Ikeda sensei guidances on leadership:-
Buddhism of True Cause teaches us that none of us can change yesterday. But in this moment the most precious of all through our thought, words and action we can transform anything. What is important is the ability to be 100% in the moment with the determination to use our LIFE CREATIVELY.
The difference between a leader and a tyrant is that a leader works hard for the sake of everyone else, while a tyrant makes others work hard for him.
Every person, no matter how accomplished, has shortcomings. Conversely, no matter how bad someone's negative tendencies, that person definitely has strong points. The key is to identify an individual's strengths and give him or her the opportunity to succeed.
An organization that is willing to change will thrive. It all starts from a leader who is willing to change him- or herself.
People who cease to grow can't inspire others. Leadership begins with challenging oneself.
Fighting spirit spreads like fire from one person to another. A leader's daring spirit will kindle flames of enthusiasm and inspire an entire organization.
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Sunday, September 30, 2018
Friday, September 28, 2018
胜利的人学 青年的行动创造「时机」
胜利的人学
青年的行动创造「时机」
成为扩大广布的先驱
圣训云:「日莲为其魁而弘之，是末法之始，弘于一阎浮提之瑞相也。吾党有志，二阵三阵相继。」(<法华行者圣蹟记>，御书944页 )
日莲佛法的精神，就是「先驱」的勇气。
正因为创价青年燃起这份勇气，「二阵三阵」地挺身而起，大法弘通的浪潮才可扩展至全日本、全世界。
这就是永远不变的扩大方程式。
首先要自已一人立起，尽情行动。
先驱的辛劳虽多，但辛劳越多，就越能人间革命，必会得到诸天守护。
让我们胸怀「我就是扩大广布的先驱！」这自豪，昂首挺胸地开拓广布人才的潮流吧。
为了社会的和平与安稳
要构筑一个和平的社会及安稳的社区，就要树立正确的生命尊严思想。
大圣人深切忧虑持续不断的三灾七难，断言「终结须待胜负决定以外，此灾难将难望终止。」(<治病大小权实违异>，御书1037页 )
正义得到胜利，正法兴隆，与民众的幸福和国土的繁荣息息相关。
其推进力就是「立正安国」的对话。轻松愉快地畅谈信仰的喜悦便可。分享自已信心后变得有多好的体验便可。
充满确信、明朗的声音，必定能触动对方生命深处。
让创价的哲学成为时代精神
创价之父牧口常三郎先生曾展望人类历史，会从军事、政治、经济的竞争时代，走向人道竞争的时代。这可说是超越国家与文化的差异，互相触发，竞相为人类作贡献的时代。
关键是「友情」，主角则是「青年」。要扩大「与人和睦共处」之心，创造新的「时」。
青年要以自己的行动来凝聚青年。与眼前的朋友对话，缔结友情。这就是最为踏实、最为确切的和平王道。
——摘自香港《黎明圣报》2018年2月12日
Sent from my iPhone
青年的行动创造「时机」
成为扩大广布的先驱
圣训云:「日莲为其魁而弘之，是末法之始，弘于一阎浮提之瑞相也。吾党有志，二阵三阵相继。」(<法华行者圣蹟记>，御书944页 )
日莲佛法的精神，就是「先驱」的勇气。
