faith enables us to walk through life with complete assurance and confidence, unafraid of anything

 Daily Guidance Mon 07/30

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Monday, July 30, 2012 Faith enables us to secure ultimate victory.  It enables us to live with vigor and joy and to strive to improve ourselves-to become the very best people we can be.  Moreover, faith enables us to walk through life with complete assurance and confidence, unafraid of anything. Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Monday, July 30, 2012 Religion must teach an "attitude to life."  To live a life of true human dignity is certainly difficult.  Life is change; it is continuous change.  Nothing is constant. The four sufferings of birth, old age, sickness and death are an eternal theme that no one can escape.   Amid harsh reality, people yearn from the depths of their beings to live with dignity and for their lives to have meaning, and they make efforts toward that end. The product of these human yearnings, these prayers, is religion. Religion was born from prayer.  What is Nichiren‚'s response to these prayers of human beings? What attitude toward life does he teach?  The answer, in short, is the principle of attaining Buddhahood in this lifetime.   Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Monday, July 30, 2012 Our worldly misdeeds and evil karma may have piled up as high as Mount Sumeru, but when we take faith in this sutra, they will vanish like frost or dew under the sun of the Lotus Sutra. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1026 Letter to Niike Written to Niike Saemon-no-jo in February 1280

achieving enlightenment means firmly establishing the faith needed to keep advancing along the path of absolute happiness limitlessly, without end

Daily Guidance Thur 07/26

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Thursday, July 26, 2012 Faith is perseverance.  The key to victory in any struggle in life is persistence.  That is why Nichiren Daishonin stresses the importance of having faith that flows ceaselessly like water rather than faith that flames up briefly like fire.  To advance continuously, it is important never to become exhausted.  Carrying out activities until late at night does not equate with strong faith. Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Thursday, July 26, 2012 What does attaining Buddhahood mean for us?  It does not mean that one day we suddenly turn into a Buddha or become magically enlightened.  In a sense, attaining Buddhahood means that we have securely entered the path, or orbit, of Buddhahood inherent in the cosmos.  Rather than a final static destination at which we arrive and remain, achieving enlightenment means firmly establishing the faith needed to keep advancing along the path of absolute happiness limitlessly, without end. Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Thursday, July 26, 2012 Faith in this sutra means that you will surely attain Buddhahood if you are true to the entirety of the Lotus Sutra, adhering exactly to its teachings without adding any of your own ideas or following the arbitrary interpretations of others. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1030 Letter to Niike Written to Niike Saemon-no-jo in February 1280

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

Daily Guidance Tue 07/24

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Tuesday, July 24, 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.  Moreover, those who earnestly devote themselves in accord with the Mystic Law cannot fail to realize lives of total fulfillment. Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Tuesday, July 24, 2012 The Argentine educator Almafuerte 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 an opportunity to open wide the doors to a bright future.  Everything is determined by our attitude, by our resolve. Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Tuesday, July 24, 2012 The Great Teacher Nan-yüeh has stated, "If one sees a foe of the Lotus Sutra and yet fails to censure him, one becomes a slanderer of the Law and will fall into the hell of incessant suffering."   Even a man of great wisdom, if he sees such a person and fails to speak out, will fall into the depths of the hell of incessant suffering, and as long as that hell shall endure, he will never escape. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1021 Letter to Akimoto Written Akimoto Taro Hyo-no-jo on January 27, 1280

A Bodhisattva of the Earth respects others and works for their happiness

Daily Guidance Sun 07/22

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Sunday, July 22, 2012 Without practice or actual efforts, there is no Bodhisattva.  Action is the essence of a Buddha.  A self-centered life lived solely in pursuit of one's own benefit and fortune is empty and base.  A Bodhisattva of the Earth, in contrast, respects others and works for their happiness.       Toda working as an apprentice in Sapporo, 1917 Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Sunday, July 22, 2012 Josei Toda always urged us to live our lives with courage and never be cowards.  He said: "Those who can't do anything but live cowardly lives are like beasts. They are ignoble and unhappy.  Those who live out their lives courageously, on the other hand, lead the noblest and most sublime existences; they are happy."            Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Sunday, July 22, 2012 A good believer is one who does not depend upon persons of eminence nor despise those of humble station; who does not rely on the backing of superiors or look down on inferiors; who, not relying upon the opinions of others, upholds the Lotus Sutra among all the sutras.  Such a person the Buddha has called the best of all people. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 880 How Those Initially Aspiring to the Way Can Attain Buddhahood through the Lotus Sutra Written to the lay nun Myoho in 1277

Not to leave behind any history, to just grow old and die, is a sad way to live.

