Fwd: FW: Daily Guidance Sun 11/10

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Sunday, November 10, 2013 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 Sunday, November 10, 2013 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 Sunday, November 10, 2013 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

 

Fwd: FW: Daily Guidance Wed 11/20

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Wednesday, November 20, 2013 What is the purpose of life?  It is happiness.  But there are two kinds of happiness: relative and absolute. Relative happiness comes in a wide variety of forms. The purpose of Buddhism is to attain Buddhahood. In modern terms, this could be explained as realizing absolute happiness—a state of happiness that can never be destroyed or defeated. Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Wednesday, November 20, 2013 Many things happen in life. There are joyous days and times of suffering.  Sometimes unpleasant things occur. But that's what makes life so interesting.  The dramas we encounter are part and parcel of being human.  If we experienced no change or drama in our lives, if nothing unexpected ever happened, we would merely be like automatons, our lives unbearably monotonous and dull. Therefore, please develop a strong self so that you can enact the drama of your life with confidence and poise in the face of whatever vicissitudes you may encounter. Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Wednesday, November 20, 2013 You should not have the slightest fear in your heart.  It is lack of courage that prevents one from attaining Buddhahood, although one may have professed faith in the Lotus Sutra many times since innumerable kalpas ago. The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 637 The Three Obstacles and Four Devils Written to Ikegami Hyoe no Sakan Munenaga on November 20, 1277

 

 

Fwd: Daily Guidance Wed 01/01/14

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Wednesday, January 1, 2014

Those who wake up each morning with work to accomplish and a mission to fulfill are the happiest people of all. SGI members are like this.  For us each day is one of supreme purpose and satisfaction.  For us each day is New Year's Day.  Please exert yourselves vigorously with the determination to live each day to the fullest, so that you may compose a golden diary of life.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Wednesday, January 1, 2014

If the minds of living beings are impure, their land is also impure, but if their minds are pure, so is their land. There are not two lands, pure or impure in themselves. The difference lies solely in the good or evil of our minds.  It is the same with a Buddha and an ordinary being.  While deluded, one is called an ordinary being, but when enlightened, one is called a Buddha. This is similar to a tarnished mirror that will shine like a jewel when polished. -Nichiren

Daily Wisdom

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Wednesday, January 1, 2014

I have received a hundred slabs of steamed rice cake and a basket of fruit.  New Year's Day marks the first day, the first month, the beginning of the year, and the start of spring.  A person who celebrates this day will accumulate virtue and be loved by all, just as the moon becomes full gradually, moving from west to east, and as the sun shines more brightly, traveling from east to west.

   

 

PAULINE Joy LAWVER