To turn even sorrow into a source of creativity- this is the way of life of a Buddhist

Daily Guidance Tue 03/27

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Tuesday, March 27, 2012 While controlling your mind, which is at once both extremely subtle and solemnly profound, you should strive to elevate your faith with freshness and vigor. When you do so, both your life and your surroundings will open wide before you and every action you take will become a source of benefit. Understanding the subtle workings of one's mind is the key to faith and attaining Buddhahood in this lifetime.       Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Tuesday, March 27, 2012 By changing our inner state of mind, we can change any suffering or hardship into a source of joy, regarding it as a means for forging and developing our lives. To turn even sorrow into a source of creativity- this is the way of life of a Buddhist.       Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Tuesday, March 27, 2012 You also are a practitioner of the Lotus Sutra, and your faith is like the waxing moon or the rising tide. Be deeply convinced, then, that your illness cannot possibly persist, and that your life cannot fail to be extended! Take care of yourself, and do not burden your mind with grief. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 656 The Bow and Arrow Written to the lay nun Toki on March 27, 1276

A Buddha shares the sufferings of others and, sensing the condition of the time, earnestly ponders how to transform that condition.

Daily Guidance Wed 03/28

Picasso The Dance of Youth For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Wednesday, March 28, 2012 Youth must have the spirit to attack injustice, the spirit to refute that which is wrong, the spirit to spread the Daishonin's teaching. Just giving an appearance of promoting kosen-rufu and going with the flow, afraid of making waves, are the actions of self-serving youth, who are spiritually old and decrepit.       Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Wednesday, March 28, 2012 A Buddha is definitely not an absolute being living a static existence. A Buddha shares the sufferings of others and, sensing the condition of the time, earnestly ponders how to transform that condition. A Buddha vows to struggle in order to lead the people and the age to enlightenment. The strength of this vow causes the Buddha's enlightenment to mature into rich wisdom.       Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Wednesday, March 28, 2012 The heart of the Lotus Sutra is its title, or the daimoku, of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo.  Truly, if you chant this in the morning and evening, you are correctly reading the entire Lotus Sutra.  Chanting daimoku twice is the same as reading the entire sutra twice, one hundred daimoku equal one hundred readings of the sutra, and a thousand daimoku, a thousand readings of the sutra. Thus, if you ceaselessly chant daimoku, you will be continually reading the Lotus Sutra. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 923 The One Essential Phrase Written to the lay nun Myoho on July 3, 1278

 

 

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Regards,

Mr Chang C.L.

_________________
http://MrChang.com

Ultimately our future development hinges on every member having the commitment required of a Soka Gakkai president

Daliy Guidance Sun 03/25

 

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Sunday, March 25, 2012 We are no longer in an age when one person can shoulder everything.  Of course, for the day-to-day running of the organization someone will still be officially designated as president, but ultimately our future development hinges on every member having the commitment required of a Soka Gakkai president.  With this spirit, this sense of responsibility, this leadership in your activities, may you always work for kosen-rufu and for the victory of the people.  May you also build a Soka Gakkai where everyone can advance joyfully, a Soka Gakkai of undying progress.       Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Sunday, March 25, 2012 The significance of Buddhism lies both in the discovery of the Buddha nature in all beings and in the establishment of a practical method for bringing it out, so that human beings can derive maximum meaning from their lives. This reformation of the inner human world-what we in the Soka Gakkai call human revolution-is especially relevant to modern civilization, which has long been trapped in a sort of spiritual quicksand.  We can escape the quicksand by calling forth the supreme human potential available to each of us.     Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Sunday, March 25, 2012 A wife who leads her husband to take faith will enjoy the same benefit as Lady Pure Virtue. All the more fortunate is a case like yours, in which both wife and husband have faith!   It is like a bird possessing two wings, or a cart having two wheels. What is there that you two cannot achieve?  Because there is a heaven and an earth, a sun and a moon, the sun shines and the rain falls, and the plants and trees of benefit will surely blossom and bear fruit. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 915 An Outline of the "Entrustment" and Other Chapters Written to Nichinyo on June 25, 1278

The struggle we go through to have our prayers answered makes us stronger.

