On the level of the individual, practicing the Lotus Sutra means confronting the fundamental darkness in one's own life

Daily Guidance Sat 11/17

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Saturday, November 17, 2012 Only if you challenge your human revolution in a manner that is true to yourself will the people around you naturally begin to trust and respect you. That in itself is the greatest way of laying the groundwork for the spread of Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism. Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Saturday, November 17, 2012 The Lotus Sutra, which explains that all people can attain Buddhahood and that all people are Buddhas, embodies a spirit of supreme respect for human beings. By contrast, those teachings and ideas that seek to turn people into objects to be exploited embody ultimate disrespect for human beings.  Such disrespect is an expression of fundamental darkness. On the level of the individual, practicing the Lotus Sutra means confronting the fundamental darkness in one's own life. Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Saturday, November 17, 2012 The same is true of your attaining Buddhahood.  No matter what grave offenses you might have committed, because you did not turn against the Lotus Sutra, but showed your devotion by accompanying me, you will surely become a Buddha.  Yours is like the case of King Possessor of Virtue, who gave his life to save the monk Realization of Virtue and became Shakyamuni Buddha. Faith in the Lotus Sutra acts as a prayer [to attain Buddhahood].  Strengthen your resolve to seek the way all the more and achieve Buddhahood in this lifetime. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 946 The Receipt of New Fiefs Written to Shijo Kingo in October 1278

Helping others become happy is the foundation of our faith

Daily Guidance Mon 11/19

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Monday, November 19, 2012 The innate power of humanity is the driving force that breaks down all barriers of discrimination.  The ultimate expression of this humanity is Buddhahood; it is the power of the Mystic Law.  Daimoku is therefore the fundamental energy for realizing victory in the struggle for human rights. Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Monday, November 19, 2012 To be concerned only with one's own happiness is egoism.  To claim you care only about the happiness of others is hypocrisy.  Genuine happiness is becoming happy together with others.  Josei Toda said: "Just becoming happy oneself—there's nothing difficult to that.  It's easy.  Helping others become happy is the foundation of our faith." Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Monday, November 19, 2012 In this age, it is as natural for a woman to change her fixed karma by practicing the Lotus Sutra as it is for rice to ripen in fall or chrysanthemums to bloom in winter.  When I prayed for my mother, not only was her illness cured, but her life was prolonged by four years. Now you too have fallen ill, and as a woman, it is all the more timely for you to establish steadfast faith in the Lotus Sutra and see what it will do for you. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 955 On Prolonging One's Life Span Written to the lay nun Myojo in 1279

If you want to build a happy life, you have to give careful thought to the foundations

Daily Guidance Sun 11/18

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Sunday, November 18, 2012 The Soka Gakkai's goal is kosen-rufu—realizing human happiness and world peace by widely spreading the philosophy and ideals of Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism. We will continue to strive earnestly for this goal, undaunted by criticism, slander or malicious attempts to hinder our progress.  That is because what we are doing is the will and decree of the original Buddha, Nichiren Daishonin.  I proclaim that all who energetically exert themselves for the cause of kosen-rufu are genuine disciples of the Daishonin and genuine members of the SGI. Events Soka Gakkai Founding Day 1930: Soka Gakkai is established. 1944: Tsunesaburo Makiguchi, the Soka Gakkai's first president, dies in prison. Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Sunday, November 18, 2012 If you want to build a happy life, you have to give careful thought to the foundations.  Happiness certainly cannot be secured on appearances or affectation. Happiness comes down to the inner state of our life at a given moment. Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Sunday, November 18, 2012 How long does a lifetime last?  If one stops to consider, it is like a single night's lodging at a wayside inn.  Should one forget that fact and seek some measure of worldly fame and profit?   Though you may gain them, they will be mere prosperity in a dream, a delight scarcely to be prized.  You would do better simply to leave such matters to the karma formed in your previous existences. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 63 Questions and Answers about Embracing the Lotus Sutra Recipient unknown; written in March 1263

4 virtues of Buddha

We are leaders of happiness and creators of peace

Daily Guidance Sat 11/10

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Saturday, November 10, 2012 There are various kinds of careers and roles that people fill in society.  While each role of course has significance, the fundamental role that we each play as a Buddhist is that of philosopher of life and of humanity who can impart eternal value to humankind. We are leaders of happiness and creators of peace.  In this sense, our role is unique. Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Saturday, November 10, 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. Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Saturday, November 10, 2012 Moreover, as life does not go beyond the moment, the Buddha expounded the blessings that come from a single moment of rejoicing [on hearing the Lotus Sutra]. If two or three moments were required, this could no longer be called the original vow of the Buddha endowed with great impartial wisdom, the single vehicle of the teaching that directly reveals the truth and leads all living beings to attain Buddhahood. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 63 Questions and Answers about Embracing the Lotus Sutra Recipient unknown; written in March 1263

