While controlling your mind, which is at once both extremely subtle and solemnly profound, you should strive to elevate your faith with freshness and vigor. When you do so, both your life and your surroundings will open wide before you and every action you take will become a source of benefit. Understanding the subtle workings of one's mind is the key to faith and attaining Buddhahood in this lifetime.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 27/3
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Why should we not look down on people?
Of foremost importance are the people—not celebrities, the powerful, the rich, scholars or others whom society deems great or praiseworthy. The purpose of all things must be the happiness of the people. Everything else should be but a means to that end. Those who fail to recognize this fundamental point and look down on the people and exploit them are thoroughly vile and contemptible; they are a hindrance to people's happiness.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 26/3
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 26/3
Little Jamie Scott
Spiritual Story by Unknown
Jamie was trying out for a part in the school play. His mother told me that he'd set his heart on being in it, though she feared he would not be chosen.
On the day the parts were awarded, I went with her to collect him after school. Jamie rushed up to her, eyes shining with pride and excitement..
"Guess what, Mom," he shouted, and then said those words that will remain a lesson to me....
"I've been chosen to clap and cheer."
Jamie was trying out for a part in the school play. His mother told me that he'd set his heart on being in it, though she feared he would not be chosen.
On the day the parts were awarded, I went with her to collect him after school. Jamie rushed up to her, eyes shining with pride and excitement..
"Guess what, Mom," he shouted, and then said those words that will remain a lesson to me....
"I've been chosen to clap and cheer."
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Why every member should have the commitment required of a Soka Gakkai president?
We are no longer in an age when one person can shoulder everything. Of course, for the day-to-day running of the organization someone will still be officially designated as president, but ultimately our future development hinges on every member having the commitment required of a Soka Gakkai president. With this spirit, this sense of responsibility, this leadership in your activities, may you always work for kosen-rufu and for the victory of the people. May you also build a Soka Gakkai where everyone can advance joyfully, a Soka Gakkai of undying progress.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 25/3
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 25/3
What happen when we practise gongyo and chant daimoku?
When we practice gongyo and chant daimoku before the Gohonzon, the good and evil capacities of our lives begin to function as the exalted form of fundamental existence. Lives that are full of the pain of Hell, lives that are in the state of Hunger, lives warped by the state of Anger—such lives too begin to move in the direction of creating their own personal happiness and value. Lives being pulled toward misfortune and unhappiness are redirected and pulled in the opposite direction, toward good, when they make the Mystic Law their base.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 24/3
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 24/3
The brave man thinks upon himself the last.
Buddhism is not about leading a self-centered existence. If we do not base our lives on the Law, we are not practicing Buddhism. The German writer Friedrich von Schiller writes, "The brave man thinks upon himself the last." This is analogous to the spirit of not begrudging one's life taught in the Lotus Sutra. This means treasuring the Law more highly than one's life. The Law and kosen-rufu are central.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 24/3
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 24/3
Life Is Like A Homemake Cake
Spiritual Story by Unknown
A little boy is telling his Grandma how "everything" is going wrong: school, family problems, and severe health problems in the family. Meanwhile, Grandma is baking a cake. She asks her grandson if he would like a snack, which of course he does.
"Here, have some cooking oil," she says. "Yuck" says the boy.
"Then how about a couple raw eggs?"
"Gross, Grandma!" he replies.
"Would you prefer some flour then? Or maybe some baking soda?" she asks.
"Grandma, those are all yucky!" he replied.
To which Grandma replies: "Yes, all those things seem to taste bad all by themselves. But when they are mixed together in the right amounts and the right manner, they make a delicious cake!"
She continued, "God works the same way. Many times we wonder why he would let us go through such bad and difficult times. But God knows that when He puts these things all in His order, they always work for good! We just have to trust Him and, eventually, they will all make something wonderful!"
A little boy is telling his Grandma how "everything" is going wrong: school, family problems, and severe health problems in the family. Meanwhile, Grandma is baking a cake. She asks her grandson if he would like a snack, which of course he does.
"Here, have some cooking oil," she says. "Yuck" says the boy.
"Then how about a couple raw eggs?"
"Gross, Grandma!" he replies.
"Would you prefer some flour then? Or maybe some baking soda?" she asks.
"Grandma, those are all yucky!" he replied.
To which Grandma replies: "Yes, all those things seem to taste bad all by themselves. But when they are mixed together in the right amounts and the right manner, they make a delicious cake!"
She continued, "God works the same way. Many times we wonder why he would let us go through such bad and difficult times. But God knows that when He puts these things all in His order, they always work for good! We just have to trust Him and, eventually, they will all make something wonderful!"
Friday, July 29, 2011
Life is Like a Cup of Coffee
Spiritual Story by Unknown
A group of alumni, highly established in their careers, got together to visit their old university professor. Conversation soon turned into complaints about stress in work and life.
Offering his guests coffee, the professor went to the kitchen and returned with a large pot of coffee and an assortment of cups - porcelain, plastic, glass, crystal, some plain looking, some expensive, some exquisite - telling them to help themselves to the coffee.
When all the students had a cup of coffee in hand, the professor said: "If you noticed, all the nice looking expensive cups have been taken up, leaving behind the plain and cheap ones. While it is normal for you to want only the best for yourselves, that is the source of your problems and stress.
Be assured that the cup itself adds no quality to the coffee. In most cases it is just more expensive and in some cases even hides what we drink. What all of you really wanted was coffee, not the cup, but you consciously went for the best cups... And then you began eyeing each other's cups.
Now consider this: Life is the coffee; the jobs, money and position in society are the cups. They are just tools to hold and contain Life, and the type of cup we have does not define, nor change the quality of life we live.
Sometimes, by concentrating only on the cup, we fail to enjoy the coffee. Savor the coffee, not the cups! The happiest people don't have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly.
A group of alumni, highly established in their careers, got together to visit their old university professor. Conversation soon turned into complaints about stress in work and life.
Offering his guests coffee, the professor went to the kitchen and returned with a large pot of coffee and an assortment of cups - porcelain, plastic, glass, crystal, some plain looking, some expensive, some exquisite - telling them to help themselves to the coffee.
When all the students had a cup of coffee in hand, the professor said: "If you noticed, all the nice looking expensive cups have been taken up, leaving behind the plain and cheap ones. While it is normal for you to want only the best for yourselves, that is the source of your problems and stress.
