We must always have the spirit to begin anew "from this moment," to initiate a new struggle each day

Daily Guidance Thur 12/27

 

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Thursday, December 27, 2012 No matter what the circumstances, you should never concede defeat.  Never conclude that you've reached a dead end, that everything is finished.  You possess a glorious future.  And precisely because of that, you must persevere and study. Life is eternal. We need to focus on the two existences of the present and the future and not get caught up in the past.  We must always have the spirit to begin anew "from this moment," to initiate a new struggle each day. Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Thursday, December 27, 2012 Religious strife must be avoided at all cost; under no circumstance should it be allowed.  People may hold different religious beliefs, but the bottom line is that we are all human beings.  We all seek happiness and desire peace.  Religion should bring people together.  It should unite the potential for good in people's hearts toward benefiting society and humanity and creating a better future. Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Thursday, December 27, 2012 Your own offerings were not made to me, Nichiren, but to the Lotus Sutra.  Therefore, we must leave it to Shakyamuni Buddha, Many Treasures Buddha, and the Buddhas of the ten directions [to fathom the greatness of] the resulting benefits. Roots of Good Fortune Written to the lay nun Kubo on Dec. 27, 1281

--
Regards,

Mr Chang C.L.

_________________
http://MrChang.com

Don't be impatient. Since you have embraced the Gohonzon, your situation will definitely improve.

Daily Guiance Thur 12/20

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Thursday, December 20, 2012 President Toda used to say: "Don't be impatient. Since you have embraced the Gohonzon, your situation will definitely improve. There's no need to worry. Sure there will be hard times, times when you feel like crying. But as long as you have the Gohonzon, your life will become bright and joyful." As long as we persevere in faith, we will become happy. We must never doubt this no matter what happens but always advance resolutely, staunchly enduring all hardships and obstacles along the way. This is what true faith is. Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Thursday, December 20, 2012 Creation is quite different from mere ideas.  Even ideas require fundamental and extensive speculative accumulation.  It goes without saying that creation in learning demands an incomparably greater fundamental ability.  The task of creation is like a lofty mountain whose summit is formed only when there exist vast slopes and a solid foundation.  Likewise, the fruitful work of creation can only be attained when it is based on the extensive knowledge of learning and profound speculation. Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Thursday, December 20, 2012 In the past, Virtue Victorious offered a mudpie to the Buddha, and was reborn as King Ashoka. . . . A poor woman cut off her hair and sold it to buy oil [for the Buddha], and not even the winds sweeping down from Mount Sumeru could extinguish the flame of the lamp fed by this oil.  Accordingly, your offerings of two and three strings of coins are far greater even than those of the ruler of Japan, who may offer the nation and build a pagoda adorned with the seven kinds of treasures that reaches to the heaven of the thirty-three gods. Reply to Onichi-nyo Wrriten in 1280

those who know the bitterness of winter that can savor the true joy of spring.

Daily Guidance Fri 12/21

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Friday, December 21, 2012 Buddhism holds that everything is in a constant state of flux.  Thus the question is whether we are to accept change passively and be swept away by it or whether we are to take the lead and create positive changes on our own initiative.  While conservatism and self-protection might be likened to winter, night and death, the spirit of pioneering and attempting to realize ideals evokes images of spring, morning and birth. Winter Solstice Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Friday, December 21, 2012 Even if today may seem to be a time of total darkness, it will not last forever.  The dawn will surely come if you advance, ever forward, without being defeated. The day will definitely come when you can look back fondly and declare, "I am savoring this happiness because I struggled back then."   It is those who know the bitterness of winter that can savor the true joy of spring. Rissho Ankoku Ron Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Friday, December 21, 2012 Likewise the people of Japan, by becoming enemies of the Lotus Sutra, have brought ruin on themselves and their country.  And because I proclaim this, I am called arrogant by those of little understanding.  But I do not speak out of arrogance.  It is simply that if I did not speak out I would not be the votary of the Lotus Sutra. Moreover, when my words prove later to be true, people will be able to believe all the more readily. And because I write this down now, the people of the future will recognize my wisdom. The Supremacy of the Law Written to Oto and her mother, Nichinyo on August 4, 1275     HAPPY FIRST DAY OF WINTER

Gosho for discussion mtg Dec 2012 (Eng)

Gosho For discussion mtg Dec 2012

On the level of the individual, practicing the Lotus Sutra means confronting the fundamental darkness in one's own life