正因为创价青年燃起这份勇气，「二阵三阵」地挺身而起，大法弘通的浪潮才可扩展至全日本、全世界。
这就是永远不变的扩大方程式。
首先要自已一人立起，尽情行动。
先驱的辛劳虽多，但辛劳越多，就越能人间革命，必会得到诸天守护。
让我们胸怀「我就是扩大广布的先驱！」这自豪，昂首挺胸地开拓广布人才的潮流吧。
为了社会的和平与安稳
要构筑一个和平的社会及安稳的社区，就要树立正确的生命尊严思想。
大圣人深切忧虑持续不断的三灾七难，断言「终结须待胜负决定以外，此灾难将难望终止。」(<治病大小权实违异>，御书1037页 )
正义得到胜利，正法兴隆，与民众的幸福和国土的繁荣息息相关。
其推进力就是「立正安国」的对话。轻松愉快地畅谈信仰的喜悦便可。分享自已信心后变得有多好的体验便可。
充满确信、明朗的声音，必定能触动对方生命深处。
让创价的哲学成为时代精神
创价之父牧口常三郎先生曾展望人类历史，会从军事、政治、经济的竞争时代，走向人道竞争的时代。这可说是超越国家与文化的差异，互相触发，竞相为人类作贡献的时代。
关键是「友情」，主角则是「青年」。要扩大「与人和睦共处」之心，创造新的「时」。
青年要以自己的行动来凝聚青年。与眼前的朋友对话，缔结友情。这就是最为踏实、最为确切的和平王道。
——摘自香港《黎明圣报》2018年2月12日
Sent from my iPhone
Tuesday, September 25, 2018
《难来以安乐意之》
《难来以安乐意之》
「安乐行妙法莲华经之事，于今末法，日莲等类修行妙法莲华经时，难来以安乐意之可也。」
—— 御义口传上、御书七八三页
【大意】
安乐修行妙法莲华经（法华经安乐行品，说安乐修行父妙法莲华经的方法），从末法日莲大圣人及其门下的修行立场来说，信仰大御本尊，努力于自行化他的佛道修行，必然有难。须知难的发生，其实正是安乐。
【详解】
本节御文说示：真实的安乐境界，存在于持恒严格的佛道修行中。
说到安乐，哪个人不想，哪个人不求，病弱者努力追求健康，经济不好的人，拚命辛苦赚钱，目的、方向虽不同，但同样是为了摆脱现实的苦恼，求得安乐而不停地努力。
可是，就算得到了这样的安乐，也是相对的安乐，不要多久，人们就不以此为满足，而向着较大的安乐，再向更大的安乐，不断地扩大欲望，向往要求的安乐也愈来愈大。本来是为求安乐，到后来反成为不幸，变成痛苦，真令人气短！
然而，绝对的安乐究竟是什么呢？就是成佛的境界。人们向御本尊虔诚唱题，把御本尊的功力告诉更多的人，自行化他，生命中即会湧现佛界。诚心诚意努力实践佛道修行时，生命会体得无上的欢喜与跃动。
此时，也会有三障四魔兴起，这是佛法的道理。真实的安乐境界，来自于勇敢向障魔挑战，并悠然地加以超越。我们应该不畏任何险阻，认真唱题，确立不为任何事物侵犯的永恒幸福。
抄于《今日发心》
Sent from my iPhone
「安乐行妙法莲华经之事，于今末法，日莲等类修行妙法莲华经时，难来以安乐意之可也。」
—— 御义口传上、御书七八三页
【大意】
安乐修行妙法莲华经（法华经安乐行品，说安乐修行父妙法莲华经的方法），从末法日莲大圣人及其门下的修行立场来说，信仰大御本尊，努力于自行化他的佛道修行，必然有难。须知难的发生，其实正是安乐。
【详解】
本节御文说示：真实的安乐境界，存在于持恒严格的佛道修行中。
说到安乐，哪个人不想，哪个人不求，病弱者努力追求健康，经济不好的人，拚命辛苦赚钱，目的、方向虽不同，但同样是为了摆脱现实的苦恼，求得安乐而不停地努力。
可是，就算得到了这样的安乐，也是相对的安乐，不要多久，人们就不以此为满足，而向着较大的安乐，再向更大的安乐，不断地扩大欲望，向往要求的安乐也愈来愈大。本来是为求安乐，到后来反成为不幸，变成痛苦，真令人气短！
然而，绝对的安乐究竟是什么呢？就是成佛的境界。人们向御本尊虔诚唱题，把御本尊的功力告诉更多的人，自行化他，生命中即会湧现佛界。诚心诚意努力实践佛道修行时，生命会体得无上的欢喜与跃动。
此时，也会有三障四魔兴起，这是佛法的道理。真实的安乐境界，来自于勇敢向障魔挑战，并悠然地加以超越。我们应该不畏任何险阻，认真唱题，确立不为任何事物侵犯的永恒幸福。
抄于《今日发心》
Sent from my iPhone
胜利御书
胜利御书
第一章 信心的基本 ( 8 )
强盛的信心能开拓未来
复富木女居士书
原文
思及我等作佛无疑，何叹之有。生作为皇妃，又如何！生于天上，又有何益！( 御书1011页 )
白话
只要想到我们一定可以成佛，还有什么好叹息呢？当上王妃，又怎样！生在天界，又有什么助益！
解说
这篇御书是在1276年，日莲大圣人五十五岁时，于身延山书写，是送赠给住在下总国葛饰郡 ( 即现在千叶县市川市附近 ) 的女门下富木女居士的书信。
富木女居士虽然患病，仍然全力支持丈夫和照顾婆婆。