Be assured that the cup itself adds no quality to the coffee. In most cases it is just more expensive and in some cases even hides what we drink. What all of you really wanted was coffee, not the cup, but you consciously went for the best cups... And then you began eyeing each other's cups.
Now consider this: Life is the coffee; the jobs, money and position in society are the cups. They are just tools to hold and contain Life, and the type of cup we have does not define, nor change the quality of life we live.
Sometimes, by concentrating only on the cup, we fail to enjoy the coffee. Savor the coffee, not the cups! The happiest people don't have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly.
Let us live our lives boldly without regret.
Let us all set our sights on leading great lives dedicated always to truth and move toward that goal in good health, brimming with hope. Let us live our lives boldly, without regret, advancing with patience, enthusiasm and a genuine spirit of friendship and camaraderie.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 23/3
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 23/3
Life is about striving all out to achieve our aims.
I call to each of you: Strive for prosperity! Strive for development! Strive for victory! Life is about striving all out to achieve our aims; it is about hard work and effort. Regardless of how smart you may be, intelligence alone cannot guarantee your future.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 22/3
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 22/3
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Life Explained
Spiritual Story by Unknown
A boat docked in a tiny Mexican village. An American tourist complimented the Mexican fisherman on the quality of his fish and asked how long it took him to catch them.
"Not very long," answered the Mexican.
"But then, why didn't you stay out longer and catch more?" asked the American.
The Mexican explained that his small catch was sufficient to meet his needs and those of his family.
The American asked, "But what do you do with the rest of your time?"
"I sleep late, fish a little, play with my children, and take a siesta with my wife. In the evenings, I go into the village to see my friends, have a few drinks, play the guitar, and sing a few songs. I have a full life."
The American interrupted, "I have an MBA from Harvard and I can help you! You should start by fishing longer every day. You can then sell the extra fish you catch. With the extra revenue, you can buy a bigger boat."
"And after that?" asked the Mexican.
"With the extra money the larger boat will bring, you can buy a second one and a third one and so on until you have an entire fleet of trawlers. Instead of selling your fish to a middle man, you can then negotiate directly with the processing plants and maybe even open your own plant. You can then leave this little village and move to Mexico City, Los Angeles, or even New York City! From there you can direct your huge new enterprise."
"How long would that take?" asked the Mexican.
"Twenty, perhaps twenty-five years," replied the American.
"And after that?"
"Afterwards? Well my friend, that's when it gets really interesting," answered the American, laughing. "When your business gets really big, you can start buying and selling stocks and make millions!"
"Millions? Really? And after that?" asked the Mexican.
"After that you'll be able to retire, live in a tiny village near the coast, sleep late, play with your children, catch a few fish, take a siesta with your wife and spend your evenings drinking and enjoying your friends."
A boat docked in a tiny Mexican village. An American tourist complimented the Mexican fisherman on the quality of his fish and asked how long it took him to catch them.
"Not very long," answered the Mexican.
"But then, why didn't you stay out longer and catch more?" asked the American.
The Mexican explained that his small catch was sufficient to meet his needs and those of his family.
The American asked, "But what do you do with the rest of your time?"
"I sleep late, fish a little, play with my children, and take a siesta with my wife. In the evenings, I go into the village to see my friends, have a few drinks, play the guitar, and sing a few songs. I have a full life."
The American interrupted, "I have an MBA from Harvard and I can help you! You should start by fishing longer every day. You can then sell the extra fish you catch. With the extra revenue, you can buy a bigger boat."
"And after that?" asked the Mexican.
"With the extra money the larger boat will bring, you can buy a second one and a third one and so on until you have an entire fleet of trawlers. Instead of selling your fish to a middle man, you can then negotiate directly with the processing plants and maybe even open your own plant. You can then leave this little village and move to Mexico City, Los Angeles, or even New York City! From there you can direct your huge new enterprise."
"How long would that take?" asked the Mexican.
"Twenty, perhaps twenty-five years," replied the American.
"And after that?"
"Afterwards? Well my friend, that's when it gets really interesting," answered the American, laughing. "When your business gets really big, you can start buying and selling stocks and make millions!"
"Millions? Really? And after that?" asked the Mexican.
"After that you'll be able to retire, live in a tiny village near the coast, sleep late, play with your children, catch a few fish, take a siesta with your wife and spend your evenings drinking and enjoying your friends."
Why is it that sometimes our prayers seem to not be answered?
Why is it that sometimes our prayers seem to not be answered? This is a manifestation of the Buddha's wisdom—so that we can deepen our prayers, become stronger people, live more profound lives and secure deeper, more lasting good fortune. If our slightest prayer were answered immediately, we'd become lazy and degenerate. And we couldn't hope to build a life of great dignity and substance.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 21/3
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 21/3
How to overcome times when life seems gloomy and dull?
There may be times when life seems gloomy and dull. When we feel stuck in some situation or other, when we are negative toward everything, when we feel lost and bewildered, not sure which way to turn—at such times we must transform our passive mind-set and determine, "I will proceed along this path," "I will pursue my mission today." When we do so a genuine springtime arrives in our hearts; and flowers start to blossom.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 20/3
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 20/3
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Laughing Until You Laugh No More
Spiritual Story by Unknown
A wise man once sat in the audience and cracked a joke.
All laughed like crazy. After a moment he cracked the same joke again and a little less people laughed this time.
He cracked the same joke again and again, when there was no laughter in the crowd, he smiled and said:
"When you can't laugh on the same joke again and again, then why do you keep crying over the same thing over and over again?”
A wise man once sat in the audience and cracked a joke.
All laughed like crazy. After a moment he cracked the same joke again and a little less people laughed this time.
He cracked the same joke again and again, when there was no laughter in the crowd, he smiled and said:
"When you can't laugh on the same joke again and again, then why do you keep crying over the same thing over and over again?”
Why should we devote ourselves earnestly to SGI activities?
By devoting ourselves earnestly to SGI activities, we gain the ability to turn all difficulties and obstacles into benefit, recognizing that earthly desires and delusions are enlightenment and that the sufferings of birth and death are nirvana. No matter how unpleasant the circumstances we find ourselves in, we can transform them into hope and good fortune—into eternal happiness. How incredible this is!
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 19/3
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 19/3
The SGI is a world of humanity—of the heart, of faith, of compassion.
