Fwd: FW: Daily Guidance Mon 11/25

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Monday, November 25, 2013 Please do not forget your mother's love or the hardships she has endured for you.  I am convinced that while people keep the memory of their mothers' loving faces alive in their mind, they will never go far astray. Similarly, as long as we bear in mind the Daishonin's profound compassion and live in deep appreciation of it, our lives will be illuminated brightly by the light of Buddhahood.  And enveloped in the Gohonzon's great compassion, we will walk along a path that is filled with tranquility and immeasurable joy. Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Monday, November 25, 2013 Suppose that a person is standing at the foot of a tall embankment and is unable to ascend.  And suppose that there is someone on top of the embankment who lowers a rope and says, "If you take hold of this rope, I will pull you up to the top of the embankment."  If the person at the bottom begins to doubt that the other has the strength to pull him up, or wonders if the rope is not too weak and therefore refuses to put forth his hand and grasp it, then how is he ever to get to the top of the embankment?  But if he follows the instructions, puts out his hand, and takes hold of the rope, then he can climb up. -Nichiren Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Monday, November 25, 2013 Strive ever harder in faith, and never give in to negligence.  All the people appear to believe sincerely when they first embrace the Lotus Sutra, but as time passes, they tend to become less devout; they no longer revere nor make offerings to the priest, giving themselves up to arrogance and forming distorted views.  This is most frightening. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1027 Letter to Niike Written to Niike Saemon-no-jo in February 1280

 

Fwd: FW: Daily Guidance Sat 11/22

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Saturday, November 23, 2013 If I were to make an allegory, thought and philosophy would be like the heart or respiratory system of the human body.  When the heart is sound, the whole body can maintain healthy activity.  This same principle applies to both the individual and society.  The SGI has a mission to serve as the heart that ensures the healthy functioning of society.  Consequently, taking good care of the SGI, (the heart) allows the fresh life-giving blood of humanism to flow to and nourish all areas of society, including culture, politics and the economy. Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Saturday, November 23, 2013 The purpose of Buddhism is to bring out the Buddha nature that all people inherently possess, to awaken people to it and enable them to attain Buddhahood. Moreover, the Lotus Sutra does not allow for any discrimination; all people are equally entitled to salvation. Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Saturday, November 23, 2013 You absolutely must not lament over my exile.  It says in the "Encouraging Devotion" chapter and in the "Never Disparaging" chapter [that the votary of the Lotus Sutra will meet with persecution].  Life is limited; we must not begrudge it.  What we should ultimately aspire to is the Buddha land. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 214 Aspiration for the Buddha Land Written to Toki Jonin on November 23, 1271

 

Fwd: FW: Daily Guidance Sun 12/01

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Sunday, December 1, 2013

Buddhism means putting the teachings into practice. Practice equals faith.  With sincere prayer and action, our desires cannot possibly fail to be fulfilled.  When you continue to apply yourselves to your Buddhist practice toward kosen-rufu, solidifying and gaining mastery in your faith, you will find that all your prayers will definitely be answered.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Sunday, December 1, 2013

The main thing is to be proud of the work you do, to live true to yourself.  Activity is another name for happiness.  What's important is that you give free, unfettered play to your unique talents, that you live with the full radiance of your being.  This is what it means to be truly alive.

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Sunday, December 1, 2013

I vowed to summon up a powerful and unconquerable desire for the salvation of all beings, and never to falter in my efforts.

 

The Opening of the Eyes

Written to Shijo Kingo 1272lee      

Fwd: FW: Daily Guidance Sat 11/30

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday, November 30, 2013

President Toda often said: "Those of you who have problems or sufferings, pray earnestly!  Buddhism is a deadly serious win-or-lose struggle.   If you should [pray with such an earnest attitude] and still have no solution forthcoming, then I will give you my life!"  This invincible conviction on which Mr. Toda was willing to stake his life inspired the members.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday, November 30, 2013

That we take pains to protect weapons while we expose children—the future of the race—to peril is impermissible.  To ignore this absurdity will spell defeat for humanity.  We must not live to destroy. We have the spiritual power to create peace and happiness.