Daily Guidance Sat 03/24

 

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Saturday, March 24, 2012 When we practice gongyo and chant daimoku before the Gohonzon, the good and evil capacities of our lives begin to function as the exalted form of fundamental existence. Lives that are full of the pain of Hell, lives that are in the state of Hunger, lives warped by the state of Anger-such lives too begin to move in the direction of creating their own personal happiness and value. Lives being pulled toward misfortune and unhappiness are redirected and pulled in the opposite direction, toward good, when they make the Mystic Law their base. Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Saturday, March 24, 2012 The struggle we go through to have our prayers answered makes us stronger.  If we were to immediately get everything we prayed for, we would become spoiled and decadent. We would lead indolent lives, devoid of any hard work or struggle.  As a result, we would become shallow human beings.  What, then, would be the point of faith?     Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Saturday, March 24, 2012 I feel great pity for you and the others, but there is little I can do to help.  Nevertheless, I pray day and night to the Lotus Sutra.  Spare no effort in offering up prayers with firm faith.  It is not that my resolve [to save you] is weak.  Rather, it depends on the strength of each person's faith. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 678 The Story of Ohashi no Taro Written to Nonjo Tokimitsu on March 24, 1276

Let us live our lives boldly, without regret

Daily Guidance Fri 03/23

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Friday, March 23, 2012 Let us all set our sights on leading great lives dedicated always to truth and move toward that goal in good health, brimming with hope.  Let us live our lives boldly, without regret, advancing with patience, enthusiasm and a genuine spirit of friendship and camaraderie.         Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Friday, March 23, 2012 I am the father of living beings and I should rescue them from their sufferings and give them the joy of the measureless and boundless Buddha wisdom so that they may find their enjoyment in that. -The Lotus Sutra       Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Friday, March 23, 2012 If only you chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, then what offense could fail to be eradicated?  What blessing could fail to come?  This is the truth, and it is of great profundity. You should believe and accept it. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 130 Conversation between a Sage and an Unenlightened Man Recipient unknown; written in 1265

 

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Regards,

Mr Chang C.L.

_________________
http://MrChang.com

The five characters of Myoho-renge-kyo are the cluster of blessings brought by the Bodhisattvas of the Earth,

 Daily Guidance Wed 03/21

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Wednesday, March 21, 2012 Why is it that sometimes our prayers seem to not be answered?  This is a manifestation of the Buddha's wisdom-so that we can deepen our prayers, become stronger people, live more profound lives and secure deeper, more lasting good fortune.  If our slightest prayer were answered immediately, we'd become lazy and degenerate.  And we couldn't hope to build a life of great dignity and substance.   Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Wednesday, March 21, 2012 The function of fire is to burn and give light. The function of water is to wash away filth. The winds blow away dust and breathe life into plants, animals, and human beings. The earth produces the grasses and trees, and heaven provides nourishing moisture. The five characters of Myoho-renge-kyo are also like that. They are the cluster of blessings brought by the Bodhisattvas of the Earth, disciples of the Buddha in his true identity. -Nichiren   Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Wednesday, March 21, 2012 Now in the Latter Day of the Law, any person, whether wise or ignorant, priest or lay believer, or of high or low position  who embraces Myoho-renge-kyo and practices it in accordance with the Buddha's teaching cannot fail to gain the fruit of Buddhahood. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 482 The Teaching, Practice, and Proof Written to Sammi-bo on March 21, 1275

 

 

It is in making tenacious, all-out efforts for construction that profound happiness lies

Daily Guidance Tue 03/06

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Tuesday, March 6, 2012 There is no need for you to be impatient. If you can achieve something very easily right from the start, you will find no sense of fulfillment or joy. It is in making tenacious, all-out efforts for construction that profound happiness lies.           Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Tuesday, March 6, 2012 When we chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, the good and evil capacities of our lives begin to function as the exalted form of fundamental existence.  Lives that are full of the pain of hell, lives that are in the state of hunger, lives warped by the state of anger-such lives too begin to move in the direction of creating their own personal happiness and value.  Lives being pulled toward misfortune and unhappiness are redirected and pulled in the opposite direction, toward good, when they make the Mystic Law their base.       Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Tuesday, March 6, 2012 A passage from the Lotus Sutra reads that it is "the most difficult to believe and the most difficult to understand."  Many hear about and accept this sutra, but when great obstacles arise, just as they were told would happen, few remember it and bear it firmly in mind.  To accept is easy; to continue is difficult. But Buddhahood lies in continuing faith. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 471 The Difficulty of Sustaining Faith Written to Shijo Kingo on March 6, 1275

The more gold is heated in the flames, the brighter will be its color； the more one praises the blessings of the Lotus Sutra, the more one's own blessings will increase

 Daily Guidance Mon 03/05

 

