Sensei's Daily Encouragement - 25 October 2019 - Year of Soka Victory - Toward Our 90th Anniversary

 

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

 October 25, 2019 

It is the sharp sword of the Mystic Law and the great power of faith that enable us to completely sever the chains of suffering. Therefore, I wish to make it clear that to secure eternal freedom and happiness, you must absolutely not be cowardly, especially in faith.

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

 October 25, 2019 

Moreover, I chant the daimoku, which is the heart and core of the entire sutra, and I urge others to do likewise. Although the mugwort growing in a hemp field or wood marked for cutting with an inked line may not be straight to begin with, they will as a matter of course become so. In the same way, one who chants the daimoku as the Lotus Sutra teaches will never have a twisted mind. For one should know that, unless the mind of the Buddha enters into our bodies, we cannot in fact chant the daimoku. 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 670

The Blessings of the Lotus Sutra

Written to Myomitsu on March 5, 1276

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

 October 25, 2019 

Health is not simply a matter of absence of illness. Health means constant challenge. Constant creativity. A prolific life always moving forward, opening up fresh new vistas - that is a life of true health. An unbeatable spirit is what supplies the power to keep pressing ahead.

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (04 January 1956) p.283

 

Pondered the concept of 'eternally endowed' on the train home. Lament my lack of intelligence. Deeply aware that when all is said and done, there is no other way for me than to hurl myself into practice that will enable me to 'transform faith into wisdom.' Ah, such is the plight of a common mortal.

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

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

October 24, 2019 

The only way to succeed is by first bringing to completion that which is most immediate. This principle applies in all affairs - in our daily lives, our work and our families as well as in the progress of kosen-rufu.

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

October 24, 2019 

The sutra known as the Lotus Sutra is a scripture that has no match among all the sacred teachings of the Buddha's lifetime. And, as indicated by its words "between Buddhas," it can only be understood between one Buddha and another. Those at the stage of near-perfect enlightenment or below, on down to ordinary mortals, cannot fathom it. This is why Bodhisattva Nagarjuna stated in his Treatise on the Great Perfection of Wisdom that persons below the level of Buddha should simply have faith, and in that way they can attain Buddhahood. 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1072

Reply to the Mother of Ueno

Written tot he lay nun Ueno on October 24, 1280

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

October 24, 2019 

What one has done for another yesterday will be done for oneself today. Blossoms turn into fruit, and brides become mothers-in-law. Chant Nam-myoho renge- kyo, and be always diligent in your faith - Nichiren

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (30 December 1955) p.277 

Attended Bunkyo Chapter's year-end meeting in the evening. My bad mood must have been very unpleasant for the members. Reflected. Took a taxi home. My house is so peaceful. Amid the simplicity glows a precious light of happiness. There are flowers in every room. A warm feeling.

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

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

October 23, 2019 

As far as the fundamental teachings of Buddhism and the Gosho are concerned, I hope that, regarding them as absolutely correct, you will first and foremost strive to put them into practice. I urge you to do so because this is the shortest route to understanding the essence of Buddhism in the depths of your life.

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

October 23, 2019 

No matter how earnestly Nichiren prays for you, if you lack faith, it will be like trying to set fire to wet tinder. Spur yourself to muster the power of faith. Regard your survival as wondrous. Employ the strategy of the Lotus Sutra before any other. 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1000

The Strategy of the Lotus Sutra

Written to Shijo Kingo on October 23, 1279

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

October 23, 2019 

The misfortune of others is our misfortune. Our happiness is the happiness of others. To see ourselves in others and feel an inner oneness and sense of unity with them represents a fundamental revolution in the way we view and live our lives. Therefore, discriminating against another person is the same as discriminating against oneself. When we hurt another, we are hurting ourselves. And when we respect others, we respect and elevate our own lives as well.

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (22 December 1955) p.275/276

 

Spent half the day with Sensei. Decided to read a biography he recommended to me. Sensei's physical condition seems to be worsening. "I am really living the passage, 'The teaching which I preach, I practice in my heart', he said with a smile. He also told me: "Dai, life means suffering. Only when you suffer can you understand faith and become a great individual." Ashamed of my own shallowness.

