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." 
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 | 