As practitioners of the Daishonin's Buddhism we get up in the morning and do gongyo. Some perhaps may do so rather reluctantly! Nevertheless, doing gongyo is itself a truly great and noble thing. Gongyo is a solemn ceremony in which we are looking out and over the universe. It is a dialogue with the universe.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 23/1
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Happiness is a matter of what you feel inside.
Ultimately, happiness rests on how you establish a solid sense of self or being. Happiness does not lie in outward appearances nor in vanity. It is a matter of what you feel inside; it is a deep resonance in your life. To be filled each day with a rewarding sense of exhilaration and purpose, a sense of tasks accomplished and deep fulfillment—people who feel this way are happy. Those who have this sense of satisfaction even if they are extremely busy are much happier than those who have time on their hands but feel empty inside.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 22/1
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 22/1
Aim High
Spiritual Story by Unknown
There once was a man who had nothing for his family to eat.
He had an old rifle and three bullets. So, he decided that he would go
out hunting and kill some wild game for dinner.
As he went down the road, he saw a rabbit. He shot at the rabbit and
missed it. The rabbit ran away. Then he saw a squirrel and fired a shot
at the squirrel and missed it. The squirrel disappeared into a hole in
a cottonwood tree. As he went further, he saw a large wild "Tom" turkey in
the tree, but he had only one bullet remaining.
A voice spoke to him and said, "Pray first, aim high and stay focused."
However, at the same time, he saw a deer which was a better kill. He brought
the gun down and aimed at the deer. But, then he saw a rattlesnake between
his legs about to bite him, so he naturally brought the gun down further to
shoot the rattlesnake. Still, the voice said again to him, "I said 'Pray, Aim high and Stay focused?"
So, the man decided to listen to God's voice. He prayed, then aimed the gun high up in the tree and shot the wild turkey. The bullet bounced off the turkey and killed the deer. The handle fell off the gun and hit the snake in the head and killed it.
And when the gun had gone off, it knocked him into a pond.
When he stood up to look around, he had fish in all his pockets, a dead
deer and a turkey to eat for his family. The snake (Satan) was dead simply because the man listened to God.
There once was a man who had nothing for his family to eat.
He had an old rifle and three bullets. So, he decided that he would go
out hunting and kill some wild game for dinner.
As he went down the road, he saw a rabbit. He shot at the rabbit and
missed it. The rabbit ran away. Then he saw a squirrel and fired a shot
at the squirrel and missed it. The squirrel disappeared into a hole in
a cottonwood tree. As he went further, he saw a large wild "Tom" turkey in
the tree, but he had only one bullet remaining.
A voice spoke to him and said, "Pray first, aim high and stay focused."
However, at the same time, he saw a deer which was a better kill. He brought
the gun down and aimed at the deer. But, then he saw a rattlesnake between
his legs about to bite him, so he naturally brought the gun down further to
shoot the rattlesnake. Still, the voice said again to him, "I said 'Pray, Aim high and Stay focused?"
So, the man decided to listen to God's voice. He prayed, then aimed the gun high up in the tree and shot the wild turkey. The bullet bounced off the turkey and killed the deer. The handle fell off the gun and hit the snake in the head and killed it.
And when the gun had gone off, it knocked him into a pond.
When he stood up to look around, he had fish in all his pockets, a dead
deer and a turkey to eat for his family. The snake (Satan) was dead simply because the man listened to God.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Why are we born in this age?
Humanity today lacks hope and vision for the future. It is for precisely this reason that the Bodhisattvas of the Earth have appeared. Without your presence, the future of humanity would be bleak and spiritual decline its destination. That is why you have been born in this age and are now playing an active role in society. This is the meaning of jiyu, or "emerging from the earth." Consequently, each of you will definitely become happy. Please be confident that you will lead lives overflowing with good fortune throughout the three existences of past, present and future.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 21/1
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 21/1
Why some are born into poverty and some with poor health in Buddhist world?
In this lifetime, to demonstrate the power of faith in the Mystic Law to others some of you may have been born into poverty so that you could show actual proof by gaining secure and comfortable lives. Some of you may have been born with ill health so that you could show proof by growing strong and healthy. Irrespective of your situations, however, the light of faith in the depths of your beings will continue to shine on eternally with diamond-like brilliance.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 20/1
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 20/1
Abbot Anastasius
Spiritual Story by Christina Feldman and Jack Kornfield
Abbot Anastasius had a book written on very fine parchment which was worth eighteen pence, and had in it both the Old and New Testaments in full. Once a certain brother came to visit him, and seeing the book made off with it. So that day Abbot Anastasius went to read his book, and found that it was gone, he realized that the brother had taken it. But he did not send after him to inquire about it for fear that the brother might add perjury to theft.
Well, the brother went down into the nearby city in order to sell the book. And the price he asked was sixteen pence. The buyer said: Give me the book that I may find out whether it is worth that much. With that, the buyer took the book to the holy Anastasius and said: "Father, take a look at this book, please, and tell me whether you think I ought to buy it for sixteen pence. Is it worth that much?" Abbot Anastasius said: "Yes, it is a fine book, it is worth that much."
So the buyer went back to the brother and said: "Here is your money. I showed the book to Abbot Anastasius and he said it is a fine book and it is worth at least sixteen pence." The brother then asked: "Was that all he said? Did he make any other remarks?" "No," said the buyer, "he did not say another word." "Well," said the brother, "I have changed my mind and I don't want to sell this book after all."
Then he hastened to Abbot Anastasius and begged him with tears to take back his book, but the Abbot would not accept it, saying: "Go in peace, brother, I make you a present of it." But the brother said: "If you do not take it back I shall never have any peace."
After that the brother dwelt with Abbot Anastasius for the rest of his life.
Abbot Anastasius had a book written on very fine parchment which was worth eighteen pence, and had in it both the Old and New Testaments in full. Once a certain brother came to visit him, and seeing the book made off with it. So that day Abbot Anastasius went to read his book, and found that it was gone, he realized that the brother had taken it. But he did not send after him to inquire about it for fear that the brother might add perjury to theft.
Well, the brother went down into the nearby city in order to sell the book. And the price he asked was sixteen pence. The buyer said: Give me the book that I may find out whether it is worth that much. With that, the buyer took the book to the holy Anastasius and said: "Father, take a look at this book, please, and tell me whether you think I ought to buy it for sixteen pence. Is it worth that much?" Abbot Anastasius said: "Yes, it is a fine book, it is worth that much."
So the buyer went back to the brother and said: "Here is your money. I showed the book to Abbot Anastasius and he said it is a fine book and it is worth at least sixteen pence." The brother then asked: "Was that all he said? Did he make any other remarks?" "No," said the buyer, "he did not say another word." "Well," said the brother, "I have changed my mind and I don't want to sell this book after all."
Then he hastened to Abbot Anastasius and begged him with tears to take back his book, but the Abbot would not accept it, saying: "Go in peace, brother, I make you a present of it." But the brother said: "If you do not take it back I shall never have any peace."
After that the brother dwelt with Abbot Anastasius for the rest of his life.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
The behavior of a bodhisattva
Suffering and undergoing hardships for the sake of friends and for spreading the Law shows the sense of responsibility of a genuine leader and is the behavior of a bodhisattva. There is no suffering or hardship that a Bodhisattva of the Earth cannot surmount. So no matter what happens, I would like you to steadily advance one step at a time, always chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo with a vibrant voice.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 19/1
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 19/1
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, human rights advocate
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who was a tireless crusader for human rights said: "Life's most persistent and urgent question is, What are you doing for others?" Do not say you will do it "someday"; now is the time. Do not say "someone" will do it; you are the one. Now is the time for youth to take full responsibility and courageously pave the way for the people's triumph.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 18/1
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 18/1
A Useless Life
Spiritual Story by Unknown
A farmer got so old that he couldn't work the fields anymore. So he would spend the day just sitting on the porch. His son, still working the farm, would look up from time to time and see his father sitting there. "He's of no use any more," the son thought to himself, "he doesn't do anything!"
One day the son got so frustrated by this, that he built a wood coffin, dragged it over to the porch, and told his father to get in. Without saying anything, the father climbed inside. After closing the lid, the son dragged the coffin to the edge of the farm where there was a high cliff. As he approached the drop, he heard a light tapping on the lid from inside the coffin.
He opened it up. Still lying there peacefully, the father looked up at his son. "I know you are going to throw me over the cliff, but before you do, may I suggest something?"
"What is it?" replied the son.
"Throw me over the cliff, if you like," said the father, "but save this good wood coffin... Your children might need to use it."
A farmer got so old that he couldn't work the fields anymore. So he would spend the day just sitting on the porch. His son, still working the farm, would look up from time to time and see his father sitting there. "He's of no use any more," the son thought to himself, "he doesn't do anything!"
One day the son got so frustrated by this, that he built a wood coffin, dragged it over to the porch, and told his father to get in. Without saying anything, the father climbed inside. After closing the lid, the son dragged the coffin to the edge of the farm where there was a high cliff. As he approached the drop, he heard a light tapping on the lid from inside the coffin.
He opened it up. Still lying there peacefully, the father looked up at his son. "I know you are going to throw me over the cliff, but before you do, may I suggest something?"
"What is it?" replied the son.
"Throw me over the cliff, if you like," said the father, "but save this good wood coffin... Your children might need to use it."
Monday, June 27, 2011
Patience is a virtue.
Please remember that patience is in and of itself a great challenge and that it often holds the key to breaking through a seeming impasse.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 17/1
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 17/1
A Taste Of Wisdom
Spiritual Story by Unknown
An aging Hindu master grew tired of his apprentice complaining and so, one morning, sent him for some salt.
When the apprentice returned, the master instructed the unhappy young man to put a handful of salt in a glass of water and then to drink it.
"How does it taste?" the master asked.
"Bitter," spit the apprentice.
The master chuckled and then asked the young man to take the same handful of salt and put it in the lake.
The two walked in silence to the nearby lake and once the apprentice swirled his handful of salt in the water, the old man said, "Now drink from the lake."
As the water dripped down the young man's chin, the master asked, "How does it taste?"
"Fresh," remarked the apprentice.
"Do you taste the salt?" asked the master.
"No," said the young man.
At this the master sat beside this serious young man, who so reminded him of himself, and took his hands, offering:
"The pain of life is pure salt; no more, no less. The amount of pain in life remains exactly the same. However, the amount of bitterness we taste depends on the container we put the pain in. So when you are in pain, the only thing you can do is to enlarge your sense of things. Stop being a glass. Become a lake."
An aging Hindu master grew tired of his apprentice complaining and so, one morning, sent him for some salt.