Daily Guidance Thru 07/19

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Thursday, July 19, 2012 Youth is a truly wonderful thing.  Unfortunately, though, this is often something that's hard to appreciate when we're young. Life passes by quickly.  Before we know it, we are old.  That's why in our youth we should be as active as we possibly can.  Rather than a life of blank pages, live a life crammed full of memories—of battles well fought and wonderfully diverse experiences.  Not to leave behind any history, to just grow old and die, is a sad way to live. Events 1951: Young Women's Division established. Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Thursday, July 19, 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. The present and the future are what are important, not the past. Those who neglect this spirit of continual striving will start to veer off in a ruinous direction. Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Thursday, July 19, 2012 Those who believe in the Lotus Sutra should beware of and guard themselves against the sutra's enemies. . . . If you do not know your enemies, you will be deceived by them. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 664 Letter to Konichi-bo Written to Konichi-bo in March 1276

It is wrong to remain silent when confronted with injustice. Doing so is tantamount to supporting and condoning evil.

Daily Guidance Mon 07/16

Gandhi on the Salt March - 1930 Delhi For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Thursday, July 16, 2009 The powerful may appear great, but in reality they are not.  Greatest of all are the ordinary people.  If those in power lead lives of idle luxury it is because the people are silent.  We have to speak out.  With impassioned words, we need to resolutely attack abuses of power that cause people suffering.  This is fighting on the side of justice.  It is wrong to remain silent when confronted with injustice.  Doing so is tantamount to supporting and condoning evil." Events 1260 Nichiren Daishonin submits his treatise "On Establishing the Correct Teaching for the Peace of the Land."  (Risshō Ankoku Ron) Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Thursday, July 16, 2009 What will the future be like?  No one knows the answer to this question.  All we know is that the effects that will appear in the future are contained in the causes made in the present.  The important thing, therefore, is that we stand up and take action to achieve great objectives without allowing ourselves to be distracted or discouraged by immediate difficulties. Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Thursday, July 16, 2009 I have pondered the matter carefully with what limited resources I possess, and have looked a little at the scriptures for an answer.  The people of today all turn their backs upon what is right; to a person, they give their allegiance to evil.  This is the reason that the benevolent deities have abandoned the nation and departed together, that sages leave and do not return. And in their stead devils and demons come, and disasters and calamities occur.  I cannot keep silent on this matter.  I cannot suppress my fears. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 7 On Establshing the Correct Teaching for the Peace of the Land Submitted to Hojo Tokiyori on July 16, 1260

There is an even greater need for the brilliant inner light of culture, for education that polishes people's wisdom and character

Daily Guidance Tue 07/10

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Tuesday, July 10, 2012 Beethoven is called a genius. But we need to be aware that his genius was based on incredibly strenuous effort. It all comes down to hard work, to tenacious efforts. You cannot become a person of the highest caliber if you have a casual, easygoing attitude, thinking things will somehow just fall into place. Accordingly, Beethoven's motto was "No day without a line." Every day without fail, he wrote music. He would not let even a single day pass without working assiduously. To continue every day—this is just like our practice of gongyo. Making persistent efforts each day is a source of tremendous strength. Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Tuesday, July 10, 2012 People's hearts are growing more complex, more confused and harder to understand.  The same is true for human institutions.  The darkness of this complicated and disturbed age may grow even deeper. This is why there is an even greater need for the brilliant inner light of culture, for education that polishes people's wisdom and character.  This is the key to winning in life. Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Tuesday, July 10, 2012 Just as the Buddha's words in the sutra predict, the ruler grew hostile and the common people began to attack me.  And because they treated me with enmity, heaven grew enraged, the sun and moon displayed great changes in their behavior, and huge comets appeared. The earth shook as though it would turn over, internecine strife broke out, and they were attacked by a foreign country.  All happened just as the Buddha had predicted, and there is no doubt that I, Nichiren, am the votary of the Lotus Sutra. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 607 Reply to the Lay Priest Takahashi Written to the lay priest Takahashi on July 12, 1275

Should all our desires be achieved without our ever having to experience suffering or hardship, we could not understand the pain and struggles of others, and our compassion would gradually wane.

