For Today and TomorrowDaily Encouragement by Daisaku IkedaWho is truly great? I hope you can develop the ability to discern true human greatness. A great person is someone who forges unity among human beings through sincere dialogue, armed with a solid philosophy, feet firmly planted on the ground. A great person is one who lives among the people and earns their unshakable trust. Fickle popularity and temporary fads are nothing but illusions.
Tuesday, December 29, 2015
Buddhism Day by DayWisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, December 29, 2015
Ralph Waldo Emerson writes: "And so of cheerfulness, or a good temper, the more it is spent, the more of it remains." Cheerfulness is not the same as frivolousness. Cheerfulness is born of a fighting spirit. Frivolousness is the reverse side of cowardly escape. Emerson also said that "power dwells with cheerfulness; hope puts us in a working mood." Without cheerfulness there is no strength. Strive to advance still more brightly and cheerfully.
Daily WisdomFrom the Writings of Nichiren DaishoninTo hope to attain Buddhahood without speaking out against slander is as futile as trying to find water in the midst of fire or fire in the midst of water. No matter how sincerely one believes in the Lotus Sutra, if one is guilty of failing to rebuke slander of the Law, one will surely fall into hell, just a single crab leg will ruin a thousand pots of lacquer. This is the meaning of the passage in the sutra, "Because the poison has penetrated deeply and their minds no longer function as before."
Tuesday, December 29, 2015
Tuesday, December 29, 2015
A great person is someone who forges unity among human beings
Kosenrufu is a long struggle,
For Today and TomorrowDaily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Monday, December 28, 2015
Kosen-rufu is a very long struggle. It is a march that will continue over the 10,000 years of the Latter Day of the Law. Therefore, let us advance joyfully and unhurriedly. Activities must not be conducted in such a way that people suffer and become exhausted. Meetings should be short and not too numerous and conducted so that they are valuable and productive for all concerned.
Buddhism Day by DayWisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Monday, December 28, 2015
Those who believe in the Lotus Sutra are as if in winter, but winter always turns to spring. Never, from ancient times on, has anyone heard or seen of winter turning back to autumn. Nor have we ever heard of a believer in the Lotus Sutra who turned into an ordinary person. The sutra reads, "If there are those who hear the Law, then not a one will fail to attain Buddhahood."-Nichiren
Daily WisdomFrom the Writings of Nichiren DaishoninMonday, December 28, 2015
In the next life you should use this sword as your staff. The Lotus Sutra is the staff that helps all the Buddhas of the three existences as they set their minds on enlightenment. However, you should rely upon Nichiren as your staff and pillar. When one uses a staff, he will not fall on treacherous mountain paths or rough roads, and when led by the hand, he will never stumble.
Monday, December 28, 2015
Friday, December 25, 2015
Peace and culture is indivisible
Buddhism Day by DayWhere is happiness to be found? The famous Roman philosopher-emperor Marcus Aurelius said, "A man's true delight is to do the things he was made for." Human happiness, he maintained, lies in doing those things only humans can: seeking the truth and acting to help those who are suffering. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, too, asserted that those who work cheerfully and take joy in the fruits of their labor are truly happy. These are the words of great thinkers, and as you can see they are in complete accord with the teachings of Buddhism.Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku IkedaThursday, December 24, 2015
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Happiness is found in the helping those who are suffering to become happy
Buddhism Day by DayWhere is happiness to be found? The famous Roman philosopher-emperor Marcus Aurelius said, "A man's true delight is to do the things he was made for." Human happiness, he maintained, lies in doing those things only humans can: seeking the truth and acting to help those who are suffering. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, too, asserted that those who work cheerfully and take joy in the fruits of their labor are truly happy. These are the words of great thinkers, and as you can see they are in complete accord with the teachings of Buddhism.Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku IkedaThursday, December 24, 2015
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Buddhism strives for its believers to be wise
For Today and TomorrowEncouragement by Daisaku IkedaThursday, December 24, 2015Many religions have demanded blind faith, taking away people's independence. President Makiguchi opposed such enslavement. What he called for instead was solidarity of awakened common people. To achieve this, he proposed a self-reliant way of life in which we advance on the path of our choice with a firm, independent character. He also stressed a contributive way of life in which we set our fundamental goal in life toward the realization of happiness for ourselves and others, casting aside arrogance and self-satisfaction to respect and benefit others.
