chant daimoku with voices that are clear, strong and brimming with joy

Daily Guidance Thur 08/30

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Thursday, August 30, 2012 The Daishonin states, "The voice does the Buddha's work" (Gosho Zenshu, p. 708). To chant the Mystic Law is to praise the Gohonzon.  Hearing the sound of our daimoku, the heavenly deities will be set into motion and work to protect us.  A weak and unclear voice will not move the heavenly deities.  That is why it is important for us to chant daimoku with voices that are clear, strong and brimming with joy. Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Thursday, August 30, 2012 Buddhism stresses the interconnectedness of all life. It is only the limited capacity of our senses that causes us to place so much stock in the separation between "them" and "us."  Because of this interconnectedness, by using violence, you not only injure or destroy the other person but also yourself.  Those who use violence and devalue others' lives actually devalue and ruin their own lives. Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Thursday, August 30, 2012 Misfortune comes from one's mouth and ruins one, but fortune comes from one's heart and makes one worthy of respect. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1137 New Year's Gosho Written to the wife of Omosu on January 5, year unknown.

The test of faith is winning in daily life and society, since that is where Buddhism finds expression.

Daily Guidance Thur 08/23

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Thursday, August 23, 2012 Shijo Kingo, a person of strong faith, was at one point envied and slandered by others, earning the disfavor of his lord. But later he received a new estate from him.  In modern terms, we might say that Shijo Kingo scored this victory by showing wonderful actual proof of faith at his place of work.  The test of faith is winning in daily life and society, since that is where Buddhism finds expression. Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Thursday, August 23, 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.   Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Thursday, August 23, 2012 How wondrous it is that, around two hundred years and more into the Latter Day of the Law, I was the first to reveal as the banner of propagation of the Lotus Sutra this great mandala that even those such as Nagarjuna and Vasubandhu, T'ien-t'ai and Miao-lo were unable to express! This mandala is in no way my invention.  It is the object of devotion that depicts Shakyamuni Buddha, the World-Honored One, seated in the treasure tower of Many Treasures Buddha, and the Buddhas who were Shakyamuni's emanations as perfectly as a print matches its woodblock. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 831 The Real Aspect of the Gohonzon Written to Nichinyo on August 23, 1277

What matters is that you become a brilliant beacon, shining with joy and happiness and live your life with confidence and courage

Daily Guidance Wed 08/22

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Wednesday, August 22, 2012 It is not a question of your environment or those around you, nor what the organization or leaders may be like. To be swayed by such externals is pointless.  It all comes down to one person: you.  What matters is that you become a brilliant beacon, shining with joy and happiness and live your life with confidence and courage.  If you shine with a radiant light, there can be no darkness in your life. Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Wednesday, August 22, 2012 The times when I have most intensely felt and experienced the inner reality of creation have been those times when I have thrown myself wholeheartedly into a task, when I have carried through with that task to the very end.  At such times, I experience a dramatically expanded sense of self.  I can almost hear the joyous yell of victory issuing from the depths of my being. Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Wednesday, August 22, 2012 By considering the magnitude of the punishment suffered by those who harbor enmity toward the Lotus Sutra, we can understand the magnitude of the benefits obtained by devoting oneself to it. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1095 Reply to Jibu-bo Written to Jibu-bo on August 22, 1281

To be fearless no matter what happens—that is the root of true happiness

Daily Guidance Mon 08/20

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Monday, August 20, 2012 To be fearless no matter what happens—that is the root of true happiness. To move forward resolutely regardless of what lies in store—that is the spirit, the resolve, that leads to human victory. But if we allow ourselves to be disturbed by petty criticism and slander, if we fear pressure and persecution, we will never advance nor create anything of lasting value. Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Monday, August 20, 2012 Nature is like a mirror.  It remains still, but I move.  It seems unchanging, yet I am constantly changing. The mirror of nature reflects my inner world, the essence of humanity, and the great, all-embracing expanse of life itself.  Only when we are connected to nature, engaged with nature, are we truly alive and vigorous.  To really be alive, one must be under the sun, the moon, the shining stars and surrounded by the beautiful greenery and pure waters of the natural world. Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Monday, August 20, 2012 And do not go around lamenting to others how hard it is for you to live in this world. To do so is an act utterly unbecoming to a worthy man. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 850 The Three Kinds of Treasure Written to Shijo Kingo on September 11, 1277

the chief purpose of a philosophy or religion is to help us understand the meaning of death and why we are alive