日莲大圣人关怀备至地鼓励她说:「我们成佛的事是绝对无疑的。即使现在多么艰苦，最后必定能够取得胜利。」为富木女居士送赠撼动生命的鼓励。
这样苦痛的自已也绝对能够成佛，必定能获得幸福——相信富木女居士由衷感谢大圣人对她的慈爱。
说到「成佛」，通常让人觉得是死后的事。但御书中所写的「佛」、「佛界」、「成佛」等，并非指死后的事。
御书指出:「成是开之义。」(<御义口传>，御书787页 ) 即「成佛」并不是指死后会「变身」成为佛，而是指于现在这现实的人生，「开显」出我们本来已拥有的佛的生命。
池田先生曾就佛的生命有以下的指导:「引导我们走向幸福与和平方向的坚强、正确、贤明的生命就是『佛界』。佛的生命就是相信人的尊贵精神，从万物创造希望。这也可以说是『绝不放弃』的生命。」(《未来对话》，145页 )
相信大家在学习上、课外活动上，或者与朋友之间的人际关系等，都有各种各样的苦恼。当遇到这些困难的时候，我们更要决心绝不放弃，抱持「这就是决胜负的时候！绝对要取得胜利！」的强盛信心祈求。
这样的话，就会涌现无限的智慧，就能鼓起师子王的勇气，跨越一切困难。只要认真唱唸题目，不懈地努力，最后必定能够取得胜利。
让我们以克服困难的「佛的生命」，以及打开佛的生命的「题目」，来构筑「无论遇到任何困难也不会屈服」这样坚强的自已吧！
——摘自香港《黎明圣报》2018年1月号
Sent from my iPhone
第一章 信心的基本 ( 8 )
强盛的信心能开拓未来
复富木女居士书
原文
思及我等作佛无疑，何叹之有。生作为皇妃，又如何！生于天上，又有何益！( 御书1011页 )
白话
只要想到我们一定可以成佛，还有什么好叹息呢？当上王妃，又怎样！生在天界，又有什么助益！
解说
这篇御书是在1276年，日莲大圣人五十五岁时，于身延山书写，是送赠给住在下总国葛饰郡 ( 即现在千叶县市川市附近 ) 的女门下富木女居士的书信。
富木女居士虽然患病，仍然全力支持丈夫和照顾婆婆。
日莲大圣人关怀备至地鼓励她说:「我们成佛的事是绝对无疑的。即使现在多么艰苦，最后必定能够取得胜利。」为富木女居士送赠撼动生命的鼓励。
这样苦痛的自已也绝对能够成佛，必定能获得幸福——相信富木女居士由衷感谢大圣人对她的慈爱。
说到「成佛」，通常让人觉得是死后的事。但御书中所写的「佛」、「佛界」、「成佛」等，并非指死后的事。
御书指出:「成是开之义。」(<御义口传>，御书787页 ) 即「成佛」并不是指死后会「变身」成为佛，而是指于现在这现实的人生，「开显」出我们本来已拥有的佛的生命。
池田先生曾就佛的生命有以下的指导:「引导我们走向幸福与和平方向的坚强、正确、贤明的生命就是『佛界』。佛的生命就是相信人的尊贵精神，从万物创造希望。这也可以说是『绝不放弃』的生命。」(《未来对话》，145页 )
相信大家在学习上、课外活动上，或者与朋友之间的人际关系等，都有各种各样的苦恼。当遇到这些困难的时候，我们更要决心绝不放弃，抱持「这就是决胜负的时候！绝对要取得胜利！」的强盛信心祈求。
这样的话，就会涌现无限的智慧，就能鼓起师子王的勇气，跨越一切困难。只要认真唱唸题目，不懈地努力，最后必定能够取得胜利。
让我们以克服困难的「佛的生命」，以及打开佛的生命的「题目」，来构筑「无论遇到任何困难也不会屈服」这样坚强的自已吧！
——摘自香港《黎明圣报》2018年1月号
Sent from my iPhone
Friday, September 14, 2018
Courage is doing good, taking positive actions, not only for ourselves but for humanity
"Courage lies inside us. It is something we must rouse from within.
Courage is inseparable from justice. It is the determination to do what is right, to build a just society, and to follow the correct path as a human being.
It is doing good, taking positive actions, not only for ourselves but for humanity. To do this, we need the indispensable power of courage. Our efforts in reality, shine with unsurpassed brilliance.
