Fwd: FW: President Ikeda Calls for World Nuclear Abolition Summit in 2015 in Hiroshima & Nagasaki

January 26, 2012 - SGI President Ikeda calls for a nuclear abolition summit to
be held in 2015 in Hiroshima and Nagasaki to ensure that the growing
momentum toward abolition of nuclear weapons becomes irreversible. He also
called for an end to Japan's reliance on nuclear power. Read the entire
press release at the following link, which also contains a link to the peace
proposal.

http://www.sgi.org/news/press-releases/press-release-2012/peace-proposal-calls-for-nuclear-abolition-summit.html

 

 

 

To regard everything in a positive light or with a spirit of goodwill, however, does not mean being foolishly gullible and allowing people to take advantage of our good nature

Daily Guidance Fri 01/27

 

 

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Friday, January 27, 2012 Viewing events and situations in a positive light is important. The strength, wisdom and cheerfulness that accompany such an attitude lead to happiness. To regard everything in a positive light or with a spirit of goodwill, however, does not mean being foolishly gullible and allowing people to take advantage of our good nature.  It means having the wisdom and perception to actually move things in a positive direction by seeing things in their best light, while all the time keeping our eyes firmly focused on reality.       Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Friday, January 27, 2012 Everyone has a right to flower, to reveal his or her full potential as a human being, to fulfill his or her mission in this world. You have this right, and so does everyone else. This is the meaning of human rights. To scorn, violate and abuse people's human rights destroys the natural order of things. Prizing human rights and respecting others are among our most important tasks..       Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Friday, January 27, 2012 If a vessel is free of these four faults of overturning, leaking, being defiled, and being mixed, then it can be called a perfect vessel.   If the embankments around a moat do not leak, then the water will never escape from the moat. And if the mind of faith is perfect, then the water of wisdom, the great impartial wisdom, will never dry up. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1015 Letter to Akimoto Written to Akimoto Taro Hyoe-no-jo on January 27, 1280

Understand then that the votary who practices the Lotus Sutra exactly as the Buddha teaches will without fail be attacked by the three powerful enemies

Daily Guidance Sun 01/29

 

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Sunday, January 29, 2012 Practicing Buddhism means being victorious.  In advancing one step at a time amid the realities of our daily lives, in showing concrete actual proof, in becoming victors and successes, we are demonstrating with our very beings the validity of Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism and serving as a source of hope and inspiration for those who will follow us on the path of faith.       Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Sunday, January 29, 2012 It may seem perfectly all right to put ourselves and our own wishes first, to simply follow the dictates of our emotions and cravings, but the truth is that there is nothing more unreliable than our own mind.  Life doesn't always go like clockwork and things will not necessarily turn out as we hope or plan.  Consequently, Nichiren frequently stressed: "You should become the master of your mind, not let your mind master you." We mustn't allow ourselves to be ruled by a self-centered mind. Rather, we have to discipline our mind and gain mastery over it.       Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Sunday, January 29, 2012 Understand then that the votary who practices the Lotus Sutra exactly as the Buddha teaches will without fail be attacked by the three powerful enemies. In the more than two thousand years that have passed since the Buddha's advent, Shakyamuni himself, T'ien-t'ai and Dengyo were the only three who perfectly carried out the Buddha's teachings. Now in the Latter Day of the Law, Nichiren and his disciples and lay believers are just such practitioners. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 395 On Practicing the Buddha's Teachings Written to all followers in May 1273

28th Jan. To My Friends and Daily Gosho + 29th Jan. Daily Enc.

A translation of President Ikeda's "To My Friends" published in the Seikyo Shimbun and more. 

Saturday, January 28th, 2012
-- TO MY FRIENDS --
Today's society has no philosophy.
Everyone is yearning for this Buddhism
that teaches the dignity and sanctity of life.
Now, hoisting the banner of SGI high,
let's share this Buddhism with confidence and conviction
with as many people as we possibly can!

Saturday, January 28th, 2012
--- DAILY GOSHO ---
"How could giving up a body that will decay uselessly for the sake of the Lotus Sutra not be exchanging rocks for gold? None of you should lament for me."
(Banishment to Sado - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 202)
Selection source: Kyo no Hosshin, Seikyo Shimbun, Jan 28th, 2012

Sunday, January 29th, 2012
---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----
"The good fortune and benefit that accompany a life dedicated to kosen-rufu are boundless and immeasurable. Nichiren Daishonin writes: 'Be firmly convinced that [your benefit] will extend to your parents, your grandparents, nay, even to countless living beings' (WND-1, 533). As long as you remain steadfast in faith, you can shine as a bright sun of hope, illuminating all around you."