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Saturday, November 30, 2013

Though water may be muddied, it will again become clear.  Though the moon may hide behind the clouds, it will surely reappear.  Similarly, in time my innocence became apparent, and my predictions proved not to have been in vain.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1007
Letter to the Lay Priest Nakaoki
Written to the lay priest Nakaoki and his wife on November 30, 1279

 

Fwd: FW: Daily Guidance Tue 12/03

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Faith is the secret to happiness for all people.  When you truly forge your mind of faith, you will become an eternal victor throughout the three existences of past, present and future.  Strong faith enables you to display your wisdom appropriately, so that you can take advantage of change and move forward in the direction of victory and hope.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Dialogue is a positive endeavor.  It builds solidarity and creates unity.  To reject others only has negative repercussions.  It invites division and leads to destruction.  The point is to meet and to talk.  It is only natural that our perspective may at times differ from that of others.  But dialogue gives rise to trust, even among those who don't see eye to eye.

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Tuesday, December 3, 2013

The present time corresponds to the first five hundred years of the Latter Day of the Law.   Passages of the sutra clearly state that at this time Bodhisattva Superior Practices will appear and bestow the five characters of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo on all the people of Japan.   And they reveal that he will face exile and execution.  I am also like the envoy of Bodhisattva Superior Practices because I spread this doctrine.

 

This Person Advances Through the World    

Written to IkegamiUemon no TayuMunenaka  

on December 3. 1279

Fwd: FW: Daily Guidance FRi 12/06

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Friday, December 6, 2013

Where can we find the royal road to reformation and change?   Emerson declared: "Not he is great who can alter matter, but he who can alter my state of mind."  He strongly urged us to undergo an inner reformation.  I want you to be assured that the challenge to which we set ourselves day after day—that of our human revolution—is the royal road to bringing about a reformation in our families, local regions and societies. An inner revolution is the most fundamental and at the same time the ultimate revolution for engendering change in all things.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Friday, December 6, 2013

Human society can be full of contradictions.  It can be unfair; unforgiving, too.  Yet we cannot afford to turn our backs to the world.  A person who does loses, and no excuse can gloss that over.  Given a choice whether to sink or swim, one must swim to the very end, no matter how the seas around us may rage.

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Friday, December 6, 2013

You have associated with a friend in the orchid room and have become as straight as mugwort growing among the hemp.  If you will truly give consideration to the troubles I have been describing and put entire faith in these words of mine, then the winds will blow gently, the waves will be calm, and in no time at all we will enjoy bountiful harvests.

 

On Establishing the Correct Teaching for the Peace of the Land

Submitted to Hojo Tokiyori on July 16 1260

   

Fwd: FW: Daily Guidance Wed 12/04

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Wednesday, December 4, 2013

In any earnest struggle, there come crucial challenges—mountains that must be scaled and conquered if we are to win.  In Buddhist practice, too, we face such crucial challenges.  If we hope to advance kosen-rufu and attain Buddhahood, then we must prevail over these mountains.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Wednesday, December 4, 2013

There is an expansive life-state of profound, secure happiness that transcends any material or social advantage.  It is called faith; it is called the life-state of Buddhahood.   As Nichiren reminds us: "It is the heart that is important."   It is in the heart of faith that Buddhahood resides and boundless and immeasurable happiness shines forth.  Happiness is not something located far away.  We must realize that it exists within our own lives.  Nichiren Buddhism teaches this and shows us how to attain indestructible happiness.

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

When it comes to understanding the Lotus Sutra, I have only a minute fraction of the vast ability that T'ien-t'ai and Dengyo possessed. But as regards my ability to endure persecution and the wealth of my compassion for others, I believe they would hold me in awe.

 

Fwd: FW: Daily Guidance Sat 12/07

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday, December 7, 2013

It is our hearts that change others' hearts.  Friendship changes people. Travelers who pull their capes over their shoulders and brace themselves determinedly against the cold wind naturally relax and change their outlook and actions when warmed by the sun.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday, December 7, 2013

Peace can never be attained by passively waiting for it. It is necessary for each of us, no matter how weak we may feel we are, to build deep within our hearts a stronghold for peace that can withstand, and in the end silence, the incessant calls for war.

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Saturday, December 7, 2013

A single life is worth more than the major world system.  You still have many years ahead of you, and moreover you have encountered the Lotus Sutra.  If you live even one day longer, you can accumulate that much more benefit.  How precious your life is!