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Buddhism transcends superficial differences
Buddhism Day by DayWisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku IkedaFriday, December 25, 2015Buddhism does not ask "What religion does this person follow?" but "What is this person's state of life?" Buddhism exists to enable all people to cultivate and manifest the world of Buddhahood in their lives. Society is a realm of discrimination and distinctions. But Buddhism transcends all superficial differences and focuses directly on life.
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Suffering and happiness
Daily WisdomAnd if we go by the words of the Lotus Sutra, you should also teach the sutra to the best of your ability. When the world makes you feel downcast, you should chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, remembering that, although the sufferings of this life are painful, those in the next life could be much worse. And when you are happy, you should remember that your happiness in this life is nothing but a dream within a dream, and that the only true happiness is that found in the pure land of Eagle Peak, and with that thought in mind, chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo.From the Writings of Nichiren DaishoninFriday, December 25, 2015
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Thursday, December 24, 2015
Give something
December 25
If a person is hungry, we should give them bread. When there is no bread, we can at least give words that nourish. To a person who looks ill or is physically frail, we can turn the conversation to some subject that will lift their spirits and fill them with the hope and determination to get better. Let us give something to each person we meet: joy, courage, hope, assurance, philosophy, wisdom, a vision for the future. Let us always give something.
Daisaku Ikeda, SGI President
If a person is hungry, we should give them bread. When there is no bread, we can at least give words that nourish. To a person who looks ill or is physically frail, we can turn the conversation to some subject that will lift their spirits and fill them with the hope and determination to get better. Let us give something to each person we meet: joy, courage, hope, assurance, philosophy, wisdom, a vision for the future. Let us always give something.
Daisaku Ikeda, SGI President
Friday, December 18, 2015
LEAF, BRANCH OR ROOT
LEAF, BRANCH OR ROOT
I have this tree analogy when I think of people in my life, be it friends, family, acquaintances, employees, co-workers, whomever...They are all placed inside what I call my tree test. It goes like this:
LEAF PEOPLE
Some people come into your life and they are like leaves on a tree. They are only there for a season. You can't depend on them or count on them because they are weak and only there to give you shade. Like leaves, they are there to take what they need and as soon as it gets cold or a wind blows in your life they are gone. You can't be angry at them, it's just who they are.
BRANCH PEOPLE
There are some people who come into your life and they are like branches on a tree. They are stronger than leaves, but you have to be careful with them. They will stick around through most seasons, but if you go through a storm or two in your life it's possible that you could lose them. Most times they break away when it's tough. Although they are stronger than leaves, you have to test them out before you run out there and put all your weight on them. In most cases they can't handle too much weight. But again, you can't be mad with them, it's just who they are.
ROOT PEOPLE
If you can find some people in your life who are like the roots of a tree then you have found something special. Like the roots of a tree, they are hard to find because they are not trying to be seen. Their only job is to hold you up and help you live a strong and healthy life. If you thrive, they are happy. They stay low key and don't let the world know that they are there. And if you go through an awful storm they will hold you up. Their job is to hold you up, come what may, and to nourish you, feed you and water you.
A tree has many limbs and many leaves but there are few roots.
Look at your own life. How many leaves, branches and roots do you have?
What are you in other people's lives?
Can you become a root for many?
Most definitely you can because you have this beautiful practice which enables you to do your human revolution and elevate your life state. When you change, the people around you will change too.