It takes courage to endure hardships and survive tough circumstances. It takes amazing courage to lead good, productive lives, day after day. And it also takes tremendous courage to share our opinions with our families and friends so that everyone, ourselves included can move in a more positive direction.
Those with the courage to do what is right, no matter what others say, possess a 'precious sword' of limitless power. In Buddhism, such people are called Bodhisattvas and Buddhas.
True courage is defined by whether it is motivated by justice and compassion.
Courage is indeed the highest virtue."
—Dr Daisaku Ikeda
Sent from my iPhone
Gosho for victory 胜利御书
胜利御书
第一章 信心的基本 ( 7 )
「誓愿」就是日莲佛法的精神
开目抄
原文
( 纵有…… ) 以种种大难相加，除非智者能破我义，终不为用也。其他大难，祇如风前之尘。我、誓将作日本之梁柱，作日本之眼目，作日本之大船，此愿不可破！( 御书249页 )
白话
( 纵使有人 ) 用种种大难来一再逼迫我，若没有智者能驳倒我的教义，我是绝对不会听从的。至于其他的大难，只不过像风刮起的微尘一样！我立誓要成为日本的樑柱，成为日本的眼目，成为日本的大船，这个誓愿绝不会改变！
解说
这篇御书是日莲大圣人在1272年，五十一岁的时候，于佐渡写给弟子的书信。
日莲大圣人撰写这篇御书的时候，正承受着一生之中最大的法难——佐渡流罪。
当时，不只是大圣人，连他的弟子也遭受到迫害，产生不信的退转者相继出现。有很多人抱有疑问:「日莲没有得到诸天善神的维护，难道是因为他并不是真正的『法华经行者』？」
而这篇御书，就是针对这样的批判，透过将大圣人自身的行动与经文对照，明确指出大圣人才是末法的「法华经行者」。
而且，更透过贯彻「誓愿」的生存方式，展示出法华经行者特意承受苦难，不断与否定《法华经》的恶势力斗争的崇高境界。这节御书也高昂地记述了大圣人的伟大境界和对妙法的大确信。
即使面对危及性命的大难也绝不屈服！
谁也不能破天这佛法！
无论遇到任何事，也绝不会放弃「定要拯救活于充满苦恼的社会的民众」这誓愿！
这种不动摇的「誓愿」的生存方式，是超越了「希望得到诸天的加护」、「不想遭遇难」等退转者的想法。
「法华经行者」是指受持和弘扬《法华经》的人，也即是将「实现万人成佛」这佛的大愿视为自己的誓愿，跨越恶世的一切困难，实现这誓愿的人。
大圣人教导我们，只要为誓愿活到底，就绝不会败给任何魔障和宿命。以不退转的决意，贯彻流布妙法的大愿，就是赢取胜利的真髓。
摘自香港《黎明圣报》2017年2492十二月号
Sent from my iPhone
第一章 信心的基本 ( 7 )
「誓愿」就是日莲佛法的精神
开目抄
原文
( 纵有…… ) 以种种大难相加，除非智者能破我义，终不为用也。其他大难，祇如风前之尘。我、誓将作日本之梁柱，作日本之眼目，作日本之大船，此愿不可破！( 御书249页 )
白话
( 纵使有人 ) 用种种大难来一再逼迫我，若没有智者能驳倒我的教义，我是绝对不会听从的。至于其他的大难，只不过像风刮起的微尘一样！我立誓要成为日本的樑柱，成为日本的眼目，成为日本的大船，这个誓愿绝不会改变！
解说
这篇御书是日莲大圣人在1272年，五十一岁的时候，于佐渡写给弟子的书信。
日莲大圣人撰写这篇御书的时候，正承受着一生之中最大的法难——佐渡流罪。
当时，不只是大圣人，连他的弟子也遭受到迫害，产生不信的退转者相继出现。有很多人抱有疑问:「日莲没有得到诸天善神的维护，难道是因为他并不是真正的『法华经行者』？」
而这篇御书，就是针对这样的批判，透过将大圣人自身的行动与经文对照，明确指出大圣人才是末法的「法华经行者」。
而且，更透过贯彻「誓愿」的生存方式，展示出法华经行者特意承受苦难，不断与否定《法华经》的恶势力斗争的崇高境界。这节御书也高昂地记述了大圣人的伟大境界和对妙法的大确信。
即使面对危及性命的大难也绝不屈服！
谁也不能破天这佛法！
无论遇到任何事，也绝不会放弃「定要拯救活于充满苦恼的社会的民众」这誓愿！
这种不动摇的「誓愿」的生存方式，是超越了「希望得到诸天的加护」、「不想遭遇难」等退转者的想法。