Being sincere, dedicated and honest is the key. People of integrity triumph in the end

Daily Guidance Fri 11/09

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Friday, November 9, 2012 The Daishonin explains the significance of cause and effect: All sutras other than the Lotus Sutra expound that Buddhahood (effect), can be attained only after having made good causes, that is, practicing their teachings (causes), over a length of time.  With the Lotus Sutra, however, the very act of embracing it (cause) enables one simultaneously to become a Buddha (effect).  Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Friday, November 9, 2012 Don't put on airs.  Conceit and pretense don't win people's hearts; the façade soon crumbles.  Be yourself. Buddhism teaches we can shine most brilliantly through natural, unaffected behavior.  Being sincere, dedicated and honest is the key. People of integrity triumph in the end. Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Friday, November 9, 2012 Kyo'o's misfortune will change into fortune.  Muster your faith, and pray to this Gohonzon.  Then what is there that cannot be achieved?   There can be no doubt about the sutra passages that say, "This sutra can fulfill their desires, as a clear cool pond can satisfy all those who are thirsty," and "They will enjoy peace and security in their present existence and good circumstances in future existences." The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 412 Reply to Kyo'o Written to Kyo'o and her parents, Nichigen-nyo and Shijo Kingo, on August 15, 1273

We should strive to develop a state of life where we feel a sense of joy no matter what happens

Daily Guidance Sunday 11/04

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Sunday, November 4, 2012 It is important that we live cheerfully. With a strong spirit of optimism, we need to be able to continually direct our minds in a bright, positive and beneficial direction and help those around us do so, too. We should strive to develop a state of life where we feel a sense of joy no matter what happens. Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Sunday, November 4, 2012 Each of you should summon up the courage of a lion king and never succumb to threats from anyone. The lion king fears no other beast, nor do its cubs. Slanderers are like barking foxes, but Nichiren's followers are like roaring lions. - Nichiren Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Sunday, November 4, 2012 Tsukimaro must have chanted Nam-myoho-rennge-kyo with her very first cry at birth. The Lotus Sutra speaks of "the true aspect of all phenomena." T'ien-t'ai said, "Voices do the Buddha's work." This is also what I think. The deaf cannot hear the thunder, and the blind cannot see the light of the sun and moon. But I am quite certain that the ten demon daughters must be together side by side, giving the baby her first bath and watching over her growth. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 188 The Birth of Tsukimaro Written to Nichigen-nyo and Shijo Kingo on May 8, 1271

only by establishing strong individual lives capable of boldly challenging difficult obstacles can we find true "peace and security in this lifetime"

Daily Guidance Wed 11/07

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Wednesday, November 7, 2012 Throughout his life, Shakyamuni encouraged people with his clear, sonorous voice.  A Buddhist text describes how Shakyamuni warmheartedly welcomed everyone he met, expressing his joy at seeing them.  He showed affection, joy and gentleness in all his interactions. He greeted everyone with courtesy and respect. He never scowled or grimaced.  And to put others at ease and encourage them to speak up, Shakyamuni would always break the ice by initiating the conversation.  It was the power of Shakyamuni's eloquence and sincerity that made it possible for Buddhism to gain wide acceptance among the people of his time. Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Wednesday, November 7, 2012 True ease and comfort are not found in a quiet, uneventful life. This may sound paradoxical, but hardships bring about ease and comfort.   For only by establishing strong individual lives capable of boldly challenging difficult obstacles can we find true "peace and security in this lifetime," as the Lotus Sutra says. Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Wednesday, November 7, 2012 I knew from the outset that, if I set aside my fears and declared things exactly as they are, I would be sentenced to death.  And even if I should escape the death penalty, I would surely be condemned to exile.   So great is the debt of gratitude I owe the Buddha, however, that I have not let others intimidate me, but have spoken out. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 529 Letter to the Lay Priest Ichinosawa Written to the wife of the lay priest Ichinosawa on May 8, 1275