Let us do our utmost to sustain the wonderfully warm atmosphere of the SGI—an atmosphere where members feel free to discuss whatever is on their minds. Unless we do so, our organization will stop growing, stop developing. The SGI is a world of humanity—of the heart, of faith, of compassion. It is a world of unity and mutual inspiration. That is why it is strong. If we continue to value and promote these qualities, the SGI will continue to grow and develop forever. I want to declare here and now the atmosphere where we can discuss anything is fundamental to the SGI.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 18/3
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 18/3
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Killing Truth
Spiritual Story by Unknown
One day Mara, who is the ancient Buddhist god of ignorance and evil, was travelling through the villages of India with his attendants. Along the way, he noticed a man doing a walking meditation. The man's face was lit up in wonder. Apparently, the man had just discovered something on the ground in front of him.
Mara's attendants, noticing the glow emanating from the man, asked Mara what it was the man had discovered. Mara replied, "He has discovered a piece of truth."
"But evil one!" exclaimed one of his entourage, "Doesn't this bother you when someone finds a piece of the truth?"
"No," said Mara. "I am not troubled in the least."
"But why not?"insisted his attendants.
"Because," replied Mara, chuckling, "Right after they discover some truth, they usually make a belief out of it."
One day Mara, who is the ancient Buddhist god of ignorance and evil, was travelling through the villages of India with his attendants. Along the way, he noticed a man doing a walking meditation. The man's face was lit up in wonder. Apparently, the man had just discovered something on the ground in front of him.
Mara's attendants, noticing the glow emanating from the man, asked Mara what it was the man had discovered. Mara replied, "He has discovered a piece of truth."
"But evil one!" exclaimed one of his entourage, "Doesn't this bother you when someone finds a piece of the truth?"
"No," said Mara. "I am not troubled in the least."
"But why not?"insisted his attendants.
"Because," replied Mara, chuckling, "Right after they discover some truth, they usually make a belief out of it."
Why must we devote our lives to help others?
You mustn't allow yourselves to grow old before your time. Please live with a youthful spirit. That is what Buddhism teaches us to do and it is how life ought to be lived. If you make a commitment to work for the sake of others, you will be rejuvenated. If you devote your life to helping others, you'll stay young. The power of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo guarantees that.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 17/3
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 17/3
What is the significance of Kosen-rufu Day?
March 16, Kosen-rufu Day. The spirit of this day lies not in magnificent ceremonies or high-sounding words. It lies in being victorious. That is the most crucial thing in all endeavors. In life and in kosen-rufu, we either win or lose. I would like you to be absolute victors in both. No matter what excuses we try to make, giving in to defeat brings misery and loses us the respect of others. I hope each of you without exception will adorn your life with indestructible triumph.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 16/3
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 16/3
Monday, July 25, 2011
Is Man Free
Spiritual Story by Osho
A man comes to a master to ask how much man is independent, free. Is he totally free, or is there a limitation? Is there something like fate, kismet, destiny, a God who makes a limitation beyond which you cannot be free?
The mystic answered in his own way - not logically but existentially. He said, "Stand up."
The man must have felt this was a stupid kind of answer, "I am asking a simple question and he is asking me to stand up." But he said, "Let us see what happens." He stood. And the mystic said, "Now, raise one of your legs up."
The man, by this time must have been thinking he had come to a madman; what has this to do with freedom, independence? But now that he has come... and there must have been a crowd of disciples, and the mystic was so respected; not to follow him would be disrespectful, and there was no harm. So he lifted one of his legs from the earth, so one foot was in the air and he was standing on one foot.
And then the master said, "That's perfectly good. Just one thing more. Now take the other foot up also."
"That is impossible!" the man said, "You are asking something impossible. I have taken my right foot up. Now I cannot take my left foot up."
The master said, "But you were free. In the beginning you could have taken the left foot up. There was no binding order. You were completely free to choose whether to take the left foot up or the right foot up. I had not said anything about it; you just decided. You took the right foot up.
In your very decision, you made it impossible for the left foot to be lifted up. Don't bother about fate, kismet, God. Just think of simple things."
A man comes to a master to ask how much man is independent, free. Is he totally free, or is there a limitation? Is there something like fate, kismet, destiny, a God who makes a limitation beyond which you cannot be free?
The mystic answered in his own way - not logically but existentially. He said, "Stand up."
The man must have felt this was a stupid kind of answer, "I am asking a simple question and he is asking me to stand up." But he said, "Let us see what happens." He stood. And the mystic said, "Now, raise one of your legs up."
The man, by this time must have been thinking he had come to a madman; what has this to do with freedom, independence? But now that he has come... and there must have been a crowd of disciples, and the mystic was so respected; not to follow him would be disrespectful, and there was no harm. So he lifted one of his legs from the earth, so one foot was in the air and he was standing on one foot.
And then the master said, "That's perfectly good. Just one thing more. Now take the other foot up also."
"That is impossible!" the man said, "You are asking something impossible. I have taken my right foot up. Now I cannot take my left foot up."
The master said, "But you were free. In the beginning you could have taken the left foot up. There was no binding order. You were completely free to choose whether to take the left foot up or the right foot up. I had not said anything about it; you just decided. You took the right foot up.
In your very decision, you made it impossible for the left foot to be lifted up. Don't bother about fate, kismet, God. Just think of simple things."
How to take the "enemies" to task?
We must take the enemies of the Buddha to task. We absolutely cannot remain silent when we see people distorting and corrupting the Daishonin's teaching. To speak out resolutely and clarify what is correct and what is erroneous is the Soka Gakkai spirit. If we simply try to be amiable and avoid making waves, then we will play right into the hands of people with malicious intent.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 15/3
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 15/3
How to be a good SGI leader?
As SGI leaders, how we interpret the words of members and what we say in response is important. A genuine leader is someone who gives measured thought to such matters. When talking with individuals, ask yourselves: "What are they worried about?" "What are they trying to say?" "What are they thinking? "What is it they seek?" Try to discern these things in others. Try to know. Try to understand. This is the challenge of leadership. From such compassion arises wisdom.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 14/3
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 14/3
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Integrity and Marbles
Spiritual Story by Unknown
A boy and a girl were playing together. The boy had a collection of marbles. The girl had some sweets with her. The boy told the girl that he will give her all his marbles in exchange for her sweets. The girl agreed.
The boy kept the biggest and the most beautiful marble aside and gave the rest to the girl. The girl gave him all her sweets as she had promised.