「法华经行者」是指受持和弘扬《法华经》的人，也即是将「实现万人成佛」这佛的大愿视为自己的誓愿，跨越恶世的一切困难，实现这誓愿的人。
大圣人教导我们，只要为誓愿活到底，就绝不会败给任何魔障和宿命。以不退转的决意，贯彻流布妙法的大愿，就是赢取胜利的真髓。
摘自香港《黎明圣报》2017年2492十二月号
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powerful opponents can actually be our greatest allies,
"Rise to the challenge of life's trials and tribulations. You can't develop genuine character and ability by sidestepping adversity and struggle. Work hard. Make efforts for kosen-rufu. Sometimes others may taunt you or try to deter you, but just keep pressing forwards and win. All of this is training in life, and all of it becomes your treasure.
"Nichiren Buddhism teaches that powerful opponents can actually be our greatest allies, because they force us to develop fortitude and strength of character. They are actually what Buddhism calls 'good friends'—positive influences that help us on the road to attaining Buddhahood."
September 15th, 2018
---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----
Sent from my iPhone
"Nichiren Buddhism teaches that powerful opponents can actually be our greatest allies, because they force us to develop fortitude and strength of character. They are actually what Buddhism calls 'good friends'—positive influences that help us on the road to attaining Buddhahood."
September 15th, 2018
---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----
Sent from my iPhone
Young people in school should make study their first priority.
September 5
Young people in school should make study their first priority. It goes without saying that faith is important, but faith is something we practice throughout our entire lives. There is a certain period and age when we should study. If we don't work hard during that period, we may fail to acquire important knowledge and skills, and we may come to regret it deeply later. Faith manifests itself in daily life. For young people in school, faith manifests itself in their studies. During this period, to devote themselves to study represents an important part of their practice of faith.
