Struggling against and overcoming difficulties transforms our destiny and allows us to attain Buddhahood. Confronting adversity, therefore, represents peace and comfort.

Daily Guidance Thur 06/28

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Thursday, June 28, 2012 In the "Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings," the Daishonin says, "One should regard meeting obstacles as true peace and comfort" (Gosho Zenshu, p. 750). You may wonder how encountering obstacles could be a source of peace and comfort.  But the truth of the matter is that through struggling against and overcoming difficulties, we can transform our destiny and attain Buddhahood.  Confronting adversity, therefore, represents peace and comfort.     Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Thursday, June 28, 2012 If you are unwilling to make efforts to heal yourself, it will be very difficult to cure your illness.  One day of life is more valuable than all the treasures of the major world system, so first you must muster sincere faith. -Nichiren Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Thursday, June 28, 2012 The fourth volume of the Lotus Sutra states, "[I will send...] men and women of pure faith, to offer alms to the teachers of the Law."   The meaning of this sutra passage is that the heavenly gods and benevolent deities will assume various forms such as those of men and women, and present offerings to help the persons who practice the Lotus Sutra.  There can be no doubt that this refers to you and your wife being born as a man and woman, and making offerings to Nichiren, the teacher of the Law. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 35 The Izu Exile Written to Funamori Yasaburo on June 27, 1261

Regard both suffering and joy as facts of life, and continue chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, no matter what happens

Daily Guidance Wed 06/27

Makiguchi at a discussion meeting in Ikebukuro, Tokyo, 1942 For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Wednesday, June 27, 2012 In a world where indifference and inhumanity prevail, let us use our discussion meetings as the pivot for creating oases of peace and harmony in our homes and in our local communities and then extending them to encompass every sphere of society. Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Wednesday, June 27, 2012 When individuals practice a teaching as intended, the expected result becomes manifest in their lives as well as in their environment.  Religion not only deals with spirituality but also has a significant impact—positive or negative—upon people's daily lives and their society. The nature and extent of a particular religion's impact becomes the standard for evaluating its validity. Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Wednesday, June 27, 2012 Though worldly troubles may arise, never let them disturb you.  No one can avoid problems, not even sages or worthies.  Drink sake only at home with your wife, and chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo.  Suffer what there is to suffer, enjoy what there is to enjoy.  Regard both suffering and joy as facts of life, and continue chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, no matter what happens.  How could this be anything other than the boundless joy of the Law? The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 681 Happiness in this World Written to Shijo Kingo on June 27, 1276

To live without regret, we must have a concrete purpose, continually setting goals and challenges for ourselves.

Daily Guidance Tue 06/26

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Tuesday, June 26, 2012 This spirit of engaging others in dialogue on equal terms is the essence of Buddhism.  Ordering people about in a high-handed, arrogant manner, shouting at them to do one's bidding is truly deplorable behavior.  Such a world has no relation to Buddhism.  Through dialogue Shakyamuni opened hearts that were closed, softened hearts that had grown hard and melted hearts that were frozen. Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Tuesday, June 26, 2012 This lifetime will never come again; it is precious and irreplaceable. To live without regret, we must have a concrete purpose, continually setting goals and challenges for ourselves.  And we need to keep moving toward those specific targets steadily and tenaciously, one step at a time. Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Tuesday, June 26, 2012 This is the first time that the fundamental darkness has erupted in the lives of ordinary people caught in the illusions of thought and desire.  Even if they pray to the gods, the Buddha, or the Lotus Sutra, these calamities will only be aggravated. But it is different when the votary of the Lotus Sutra offers prayers to the essential teaching of the Lotus Sutra.  In the final analysis, unless we succeed in demonstrating that this teaching is supreme, these disasters will continue unabated. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1114 The Treatment of Illness Written to Toki Jonin on June 26, 1278

The first thing is to pray. From the moment we begin to pray, things start moving

Daily Guidance Mon 06/25

 

