The riverbanks are obstructions, but they are necessary for keeping the river on track and flowing steadily forward.

Daily Guidance Fri 05/25

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Friday, May 25, 2012 The heart is most important of all.  In his classic The Little Prince, the French author Antoine de Saint-Exupery writes:  "It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye."  It is just as he says.  We cannot always tell whether something is genuine just with our eyes.  Only by looking with the heart can we discern the true essence.           Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Friday, May 25, 2012 The Indian poet Rabindranath Tagore compares the function of evil to the banks of a river. The riverbanks are obstructions, but they are necessary for keeping the river on track and flowing steadily forward. Without banks, the river would overflow, causing destruction instead of creating value.             Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Friday, May 25, 2012 If a spark as small as a bean is set to a single blade of grass in a spring field of a thousand square ri thick with grass, it becomes in an instant an immeasurable, boundless blaze.  Such is also the case with this robe [you have offered].  Though only one robe, it has been offered to the Buddhas of all the characters of the Lotus Sutra.  Be firmly convinced that the benefits from this will extend to your parents, your grandparents, nay, even to countless living beings, not to mention your own husband, whom you hold most dear. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 533 The Offering of an Unlined Robe Written to the lady of Sajiki on May 25, 1275

 

 

dedicate our lives to kosen-rufu is to lead the wisest possible existence.

 Daily Guidance Sun 05/20

 

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Sunday, May 20, 2012 We mustn't be afraid of anything.  It is important to remain firm to our convictions.  There is a great deal of scheming and duplicity in the world.  It is foolish to allow ourselves to be swayed by such things; it only leads to unhappiness.  The Mystic Law and Nichiren Daishonin are absolutely free of any falsehood.  Therefore, to dedicate our lives to kosen-rufu is to lead the wisest possible existence.       Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Sunday, May 20, 2012 The Lotus Sutra has the drama of fighting for justice against evil. It has a warmth that comforts the weary. It has a vibrant, pulsing courage that drives away fear. It has a chorus of joy at attaining absolute freedom throughout past, present and future. It has the soaring flight of liberty.  It has brilliant light, flowers, greenery, music, paintings, vivid stories.  It offers unsurpassed lessons on psychology, the workings of the human heart; lessons on life; lessons on happiness; and lessons on peace.  It maps out the basic rules for good health.  It awakens us to the universal truth that a change in one's heart can transform everything.       Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Sunday, May 20, 2012 Both of you were born as commoners and live in Kamakura, yet you believe in the Lotus Sutra without concern for the prying eyes of others or the danger it may pose to your lives. This is nothing short of extraordinary. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 315 The Gods Same Birth and Same Name Written to Nichigen-nyo in April 1272

because we embrace the Mystic Law everything is moving in a positive direction, everything contributes to our happiness and our attainment of Buddhahood

Daily Guidance Sat 05/19

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Saturday, May 19, 2012 From the standpoint of the eternity of our lives, because we embrace the Mystic Law everything is moving in a positive direction, everything contributes to our happiness and our attainment of Buddhahood.  We need to have confidence in the Mystic Law; we mustn't be swayed by immediate circumstances or allow them to cloud our faith.     Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Saturday, May 19, 2012 Nichiren was utterly convinced we could change even the most dire and painful reality, including the danger of war, and, indeed, that it was imperative we do so. This conviction underlies his unwavering determination to create a peaceful society by widely disseminating the teachings of Buddhism.       Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Saturday, May 19, 2012 Life is the foremost of all treasures.  It is expounded that even the treasures of the entire major world system cannot equal the value of one's body and life. Even the treasures that fill the major world system are no substitute for life. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1125 The Gift of Rice Recipient and date unknown

Those who have experienced great suffering must win in life and become happy

Daily Guidance Fri 05/18

 

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Friday, May 18, 2012 Those who have experienced great suffering must win in life and become happy.  If you're always losing and miserable, then you are not practicing the Daishonin's Buddhism correctly.  You are not following the true path in life.  Buddhism teaches the means by which the sad can become happy and the happy become happier still. That is the reason for our practice.         Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Friday, May 18, 2012 Nichiren Buddhism is concerned with a very practical problem—how people should live their lives—and never for an instant allows its attention to be diverted from that problem.  And because this is its purpose, it demands as a first step that one conduct a thorough and fearless examination into the true nature of human life.           Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Friday, May 18, 2012 What we call faith is nothing unusual.  Faith means putting one's trust in the Lotus Sutra, Shakyamuni, Many Treasures, the Buddhas and bodhisattvas of the ten directions, and the heavenly gods and benevolent deities, and chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo as a woman cherishes her husband, as a man lays down his life for his wife, as parents refuse to abandon their children, or as a child refuses to leave its mother. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1036 The Meaning of Faith Written to the lay nun Myoichi on May 18, 1280

 

Moving of one's own accord to take action, to meet with people and conduct dialogues. Herein lies the correct way of life for human beings and the path of true honor for a Buddhist.

Daily Guidance Wed 05/16

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Wednesday, May 16, 2012 Day in and day out. Today and again tomorrow. Moving of one's own accord to take action, to meet with people and conduct dialogues. This is what Shakyamuni did. Herein lies the correct way of life for human beings and the path of true honor for a Buddhist. This is the rhythm of the SGI's advance-an advance founded upon the same principles practiced and espoused by Shakyamuni and the original Buddha, Nichiren Daishonin.       Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Wednesday, May 16, 2012 In a relationship, it is demeaning to constantly seek your partner's approval.  Such relationships are bereft of real caring, depth or even love.  For those of you who find yourselves in relationships where you are not treated the way your heart says you should be, I hope you will have the courage and dignity to decide that you are better off risking the scorn of your partner than enduring unhappiness with him or her.     Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Wednesday, May 16, 2012 From a mundane view, I am the poorest person in Japan, but in light of Buddhism, I am the wealthiest person in all Jambudvipa.  When I consider that this is all because the time is right, I am overwhelmed with joy and cannot restrain my tears. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 977 On Establishing the Four Bodhisattvas as the Object of Devotion Written to Toki Jonin on May 17, 1279

 

 

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Regards,

Mr Chang C.L.