That night, the girl slept peacefully. But the boy couldn't sleep as he kept wondering if the girl had hidden some sweets from him the way he had hidden his best marble.
A boy and a girl were playing together. The boy had a collection of marbles. The girl had some sweets with her. The boy told the girl that he will give her all his marbles in exchange for her sweets. The girl agreed.
The boy kept the biggest and the most beautiful marble aside and gave the rest to the girl. The girl gave him all her sweets as she had promised.
That night, the girl slept peacefully. But the boy couldn't sleep as he kept wondering if the girl had hidden some sweets from him the way he had hidden his best marble.
How to maintain the rhythm of our lives?
If we don't practice gongyo, the rhythm of our lives will be thrown off kilter, just as a machine that isn't oiled will rust. Gongyo and chanting daimoku are like starting an automobile's engine every day and driving in the direction of happiness and truth. By doing so day after day, you will gradually attain perfect unity with the universe and the Law. That state is the state of the Buddha.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 13/3
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 13/3
Mission of SGI members
As SGI members our work, our mission, is clear. We have the unparalleled task of working for the happiness of all humanity in an endeavor we call kosen-rufu. To participate in SGI activities and challenge ourselves earnestly on the path of our mission are the greatest happiness. It all comes down to whether we can appreciate this point.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 12/3
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 12/3
Saturday, July 23, 2011
In Love With Her Beloved
Spiritual Story by Unknown
A young woman, deeply in love with her beloved, had not seen him for some time, and was missing him greatly. She also had a teacher whom she loved, and looked forward to the day when they would meet again and she would receive her next teaching.
The day came, and she went eagerly to greet the teacher, hoping also perhaps for a blessing. The teacher welcomed the woman, and handed her a huge basket of freshly picked, perfectly ripened strawberries. Then the teacher said, “Do you see that mountain?”
The woman said yes, she saw the huge rocky peak nearby. The teacher said, “Carry this basket of strawberries up that mountain.” And turned away.
The woman couldn't protest, or even question. The teacher was gone. Reluctantly, she hefted the basket into her arms and turned her steps to the high mountain. Slowly she wound her way up the difficult path, wondering what this assignment was about, why she had to do this, what was the teaching, maybe she had come to the wrong teacher, and so on and on. Grousing and grumbling, stumbling now and again, feeling the sun burn hot on her back, the basket of strawberries growing heavy and cumbersome, she nevertheless found something inside that kept her struggling upward.
Finally, as the sun was moving deep into the west, she came to the top of the mountain, and found herself standing in a beautiful, peaceful, flower-filled meadow. She had made it! Furthermore, the basket of strawberries was intact. All the exquisite fruit had made the journey without harm.
The woman looked across the meadow, and saw her beloved moving toward her, gazing at her with eyes of profound love and a smile of sweet welcome.
When the storyteller came to the end of the tale, he added to the teaching by telling us some of the woman's thoughts: “If I had only known that the strawberries were for the Beloved, that the journey was toward my Beloved, I would not have been so fussy or puzzled or grown so weary, or complained so much, or failed to notice the beauty of the mountain I was climbing.”
A young woman, deeply in love with her beloved, had not seen him for some time, and was missing him greatly. She also had a teacher whom she loved, and looked forward to the day when they would meet again and she would receive her next teaching.
The day came, and she went eagerly to greet the teacher, hoping also perhaps for a blessing. The teacher welcomed the woman, and handed her a huge basket of freshly picked, perfectly ripened strawberries. Then the teacher said, “Do you see that mountain?”
The woman said yes, she saw the huge rocky peak nearby. The teacher said, “Carry this basket of strawberries up that mountain.” And turned away.
The woman couldn't protest, or even question. The teacher was gone. Reluctantly, she hefted the basket into her arms and turned her steps to the high mountain. Slowly she wound her way up the difficult path, wondering what this assignment was about, why she had to do this, what was the teaching, maybe she had come to the wrong teacher, and so on and on. Grousing and grumbling, stumbling now and again, feeling the sun burn hot on her back, the basket of strawberries growing heavy and cumbersome, she nevertheless found something inside that kept her struggling upward.
Finally, as the sun was moving deep into the west, she came to the top of the mountain, and found herself standing in a beautiful, peaceful, flower-filled meadow. She had made it! Furthermore, the basket of strawberries was intact. All the exquisite fruit had made the journey without harm.
The woman looked across the meadow, and saw her beloved moving toward her, gazing at her with eyes of profound love and a smile of sweet welcome.
When the storyteller came to the end of the tale, he added to the teaching by telling us some of the woman's thoughts: “If I had only known that the strawberries were for the Beloved, that the journey was toward my Beloved, I would not have been so fussy or puzzled or grown so weary, or complained so much, or failed to notice the beauty of the mountain I was climbing.”
The spirit of people of genuine substance
All right, let's get to work again!"—This is the spirit of people of genuine substance. Those who avoid hard work or neglect the things they have to do, who just while away their time, eating, sleeping, playing, watching television—such individuals will never experience true happiness, satisfaction or joy.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 11/3
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 11/3
Those who work cheerfully and take joy in the fruits of their labor are truly happy
Where is happiness to be found? The famous Roman philosopher-emperor Marcus Aurelius (121-180) said, "A man's true delight is to do the things he was made for." Human happiness, he maintains, lies in doing those things only humans can: seeking the truth and acting to help those who are suffering. Goethe also 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.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 10/3
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 10/3
Friday, July 22, 2011
If You Want Happiness
Spiritual Story by Unknown
A young man, a student in one of the universities, was one day taking a walk with a professor, who was commonly called the students' friend for his kindness to those who waited on his instructions.
As they went along, they saw lying in the path a pair of old shoes, which were supposed to belong to a poor man who was working in a field close by, and who had nearly finished his day's work . . .
Student turned to the professor, saying: "Let us play the man a trick:
we will hide his shoes, and hide ourselves behind those bushes, and wait to see his perplexity when he cannot find them ..."
"My young friend," answered the professor, "We should never amuse ourselves at the expense of the poor . . . But you are rich, and may give yourself a much greater pleasure by means of this poor man.
Put a coin in each shoe, and then we will hide ourselves and watch how this affects him." Visit: The student did so and they both placed themselves behind the bushes close by. The poor man soon finished his work, and came across the field to the path where he had left his coat and shoes . . .