Sent from my iPhone
Young people in school should make study their first priority. It goes without saying that faith is important, but faith is something we practice throughout our entire lives. There is a certain period and age when we should study. If we don't work hard during that period, we may fail to acquire important knowledge and skills, and we may come to regret it deeply later. Faith manifests itself in daily life. For young people in school, faith manifests itself in their studies. During this period, to devote themselves to study represents an important part of their practice of faith.
Sent from my iPhone
What Is the Correct Way To Pray?
What Is the Correct Way To Pray?
Q: What is the correct way to pray to the Gohonzon?
A: In "Rebuking Slander of the Law and Eradicating Sins," Nichiren Daishonin states, "I am praying that, no matter how troubled the times may become, the Lotus Sutra and the ten demon daughters will protect all of you, praying as earnestly as though to produce fire from damp wood or to obtain water from parched ground" (The Major Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 6, p. 74). Based on this passage, we can say that a strong determination on our part is vital when offering prayers. The type of daimoku that comes from the deep resolve that "I will make it happen" or "I will win" constitutes the essence of correct prayer to the Gohonzon.
Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is the law of life — the pure, boundless energy of life — which permeates oneself and the universe. When a river runs to the ocean, its waters merge with the tide, becoming one with the vast abyss. In a similar way, when we express our resolve by wholeheartedly chanting daimoku, we harmonize our innate Buddhahood with the infinite life of the universe. At that moment, the cause for our prayers' fulfillment has been made.
This is explained in Buddhism as the simultaneity of cause and effect. Once we wholly understand this, we can strengthen our resolve to overcome any problem or accomplish any goal. The critical factor, then, becomes our ability to continue praying until we make our prayers come true. Making them come true requires more than just positive thinking — continuous prayer is necessary. Buddhism teaches that we have the power within us to attract all the positive forces in the universe, which protect and nurture life, through continuous prayer.
Nothing is more important in this regard than strengthening our inherent enlightened nature. We strengthen it by praying not only for ourselves but for others, too. Praying for others "as earnestly as though to produce fire from damp wood or to obtain water from parched ground" elevates our lives. By thus solidifying our compassion and wisdom, we enrich our lives to the point where we positively influence our environment. We become people whose personal desires are naturally realized. SGI President Ikeda thus stresses that "prayer in Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism means to chant daimoku based on a pledge or
vow. At its very core, this vow is to attain kosen-rufu...." (The New Human Revolution, vol. 1, p. 250).
The fulfillment of our prayers always depends on the strength of our determination, the condition of our lives.
In the Daishonin's famous phrase "Faith alone is what really matters" (MW-1, 246), faith denotes the condition of our minds, lives and hearts. Do we have a strong determination or not? When we approach life from this Buddhist perspective, immense joy and appreciation cannot help welling up from the depths of our beings, even under the most difficult circumstances.
Sent from my iPhone
Q: What is the correct way to pray to the Gohonzon?
A: In "Rebuking Slander of the Law and Eradicating Sins," Nichiren Daishonin states, "I am praying that, no matter how troubled the times may become, the Lotus Sutra and the ten demon daughters will protect all of you, praying as earnestly as though to produce fire from damp wood or to obtain water from parched ground" (The Major Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 6, p. 74). Based on this passage, we can say that a strong determination on our part is vital when offering prayers. The type of daimoku that comes from the deep resolve that "I will make it happen" or "I will win" constitutes the essence of correct prayer to the Gohonzon.
Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is the law of life — the pure, boundless energy of life — which permeates oneself and the universe. When a river runs to the ocean, its waters merge with the tide, becoming one with the vast abyss. In a similar way, when we express our resolve by wholeheartedly chanting daimoku, we harmonize our innate Buddhahood with the infinite life of the universe. At that moment, the cause for our prayers' fulfillment has been made.
