we need the strength of mind not to be swayed by our environment or be obsessed with vanity and superficial appearances

Daily Guidance Mon 12/31

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Monday, December 31, 2012 To lead a life in which we are inspired and can inspire others, our hearts have to be alive; they have to be filled with passion and enthusiasm.  To achieve that, as President Toda also said, we need the courage to "live true to ourselves."  And to live true to ourselves, we need the strength of mind not to be swayed by our environment or be obsessed with vanity and superficial appearances.  Rather than borrowing from or imitating others, we need the conviction to be able to think for ourselves and to take action from our own sense of responsibility. Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Monday, December 31, 2012 Buddhism enables us to tap from within the depths of our beings the greatest courage and strongest life force there is.  Buddhas are not destined for unhappiness or defeat.  Those who practice Buddhism can definitely transform all adversity into something positive, irrespective of the troubled time in which they live, their personal circumstances or the hardships that befall them. Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Monday, December 31, 2012 I, Nichiren, am the richest man in all of present-day Japan. I have dedicated my life to the Lotus Sutra, and my name will be handed down in ages to come.     Thank you for Reading and Sharing Sensei and the Daishonin's Guidance. Have a beautiful 2013...I know you will xoxo  Pauline Joy Lawver