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Monday, June 25, 2012 We live in an age where opportunities for profound life-to-life inspiration are all but nonexistent. Idle amusements bring only fleeting pleasure. They produce neither profound inspiration nor growth for one's life. By contrast, Buddhism exists to enable people to realize personal growth and to improve their lives. Buddhism is always rooted in the reality of life. It is the wellspring of wisdom for bringing harmony and happiness to our families, local communities and society at large.       Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Monday, June 25, 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 Nam-myoho-renge-kyo with a deep and powerful resolve, the sun begins to rise in our hearts.  Hope—prayer is the sun of hope.  To chant 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 Buddhism.       Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Monday, June 25, 2012 There are trails in the sky where birds fly, but people cannot recognize them. There are paths in the sea along which fish swim, but people cannot perceive them.  All people and things of the four continents are reflected in the moon without a single exception, but people cannot see them. But they are visible to the heavenly eye. In like manner, ordinary people cannot see that the "Treasure Tower" chapter exists within the body of Lady Nichinyo, but Shakyamuni, Many Treasures, and the Buddhas of the ten directions perceive it.  I, Nichiren, also presume this to be the case. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 915 An Outline of the "Entrustment" and Other Chapters Written to Nichinyo on June 25, 1278

You must be strong. There is no hope of winning in this chaotic world if you are weak

Daily Guidance Sun 06/24

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Sunday, June 24, 2012 You must be strong.  There is no hope of winning in this chaotic world if you are weak.  No matter what others do or say, it is important to develop your ability and then put that ability to use.  Strong faith, of course, is the best means for drawing out one's inner strength. You each have a very important mission, and I hope you will awaken to and be proud of that mission. Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Sunday, June 24, 2012 Flint has the potential to produce fire, and gems have intrinsic value.  We ordinary people can see neither our own eyelashes, which are so close, nor the heavens in the distance.  Likewise, we do not see that the Buddha exists in our own hearts. -Nichiren Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Sunday, June 24, 2012 Everyone believes in those Buddhist teachers who were revered in their own time.  But the Buddha enjoins us in the Nirvana Sutra as his final instruction, "Rely on the Law and not upon persons."  The Buddha taught us to rely on the sutras if the Buddhist teachers should be in error.  You say those teachers could not possibly be in error, but between the Buddha's golden words and your personal opinion, I am committed to the former. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 805 The Letter of Petition from Yorimoto Written on behalf of Shijo Kingo on June 25, 1277

Buddhism teaches us a spirit of unceasing challenge to win over the present and advance ever toward the future

Daily Guidance Fri 06/22

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Friday, June 22, 2012 It's foolish to be obsessed with past failures.  And it's just as foolish to be self-satisfied with one's small achievements.  Buddhism teaches that the present and the future are what are important, not the past.  It teaches us a spirit of unceasing challenge to win over the present and advance ever toward the future.  Those who neglect this spirit of continual striving steer their lives in a ruinous direction. Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Friday, June 22, 2012 The Buddha keenly understands various sufferings as though his own children were experiencing them. Sorrow and empathy well from his life.  A Buddha is a person of compassion.  Josei Toda said: "Compassion is not a Buddhist austerity.  It is something that should be expressed unconsciously and naturally in one's actions, and in the workings of one's heart.  The Buddha knows no path of living apart from that of living with compassion."     Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Friday, June 22, 2012 In judging the relative merit of Buddhist doctrines, I, Nichiren, believe that the best standards are those of reason and documentary proof. And even more valuable than reason and documentary proof is the proof of actual fact. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 599 Three Tripitaka Masters Pray for Rain Written to the lay priest Nishiyama on June 22, 1275

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

Daily Guidance Thur 06/21

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Thursday, June 21, 2012 When you devote your life to achieving your goal, you will not be bothered by shallow criticism.  In fact nothing important can be accomplished if you allow yourself to be swayed by some trifling matter, always looking over your shoulder and wondering what others are saying or thinking.  The key to achievement is to move forward resolutely along your chosen path. Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Thursday, June 21, 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. Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Thursday, June 21, 2012 I, Nichiren, have personally suffered each of the nine great ordeals. . . . These are hardships that T'ien-t'ai and Dengyo never met. Truly you should know that, adding Nichiren to the other three, there is now a fourth votary of the Lotus Sutra who has appeared in the Latter Day of the Law. How glad I am to fulfill the words of the prophecy from the sutra: "How much more will this be so after his passing? The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 448 The Votary of the Lotus Sutra Will Meet Persecution Written to all priest disciples and lay followers on January 14, 1274

the merit one has formed over a hundred years can be destroyed with a single word.