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Monday, March 5, 2012 The efforts made by one individual can be immensely important.  Nichiren Daishonin repeatedly states that victory depends not on numbers but on a group or individual's attitude or resolve.  In one passage he writes: "Everyone in Japan, from the sovereign on down to the common people, all without exception tried to do me harm, but I have survived until this day. This is because, although I am alone, I have firm faith [in the Lotus Sutra]" Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Monday, March 5, 2012 Our individual lives are each infinite treasure houses.  Our lives are clusters of blessings.  Lasting happiness never comes from the outside.  Everything of value emanates from within our own being.  Faith in Buddhism means establishing one‚'s true self.  It is the recognition that the infinite horizon of the cosmos exists right here within the self.  One's life opens out toward the cosmos and is enfolded in it; at the same time, one's life encompasses the entire cosmos.       Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Monday, March 5, 2012 The more gold is heated in the flames, the brighter will be its color; the more a sword is whetted, the sharper it will become. And the more one praises the blessings of the Lotus Sutra, the more one's own blessings will increase. Bear in mind that the twenty-eight chapters of the Lotus Sutra contain only a few passages elucidating the truth, but a great many words of praise. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 673 The Blessings of the Lotus Sutra Written to Myomitsu on March 5, 1276

People who are vigilant do not die; people who are negligent are as if dead

Shakyamuni proclaims, "People who are vigilant do not die; people who are negligent are as if dead." This is definitely true. Unremitting diligence in our Buddhist practice-brave and vigorous exertion-infuses our lives with the great life force of the eternal Buddha. In contrast, people who try to get by in life through cunning and deception enact a living death.

[FTT-Mar-4]

Youth is the power of the spirit that refuses to succumb to complacency and strives forward.

Daily Guidance Sat 03/03

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Saturday, March 3, 2012 What is youth?  The French philosopher Roger Garaudy suggests that while most people believe a person is born young and then ages and dies in reality, acquiring youth in the deepest sense is a very long and challenging process. The youth of which he speaks is the spiritual strength not to stagnate or grow resistant to change but to stay ever open to new possibilities.  It is the power of the spirit that refuses to succumb to complacency and strives forward.       Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Saturday, March 3, 2012 It all comes down to you.  I hope you won't rely on others or wait for them to do something. Try to develop such a strong sense of responsibility that you can stand up to the fiercest storms, confidently proclaiming, "I'll do it. Just watch me!" Please confront reality, look it squarely in the face, and with guts, wisdom and strength, challenge everything that lies ahead of you.         Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Saturday, March 3, 2012 It is the same with a Buddha and an ordinary being. When deluded, one is called an ordinary being, but when enlightened, one is called a Buddha. This is similar to a tarnished mirror that will shine like a jewel when polished.A mind now clouded by the illusions of the innate darkness of life is like a tarnished mirror, but when polished, it is sure to become like a clear mirror, reflecting the essential nature of phenomena and the true aspect of reality.  Arouse deep faith, and diligently polish your mirror day and night. How should you polish it?  Only by chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin On Attaining Buddhahood in this Lifetime Written to Toki Jonin in 1255   云 众生, 云 佛 者 亦 如此. 迷 时 名 众生, 悟 时 名 佛 耳! 譬如 暗 镜, 磨 之 则 明 如 玉. 只 今 一念 无明 之 迷心, 是 未 磨 之 镜 也; 磨 之, 必 成 法性 真如 之 明镜. 须 深发 信心, 日夜 朝暮, 磨之 不懈. 如何 磨 之? 但 唱 奉 南无妙法莲华经, 是 云 磨 也. 日莲 大圣人 御书 一生 成佛 抄   在 1255  写给 富木常忍

Revere even those who did not embrace the Lotus Sutra because they too have the Buddha nature

Daily Guidance Fri 03/02

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Friday, March 2, 2012 There is a saying, "To start an undertaking is easy; to maintain it is difficult."  Though creating something new may seem daunting, it is in fact easy when compared to the far more challenging task of carrying on an existing enterprise, to keep it going, to develop it further. Everything depends on people, on capable successors. And our movement for kosen-rufu depends on young people.  For that reason I am determined to do all that I can right now to raise genuine successors in the youth division. Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Friday, March 2, 2012 The important thing is not whether we are optimistic or pessimistic but rather that, while keeping a careful eye on reality, we are neither overwhelmed by it nor content with the status quo. We must keep the lamps of our ideals alight while being ready to pioneer uncharted paths. Faith in life and in the human spirit is the necessary foundation for this approach. Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Friday, March 2, 2012 Bodhisattva Never Disparaging of old said that all people have the Buddha nature and that, if they embrace the Lotus Sutra, they will never fail to attain Buddhahood. He further stated that to slight a person is to slight the Buddha himself. Thus, his practice was to revere all people. He revered even those who did not embrace the Lotus Sutra because they too had the Buddha nature and might someday believe in the sutra. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 756 The Fourteen Slanders Written to the lay priest Matsuno Rokuro Saemon on December 9, 1276