 

On Prolonging One's Life Span

Written to Lay Nun Myojo in 1279  

Fwd: FW: Daily Guidance Fri 07/12

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Friday, July 12, 2013 I imagine that some of you have family members who are not yet practicing Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism. There is no need to be impatient or to agonize over this.  Whether people take faith has to do with their mystic connection with Buddhism, which takes a variety of different forms.  Important is the presence of one person who is practicing.  One person's attainment of Buddhahood brings happiness to family members and relatives and all those around him or her.  When a single sun rises, everything is illuminated. Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Friday, July 12, 2013 No one can better bask in summer's balm than those who have endured winter's bite.  Similarly, it is those who have suffered through life's darkest hours who are able to truly savor the bright dawn of happiness. The person who has transformed the worst of fate into the best of fortune is life's champion. Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Friday, July 12, 2013 When I think that I will surely eradicate these karmic impediments and in the future go to the pure land of Eagle Peak, though various grave persecutions fall on me like rain and boil up like clouds, since they are for the sake of the Lotus Sutra, even these sufferings do not seem like sufferings at all. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 191 The Origin of the Service for Deceased Ancestors Written to Shijo Kingo on July 12, 1271

Fwd: FW: Daily Guidance Mon 09/02

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Monday, September 2, 2013

The stronger the oppression from without, the stronger one's determination to summon forth one's inner resources to fight against it—this is the spirit of youth.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Monday, September 2, 2013

Ultimately, happiness rests on how you establish a solid sense of self or being.  Happiness does not lie in outward appearances nor in vanity.  It is a matter of what you feel inside; it is a deep resonance in your life. To be filled each day with a rewarding sense of exhilaration and purpose, a sense of tasks accomplished and deep fulfillment—people who feel this way are happy.  Those who have this sense of satisfaction even if they are extremely busy are much happier than those who have time on their hands but feel empty inside.

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Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Monday, September 2, 2013

I hear that these priests have been slandering me for some years now. These mosquitos and gadflies, as it were, are such fools that they groundlessly revile Nichiren, who is like the lion king, when they have neither listened to nor seen him.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 856
The Third Doctrine
Written to Toki Jonin on October 1, 1277

 

Fwd: FW: Daily Guidance Tue 09/10

 

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Youth means to cherish hope; it is a time of development.  Youth means to challenge oneself; it is a time of construction.   Youth means to fight for justice; it is a time of action.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Neither the pure land nor hell exists outside oneself; both lie only within one's own heart.  Awakened to this, one is called a Buddha; deluded about it, one is called an ordinary person.   The Lotus Sutra reveals this truth, and one who embraces the Lotus Sutra will realize that hell is itself the Land of Tranquil Light. -Nichiren

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Tuesday, September 10, 2013

More valuable than treasures in a storehouse are the treasures of the body, and the treasures of the heart are the most valuable of all. From the time you read this letter on, strive to accumulate the treasures of the heart!

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 851
The Three Kinds of Treasure
Written to Shijo Kingo on September 11, 1277

 

Fwd: FW: Daily Guidance Fri 09/06

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Friday, September 6, 2013

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
Friday, September 6, 2013

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
Friday, September 6, 2013

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

 

Fwd: FW: Daily Guidance Wed 07/03

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Wednesday, July 3, 2013 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. Daniel Nagashima Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Wednesday, July 3, 2013 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 Wednesday, July 3, 2013 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

Fwd: FW: Daily Guidance Thur 07/04

Today the USA Celebrates Independence Day For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Thursday, July 4, 2013 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 Thursday, July 4, 2013 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 Thursday, July 4, 2013 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. Happy July 4th USA

Fwd: FW: Daily Guidance Fri 07/05

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Friday, July 5, 2013 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. Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Friday, July 5, 2013 Having the energy to argue is a sign of good health! When the two people in a relationship share similar conditions, it is only natural that they will lock horns from time to time.  On the other hand, if one party begins to outgrow the other, then the two will probably not have serious confrontations, because their states of life are so different. It would be great if we could live cheerfully, enjoying life to the extent that we regard our partner's nagging as a sign of his or her good health and proof that he or she is still alive and kicking.  When we develop a broad state of life, then even our partner's ranting and raving will sound like the sweet song of a bird. Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Friday, July 5, 2013 It is a rare thing to be born as a human being.  And if, having been born as such, you do not do your best to distinguish between the correct doctrine and the incorrect so that in the future you may attain Buddhahood, then you are certainly not fulfilling your true worth as a human being. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 350 On Prayer Written to Sairen-bo in September 1272 Soka University of America Student Magazine "The Pearl" Online   Click here for the link: http://issuu.com/thepearl/docs

Fwd: FW: Daily Guidance Mon 07/08

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Monday, July 8, 2013 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 Monday, July 8, 2013 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 Monday, July 8, 2013 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