President Ikeda says and I quote:
"Your mission is to become the strongest, brightest, and most pure hearted of all, regardless of your circumstances, and to live a life in which you can declare that you are supremely happy." Unquote.
NAM MYOHO RENGE KYO
(Above taken from NAM MYOHO RENGE KYO Facebook page)
Sent from my iPhone
I have this tree analogy when I think of people in my life, be it friends, family, acquaintances, employees, co-workers, whomever...They are all placed inside what I call my tree test. It goes like this:
LEAF PEOPLE
Some people come into your life and they are like leaves on a tree. They are only there for a season. You can't depend on them or count on them because they are weak and only there to give you shade. Like leaves, they are there to take what they need and as soon as it gets cold or a wind blows in your life they are gone. You can't be angry at them, it's just who they are.
BRANCH PEOPLE
There are some people who come into your life and they are like branches on a tree. They are stronger than leaves, but you have to be careful with them. They will stick around through most seasons, but if you go through a storm or two in your life it's possible that you could lose them. Most times they break away when it's tough. Although they are stronger than leaves, you have to test them out before you run out there and put all your weight on them. In most cases they can't handle too much weight. But again, you can't be mad with them, it's just who they are.
ROOT PEOPLE
If you can find some people in your life who are like the roots of a tree then you have found something special. Like the roots of a tree, they are hard to find because they are not trying to be seen. Their only job is to hold you up and help you live a strong and healthy life. If you thrive, they are happy. They stay low key and don't let the world know that they are there. And if you go through an awful storm they will hold you up. Their job is to hold you up, come what may, and to nourish you, feed you and water you.
A tree has many limbs and many leaves but there are few roots.
Look at your own life. How many leaves, branches and roots do you have?
What are you in other people's lives?
Can you become a root for many?
Most definitely you can because you have this beautiful practice which enables you to do your human revolution and elevate your life state. When you change, the people around you will change too.
President Ikeda says and I quote:
"Your mission is to become the strongest, brightest, and most pure hearted of all, regardless of your circumstances, and to live a life in which you can declare that you are supremely happy." Unquote.
NAM MYOHO RENGE KYO
(Above taken from NAM MYOHO RENGE KYO Facebook page)
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Wednesday, December 16, 2015
The purpose of our faith is to become wise
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku IkedaFaith manifests itself as wisdom. The purpose of our faith is to become wise, so that we can live wisely. The desire to save others becomes merely an abstract goal if those who practice faith cannot communicate with their own children nor build strong and happy families.
Monday, December 14, 2015
Tuesday, December 15, 2015
THE KEY TO HAPPY RELATIONSHIPS
THE KEY TO HAPPY RELATIONSHIPS
Relationships are a major part of the human existence and having one is pretty much inescapable. While the depth of our connections with others may vary, they are nevertheless an important part of our lives. Often, the relationships we form with others are sources of joy. However, there are two sides to every coin and experiencing pain from time to time is a matter of certainty. When our most cherished relationships become challenging, it can feel as though our whole world just turned upside down. Usually, when difficulties arise our instinct is to blame the other person. However, blame may not the best route for getting things back on track. More often than not, what we really need to do is take a good hard look at ourselves.
The following important points from the wonderful article in Living Buddhism, called "The Key to Happy Relationships" highlight how we can improve the important connections we share with others.
THE KEYS TO HAPPY RELATIONSHIPS
#1 The key to developing healthy, happy, and meaningful relationships is you.
#2 Happiness is not something someone else can give us. Only we can give this to ourselves.
#3 How we feel in response to another person's actions is our responsibility. "It's not the other person's behavior but our experience and response to it that causes us to feel happy or unhappy."
#4 Happiness is achievable when we make a commitment to our own personal development and realize our full potential as human beings.
#5 If we want to improve the quality of our relationships, then we must work to change and improve ourselves first. "When we change, the people around us respond to that change."