While putting on his coat he slipped his foot into one of his shoes, but feeling something hard, he stooped down to feel what it was, and found the coin. Astonishment and wonder were seen upon his countenance.
He gazed upon the coin, turned it around and looked at it again and again.
He then looked around him on all sides, but no person was to be seen. He now put the money into his pocket, and proceeded to put on the other shoe; but his surprise was doubled on finding the other coin . . .
His feelings overcame him . . . he fell upon his knees, looked up to heaven and uttered aloud a fervent thanksgiving in which he spoke of his wife, sick and helpless, and his children without bread, whom this timely bounty, from some unknown hand, would save from perishing . . .
The student stood there deeply affected, and his eyes filled with tears.
"Now," said the professor, are you not much better pleased than if you had played your intended trick?"
The youth replied, "You have taught me a lesson which I will never forget. .. I feel now the truth of these words, which I never understood before: "It's more blessed to give than to receive."
A young man, a student in one of the universities, was one day taking a walk with a professor, who was commonly called the students' friend for his kindness to those who waited on his instructions.
As they went along, they saw lying in the path a pair of old shoes, which were supposed to belong to a poor man who was working in a field close by, and who had nearly finished his day's work . . .
Student turned to the professor, saying: "Let us play the man a trick:
we will hide his shoes, and hide ourselves behind those bushes, and wait to see his perplexity when he cannot find them ..."
"My young friend," answered the professor, "We should never amuse ourselves at the expense of the poor . . . But you are rich, and may give yourself a much greater pleasure by means of this poor man.
Put a coin in each shoe, and then we will hide ourselves and watch how this affects him." Visit: The student did so and they both placed themselves behind the bushes close by. The poor man soon finished his work, and came across the field to the path where he had left his coat and shoes . . .
While putting on his coat he slipped his foot into one of his shoes, but feeling something hard, he stooped down to feel what it was, and found the coin. Astonishment and wonder were seen upon his countenance.
He gazed upon the coin, turned it around and looked at it again and again.
He then looked around him on all sides, but no person was to be seen. He now put the money into his pocket, and proceeded to put on the other shoe; but his surprise was doubled on finding the other coin . . .
His feelings overcame him . . . he fell upon his knees, looked up to heaven and uttered aloud a fervent thanksgiving in which he spoke of his wife, sick and helpless, and his children without bread, whom this timely bounty, from some unknown hand, would save from perishing . . .
The student stood there deeply affected, and his eyes filled with tears.
"Now," said the professor, are you not much better pleased than if you had played your intended trick?"
The youth replied, "You have taught me a lesson which I will never forget. .. I feel now the truth of these words, which I never understood before: "It's more blessed to give than to receive."
The fundamental spirit of Buddhism is that all people are equal
The fundamental spirit of Buddhism is that all people are equal. A person is not great simply because of his or her social standing, fame, academic background or position in the organization. In the world of faith, the truly great are those who spread the Mystic Law and strive for kosen-rufu, who actively work for the sake of Buddhism and the happiness of others. Supremely respectworthy are those who champion the cause of kosen-rufu.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 9/3
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 9/3
There is no happiness without courage nor virtue without struggle
The great French philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712- 78) wrote in his work Emile: "There is no happiness without courage nor virtue without struggle." Without courage there is no happiness and it is impossible to create a life of value. This is an unchanging rule of human existence.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 8/3
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 8/3
Thursday, July 21, 2011
I Can Sleep When The Wind Blows
Spiritual Story by Unknown
Years ago a farmer owned land along the Atlantic seacoast. He constantly advertised for hired hands. Most people were reluctant to work on farms along the Atlantic. They dreaded the awful storms that raged across the Atlantic, wreaking havoc on the buildings and crops.
As the farmer interviewed applicants for the job, he received a steady stream of refusals. Finally, a short, thin man, well past middle age, approached the farmer. "Are you a good farm hand?" the farmer asked him. "Well, I can sleep when the wind blows," answered the little man. Although puzzled by this answer, the farmer, desperate for help, hired him.
The little man worked well around the farm, busy from dawn to dusk, and the farmer felt satisfied with the man's work. Then one night the wind howled loudly in from offshore. Jumping out of bed, the farmer grabbed a lantern and rushed next door to the hired hand's sleeping quarters.
He shook the little man and yelled, "Get up! A storm is coming! Tie things down before they blow away!" The little man rolled over in bed and said firmly, "No sir. I told you, I can sleep when the wind blows."
Enraged by the response, the farmer was tempted to fire him on the spot. Instead, he hurried outside to prepare for the storm. To his amazement, he discovered that all of the haystacks had been covered with tarpaulins.
The cows were in the barn, the chickens were in the coops, and the doors were barred. The shutters were tightly secured. Everything was tied down. Nothing could blow away. The farmer then understood what his hired hand meant, so he returned to his bed to also sleep while the wind blew.
Years ago a farmer owned land along the Atlantic seacoast. He constantly advertised for hired hands. Most people were reluctant to work on farms along the Atlantic. They dreaded the awful storms that raged across the Atlantic, wreaking havoc on the buildings and crops.
As the farmer interviewed applicants for the job, he received a steady stream of refusals. Finally, a short, thin man, well past middle age, approached the farmer. "Are you a good farm hand?" the farmer asked him. "Well, I can sleep when the wind blows," answered the little man. Although puzzled by this answer, the farmer, desperate for help, hired him.
The little man worked well around the farm, busy from dawn to dusk, and the farmer felt satisfied with the man's work. Then one night the wind howled loudly in from offshore. Jumping out of bed, the farmer grabbed a lantern and rushed next door to the hired hand's sleeping quarters.
He shook the little man and yelled, "Get up! A storm is coming! Tie things down before they blow away!" The little man rolled over in bed and said firmly, "No sir. I told you, I can sleep when the wind blows."
Enraged by the response, the farmer was tempted to fire him on the spot. Instead, he hurried outside to prepare for the storm. To his amazement, he discovered that all of the haystacks had been covered with tarpaulins.
The cows were in the barn, the chickens were in the coops, and the doors were barred. The shutters were tightly secured. Everything was tied down. Nothing could blow away. The farmer then understood what his hired hand meant, so he returned to his bed to also sleep while the wind blew.
How to become genuine disciples of Daishonin?
