Faith in Nichiren Buddhism enables one to bring forth the great life force needed to lead a victorious life

Daily Guidance Mon 01/28

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For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Monday, January 28, 2013 All of you are chanting for the happiness of many members—children of the Buddha—in your respective communities; you support and encourage them and work tirelessly on their behalf as if they were your own children.  Your actions are truly those of great bodhisattvas; your state of life that of noble Buddhas. Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Monday, January 28, 2013 Why are human beings born?  This question has posed a great challenge.  Josei Toda lucidly set forward his conclusion.  Namely, that this world is a place for people to, as the Lotus Sutra states, "enjoy themselves at ease."  We were born here in order to thoroughly savor the joys of life.  Faith in Nichiren Buddhism enables one to bring forth the great life force needed to lead such an existence. Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Saturday, January 28, 2012 Let others hate you if they will.  What have you to complain of, if you are cherished by Shakyamuni Buddha, Many Treasures Buddha, and the Buddhas of the ten directions, as well as by Brahma, Shakra, and the gods of the sun and the moon?  As long as you are praised by the Lotus Sutra, what cause have you for discontent? The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 464 The Unity of Husband and Wife Written to Nichigen-nyo on January 27, 1275

Educating people to be citizens of the world begins with cultivating respect, compassion and empathy for others

Daily Guidance Thur 01/24

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Thursday, January 24, 2013 We use our voices not only to chant daimoku but to guide, encourage and introduce others to the Daishonin's Buddhism.  Our voice, therefore, is very important. An angry voice, a coarse voice, a cold voice, an imperious voice—none of these will communicate how wonderful Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism is.  I would like you to be humanistic leaders who can encourage others with bright warm voices, so that they will say, "What a lovely voice!" and "I'm always so inspired when I hear you speak."  Becoming this kind of leader is one actual proof of your human revolution. Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Thursday, January 24, 2013 Buddhism teaches equality and absolute respect for the dignity of life.  Educating people to be citizens of the world begins with cultivating respect, compassion and empathy for others.  I am certain that friendship and limitless trust in people can empower us to overcome socially disruptive discrimination and hatred. Open minded exchanges on the popular level will be increasingly important in the years to come. When people engage in mind-to-mind dialogue, they are grateful to see ethnic and cultural differences not as obstacles but as expressions of society—enriching diversity that engenders respect and a desire for further exploration. Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Thursday, January 24, 2013 I explained the teachings of the Lotus Sutra to you before.  Matters of minor importance arise from good, but when it comes to a matter of great importance, great disaster without fail changes into great fortune. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 824 A Warning against Begrudging One's Fief Written to Shijo Kingo in July 1277

Everyone has a right to flower, to reveal his or her full potential as a human being, ... This is the meaning of human rights.

Daily Guidance Sun 01/27

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For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Sunday, January 27, 2013 Viewing events and situations in a positive light is important. The strength, wisdom and cheerfulness that accompany such an attitude lead to happiness.  To regard everything in a positive light or with a spirit of goodwill, however, does not mean being foolishly gullible and allowing people to take advantage of our good nature.   It means having the wisdom and perception to actually move things in a positive direction by seeing things in their best light, while all the time keeping our eyes firmly focused on reality. Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Sunday, January 27, 2013 Everyone has a right to flower, to reveal his or her full potential as a human being, to fulfill his or her mission in this world. You have this right, and so does everyone else. This is the meaning of human rights. To scorn, violate and abuse people's human rights destroys the natural order of things. Prizing human rights and respecting others are among our most important tasks.. Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Sunday, January 27, 2013 If a vessel is free of these four faults of overturning, leaking, being defiled, and being mixed, then it can be called a perfect vessel.   If the embankments around a moat do not leak, then the water will never escape from the moat. And if the mind of faith is perfect, then the water of wisdom, the great impartial wisdom, will never dry up. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1015 Letter to Akimoto Written to Akimoto Taro Hyoe-no-jo on January 27, 1280

We cannot attain Buddhahood unless we possess the heart of a lion. The harsher the situation, the bolder the stand we must take