When the apprentice returned, the master instructed the unhappy young man to put a handful of salt in a glass of water and then to drink it.
"How does it taste?" the master asked.
"Bitter," spit the apprentice.
The master chuckled and then asked the young man to take the same handful of salt and put it in the lake.
The two walked in silence to the nearby lake and once the apprentice swirled his handful of salt in the water, the old man said, "Now drink from the lake."
As the water dripped down the young man's chin, the master asked, "How does it taste?"
"Fresh," remarked the apprentice.
"Do you taste the salt?" asked the master.
"No," said the young man.
At this the master sat beside this serious young man, who so reminded him of himself, and took his hands, offering:
"The pain of life is pure salt; no more, no less. The amount of pain in life remains exactly the same. However, the amount of bitterness we taste depends on the container we put the pain in. So when you are in pain, the only thing you can do is to enlarge your sense of things. Stop being a glass. Become a lake."
No great achievement is accomplished overnight or without difficulty.
It is important to take a long-range view. No great achievement is accomplished overnight or without difficulty. Should benefit be obtained easily without our making any efforts in Buddhist practice, we'd probably just as easily abandon our faith and end up miserable as a consequence. Because it isn't easy to get into a highly-ranked school, students study with all their might, gaining an abundance of knowledge and ability. Faith follows basically the same formula: Practice is essential to attaining Buddhahood.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 16/1
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 16/1
Sunday, June 26, 2011
How to maintain the orbit of faith?
Doing gongyo every day is a challenge. Introducing others to the practice is a challenge. Getting people to subscribe to our publications is a challenge. Attending meetings is a challenge. Sometimes it can all become too much and leave one feeling negative and wanting to take a break! Since we are human beings, it's only natural that we might feel this way on occasion. The important thing, however, is not to spin out of the orbit of faith. I hope you will continue to pursue the path of Buddhahood steadily and patiently, encouraging one another on your journey.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 15/1
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 15/1
What sickness can be an obstacle when we chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo?
Everyone at some time suffers from illness in one form or another. The power of the Mystic Law enables us to bring forth strength to overcome the pain and suffering of sickness with courage and determination. The Daishonin writes: "Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is like the roar of a lion. What sickness can therefore be an obstacle?" (The Major Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 119)
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 14/1
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 14/1
A Story of Sorrow S
Spiritual Story by Unknown
The mall was over-crowded, shoppers rushed from store to store
Nobody paid attention as she crouched there on the floor.
She didn't look in trouble and she didn't seem afraid
Apparently she stopped to rest, she did not need my aid.
A little girl of 8 or 9 and cute as she could be
I wondered, should I stop and ask if she needs help from me?
I wondered if her mother had just left her there alone
I thought, as I walked by her, in my haste to get back home.
As I left the mall I could not get her off my mind
Did that little girl need help? Was I just acting blind?
It bothered me so much, I had to go back in the mall
I have to get this settled in my mind once and for all.
The mall began to close, I heard some chain doors coming down
But as I looked the little girl was no where to be found.
Is it my imagination that again is running wild
Thinking I had lost my chance to help this poor lost child.
I guess she must be fine or she would still be sitting here
I get way too emotional at Christmas time each year.
I had to leave and get back home where it is safe and warm
The weather forecast for that night -- a chilling winter storm.
Late that night it happened as the weather station said
Frigid cold and heavy snow while I was snug in bed.
In the morning I awoke to winter's nasty caper
The only place I'd go that day was out to get the paper.
Cozy in my kitchen with my news and cup of tea
But as I saw the front page, it just devasted me.
On the front page down below, a little headline read
"At the local shopping mall a little girl found dead".
It was 4 A.M. this morning when police received the call
The caller said "A little girl was dead behind the mall".
It was the chilling elements that brought her close to death
As she lay down she fell asleep and breathed her final breath.
I could not read the rest of it as I began to weep
While I slept safe a little girl had frozen in her sleep.
Many years have passed me now, but it still haunts my dreams
Was the little girl they found the same one I had seen?
I can't forget that little girl no matter how I try
But now when someone seems in need I never pass them by.
The lesson I have learned from this was difficult but true.
The last chance that someone may have could very well be you.
The mall was over-crowded, shoppers rushed from store to store
Nobody paid attention as she crouched there on the floor.
She didn't look in trouble and she didn't seem afraid
Apparently she stopped to rest, she did not need my aid.
A little girl of 8 or 9 and cute as she could be
I wondered, should I stop and ask if she needs help from me?
I wondered if her mother had just left her there alone
I thought, as I walked by her, in my haste to get back home.
As I left the mall I could not get her off my mind
Did that little girl need help? Was I just acting blind?
It bothered me so much, I had to go back in the mall
I have to get this settled in my mind once and for all.
The mall began to close, I heard some chain doors coming down
But as I looked the little girl was no where to be found.
Is it my imagination that again is running wild
Thinking I had lost my chance to help this poor lost child.
I guess she must be fine or she would still be sitting here
I get way too emotional at Christmas time each year.
I had to leave and get back home where it is safe and warm
The weather forecast for that night -- a chilling winter storm.
Late that night it happened as the weather station said
Frigid cold and heavy snow while I was snug in bed.
In the morning I awoke to winter's nasty caper
The only place I'd go that day was out to get the paper.
Cozy in my kitchen with my news and cup of tea
But as I saw the front page, it just devasted me.
On the front page down below, a little headline read
"At the local shopping mall a little girl found dead".
It was 4 A.M. this morning when police received the call
The caller said "A little girl was dead behind the mall".
It was the chilling elements that brought her close to death
As she lay down she fell asleep and breathed her final breath.
I could not read the rest of it as I began to weep
While I slept safe a little girl had frozen in her sleep.
Many years have passed me now, but it still haunts my dreams
Was the little girl they found the same one I had seen?
I can't forget that little girl no matter how I try
But now when someone seems in need I never pass them by.
The lesson I have learned from this was difficult but true.
The last chance that someone may have could very well be you.
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Why should we live with a purpose?
A life lived without purpose or value, the kind in which one doesn't know the reason why one was born, is joyless and lackluster. To just live, eat and die without any real sense of purpose surely represents a life pervaded by the world of Animality. On the other hand, to do, create or contribute something that benefits others, society and ourselves and to dedicate ourselves as long as we live to that challenge—that is a life of true satisfaction, a life of value. It is a humanistic and lofty way to live.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 13/1
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 13/1
"When you bow to a mirror, the reflected image bows back"
In a passage of the "Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings," the Daishonin observes, "When you bow to a mirror, the reflected image bows back" (Gosho Zenshu, p. 769). People who respect others are respected by others in turn. Those who are unstinting in their compassion and concern for others are also protected and supported by others. Our environment is essentially a reflection of ourselves.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 12/1
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 12/1
A Simple Truth
Spiritual Story by Osho
A great master was sitting on the seashore, on the beach, and a man who was seeking for truth came to him, touched his feet and asked, "If I am not disturbing you, I would like to do anything you suggest which can help me to find the truth."
The master simply closed his eyes and remained silent. The man shook his head. He said in his own mind, "This man seems to be crazy. I am asking him a question and he is closing his eyes." He shook the man and said, "What about my question?"
The master said, "I answered it. Just sit silently... don't do anything, and the grass grows by itself. You need not bother about it everything will happen. You just sit silently, enjoy silence."
The man said, "Can you give it a name because people will be asking me, "What are you doing?"
So he wrote on the sand with his finger: meditation.
The man said, "This is too short an answer. Be a little more elaborate."
The master wrote in big letters: MEDITATION.
The man said, "But these are simply big letters. You are writing the same thing."
The old master said, "If I say more than that, then it will be wrong. If you can understand, then just do what I have told you and you will know."
A great master was sitting on the seashore, on the beach, and a man who was seeking for truth came to him, touched his feet and asked, "If I am not disturbing you, I would like to do anything you suggest which can help me to find the truth."
The master simply closed his eyes and remained silent. The man shook his head. He said in his own mind, "This man seems to be crazy. I am asking him a question and he is closing his eyes." He shook the man and said, "What about my question?"
The master said, "I answered it. Just sit silently... don't do anything, and the grass grows by itself. You need not bother about it everything will happen. You just sit silently, enjoy silence."
The man said, "Can you give it a name because people will be asking me, "What are you doing?"
So he wrote on the sand with his finger: meditation.
The man said, "This is too short an answer. Be a little more elaborate."
The master wrote in big letters: MEDITATION.
The man said, "But these are simply big letters. You are writing the same thing."
The old master said, "If I say more than that, then it will be wrong. If you can understand, then just do what I have told you and you will know."
Friday, June 24, 2011
The compassion and the wisdom of Buddhas.
Buddhas respect people's individuality, and desire that they may freely manifest their unique qualities. They are neither partial nor adverse toward people on account of their individual proclivities. Buddhas love, rejoice at and try to bring out each person's uniqueness; this is their compassion and their wisdom.
Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 13/1
Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 13/1
A strong spirit, strong faith and strong prayer—developing these is victory and the world of Buddhahood.
Strength is happiness. Strength is itself victory. In weakness and cowardice there is no happiness. When you wage a struggle, you might win or you might lose. But regardless of the short-term outcome, the very fact of your continuing to struggle is proof of your victory as a human being. A strong spirit, strong faith and strong prayer—developing these is victory and the world of Buddhahood.
Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 12/1
Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 12/1
A Positive Disposition
Spiritual Story by Unknown
A little girl walked daily to and from school. Though the weather that morning was questionable and clouds were forming, she made her daily trip to school. As the afternoon progressed, the winds whipped up, along with thunder and lightning.
The mother of the little girl felt concerned that her daughter would be frightened as she walked home from school, and she herself feared that the electrical storm might harm her child.
Following the roar of thunder, lightning, through the sky and full of concern, the mother quickly got in her car and drove along the route to her child's school.
As she did so, she saw her little girl walking along, but at each flash of lightning, the child would stop, look up and smile. Another and another were to follow quickly, each with the little girl stopping, looking up and smiling.
Finally, the mother called over to her child and asked, "What are you doing?"
The child answered, smiling, "God just keeps taking pictures of me."
A little girl walked daily to and from school. Though the weather that morning was questionable and clouds were forming, she made her daily trip to school. As the afternoon progressed, the winds whipped up, along with thunder and lightning.
The mother of the little girl felt concerned that her daughter would be frightened as she walked home from school, and she herself feared that the electrical storm might harm her child.
Following the roar of thunder, lightning, through the sky and full of concern, the mother quickly got in her car and drove along the route to her child's school.
