A sword is useless in the hands of a coward. The mighty sword of the Lotus Sutra must be wielded by one courageous in faith

Daily Guidance Sat 09/29

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Saturday, September 29, 2012 Faith, which at first glance may appear weak, is actually the most powerful force in the world. Many people put on a show of being strong, but true strength has nothing to do with appearances. On the contrary, we usually find that the weaker the individual, the greater their bravado or outward display of strength.    Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Saturday, September 29, 2012 A sword is useless in the hands of a coward. The mighty sword of the Lotus Sutra must be wielded by one courageous in faith. Then one will be as strong as a demon armed with an iron staff. -Nichiren Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Saturday, September 29, 2012 The number of those endowed with human life is as small as the amount of earth one can place on a fingernail.  Life as a human being is hard to sustain—as hard as it is for the dew to remain on the grass.  But it is better to live a single day with honor than to live to 120 and die in disgrace.  Live so that all the people of Kamakura will say in your praise that Nakatsukasa Saburo Saemon-no-jo is diligent in the service of his lord, in the service of Buddhism, and in his concern for other people. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 851 The Three Kinds of Treasure Written to Shijo Kingo on September 11, 1277

The highest offering to the Buddha is to inherit the Buddha's spirit, not to worship something reminiscent of the Buddha.

Daily Guidance Wed 09/19

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Wednesday, September 19, 2012 Our existence in this world can be likened to a dream. The issue of by far the greatest importance and eternal relevance is how we face death, the inescapable destiny of all living beings.  For in the face of death, external factors such as social status or position in the organization count for naught.  Everything depends on one's faith, one's state of life. Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Wednesday, September 19, 2012 The highest offering to the Buddha is not to worship something reminiscent of the Buddha.  Rather, it is to inherit the Buddha's spirit.  In other words, the highest offering lies in struggling to manifest, as one's own way of life, even a part of the spirit of the Buddha, who upheld the philosophy that everyone is a Buddha and tirelessly strove to save all from suffering. Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Wednesday, September 19, 2012 Is it not the meaning of the sutra and commentary that the way to Buddhahood lies within the two elements of reality and wisdom?  Reality means the true nature of all phenomena, and wisdom means the illuminating and manifesting of this true nature.  Thus when the riverbed of reality is infinitely broad and deep, the water of wisdom will flow ceaselessly.  When this reality and wisdom are fused, one attains Buddhahood in one's present form. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 746 The Essentials for Attaining Buddhahood Written to Soya Jiro Hyoe-no-jo Kyoshin on August 3, 1276

success means not giving up halfway but resolutely pursuing the path you have chosen

Daily Guidance Sat 09/15

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Saturday, September 15, 2012 I hope that each of you will realize success in your respective fields, fully recognizing that success means not giving up halfway but resolutely pursuing the path you have chosen.   To this end, it is also important that you realize that the place where you work is a place for forging your character and growing as a human being. By extension, therefore, it is a place for your Buddhist practice, a place for practicing and deepening your faith.  When you view things from this angle, all your complaints will disappear.  No one is more pathetic than someone who is constantly complaining.     Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Saturday, September 15, 2012 When one is deluded, it is as if one were dreaming. And when one is enlightened, it is as if one had awakened. -Nichiren       Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Saturday, September 15, 2012 The deeper the roots, the more luxuriant the branches. The farther the source, the longer the stream.  All sutras other than the Lotus Sutra have shallow roots and short streams, while the Lotus Sutra has deep roots and a distant source.  That is why the Great Teacher T'ien-t'ai stated that the Lotus Sutra would survive and spread even in the evil latter age. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 940 The Farther the Source, the Longer the Stream Written to Shijo Kingo on September 15, 1278

Ultimately, people only die as they have lived

Daily Guidance Sun 09/16

 

 

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Sunday, September 16, 2012 A nurse who cared for many terminal patients has observed, "Ultimately, people only die as they have lived."  To die happily is therefore extremely difficult. And since death is the final settlement of accounts for one's life, it is when our true self comes to the fore. We practice faith to live happily and also to die happily. One who has faith in the Mystic Law will not die an unhappy death.       Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Sunday, September 16, 2012 One thing is certain: That is that the power of belief, the power of thought, will move reality in the direction of what we believe and conceive of it.  If you really believe you can do something, you can. That is a fact.     Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Sunday, September 16, 2012 Therefore, those who become Nichiren's disciples and lay believers should realize the profound karmic relationship they share with him and spread the Lotus Sutra as he does.  Being known as a votary of the Lotus Sutra is a bitter, yet unavoidable destiny. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 994 Letter to Jakunichi-bo Written to Jakunichi-bo Nikke on September 16, 1279