 Daily Guidance Tue 06/19

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Tuesday, June 19, 2012 I hope that you will lead immortal, invincible and joyous lives, filled with confidence, pride and good cheer.  I also hope you will display inspiring leadership, while doing your utmost to protect your respective areas. Events 1996 The Florida Nature and Culture Center opens. Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Tuesday, June 19, 2012 If you always have a shallow perspective and pay attention only to trivial things, you are sure to get bogged down in all kinds of petty worries and concerns, and not be able to move forward.  Even relatively minor hurdles or problems will seem insurmountable. But if you look at life from a broad viewpoint, you naturally spot the way to solve any problem you may confront.  This is true when we consider our own personal problems as well as those of society and even the future of the entire world.    Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren DaishoninTuesday, June 19, 2012 It is an undeniable fact that fire can at once reduce even a thousand-year-old field of pampas grass to ashes, and that the merit one has formed over a hundred years can be destroyed with a single word. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 636 The Three Obstacles and Four Devils Written to Ikegami Hyoe no Sakan Munenga on November 20, 1277

What decides our real merit as human beings? Ultimately, it comes down to the philosophy we uphold

Daily Guidance Mon 06/18

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Monday, June 18, 2012 The great American poet Walt Whitman writes in Leaves of Grass: "All comes by the body, only health puts you rapport with the universe."  I am sure you are all very busy, but I hope you will advance in good health and with optimism and enjoy the power of your faith , which is what puts you in rhythm with the universe.     Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Monday, June 18, 2012 What decides our real merit as human beings? Ultimately, it comes down to the philosophy we uphold and the actions we take based on our convictions. Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Monday, June 18, 2012 The teachings such as those of the non-Buddhist writings and those of the Hinayana and provisional Mahayana Buddhist scriptures all partially explain the phenomena inherent in one's life.  They do not explain them as the Lotus Sutra does. Thus, among the sutras, there are both superior and inferior, and among people also, sages and worthies may be distinguished. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 629 The Mongol Envoys Written to the lay priest Nishiyama in 1275

To the weak, difficulty is a closed door. To the strong, however, it is a door waiting to be opened

Daily Guidance Sat 06/16

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Saturday, June 16, 2012 One of my favorite Argentine poets, the great educator Almafuerte (1854- 1917) wrote: "To the weak, difficulty is a closed door. To the strong, however, it is a door waiting to be opened." Difficulties impede the progress of those who are weak. For the strong, however, they are opportunities to open wide the doors to a bright future. Everything is determined by our attitude, by our resolve. Our heart is what matters most.       A detail of the head of the statue of the young Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Saturday, June 16, 2012 The writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe was an unflagging optimist. How was he able to maintain such optimism? Because he was always active. He did not allow his life to stagnate. He writes: "It is better to do the smallest thing in the world than to hold half an hour to be too small a thing." Spending thirty minutes a day assiduously challenging some undertaking can completely change our lives.       Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Saturday, June 16, 2012 Even though I cannot see you, I am certain that your heart is here. If you find that you miss me, always look at the sun that rises [in the morning] and the moon that rises in the evening. I will be reflected in the sun and the moon. And in our next life, let us meet in the pure land of Eagle Peak. Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 596 Letter to the Lay Nun of Ko Written to the lay nun of Ko on June 16, 1275

Wherever we are, it is necessary to begin with the revitalization of individual human beings

Daily Guidance Sat 06/14

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Thursday, June 14, 2012 Chanting daimoku is the foundation of the Daishonin's Buddhism. When we chant sonorous daimoku, the sun rises in our hearts.  We are filled with power. Compassion wells forth.  Our lives are lit with joy.  Our wisdom shines.  All Buddhas and Buddhist gods throughout the universe go to work on our behalf. Life becomes exhilarating.       Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Thursday, June 14, 2012 Wherever we are, it is necessary to begin with the revitalization of individual human beings.  That will lead to the reformation of society and the world through human revolution.  That is the teaching of the Lotus Sutra.  And actions directed toward that end, I would like to stress, represent the wisdom of the Lotus Sutra.       Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Thursday, June 14, 2012 The Buddha dwells within our hearts.  For example, flint has the potential to produce fire, and gems have intrinsic value. We ordinary people can see neither our own eyelashes, which are so close, nor the heavens in the distance.  Likewise, we do not see that the Buddha exists in our own hearts. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1137 New Years Gosho Written to the wife of Omosu on January 5, year unknown

The purpose of Buddhist practice is to establish an eternally indestructible state of happiness