#6 Relationships and our interactions with others are a reflection of ourselves. For example, if my relationships are negative or filled with strife, that is a reflection of my own internal state of life. So, when I change and become more positive, the people in my life respond to that change. In this way, my interactions with others become a more positive experience.
In the end, relationships provide wonderful opportunities for us to learn, grow, and improve ourselves.
Sent from my iPhone
Relationships are a major part of the human existence and having one is pretty much inescapable. While the depth of our connections with others may vary, they are nevertheless an important part of our lives. Often, the relationships we form with others are sources of joy. However, there are two sides to every coin and experiencing pain from time to time is a matter of certainty. When our most cherished relationships become challenging, it can feel as though our whole world just turned upside down. Usually, when difficulties arise our instinct is to blame the other person. However, blame may not the best route for getting things back on track. More often than not, what we really need to do is take a good hard look at ourselves.
The following important points from the wonderful article in Living Buddhism, called "The Key to Happy Relationships" highlight how we can improve the important connections we share with others.
THE KEYS TO HAPPY RELATIONSHIPS
#1 The key to developing healthy, happy, and meaningful relationships is you.
#2 Happiness is not something someone else can give us. Only we can give this to ourselves.
#3 How we feel in response to another person's actions is our responsibility. "It's not the other person's behavior but our experience and response to it that causes us to feel happy or unhappy."
#4 Happiness is achievable when we make a commitment to our own personal development and realize our full potential as human beings.
#5 If we want to improve the quality of our relationships, then we must work to change and improve ourselves first. "When we change, the people around us respond to that change."
#6 Relationships and our interactions with others are a reflection of ourselves. For example, if my relationships are negative or filled with strife, that is a reflection of my own internal state of life. So, when I change and become more positive, the people in my life respond to that change. In this way, my interactions with others become a more positive experience.
In the end, relationships provide wonderful opportunities for us to learn, grow, and improve ourselves.
Sent from my iPhone
Wednesday, December 9, 2015
Five Points of Faith
Five Points of Faith
1. If you only talk to others about your problems, you may develop an attitude of complaint, but if you take your problems to the Gohonzon, this become prayer.
2. If you suffer only for the sake of mundane matters, that suffering will remain with you, but if you suffer for the sake of faith, you will gain joy and good fortune.
3. If you only react emotionally to others, you may tend to habor ill feelings (onshitsu), but if you can embrace them through daimoku, you yourself will grow.
4. If you seek only techniques and strategies, you will become confused and go astray, but if you make a determination and pray to fulfill it, your innate wisdom will emerge.
5. If you decide that you cannot do something, then you will indeed be unable to do it. But if you resolve to do it and pray to carry out your resolution, your latent ability will emerge.
(Compliment of Pioneer member, Makiyo Campbell – Wichita Falls, Texas.)
境涯革命五原則
1.說向他人變牢騷，訴於本尊是祈願
2.世法勞苦徒勞苦，信心勞苦福運多
3.感情用事怨嫉大，題目包容成長多
4.講求方法易迷失，祈願深深智慧來
5.以為不能就不能，祈願來做就可能
Sent from my iPhone
1. If you only talk to others about your problems, you may develop an attitude of complaint, but if you take your problems to the Gohonzon, this become prayer.
2. If you suffer only for the sake of mundane matters, that suffering will remain with you, but if you suffer for the sake of faith, you will gain joy and good fortune.
3. If you only react emotionally to others, you may tend to habor ill feelings (onshitsu), but if you can embrace them through daimoku, you yourself will grow.
4. If you seek only techniques and strategies, you will become confused and go astray, but if you make a determination and pray to fulfill it, your innate wisdom will emerge.
5. If you decide that you cannot do something, then you will indeed be unable to do it. But if you resolve to do it and pray to carry out your resolution, your latent ability will emerge.
(Compliment of Pioneer member, Makiyo Campbell – Wichita Falls, Texas.)