Calling forth the three powerful enemies and defeating them makes one a votary of the Lotus Sutra. It is only natural, then, when we advance upon the correct path of mentor and disciple originating with the Daishonin, we will encounter obstacles. By battling the three powerful enemies, we become genuine disciples of the Daishonin. In that respect, the authenticity of the path of mentor and disciple followed by the first three presidents of the Soka Gakkai has been proven beyond doubt.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 7/3
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 7/3
How to achieve a sense of fulfillment or joy?
There is no need for you to be impatient. If you can achieve something very easily right from the start, you will find no sense of fulfillment or joy. It is in making tenacious, all-out efforts for construction that profound happiness lies.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 6/3
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 6/3
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
His Good Will
Spiritual Story by Unknown
Many years ago, a ten-year-old boy approached the soda counter and climbed onto a stool to ask the busy waitress, "What does an ice cream sundae cost?"
"Fifty cents," she answered.
The boy pulled out an assortment of change and counted it carefully as the busy waitress looked right and left at other customers she had to wait upon.
"Well how much would just plain ice cream be?" he asked.
"Thirty-five cents" she replied curtly.
Again the boy counted his money. "May I have a plain ice cream in a dish, please?" He gave the waitress the thirty-five cents and she brought him the ice cream.
Later, the waitress returned to clear the boy's dish and when she picked it up, she discovered two nickels and five pennies. The waitress smiled tenderly as she realized that the boy had enough money for the sundae, but settled for plain vanilla so he could leave her a gratuity for her service.
Many years ago, a ten-year-old boy approached the soda counter and climbed onto a stool to ask the busy waitress, "What does an ice cream sundae cost?"
"Fifty cents," she answered.
The boy pulled out an assortment of change and counted it carefully as the busy waitress looked right and left at other customers she had to wait upon.
"Well how much would just plain ice cream be?" he asked.
"Thirty-five cents" she replied curtly.
Again the boy counted his money. "May I have a plain ice cream in a dish, please?" He gave the waitress the thirty-five cents and she brought him the ice cream.
Later, the waitress returned to clear the boy's dish and when she picked it up, she discovered two nickels and five pennies. The waitress smiled tenderly as she realized that the boy had enough money for the sundae, but settled for plain vanilla so he could leave her a gratuity for her service.
I have survived until this day.... by Nichiren Daishonin
The efforts made by one individual can be immensely important. Nichiren Daishonin repeatedly states that victory depends not on numbers but on a group or individual's attitude or resolve. In one passage he writes: "Everyone in Japan, from the sovereign on down to the common people, all without exception tried to do me harm, but I have survived until this day. This is because, although I am alone, I have firm faith [in the Lotus Sutra]"
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 5/3
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 5/3
People who are vigilant do not die; people who are negligent are as if dead.
Shakyamuni proclaims, "People who are vigilant do not die; people who are negligent are as if dead." This is definitely true. Unremitting diligence in our Buddhist practice—brave and vigorous exertion—infuses our lives with the great life force of the eternal Buddha. In contrast, people who try to get by in life through cunning and deception enact a living death.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 4/3
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 4/3
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Growing Good Corn
Spiritual Story by Unknown
There once was a farmer who grew award-winning corn. Each year he entered his corn in the state fair where it won a blue ribbon.
One year a newspaper reporter interviewed him and learned something interesting about how he grew it. The reporter discovered that the farmer shared his seed corn with his neighbors.
"How can you afford to share your best seed corn with your neighbors when they are entering corn in competition with yours each year?" the reporter asked.
"Why sir," said the farmer, "didn't you know? The wind picks up pollen from the ripening corn and swirls it from field to field. If my neighbors grow inferior corn, cross-pollination will steadily degrade the quality of my corn. If I am to grow good corn, I must help my neighbors grow good corn."
There once was a farmer who grew award-winning corn. Each year he entered his corn in the state fair where it won a blue ribbon.
One year a newspaper reporter interviewed him and learned something interesting about how he grew it. The reporter discovered that the farmer shared his seed corn with his neighbors.
"How can you afford to share your best seed corn with your neighbors when they are entering corn in competition with yours each year?" the reporter asked.
"Why sir," said the farmer, "didn't you know? The wind picks up pollen from the ripening corn and swirls it from field to field. If my neighbors grow inferior corn, cross-pollination will steadily degrade the quality of my corn. If I am to grow good corn, I must help my neighbors grow good corn."
What is the inner youth in us?
What is youth? The French philosopher Roger Garaudy suggests that while most people believe a person is born young and then ages and dies in reality, acquiring youth in the deepest sense is a very long and challenging process. The youth of which he speaks is the spiritual strength not to stagnate or grow resistant to change but to stay ever open to new possibilities. It is the power of the spirit that refuses to succumb to complacency and strives forward.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 3/3
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 3/3
To start an undertaking is easy; to maintain it is difficult.
There is a saying, "To start an undertaking is easy; to maintain it is difficult." Though creating something new may seem daunting, it is in fact easy when compared to the far more challenging task of carrying on an existing enterprise, to keep it going, to develop it further. Everything depends on people, on capable successors. And our movement for kosen-rufu depends on young people. For that reason I am determined to do all that I can right now to raise genuine successors in the youth division.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 2/3
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 2/3
Why do we need to go out and mix with people every day?
We need to go out and mix with people every day. Making our local community the base for our activities, we need to forge ties of friendship with others and work with them to create peace. Staying connected in this way to our town, city, state and country is a practical manifestation of our lives permeating all things. We embody the doctrine of a life-moment possessing 3,000 realms when we do kosen-rufu activities.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 1/3
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 1/3
Monday, July 18, 2011
God's Wife
Spiritual Story by Unknown
An eye witness account from New York City, on a cold day in December, some years ago: A little boy, about 10-years-old, was standing before a shoe store on the roadway, barefooted, peering through the window, and shivering with cold.
A lady approached the young boy and said, 'My, but you're in such deep thought staring in that window!'
'I was asking God to give me a pair of shoes,' was the boy's reply.
The lady took him by the hand, went into the store, and asked the clerk to get half a dozen pairs of socks for the boy. She then asked if he could give her a basin of water and a towel. He quickly brought them to her.
She took the little fellow to the back part of the store and, removing her gloves, knelt down, washed his little feet, and dried them with the towel.
By this time, the clerk had returned with the socks... Placing a pair upon the boy's feet, she purchased him a pair of shoes..
She tied up the remaining pairs of socks and gave them to him... She patted him on the head and said, 'No doubt, you will be more comfortable now.'