Exerting yourself by chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo each day amounts to what might be called a spiritual workout

Daily Guidance Thru 09/13

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Thursday, September 13, 2012 The functions of both the "devil" and the "Buddha" exist within our lives.  Ultimately, our battle is with ourselves.  Whether in our Buddhist practice or in activities in society, or whether in historical, political or economic developments, everything essentially boils down to a struggle between positive and negative forces. Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Thursday, September 13, 2012 Exerting yourself by chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo each day amounts to what might be called a spiritual workout.  It purifies and cleanses your life, gets your motors running and puts you on the right course for the day.  It gets your body and mind working smoothly and puts you in rhythm, in sync, with the universe. Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Thursday, September 13, 2012 Now Nichiren's lifelong prayer and desire will be achieved in an instant.  And this fits the Buddha's prediction regarding the fifth five hundred years, just as one half of a tally matches the other. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 901 Reply to the Followers Written to followers in Kamakura on March 21, 1278

Since the Law is wonderful, the person is worthy of respect; since the person is worthy of respect, the land is sacred.

Daily Guidance Tue 09/11

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Monday, September 11, 2012 Nothing can match the strength of those whose lives have been shaped and forged through challenging and overcoming hardships.  Such people fear nothing. The purpose of our Buddhist practice is to develop such strength and fortitude.  To cultivate such an invincible core is in itself a victory.   It is also the greatest benefit.  Those who can succeed in this endeavor will savor unsurpassed happiness; they can manifest the supreme state of Buddhahood.             Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Monday, September 11, 2012 If we are to survive, a stronghold of peace must be fashioned within the mind of every single man, woman and child on the earth.  This stronghold must resolutely hold out against the invasion of any idea to make war.         Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Monday, September 11, 2012 Because this mountain is where this wondrous votary of the Lotus Sutra dwells, how can it be any less sacred than the pure land of Eagle Peak?  This is what [The Words and Phrases of the Lotus Sutra means when] it says, "Since the Law is wonderful, the person is worthy of respect; since the person is worthy of respect, the land is sacred." The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1097 The Person and the Law Written to Nanjo Tokimitsu on September 11, 1281   In Memory of my Region Leader, Friend and Hero  David Seima Aoyama August 28, 1953 - September 11, 2001 Row 29 Seat C American Airlines Flight #11 On some of the recordings of the last calls home,  the sound of Daimoku could be heard in the background.  David Aoyama, Bodhisattva to the end.

"Have we not all eternity to rest in?" Why do you seek to rest while you are still alive?

Daily Guidance Sun 09/09

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Sunday, September 9, 2012 Rather than sitting around idly and rusting, we must act, give of ourselves and contribute something to the world. The French scholar Robert Arnauld (1588-1674) declared, "Have we not all eternity to rest in?" Why do you seek to rest while you are still alive? he asks.  These are venerable words indeed.  When young people make truly dedicated efforts, almost punishing themselves, their true brilliance will shine forth. Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Sunday, September 9, 2012 What matters is winning in the end; the wins and losses along the way are of secondary significance. It's final victory in life that counts and that is the reason for our Buddhist practice. No matter how powerful or famous or privileged a person might be, Nichiren says, from a Buddhist point of view it is all nothing more than a dream, an illusory pleasure; true happiness can only be attained by revealing the state of Buddhahood within your own life. Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Sunday, September 9, 2012 As I have been saying for some time, in your situation as a lay believer, you should just single-mindedly chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo morning and evening, day and night, and observe what happens at the last moments of your life. At that time, hasten to the summit of perfect enlightenment, and look around you in all directions. The entire realm of phenomena will have changed into the Land of Tranquil Light. . . . Buddhas and bodhisattvas all being caressed by breezes of eternity, happiness, true self, and purity. We, too, will surely be among their numbers. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 843 Reply to Matsuno Written to Matsuno Rokuro Saemon on September 9, 1277

Without opposition there is no growth. ... Happiness is transcending all opposition and obstacles and continuing to grow.