As she did so, she saw her little girl walking along, but at each flash of lightning, the child would stop, look up and smile. Another and another were to follow quickly, each with the little girl stopping, looking up and smiling.
Finally, the mother called over to her child and asked, "What are you doing?"
The child answered, smiling, "God just keeps taking pictures of me."
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Should there be a leader or leaders in faith whom you do not like, all you have to do is determine not to become like them.
The role of leaders is important. Everything is determined by the leaders behavior. There is a passage in The Romance of the Three Kingdoms that says only those who possess genuine wisdom and virtue win the highest regard from people. It all comes down to you. You have to polish and develop yourselves. Should there be a leader or leaders in faith whom you do not like, all you have to do is determine not to become like them. All you have to do is decide that you will become leaders who will make everyone feel comfortable and at ease.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 11/1
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 11/1
Why trust and humanism is important?
Buddhism is reason. It is vital therefore, that our lives and our activities in society also accord with reason. Please manifest the principle of "faith equals daily life," so that you will be trusted, respected and emulated by others. Bringing fragrant flowers of trust and humanism to bloom throughout society is one of the goals of Buddhism. To do things that others find strange and unnatural, that run counter to common sense—such actions go against the basic tenets of Buddhism and amount to slander of the Law.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 10/1
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 10/1
A Most Important Question
Spiritual Story by Unknown
During my second month of nursing school, our professor gave us a pop quiz. I was a conscientious student and had breezed through the questions, until I read the last one:
"What is the first name of the woman who cleans the school?"
Surely this was some kind of joke. I had seen the cleaning woman several times. She was tall, darkhaired and in her 50s, but how would I know her name? I handed in my paper, leaving the last question blank. Before class ended, one student asked if the last question would count toward our quiz grade.
"Absolutely," said the professor. "In your careers you will meet many people. All are significant. They deserve your attention and care, even if all you do is smile and say hello." I've never forgotten that lesson...
I also learned her name was Ruthie.
During my second month of nursing school, our professor gave us a pop quiz. I was a conscientious student and had breezed through the questions, until I read the last one:
"What is the first name of the woman who cleans the school?"
Surely this was some kind of joke. I had seen the cleaning woman several times. She was tall, darkhaired and in her 50s, but how would I know her name? I handed in my paper, leaving the last question blank. Before class ended, one student asked if the last question would count toward our quiz grade.
"Absolutely," said the professor. "In your careers you will meet many people. All are significant. They deserve your attention and care, even if all you do is smile and say hello." I've never forgotten that lesson...
I also learned her name was Ruthie.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Achieve peace through peaceful way.
The peace we seek cannot be brought about through a struggle for dominance in military or economic power. It can be won only through peaceful means. Peace built on the unhappiness and sacrifice of others is a meaningless sham. What's needed is to create a world in which people of all races and nations can enjoy peace and happiness.
Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 9/1
Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 9/1
What is wisdom in the Lotus Sutra?
Wisdom, in the Lotus Sutra, does not simply mean being smart; it is far more profound. Essentially, it is to have an excellent "heart." Wisdom signifies humanity and force of character borne of strength, breadth and profundity of spirit. Nichiren says, "The wise may be called human." He also explains that one who perseveres in following a correct way of life, unswayed by praise and censure, is truly wise.
Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 8/1
Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 8/1
A Man And His Dog
Spiritual Story by Unknown
A man and his dog were walking along a road. The man was enjoying the scenery, when it suddenly occurred to him that he was dead. He remembered dying, and that the dog walking beside him had been dead for years. He wondered where the road was leading them.
After a while, they came to a high, white stone wall along one side of the road. It looked like fine marble. At the top of the long hill, it was broken by a tall arch that glowed in the sunlight.
When he was standing before it, he saw a magnificent gate in the arch that looked like mother of pearl, and the street that led to the gate looked like pure gold. He and the dog walked toward the gate, and as he got closer, he saw a man at the desk to one side.
When he was close enough, he called out, Excuse me, where are we?
This is Heaven, sir, the man answered.
Wow! Would you happen to have some water? the man asked.
Of course, sir. Come right in and I'll have some ice water brought right up.The man gestured, and the gate began to open.
Can my friend, gesturing toward his dog, come in too? the traveler asked.
I'm sorry sir, but we don't accept pets.
The man thought a moment and then turned back toward the road and continued the way he had been going with his dog.
After another long walk, and at the top of another long hill, he came to a dirt road which led through a farm gate that looked as if it had never been closed. There was no fence. As he approached the gate, he saw a man inside, leaning against a tree and reading a book.
Excuse me! he called to the reader. Do you have any water?
Yeah, sure. There's a pump over there. The man pointed to a place that couldn't be seen from outside the gate. Come on in.
How about my friend here? the traveler gestured to the dog.
There should be a bowl by the pump.
They went through the gate, and sure enough, there was an old fashioned hand pump with a bowl beside it. The traveler filled the bowl and took a long drink himself. Then he gave some to the dog. When they were full, he and the dog walked back toward the man who was standing by the tree waiting for them.
What do you call this place? the traveler asked.
This is Heaven, was the answer.
Well, that's confusing, the traveler said. The man down the road said that was Heaven too.
Oh, you mean the place with the gold street and pearly gates? Nope. That's Hell.
Doesn't it make you mad for them to use your name like that?
No. I can see how you might think so, but we're just happy that they screen out the folks who'll leave their best friends behind.
A man and his dog were walking along a road. The man was enjoying the scenery, when it suddenly occurred to him that he was dead. He remembered dying, and that the dog walking beside him had been dead for years. He wondered where the road was leading them.
After a while, they came to a high, white stone wall along one side of the road. It looked like fine marble. At the top of the long hill, it was broken by a tall arch that glowed in the sunlight.
When he was standing before it, he saw a magnificent gate in the arch that looked like mother of pearl, and the street that led to the gate looked like pure gold. He and the dog walked toward the gate, and as he got closer, he saw a man at the desk to one side.
When he was close enough, he called out, Excuse me, where are we?
This is Heaven, sir, the man answered.
Wow! Would you happen to have some water? the man asked.
Of course, sir. Come right in and I'll have some ice water brought right up.The man gestured, and the gate began to open.
Can my friend, gesturing toward his dog, come in too? the traveler asked.
I'm sorry sir, but we don't accept pets.
The man thought a moment and then turned back toward the road and continued the way he had been going with his dog.
After another long walk, and at the top of another long hill, he came to a dirt road which led through a farm gate that looked as if it had never been closed. There was no fence. As he approached the gate, he saw a man inside, leaning against a tree and reading a book.
Excuse me! he called to the reader. Do you have any water?
Yeah, sure. There's a pump over there. The man pointed to a place that couldn't be seen from outside the gate. Come on in.
How about my friend here? the traveler gestured to the dog.
There should be a bowl by the pump.
They went through the gate, and sure enough, there was an old fashioned hand pump with a bowl beside it. The traveler filled the bowl and took a long drink himself. Then he gave some to the dog. When they were full, he and the dog walked back toward the man who was standing by the tree waiting for them.
What do you call this place? the traveler asked.
This is Heaven, was the answer.
Well, that's confusing, the traveler said. The man down the road said that was Heaven too.
Oh, you mean the place with the gold street and pearly gates? Nope. That's Hell.
Doesn't it make you mad for them to use your name like that?
No. I can see how you might think so, but we're just happy that they screen out the folks who'll leave their best friends behind.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Nichiren Daishonin's promise to us
When we plant the seed of happiness that is faith and carefully tend its growth, it will produce fruit without fail. We have to bear in mind, however, that we cannot plant a seed today and expect it to bear fruit tomorrow. That's not reasonable and Buddhism is reason. If we persevere in the practice of "faith equals daily life" in accord with reason, then our prayers will definitely be answered. This is Nichiren Daishonin's promise to us. And his words are true beyond any doubt.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 7/1
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 7/1
What proves the correctness of the teaching of Nichiren Daishinin's Buddhism?
We practice this Buddhism to make our prayers and dreams come true and to achieve the greatest possible happiness. The purpose of Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism is to enable us to realize victory. The fact that our prayers are answered proves the correctness of this teaching.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 6/1
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 6/1
A Choice
Spiritual Story by Unknown
A beggar asked Ibrahim ibn Al Adham for charity Ibrahim told him: "I'll give you better than that;come with me." Ibrahim accompanied the beggar to a merchant, and asked him to find a job for the beggar. As Ibrahim was well trusted, the merchant didn't hesitate to give some merchandises to the beggar and asked him to travel and sell them in another city.
A few days later,Ibrahim found the beggar still in a miserable condition; surprised, he asked him about the matter. The beggar informed him: "While traveling, I found a blind eagle in the desert, and I was very curious how it got food though it was blind; I observed it for some time, and, at my big surprise, another eagle came with and fed it. Thus, I said to myself: it's WHO took care of that blind eagle in this desert who will also take care of me! I returned to the city and give the merchant back his goods."
Ibrahim,after reflection, asked him: "But tell me, why did you choose to be the blind eagle, not the other one, who could fly, chase, and take care of others?"
A beggar asked Ibrahim ibn Al Adham for charity Ibrahim told him: "I'll give you better than that;come with me." Ibrahim accompanied the beggar to a merchant, and asked him to find a job for the beggar. As Ibrahim was well trusted, the merchant didn't hesitate to give some merchandises to the beggar and asked him to travel and sell them in another city.
A few days later,Ibrahim found the beggar still in a miserable condition; surprised, he asked him about the matter. The beggar informed him: "While traveling, I found a blind eagle in the desert, and I was very curious how it got food though it was blind; I observed it for some time, and, at my big surprise, another eagle came with and fed it. Thus, I said to myself: it's WHO took care of that blind eagle in this desert who will also take care of me! I returned to the city and give the merchant back his goods."
Ibrahim,after reflection, asked him: "But tell me, why did you choose to be the blind eagle, not the other one, who could fly, chase, and take care of others?"
Monday, June 20, 2011
A Change Of Attitude
Spiritual Story by Unknown
The story is told of a woman who during the war went to live with her husband in camp on the Mojave Desert. She simply hated the place; the heat was almost unbearable, 125 degrees in the shade, the wind blew incessantly, and there was sand - sand everywhere.
Finally, in desperation she wrote her parents in Ohio that she couldn't stand it another minute and was coming home.
Quickly came the reply by airmail from her father - just the two familiar lines:
"Two men looked out from prison bars... one saw the mud, the other saw stars."
The daughter did some real thinking, not only with the intellect but also with her heart. She decided to stick to her post.
She made friends with the natives, learned to love the country, and eventually wrote a book about it.
