Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 24 July 2019 - Year of Soka Victory - Toward Our 90th Anniversary

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

July 24, 2019

 Our lives are our own. It is not for someone else to dictate to us how we should live them. All that awaits those who allow themselves to be continually swayed by what other people say or do is unhappiness. We simply need to have the self-belief to be able to say: "This is right. This is the path I will follow. I am content." Happiness is born from such inner fortitude. Moreover, those who earnestly devote themselves in accord with the Mystic Law cannot fail to realize lives of total fulfillment.

 

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 From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

July 24, 2019

  The Great Teacher Nan-yueh has stated, "If one sees a foe of the Lotus Sutra and yet fails to censure him, one becomes a slanderer of the Law and will fall into the hell of incessant suffering." Even a man of great wisdom, if he sees such a person and fails to speak out, will fall into the depths of the hell of incessant suffering, and as long as that hell shall endure, he will never escape.

 

 The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1021

Letter to Akimoto

Written Akimoto Taro Hyo-no-jo on January 27, 1280

 

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 Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

July 24, 2019

  The Argentine educator Almafuerte wrote: "To the weak, difficulty is a closed door. To the strong, however, it is a door waiting to be opened." Difficulties impede the progress of those who are weak. For the strong, however, they are an opportunity to open wide the doors to a bright future. Everything is determined by our attitude, by our resolve.

 

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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (07 July 1954) p.188

 In good physical condition. Overjoyed. As usual, talked with staff members all morning. Seems that those who lead leisurely, uneventful lives become unhappy, while those who courageously challenge many waves of adversity find meaning in their lives...

 

My wife is three months pregnant. Feeling my responsibility growing heavier each day. As a man of responsibility, I will courageously fight to open the way, no matter what hardships I may face, for my wife and for my children.

 

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 23 July 2019 - Year of Soka Victory - Toward Our 90th Anniversary

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

July 23, 2019

 If we attain the state of Buddhahood in this lifetime, that state will forever pervade our lives. Throughout the cycle of birth and death, in each new lifetime, we are endowed with good health, wealth and intelligence, along with a supportive, comfortable environment and lead lives that overflow with good fortune. Each of us will also possess a unique mission and be born in an appropriate form to fulfill it.

 

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  From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

July 23, 2019

  Among my disciples, those who think themselves well-versed in Buddhism are the ones who make errors. Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is the heart of the Lotus Sutra. It is like the soul of a person. To revere another teaching as its equal is to be like a consort who is married to two emperors, or who secretly commits adultery with a minister or a humble subject. It can only be a cause for disaster.

  The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 903

The Teaching for the Latter Day

Written to Nanjo Tokimitsu on April 1, 1278

 

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 Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

July 23, 2019

 I've suggested that the twenty-first be named the Century of Women. Women have the wisdom and strength to lead society in the direction of good, of hope and of peace. In expanding his own non-violence movement, Gandhi greatly relied on women. He said it is women who can teach pacific learning to a world that, while engaged in hostilities, nonetheless thirsts for the sweet dew of peace.

 

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 Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (03 July 1954) p.186

A hot day. The heat in the office was torturous. Couldn't help feeling exhausted. Felt like going home before the day was half over. Next month is the summer training course. Applications to participate will be accepted August 1-3. Each year, must use this training course as a steppingstone to train myself to my fullest ability. Must do away with my spoiled egoism.

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 22 July 2019 - Year of Soka Victory - Toward Our 90th Anniversary

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

July 22, 2019 

 Without practice or actual efforts, there is no Bodhisattva. Action is the essence of a Buddha. A self-centered life lived solely in pursuit of one's own benefit and fortune is empty and base. A Bodhisattva of the Earth, in contrast, respects others and works for their happiness.

 

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 From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

July 22, 2019 

 A good believer is one who does not depend upon persons of eminence nor despise those of humble station; who does not rely on the backing of superiors or look down on inferiors; who, not relying upon the opinions of others, upholds the Lotus Sutra among all the sutras. Such a person the Buddha has called the best of all people. 

 The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 880

How Those Initially Aspiring to the Way Can Attain Buddhahood through the Lotus Sutra

Written to the lay nun Myoho in 1277

 

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 Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

July 22, 2019 

 Josei Toda always urged us to live our lives with courage and never be cowards. He said: "Those who can't do anything but live cowardly lives are like beasts. They are ignoble and unhappy. Those who live out their lives courageously, on the other hand, lead the noblest and most sublime existences, they are happy."

 

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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (02 July 1954) p.185

 The sun shone for the first time in quite a while. A bright morning. Nevertheless, could not absorb this morning's Western history lecture. Must not be lazy. Whoever fails to study deeply will regret it for a lifetime.

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 21 July 2019 - Year of Soka Victory - Toward Our 90th Anniversary

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

July 21, 2019

  True and lasting happiness only and always comes from our own efforts, our own wisdom, our own good fortune. This is a fundamental truth. Faith is the key to strengthening our efforts, wisdom and good fortune; SGI activities are the key to strengthening ourselves.

 

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 From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

July 21, 2019

  What can we say, then, of persons who are devoting themselves to Buddhism? Surely they should not forget the debts of gratitude they owe to their parents, their teachers and their country. But if one intends to repay these great debts of gratitude, one can hope to do so only if one learns and masters Buddhism, becoming a person of wisdom. 