Life, in a sense, is a battle of wisdom

Daily Guidance Tue 11/06 ***ELECTION DAY IN THE USA***

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Tuesday, November 6, 2012 To establish meaningful lives, I hope that during your youth you will work hard to polish you intellect.  Life, in a sense, is a battle of wisdom.  It is the power of Buddhism that enables one to win this battle.  True faith is characterized by a brilliance of intellect and depth of wisdom that result from devotion to practice.   Rep. Hank Johnson, a U.S. Congressman from Georgia and long-time member of Soka Gakkai International (SGI) Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Tuesday, November 6, 2012 Society is where we put the teachings of Buddhism into practice. The essence of Buddhism shines in our actions in society. Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Tuesday, November 6, 2012 In the end, no one can escape death. The sufferings at that time will be exactly like what we are experiencing now.  Since death is the same in either case, you should be willing to offer your life for the Lotus Sutra. Think of this offering as a drop of dew rejoining the ocean, or a speck of dust returning to the earth. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1003 The Dragon Gate Written to Nanjo Tokimitsu on November 6, 1279

unless one perceives the nature of one's life, one's practice will become an endless, painful austerity

Daily Guidance Thur 11/08

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Thursday, November 8, 2012 In the "Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings," Nichiren Daishonin says with reference to attaining Buddhahood, "'To attain' means 'to open'" (Gosho Zenshu, p. 753).  Attaining Buddhahood means opening our lives to their fullest potential and revealing our innate Buddhahood. This is the purpose of Buddhism. Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Thursday, November 8, 2012 The noted pacifist scholar Johan Galtung tells young people, "We must be realists in our brains while keeping the flame of idealism burning in our hearts."  Both of these—to see the world as it is and how it could be—are essential to reform.  A firm hold on reality should not entail being swamped by or resting easy in the status quo.  To pioneer uncharted ways requires that people today keep the lamp of optimism lit. Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Thursday, November 8, 2012 If you seek enlightenment outside yourself, then your performing even ten thousand practices and ten thousand good deeds will be in vain.  It is like the case of a poor man who spends night and day counting his neighbor's wealth but gains not even half a coin. That is why the T'ien-t'ai school's commentary states, "Unless one perceives the nature of one's life, one cannot eradicate one's grave offenses."  This passage implies that, unless one perceives the nature of one's life, one's practice will become an endless, painful austerity.

The purpose of faith is to become happy. I hope all of you will take this sure path to happiness

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Monday, November 5, 2012 The purpose of faith is to become happy.  I hope all of you will take this sure path to happiness, never wandering onto byroads that lead to unhappiness.  Please walk the great path of kosen-rufu with confidence and pride. Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Monday, November 5, 2012 Trust is difficult to earn and it is easily lost—the trust built over a decade can be shattered in an instant by one offhanded remark or deed.  A person who is not swayed from their chosen path, even during the most trying times, will ultimately find that he or she is trusted by all. Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Monday, November 5, 2012 If you truly fear the sufferings of birth and death and yearn for nirvana, if you carry out your faith and thirst for the way, then the sufferings of change and impermanence will become no more than yesterday's dream, and the awakening of enlightenment will become today's reality. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 130 Conversation between a Sage and an Unenlightened Man Recipient unknown; written in 1265

It is important that we live cheerfully.

Daily Guidance Sunday 11/04

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Sunday, November 4, 2012 It is important that we live cheerfully. With a strong spirit of optimism, we need to be able to continually direct our minds in a bright, positive and beneficial direction and help those around us do so, too. We should strive to develop a state of life where we feel a sense of joy no matter what happens. Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Sunday, November 4, 2012 Each of you should summon up the courage of a lion king and never succumb to threats from anyone. The lion king fears no other beast, nor do its cubs. Slanderers are like barking foxes, but Nichiren's followers are like roaring lions. - Nichiren Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Sunday, November 4, 2012 Tsukimaro must have chanted Nam-myoho-rennge-kyo with her very first cry at birth. The Lotus Sutra speaks of "the true aspect of all phenomena." T'ien-t'ai said, "Voices do the Buddha's work." This is also what I think. The deaf cannot hear the thunder, and the blind cannot see the light of the sun and moon. But I am quite certain that the ten demon daughters must be together side by side, giving the baby her first bath and watching over her growth. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 188 The Birth of Tsukimaro Written to Nichigen-nyo and Shijo Kingo on May 8, 1271

Buddhism places the highest value on human rights and seeks to ensure that human rights are respected

Daily Guidance Sat 11/03

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Saturday, November 3, 2012 Buddhism places the highest value on human rights and seeks to ensure that human rights are respected. In caring for just one person, one tries to thoroughly protect and do everything he can for that person. One who respects and embraces the children of the Buddha in this way is a truly capable person and a true leader. Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Saturday, November 3, 2012 The Lotus Sutra is a scripture to be practiced.  Its teachings are meant to be put into action. Our faith and study of Buddhist doctrine are enhanced and given life through actual practice. Nichiren Buddhism is not a teaching of quiet contemplation and meditation; it is a teaching of action. Failing to translate the teachings of Buddhism into action is to go against Buddhism's fundamental spirit. Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Saturday, November 3, 2012 Your boils have resulted from only one offense—slandering the correct teaching. The Mystic Law you now embrace surpasses the moon-loving meditation. How could your boils possibly not be healed and your life span not extended? The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 634 On Curing Karmic Disease Written to the lay priest Ota Jomyo on November 3, 1275

