminated by the Lotus Sutra.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 920

The Two Kinds of Illness

Written to Shijo Kingo on June 26, 1278

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

September 23, 2018

 

Now, if you wish to attain Buddhahood, you have only to lower the banner of your arrogance, cast aside the staff of your anger, and devote yourself exclusively to the one vehicle of the Lotus Sutra. Worldly fame and profit are mere baubles of your present existence, and arrogance and prejudice are ties that will fetter you in a next one - Nichiren

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (26 May 1955) p.244

 

Thought to myself that new renovations must be added to the Gakkai headquarters building sometime soon, so that it may accommodate growing numbers of people. it must be like the main fortress of kosen-rufu. Many chapter meeting places or community centers will also be necessary. Won't there be hundreds of chapters ten years from now? A common mortal cannot know this. But without these, kosen-rufu cannot be realized in accord with our wishes. How many seriously consider these things with a sense of responsibility and vision for the future.

Sensei's Daily Encouragement -22 September 2018 - ‘Year of Brilliant Achievement in the New Era of Worldwide Kosen Rufu

        

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

September 22, 2018

 

The principle that "Buddhism equals life" means that everything in one's life is itself Buddhism. The principle that "Buddhism becomes manifest in society" means that society, too, is at one with Buddhism. The struggle for kosen-rufu can be waged only within the realities of life and society. Those who earnestly grapple with these realities develop strength and inner substance. They develop and grow.

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

September 22, 2018

 

I cannot see the sun in the daytime or the moon at night. In winter there is deep snow, and in summer the grass grows thick. Because so few people come to see me, the trail is very hard to travel. This year, especially, the snow is so deep that I have no visitors at all. Knowing that my life may end at any time, I put all my trust in the Lotus Sutra.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 779

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

September 22, 2018

 

Buddhism views illness as an opportunity to attain a higher, nobler state of life. It teaches that, instead of agonizing over a serious disease, or despairing of ever overcoming it, we should use illness as a means to build a strong, compassionate self, which in turn will make it possible for us to be truly victorious.

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda -

Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (24 May 1955) p.243

 

Have recently become more aware of my own foolishness. Must never forget, throughout my life, to make untiring efforts. Must not assume I have attained what I have not yet attained. Must study consistently so that I may write excellent works on religious revolution, politics and religion, science and religion, and culture and religion. Brave men, youth, young warriors, courageous young men. We live amid the times, amid reality. Must never forget my dream, my great objective, my passion.

 

Sensei's Daily Encouragement -21 September 2018 - ‘Year of Brilliant Achievement in the New Era of Worldwide Kosen Rufu

     

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

September 21, 2018

 

In the twinkling of an eye we grow old. Our physical strength wanes and we begin to suffer various aches and pains. We practice Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism so that instead of sinking into feelings of sadness, loneliness and regret, we can greet old age with an inner richness and maturity as round and complete as a ripe, golden fruit of autumn. Faith exists so that we can welcome smiling and without regrets an old age that is like a breathtaking sunset whose dazzling rays colour heaven and earth in majestic hues.

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

September 21, 2018

 

I cannot adequately express my gratitude for your frequent letters. At the time of my persecution on the twelfth, not only did you accompany me to Tatsunokuchi, but also you declared that you would die by my side. This can only be called wondrous.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 196

The Persecution at Tatsunokuchi

Written to Shijo Kingo on September 21, 1271

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

September 21, 2018

 

Efforts to reach out and engage others in dialogue with the aim of fostering mutual understanding and bringing people closer together may seem ordinary and unexciting, but they in fact constitute a bold and daring challenge to create a new era of human civilization.

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (23 May 1955) p.242

 

In the evening, a lecture at the headquarters for those in the fourth level of the Study Department. Sensei attended. All were serious. In this special world of seeking the Way, we tightened our bodies and spirits. So long as such an attitude and environment exist, the Gakkai will be firm and solid. Not one person was absent.

 

Sensei's Daily Encouragement -20 September 2018 - ‘Year of Brilliant Achievement in the New Era of Worldwide Kosen Rufu

        

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

 September 20, 2018

 

When your determination changes, everything else will begin to move in the direction you desire. The moment you resolve to be victorious, every nerve and fiber in your being will immediately orient itself toward your success. On the other hand, if you think "This is never going to work out," then at that instant every cell in your being will be deflated and give up the fight, and then everything really will move in the direction of failure.

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

 September 20, 2018

 

All those who keep faith in the Lotus Sutra are most certainly Buddhas, and one who slanders a Buddha commits a grave offense. When one chants the daimoku bearing in mind that there are no distinctions among those who embrace the Lotus Sutra, then the blessings one gains will be equal to those of Shakyamuni Buddha.

 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 756

The Fourteen Slanders

Written to the lay priest Matsuno Rokuro Saemon on December 9, 1276

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

 September 20, 2018

 

 There has never been, nor will there ever be, a Buddha who does not encounter hardships. Only by struggling against difficulties can we attain the life-state of Buddhahood. Herein lies the essence of Buddhism.

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (21/22 May 1955) p.241

 

Busy all morning. Left on the 12:30 express to give a lecture in Osaka. Completed lecturing on "How Those Initially Aspiring to the Way Can Attain Buddhahood through the Lotus Sutra". Utterly disappointed at my own lack of study.

 

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Tired from staying up late last night. Out of bed at 7:00. Heavily fatigued, both physically and spiritually. Reflected seriously about the inadequacy of my lecture. The study meeting continued until noon.