SGI Newsletter No. 8439, Brief Words of Encouragement from SGI President Ikeda, from the Jan. 23rd, 2012, issue of Seikyo Shimbun, translated Jan. 26th, 2012

* The Japanese kanji for To My Friends is available by clicking on
Seikyo Shimbun's web-site address at
http://www.seikyoonline.jp/news/index.html

--- WAGATOMO NI OKURU ---
TETSUGAKU FUZAI NO SHAKAI.
SEIMEI SONGEN NO BUPPO O
JIDAI WA MOTOMETE IRU!
SOKA NO HATA O TAKAKU KAKAGE
JISHIN MANMAN TO KATARE!

-- KYO NO GOSHO --
"ITAZURANI KUCHIN MI O HOKEKYO NO ONYUE NI SUTE MAIRASEN KOTO ANI ISHI NI KOGANE O KAURU NI ARAZUYA ONOONO NAGEKASE TAMAU BEKARAZU"
(Gosho Zenshu, page 891

when the Buddha nature manifests itself from within, it will receive protection from without

Daily Guidace Wed 01/25

 

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Wednesday, January 25, 2012 The important thing is to hold on resolutely to one's convictions come what may, just as the Daishonin teaches. People who possess such unwavering conviction will definitely become happy.       Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Wednesday, January 25, 2012 You cannot judge the quality of another's friendship by superficial appearances, especially when things are going smoothly. It is only when we have experienced the worst, most crushing of times—when we have plumbed the depths of life—that we can experience the joys of genuine friendship. Only a man of principle, a woman of resolve—a person who stays true to their chosen path—can be a trusted and true friend, and have real friends in turn.       Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Wednesday, January 25, 2012 Buddhism teaches that, when the Buddha nature manifests itself from within, it will receive protection from without. This is one of its fundamental principles. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 848 The Three Kinds of Treasure Written to Shijo Kingo on September 11, 1277

be humanistic leaders who can encourage others with bright warm voices

Daily Guidance Tue 01/24

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Tuesday, January 24, 2012 We use our voices not only to chant daimoku but to guide, encourage and introduce others to the Daishonin's Buddhism. Our voice, therefore, is very important. An angry voice, a coarse voice, a cold voice, an imperious voice—none of these will communicate how wonderful Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism is. I would like you to be humanistic leaders who can encourage others with bright warm voices, so that they will say, "What a lovely voice!" and "I'm always so inspired when I hear you speak." Becoming this kind of leader is one actual proof of your human revolution.       SGI Nashville Tennessee Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Tuesday, January 24, 2012 Buddhism teaches equality and absolute respect for the dignity of life. Educating people to be citizens of the world begins with cultivating respect, compassion and empathy for others. I am certain that friendship and limitless trust in people can empower us to overcome socially disruptive discrimination and hatred. Openminded exchanges on the popular level will be increasingly important in the years to come. When people engage in mind-to-mind dialogue, they are grateful to see ethnic and cultural differences not as obstacles but as expressions of society—enriching diversity that engenders respect and a desire for further exploration.       Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Tuesday, January 24, 2012 I explained the teachings of the Lotus Sutra to you before. Matters of minor importance arise from good, but when it comes to a matter of great importance, great disaster without fail changes into great fortune. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 824 A Warning against Begrudging One's Fief Written to Shijo Kingo in July 1277

A hundred years of practice in the land of Perfect Bliss cannot compare to the benefit gained from one day's practice in the impure world.

Daily Guidance Sun 01/22

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Sunday, January 22, 2012 Ultimately, happiness rests on how you establish a solid sense of self or being.  Happiness does not lie in outward appearances nor in vanity.  It is a matter of what you feel inside; it is a deep resonance in your life. To be filled each day with a rewarding sense of exhilaration and purpose, a sense of tasks accomplished and deep fulfillment—people who feel this way are happy.  Those who have this sense of satisfaction even if they are extremely busy are much happier than those who have time on their hands but feel empty inside.       Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Sunday, January 22, 2012 There is a saying that the earth upon which we fall is the same ground which enables us to push ourselves up again. There's another which maintains that barley grows better after it has been trampled on.  Human relationships are sometimes painful, but there is no such pain from which we cannot recover. It is up to us to decide to live a life free from self-doubt and despair in spite of our failures.  Indeed, it is during our most humbling moments that we should show greatest poise and grace.  Then the dignity of our lives will truly shine.         Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Sunday, January 22, 2012 A hundred years of practice in the land of Perfect Bliss cannot compare to the benefit gained from one day's practice in the impure world. Two thousand years of propagating Buddhism during the Former and Middle Days of the Law are inferior to an hour of propagation in the Latter Day of the Law. This is in no way because of Nichiren's wisdom, but simply because the time makes it so.  In spring the blossoms open, in autumn the fruit appears. Summer is hot, winter is cold. The season makes it so, does it not? The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 736 On Repaying Debts of Gratitude Written to Joken-bo and Gijo-bo on July 21, 1276