As she turned to go, the astonished kid caught her by the hand, and looking up into her face, with tears in his eyes, asked her.
'Are you God's wife?'
An eye witness account from New York City, on a cold day in December, some years ago: A little boy, about 10-years-old, was standing before a shoe store on the roadway, barefooted, peering through the window, and shivering with cold.
A lady approached the young boy and said, 'My, but you're in such deep thought staring in that window!'
'I was asking God to give me a pair of shoes,' was the boy's reply.
The lady took him by the hand, went into the store, and asked the clerk to get half a dozen pairs of socks for the boy. She then asked if he could give her a basin of water and a towel. He quickly brought them to her.
She took the little fellow to the back part of the store and, removing her gloves, knelt down, washed his little feet, and dried them with the towel.
By this time, the clerk had returned with the socks... Placing a pair upon the boy's feet, she purchased him a pair of shoes..
She tied up the remaining pairs of socks and gave them to him... She patted him on the head and said, 'No doubt, you will be more comfortable now.'
As she turned to go, the astonished kid caught her by the hand, and looking up into her face, with tears in his eyes, asked her.
'Are you God's wife?'
How to forge the path to a fulfilling and enjoyable life?
You can forge the path to a fulfilling and enjoyable life if you have the depth of faith to regard everything as a source for creating happiness and value. Conversely, if you see everything only in a negative or pessimistic light, your life will gradually but inevitably be plunged into darkness. Buddhism teaches the subtle principle of ichinen, and moreover, the power of faith.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 28/2
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 28/2
How to make your life shine like mirror?
Originally, every person's life is a brilliantly shining mirror. Differences arise depending on whether one polishes this mirror: A polished mirror is the Buddha's life, whereas a tarnished mirror is that of a common mortal. Chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is what polishes our lives.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 27/2
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 27/2
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Girl With Four Boyfriends
Spiritual Story by Unknown
Once upon a time there was a girl who had four boyfriends.
She loved the fourth boyfriend the most and adorned him with rich robes
And treated him to the finest of delicacies. She gave him nothing but
The best.
She also loved the third boyfriend very much and was always showing him
Off to neighboring kingdoms. However, she feared that one day he would
Leave her for another.
She also loved her second boyfriend. He was her confident and was always
Kind, considerate and patient with her. Whenever this girl faced a
Problem, she could confide in him, and he would help her get through the
Difficult times.
The girl's first boyfriend was a very loyal partner and had made great
Contributions in maintaining her wealth and kingdom. However, she did
Not love the first boyfriend. Although he loved her deeply, she hardly
Took notice of him!
One day, the girl fell ill and she knew her time was short. She thought
Of her luxurious life and wondered, 'I now have four boyfriends with me,
But when I die, I'll be all alone.'
Thus, she asked the fourth boyfriend, 'I loved you the most, endowed you
With the finest clothing and showered great care over you. Now that I'm
Dying, will you follow me and keep me company?'
'No way!', replied the fourth boyfriend, and he walked away without
Another word.
His answer cut like a sharp knife right into her heart.
The sad girl then asked the third boyfriend, 'I loved you all my life.
Now that I'm dying, will you follow me and keep me company?'
'No!',
Replied the third boyfriend. 'Life is too good! When you die, I'm going
To marry someone else!' Her heart sank and turned cold.
She then asked the second boyfriend, 'I have always turned to you for
Help and you've always been there for me. When I die, will you follow me
And keep me company?'
'I'm sorry, I can't help you out this time!', replied the
Second
Boyfriend.. 'At the very most, I can only walk with you to your grave.'
His answer struck her like a bolt of lightning, and the girl was
Devastated.
Then a voice called out: 'I'll go with you. I'll follow you no
Matter
Where you go.' The girl looked up, and there was her first boyfriend. He
Was very skinny as he suffered from malnutrition and neglect.
Greatly grieved, the girl said, 'I should have taken much better care of
You when I had the chance!'
In truth, you have four boyfriends in your lives:
Your fourth boyfriend is your body. No matter how much time and effort
You lavish in making it look good, it will leave you when you die.
Your third boyfriend is your possessions, status and wealth.When you
Die, it will all go to others.
Your second boyfriend is your family and friends. No matter how much
They have been there for you, the furthest they can stay by you is up to the grave.
Once upon a time there was a girl who had four boyfriends.
She loved the fourth boyfriend the most and adorned him with rich robes
And treated him to the finest of delicacies. She gave him nothing but
The best.
She also loved the third boyfriend very much and was always showing him
Off to neighboring kingdoms. However, she feared that one day he would
Leave her for another.
She also loved her second boyfriend. He was her confident and was always
Kind, considerate and patient with her. Whenever this girl faced a
Problem, she could confide in him, and he would help her get through the
Difficult times.
The girl's first boyfriend was a very loyal partner and had made great
Contributions in maintaining her wealth and kingdom. However, she did
Not love the first boyfriend. Although he loved her deeply, she hardly
Took notice of him!
One day, the girl fell ill and she knew her time was short. She thought
Of her luxurious life and wondered, 'I now have four boyfriends with me,
But when I die, I'll be all alone.'
Thus, she asked the fourth boyfriend, 'I loved you the most, endowed you
With the finest clothing and showered great care over you. Now that I'm
Dying, will you follow me and keep me company?'
'No way!', replied the fourth boyfriend, and he walked away without
Another word.
His answer cut like a sharp knife right into her heart.
The sad girl then asked the third boyfriend, 'I loved you all my life.
Now that I'm dying, will you follow me and keep me company?'
'No!',
Replied the third boyfriend. 'Life is too good! When you die, I'm going
To marry someone else!' Her heart sank and turned cold.
She then asked the second boyfriend, 'I have always turned to you for
Help and you've always been there for me. When I die, will you follow me
And keep me company?'
'I'm sorry, I can't help you out this time!', replied the
Second
Boyfriend.. 'At the very most, I can only walk with you to your grave.'
His answer struck her like a bolt of lightning, and the girl was
Devastated.
Then a voice called out: 'I'll go with you. I'll follow you no
Matter
Where you go.' The girl looked up, and there was her first boyfriend. He
Was very skinny as he suffered from malnutrition and neglect.
Greatly grieved, the girl said, 'I should have taken much better care of
You when I had the chance!'
In truth, you have four boyfriends in your lives:
Your fourth boyfriend is your body. No matter how much time and effort
You lavish in making it look good, it will leave you when you die.