When you worship the Gohonzon, the door to your microcosm is opened

Daily Guidance Thur 11/01

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Thursday, November 1, 2012 The Daishonin has taught us that through gongyo and chanting daimoku we can reach an elevated state in which, while engaged in our daily lives, we travel throughout the entire universe. When you worship the Gohonzon, the door to your microcosm is opened to the entire universe, the macrocosm, and you experience a great, boundless joy, as if you were looking out over the entire cosmos. You feel great satisfaction and rejoicing, a great wisdom, as if you held the entire universe in your palm. Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Thursday, November 1, 2012 Buddhism is not a religion that closes its eyes to people's suffering; it is a teaching that opens people's eyes. Therefore, Buddhism is the path that enables people to become happy. To turn away our eyes from the contradictions of society and rid ourselves of all worldly thoughts is not the way of Buddhist practice. The true spirit of mediation lies in manifesting our innate wisdom in society and resolutely struggling for the happiness of ourselves and others, and to construct a better society. Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Thursday, November 1, 2012 It must be ties of karma from the distant past that have destined you to become my disciple at a time like this. Shakyamuni and Many Treasures certainly realized this truth. The sutra's statement, "Those persons who had heard the Law dwelled here and there in various Buddha lands, constantly reborn in company with their teachers," cannot be false in any way. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 217 The Heritage of the Ultimate Law of Life Written to Sairen-bo Nichijo on February 11, 1272

Chanting

I have moved away from asking people to chant X hours of daimoku. Call me crazy if u will, but i am advocating that whilst a problem remain unsolved, one ought to keep rattling on the all-empowering invocation.
Start chanting when u wake up from your sleep. Chant as u r doing auto-pilot kind of tasks (chores): walking, running, showering, shitting, planning,
Most IMPORTANTLY, rattle on with the invocation as you are making sense of your data n crafting your thesis...

Put them into practice -- this is the shortest route to understanding the essence of Buddhism in the depths of your life

Daily Guidance Tue 10/23

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Tuesday, October 23, 2012 As far as the fundamental teachings of Buddhism and the Gosho are concerned, I hope that, regarding them as absolutely correct, you will first and foremost strive to put them into practice.  I urge you to do so because this is the shortest route to understanding the essence of Buddhism in the depths of your life. Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Tuesday, October 23, 2012 The misfortune of others is our misfortune.  Our happiness is the happiness of others. To see ourselves in others and feel an inner oneness and sense of unity with them represents a fundamental revolution in the way we view and live our lives.  Therefore, discriminating against another person is the same as discriminating against oneself.  When we hurt another, we are hurting ourselves. And when we respect others, we respect and elevate our own lives as well. Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Tuesday, October 23, 2012 No matter how earnestly Nichiren prays for you, if you lack faith, it will be like trying to set fire to wet tinder. Spur yourself to muster the power of faith. Regard your survival as wondrous.  Employ the strategy of the Lotus Sutra before any other. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1000 The Strategy of the Lotus Sutra Written to Shijo Kingo on October 23, 1279

The only way to succeed is by first bringing to completion that which is most immediate

 Daily Guidance Wed 10/24

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Wednesday, October 24, 2012 The only way to succeed is by first bringing to completion that which is most immediate. This principle applies in all affairs—in our daily lives, our work and our families as well as in the progress of kosen-rufu. Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Wednesday, October 24, 2012 What one has done for another yesterday will be done for oneself today.  Blossoms turn into fruit, and brides become mothers-in-law.  Chant Nam-myoho-renge- kyo, and be always diligent in your faith. -Nichiren Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Wednesday, October 24, 2012 The sutra known as the Lotus Sutra is a scripture that has no match among all the sacred teachings of the Buddha's lifetime.  And, as indicated by its words "between Buddhas," it can only be understood between one Buddha and another.  Those at the stage of near-perfect enlightenment or below, on down to ordinary mortals, cannot fathom it. This is why Bodhisattva Nagarjuna stated in his Treatise on the Great Perfection of Wisdom that persons below the level of Buddha should simply have faith, and in that way they can attain Buddhahood. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1072 Reply to the Mother of Ueno Written to the lay nun Ueno on October 24, 1280