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

Fwd: FW: Daily Guidance Sat 07/06

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Saturday, July 6, 2013 We could liken doing gongyo and chanting daimoku to the earth's rotation on its axis, while taking part in activities resembles the earth's revolution around the sun.  To enter this path, which enables us to savor a state where life is an unparalleled joy, is itself proof of our attainment of Buddhahood.  In the present age, SGI activities represent the means by which we can attain Buddhahood. Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Saturday, July 6, 2013 A strong opponent helps us develop and forge our own strength and ability.  When you encounter some challenge, rejoice and say to yourself, "I have met a rare and worthy adversary!"  Greet everything positively, weather all storms with a strong, resilient spirit, and emerge triumphant. That is the Buddhist way of life. Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Saturday, July 6, 2013 Chang-an wrote, "If one befriends another person but lacks the mercy to correct him, one is in fact his enemy."  The consequences of a grave offense are extremely difficult to erase.  The most important thing is to continually strengthen our wish to benefit others. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 625 The Embankment of Faith Written to the lay nun Sennichi on September 3, 1275

Fwd: FW: Daily Guidace Tue 07/09

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For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Even in times of hardship, the important thing is for each of us to determine that we are the star, protagonist and hero of our lives and keep moving forward.  Putting ourselves down and shrinking back from the obstacles looming before us spell certain defeat.  Through making ourselves strong and developing our state of life, we can definitely find a way through.  As long as we uphold the Mystic Law throughout our lives, we can break through any impasse and surmount any obstacle.  We will also be able to lead all those who are suffering to happiness.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, July 9, 2013

When open and engaged, we are experiencing the greater self.  When closed off, we are putting forth our "lesser self."  The lesser self is a deluded condition, while the greater self is synonymous with the Buddha nature.  To live for the greater self means to recognize the universal principle behind all things and, thus awakened, rise above the suffering caused by awareness of impermanence.  A belief in something eternal is needed to enhance our quality of existence. By believing this lifetime is the be-all and end-all of existence, we will miss out on living a truly profound life.  When our viewpoint expands beyond the boundaries of our present existence to include the entire, eternal universe, we can live deeply fulfilling lives.

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Strengthen your faith now more than ever.  Anyone who teaches the principles of Buddhism to others is bound to incur hatred from men and women, priests and nuns. Let them say what they will.  Entrust yourself to the golden teachings of the Lotus Sutra, Shakyamuni Buddha, T'ien-t'ai, Miao-lo, Dengyo, and Chang-an.  This is what is signified by the expression, "practicing according to the Buddha's teachings."

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 626
The Embankments of Faith
Written to the lay nun Sennichi on September 3, 1275

 

Fwd: FW: Daily Guidance Mon 07/15

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Monday, July 15, 2013

What is the treasure of youth?  It is struggle; it is hard work. Unless you struggle, you cannot become truly strong.  Those who fight hard during their youth will have nothing to fear when the time comes to put the finishing touches on their lives. They will possess a great state of life that towers strong and unshakable. In Buddhism, we call this the state of Buddhahood, which nothing can undermine or destroy.  It is a state of mind enjoyed by invincible champions of life.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Monday, July 15, 2013

Daily life can seem all too drab and unexciting.  Living itself can sometimes seem a strain, and few of us realistically expect what joy we feel to last forever.  But when we fall in love, life seems filled with drama and excitement. We feel like the leading character in a novel.  But, if you get lost in love just because you are bored, and consequently veer from the path you should be following, then love is nothing more than escapism.

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Monday, July 15, 2013

I, Nichiren, am hated by the people of Japan. This is entirely due to the fact that the lord of Sagami regards me with animosity. I grant that the government has acted quite without reason, but even before I encountered my difficulties, I foresaw that troubles of this kind would occur, and I resolved that, whatever might happen to me in the future, I must not bear any hatred toward others. This determination has perhaps acted as a prayer, for I have been able to come safely through any number of trials.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 686
On Consecrating an Image of Shakyamuni Buddha Made by Shijo Kingo
Written to Shijo Kingo on July 15, 1276

 

   

Fwd: FW: Daily Guidance Tue 07/16

   

Gandhi on the Salt March - 1930 Delhi For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, July 16, 2013

The powerful may appear great, but in reality they are not.  Greatest of all are the ordinary people.  If those in power lead lives of idle luxury it is because the people are silent.  We have to speak out.  With impassioned words, we need to resolutely attack abuses of power that cause people suffering.  This is fighting on the side of justice.  It is wrong to remain silent when confronted with injustice.  Doing so is tantamount to supporting and condoning evil."