Daily Guidance Sat 08/18 

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Saturday, August 18, 2012 Buddhism is action.  One meaning of kyo of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is action.  Without action, we cannot say that we are practicing Nam-myoho-renge-kyo; it would merely remain a concept.  Only through action are we able to truly gain the great benefit of the Mystic Law.   Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Saturday, August 18, 2012 Perhaps the chief purpose of a philosophy or religion is to help us understand the meaning of death and why we are alive.  Without understanding where we have come from and where we are going, we cannot establish our own sense of identity to the fullest.  Aging and its symptoms can, if nothing else, prompt us to seek rejuvenation.  Ultimately, that rejuvenation can be found not in forestalling symptoms but in embracing a larger understanding of our own lives, which Buddhism elucidates. Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Saturday, August 18, 2012 People have varied tastes.  Some prefer good and some prefer evil. There are many kinds of people.  But though they differ from one another in such ways, once they enter into the Lotus Sutra, they all become like a single person in body and a single person in mind. This is just like the myriad different rivers that, when they flow into the ocean, all take on a uniformly salty flavor, or like the many kinds of birds that, when they approach Mount Sumeru, all assume the same [golden] hue. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1042 The Treasure of a Filial Child Written to the lay nun Sennichi on July 2, 1280

By inviting our friends to discussion meetings... wec are accumulating the good fortune and benefit to be reborn as great leaders and savor a state of unsurpassed freedom in lifetime after lifetime.

Daily Guidance Fri 08/17

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Friday, August 17, 2012 There is nothing more noble than inviting our friends to discussion meetings, gathering together to enable them to establish a connection with Buddhism, to talk about Buddhist teachings, and to deepen our faith.  As the Lotus Sutra clearly indicates, through such steady, dedicated efforts to teach others about Buddhism, you are accumulating the good fortune and benefit to be reborn as great leaders and savor a state of unsurpassed freedom in lifetime after lifetime. Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Friday, August 17, 2012 The Buddhist teaching of the oneness of life and its environment tells us that humanity and the natural world are one. That is why if we wish to protect the environment, we must transform and purify the three poisons—greed, anger and foolishness—that exist in people's lives.  The principle of human revolution focuses on precisely that: inner transformation at the most fundamental level. Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Friday, August 17, 2012 Rice is what sustains life.  It is like the oil that sustains the life of the lamp.  The Lotus Sutra is a lamp, and its votary is the oil that sustains it.  Or again, the lay supporters are the oil that sustains the lamp of the votary. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 983 King Rinda Written to Soya Doso on August 17, 1279

What distinguishes a forward-looking person from an intransigent one, a virtuous person from a dishonest one, however, is whether one can candidly admit to one‚'s mistakes and take bold steps to redress them.