境涯革命五原則
1.說向他人變牢騷，訴於本尊是祈願
2.世法勞苦徒勞苦，信心勞苦福運多
3.感情用事怨嫉大，題目包容成長多
4.講求方法易迷失，祈願深深智慧來
5.以為不能就不能，祈願來做就可能
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Tuesday, December 8, 2015
THE IMPORTANT THING IS TO HAVE FAITH........
"There are many trials and tribulations in life. In addition, we each have our own karma, and on top of that, when we practise our faith ardently, obstacles are certain to arise. No life is always smooth sailing. But no matter how deep the darkness of despair, faith enables us to keep the flame of hope burning in our hearts.
"Nichiren Daishonin writes: 'Maintain your faith and attain Buddhahood in this lifetime. Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, Nam-myoho-renge-kyo' (WND-1, 4). The Mystic Law enables us to overcome every obstacle, no matter how overwhelmed or deadlocked we may be, and establish a life-state of indestructible happiness.
"The important thing is to have faith in the Gohonzon, earnestly chant daimoku, and strive to share this Buddhism with others. If we do so, we'll be able to open a way forward. We were born into this world as human beings with a mission to become strong and happy."
Daisaku Ikeda
The New Human Revolution––Vol. 25: Chap. 1, Light of Happiness 11, translated Oct. 31st, 2011
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"Nichiren Daishonin writes: 'Maintain your faith and attain Buddhahood in this lifetime. Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, Nam-myoho-renge-kyo' (WND-1, 4). The Mystic Law enables us to overcome every obstacle, no matter how overwhelmed or deadlocked we may be, and establish a life-state of indestructible happiness.
"The important thing is to have faith in the Gohonzon, earnestly chant daimoku, and strive to share this Buddhism with others. If we do so, we'll be able to open a way forward. We were born into this world as human beings with a mission to become strong and happy."
Daisaku Ikeda
The New Human Revolution––Vol. 25: Chap. 1, Light of Happiness 11, translated Oct. 31st, 2011
Sent from my iPhone
Sunday, December 6, 2015
how to create value in our lives.
Words of Wisdom by President Ikeda that provide guidance and support for leading happy lives with no regrets. The following are some guidances from the New Human Revolution about how to create value in our lives.
President Ikeda writes…
"It's important to be optimistic and to look on the bright side, constantly moving forward. There are times when, even though you've been chanting [Nam-myoho-renge-kyo] for something, the situation doesn't go as you wish. But remember, there's always a reason. In the end, you will genuinely feel that things worked out for the best."
"Buddhism is a teaching of value creation, and value creation begins with having the wisdom to appreciate every situation we face and transform it into joy, hope, and victory…Let's imagine, for example, that it starts to snow. If you react negatively, thinking about how cold and slippery it is outside, then you will have a terrible day. But if instead you think to yourself: 'What a rare chance it is to see such beautiful snow! I'll show the kids how to build a snowman and create a wonderful memory with them!–then from that moment everything will be a joy."
"The key to value creation is to find joy and meaning in whatever happens, to courageously rise to the challenge. To do that, we need a philosophy of life, we need wisdom, and we need life force. In fact, that is the purpose of our faith."
"Our personal philosophy determines how we look at things. Whether we see events from a pessimistic or optimistic point of view, whether we take things positively or negatively, makes all the difference in the world."
[Buddhism] is…"a philosophy of transforming the negative into the positive. As long as we base ourselves on such a forward looking approach, we will never be deadlocked."
"How we perceive events is also intimately related to the strength of our life force. When we are weak-spirited and apathetic, we end up falling into a negative mindset in spite of our best efforts to remain positive. Our mental attitude is inseparable from our state of life. Chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is the source of powerful unflagging vitality."