Daily Guidance Sun 07/08

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Sunday, July 8, 2012 We must make steady and persistent efforts firmly grounded in daily life.  If we travel in the orbit of "faith equals daily life," all our prayers will definitely be answered. We can then lead lives in which all our desires will be fulfilled.  Should all our prayers be answered without our having to make any effort, we would grow lazy.  Should all our desires be achieved without our ever having to experience suffering or hardship, we could not understand the pain and struggles of others, and our compassion would gradually wane. Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Sunday, July 8, 2012 Buddhism concerns itself with winning. When we battle a powerful enemy, either we will triumph or we will be defeated—there is no middle ground. Battling against life's negative functions is an indivisible part of Buddhism. It is by being victorious in this struggle that we become Buddhas. We have to win. Moreover, Buddhism ensures that we can definitely do so. Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Sunday, July 8, 2012 Just as I was thinking that, even if I remained free from illness, I would surely die of starvation, the wheat that you sent arrived.  It is more wonderful than gold and more precious than jewels.  Rida's millet changed into a golden man.  How, then, could Tokimitsu's wheat fail to turn into the characters of the Lotus Sutra?  These characters of the Lotus Sutra will become Shakyamuni Buddha and then a pair of wings for your deceased father, flying and soaring to the pure land of Eagle Peak.  On returning, they will cover your body and protect you. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 926 Reply to Tokimitsu Written to Nanjo Tokimitsu on July 8, 1278

Karma can be changed by causes we make from this moment forward. The practice of Buddhism is essentially the practice of continually changing our karma

Daily Guidance Sat 07/07

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Saturday, July 7, 2012 Vital are wisdom, tenacity and self-expression, as well as the strong life force that makes these things possible.  Buddhism is an earnest struggle to win.  This is what the Daishonin teaches.  A Buddhist, therefore, must not be defeated.  I hope you will maintain an alert and winning spirit in your work and daily life, taking courageous action and showing triumphant actual proof time and again. Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Saturday, July 7, 2012 Buddhism, which is founded on the law of cause and effect, stresses the concept of karma. This principle explains that life at each moment is subject to the cumulative effects of causes made in the past.   What we do, what we say and what we think are all causes. And according to Buddhism, the moment we do something, say something or think something, an effect is registered in the depths of our being.  Then, as our lives meet the right circumstances, the effect becomes apparent.   Personality traits are strongly connected to our karma.  The good news is that, unlike fate, our karma can be changed by causes we make from this moment forward.  In fact, the practice of Buddhism is essentially the practice of continually changing our karma. Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Saturday, July 7, 2012 Perhaps your deceased son has become a Buddha and, in order to guide his father and mother, has entered your hearts.  The king Wonderful Adornment was an evil king. However, because his two sons, Pure Storehouse and Pure Eye, guided him to the way, he and his wife were both able to place their trust in the Lotus Sutra and become Buddhas.   Mysteriously enough, your own circumstances are much the same. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1050 The Sons Pure Storehouse and Pure Eye Recipient unknown; written on July 7, 1280

A great inner revolution in just a single individual has the potential to cause a change in the destiny of humankind

Daily Guidance Wed 07/04

 

 

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Wednesday, July 4, 2012 I place a high value on personal initiative.  Spontaneity underlies the spirit of autonomy and independence; conversely, taking action because one is told to amounts to slavery of the spirit.   Kosen-rufu will be advanced by brave people armed with the spirit of independence who voluntarily strive to fulfill the vow they made in the remotest past.  Because they struggle of their own volition, they have no complaints or grievances.  The greater the obstacles they face, the greater the courage, wisdom and power they muster from within.       Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Wednesday, July 4, 2012 A great inner revolution in just a single individual will help achieve a change in the destiny of an entire society and, further, will cause a change in the destiny of humankind.       Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Wednesday, July 4, 2012 Even if it seems that, because I was born in the ruler's domain, I follow him in my actions, I will never follow him in my heart. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 579 The Selection of the Time Written to Yui in 1275 We can not forget the original people that inhabited the land before us, and the freedom they lost so we could be free.