Daily Guidance Sat 01/26

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For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Saturday, January 26, 2013 Truly praiseworthy are those who resolve to work hard for kosen-rufu and the SGI within the lofty realm of Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism. They are genuinely capable people. And they will definitely attain life-conditions of complete fulfillment. Events 1975: SGI Day Soka Gakkai International established in Guam; Daisaku Ikeda inaugurated as SGI president. Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Saturday, January 26, 2013 A coward cannot become a Buddha. We cannot attain Buddhahood unless we possess the heart of a lion. The harsher the situation, the bolder the stand we must take. This is the essence of the Soka Gakkai spirit. Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Saturday, January 26, 2013 One should not be intimidated by the fact that so many hold such beliefs.  Nor does the truth of a belief depend on whether it has been held for a long or short time.  The point is simply whether or not it conforms with the text of the scriptures and with reason.,. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 168 The Tripitaka Master Shan-wu-wei Written to Joken-bo and Gijo-bo in 1270

A complete lack of exertion or stress may seem desirable, but in fact it results in boredom and stagnation

Daily Guidance Sun 01/20

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Sunday, January 20, 2013 In this lifetime, to demonstrate the power of faith in the Mystic Law to others some of you may have been born into poverty so that you could show actual proof by gaining secure and comfortable lives.  Some of you may have been born with ill health so that you could show proof by growing strong and healthy.  Irrespective of your situations, however, the light of faith in the depths of your beings will continue to shine on eternally with diamond-like brilliance. Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Sunday, January 20, 2013 A complete lack of exertion or stress may seem desirable, but in fact it results in boredom and stagnation.  It is essential that we keep making continuous efforts amid challenging circumstances, pushing forward with dynamic creativity and breaking through all obstacles. That is the way to develop new strength and achieve fresh growth, whether it be in the case of an individual or an organization. This is an iceberg!!! Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Sunday, January 20, 2013 Strengthen your resolve more than ever.  Ice is made of water, but it is colder than water.  Blue dye comes from indigo, but when something is repeatedly dyed in it, the color is better than that of the indigo plant.  The Lotus Sutra remains the same, but if you repeatedly strengthen your resolve, your color will be better than that of others, and you will receive more blessings than they do. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 615 The Supremacy of the Law Written to Oto and her mother, Nichimyo, on August 4, 1275

no matter what happens, I would like you to steadily advance one step at a time, always chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo with a vibrant voice.

Daily Guidance Sat 01/19

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For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Saturday, January 19, 2013 Suffering and undergoing hardships for the sake of friends and for spreading the Law shows the sense of responsibility of a genuine leader and is the behavior of a Bodhisattva.  There is no suffering or hardship that a Bodhisattva of the Earth cannot surmount.  So no matter what happens, I would like you to steadily advance one step at a time, always chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo with a vibrant voice. World renowned artist Daphne Odjig, born and raised on the Wikwemikong Unceded Indian Reserve on Manitoulin Island (Lake Huron), Ontario Canada. Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Saturday, January 19, 2013 The years pass.  The times change.  All that survives and transcends this inevitable process, that shines brighter with each new era, is the record of a great human spirit that has endured the unendurable and remained true to the very end to its deepest convictions. Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Saturday, January 19, 2013 It is certain that, even if there were an age when the sun rises in the west, or a time were to come when the moon emerges from the ground, the Buddha's words would never prove false.  Judging from this, there cannot be the least doubt that your late father is now in the presence of Shakyamuni Buddha, the lord of teachings, and that you will receive great blessings in your present existence. How wonderful, how splendid!" The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 655 Good Fortune in This Life Written to Nanjo Tokimitsu on January 19, 1276

the earth upon which we fall is the same ground which enables us to push ourselves up again