Daily Guidance Thur 08/16

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Thursday, August 16, 2012 Certainly there will be times when you wish you had more spending money, more time to sleep and more time for fun and recreation.  You may feel restricted now, but you should consider your current situation as the perfect set of circumstances for your growth. Within the restrictions that define your present existence, the only thing to do is to discipline yourself and head in the direction of growth and self-improvement.  In the process of exerting yourself in such endeavors, you will without a doubt build and strengthen your character. Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Thursday, August 16, 2012 As long as we are human, we are bound to make mistakes.  We all fall prey to flawed beliefs and views. What distinguishes a forward-looking person from an intransigent one, a virtuous person from a dishonest one, however, is whether one can candidly admit to one‚'s mistakes and take bold steps to redress them. Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Thursday, August 16, 2012 A person's death is not determined by illness.  In our own time, the people of Iki and Tsushima, though not suffering from illness, were slaughtered in an instant by the Mongols. It is not certain that, because one is ill, one will die.  And could not this illness of your husband's be the Buddha's design, because the Vimalakirti and Nirvana sutras both teach that sick people will surely attain Buddhahood?  Illness gives rise to the resolve to attain the way. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 937 The Good Medicine for All Ills Written to the lay nun Myoshin on August 16, probably in 1278

chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo for the happiness of those who displease, anger or even hurt us... inevitably, we come to see the better side of most people

 Daily Guidance Tue 08/14

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Tuesday, August 14, 2012 The German author Hermann Hesse (1877-1962) writes that the more one matures, the younger one grows.  And certainly there are many people who, as they age, become increasingly vigorous and energetic, more broad-minded and tolerant, living with a greater sense of freedom and assurance.  It is important to remember that aging and growing old are not necessarily the same thing.    Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Tuesday, August 14, 2012 In Nichiren Buddhism, we are encouraged to chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo for the happiness of those who—for whatever reason—displease, anger or even hurt us. Often this is not easy.  But, inevitably, we come to see the better side of most people. Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Tuesday, August 14, 2012 Let us openly and clearly outline the virtues of Myoho-renge-kyo!  Just as poisonous compounds are changed into medicine, so these five characters of Myoho-renge-kyo change evil into good. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1064 White Horses and White Swans Written to the lady of Utubusa on August 14, 1280

An important thing is that you concentrate on developing yourself

Daily Guidance Mon 08/13

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Monday, August 13, 2012 An important thing is that you concentrate on developing yourself.  Whatever others may say or do, those who have established their own solid sense of identity will triumph in the end.  The great Japanese author Eiji Yoshikawa (1892-1962) wrote in his novel Miyamoto Musashi [an account of the seventeenth-century master swordsman of the same name]: "Rather than worrying about your future, thinking 'Perhaps I should become this or perhaps I should become that,' first be still and build a self that is as solid and unmoving as Mount Fuji."       Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Monday, August 13, 2012 Buddhism teaches that human life is endowed simultaneously with both good and evil. The human mind is interpreted as partaking of ten different conditions, or states, including, at one end of the scale, hell, which is filled with suffering; hunger, dominated by greed; and animality, characterized by fear of the strong and contempt for the weak.  At the other end are the Bodhisattva and Buddha conditions—states of mind in which people strive to help others by eliminating suffering and imparting happiness.  Buddhism further teaches that the nature of life is for good and evil to be essentially inseparable.         Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Monday, August 13, 2012 Could "enjoy themselves at ease" mean anything but that both our bodies and minds, lives and environments, are entities of three thousand realms in a single moment of life and Buddhas of limitless joy? There is no true happiness other than upholding faith in the Lotus Sutra. This is what is meant by "peace and security in their present existence and good circumstances in future existences." The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 681 Happiness in This World Written to Shijo Kingo on June 27, 1276

The first thing is to pray.

 Daily Guidance Wed 08/15

Karin - SGI Amsterdam, Netherlands  For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Wednesday, August 15, 2012 The first thing is to pray.  From the moment we begin to pray, things start moving. The darker the night, the closer the dawn. From the moment we chant daimoku with a deep and powerful resolve, the sun begins to rise in our hearts.  Hope—prayer is the sun of hope. To chant daimoku each time we face a problem, overcoming it and elevating our life-condition as a result—this is the path of "changing earthly desires into enlightenment," taught in Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism.         First Issue of World Tribune  1964         Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Wednesday, August 15, 2012 The world is growing increasingly interrelated and interdependent. We have reached a point where, in order to deal with not only environmental problems but every other issue confronting humankind, leaders with a broad, global perspective are indispensable. Everything hinges on how many capable leaders we can produce who are willing to fight wholeheartedly for the world's future and the happiness of humanity.       Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Wednesday, August 15, 2012 I, Nichiren, have inscribed my life in sumi ink, so believe in the Gohonzon with your whole heart. The Buddha's will is the Lotus Sutra, but the soul of Nichiren is nothing other than Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 412 Reply to Kyo'o Written to Kyo'o and her parents, Nichigen-nyo and Shijo Kingo, on August 15, 1273