We ordinary people can see neither our own eyelashes, which are so close, nor the heavens in the distance. Likewise, we do not see that the Buddha exists in our own hearts.

 Daily Guidance Sat 01/21

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Saturday, January 21, 2012 Humanity today lacks hope and vision for the future. It is for precisely this reason that the Bodhisattvas of the Earth have appeared. Without your presence, the future of humanity would be bleak and spiritual decline its destination. That is why you have been born in this age and are now playing an active role in society. This is the meaning of jiyu, or "emerging from the earth." Consequently, each of you will definitely become happy. Please be confident that you will lead lives overflowing with good fortune throughout the three existences of past, present and future.       Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Saturday, January 21, 2012 We ordinary people can see neither our own eyelashes, which are so close, nor the heavens in the distance. Likewise, we do not see that the Buddha exists in our own hearts. -Nichiren       Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Saturday, January 21, 2012 I hope all those who are serious in their resolve will gather in one place and listen to this letter. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 622 The Problem to Be Pondered Night and Day Written to Toki Jonin on August 12, 1275

 

 

It is essential that we keep making continuous efforts amid challenging circumstances

Daily Guidance Fri 01/20

 

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Friday, January 20, 2012 In this lifetime, to demonstrate the power of faith in the Mystic Law to others some of you may have been born into poverty so that you could show actual proof by gaining secure and comfortable lives. Some of you may have been born with ill health so that you could show proof by growing strong and healthy. Irrespective of your situations, however, the light of faith in the depths of your beings will continue to shine on eternally with diamond-like brilliance.     Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Friday, January 20, 2012 A complete lack of exertion or stress may seem desirable, but in fact it results in boredom and stagnation.  It is essential that we keep making continuous efforts amid challenging circumstances, pushing forward with dynamic creativity and breaking through all obstacles. That is the way to develop new strength and achieve fresh growth, whether it be in the case of an individual or an organization.         This is an iceberg!!! Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Friday, January 20, 2012 Strengthen your resolve more than ever. Ice is made of water, but it is colder than water. Blue dye comes from indigo, but when something is repeatedly dyed in it, the color is better than that of the indigo plant. The Lotus Sutra remains the same, but if you repeatedly strengthen your resolve, your color will be better than that of others, and you will receive more blessings than they do. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 615 The Supremacy of the Law Written to Oto and her mother, Nichimyo, on August 4, 1275

Suffering and undergoing hardships for the sake of friends and for spreading the Law shows the sense of responsibility of a genuine leader and is the behavior of a Bodhisattva.

Daily Guidance Thur 01/19

 

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Thursday, January 19, 2012 Suffering and undergoing hardships for the sake of friends and for spreading the Law shows the sense of responsibility of a genuine leader and is the behavior of a Bodhisattva. There is no suffering or hardship that a Bodhisattva of the Earth cannot surmount. So no matter what happens, I would like you to steadily advance one step at a time, always chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo with a vibrant voice.       World renowned artist Daphne Odjig, born and raised on the Wikwemikong Unceded Indian Reserve on Manitoulin Island (Lake Huron), Ontario Canada. Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Thursday, January 19, 2012 The years pass. The times change. All that survives and transcends this inevitable process, that shines brighter with each new era, is the record of a great human spirit that has endured the unendurable and remained true to the very end to its deepest convictions.     Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Thursday, January 19, 2012 It is certain that, even if there were an age when the sun rises in the west, or a time were to come when the moon emerges from the ground, the Buddha's words would never prove false.  Judging from this, there cannot be the least doubt that your late father is now in the presence of Shakyamuni Buddha, the lord of teachings, and that you will receive great blessings in your present existence. How wonderful, how splendid!" The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 655 Good Fortune in This Life Written to Nanjo Tokimitsu on January 19, 1276