The desert hadn't changed, but her attitude had. Because she listened with her heart to the words her father sent, a whole New World opened up to her.
The story is told of a woman who during the war went to live with her husband in camp on the Mojave Desert. She simply hated the place; the heat was almost unbearable, 125 degrees in the shade, the wind blew incessantly, and there was sand - sand everywhere.
Finally, in desperation she wrote her parents in Ohio that she couldn't stand it another minute and was coming home.
Quickly came the reply by airmail from her father - just the two familiar lines:
"Two men looked out from prison bars... one saw the mud, the other saw stars."
The daughter did some real thinking, not only with the intellect but also with her heart. She decided to stick to her post.
She made friends with the natives, learned to love the country, and eventually wrote a book about it.
The desert hadn't changed, but her attitude had. Because she listened with her heart to the words her father sent, a whole New World opened up to her.
What people with unshakable conviction in faith will enjoy?
Faith is light. The hearts of those with strong faith are filled with light. A radiance envelops their lives. People with unshakable conviction in faith enjoy a happiness that is as luminous as the full moon on a dark night, as dazzling as the sun on a clear day.
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 5/1
Come home to the world of friendship in the SGI
Life is a series of changes, a succession of ups and downs. But those who possess a prime point, a home to which they can return no matter what happens, are strong. To come home to the world of friendship in the SGI, to talk things over and prepare for a fresh departure—this is the way I hope all of you will live. When you do, you will advance upon a fundamentally unerring path to happiness.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 4/1
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 4/1
Sunday, June 19, 2011
How to forge great character?
Eiji Yoshikawa (1892-1962), the renowned Japanese author of many epic historic novels, asserted, "Great character is forged through hardships." Surviving a life of hardships and difficulties, of stormy ups and downs, is what produces a person of great depth and character. True happiness is also found in such an unshakable state of life.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 3/1
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 3/1
Where does the life of Buddha resides?
The essential teaching of Buddhism is that the life of the Buddha resides in every plant and tree, even in the smallest dust mote. It's a philosophy founded on a profound reverence for life.
Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 4/1
Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 4/1
What are Buddhas?
There simply are no Buddhas who spend all their time sitting in meditation. Buddhas are Buddhas precisely because they continually ponder and take action to help others resolve their worries.
Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 3/1
Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 3/1
A Bank Savings Account Book S
Spiritual Story by Unknown
My mother sent me a bank savings account book on the eve of my wedding. There had $1000.00 in it. My mother smiled and said, 'You both are going to deposit some money in it from time to time, when something is worth for memorable. Besides the money, you both learn that there will have the unlimited of happiness as you both grow old together.'
My husband deposited $500.00 twice later on. Once, he was promoted at work. Another time, I got home after a very successful operation. I felt the absolutely warmest at the bottom of my heart. After all, my good health was the priority of his greatest happiness.
We started fighting a few years later...
My mother said to me, 'First of all, you both spend all the money from your account before the next move!' When we were going for a divorce, I looked into the bank book. I thought on the source of the money. Tears welled up in my eyes because it did accumulated lots of happiness inside. I gave it to him that night. I said, 'Hurry up to spend all the money before we divorce.'
He handed the bank book to me with $1000.00 extra more in it next day.
'This is the first time for me to realize that I'm still very much in love with you, I deposited $1000.00, so.' he said. We were reconciled since then.
Today is our 57th wedding anniversary and we still deposit the money into our account whenever there is something worth for memorable even now.
We know we will celebrate our every wedding anniversary until the end of the rainbow...
My mother sent me a bank savings account book on the eve of my wedding. There had $1000.00 in it. My mother smiled and said, 'You both are going to deposit some money in it from time to time, when something is worth for memorable. Besides the money, you both learn that there will have the unlimited of happiness as you both grow old together.'
My husband deposited $500.00 twice later on. Once, he was promoted at work. Another time, I got home after a very successful operation. I felt the absolutely warmest at the bottom of my heart. After all, my good health was the priority of his greatest happiness.
We started fighting a few years later...
My mother said to me, 'First of all, you both spend all the money from your account before the next move!' When we were going for a divorce, I looked into the bank book. I thought on the source of the money. Tears welled up in my eyes because it did accumulated lots of happiness inside. I gave it to him that night. I said, 'Hurry up to spend all the money before we divorce.'
He handed the bank book to me with $1000.00 extra more in it next day.
'This is the first time for me to realize that I'm still very much in love with you, I deposited $1000.00, so.' he said. We were reconciled since then.
Today is our 57th wedding anniversary and we still deposit the money into our account whenever there is something worth for memorable even now.
We know we will celebrate our every wedding anniversary until the end of the rainbow...
Saturday, June 18, 2011
What is Nichiren Daishonin's undying spirit?
The people are most important and noble. President Toda was firmly convinced of this point. And I have advanced with the same spirit. This is also Nichiren Daishonin's undying spirit. Please always treasure and protect this organization of the people that is the SGI.
Events
1928: Daisaku Ikeda, SGI president, is born.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 2/1
How to the happiest of all?
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.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 1/1
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 1/1
A Bag of Nails
Spiritual Story by Unknown
There once was a young boy with a very bad temper. The boy's father wanted to teach him a lesson, so he gave him a bag of nails and told him that every time he lost his temper he must hammer a nail into their wooden fence.
On the first day of this lesson, the little boy had driven 37 nails into the fence. He was really mad!
Over the course of the next few weeks, the little boy began to control his temper, so the number of nails that were hammered into the fence dramatically decreased.
It wasn't long before the little boy discovered it was easier to hold his temper than to drive those nails into the fence.
Then, the day finally came when the little boy didn't lose his temper even once, and he became so proud of himself, he couldn't wait to tell his father.
Pleased, his father suggested that he now pull out one nail for each day that he could hold his temper.
Several weeks went by and the day finally came when the young boy was able to tell his father that all the nails were gone.
Very gently, the father took his son by the hand and led him to the fence.
"You have done very well, my son," he smiled, "but look at the holes in the fence. The fence will never be the same."
The little boy listened carefully as his father continued to speak.
"When you say things in anger, they leave permanent scars just like these. And no matter how many times you say you're sorry, the wounds will still be there."
There once was a young boy with a very bad temper. The boy's father wanted to teach him a lesson, so he gave him a bag of nails and told him that every time he lost his temper he must hammer a nail into their wooden fence.
On the first day of this lesson, the little boy had driven 37 nails into the fence. He was really mad!
Over the course of the next few weeks, the little boy began to control his temper, so the number of nails that were hammered into the fence dramatically decreased.
It wasn't long before the little boy discovered it was easier to hold his temper than to drive those nails into the fence.
Then, the day finally came when the little boy didn't lose his temper even once, and he became so proud of himself, he couldn't wait to tell his father.
Pleased, his father suggested that he now pull out one nail for each day that he could hold his temper.
Several weeks went by and the day finally came when the young boy was able to tell his father that all the nails were gone.
Very gently, the father took his son by the hand and led him to the fence.
"You have done very well, my son," he smiled, "but look at the holes in the fence. The fence will never be the same."
The little boy listened carefully as his father continued to speak.
"When you say things in anger, they leave permanent scars just like these. And no matter how many times you say you're sorry, the wounds will still be there."
Friday, June 17, 2011
8 Lies of A Mother
Spiritual Story by Unknown
The story began when I was a child; I was a son of a poor family. We did not even have enough food. When ever meal times came, mother would often give me her portion of rice. While she was removing her rice into my bowl, she would say "Eat this rice, son. I'm not hungry."
That was Mother's First Lie.
When I was growing up, my persevering mother gave her spare time to go fishing in a river near our house, she hoped that from the fish she caught, she could gave me a little bit of nutritious food for my growth. After fishing, she would cook some fresh fish soup, which raised my appetite. While I was eating the soup, mother would sit beside me and eat the rest of the fish, which was still on the bone of the fish I had eaten. My heart was touched when I saw that. I then used my chopstick and gave the other fish to her. But she immediately refused and said "Eat this fish, son. I don't really like fish."
That was Mother's Second Lie.
Then, when I was in Junior High School...... to fund my studies, mother went to an economic enterprise to bring some used-match boxes that would need to be stuck together. It gave her some money to cover our needs. As the winter came, I woke up from my sleep and looked at my mother who was still awake, supported by a little candlelight and with perseverance she would continue the work of sticking some used-match boxes. I said, "Mother, go to sleep, it's late, tomorrow morning you still have to go to work.” Mother smiled and said "Go to sleep, dear. I'm not tired."
That was Mother's Third Lie.
The final term arrived..... ..Mother asked for leave from work in order to accompany me. While the sun was starting to shine strongly, my persevering mother waited for me under the heat for several hours. As the bell rang, which indicated that the final exam had finished, mother immediately welcomed me and poured me a cup of tea that she had brought in a flask. Seeing my mother covered with perspiration, I at once gave her my cup and asked her to drink too. Mother said "Drink, son. I'm not thirsty! "
That was Mother's Fourth Lie.
After the death of my father due to illness, my poor mother had to play her role as a single parent. She had to fund our needs alone. Our family's life was more complicated. No days without suffering. Our family's condition was getting worse, a kind uncle who lived near our house assisted now and then. Our neighbors often advised my mother to marry again. But mother was stubborn and didn't take their advice; she said "I don't need love."
That was Mother's Fifth Lie.
After I had finished my studies and got a job, it was the time for my old mother to retire. But she didn't want to; she would go to the market place every morning, just to sell some vegetables to fulfill her needs. I, who worked in another city, often sent her some money to help her, in fulfilling her needs, but she would not accept the money. At times, she even sent the money back to me. She said "I have enough money."
That was Mother's Sixth Lie.
After graduating with a Bachelors Degree, I then continued to do a Masters Degree. It was funded by a company through a scholarship program. I finally worked in the company. With a good salary, I intended to bring my mother to enjoy her life in Gulf. But my lovely mother didn't want to bother her son. She said to me, "I’m not use to."
That was Mother's Seventh Lie.
In her old age, mother got stomach cancer and had to be hospitalized. I, who lived miles away, across the ocean, went home to visit my dearest mother. She lay in weakness on her bed after having an operation. Mother, who looked so old, was staring at me in deep thought. She tried to spread her smile on her face...but it was a noticeable effort. It was clear that the disease had weakened mother's body. She looked so frail and weak. I stared at my mother with tears flowing. My heart was hurt,... so hurt, seeing my mother in that condition. But mother with the little strength she had, said "Don't cry, my dear. I'm not in pain."
That was Mother's Eighth and Last Lie.