Daily Guidance Tue 01/22

Graffiti Art by Banksy For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Tuesday, January 22, 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. Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Tuesday, January 22, 2013 There is a saying that the earth upon which we fall is the same ground which enables us to push ourselves up again.  There's another which maintains that barley grows better after it has been trampled on.  Human relationships are sometimes painful, but there is no such pain from which we cannot recover.  It is up to us to decide to live a life free from self-doubt and despair in spite of our failures.   Indeed, it is during our most humbling moments that we should show greatest poise and grace.  Then the dignity of our lives will truly shine.   Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Tuesday, January 22, 2013 A hundred years of practice in the land of Perfect Bliss cannot compare to the benefit gained from one day's practice in the impure world.  Two thousand years of propagating Buddhism during the Former and Middle Days of the Law are inferior to an hour of propagation in the Latter Day of the Law.  This is in no way because of Nichiren's wisdom, but simply because the time makes it so.  In spring the blossoms open, in autumn the fruit appears.  Summer is hot, winter is cold. The season makes it so, does it not? The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 736 On Repaying Debts of Gratitude Written to Joken-bo and Gijo-bo on July 21, 1276

you have been born in this age and are now playing an active role in society. This is the meaning of jiyu, or "emerging from the earth."

Daily Guidance Mon 01/21

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Monday, January 21, 2013 Humanity today lacks hope and vision for the future.  It is for precisely this reason that the Bodhisattvas of the Earth have appeared.  Without your presence, the future of humanity would be bleak and spiritual decline its destination.  That is why you have been born in this age and are now playing an active role in society.  This is the meaning of jiyu, or "emerging from the earth." Consequently, each of you will definitely become happy. Please be confident that you will lead lives overflowing with good fortune throughout the three existences of past, present and future. Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Monday, January 21, 2013 We ordinary people can see neither our own eyelashes, which are so close, nor the heavens in the distance. Likewise, we do not see that the Buddha exists in our own hearts. -Nichiren Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Monday, January 21, 2013 I hope all those who are serious in their resolve will gather in one place and listen to this letter. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 622 The Problem to Be Pondered Night and Day Written to Toki Jonin on August 12, 1275 MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY

The important thing, however, is not to spin out of the orbit of faith. I hope you will continue to pursue the path of Buddhahood steadily and patiently, encouraging one another on your journey

Daily Guidance Tue 01/15

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Tuesday, January 15, 2013 Doing gongyo every day is a challenge.  Introducing others to the practice is a challenge.  Getting people to subscribe to our publications is a challenge.  Attending meetings is a challenge.  Sometimes it can all become too much and leave one feeling negative and wanting to take a break!  Since we are human beings, it's only natural that we might feel this way on occasion. The important thing, however, is not to spin out of the orbit of faith.  I hope you will continue to pursue the path of Buddhahood steadily and patiently, encouraging one another on your journey. Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Tuesday, January 15, 2013 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a tireless crusader for human rights, said: "Life's most persistent and urgent question is, What are you doing for others?"  Do not say you will do it "someday"; now is the time.  Do not say "someone" will do it; you are the one.  Now is the time for youth to take full responsibility and courageously pave the way for the people's triumph. Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Tuesday, January 15, 2013 When a tree has been transplanted, though fierce winds may blow, it will not topple if it has a firm stake to hold it up.  But even a tree that has grown up in place may fall over if its roots are weak. Even a feeble person will not stumble if those supporting him are strong, but a person of considerable strength, when alone, may fall down on an uneven path. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 598 Three Tripitaka Masters Pray for Rain Written to the lay priest Nishiyama on June 22, 1275

The power of the Mystic Law enables us to bring forth strength to overcome the pain and suffering of sickness with courage and determination

Daily Guidance Mon 01/14

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Monday, January 14, 2013 Everyone at some time suffers from illness in one form or another.  The power of the Mystic Law enables us to bring forth strength to overcome the pain and suffering of sickness with courage and determination. The Daishonin writes: "Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is like the roar of a lion.  What sickness can therefore be an obstacle?" (The Major Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol. 1, p. 119) " It does not require many words to speak the truth."  Chief Joseph , Nez Perce Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Monday, January 14, 2013 Always speak the truth boldly, saying what needs to be said no matter whom you're addressing. When it comes to championing a just cause, you must never be cowardly, never fawn, never try to curry favor. Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Monday, January 14, 2013 Therefore, when you chant the daimoku of this sutra, you should be aware that it is a more joyful thing than for one who was born blind to gain sight and see one's father and mother, and a rarer thing than for a man who has been seized by a powerful enemy to be released and reunited with his wife and children. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 143 The Daimoku of the Lotus Sutra Recipient unknown; written on January 6, 1266

A strong spirit, strong faith and strong prayer—developing these is victory and the world of Buddhahood.