Do not say you will do it "someday"; now is the time

Daily Guidance Wed 01/18

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Wednesday, January 18, 2012 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who was a tireless crusader for human rights said: "Life's most persistent and urgent question is, What are you doing for others?" Do not say you will do it "someday"; now is the time. Do not say "someone" will do it; you are the one. Now is the time for youth to take full responsibility and courageously pave the way for the people's triumph. Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Wednesday, January 18, 2012 Buddhism is practiced to make one's prayers and dreams come true and to achieve the greatest possible happiness. The purpose of Nichiren Buddhism is to enable one to realize victory. The fact that prayers are answered proves the correctness of this teaching. SGI-Cuba, First Buddhist Assoc Officially Registered with Cuban Government Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Wednesday, January 18, 2012 If the spirit of many in body but one in mind prevails among the people, they will achieve all their goals, whereas if one in body but different in mind, they can achieve nothing remarkable. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 618 Many in Body, One in Mind Written to the lay priest Takahashi on August 6, year unknown

It could never come about that the prayers of the practitioner of the Lotus Sutra would go unanswered

Daily Guidance Tue 01/17
 

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Tuesday, January 17, 2012 Please remember that patience is in and of itself a great challenge and that it often holds the key to breaking through a seeming impasse.       Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Tuesday, January 17, 2012 When you devote yourself to achieving your goal, you will not be bothered by shallow criticism. Nothing important can be accomplished if you allow yourself to be swayed by some trifling matter, always looking over your shoulder and wondering what others are saying or thinking. The key to achievement is to move forward along your chosen path with firm determination.       Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Tuesday, January 17, 2012 Though one might point at the earth and miss it, though one might bind up the sky, though the tides might cease to ebb and flow and the sun rise in the west, it could never come about that the prayers of the practitioner of the Lotus Sutra would go unanswered. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 345 On Prayer Written to Sairen-bo in September 1272

The important thing is not to spin out of the orbit of faith

Daily Guidance Sun 01/15

 

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Sunday, January 15, 2012 Doing gongyo every day is a challenge.  Introducing others to the practice is a challenge.  Getting people to subscribe to our publications is a challenge.  Attending meetings is a challenge. Sometimes it can all become too much and leave one feeling negative and wanting to take a break!  Since we are human beings, it's only natural that we might feel this way on occasion. The important thing, however, is not to spin out of the orbit of faith. I hope you will continue to pursue the path of Buddhahood steadily and patiently, encouraging one another on your journey.       Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Sunday, January 15, 2012 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a tireless crusader for human rights, said: "Life's most persistent and urgent question is, What are you doing for others?" Do not say you will do it "someday"; now is the time. Do not say "someone" will do it; you are the one. Now is the time for youth to take full responsibility and courageously pave the way for the people's triumph.     Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Sunday, January 15, 2012 When a tree has been transplanted, though fierce winds may blow, it will not topple if it has a firm stake to hold it up. But even a tree that has grown up in place may fall over if its roots are weak. Even a feeble person will not stumble if those supporting him are strong, but a person of considerable strength, when alone, may fall down on an uneven path. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 598 Three Tripitaka Masters Pray for Rain Written to the lay priest Nishiyama on June 22, 1275

People who respect others are respected by others in turn

Daily Guidance Thur 01/12

 

 

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Thursday, January 12, 2012 In a passage of the "Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings," the Daishonin observes, "When you bow to a mirror, the reflected image bows back" (Gosho Zenshu, p. 769). People who respect others are respected by others in turn. Those who are unstinting in their compassion and concern for others are also protected and supported by others. Our environment is essentially a reflection of ourselves.         The Strength Tree created by Australian aborigine children..each added a leaf making you stronger. Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Thursday, January 12, 2012 Strength is happiness. Strength is itself victory.  In weakness and cowardice there is no happiness. When you wage a struggle, you might win or you might lose. But regardless of the short-term outcome, the very fact of your continuing to struggle is proof of your victory as a human being. A strong spirit, strong faith and strong prayer—developing these is victory and the world of Buddhahood.       Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Thursday, January 12, 2012 How, then, are you to go about nurturing faith in the Lotus Sutra?  For if you try to practice the teachings of the sutra without faith, it would be like trying to enter a jeweled mountain without hands [to pick up its treasures], or like trying to make a thousand-mile journey without feet.  The answer is simply to examine the proof that is close at hand, and thus take hold of faith that is far off. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 511 Letter to Horen Written to Soya Kyoshin in April 1275