Let's read the Gosho regularly... Even if you forget what you've read, something profound will have been engraved in the depths of your life

Daily Guidance Sat 08/11

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Saturday, August 11, 2012 Let's read the Gosho regularly.  Even just a little is fine.  Even a single sentence.  Just opening the Gosho is a start.  At any rate, let's strive to read the Daishonin's writings.  It's important to have the spirit to study the Gosho, to open up the Gosho.  Even if you forget what you've read, something profound will have been engraved in the depths of your life. Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Saturday, August 11, 2012 One who has mastered himself is truly free.  Freedom lies in the heart of the sage, servitude in the heart of the fool. Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Saturday, August 11, 2012 Even an individual at cross purposes with himself is certain to end in failure. Yet a hundred or even a thousand people can definitely attain their goal, if they are of one mind. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 618 Many in Body, One in Mind Written to the lay priest Takahashi on August 6, year unknown

When praised highly by others, one feels that there is no hardship one cannot bear.

Daily Guidance Tue 08/07

Gandhi when young For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Tuesday, August 7, 2012 Gandhi stressed the importance of being resolute in one's determinations: "A man who says that he will do something 'as far as possible' betrays either his pride or his weakness, though he himself may attribute it to his humility.  There is, in fact, not a trace of humility in such an attitude of mind."  In short, he asserts that someone who makes halfhearted pronouncements is either arrogant or cowardly. Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Tuesday, August 7, 2012 The people we are close to are important.  We should treat them as our treasures.  When dealing with others, we should always be sincere and polite.  Nothing is stronger than sincerity.  I have made many friends around the world and made them all with the same sincerity.  A relationship built with sincerity will never be destroyed, but relationships build by means of tactics and scheming always collapse in the end.   Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Tuesday, August 7, 2012 When praised highly by others, one feels that there is no hardship one cannot bear.  Such is the courage that springs from words of praise. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 385 The True Aspect of All Phenomena Written to Sairen-bo Nichijo on May 17, 1273

Prayer in Nichiren Buddhism is fundamentally a vow. It is a pledge or commitment to follow a chosen course of action

Daily Guidance 08/06

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Monday, August 6, 2012 Youth, and indeed life itself, flashes by in the blink of an eye. That is why it is important for you to ask yourselves what you can do for those who are suffering, what you can do to resolve the mournful contradictions that plague society, and boldly take on these great challenges without shunning the problems and difficulties you will inevitably face. Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Monday, August 6, 2012 Prayer in Nichiren Buddhism is fundamentally a vow.  It is a pledge or commitment to follow a chosen course of action; it is a declaration to challenge a clear objective. As such, how could anything be more wonderful than the vow to realize our personal human revolution and actualize the goal of world peace? Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Monday, August 6, 2012 Though numerous, the Japanese will find it difficult to accomplish anything, because they are divided in spirit. In contrast, although Nichiren and his followers are few, because they are different in body, but united in mind, they will definitely accomplish their great mission of widely propagating the Lotus Sutra. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 618 Many in Body, One in Mind Written to the lay priest Takahashi on August 6, year unknown

The more aware we are of our responsibility kosen-rufu, the more joy we will experience