Daily Guidance Sat 11/17

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Saturday, November 17, 2012 Only if you challenge your human revolution in a manner that is true to yourself will the people around you naturally begin to trust and respect you. That in itself is the greatest way of laying the groundwork for the spread of Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism. Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Saturday, November 17, 2012 The Lotus Sutra, which explains that all people can attain Buddhahood and that all people are Buddhas, embodies a spirit of supreme respect for human beings. By contrast, those teachings and ideas that seek to turn people into objects to be exploited embody ultimate disrespect for human beings.  Such disrespect is an expression of fundamental darkness. On the level of the individual, practicing the Lotus Sutra means confronting the fundamental darkness in one's own life. Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Saturday, November 17, 2012 The same is true of your attaining Buddhahood.  No matter what grave offenses you might have committed, because you did not turn against the Lotus Sutra, but showed your devotion by accompanying me, you will surely become a Buddha.  Yours is like the case of King Possessor of Virtue, who gave his life to save the monk Realization of Virtue and became Shakyamuni Buddha. Faith in the Lotus Sutra acts as a prayer [to attain Buddhahood].  Strengthen your resolve to seek the way all the more and achieve Buddhahood in this lifetime. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 946 The Receipt of New Fiefs Written to Shijo Kingo in October 1278

Helping others become happy is the foundation of our faith

Daily Guidance Mon 11/19

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Monday, November 19, 2012 The innate power of humanity is the driving force that breaks down all barriers of discrimination.  The ultimate expression of this humanity is Buddhahood; it is the power of the Mystic Law.  Daimoku is therefore the fundamental energy for realizing victory in the struggle for human rights. Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Monday, November 19, 2012 To be concerned only with one's own happiness is egoism.  To claim you care only about the happiness of others is hypocrisy.  Genuine happiness is becoming happy together with others.  Josei Toda said: "Just becoming happy oneself—there's nothing difficult to that.  It's easy.  Helping others become happy is the foundation of our faith." Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Monday, November 19, 2012 In this age, it is as natural for a woman to change her fixed karma by practicing the Lotus Sutra as it is for rice to ripen in fall or chrysanthemums to bloom in winter.  When I prayed for my mother, not only was her illness cured, but her life was prolonged by four years. Now you too have fallen ill, and as a woman, it is all the more timely for you to establish steadfast faith in the Lotus Sutra and see what it will do for you. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 955 On Prolonging One's Life Span Written to the lay nun Myojo in 1279

If you want to build a happy life, you have to give careful thought to the foundations

Daily Guidance Sun 11/18

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Sunday, November 18, 2012 The Soka Gakkai's goal is kosen-rufu—realizing human happiness and world peace by widely spreading the philosophy and ideals of Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism. We will continue to strive earnestly for this goal, undaunted by criticism, slander or malicious attempts to hinder our progress.  That is because what we are doing is the will and decree of the original Buddha, Nichiren Daishonin.  I proclaim that all who energetically exert themselves for the cause of kosen-rufu are genuine disciples of the Daishonin and genuine members of the SGI. Events Soka Gakkai Founding Day 1930: Soka Gakkai is established. 1944: Tsunesaburo Makiguchi, the Soka Gakkai's first president, dies in prison. Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Sunday, November 18, 2012 If you want to build a happy life, you have to give careful thought to the foundations.  Happiness certainly cannot be secured on appearances or affectation. Happiness comes down to the inner state of our life at a given moment. Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Sunday, November 18, 2012 How long does a lifetime last?  If one stops to consider, it is like a single night's lodging at a wayside inn.  Should one forget that fact and seek some measure of worldly fame and profit?   Though you may gain them, they will be mere prosperity in a dream, a delight scarcely to be prized.  You would do better simply to leave such matters to the karma formed in your previous existences. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 63 Questions and Answers about Embracing the Lotus Sutra Recipient unknown; written in March 1263