After saying her eighth lie, my Dearest mother closed her eyes forever
The story began when I was a child; I was a son of a poor family. We did not even have enough food. When ever meal times came, mother would often give me her portion of rice. While she was removing her rice into my bowl, she would say "Eat this rice, son. I'm not hungry."
That was Mother's First Lie.
When I was growing up, my persevering mother gave her spare time to go fishing in a river near our house, she hoped that from the fish she caught, she could gave me a little bit of nutritious food for my growth. After fishing, she would cook some fresh fish soup, which raised my appetite. While I was eating the soup, mother would sit beside me and eat the rest of the fish, which was still on the bone of the fish I had eaten. My heart was touched when I saw that. I then used my chopstick and gave the other fish to her. But she immediately refused and said "Eat this fish, son. I don't really like fish."
That was Mother's Second Lie.
Then, when I was in Junior High School...... to fund my studies, mother went to an economic enterprise to bring some used-match boxes that would need to be stuck together. It gave her some money to cover our needs. As the winter came, I woke up from my sleep and looked at my mother who was still awake, supported by a little candlelight and with perseverance she would continue the work of sticking some used-match boxes. I said, "Mother, go to sleep, it's late, tomorrow morning you still have to go to work.” Mother smiled and said "Go to sleep, dear. I'm not tired."
That was Mother's Third Lie.
The final term arrived..... ..Mother asked for leave from work in order to accompany me. While the sun was starting to shine strongly, my persevering mother waited for me under the heat for several hours. As the bell rang, which indicated that the final exam had finished, mother immediately welcomed me and poured me a cup of tea that she had brought in a flask. Seeing my mother covered with perspiration, I at once gave her my cup and asked her to drink too. Mother said "Drink, son. I'm not thirsty! "
That was Mother's Fourth Lie.
After the death of my father due to illness, my poor mother had to play her role as a single parent. She had to fund our needs alone. Our family's life was more complicated. No days without suffering. Our family's condition was getting worse, a kind uncle who lived near our house assisted now and then. Our neighbors often advised my mother to marry again. But mother was stubborn and didn't take their advice; she said "I don't need love."
That was Mother's Fifth Lie.
After I had finished my studies and got a job, it was the time for my old mother to retire. But she didn't want to; she would go to the market place every morning, just to sell some vegetables to fulfill her needs. I, who worked in another city, often sent her some money to help her, in fulfilling her needs, but she would not accept the money. At times, she even sent the money back to me. She said "I have enough money."
That was Mother's Sixth Lie.
After graduating with a Bachelors Degree, I then continued to do a Masters Degree. It was funded by a company through a scholarship program. I finally worked in the company. With a good salary, I intended to bring my mother to enjoy her life in Gulf. But my lovely mother didn't want to bother her son. She said to me, "I’m not use to."
That was Mother's Seventh Lie.
In her old age, mother got stomach cancer and had to be hospitalized. I, who lived miles away, across the ocean, went home to visit my dearest mother. She lay in weakness on her bed after having an operation. Mother, who looked so old, was staring at me in deep thought. She tried to spread her smile on her face...but it was a noticeable effort. It was clear that the disease had weakened mother's body. She looked so frail and weak. I stared at my mother with tears flowing. My heart was hurt,... so hurt, seeing my mother in that condition. But mother with the little strength she had, said "Don't cry, my dear. I'm not in pain."
That was Mother's Eighth and Last Lie.
After saying her eighth lie, my Dearest mother closed her eyes forever
Buddhism can definitely transform all adversity into something positive.
Buddhism enables us to tap from within the depths of our beings the greatest courage and strongest life force there is. Buddhas are not destined for unhappiness or defeat. Those who practice Buddhism can definitely transform all adversity into something positive, irrespective of the troubled time in which they live, their personal circumstances or the hardships that befall them.
Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 31/12
Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 31/12
The fighting spirit of Buddhist
Defeat for a Buddhist lies not in encountering difficulties but rather in not challenging them. Difficulties only truly become our destiny if we run away from them. We must fight as long as we live.
Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 30/12
Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 30/12
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Lesson from a Terrapin
Spiritual Story by Unknown
There was a boy who found a terrapin, more commonly known as a turtle.
He started to examine it but the turtle pulled in its head and closed its shell like a vice. The boy was upset and he picked up a stick to try to pry it open.
The boy's uncle saw all this and remarked, "No, that's not the way! In fact, you may kill the turtle but you'll not get it to open up with a stick."
The uncle took the terrapin into the house and set it near the fireplace. It wasn't but a few minutes until it began to get warm. Then the turtle pushed out its head, then stretched out its legs and began to crawl.
"Turtles are like that," said the uncle, "and people, too. You can't force them into anything. But if you first warm them up with some real kindness, more than likely, they will do what you want them to do."
There was a boy who found a terrapin, more commonly known as a turtle.
He started to examine it but the turtle pulled in its head and closed its shell like a vice. The boy was upset and he picked up a stick to try to pry it open.
The boy's uncle saw all this and remarked, "No, that's not the way! In fact, you may kill the turtle but you'll not get it to open up with a stick."
The uncle took the terrapin into the house and set it near the fireplace. It wasn't but a few minutes until it began to get warm. Then the turtle pushed out its head, then stretched out its legs and began to crawl.
"Turtles are like that," said the uncle, "and people, too. You can't force them into anything. But if you first warm them up with some real kindness, more than likely, they will do what you want them to do."
Why should we be cheerful and good temper?
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.
Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 29/12
Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 29/12
Winter always turns to spring.
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
Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 28/12
Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 28/12
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
The Most Important Body Part
Spiritual Story by Unknown
My mother used to ask me what is the most important part of the body? Through the years I would take a guess at what I thought was the correct answer.
When I was younger, I thought sound was very important to us as humans, so I said, "My ears, Mommy."
She said, "No. Many people are deaf. But you keep thinking about it and I will ask you again soon."
Several years passed before she asked me again. Since making my first attempt, I had contemplated the correct answer.
So this time I told her, "Mommy, sight is very important to everybody, so it must be our eyes."
She looked at me and told me, "You are learning fast, but the answer is not correct because there are many people who are blind."
Stumped again, I continued my quest for knowledge and over the years, Mother asked me a couple more times and always her answer was, "No. But you are getting smarter every year, my child."
Then last year, my grandpa died. Everybody was hurt. Everybody was crying. Even my father cried. I remember that especially because it was only the second time I saw him cry. My Mom looked at me when it was our turn to say our final good-bye to Grandpa.
She asked me, "Do you know the most important body part yet, my dear?"
I was shocked when she asked me this now. I always thought this was a game between her and me.
She saw the confusion on my face and told me, "This question is very important. It shows that you have really lived in your life. For every body part you gave me in the past, I have told you were wrong and I have given you an example why. But today is the day you need to learn this important lesson."
She looked down at me as only a mother can. I saw her eyes well up with tears.
She said, "My dear, the most important body part is your shoulder."
I asked, "Is it because it holds up my head?"
She replied, "No, it is because it can hold the head of a friend or a loved one when they cry. Everybody needs a shoulder to cry on sometime in life. I only hope that you have enough love and friends that you will always have a shoulder to cry on when you need it."
Then and there I knew the most important body part is not a selfish one.
It is sympathetic to the pain of others.
My mother used to ask me what is the most important part of the body? Through the years I would take a guess at what I thought was the correct answer.
When I was younger, I thought sound was very important to us as humans, so I said, "My ears, Mommy."
She said, "No. Many people are deaf. But you keep thinking about it and I will ask you again soon."
Several years passed before she asked me again. Since making my first attempt, I had contemplated the correct answer.
So this time I told her, "Mommy, sight is very important to everybody, so it must be our eyes."
She looked at me and told me, "You are learning fast, but the answer is not correct because there are many people who are blind."
Stumped again, I continued my quest for knowledge and over the years, Mother asked me a couple more times and always her answer was, "No. But you are getting smarter every year, my child."
Then last year, my grandpa died. Everybody was hurt. Everybody was crying. Even my father cried. I remember that especially because it was only the second time I saw him cry. My Mom looked at me when it was our turn to say our final good-bye to Grandpa.
She asked me, "Do you know the most important body part yet, my dear?"
I was shocked when she asked me this now. I always thought this was a game between her and me.
She saw the confusion on my face and told me, "This question is very important. It shows that you have really lived in your life. For every body part you gave me in the past, I have told you were wrong and I have given you an example why. But today is the day you need to learn this important lesson."
She looked down at me as only a mother can. I saw her eyes well up with tears.
She said, "My dear, the most important body part is your shoulder."
I asked, "Is it because it holds up my head?"
She replied, "No, it is because it can hold the head of a friend or a loved one when they cry. Everybody needs a shoulder to cry on sometime in life. I only hope that you have enough love and friends that you will always have a shoulder to cry on when you need it."
Then and there I knew the most important body part is not a selfish one.
It is sympathetic to the pain of others.
Religion should bring people together.
Religious strife must be avoided at all cost; under no circumstance should it be allowed. People may hold different religious beliefs, but the bottom line is that we are all human beings. We all seek happiness and desire peace. Religion should bring people together. It should unite the potential for good in people's hearts toward benefiting society and humanity and creating a better future
Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 27/12
Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 27/12
What is the basic ingredient to health, to long life, and to happiness?
It is foolish to ignore or deny the contribution of medicine. Otherwise, faith descends into fanaticism. We must use medical resources wisely in fighting illness. Buddhism gives us the wisdom to use medicine properly. Wisdom is the basic ingredient to health, to long life, and to happiness. The new century of health, then, must be a new century of wisdom.
Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 26/12
Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 26/12
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
What is this person's state of life?
Buddhism 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.
Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 25/12
Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 25/12
Where is happiness to be found?
Where 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.
Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 24/12
Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 24/12
Without Fear
Spiritual Story by Unknown
During the civil wars in feudal Japan, an invading army would quickly sweep into a town and take control. In one particular village, everyone fled just before the army arrived - everyone except the Zen master. Curious about this old fellow, the general went to the temple to see for himself what kind of man this master was.
When he wasn't treated with the deference and submissiveness to which he was accustomed, the general burst into anger. "You fool," he shouted as he reached for his sword, "don't you realize you are standing before a man who could run you through without blinking an eye!" But despite the threat, the master seemed unmoved.
"And do you realize," the master replied calmly, "that you are standing before a man who can be run through without blinking an eye?"
During the civil wars in feudal Japan, an invading army would quickly sweep into a town and take control. In one particular village, everyone fled just before the army arrived - everyone except the Zen master. Curious about this old fellow, the general went to the temple to see for himself what kind of man this master was.