Daily Guidance Fri 06/15

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Wednesday, June 15, 2011 The Daishonin teaches the meaning of true happiness and the true purpose of life.  Fame and momentary glories are no more than illusions. True happiness lies in cultivating the great state of Buddhahood within one's life. This is life's true purpose.  By chanting daimoku, we can change all of our sufferings into the ingredients for attaining a Buddha's lofty state of life.       Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Wednesday, June 15, 2011 The joy of heaven is ephemeral like a mirage or a dream. A life spent in pursuit of a mirage is itself a mirage. The purpose of Buddhist practice is to establish an eternally indestructible state of happiness; not a fleeting happiness that perishes like a flower but an internal palace of happiness that will last throughout all time.     Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Wednesday, June 15, 2011 Furthermore, human beings have two heavenly gods who always accompany them, just as a shadow follows the body.  One is named Same Birth and the other Same Name. Perched on one's left and right shoulders, they protect one [by reporting all of one's deeds to heaven]. Therefore, heaven never punishes those who have committed no error, let alone people of merit. That is why the Great Teacher Miao-lo stated, "The stronger one's faith, the greater the protection of the gods." So long as one maintains firm faith, one is certain to receive the great protection of the gods. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 614 The Supremacy of the Law Written to Oto and her mother, Nichimyo, on August 4, 1275

No one can escape death; Hence practise the Middle Way -- to lead a truly humane and essential existence

Daily Guidance Wed 06/13

 

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Wednesday, June 13, 2012 It all comes down to hope.  If we SGI members advance with hope and buoyant spirits, then we have nothing to fear in either the present or the future. The Law will continue to spread as long as those who uphold it remain vigorous and well.       Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Wednesday, June 13, 2012 No one can escape death.  Precisely because of this, when people resolve to live at each instant with all their might, to make the present moment shine by living true to themselves and leading truly humane existences, they can summon forth immense strength.  At the same time, they can manifest a considerate spirit toward others. Herein lies the Middle Way. Buddhism is the philosophy that teaches this essential way of life.               Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Wednesday, June 13, 2012 When an evil ruler in consort with priests of erroneous teachings tries to destroy the correct teaching and do away with a man of wisdom, those with the heart of a lion king are sure to attain Buddhahood.  Like Nichiren, for example.  I say this not out of arrogance but because I am deeply committed to the correct teaching. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 302 Letter to Sado Written to Toki Jonin on March 20, 1272

Buddhist study, the study of human beings -- the highest field of learning, is the soul of the SGI

Daily Guidance Tue 06/12

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Tuesday, June 12, 2012 Education definitely changes people's lives. This is why the SGI is so earnest when it comes to Buddhist study, which is the highest field of learning; it is the study of human beings and the foremost education. Buddhist study is the soul of the SGI.     Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Tuesday, June 12, 2012 There may be times when life seems gloomy and dull. When we feel stuck in some situation or other, when we are negative toward everything, when we feel lost and bewildered, not sure which way to turn—at such times we must transform our passive mindset and determine, "I will proceed along this path," "I will pursue my mission today."  When we do so a genuine springtime arrives in our hearts, and flowers start to blossom.       Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Tuesday, June 12, 2012 I say this for your sake.  I know your faith has always been admirable, but now you must strengthen it more than ever.  Only then will the ten demon daughters lend you even greater protection. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 614 The Supremacy of the Law Written to Oto and her mother, Nichimyo, on August 4, 1275

In any field of endeavor, making a vow is the foundation for achieving something great

Daily Guidance Tue 06/09

 

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Saturday, June 9, 2012 We have to make ourselves heard.  We have to speak out for what we believe in.  When we, the people, boldly state our true convictions-never losing our optimism or sense of humor-the times will change.  When it comes to speaking out for justice, there isn't any need for restraint.  On the contrary, to be reserved or hesitant under such circumstances is wrong.       Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Saturday, June 9, 2012 In any field of endeavor, making a vow is the foundation for achieving something great. If for whatever reason a person gives up halfway or backslides, his or her commitment hasn't been based on a vow. Halfhearted desire doesn't amount to a vow.     Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Saturday, June 9, 2012 I am praying that, no matter how troubled the times may become, the Lotus Sutra and the ten demon daughters will protect all of you, praying as earnestly as though to produce fire from damp wood, or to obtain water from parched ground. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 444 On Rebuking Slander of the Law and Eradicating Sins Written to Shijo Kingo in 1273