4 virtues of Buddha

We are leaders of happiness and creators of peace

Daily Guidance Sat 11/10

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Saturday, November 10, 2012 There are various kinds of careers and roles that people fill in society.  While each role of course has significance, the fundamental role that we each play as a Buddhist is that of philosopher of life and of humanity who can impart eternal value to humankind. We are leaders of happiness and creators of peace.  In this sense, our role is unique. Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Saturday, November 10, 2012 Our lives are our own.  It is not for someone else to dictate to us how we should live them.  All that awaits those who allow themselves to be continually swayed by what other people say or do is unhappiness.  We simply need to have the self-belief to be able to say: "This is right. This is the path I will follow.  I am content." Happiness is born from such inner fortitude. Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Saturday, November 10, 2012 Moreover, as life does not go beyond the moment, the Buddha expounded the blessings that come from a single moment of rejoicing [on hearing the Lotus Sutra]. If two or three moments were required, this could no longer be called the original vow of the Buddha endowed with great impartial wisdom, the single vehicle of the teaching that directly reveals the truth and leads all living beings to attain Buddhahood. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 63 Questions and Answers about Embracing the Lotus Sutra Recipient unknown; written in March 1263

Being sincere, dedicated and honest is the key. People of integrity triumph in the end

Daily Guidance Fri 11/09

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Friday, November 9, 2012 The Daishonin explains the significance of cause and effect: All sutras other than the Lotus Sutra expound that Buddhahood (effect), can be attained only after having made good causes, that is, practicing their teachings (causes), over a length of time.  With the Lotus Sutra, however, the very act of embracing it (cause) enables one simultaneously to become a Buddha (effect).  Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Friday, November 9, 2012 Don't put on airs.  Conceit and pretense don't win people's hearts; the façade soon crumbles.  Be yourself. Buddhism teaches we can shine most brilliantly through natural, unaffected behavior.  Being sincere, dedicated and honest is the key. People of integrity triumph in the end. Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Friday, November 9, 2012 Kyo'o's misfortune will change into fortune.  Muster your faith, and pray to this Gohonzon.  Then what is there that cannot be achieved?   There can be no doubt about the sutra passages that say, "This sutra can fulfill their desires, as a clear cool pond can satisfy all those who are thirsty," and "They will enjoy peace and security in their present existence and good circumstances in future existences." 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

We should strive to develop a state of life where we feel a sense of joy no matter what happens

Daily Guidance Sunday 11/04

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Sunday, November 4, 2012 It is important that we live cheerfully. With a strong spirit of optimism, we need to be able to continually direct our minds in a bright, positive and beneficial direction and help those around us do so, too. We should strive to develop a state of life where we feel a sense of joy no matter what happens. Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Sunday, November 4, 2012 Each of you should summon up the courage of a lion king and never succumb to threats from anyone. The lion king fears no other beast, nor do its cubs. Slanderers are like barking foxes, but Nichiren's followers are like roaring lions. - Nichiren Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Sunday, November 4, 2012 Tsukimaro must have chanted Nam-myoho-rennge-kyo with her very first cry at birth. The Lotus Sutra speaks of "the true aspect of all phenomena." T'ien-t'ai said, "Voices do the Buddha's work." This is also what I think. The deaf cannot hear the thunder, and the blind cannot see the light of the sun and moon. But I am quite certain that the ten demon daughters must be together side by side, giving the baby her first bath and watching over her growth. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 188 The Birth of Tsukimaro Written to Nichigen-nyo and Shijo Kingo on May 8, 1271

only by establishing strong individual lives capable of boldly challenging difficult obstacles can we find true "peace and security in this lifetime"

Daily Guidance Wed 11/07

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Wednesday, November 7, 2012 Throughout his life, Shakyamuni encouraged people with his clear, sonorous voice.  A Buddhist text describes how Shakyamuni warmheartedly welcomed everyone he met, expressing his joy at seeing them.  He showed affection, joy and gentleness in all his interactions. He greeted everyone with courtesy and respect. He never scowled or grimaced.  And to put others at ease and encourage them to speak up, Shakyamuni would always break the ice by initiating the conversation.  It was the power of Shakyamuni's eloquence and sincerity that made it possible for Buddhism to gain wide acceptance among the people of his time. Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Wednesday, November 7, 2012 True ease and comfort are not found in a quiet, uneventful life. This may sound paradoxical, but hardships bring about ease and comfort.   For only by establishing strong individual lives capable of boldly challenging difficult obstacles can we find true "peace and security in this lifetime," as the Lotus Sutra says. Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Wednesday, November 7, 2012 I knew from the outset that, if I set aside my fears and declared things exactly as they are, I would be sentenced to death.  And even if I should escape the death penalty, I would surely be condemned to exile.   So great is the debt of gratitude I owe the Buddha, however, that I have not let others intimidate me, but have spoken out. 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