When he wasn't treated with the deference and submissiveness to which he was accustomed, the general burst into anger. "You fool," he shouted as he reached for his sword, "don't you realize you are standing before a man who could run you through without blinking an eye!" But despite the threat, the master seemed unmoved.
"And do you realize," the master replied calmly, "that you are standing before a man who can be run through without blinking an eye?"
Monday, June 13, 2011
Wanting God
Spiritual Story by Unknown
A hermit was meditating by a river when a young man interrupted him. "Master, I wish to become your disciple," said the man. "Why?" replied the hermit. The young man thought for a moment. "Because I want to find God."
The master jumped up, grabbed him by the scruff of his neck, dragged him into the river, and plunged his head under water. After holding him there for a minute, with him kicking and struggling to free himself, the master finally pulled him up out of the river. The young man coughed up water and gasped to get his breath. When he eventually quieted down, the master spoke. "Tell me, what did you want most of all when you were under water."
"Air!" answered the man.
"Very well," said the master. "Go home and come back to me when you want God as much as you just wanted air."
http://www.spiritual-short-stories.com/spiritual-short-story-93-Wanting+God.html
A hermit was meditating by a river when a young man interrupted him. "Master, I wish to become your disciple," said the man. "Why?" replied the hermit. The young man thought for a moment. "Because I want to find God."
The master jumped up, grabbed him by the scruff of his neck, dragged him into the river, and plunged his head under water. After holding him there for a minute, with him kicking and struggling to free himself, the master finally pulled him up out of the river. The young man coughed up water and gasped to get his breath. When he eventually quieted down, the master spoke. "Tell me, what did you want most of all when you were under water."
"Air!" answered the man.
"Very well," said the master. "Go home and come back to me when you want God as much as you just wanted air."
http://www.spiritual-short-stories.com/spiritual-short-story-93-Wanting+God.html
How culture brings peace to humanity?
Peace and culture are one. A genuinely cultured nation is a peaceful nation, and vice versa. When conflicts multiply, culture wanes and nations fall into a hellish existence. The history of the human race is a contrast between culture and barbarity. Only culture is a force strong enough to put an end to conflict and lead humanity in the direction of peace.
Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 23/12
Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 23/12
What is an expansive life-state of profound, secure happiness that transcends any material or social advantage?
Even if you are born into the most affluent of circumstances or enjoy a spectacular marriage that is the envy of others, there is no guarantee that you will be happy. Happiness does not depend on wealth or personal appearance, nor does it hinge on fame or recognition. If your heart is empty, you cannot build genuine happiness.
There is an expansive life-state of profound, secure happiness that transcends any material or social advantage. It is called faith; it is called the life-state of Buddhahood.
Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 22/12
There is an expansive life-state of profound, secure happiness that transcends any material or social advantage. It is called faith; it is called the life-state of Buddhahood.
Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 22/12
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Tying the Cat to the Bed
Spiritual Story by Unknown
There was a Zen Master who used to invite his disciples to his house in order to meditate. The meditation was very soulful but unfortunately the Master owned a cat who used to come in and disturb the meditation. Therefore, before each meditation, the Master would tie up the cat to his bed; this would enable the master and his disciples to meditate in peace downstairs. After the Master's passing, his students still used to come to the house to meditate and tie up the cat to the bed.
Now one seeker had to travel to another country and he didn't return for another 5 years time. When he returned he was shocked to see that there were many more people coming to the Master's house.
However, they didn't come to meditate, they only came to tie up cats to the bed!
There was a Zen Master who used to invite his disciples to his house in order to meditate. The meditation was very soulful but unfortunately the Master owned a cat who used to come in and disturb the meditation. Therefore, before each meditation, the Master would tie up the cat to his bed; this would enable the master and his disciples to meditate in peace downstairs. After the Master's passing, his students still used to come to the house to meditate and tie up the cat to the bed.
Now one seeker had to travel to another country and he didn't return for another 5 years time. When he returned he was shocked to see that there were many more people coming to the Master's house.
However, they didn't come to meditate, they only came to tie up cats to the bed!
How to savor the true joy of spring?
Even if today may seem to be a time of total darkness, it will not last forever. The dawn will surely come if you advance, ever forward, without being defeated. The day will definitely come when you can look back fondly and declare, "I am savoring this happiness because I struggled back then." It is those who know the bitterness of winter that can savor the true joy of spring.
Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 21/12
Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 21/12
What is creation?
Creation is quite different from mere ideas. Even ideas require fundamental and extensive speculative accumulation. It goes without saying that creation in learning demands an incomparably greater fundamental ability. The task of creation is like a lofty mountain whose summit is formed only when there exist vast slopes and a solid foundation. Likewise, the fruitful work of creation can only be attained when it is based on the extensive knowledge of learning and profound speculation.
Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 20/12
Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 20/12
Saturday, June 11, 2011
The Thief
Spiritual Story by Osho
There was one great master, a Buddhist master, Nagarjuna. A thief came to him. The thief had fallen in love with the master because he had never seen such a beautiful person, such infinite grace. The thief asked Nagarjuna, "Is there some possibility of my growth also? But one thing I must make clear to you: I am a thief. And another thing: I cannot leave it, so please don't make it a condition. I will do whatsoever you say, but I cannot stop being a thief. That I have tried many times--it never works, so I have left the whole sport. I have accepted my destiny, that I am going to be a thief and remain a thief, so don't talk about it. From the very beginning let it be clear."
Nagarjuna said, "Why are you afraid? Who is going to talk about your being a thief?"
The thief said, "But whenever I go to a monk, to a religious priest, or to a religious saint, they always say, 'First stop stealing.'"
Nagarjuna laughed and said, "Then you must have gone to thieves; otherwise, why? Why should they be concerned? I am not concerned!"
The thief was very happy. He said, "Then it is okay. It seems that now I can become a disciple. You are the right master."
Nagarjuna accepted him and said, "Now you can go and do whatsoever you like. Only one condition has to be followed: be aware! Go, break into houses, enter, take things, steal; do whatsoever you like, that is of no concern to me, I am not a thief--but do it with full awareness."
The thief couldn't understand that he was falling into the trap. He said, "Then everything is okay. I will try." After three weeks he came back and said, "You are tricky--because if I become aware, I cannot steal. If I steal, awareness disappears. I am in a fix."
Nagarjuna said, "No more talk about your being a thief and stealing. I am not concerned; I am not a thief. Now, you decide! If you want awareness, then you decide. If you don't want it, then too you decide."
The man said, "But now it is difficult. I have tasted it a little, and it is so beautiful--I will leave anything, whatsoever you say. Just the other night for the first time I was able to enter the palace of the king. I opened the treasure. I could have become the richest man in the world--but you were following me and I had to be aware. When I became aware, diamonds looked just like stones, ordinary stones. When I lost awareness, the treasure was there. And I waited and did this many times. I would become aware and I became like a buddha, and I could not even touch it because the whole thing looked foolish, stupid--just stones, what am I doing? Losing myself over stones? But then I would lose awareness; they would become again beautiful, the whole illusion. But finally I decided that they were not worth it."
http://www.spiritual-short-stories.com/spiritual-short-story-77-The+Thief.html
There was one great master, a Buddhist master, Nagarjuna. A thief came to him. The thief had fallen in love with the master because he had never seen such a beautiful person, such infinite grace. The thief asked Nagarjuna, "Is there some possibility of my growth also? But one thing I must make clear to you: I am a thief. And another thing: I cannot leave it, so please don't make it a condition. I will do whatsoever you say, but I cannot stop being a thief. That I have tried many times--it never works, so I have left the whole sport. I have accepted my destiny, that I am going to be a thief and remain a thief, so don't talk about it. From the very beginning let it be clear."
Nagarjuna said, "Why are you afraid? Who is going to talk about your being a thief?"
The thief said, "But whenever I go to a monk, to a religious priest, or to a religious saint, they always say, 'First stop stealing.'"
Nagarjuna laughed and said, "Then you must have gone to thieves; otherwise, why? Why should they be concerned? I am not concerned!"
The thief was very happy. He said, "Then it is okay. It seems that now I can become a disciple. You are the right master."
Nagarjuna accepted him and said, "Now you can go and do whatsoever you like. Only one condition has to be followed: be aware! Go, break into houses, enter, take things, steal; do whatsoever you like, that is of no concern to me, I am not a thief--but do it with full awareness."
The thief couldn't understand that he was falling into the trap. He said, "Then everything is okay. I will try." After three weeks he came back and said, "You are tricky--because if I become aware, I cannot steal. If I steal, awareness disappears. I am in a fix."
Nagarjuna said, "No more talk about your being a thief and stealing. I am not concerned; I am not a thief. Now, you decide! If you want awareness, then you decide. If you don't want it, then too you decide."
The man said, "But now it is difficult. I have tasted it a little, and it is so beautiful--I will leave anything, whatsoever you say. Just the other night for the first time I was able to enter the palace of the king. I opened the treasure. I could have become the richest man in the world--but you were following me and I had to be aware. When I became aware, diamonds looked just like stones, ordinary stones. When I lost awareness, the treasure was there. And I waited and did this many times. I would become aware and I became like a buddha, and I could not even touch it because the whole thing looked foolish, stupid--just stones, what am I doing? Losing myself over stones? But then I would lose awareness; they would become again beautiful, the whole illusion. But finally I decided that they were not worth it."
http://www.spiritual-short-stories.com/spiritual-short-story-77-The+Thief.html
How to overcome relationship problems?
Relationship problems are opportunities to grow and mature. Such problems can be character building if you don't let them defeat you. That's why it's important not to isolate yourself. No one can exist apart from others. Remaining aloof from others cultivates selfishness, which accomplishes nothing.
Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 19/2
Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 19/2
Dancing with the melody of nature
Live with a dancing spirit. The stars in the heavens are dancing through space, the Earth never ceases to spin. All life is dancing: the trees with the wind, the waves on the sea, the birds, the fish, all are performing their own dance of life. Every living thing is dancing, and you must keep dancing too, for the rest of your life!
Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 18/12
Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 18/12
Friday, June 10, 2011
Reality is strict, because it is a win-or-lose struggle.
There is no self-improvement without effort. Without taking action, happiness will never come, no matter how long you wait. A life without peaks and valleys is a fairy tale. Reality is strict, because it is a win-or-lose struggle. This is the way it is for human beings. Therefore, you should not allow yourselves to be battered about by reality but rather willingly rise to its challenges and use them as opportunities to train and strengthen yourselves.
Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 17/12
Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 17/12
Why must we maintain the best ethics and best human nature of mankind?