Daily Guidance Sat 01/12

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Saturday, January 12, 2013 In a passage of the "Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings," the Daishonin observes, "When you bow to a mirror, the reflected image bows back" (Gosho Zenshu, p. 769).  People who respect others are respected by others in turn. Those who are unstinting in their compassion and concern for others are also protected and supported by others.  Our environment is essentially a reflection of ourselves. Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Saturday, January 12, 2013 Strength is happiness.  Strength is itself victory.   In weakness and cowardice there is no happiness.  When you wage a struggle, you might win or you might lose. But regardless of the short-term outcome, the very fact of your continuing to struggle is proof of your victory as a human being.  A strong spirit, strong faith and strong prayer—developing these is victory and the world of Buddhahood. Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Saturday, January 12, 2013 How, then, are you to go about nurturing faith in the Lotus Sutra?  For if you try to practice the teachings of the sutra without faith, it would be like trying to enter a jeweled mountain without hands [to pick up its treasures], or like trying to make a thousand-mile journey without feet.  The answer is simply to examine the proof that is close at hand, and thus take hold of faith that is far off. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 511 Letter to Horen Written to Soya Kyoshin in April 1275

decide that you will become leaders who will make everyone feel comfortable and at ease

Daily Guidance Fri 01/11

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Friday, January 11, 2013 The role of leaders is important.  Everything is determined by the leaders behavior. There is a passage in The Romance of the Three Kingdoms that says only those who possess genuine wisdom and virtue win the highest regard from people.  It all comes down to you. You have to polish and develop yourselves.  Should there be a leader or leaders in faith whom you do not like, all you have to do is determine not to become like them.  All you have to do is decide that you will become leaders who will make everyone feel comfortable and at ease. Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Friday, January 11, 2013 One tragedy of our times is the willingness of realists, in spite of impending crises, to criticize and obstruct people who expend their energy toward finding solutions. Their judgments, however, are superficial and conventional, and their attitude distances them from the essential quality of reality-change. Often the wisest realists cannot escape this trap. The challenge, then, is to create a new kind of reality that offers hope for changing the world. Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Friday, January 11, 2013 The lion king is said to advance three steps, then gather himself to spring, unleashing the same power whether he traps a tiny ant or attacks a fierce animal. In inscribing this Gohonzon for [your daughter's] protection, Nichiren was like the lion king.  This is what the sutra means by "the power [of the Buddhas] that has the lion's ferocity."  Believe in this mandala with all your heart. Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is like the roar of a lion. What sickness can therefore be an obstacle?" The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 412 Reply to Kyo'o Written Kyo'o and her parents, Nichigen-nyo and Shijo Kingo, on August 15, 1273

The real benefit of the Mystic Law is inconspicuous

Daily Guidance Wed 01/09

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For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Wednesday, January 9, 2013 The real benefit of the Mystic Law is inconspicuous. Just as trees grow taller and stronger year after year, adding growth rings that are imperceptible to the human eye, we too will grow toward a victorious existence.  For this reason it is important that we lead tenacious and balanced lives based on faith. Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Wednesday, January 9, 2013 The peace we seek cannot be brought about through a struggle for dominance in military or economic power.  It can be won only through peaceful means.  Peace built on the unhappiness and sacrifice of others is a meaningless sham.  What's needed is to create a world in which people of all races and nations can enjoy peace and happiness. Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Wednesday, January 9, 2013 When we revere Myoho-renge-kyo inherent in our own life as the object of devotion, the Buddha nature within us is summoned forth and manifested by our chanting of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. This is what is meant by "Buddha."  To illustrate, when a caged bird sings, birds who are flying in the sky are thereby summoned and gather around, and when the birds flying in the sky gather around, the bird in the cage strives to get out. When with our mouths we chant the Mystic Law, our Buddha nature, being summoned, will invariably emerge. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 887) How Those Initially Aspiring to the Way Can Attain Buddhahood through the Lotus Sutra Written to the lay nun Myoho in 1277