Life, in a sense, is a battle of wisdom

Daily Guidance Tue 11/06 ***ELECTION DAY IN THE USA***

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Tuesday, November 6, 2012 To establish meaningful lives, I hope that during your youth you will work hard to polish you intellect.  Life, in a sense, is a battle of wisdom.  It is the power of Buddhism that enables one to win this battle.  True faith is characterized by a brilliance of intellect and depth of wisdom that result from devotion to practice.   Rep. Hank Johnson, a U.S. Congressman from Georgia and long-time member of Soka Gakkai International (SGI) Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Tuesday, November 6, 2012 Society is where we put the teachings of Buddhism into practice. The essence of Buddhism shines in our actions in society. Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Tuesday, November 6, 2012 In the end, no one can escape death. The sufferings at that time will be exactly like what we are experiencing now.  Since death is the same in either case, you should be willing to offer your life for the Lotus Sutra. Think of this offering as a drop of dew rejoining the ocean, or a speck of dust returning to the earth. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1003 The Dragon Gate Written to Nanjo Tokimitsu on November 6, 1279

unless one perceives the nature of one's life, one's practice will become an endless, painful austerity

Daily Guidance Thur 11/08

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Thursday, November 8, 2012 In the "Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings," Nichiren Daishonin says with reference to attaining Buddhahood, "'To attain' means 'to open'" (Gosho Zenshu, p. 753).  Attaining Buddhahood means opening our lives to their fullest potential and revealing our innate Buddhahood. This is the purpose of Buddhism. Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Thursday, November 8, 2012 The noted pacifist scholar Johan Galtung tells young people, "We must be realists in our brains while keeping the flame of idealism burning in our hearts."  Both of these—to see the world as it is and how it could be—are essential to reform.  A firm hold on reality should not entail being swamped by or resting easy in the status quo.  To pioneer uncharted ways requires that people today keep the lamp of optimism lit. Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Thursday, November 8, 2012 If you seek enlightenment outside yourself, then your performing even ten thousand practices and ten thousand good deeds will be in vain.  It is like the case of a poor man who spends night and day counting his neighbor's wealth but gains not even half a coin. That is why the T'ien-t'ai school's commentary states, "Unless one perceives the nature of one's life, one cannot eradicate one's grave offenses."  This passage implies that, unless one perceives the nature of one's life, one's practice will become an endless, painful austerity.

The purpose of faith is to become happy. I hope all of you will take this sure path to happiness

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Monday, November 5, 2012 The purpose of faith is to become happy.  I hope all of you will take this sure path to happiness, never wandering onto byroads that lead to unhappiness.  Please walk the great path of kosen-rufu with confidence and pride. Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Monday, November 5, 2012 Trust is difficult to earn and it is easily lost—the trust built over a decade can be shattered in an instant by one offhanded remark or deed.  A person who is not swayed from their chosen path, even during the most trying times, will ultimately find that he or she is trusted by all. Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Monday, November 5, 2012 If you truly fear the sufferings of birth and death and yearn for nirvana, if you carry out your faith and thirst for the way, then the sufferings of change and impermanence will become no more than yesterday's dream, and the awakening of enlightenment will become today's reality. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 130 Conversation between a Sage and an Unenlightened Man Recipient unknown; written in 1265

It is important that we live cheerfully.

Daily Guidance Sunday 11/04

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Sunday, November 4, 2012 It is important that we live cheerfully. With a strong spirit of optimism, we need to be able to continually direct our minds in a bright, positive and beneficial direction and help those around us do so, too. We should strive to develop a state of life where we feel a sense of joy no matter what happens. Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Sunday, November 4, 2012 Each of you should summon up the courage of a lion king and never succumb to threats from anyone. The lion king fears no other beast, nor do its cubs. Slanderers are like barking foxes, but Nichiren's followers are like roaring lions. - Nichiren Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Sunday, November 4, 2012 Tsukimaro must have chanted Nam-myoho-rennge-kyo with her very first cry at birth. The Lotus Sutra speaks of "the true aspect of all phenomena." T'ien-t'ai said, "Voices do the Buddha's work." This is also what I think. The deaf cannot hear the thunder, and the blind cannot see the light of the sun and moon. But I am quite certain that the ten demon daughters must be together side by side, giving the baby her first bath and watching over her growth. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 188 The Birth of Tsukimaro Written to Nichigen-nyo and Shijo Kingo on May 8, 1271