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