Buddhism is reason. Make concrete efforts for prayers to be answered

Daily Guidance Tue 01/08

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Tuesday, January 8, 2013 Prayer is the foundation.  But at the same time if we fail to make concrete efforts, no matter how much daimoku we chant, our prayers will not be answered. Buddhism is reason.  If we just chant without doing any work we cannot succeed in our jobs. Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Tuesday, January 8, 2013 Wisdom, in the Lotus Sutra, does not simply mean being smart; it is far more profound.  Essentially, it is to have an excellent "heart."  Wisdom signifies humanity and force of character borne of strength, breadth and profundity of spirit.  Nichiren says, "The wise may be called human."  He also explains that one who perseveres in following a correct way of life, unswayed by praise and censure, is truly wise. Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Tuesday, January 8, 2013 The Lotus Sutra is the king of sutras, the direct path to enlightenment, for it explains that the entity of our life, which manifests either good or evil at each moment, is in fact the entity of the Mystic Law. If you chant Myoho-renge-kyo with deep faith in this principle, you are certain to attain Buddhahood in this lifetime. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 4 On Attaining Buddhahood in This Lifetime Written to Toki Jonin in 1255

To be constantly at the mercy of society's ups and downs is a miserable existence. It is crucial for us to be strong and wise.

Daily Guidance Sat 01/05

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Saturday, January 5, 2013 Faith is light. The hearts of those with strong faith are filled with light.  A radiance envelops their lives.  People with unshakable conviction in faith enjoy a happiness that is as luminous as the full moon on a dark night, as dazzling as the sun on a clear day. Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Saturday, January 5, 2013 One of the epithets of a Buddha is, "Hero of the World."  A Buddha is a valiant and noble champion who has conquered the sufferings of life in the real world. Nichiren writes: "Buddhism is like the body, and society like the shadow.  When the body bends, so does the shadow."   People cannot live apart from society.  But to be constantly at the mercy of society's ups and downs is a miserable existence.  It is crucial for us to be strong and wise.  The "body" Nichiren refers to is, on the personal level, our faith. Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Saturday, January 5, 2013 First of all, as to the question of where exactly hell and the Buddha exist, one sutra states that hell exists underground, and another sutra says that the Buddha is in the west.  Closer examination, however, reveals that both exist in our five-foot body.  This must be true because hell is in the heart of a person who inwardly despises his father and disregards his mother.  It is like the lotus seed, which contains both blossom and fruit.  In the same way, the Buddha dwells within our hearts. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1137 New Year's Gosho Written to the wife of Omosu on January 5, year unknown

Attaining Buddhahood is a constant, moment-to-moment, inner struggle to overcome our fundamental darkness and delusion

Daily Guidance Wed 01/02

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Wednesday, January 2, 2013 The people are most important and noble.  President Toda was firmly convinced of this point.  And I have advanced with the same spirit.  This is also Nichiren Daishonin's undying spirit.  Please always treasure and protect this organization of the people that is the SGI. Events 1928: Daisaku Ikeda, SGI president, is born. Seen here with his mother. Happy Birthday Sensei!!!! Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Wednesday, January 2, 2013 In Nichiren Buddhism, attaining enlightenment is not about embarking on some inconceivably long journey to become a resplendent, godlike Buddha; it is about accomplishing a transformation in the depths of one's being.  In other words, it is not a matter of practicing in order to scale the highest summit of enlightenment at some point in the distant future.  Rather, it is a constant, moment-to-moment, inner struggle between revealing our innate Dharma nature or allowing ourselves to be ruled by our fundamental darkness and delusion Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Wednesday, January 2, 2013 The Buddha has already been called a skilled physician, and the Law has been likened to good medicine and all living beings to people suffering from illness.  The Buddha took the teachings that he had preached in the course of his lifetime, ground and sifted them, blended them together, and compounded an excellent medicine, the pill of the Mystic Law.  Regardless of whether one understands it or not, so long as one takes the pill, can one fail to be cured of the illness of delusion? The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 132-33 Conversation between a Sage and an Unenlightened Man Recipient unknown; written in 1265