 The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 690

On Repaying Debts of Gratitude

Written to Joken-bo and Gijo-bo on July 21, 1276

 

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 Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

July 21, 2019

 We can lose ourselves in romantic attachment, but the truth is, the euphoria is unlikely to last for long. Indeed, the likelihood of undergoing suffering and sadness only grows over time. As long as we remain unable to redress our own weaknesses, we will be miserable no matter where or to whom we may take flight. We can never become truly happy unless we ourselves undergo a personal transformation.

 

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 Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (01 July 1954) p.185

 Hiromasa* stayed with my wife's parents. Talked quietly with my wife until late at night. Hope she will never become old. Want her to be eternally youthful.

 * Hiromasa Ikeda, the eldest son of SGI President Daisaku Ikeda born 28 April 1953 (author of My Path of Youth)

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 20 July 2019 - Year of Soka Victory - Toward Our 90th Anniversary

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

July 20, 2019 

 Our lives are ruled by impermanence. But simply realizing that changes nothing. There is no value in bleak pessimism. The challenge is how to create something of enduring value within the context of our impermanent lives. The Lotus Sutra teaches us how to do this.

 

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 From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

July 20, 2019 

 To speak out without fearing others and without flinching before society this is what the sutra means when it says, "We care nothing for our bodies or lives but are anxious only for the unsurpassed way." It is not that one does not recall the calumny, the staves and stones that were suffered by Bodhisattva Never Disparaging. It is not that one is unafraid of the world. It is just that the censure of the Lotus Sutra is even more severe.

  The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1017

Letter to Akimoto

Written to Akimoto Taro Hyo-no-jo on January 27, 1280

 

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 Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

July 20, 2019 

 Although I and my disciples may encounter various difficulties, if we do not harbour doubts in our hearts, we will as a matter of course attain Buddhahood. Do not have doubts simply because heaven does not lend you protection. Do not 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 – Nichiren

 

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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (01July 1954) p. 185

 Tonight Mars shone with mysterious brilliance and clarity. Cannot help pondering the wonder of the universe and its heavenly bodies.

 Fluctuations, centripetal force, gravitation; light-years, atmosphere, distance, circular form; living beings, life and death – how mysterious! Must come to understand it by living my entire life based upon the Mystic Law. Never have I thought so seriously about life and death as I have tonight. Rather, I have never been so worried about it.

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 19 July 2019 - Year of Soka Victory - Toward Our 90th Anniversary

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

July 19, 2019 

 Youth is a truly wonderful thing. Unfortunately, though, this is often something that's hard to appreciate when we're young. Life passes by quickly. Before we know it, we are old. That's why in our youth we should be as active as we possibly can. Rather than a life of blank pages, live a life crammed full of memories - of battles well fought and wonderfully diverse experiences. Not to leave behind any history, to just grow old and die, is a sad way to live. 

 Events

1951 Young women's division established.

 

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 From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

July 19, 2019 

 Those who believe in the Lotus Sutra should beware of and guard themselves against the sutra's enemies. . . . If you do not know your enemies, you will be deceived by them. 

 The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 664

Letter to Konichi-bo

Written to Konichi-bo in March 1276

 

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 Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

July 19, 2019 

 It's foolish to be obsessed with past failures. And it's just as foolish to be self-satisfied with one's small achievements. The present and the future are what are important, not the past. Those who neglect this spirit of continual striving will start to veer off in a ruinous direction.

 

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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (30 June 1954) p.185

 

Extremely tired; missed the senior leaders meeting. Will be scolded, most likely. Rebuked myself for being the most self-centered person in the Gakkai. Went to the public baths. Stopped for sushi on the way home. Talked with the owner about many things. He seems to want to take faith. Got into bed early; read Yonejiro Noguchi. Tomorrow, July begins. Will advance with a greater resolution.

Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 18 July 2019 - Year of Soka Victory - Toward Our 90th Anniversary

 

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

July 18, 2019 

 There is no need to seek impatiently for greatness, fame or wealth. The earth and sun do not hurry, they follow their own path at their own pace. If the earth were to accelerate and complete one rotation in three hours instead of twenty-four, we would be in big trouble! The most important thing in life, too, is to find a sure and certain path and confidently advance along it.

 

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 From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

July 18, 2019 

 The ten directions are the "environment" and living beings are "life." To illustrate, environment is like the shadow, and life, the body. Without the body no shadow can exist, and without life, no environment. In the same way, life is shaped by its environment. 

 The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 644

On Omens

Written to Shijo Kingo in 1275

 

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 Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

July 18, 2019 

 People of conviction, who stand alone, who pursue their chosen path - not only are such people good and trustworthy friends themselves, but they can make genuine friends of others. The bamboo groves of autumn are gorgeous. Each bamboo tree stands independently, growing straight and tall toward the sky. Yet in the ground, out of sight, their roots are interconnected. In the same way, true friendship is not a relationship of dependence, but of independence. It is the enduring bond that connects self-reliant individuals, comrades who share the same commitment, on a spiritual dimension.

 

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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (30 June 1954) p.184 

Hot and humid. Changed into a shirt with an open collar. An open-necked shirt befits action. Think it would be truly great if the National Diet, the United Nations and all government offices adopted the open collar as acceptable attire. From now on, year by year, formality will become less important worldwide. I, too, must take another step in my growth. Must not have a childish, easygoing attitude. It is clear that the world of the future will be more complex. Since this is the case, I must take great pains to train myself and devote myself to strict practice.