This is explained in Buddhism as the simultaneity of cause and effect. Once we wholly understand this, we can strengthen our resolve to overcome any problem or accomplish any goal. The critical factor, then, becomes our ability to continue praying until we make our prayers come true. Making them come true requires more than just positive thinking — continuous prayer is necessary. Buddhism teaches that we have the power within us to attract all the positive forces in the universe, which protect and nurture life, through continuous prayer.
Nothing is more important in this regard than strengthening our inherent enlightened nature. We strengthen it by praying not only for ourselves but for others, too. Praying for others "as earnestly as though to produce fire from damp wood or to obtain water from parched ground" elevates our lives. By thus solidifying our compassion and wisdom, we enrich our lives to the point where we positively influence our environment. We become people whose personal desires are naturally realized. SGI President Ikeda thus stresses that "prayer in Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism means to chant daimoku based on a pledge or
vow. At its very core, this vow is to attain kosen-rufu...." (The New Human Revolution, vol. 1, p. 250).
The fulfillment of our prayers always depends on the strength of our determination, the condition of our lives.
In the Daishonin's famous phrase "Faith alone is what really matters" (MW-1, 246), faith denotes the condition of our minds, lives and hearts. Do we have a strong determination or not? When we approach life from this Buddhist perspective, immense joy and appreciation cannot help welling up from the depths of our beings, even under the most difficult circumstances.
Sent from my iPhone
Thursday, September 13, 2018
A MOTHER'S UNCONDITIONAL LOVE — 20 years of 8 hours of focused daimoku daily — finally securing victory!'
A MOTHER'S UNCONDITIONAL LOVE
"Even one daimoku can permeate the entire universe. How much greater then is daimoku's capacity to move anything when it is chanted with sincerity and determination….
~ Daisaku Ikeda ~
This is a testimony of unconditional love - a devoted mother with great faith. I actually heard this testimony some years back. Today I heard it for the second time. Tears welled up in my eyes as I listened to her agonizing struggles. It was a detailed two hours testimony but I try to keep it short here.
Oh Ya Mei is a woman division leader. She has a loving husband and two wonderful children. Her struggles started when she had her 3rd child – a baby boy.
While in the hospital, she noticed her baby boy was not drinking much milk, the other babies had all finished their milk but her baby's bottle was still full. On the 2nd day she asked the nurse and the nurse casually replied, " Ah Soh, your baby tongue is too short!" She said that remark instantly pricked her heart, it was as if someone has said that her son was mute.
When she finally brought the baby home and for the first time unwrapped the cloth and towel around him, she was stunned! He had severe disability! His hands and feet were badly twisted and his fingers/toes were 'glued' tightly together, he was not able to spread his fingers/toes. His backbone was collapsing all over him and half of his body was twisted. His upper arms were sealed/attached to his body, he could not lift his arms over his head. His head was constantly bent over the right side of his shoulders. Besides, he had some serious nerve, muscle and bone disease. The doctor said that this particular disease is very rare, at that point of time there were only two in Singapore and the other one had died. The doctor did not have much hope that this baby would survive.
She said she felt ashamed to have such a baby. Why her? What had she done to deserve such a fate? What would others say … that she chanted and yet had such a baby! How could she face people whom she had so enthusiastically asked to chant for a better life? She said she started chanting for her son to have a quick and painless death. In the meantime she did not tell anyone about it, when members and friends came over, the baby was well- wrapped up. No one suspected anything.
Then one day she wrote to Ikeda sensei to ask sensei to choose a name for her son. However she did not mention a thing about the disability of her baby. Within 2 weeks she received a letter from Ikeda sensei. She had expected a more wordy letter but there were only three Chinese characters:
Zhen (real/absolute)
Guang (light)
Ming (radiant/brilliant)
So the meaning of the name means an 'absolute radiant light.' She said the moment she read these three words, she felt as if a surge of a glowing beam of light has emerged out of her! From that moment she made a commitment to chant for 20 years for her son to be normal.
