Those who strengthen their faith day by day and month after month are genuine practitioners. Our daily practice of gongyo, therefore, is important, as well as attending meetings every month. We must not let our faith grow weak. We must make it stronger today than yesterday, stronger this month than last. Buddhist practice is a succession of such untiring efforts, the ultimate goal of which is attaining the summit of Buddhahood.
It is important to remember that your worth as a person is not based on your profession. It is not based on wealth, fame or academic credentials. What counts is how hard you have striven in your chosen path, how much good you have accomplished, how earnestly you have devoted your energies to it. It is your spirit of devotion, your sincerity, that determines your true worth. For that reason, our individuality constitutes the basis for leading a life of dignity and meaning as a human being.
GOSHO PASSAGE
The meaning of this passage is that those who obtained benefit during the Former and Middle Days of the Law received "conspicuous" benefit, because the relationship they formed with the Lotus Sutra during the lifetime of the Buddha had finally matured. On the other hand, those born today in the Latter Day of the Law receive the seeds of Buddhahood for the first time, and their benefit is therefore "inconspicuous."
(WND 474) The Teaching, Practice and Proof
Written to Sammi-bo on March 21, 1275
BUDDHISM DAY BY DAY - WISDOM FOR MODERN LIFE
Knowledge gives rise to wisdom. If you like, knowledge is the pump; wisdom is the water that we get from the pump. If we can't obtain water, the pump is useless. At the same time, without knowledge, without the pump, we won't be able to obtain water.
A YOUTHFUL DIARY - Monday, January 11 (1960) Cloudy then clear
"You must strive with all your hearts/ and remove yourselves from indulgence and laxity" (LS1, 20).
How is the engine of my ship for the important embarkation into my thirties?
Discussed the staff's salary at the headquarters.
Considered carefully the harmony among all the staff, their family circumstances, their abilities and so on. Although their work is in the realm of faith, I must give serious thought to the foundation of their living in the reality of society.
In the evening, met with associates of N. at K. We discussed various issues regarding paper stock for the newspaper.
No matter what meeting I attend, I feel Sensei's heart, his image, is reflected in my mind's eye.
On my way back from the headquarters, finishing reading Sensei's The Detailed Commentary on the "Expedient Means" and "The Life Span of the Thus Come One" Chapters of the Lotus Sutra. Felt infinitely nostalgic.
Chanted one thousand daimoku.
Inscribed "Dawn" and "Boundless joy from the Law" on calligraphy paper as mementos.
Couldn't go to bed until a little after 2:00.