Daily Guidance Thur 08/02

Marie SGI Philippines For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Thursday, August 2, 2012 The greater our efforts to advance kosen-rufu, the greater the benefit and eternal good fortune we will accumulate in our lives.  The more outstanding people we can foster, the stronger and healthier we will become. The more aware we are of our responsibility, the more joy we will experience. Such are the workings of the Buddhist Law. Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Thursday, August 2, 2012 Why was Shakyamuni Buddha so respected?  One of the reasons was the power of his voice.  His voice is recorded as "beautiful, sweet like honey, warm and graceful, resounding and clear."  He is also described as an individual who "speaks brightly, remarks brightly, narrates gracefully, talks clearly, expresses himself eloquently to make himself understood." Shakyamuni called to anybody who visited him, "Welcome, welcome."  It is expounded that he associated with people with his friendliness, joy and gentleness.  He always politely greeted any person he encountered. He never greeted them in an unfriendly manner.  It is said that he first opened his mouth to speak to the other person so that he or she would have an easier time to open up to Shakyamuni. Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Thursday, August 2, 2012 The heart of the Lotus Sutra is the revelation that one may attain the supreme enlightenment in one's present form without altering one's status as an ordinary person. This means that, without casting aside one's karmic impediments, one can still attain the Buddha way. Thus T'ien-t'ai says, "The other sutras only predict Buddhahood . . . for the good, but not for the evil;. . .  This [Lotus] sutra predicts Buddhahood for all." The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 410 Reply to Hakiri Saburo Written to Hakiri Rokuro Saburo on August 3, 1273

The resolve to accomplish your goals is what counts

Daily Guidance Sat 08/04

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Saturday, August 4, 2012 The resolve to accomplish your goals is what counts. If you earnestly put your mind to something, your brain, your body, your environment—everything—will start working toward achieving that end. Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Saturday, August 4, 2012 In Buddhist terms, the great universe and the self—the great macrocosm and the microcosm—are one.  Since the self and all phenomena are one, all things are interrelated.  Termed dependent origination (缘起), this teaching explains that all things weave a single whole in which individuals live in relation to all others. In other words, all beings and phenomena exist or occur because of their relationship with other beings and phenomena, and nothing in either the human or the nonhuman world exists in isolation.  All things are mutually related to and interdependent with all other things.  They all form a great cosmos maintaining the rhythms of life. Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Saturday, August 4, 2012 I spoke out solely because I had long known that the people of Japan would meet with great suffering, and I felt pity for them. Thoughtful persons should therefore realize that I have met these trials for their sake.  If they were people who understood their obligations or who were capable of reason, then out of two blows that fall upon me, they would receive one in my stead. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 828 Reply to Yasaburo Written to Saito Yasaburo on August 4, 1277

The key to creating good fortune is found in faith and daimoku

Daily Guidance 07/31

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Tuesday, July 31, 2012 What is the secret to victory?  Mr. Toda once described that in a certain sense life is a gamble.  "If you are lucky, you will win," he said. "But if you are unlucky, then sometimes no matter how hard you try you lose. This is a hard fact."  That is why, in addition to ability, good fortune is essential.  The key to creating good fortune is found in faith and daimoku.  I hope that you will all act in accord with the fundamental Law of Buddhism and lead victorious lives filled with unsurpassed good fortune. Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Tuesday, July 31, 2012 What is the purpose of life?   It is happiness.  But there are two kinds of happiness: relative and absolute.  Relative happiness comes in a wide variety of forms.  The purpose of Buddhism is to attain Buddhahood.  In modern terms, this could be explained as realizing absolute happiness-a state of happiness that can never be destroyed or defeated.      Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Tuesday, July 31, 2012 Even a wise man cannot become a Buddha through the other sutras, but with the Lotus Sutra, even fools can plant the seeds that lead to Buddhahood.  As the sutra passage I have quoted earlier puts it, "Although they do not seek emancipation, emancipation will come of itself."",. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 283 The Opening of the Eyes Written to Shijo Kingo in February 1272