speak out ever more vigorously for what is right

Daily Guidance Thur 03/01

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Thursday, March 1, 2012 We need to go out and mix with people every day.  Making our local community the base for our activities, we need to forge ties of friendship with others and work with them to create peace.  Staying connected in this way to our town, city, state and country is a practical manifestation of our lives permeating all things. We embody the doctrine of a life-moment possessing 3,000 realms when we do kosen-rufu activities.       Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Thursday, March 1, 2012 Words can be either the root of discord or a force for unity. They can be the origin of deception or the key to learning. They can be the instruments of plotting and intrigue or weapons for truth and wisdom. That is why it is so crucial to speak out ever more vigorously for what is right.       Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Thursday, March 1, 2012 If in this present existence I am so fearful for my life that I fail to speak out, then in what future existence will I ever attain Buddhahood?  Or in what future existence will I ever be able to bring salvation to my parents and my teacher? With thoughts such as these uppermost in my mind, I decided that I must begin to speak out.  And, just as I had expected, I was ousted, I was vilified, I was attacked, and I suffered wounds. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 727 On Repaying Debts of Gratitude Written to Joken-bo and Gijo-bo on July 21, 1276

One lighthouse illuminates the way for many ships to steer a course safely through uncertain waters. In the same way, people with strong and committed faith shine as a beacons of hope for their family

Daily Guidance Wed 02/29

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Wednesday, February 29, 2012 When parents exert themselves in the way of faith, they can lead their children to happiness without fail. Likewise, the attainment of Buddhahood of the child guarantees the attainment of Buddhahood of the parents.  One lighthouse illuminates the way for many ships to steer a course safely through uncertain waters. In the same way, people with strong and committed faith shine as a beacons of hope for their family and relatives.       Same guidance as above it happens to fall on the same day ...important enough to repeat it.  We don't often have a leap day. Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Wednesday, February 29, 2012 When parents exert themselves in the way of faith, they can lead their children to happiness without fail. Likewise, the attainment of Buddhahood of the child guarantees the attainment of Buddhahood of the parents. One lighthouse illuminates the way for many ships to steer a course safely through uncertain waters. In the same way, people with strong and committed faith shine as beacons of hope for their families and relatives.    .         Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Wednesday, February 29, 2012 In the end it is nothing other than the loving kindness with which the woman cares for her child that makes the difference.  Her concern concentrates on one thing just like the Buddhist practice of concentration.  She thinks of nothing but her child, which is similar to Buddhist compassion.  That must be why, although she created no other causes to bring it about, she was reborn in the Brahma heaven. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 283 The Opening of the Eyes Written to Shijo Kingo in February 1272           Women's Division Month

A polished mirror is the Buddha's life, whereas a tarnished mirror is that of a common mortal

Daily Guidance Mon 02/27
 

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Monday, February 27, 2012 Originally, every person's life is a brilliantly shining mirror.  Differences arise depending on whether one polishes this mirror: A polished mirror is the Buddha's life, whereas a tarnished mirror is that of a common mortal.  Chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is what polishes our lives. Events SGI-USA Women's Day. I was lucky enough to  be at SUA Calabasas that day to hear the clear mirror guidance when it was delivered for the first time.  The day was beautiful and swans were swimming in the sparkling pond outside.  It was also Mrs Ikeda's birthday.  This was a perfect day that will stay in my memory forever. Now all I have to do is keep polishing my own mirror. Pauline           Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Monday, February 27, 2012 We each move forward secure on our own earth, not the earth of others.  Happiness is something we must create for ourselves.  No one else can give it to us.             Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Monday, February 27, 2012 However, people all turn their backs on these sutra passages, and the world as a whole is completely confused with regard to the principles of Buddhism. Why do you persist in following the teachings of evil friends? T'ien-t'ai said that to accept and put faith in the doctrines of evil teachers is the same as drinking poison. You should deeply consider this and beware. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 61 Questions and Answers about Embracing the Lotus Sutra Recipient unknown; written in March 1263     Women's Division Month