This guidance is absolutely amazing and true. When it comes to how we interact with others and experience the world, if our mind is set in darkness, if we look at the world through a negative lens then what we experience will most definitely be negative. If that negativity is taken a step further, and one reacts out of anger then we harm not only our relationships, but ourselves as well. After all, anger is poison and it is the gateway to hatred. It can cause you to lose control of your ability to think and act in a rational way. The good news is that poison can be changed into medicine. That is the power of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo! Tapping into the power of our lives or Nam-myoho-renge-kyo provides a way to channel anger into something positive thereby creating value in society. For example, someone who has been the victim of violence can channel their anger and energy into fighting for justice and world peace. It really all comes down to one's mindset. Every human being is capable of greatness, of contributing to the world, society, and the community in a positive way.
Try it out! Pay close attention to the experience you have today and remember if the mind is shrouded in negativity then negativity becomes part of your daily life. It becomes your experience. However, if the mind is positive then you are able to look on the bright side and experience the joy life brings!
Sent from my iPhone
President Ikeda writes…
"It's important to be optimistic and to look on the bright side, constantly moving forward. There are times when, even though you've been chanting [Nam-myoho-renge-kyo] for something, the situation doesn't go as you wish. But remember, there's always a reason. In the end, you will genuinely feel that things worked out for the best."
"Buddhism is a teaching of value creation, and value creation begins with having the wisdom to appreciate every situation we face and transform it into joy, hope, and victory…Let's imagine, for example, that it starts to snow. If you react negatively, thinking about how cold and slippery it is outside, then you will have a terrible day. But if instead you think to yourself: 'What a rare chance it is to see such beautiful snow! I'll show the kids how to build a snowman and create a wonderful memory with them!–then from that moment everything will be a joy."
"The key to value creation is to find joy and meaning in whatever happens, to courageously rise to the challenge. To do that, we need a philosophy of life, we need wisdom, and we need life force. In fact, that is the purpose of our faith."
"Our personal philosophy determines how we look at things. Whether we see events from a pessimistic or optimistic point of view, whether we take things positively or negatively, makes all the difference in the world."
[Buddhism] is…"a philosophy of transforming the negative into the positive. As long as we base ourselves on such a forward looking approach, we will never be deadlocked."
"How we perceive events is also intimately related to the strength of our life force. When we are weak-spirited and apathetic, we end up falling into a negative mindset in spite of our best efforts to remain positive. Our mental attitude is inseparable from our state of life. Chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is the source of powerful unflagging vitality."
This guidance is absolutely amazing and true. When it comes to how we interact with others and experience the world, if our mind is set in darkness, if we look at the world through a negative lens then what we experience will most definitely be negative. If that negativity is taken a step further, and one reacts out of anger then we harm not only our relationships, but ourselves as well. After all, anger is poison and it is the gateway to hatred. It can cause you to lose control of your ability to think and act in a rational way. The good news is that poison can be changed into medicine. That is the power of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo! Tapping into the power of our lives or Nam-myoho-renge-kyo provides a way to channel anger into something positive thereby creating value in society. For example, someone who has been the victim of violence can channel their anger and energy into fighting for justice and world peace. It really all comes down to one's mindset. Every human being is capable of greatness, of contributing to the world, society, and the community in a positive way.
Try it out! Pay close attention to the experience you have today and remember if the mind is shrouded in negativity then negativity becomes part of your daily life. It becomes your experience. However, if the mind is positive then you are able to look on the bright side and experience the joy life brings!
Sent from my iPhone
Friday, December 4, 2015
how to create value in our lives
Words of Wisdom by President Ikeda that provide guidance and support for leading happy lives with no regrets.
The following are some guidances from the New Human Revolution about how to create value in our lives.
President Ikeda writes…
"It's important to be optimistic and to look on the bright side, constantly moving forward. There are times when, even though you've been chanting [Nam-myoho-renge-kyo] for something, the situation doesn't go as you wish. But remember, there's always a reason. In the end, you will genuinely feel that things worked out for the best."