A society that has sacrificed so much to material wealth that it has forgotten the human heart and the better human aspirations degenerates into something compassionless, doctrinaire, ignorant and ultraconservative. When this happens, fundamental solutions to calamities become impossible. If we protect the truth and are resolute, we are capable of creating peace and prosperity. And the truth we must protect ought to be high and great. Our great truth—the thing that we must protect to the utmost—involves ethics and the best of human nature. But more basic than anything else is our duty to guard the truth of life, the truth that we and the universe are one, and that a single ordinary human thought contains the entirety of universal life.
Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 16/12
Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 16/12
This Too Shall Pass
Spiritual Story by Unknown
One morning, the boy Solomon saw the goldsmith who works for King David's Palace walk out of the palace very desperate and sad. Salomon asked the goldsmith with curiosity, what makes you feel so sad and desperate? The goldsmith answered, I have to provide a solution to the King within seven days. If not I will be taken out of my job. I am really confused because there is no solution for what the King has asked.
What is the solution that the King is looking for? Solomon was curious. The goldsmith presented the demand of the King to Solomon as follows: I need to make a gold ring for the king with an inscription on it which should help the king not to be very happy and forget the divine truth at his happy moments. At the same time the inscriptions on it should help him not to lose his heart when he is facing failures and desperations. Immediately Solomon gave what he needs to inscribe on it:
He said write as follows "This too shall pass."
http://www.spiritual-short-stories.com/spiritual-short-story-116-This+Too+Shall+Pass.html
One morning, the boy Solomon saw the goldsmith who works for King David's Palace walk out of the palace very desperate and sad. Salomon asked the goldsmith with curiosity, what makes you feel so sad and desperate? The goldsmith answered, I have to provide a solution to the King within seven days. If not I will be taken out of my job. I am really confused because there is no solution for what the King has asked.
What is the solution that the King is looking for? Solomon was curious. The goldsmith presented the demand of the King to Solomon as follows: I need to make a gold ring for the king with an inscription on it which should help the king not to be very happy and forget the divine truth at his happy moments. At the same time the inscriptions on it should help him not to lose his heart when he is facing failures and desperations. Immediately Solomon gave what he needs to inscribe on it:
He said write as follows "This too shall pass."
http://www.spiritual-short-stories.com/spiritual-short-story-116-This+Too+Shall+Pass.html
Thursday, June 9, 2011
How to live without regret in life for youth?
To challenge yourselves to your heart's content in your youth so that you are left with no regrets later, to grow, to make dynamic strides forward—this is the noblest way to live. Victory in youth leads to victory in life.
Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 15/12
Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 15/12
What do youth strive for instead of comparing with others?
Your happiness and victory in life hinge on whether you can grasp, while you are still young, the fact that happiness lies within. That's why there is no need for you to compare yourselves to others but instead strive powerfully and cheerfully to develop your state of life, aiming to improve yourselves each day. From that struggle will bloom noble flowers of mission, flowers of happiness that are yours and yours alone. Shine as you are, live true to yourselves, and advance in your own unique way.
Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 14/12
Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 14/12
The Most Important Teaching
Spiritual Story by Unknown
A renowned Zen master said that his greatest teaching was this: Buddha is your own mind. So impressed by how profound this idea was, one monk decided to leave the monastery and retreat to the wilderness to meditate on this insight. There he spent 20 years as a hermit probing the great teaching.
One day he met another monk who was traveling through the forest. Quickly the hermit monk learned that the traveler also had studied under the same Zen master. "Please, tell me what you know of the master's greatest teaching." The traveler's eyes lit up, "Ah, the master has been very clear about this. He says that his greatest teaching is this: Buddha is NOT your own mind."
http://www.spiritual-short-stories.com/spiritual-short-story-75-The+Most+Important+Teaching.html
A renowned Zen master said that his greatest teaching was this: Buddha is your own mind. So impressed by how profound this idea was, one monk decided to leave the monastery and retreat to the wilderness to meditate on this insight. There he spent 20 years as a hermit probing the great teaching.
One day he met another monk who was traveling through the forest. Quickly the hermit monk learned that the traveler also had studied under the same Zen master. "Please, tell me what you know of the master's greatest teaching." The traveler's eyes lit up, "Ah, the master has been very clear about this. He says that his greatest teaching is this: Buddha is NOT your own mind."
http://www.spiritual-short-stories.com/spiritual-short-story-75-The+Most+Important+Teaching.html
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
The Moon Cannot Be Stolen
Spiritual Story by Unknown
Ryokan, a Zen master, lived the simplest kind of life in a little hut at the foot of a mountain. One evening a thief visited the hut only to discover there was nothing to steal.
Ryokan returned and caught him. "You have come a long way to visit me," he told the prowler, "and you should not return empty-handed. Please take my clothes as a gift."
The thief was bewildered. He took the clothes and slunk away.
Ryoken sat naked, watching the moon. "Poor fellow," he mused, "I wish I could have given him this beautiful moon."
http://www.spiritual-short-stories.com/spiritual-short-story-104-The+Moon+Cannot+Be+Stolen.html
Ryokan, a Zen master, lived the simplest kind of life in a little hut at the foot of a mountain. One evening a thief visited the hut only to discover there was nothing to steal.
Ryokan returned and caught him. "You have come a long way to visit me," he told the prowler, "and you should not return empty-handed. Please take my clothes as a gift."
The thief was bewildered. He took the clothes and slunk away.
Ryoken sat naked, watching the moon. "Poor fellow," he mused, "I wish I could have given him this beautiful moon."
http://www.spiritual-short-stories.com/spiritual-short-story-104-The+Moon+Cannot+Be+Stolen.html
Why all things are inter-related?
Life is a chain. All things are related. When any link is disturbed, the other links will be affected. We should think of the environment as our mother—Mother soil, Mother Sea, Mother Earth. There is no crime worse than harming one's mother.
Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 13/11
Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 13/11
Where to find happiness?
Happiness is a matter of the heart. This is not mere spiritualism. Our hearts are precious vessels endowed with the treasure of Buddhahood. When we strive earnestly in faith and practice and reveal our Buddhahood, we can walk along the sure and steady path to happiness and attain a state of complete fulfillment and satisfaction. Nichiren writes: "Fortune comes from one's heart and makes one worthy of respect."
Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 12/12
Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 12/12
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
The Giver Should Be Thankful
Spiritual Story by Unknown
While Seisetsu was the master of Engaku in Kamakura he required larger quarters, since those in which he was teaching were overcrowded. Umezu Seibei, a merchant of Edo, decided to donate five hundred pieces of gold called ryo toward the construction of a more commodious school. This money he brought to the teacher.
Seisetsu said: "All right. I will take it."
Umezu gave Seisetsu the sack of gold, but he was dissatisfied with the attitude of the teacher. One might live a whole year on three ryo, and the merchant had not even been thanked for five hundred.
"In that sack are five hundred ryo," hinted Umezu.
"You told me that before," replied Seisetsu.
"Even if I am a wealthy merchant, five hundred ryo is a lot of money," said Umezu.
"Do you want me to thank you for it?" asked Seisetsu.
"You ought to," replied Uzemu.
Why should I?" inquired Seisetsu. "The giver should be thankful."
http://www.spiritual-short-stories.com/spiritual-short-story-105-The+Giver+Should+Be+Thankful.html
While Seisetsu was the master of Engaku in Kamakura he required larger quarters, since those in which he was teaching were overcrowded. Umezu Seibei, a merchant of Edo, decided to donate five hundred pieces of gold called ryo toward the construction of a more commodious school. This money he brought to the teacher.
Seisetsu said: "All right. I will take it."
Umezu gave Seisetsu the sack of gold, but he was dissatisfied with the attitude of the teacher. One might live a whole year on three ryo, and the merchant had not even been thanked for five hundred.
"In that sack are five hundred ryo," hinted Umezu.
"You told me that before," replied Seisetsu.
"Even if I am a wealthy merchant, five hundred ryo is a lot of money," said Umezu.
"Do you want me to thank you for it?" asked Seisetsu.
"You ought to," replied Uzemu.
Why should I?" inquired Seisetsu. "The giver should be thankful."
http://www.spiritual-short-stories.com/spiritual-short-story-105-The+Giver+Should+Be+Thankful.html
How do we built want to build our faith?
When a tree has been transplanted, though fierce winds may blow, it will not topple if it has a firm stake to hold it up. But even a tree that has grown up in place may fall over if its roots are weak. Even a feeble person will not stumble if those supporting him are strong, but a person of considerable strength, when alone, may fall down on an uneven path. -Nichiren
Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 11/12
Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 11/12
Who will guide the world towards peace and happiness?
Ralph Waldo Emerson once wrote: "Women are, by their power of conversation and their social influence, the civilizers of mankind. What is civilization? I answer, the power of good women." The solidarity of wise, good women will be the great power to guide the world toward peace and happiness.
Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 10/12
Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 10/12
Monday, June 6, 2011
Tea Combat
Spiritual Story by Unknown
A master of the tea ceremony in old Japan once accidentally slighted a soldier. He quickly apologized, but the rather impetuous soldier demanded that the matter be settled in a sword duel. The tea master, who had no experience with swords, asked the advice of a fellow Zen master who did possess such skill.
As he was served by his friend, the Zen swordsman could not help but notice how the tea master performed his art with perfect concentration and tranquility. "Tomorrow," the Zen swordsman said, "when you duel the soldier, hold your weapon above your head, as if ready to strike, and face him with the same concentration and tranquility with which you perform the tea ceremony."
The next day, at the appointed time and place for the duel, the tea master followed this advice. The soldier, readying himself to strike, stared for a long time into the fully attentive but calm face of the tea master. Finally, the soldier lowered his sword, apologized for his arrogance, and left without a blow being struck.
http://www.spiritual-short-stories.com/spiritual-short-story-76-Tea+Combat.html
A master of the tea ceremony in old Japan once accidentally slighted a soldier. He quickly apologized, but the rather impetuous soldier demanded that the matter be settled in a sword duel. The tea master, who had no experience with swords, asked the advice of a fellow Zen master who did possess such skill.
As he was served by his friend, the Zen swordsman could not help but notice how the tea master performed his art with perfect concentration and tranquility. "Tomorrow," the Zen swordsman said, "when you duel the soldier, hold your weapon above your head, as if ready to strike, and face him with the same concentration and tranquility with which you perform the tea ceremony."
The next day, at the appointed time and place for the duel, the tea master followed this advice. The soldier, readying himself to strike, stared for a long time into the fully attentive but calm face of the tea master. Finally, the soldier lowered his sword, apologized for his arrogance, and left without a blow being struck.
http://www.spiritual-short-stories.com/spiritual-short-story-76-Tea+Combat.html
Why should we emulate the spirit of Florence Nightingale?
