5/5/15 9:43:27 pm: Kwee! Chang: Thursday, Jan 29th, 2015
—- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT —-
"'Our lives, our physical bodies, are entities of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. Human revolution means manifesting the life state of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo.
"'What does human revolution actually mean or look like? I would like to outline some indicators or measures for you today.
"First is health. Let's strive to clearly demonstrate actual proof of faith by leading a healthy life. Naturally, we all have our own karma, but generally speaking, we can't work our hardest if our health is compromised. Of course, we are physical beings, and there are times when we are bound to fall ill. But we should always chant earnestly for health and strive to profoundly align our lives with the fundamental rhythm of the universe. Without such prayer and efforts to lead healthy, well-balanced life, we cannot be said to be practising properly.'
"The second indicator is youthfulness. Maintaining a youthful spirit throughout life is a sign of human revolution. Striving energetically in our Buddhist practice and continuing tirelessly to polish and develop ourselves will keep us from losing our spiritual youthfulness.
"As the third, Shin'ichi specified good fortune. By continuing to chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, dedicating ourselves to kosen-rufu, and triumphing as Buddhists in our daily lives, we adorn ourselves and our families with good fortune. In our turbulent society, such good fortune protects us and brings vibrant prosperity.
"Fourth, Shin'ichi cited wisdom. To strive to perfect ourselves as human beings and grow into effective leaders of society, we must polish our wisdom and intellect. Neglecting that will consign us to defeat in society.
"Fifth, Shin'ichi listed passion. Genuine practitioners of Nichiren Buddhism burn with a passionate commitment for kosen-rufu that invigorates their lives. We can possess all the intelligence in the world, but without passion we are like the living dead. Passion is also a requirement for happiness. Whether we are happy or unhappy in life is for the most part determined by our degree of passion.
"Sixth, Shin'ichi mentioned conviction. Human revolution is a brilliant reflection of our firm belief. Without a philosophy for living and firm convictions, we are like a ship without a compass. With no idea of the direction we should be taking, we can be blown about by the winds of karma and end up like a ship wrecked on the reefs.
"The seventh and final indicator of human revolution, Shin'ichi explained, is victory. Buddhism is a struggle to be victorious. Human revolution is achieved by accomplishing one victory after another. A winning life is a life of human revolution. Everything in both life and kosen-rufu is a struggle. Being victorious is the way to demonstrate proof of justice and truth."
SGI Newsletter No. 9185, The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, Part 2: Human Revolution, Chapter 7: What Is Human Revolution? 7.4 Indicators of Human Revolution. From a speech delivered at a Nagano Prefecture General Meeting, Nagano Training Center, Karuizawa, Nagano Prefecture, 6th Aug., 1994. From the January 2015 issue of the Daibyakurenge. Translation re-released Jan. 26th, 2015.
The Japanese kanji is available by clicking on Seikyo Shinbun's web-site address at http://www.seikyoonline.jp/news/index.html
Sent from my iPhone