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

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

October 22, 2019 

The main point is to enable one member to stand up by imparting heartfelt assurance and understanding. It is the explosion of faith in the microcosm of an individual that causes the macrocosm of the organization -a gathering of many such individuals - to commence its revolution. This is how the doctrine of a life-moment possesses 3,000 realms applies to our practice.

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

October 22, 2019 

Although unworthy, I propagate the Lotus Sutra; hence heavenly devils have competed to deprive me of food. Understanding this, I have no complaint, but I believe that I survived this time only because Shakyamuni Buddha entered your body to help me. 

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 952

General Stone Tiger

Written to Shijo Kingo on October 22, 1278

 

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 Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

October 22, 2019 

Any position, honour or wealth we may gain we will possess only during our present existence. But the unshakable state of life we develop through faith in Nam-myoho-renge-kyo represents our greatest spiritual treasure.

 

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 Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (11 November 1955) p.272 

What is faith?

What is society?

What is country?

Economics? Politics? Culture? 

At times I think randomly. It is important to ponder. I want, however, to live my life earnestly and thoroughly, reflecting on my incomplete self in a way most befitting my growth. Must try hard to develop the insight to perceive other people's true worth, their fortune and their essential nature. Also, will try my best to enable each person to move strongly and bravely, in the direction of the greatest good.

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

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

October 21, 2019 

The mentality of getting others to do the hard work while one sits back and takes it easy - that is bureaucratism at its worst; it is not faith. The spirit of taking on the hard work oneself - that is faith, that is humanism.

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

October 21, 2019 

The mighty warrior General Li Kuang, whose mother had been devoured by a tiger, shot an arrow at the stone he believed was the tiger. The arrow penetrated the stone all the way up to its feathers. But once he realised it was only a stone he was unable to pierce it again. Later he came to be known as General Stone Tiger. This story applies to you. Though enemies lurk in wait for you, your resolute faith in the Lotus Sutra has forestalled great dangers before they could begin. Realising this, you must strengthen your faith more than ever.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 953

General Stone Tiger

Written to Shijo Kingo on October 22, 1278

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

October 21, 2019 

Our lives grow to the degree that we give hope and courage to others and enable them to develop their lives. Therefore, while we speak of practicing Buddhism for others, it is we ourselves who ultimately benefit. With this understanding comes the ability to take action with a sense of appreciation.

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (10 November 1955) p.271 

Everyone has periods when things go well and times when they aren't so smooth. But such distinctions disappear when a person is truly strong and capable.

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At night, I composed a poem titled "Human Revolution":

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Beginingless voyage of life,

Eternal motion of the macrocosm,

As the morning sun soars into the sky,

Life stirs anew among the buds.

 

The power of myoho, fundamental force of nature,

Strong enough to shatter boulders,

Or dispel the darkness of our evil karma.

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

    Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

October 20, 2010 

President Toda detested formality. And for this reason, as his disciple, I have tried to place foremost emphasis on substance. Formalities are important in certain cases, but mere formality without substance is evil. Formalities in and of themselves have no life; whereas substance is alive. Formality is provisional and substance essential. Formality is conventional and therefore conservative, but substance provides the impetus for progress and development.

 

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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

October 20, 2010 

From here we are going to cross the sea to the island province of Sado , but at the moment the winds are not favourable, so I do not know when we will depart. The hardships along the way were worse than I could have imagined, and indeed more than I can put down in writing. I will leave you to surmise what I endured. But I have been prepared for such difficulties from the outset, so there is no point in starting to complain about them now. I shall accordingly say no more of the matter.

Letter from Teradomari

Written to Toki Jonin on October 22, 1271

 

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

October 20, 2010 

We should all develop the mind to rejoice in, praise and share in the gift of those who have artistic talents and a richness of heart, whether they achieve wide recognition or not. Cultivating such a beautiful mind is a very worthy effort. Culture and art are not just decorations. They are not just accessories. What matters is whether culture enriches the essential substance of our lives.

 

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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (10 November 1955) p.270/271 

Morning gongyo is most crucial. It determines today's victory or defeat, whether this day of life will be one of prosperity or decline. Gongyo is the practical application of the philosophy of 'the simultaneity of cause and effect.'