Florence Nightingale, the founder of the modern nursing profession, proudly declared: "Let us be anxious to do well, not for selfish praise but to honor and advance the cause, the work we have taken up." The spirit to fulfill a noble mission is pure, strong, and beautiful. It is a spirit that we all should emulate.
Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 9/12
Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 9/12
What is the importance of education?
Education allows us to be truly human. It deepens us and enables us to build a better society and a brighter future. The profundity of education determines the profundity of culture, the nature of society and the firmness of peace. Education plays a major role in creating deep solidarity, mutual understanding and trust.
Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 8/12
Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 8/12
Sunday, June 5, 2011
How to achieve peace?
Peace can never be attained by passively waiting for it. It is necessary for each of us, no matter how weak we may feel we are, to build deep within our hearts a stronghold for peace that can withstand, and in the end silence, the incessant calls for war.
Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 7/12
Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 7/12
How to live in our society that is full of contradictions?
Human society can be full of contradictions. It can be unfair; unforgiving, too. Yet we cannot afford to turn our backs to the world. A person who does loses, and no excuse can gloss that over. Given a choice whether to sink or swim, one must swim to the very end, no matter how the seas around us may rage.
Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 6/12
Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 6/12
Spider
While meditating, a student believed he saw a spider descending in front of him. Each day the menacing creature returned, growing larger and larger each time. So frightened was the student, that he went to his teacher to report his dilemma. He said he planned to place a knife in his lap during meditation, so when the spider appeared he would kill it. The teacher advised him against this plan. Instead, he suggested, bring a piece of chalk to meditation, and when the spider appeared, mark an "X" on its belly. Then report back.
The student returned to his meditation. When the spider again appeared, he resisted the urge to attack it, and instead did just what the master suggested. When he later reported back to the master, the teacher told him to lift up his shirt and look at his own belly. There was the "X".
http://www.spiritual-short-stories.com/spiritual-short-story-113-Spider.html
The student returned to his meditation. When the spider again appeared, he resisted the urge to attack it, and instead did just what the master suggested. When he later reported back to the master, the teacher told him to lift up his shirt and look at his own belly. There was the "X".
http://www.spiritual-short-stories.com/spiritual-short-story-113-Spider.html
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Cause and effect.
Inconspicuous virtue brings conspicuous reward. From the perspective of Buddhism, we never fail to receive the effect of our actions, whether good or bad; therefore, it's meaningless to be two-faced or to pretend to be something we're not.
Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 5/12
Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 5/12
Why is faith?
There is an expansive life-state of profound, secure happiness that transcends any material or social advantage. It is called faith; it is called the life-state of Buddhahood. As Nichiren reminds us: "It is the heart that is important." It is in the heart of faith that Buddhahood resides and boundless and immeasurable happiness shines forth. Happiness is not something located far away. We must realize that it exists within our own lives. Nichiren Buddhism teaches this and shows us how to attain indestructible happiness.
Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 4/12
Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 4/12
How to build trust through dialogue?
Dialogue is a positive endeavor. It builds solidarity and creates unity. To reject others only has negative repercussions. It invites division and leads to destruction. The point is to meet and to talk. It is only natural that our perspective may at times differ from that of others. But dialogue gives rise to trust, even among those who don't see eye to eye.
Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 3/12
Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 3/12
Nothing Exists
Spiritual Story by Unknown
Yamaoka Tesshu, as a young student of Zen, visited one master after another. He called upon Dokuon of Shokoku.
Desiring to show his attainment, he said: "The mind, Buddha, and sentient beings, after all, do not exist. The true nature of phenomena is emptiness. There is no realization, no delusion, no sage, no mediocrity. There is no giving and nothing to be received."
Dokuon, who was smoking quietly, said nothing. Suddenly he whacked Yamaoka with his bamboo pipe. This made the youth quite angry.
"If nothing exists," inquired Dokuon, "where did this anger come from?"
Yamaoka Tesshu, as a young student of Zen, visited one master after another. He called upon Dokuon of Shokoku.
Desiring to show his attainment, he said: "The mind, Buddha, and sentient beings, after all, do not exist. The true nature of phenomena is emptiness. There is no realization, no delusion, no sage, no mediocrity. There is no giving and nothing to be received."
Dokuon, who was smoking quietly, said nothing. Suddenly he whacked Yamaoka with his bamboo pipe. This made the youth quite angry.
"If nothing exists," inquired Dokuon, "where did this anger come from?"
Friday, June 3, 2011
Not Far From Buddhahood
Spiritual Story by Unknown
A university student while visiting Gasan asked him: "Have you ever read the Christian Bible?"
"No, read it to me," said Gasan.
The student opened the Bible and read from St. Matthew: "And why take ye thought for rainment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow. They toil not, neither do they spin, and yet I say unto you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these... Take therefore no thought for the morrow, for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself."
Gasan said: "Whoever uttered those words I consider an enlightened man."
The student continued reading: "Ask and it shall be given you, seek and ye shall find, knock and it shall be opened unto you. For everyone that asketh receiveth, and he that seeketh findeth, and to him that knocketh, it shall be opened."
Gasan remarked: "That is excellent. Whoever said that is not far from Buddhahood."
http://www.spiritual-short-stories.com/spiritual-short-story-124-Not+Far+From+Buddhahood.html
A university student while visiting Gasan asked him: "Have you ever read the Christian Bible?"
"No, read it to me," said Gasan.
The student opened the Bible and read from St. Matthew: "And why take ye thought for rainment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow. They toil not, neither do they spin, and yet I say unto you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these... Take therefore no thought for the morrow, for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself."
Gasan said: "Whoever uttered those words I consider an enlightened man."
The student continued reading: "Ask and it shall be given you, seek and ye shall find, knock and it shall be opened unto you. For everyone that asketh receiveth, and he that seeketh findeth, and to him that knocketh, it shall be opened."
Gasan remarked: "That is excellent. Whoever said that is not far from Buddhahood."
http://www.spiritual-short-stories.com/spiritual-short-story-124-Not+Far+From+Buddhahood.html
What is defeat in life?
What is defeat in life? It is not merely making a mistake; defeat means giving up on yourself in the midst of difficulty. What is true success in life? True success means winning in your battle with yourself. Those who persist in the pursuit of their dreams, no matter what the hurdles, are winners in life, for they have won over their weaknesses.
Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 2/12
Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 2/12
Why should we proud of our work?
The main thing is to be proud of the work you do, to live true to yourself. Activity is another name for happiness. What's important is that you give free, unfettered play to your unique talents, that you live with the full radiance of your being. This is what it means to be truly alive.
Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 1/12
Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 1/12
Thursday, June 2, 2011
What do we do to protect our children—the future of the race?
That we take pains to protect weapons while we expose children—the future of the race—to peril is impermissible. To ignore this absurdity will spell defeat for humanity. We must not live to destroy. We have the spiritual power to create peace and happiness.
Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 30/11
Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 30/11
Why the final years of our lives are the most crucial?
Do not become subservient. Do not dwell on every tiny setback in the course of pursuing your chosen path. To do so would be foolish. Victory or defeat is determined by our entire lives. Moreover, our final years are the most crucial. What is enviable about the pretentious rich? What is great about conceited celebrities? What is admirable about political leaders who gained their positions of power by treating others with contempt? Dig right where you stand, for there lies a rich wellspring!
Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 29/11
Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 29/11
Nature's Beauty
A priest was in charge of the garden within a famous Zen temple. He had been given the job because he loved the flowers, shrubs, and trees. Next to the temple there was another, smaller temple where there lived a very old Zen master.
One day, when the priest was expecting some special guests, he took extra care in tending to the garden. He pulled the weeds, trimmed the shrubs, combed the moss, and spent a long time meticulously raking up and carefully arranging all the dry autumn leaves. As he worked, the old master watched him with interest from across the wall that separated the temples.
When he had finished, the priest stood back to admire his work. "Isn't it beautiful," he called out to the old master. "Yes," replied the old man, "but there is something missing. Help me over this wall and I'll put it right for you."
The priest lifted the old fellow over and set him down. Slowly, the master walked to the tree near the center of the garden, grabbed it by the trunk, and shook it. Leaves showered down all over the garden.
"There," said the old man, "you can put me back now."
link
One day, when the priest was expecting some special guests, he took extra care in tending to the garden. He pulled the weeds, trimmed the shrubs, combed the moss, and spent a long time meticulously raking up and carefully arranging all the dry autumn leaves. As he worked, the old master watched him with interest from across the wall that separated the temples.
When he had finished, the priest stood back to admire his work. "Isn't it beautiful," he called out to the old master. "Yes," replied the old man, "but there is something missing. Help me over this wall and I'll put it right for you."
The priest lifted the old fellow over and set him down. Slowly, the master walked to the tree near the center of the garden, grabbed it by the trunk, and shook it. Leaves showered down all over the garden.
"There," said the old man, "you can put me back now."
link
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Why must we overcome a weak and easily swayed life-state and become a person of strength and purpose?
Many young women agonize over perceived personality flaws and a lack of self-confidence. Nichiren Buddhism, however, teaches the great path of human revolution that enables each of us to shine in our own unique way. With this philosophy, you can decisively overcome a weak and easily swayed life-state and become a person of strength and purpose. It will allow you to withstand the storms of suffering and build a rock-solid foundation that will support you throughout your entire precious lives.
Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 28/11
Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 28/11
Who are the true victors in life?
The true victors in life are those who, enduring repeated challenges and setbacks, have sent the roots of their being to such a depth that nothing can shake them.
Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 27/11
Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 27/11
Muddy Road
Tanzan and Ekido were once traveling together down a muddy road. A heavy rain was still falling.
Coming around a bend, they met a lovely girl in a silk kimono and sash, unable to cross the intersection.
"Come on, girl" said Tanzan at once. Lifting her in his arms, he carried her over the mud.
Ekido did not speak again until that night when they reached a lodging temple. Then he no longer could restrain himself. "We monks don't go near females," he told Tanzan, "especially not young and lovely ones. It is dangerous. Why did you do that?"
"I left the girl there," said Tanzan. "Are you still carrying her?"
link
Coming around a bend, they met a lovely girl in a silk kimono and sash, unable to cross the intersection.
"Come on, girl" said Tanzan at once. Lifting her in his arms, he carried her over the mud.
Ekido did not speak again until that night when they reached a lodging temple. Then he no longer could restrain himself. "We monks don't go near females," he told Tanzan, "especially not young and lovely ones. It is dangerous. Why did you do that?"
"I left the girl there," said Tanzan. "Are you still carrying her?"
link
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