Daily Guidance Sat 09/09

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Saturday, September 8, 2012 Without opposition there is no growth.  It is hard to argue with that logic.  A state in which we are free from problems or constraints is not happiness. Happiness is transcending all opposition and obstacles and continuing to grow. Events 1957: President Josei Toda makes a declaration against the use of nuclear weapons. Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Saturday, September 8, 2012 The German author Herman Hesse writes that the more one matures, the younger one grows.  Certainly there are many people who as they age become increasingly vigorous and energetic, more broad-minded and tolerant, living with a greater sense of freedom and assurance.  It is important to remember that aging and growing old are not necessarily the same thing. Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Saturday, September 8, 2012 Priests possessed by the heavenly devil, such as Ryokan and the others, deceived your father, Saemon no Tayu, and tried to destroy you and your brother, but you, having a wise heart, heeded Nichiren's admonition. Therefore, just as two wheels support a cart, or two legs carry a person, just as two wings enable a bird to fly, or just as the sun and moon aid all living beings, the efforts of you brothers have led your father to take faith in the Lotus Sutra. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 845 A Father Takes Faith Written to Ikegami Hyoe no Sakan Munenaga on September 9, 1277

Believers in the Lotus Sutra should fear those who attempt to obstruct their practice more than they fear bandits, burglars, night raiders, tigers, wolves, or lions

Daily Guidance Fri 08/31

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Friday, August 31, 2012 As long as we pray earnestly and sincerely with all our being, if we have strong and genuine faith, even though results may not be immediately visible, they will definitely manifest without fail in generations of our children and our children's children.  I would like all of you to have absolute confidence in this. Death and Life.. Klimt Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Friday, August 31, 2012 Overcoming the four sufferings of birth, old age, sickness and death is not just a matter of theory. We mustn't move away from the issues of how we can lead healthy, fulfilling and long lives, and how we can die without suffering. Buddhism teaches the wisdom that enables us to do this. Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Friday, August 31, 2012 Believers in the Lotus Sutra should fear those who attempt to obstruct their practice more than they fear bandits, burglars, night raiders, tigers, wolves, or lions—even more than invasion now by the Mongols. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 495 Letter to the Brothers Written to Ikegami Munenaka and Ikegami Munenaga on April 16, 1275

Since we embrace the Daishonin's Buddhism, we have recourse to daimoku. ...No such thing as us remaining incapable. & those dedicated to the welfare and happiness of others, even if they remain unrecognized, are the ones truly worthy of respect.

Daily Guidance Thur 09/06

(Strength) For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Thursday, September 6, 2012 We often hear people say they aren't capable.  But this is a defeatist attitude.  If you feel you aren't capable, then tap into the great reservoir of potential that lies inside you.  Since we embrace the Daishonin's Buddhism, we have recourse to daimoku.  If we chant daimoku to the Gohonzon, we can bring forth all the ability and strength we will ever need. Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Thursday, September 6, 2012 There is nothing wrong with being successful in society and enjoying a degree of fame.  But ultimately, the lives of those dedicated to the welfare and happiness of others, even if they remain unrecognized, are the ones truly worthy of respect. Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Thursday, September 6, 2012 Even if my counsel is heeded, if I am not given due respect as the votary of the Lotus Sutra, then the country will perish. How ominous that the authorities have turned hundreds of persons against me and have even banished me twice! This country is surely doomed, but since I have asked the gods to withhold their punishment on our land, it has survived until now. However, that punishment has finally descended because these unreasonable actions continued. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 773 The Actions of the Votary of the Lotus Sutra Written to the lay nun Konichi in 1276

For young people in school, faith manifests itself in their studies. During this period, to devote themselves to study represents an important part of their practice of faith.

Daily Guidance Wed 09/05

Studying without a school...The Gaza Strip. For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Wednesday, September 5, 2012 Young people in school should make study their first priority. It goes without saying that faith is important, but faith is something we practice throughout our entire lives. There is a certain period and age when we should study. If we don't work hard during that period, we may fail to acquire important knowledge and skills, and we may come to regret it deeply later. Faith manifests itself in daily life. For young people in school, faith manifests itself in their studies. During this period, to devote themselves to study represents an important part of their practice of faith.         Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Wednesday, September 5, 2012 In the "Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings," Nichiren says, "One should regard meeting obstacles as true peace and comfort."  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. Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Wednesday, September 5, 2012 These passages from the sutras speak of powerful enemies of the correct teaching.  Such enemies are to be found not so much among evil rulers and evil ministers, among non-Buddhists and devil kings, or among monks who disobey the precepts.  Rather they are those great slanderers of the Law who are to be found among the eminent monks who appear to be upholders of the precepts and men of wisdom. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 584 The Selection of the Time Written to Yui in 1275