Events

1260 Nichiren Daishonin submits his treatise "On Establishing the Correct Teaching for the Peace of the Land."  (Risshō Ankoku Ron)

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, July 16, 2013

What will the future be like?  No one knows the answer to this question.  All we know is that the effects that will appear in the future are contained in the causes made in the present.  The important thing, therefore, is that we stand up and take action to achieve great objectives without allowing ourselves to be distracted or discouraged by immediate difficulties.

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Tuesday, July 16, 2013

I have pondered the matter carefully with what limited resources I possess, and have looked a little at the scriptures for an answer.  The people of today all turn their backs upon what is right; to a person, they give their allegiance to evil.  This is the reason that the benevolent deities have abandoned the nation and departed together, that sages leave and do not return. And in their stead devils and demons come, and disasters and calamities occur.  I cannot keep silent on this matter.  I cannot suppress my fears.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 7
On Establshing the Correct Teaching for the Peace of the Land
Submitted to Hojo Tokiyori on July 16, 1260

 

  

Fwd: FW: Daily Guidance Wed 07/17

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Life isn't always smooth.  If it were, we would never grow and develop as human beings.   If we succeed, we are envied; if we fail, we are ridiculed and attacked.  Sadly, this is how people are.  Unexpected grief and suffering may lie ahead of you.  But it is precisely when you encounter such trying times that you must not be defeated.  Never give up.  Never retreat. 

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Human beings inherently possess the strength to overcome any hardship.  Religions have traditionally taught the importance of such spiritual strength.  This is Buddhism's point of origin.  Shakyamuni Buddha taught us to strive to win happiness and peace, not outside but within ourselves.

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Those who chant Myoho-renge-kyo [the title of the Lotus Sutra] even without understanding its meaning realize not only the heart of the Lotus Sutra, but also the "main cord," or essential principle of the Buddha's lifetime teachings.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 860
"This is What I Heard"
Written to the lay priest Soya Jiro on November 28, 1277

 

Fwd: FW: Daily Guidance Thur 07/18

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Thursday, July 18, 2013

There is no need to seek impatiently for greatness, fame or wealth.  The earth and sun do not hurry; they follow their own path at their own pace.  If the earth were to accelerate and complete one rotation in three hours instead of twenty-four, we would be in big trouble!  The most important thing in life, too, is to find a sure and certain path and confidently advance along it.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Thursday, July 18, 2013

People of conviction, who stand alone, who pursue their chosen path-not only are such people good and trustworthy friends themselves, but they can make genuine friends of others. The bamboo groves of autumn are gorgeous.  Each bamboo tree stands independently, growing straight and tall toward the sky. Yet in the ground, out of sight, their roots are interconnected. In the same way, true friendship is not a relationship of dependence, but of independence.  It is the enduring bond that connects self-reliant individuals, comrades who share the same commitment, on a spiritual dimension. 

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin

Thursday, July 18, 2013

The ten directions are the "environment," and living beings are "life."  To illustrate, environment is like the shadow, and life, the body.  Without the body no shadow can exist, and without life, no environment.  In the same way, life is shaped by its environment.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 644
On Omens
Written to Shijo Kingo in 1275

Fwd: FW: Daily Guidance Sat 07/20

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday, July 20, 2013

Our lives are ruled by impermanence.  But simply realizing that changes nothing.  There is no value in bleak pessimism.  The challenge is how to create something of enduring value within the context of our impermanent lives.  The Lotus Sutra teaches us how to do this.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday, July 20, 2013