"When your determination changes, everything will begin to move in the direction you desire. The moment you resolve to be victorious, every nerve and fibre in your being will immediately orient itself toward your success."
~ Daisaku Ikeda ~
She started chanting 8 hours daily. She had to sacrifice her TV time, her favourite dramas and chant till 2 to 3 am daily. Her prayers are very focused:
1. I want his tongue to be longer/extended,for him to speak properly and the first few words that he will speak
are not mummy or daddy but Nam Myo Ho Renge Kyo (after a few millions of chant he did, Starting with Nam to Nam Myo to Nam Myoho
and eventually the whole phrase!)
2. I want him to be able to spread his fingers and that his wrist will not be twisted so that he could write Nam Myoho Renge Kyo.
3. I want him to be able to spread his toes and his ankle will not be twisted so that he could walk for kosen-rufu.
4. I want him to be able to walk straight and his body will not be twisted, because his body is like the Butsudan
– the embodiment of Nam Myoho Renge Kyo
5. I want his head to be lifted up so he could be a proof of the vow/power of Nam Myoho Renge Kyo.
There are many more such focused and determined prayers like these. All prayers are answered. Much later on, she wanted to find a specialist for him to work on other areas that needed some specific medical expertise so she chanted for a specialist to have Buddha's wisdom to conduct a successful (highly complicated) surgery for her son. One day someone just walked up to her and introduced a specialist to her!
Now he has grown into a charming young man with no sign of previous disability. He is a handsome boy (24 year-old) and he looks like a Korean movie actor! He is an active member of SGI young men division and presently he is doing his university studies.
I try to be as accurate as I can but more significantly here is her enduring determination and persevering faith. Though I cannot depict the intensity of her agony, her emotions, the strength of her spirit and the tears in her eyes, I believe we can take a piece of this inspiring story of faith to continue with staunch determination to overcome any obstacles we have.
"Invisible radio waves travel vast distances through space, reaching Mars and Venus. In the same way, our inner determination… activates the forces in the universe- the heavenly deities and the Buddhas throughout the ten directions-appears as solid actual proof with the principle of 3000 realms in a single moment of life"
~ Daisaku Ikeda~
Thursday, September 6, 2018
Gratitude
To feel gratitude to one's parents sounds like a trivial thing, but this is the mark of true maturity and growth as a human being.
People whose hearts are full of gratitude and appreciation are truly beautiful. A humble heart is the wellspring of great growth and development.
None of us can exist in isolation. Our lives and existence are supported by others in seen and unseen ways, be it by parents, mentors or society at large. To be aware of these connections, to feel appreciation for them, and to strive to give something back to society in a spirit of gratitude is the proper way for human beings to live.
Gratitude makes a person modest. A sense of gratitude expands the heart.
The ungrateful (ingrates) feel that it is below them to show any kind of appreciation. They are under the delusion that showing gratitude to others diminishes their own worth. But it is this sense of appreciation that elevates, enriches and expands the human spirit. A lack of gratitude is actually a sign of arrogance.
— Guidances on gratitude by Ikeda Sensei
(Dr. Daisaku Ikeda)
People whose hearts are full of gratitude and appreciation are truly beautiful. A humble heart is the wellspring of great growth and development.
None of us can exist in isolation. Our lives and existence are supported by others in seen and unseen ways, be it by parents, mentors or society at large. To be aware of these connections, to feel appreciation for them, and to strive to give something back to society in a spirit of gratitude is the proper way for human beings to live.
Gratitude makes a person modest. A sense of gratitude expands the heart.
The ungrateful (ingrates) feel that it is below them to show any kind of appreciation. They are under the delusion that showing gratitude to others diminishes their own worth. But it is this sense of appreciation that elevates, enriches and expands the human spirit. A lack of gratitude is actually a sign of arrogance.
— Guidances on gratitude by Ikeda Sensei
(Dr. Daisaku Ikeda)
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