A mentor is indispensable if we are to develop into people of outstanding character

Daily Guidance Tue 07/03

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Tuesday, July 3, 2012 Those who have a mentor in life are truly fortunate.  The path of mentor and disciple is one that leads to personal development and growth.  Those without a mentor may appear free and unbeholden to anyone, but without a solid standard or model on which to base themselves their lives will be aimless and wandering. Events Day of Mentor and Disciple 1945 President Josei Toda is released from Toyotama Prison. 1957 President Daisaku Ikeda is arrested in Osaka on false charges. We will be Lions in the month of Mentor and Disciple. Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Tuesday, July 3, 2012 A mentor is indispensable if we are to develop into people of outstanding character. Viewed on a deeper level, our relationship with our mentor can have an even greater significance for us than our relationship with our parents. In the mentor-disciple relationship, we can find the very essence for achieving victory in life. Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Tuesday, July 3, 2012 Since the Lotus Sutra defines our body as the Dharma body of a Thus Come One, our mind as the reward body of a Thus Come One, and our actions as the manifested body of a Thus Come One, all who uphold and believe in even a single phrase or verse of this sutra will be endowed with the benefits of these three bodies. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 922 The One Essential Phrase Written to the lay nun Myoho on July 3, 1278

Spending thirty minutes a day assiduously challenging some undertaking can completely change our lives.

Daily Guidance Mon 07/02

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Monday, July 2, 2012 The writer 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. Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Monday, July 2, 2012 If we attain the state of Buddhahood in this lifetime, that state will forever pervade our lives.  Throughout the cycle of birth and death, in each new lifetime, we are endowed with good health, wealth and intelligence, along with a supportive, comfortable environment, and lead lives that overflow with good fortune.  Each of us will also possess a unique mission and be born in an appropriate form to fulfill it. Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Monday, July 2, 2012 The sutra teaches that women, evil men, and those in the realms of animals and Hell—in fact, all the beings of the Ten Worlds—can attain Buddhahood in their present form.  [This is an incomparably greater wonder than] fire being produced by a stone taken from the bottom of a river, or a lantern lighting up a place that has been dark for a hundred, a thousand, or ten thousand years.  If even the most ordinary things of this world are such wonders, then how much more wondrous is the power of the Buddhist Law! The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 923 The One Essential Phrase Written to the lay nun Myoho on July 3, 1278

If we cherish the spirit to repay our debt of gratitude in the depths of our hearts, then our good fortune will increase by leaps and bounds

Daily Guidance Sun 07/01

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Sunday, July 1, 2012 "Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is like the roar of a lion," the Daishonin says (MW-1, 119). It is by chanting powerful daimoku, like a lion's roar, that we can move the Buddhist deities, the protective forces of the universe. The voice is very important—it has profound power. While naturally being careful not to disturb your neighbors, I hope you will endeavor to chant cheerful and powerful daimoku that reaches all the Buddhist deities and Buddhas throughout the 10 directions. Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Sunday, July 1, 2012 If we cherish the spirit to repay our debt of gratitude in the depths of our hearts, then our good fortune will increase by leaps and bounds. No matter how much action people might seem to be taking outwardly, if they lack the spirit to repay their debt of gratitude, their arrogance will destroy their good fortune. Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Sunday, July 1, 2012 Though evils may be numerous, they cannot prevail over a single great truth, just as many raging fires are quenched by a single shower of rain. This principle also holds true with Nichiren and his followers. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 618 Many in Body, One in Mind Written to the lay priest Takahashi on August 6, year unknown

Transform wherever we are into the Land of Eternally Tranquil Light.

Daily Guidance Sat 06/30

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Saturday, June 30, 2012 The place where we are right now is what matters.  This is all the more true for us who embrace the Mystic Law. Buddhism teaches that we can transform wherever we are into the Land of Eternally Tranquil Light. Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Saturday, June 30, 2012 In one of his writings, renowned microbiologist René Dubos, stated. "History teaches that man without effort is sure to deteriorate; man cannot progress without effort, and man cannot be happy without effort."  This is indisputable.  You may be experiencing various hardships now, but because you continue to make efforts in the midst of those challenges, no matter how painful they are, you will definitely become happy.  Effort and happiness are indivisible. Izu Exile Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Saturday, June 30, 2012 Because I have expounded this teaching, I have been exiled and almost killed. As the saying goes: "Good advice grates on the ear." But still I am not discouraged. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 748 The Essentials for Attaining Buddhahood Written to Soya Jiro Hyoe-no-jo Kyoshin on August 3, 1276