"Buddhism is a teaching of value creation, and value creation begins with having the wisdom to appreciate every situation we face and transform it into joy, hope, and victory…Let's imagine, for example, that it starts to snow. If you react negatively, thinking about how cold and slippery it is outside, then you will have a terrible day. But if instead you think to yourself: 'What a rare chance it is to see such beautiful snow! I'll show the kids how to build a snowman and create a wonderful memory with them!–then from that moment everything will be a joy."
"The key to value creation is to find joy and meaning in whatever happens, to courageously rise to the challenge. To do that, we need a philosophy of life, we need wisdom, and we need life force. In fact, that is the purpose of our faith."
"Our personal philosophy determines how we look at things. Whether we see events from a pessimistic or optimistic point of view, whether we take things positively or negatively, makes all the difference in the world."
[Buddhism] is…"a philosophy of transforming the negative into the positive. As long as we base ourselves on such a forward looking approach, we will never be deadlocked."
"How we perceive events is also intimately related to the strength of our life force. When we are weak-spirited and apathetic, we end up falling into a negative mindset in spite of our best efforts to remain positive. Our mental attitude is inseparable from our state of life. Chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is the source of powerful unflagging vitality."
This guidance is absolutely amazing and true. When it comes to how we interact with others and experience the world, if our mind is set in darkness, if we look at the world through a negative lens then what we experience will most definitely be negative. If that negativity is taken a step further, and one reacts out of anger then we harm not only our relationships, but ourselves as well. After all, anger is poison and it is the gateway to hatred. It can cause you to lose control of your ability to think and act in a rational way. The good news is that poison can be changed into medicine. That is the power of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo! Tapping into the power of our lives or Nam-myoho-renge-kyo provides a way to channel anger into something positive thereby creating value in society. For example, someone who has been the victim of violence can channel their anger and energy into fighting for justice and world peace. It really all comes down to one's mindset. Every human being is capable of greatness, of contributing to the world, society, and the community in a positive way.
Try it out! Pay close attention to the experience you have today and remember if the mind is shrouded in negativity then negativity becomes part of your daily life. It becomes your experience. However, if the mind is positive then you are able to look on the bright side and experience the joy life brings!
Sent from my iPhone
The following are some guidances from the New Human Revolution about how to create value in our lives.
President Ikeda writes…
"It's important to be optimistic and to look on the bright side, constantly moving forward. There are times when, even though you've been chanting [Nam-myoho-renge-kyo] for something, the situation doesn't go as you wish. But remember, there's always a reason. In the end, you will genuinely feel that things worked out for the best."
"Buddhism is a teaching of value creation, and value creation begins with having the wisdom to appreciate every situation we face and transform it into joy, hope, and victory…Let's imagine, for example, that it starts to snow. If you react negatively, thinking about how cold and slippery it is outside, then you will have a terrible day. But if instead you think to yourself: 'What a rare chance it is to see such beautiful snow! I'll show the kids how to build a snowman and create a wonderful memory with them!–then from that moment everything will be a joy."
"The key to value creation is to find joy and meaning in whatever happens, to courageously rise to the challenge. To do that, we need a philosophy of life, we need wisdom, and we need life force. In fact, that is the purpose of our faith."
"Our personal philosophy determines how we look at things. Whether we see events from a pessimistic or optimistic point of view, whether we take things positively or negatively, makes all the difference in the world."
[Buddhism] is…"a philosophy of transforming the negative into the positive. As long as we base ourselves on such a forward looking approach, we will never be deadlocked."
"How we perceive events is also intimately related to the strength of our life force. When we are weak-spirited and apathetic, we end up falling into a negative mindset in spite of our best efforts to remain positive. Our mental attitude is inseparable from our state of life. Chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is the source of powerful unflagging vitality."