_________________
http://MrChang.com

The principle of Ichinen Sanzen teaches: The inner determination of an individual can transform everything

Daily Guidance Mon 05/14

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Monday, May 14, 2012 Kosen-rufu is a long-term struggle we are pursuing over the 10,000 years of the Latter Day. Therefore, as we strive to realize victory in the present, we need to maintain a vision of the next fifty or 100 years.  Each day I am making efforts with my focus on the infinite future. Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Monday, May 14, 2012 What can the individual accomplish in the face of the huge institutions that run our world?  This feeling of powerlessness fuels a vicious cycle that only worsens the situation and increases people's sense of futility.  At the opposite extreme of this sense of powerlessness lie the Lotus Sutra's philosophy of three thousand realms in a single moment of life and the application of this teaching to our daily lives.  This principle teaches us that the inner determination of an individual can transform everything; it gives ultimate expression to the infinite potential and dignity inherent in each human life. Soka University of America Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Monday, May 14, 2012 The Lotus Sutra states, "[The doctrines that they preach. . . ] will never be contrary to the true reality." T'ien-t'ai commented on this, saying that "no worldly affairs of life or work are ever contrary to the true reality." A person of wisdom is not one who practices Buddhism apart from worldly affairs but, rather, one who thoroughly understands the principles by which the world is governed. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1121 The Kalpa of Decrease Recipient and date unknown

Faith that is weak is like muddy water, while faith that is brave is like clear water

 Daily Guidance Tue 05/15

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Tuesday, May 15, 2012 Ralph Waldo Emerson says, "Good-nature is plentiful, but we want justice with a heart of steel, to fight down the proud."  If people are merely good-natured, then those who are arrogant and highhanded will have free rein to carry on as they please.  Only those who fight with hearts of steel are people of justice.         Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Tuesday, May 15, 2012 When water is clear, the moon is reflected.  When the wind blows, the trees shake. Our minds are like the water.  Faith that is weak is like muddy water, while faith that is brave is like clear water. Understand that the trees are like principles, and the wind that shakes them is like the recitation of the sutra. -Nichiren     Mishima Pass in Kai Province Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Tuesday, May 15, 2012 There are a few in this province of Kai who have expressed their desire to take faith.  Yet I make it a rule not to permit them to join us unless they remain steadfast in their resolve.  Some people, despite their shallow understanding, pretend staunch faith and speak contemptuously to their fellow believers, thus often disrupting the faith of others. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 800 The Workings of Brahma and Shakra Written to Nanjo Tokimitsu on May 15, 1277

The Buddhism of true cause is always based on the present moment; it is always "from this moment on.

Daily Guidance Sun 05/13

 

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Sunday, May 13, 2012 During our dialogue, Dr. Arnold Toynbee at one point told me that his motto was Laboremus, Latin for, "Let's get to work!"  Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism focuses on the present and future; it is infused with the spirit, "Let's get started!"  We practice for the sake of the present and future.  It is important not to become trapped in the past; we have to put it behind us.  The Buddhism of true cause is always based on the present moment; it is always "from this moment on.     Pop figures - man woman and child by Jack Brown Artwork   Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Sunday, May 13, 2012 We should give first priority to the development of an independent spirit as a human being before considering one's role as a man, woman, child or parent.  In other words, for a person to become a man, woman, child or parent in the true sense of the word, one has to first of all develop his or her autonomous identity as a human being.       Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Sunday, May 13, 2012 Therefore, we know that the prayers offered by a practitioner of the Lotus Sutra will be answered just as an echo answers a sound, as a shadow follows a form, as the reflection of the moon appears in clear water, as a mirror collects dewdrops, as a magnet attracts iron, as amber attracts particles of dust, or as a clear mirror reflects the color of an object. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 340 On Prayer Written to Sairen-bo in 1272     HAPPY  MOTHER'S DAY

No one is more wonderful than a mother. And there is nothing more noble than a mother's heart.

Daily Guidance Tue 05/08

 

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Tuesday, May 8, 2012 No one is more wonderful than a mother.  And there is nothing more noble than a mother's heart.  I hope you will all treasure your mothers. Truly praiseworthy are those who have a sense of gratitude and appreciation toward their parents.  The Buddhist sutras teach that the practice of Buddhism is the ultimate expression of devotion to one's parents, and the Buddha excels in such dedication and concern.     Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Tuesday, May 8, 2012 Wildflowers are neither vain nor haughty, neither jealous nor servile.  Living in accord with their unique mission, characterizing the Buddhist principle of the equality of cherry, peach, plum, and damson blossoms, they neither envy other flowers nor belittle themselves.  They take pride in their individuality, knowing that each is a flower with a bloom like no other.  Even the prettiest and most delicate wildflowers are by no means weak. They may seem fragile, but they are strong, unperturbed by rain or wind.         Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Tuesday, May 8, 2012 The master of the house in private treated us with compassion. Though outwardly he appeared to be fearful of the authorities, at heart he had great pity for us, something that I will never forget in any future lifetime.  At that time, he meant more to me than the very parents who gave me birth.  However great the obligations I incurred to him, I must endeavor to repay them.  Even more, I must not fail to do what I had promised him. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 529 Letter to the Lay Priest Ichinosawa Written to the wife of the lay priest Ichinosawa on May 8, 1275

 

 

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Regards,

Mr Chang C.L.

_________________
http://MrChang.com