Although I and my disciples may encounter various difficulties, if we do not harbor doubts in our hearts, we will as a matter of course attain Buddhahood.  Do not have doubts simply because heaven does not lend you protection.  Do not be discouraged because you do not enjoy an easy and secure existence in this life. This is what I have taught my disciples morning and evening, and yet they begin to harbor doubts and abandon their faith. -Nichiren

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Saturday, July 20, 2013

To speak out without fearing others and without flinching before society—this is what the sutra means when it says, "We care nothing for our bodies or lives but are anxious only for the unsurpassed way."  It is not that one does not recall the calumny (slander), the staves and stones that were suffered by Bodhisattva Never Disparaging.  It is not that one is unafraid of the world.  It is just that the censure of the Lotus Sutra is even more severe.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1017
Letter to Akimoto
Written to Akimoto Taro Hyo-no-jo on January 27, 1280

 

Fwd: FW: Daily Guidance Thur 07/25

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Thursday, July 25, 2013

Buddhism is, in a sense, an eternal struggle between the Buddha and demons; in other words, a contest between positive and negative forces.  If we are never assailed by negative influences, we cannot be said to be truly practicing Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism. Buddhist practice lies in bravely facing and overcoming adversity.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Thursday, July 25, 2013

Many people talk about peace, but few really do anything about it.  Very few are willing to fight the battle to the end.  Josei Toda instilled in me the hard and fast rule that, even if we stand alone, we must never give up but must see the struggle through to its conclusion.

The year before he died, he said something I have never forgotten for a minute: "If we don't fight, justice will be defeated.  Because justice is on our side, we must not lose, we absolutely must win. That's why we fight. The lion is most lionlike when he roars."

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Thursday, July 25, 2013

A bird's egg contains nothing but liquid, yet by itself this develops into a beak, two eyes, and all the other parts, and the bird soars into the sky.  We, too, are the eggs of ignorance, which are pitiful things, but when nurtured by the chanting of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, which is like the warmth of the mother bird, we develop the beak of the thirty-two features and the feathers of the eighty characteristics and are free to soar into the skies of the true aspect of all phenomena and the reality of all things.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1030
Letter to Niike
Written to Niike Saemon-no-jo in February 1280

 

   

Fwd: FW: Daily Guidance Fri 07/26

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Friday, July 26, 2013

Faith is perseverance.  The key to victory in any struggle in life is persistence.  That is why Nichiren Daishonin stresses the importance of having faith that flows ceaselessly like water rather than faith that flames up briefly like fire.  To advance continuously, it is important never to become exhausted.  Carrying out activities until late at night does not equate with strong faith.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Friday, July 26, 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.

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Friday, July 26, 2013

Faith in this sutra means that you will surely attain Buddhahood if you are true to the entirety of the Lotus Sutra, adhering exactly to its teachings without adding any of your own ideas or following the arbitrary interpretations of others.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1030
Letter to Niike
Written to Niike Saemon-no-jo in February 1280

 

  

Fwd: FW: Daily Guidance Sun 07/28

    

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Sunday, July 28, 2013

Life is a process of ongoing challenge. Those who lead lives of boundless challenge realize boundless growth.  In a time of tumultuous change, what people need most is the vitality to challenge their circumstances and the wisdom to open the treasure-house of knowledge and to ceaselessly strive to create new value.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Sunday, July 28, 2013

The Buddha's compassion is perfectly equal and impartial.  The Buddha views all beings as his own children and strives to elevate them to attain his same enlightened state of life.  It's not that there are no differences among people.  Rather, it's that the Buddha, while fully recognizing people's differences, does not discriminate among them.

 

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Sunday, July 28, 2013

Since I have realized that only the Lotus Sutra teaches the attainment of Buddhahood by women, and that only the Lotus is the sutra of true requital for repaying the kindness of our mother, in order to repay my debt to my mother, I have vowed to enable all women to chant the daimoku of this sutra.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 931
The Sutra of True Requital
Written to the lay nun Sennichi on July 28, 1278

 

Fwd: FW: Daily Guidance Sat 08/31

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

Saturday, August 31, 2013

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.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday, August 31, 2013

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
Saturday, August 31, 2013

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