This guidance is absolutely amazing and true. When it comes to how we interact with others and experience the world, if our mind is set in darkness, if we look at the world through a negative lens then what we experience will most definitely be negative. If that negativity is taken a step further, and one reacts out of anger then we harm not only our relationships, but ourselves as well. After all, anger is poison and it is the gateway to hatred. It can cause you to lose control of your ability to think and act in a rational way. The good news is that poison can be changed into medicine. That is the power of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo! Tapping into the power of our lives or Nam-myoho-renge-kyo provides a way to channel anger into something positive thereby creating value in society. For example, someone who has been the victim of violence can channel their anger and energy into fighting for justice and world peace. It really all comes down to one's mindset. Every human being is capable of greatness, of contributing to the world, society, and the community in a positive way.
Try it out! Pay close attention to the experience you have today and remember if the mind is shrouded in negativity then negativity becomes part of your daily life. It becomes your experience. However, if the mind is positive then you are able to look on the bright side and experience the joy life brings!
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Buddhist philosopher Daisaku Ikeda was awarded honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/in-pursuit-of-peace/article7942323.ece
In pursuit of peace
"The global turmoil that has followed terrorist attacks on Paris, Mumbai and New York in recent years underscored the need to nourish a philosophy that emphasises sanctity of life for lasting peace," said Anoop Swaroop, Vice-chancellor of Jagran Lakecity University. The occasion was awarding honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters (Humanity and Arts) to Daisaku Ikeda, Buddhist philosopher and president Soka Gakkai International (SGI) in recognition of his untiring pursuit of peace and love for humanity. Since Ikeda was not present, Minoru Harada, Soka Gakkai President, accepted the award on his behalf.
The award was held in the institution's campus in Bhopal but shown live in the Capital's Chinmaya Centre, where there was a gathering of scholars and teachers. Noting that the terrorist attacks and the retaliatory response to them make Ikeda's thought relevant in today's times, Swaroop said, "The very ethos and central tenet of Ikeda's thought, and of Buddhism, is the fundamental sanctity of life, a value which Ikeda sees as the key to lasting peace and human happiness. In Ikeda's view, global peace relies ultimately on a self-directed transformational change within the life of the individual, rather than on societal or structural reforms alone."
The citation express appreciation for Ikeda's 2015 Peace Proposal and his emphasis on dialogue for the sake of mutual co-existence as well as the self-directed transformation within the individual could lead to social transformation. Appreciated for his dedication to peace, Ikeda has received 363 honorary doctorates so far and the current honour is the 14th he has received from India.
In his acceptance speech, as conveyed by Harada at the event, Ikeda said, "As humanity wrestles with the darkness of the times, the world yearns for the light that issues from young people imbued with indestructible hope." Expressing his appreciation for the honour bestowed on him, Ikeda said it was a great privilege to be recognised by a distinguished institution of higher learning. "Educational efforts grounded in a philosophy of respect for the dignity of life can be a source of enduring inspiration to people and create unfathomable value."
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/in-pursuit-of-peace/article7942323.ece
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Thursday, December 3, 2015
guidance for anyone facing challenges at work. 😊
I AM A BUDDHA
"Because you embrace the Gohonzon, you attain Buddhahood. Wherever you go becomes the Buddha land. How many of you find the Buddha land when you go to work? If you chant daimoku to the Gohonzon in the morning with the determination that: 'I am going to bring the life of the Buddha with me, and I will transform my workplace. I need wisdom. I need strength. But I'm going to make the difference, you will be amazed at the power you already possess to transform your environment."
[excerpt from a 1995 study lecture by SGI-USA Vice General Director Greg Martin]
Sent from my iPhone
"Because you embrace the Gohonzon, you attain Buddhahood. Wherever you go becomes the Buddha land. How many of you find the Buddha land when you go to work? If you chant daimoku to the Gohonzon in the morning with the determination that: 'I am going to bring the life of the Buddha with me, and I will transform my workplace. I need wisdom. I need strength. But I'm going to make the difference, you will be amazed at the power you already possess to transform your environment."
[excerpt from a 1995 study lecture by SGI-USA Vice General Director Greg Martin]
Sent from my iPhone
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