Your third boyfriend is your possessions, status and wealth.When you
Die, it will all go to others.
Your second boyfriend is your family and friends. No matter how much
They have been there for you, the furthest they can stay by you is up to the grave.
Why is it vital that we reach out to others?
Buddhism teaches that life at each moment embraces all phenomena. This is the doctrine of a life-moment possessing 3,000 realms, which is the Lotus Sutra's ultimate teaching and Buddhism's essence. Because of the profound way our lives interact with people around us, it is vital that we reach out to others, that we be engaged with our environment and with our local community. A self-absorbed practice or theory without action is definitely not Buddhism.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 26/2
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 26/2
Why standalone fighting spirit is important?
Gandhi taught people to live with lion-like courage, impressing upon them that they could not afford to leave things up to others, that they had to stand up for themselves and fight for justice. Ultimately, the only way forward is by developing self-reliance, forging a stand-alone spirit. That is the only path to victory.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 25/2
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 25/2
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Future Baseball Star
Spiritual Story by Unknown
A little boy was overheard talking to himself as he strutted through the backyard, wearing his baseball cap and toting a ball and bat, "I'm the greatest hitter in the world," he announced. Then he tossed the ball into the air, swung at it, and missed.
"Strike one!" he yelled. Undaunted, he picked up the ball and said again, "I'm the greatest hitter in the world!"
He tossed the ball into the air. When it came down he swung again and missed. "Strike Two!" he cried.
The boy then paused a moment to examine his bat and ball carefully. He spit on his hands and rubbed them together. He straightened his cap and said once more, "I'm the greatest hitter in the world!" Again he tossed the ball up in the air and swung at it. He missed. "Strike three!"
"Wow" he exclaimed. "I'm the greatest pitcher in the world!"
A little boy was overheard talking to himself as he strutted through the backyard, wearing his baseball cap and toting a ball and bat, "I'm the greatest hitter in the world," he announced. Then he tossed the ball into the air, swung at it, and missed.
"Strike one!" he yelled. Undaunted, he picked up the ball and said again, "I'm the greatest hitter in the world!"
He tossed the ball into the air. When it came down he swung again and missed. "Strike Two!" he cried.
The boy then paused a moment to examine his bat and ball carefully. He spit on his hands and rubbed them together. He straightened his cap and said once more, "I'm the greatest hitter in the world!" Again he tossed the ball up in the air and swung at it. He missed. "Strike three!"
"Wow" he exclaimed. "I'm the greatest pitcher in the world!"
Why must we base our lives on the Law?
Buddhism is not about leading a self-centered existence. If we do not base our lives on the Law, we are not practicing Buddhism. The German writer Friedrich von Schiller writes, "The brave man thinks upon himself the last." This is analogous to the spirit of not begrudging one's life taught in the Lotus Sutra. This means treasuring the Law more highly than one's life. The Law and kosen-rufu are central.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 24/2
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 24/2
How do we realise victory in life?
Without courage we cannot be compassionate. Courage and compassion are inseparable, like the two sides of a coin. Faith is the wellspring of courage. The Daishonin says, "Nichiren's disciples cannot accomplish anything if they are cowardly," (The Major Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 128). A cowardly person cannot realize victory in life. Unless we have the courage to really dedicate our lives to kosen-rufu, we cannot construct true happiness for ourselves and others.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 23/2
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 23/2
Friday, July 15, 2011
Frog and the Scorpion
Spiritual Story by Unknown
One day, a scorpion stood on the side of a stream and asked a frog to carry it to the other side.
'How do I know you won't sting me?' the frog asked. 'Because if I sting you, I'll drown,' the scorpion said.
The frog thought about it and realized that the scorpion was right. So he put the scorpion on his back and started ferrying him. But midway across the stream, the scorpion plunged its stinger into the frog's back. As they both began to drown, the frog gasped,'Why?'
The scorpion replied, 'Because it is my nature.'
One day, a scorpion stood on the side of a stream and asked a frog to carry it to the other side.
'How do I know you won't sting me?' the frog asked. 'Because if I sting you, I'll drown,' the scorpion said.
The frog thought about it and realized that the scorpion was right. So he put the scorpion on his back and started ferrying him. But midway across the stream, the scorpion plunged its stinger into the frog's back. As they both began to drown, the frog gasped,'Why?'
The scorpion replied, 'Because it is my nature.'
Quitting is not faith.
What was the secret to Edison's success? He explained that it was to never give up before he succeeded in what he was trying to do. Not giving up—that's the only way. Once you give up you are defeated. This is equally true in the realm of faith. Quitting is not faith. We have to keep chanting until our prayers are answered. That is the correct way of prayer.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 22/1
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 22/1
What does SGI organisation serves as?
Friendship is strong. Friendship, camaraderie and unity in faith lie at the heart of the SGI. They come before the organization. We must never make the mistake of thinking that it is the other way around. The organization serves as a means for deepening friendship, comradeship and faith. To confuse the means and the end is a terrible mistake.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 21/2
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 21/2
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Embracing Imperfection
Spiritual Story by Unknown
"When I was a little girl, my mom liked to make breakfast food for dinner every now and then. And I remember one night in particular when she had made breakfast after a long, hard day at work. On that evening so long ago, my mom placed a plate of eggs, sausage, and extremely burned toast in front of my dad.
I remember waiting to see if anyone noticed!
Yet all my dad did was reach for his toast, smile at my mom, and ask me how my day was at school. I don't remember what I told him that night, but I do remember Watching him smear butter and jelly on that toast and eat every bite!
When I got Up from the table that evening, I remember hearing my mom apologize to my dad For burning the toast. And I'll never forget what he said: 'Baby, I love burned toast.'
Later that night, I went to kiss Daddy good night and I asked him if He really liked his toast burned. He wrapped me in his arms and said, 'Debbie, your Momma put in a hard day at work today and she's real tired. And besides-a little burnt toast never hurt anyone!'
"When I was a little girl, my mom liked to make breakfast food for dinner every now and then. And I remember one night in particular when she had made breakfast after a long, hard day at work. On that evening so long ago, my mom placed a plate of eggs, sausage, and extremely burned toast in front of my dad.
I remember waiting to see if anyone noticed!
Yet all my dad did was reach for his toast, smile at my mom, and ask me how my day was at school. I don't remember what I told him that night, but I do remember Watching him smear butter and jelly on that toast and eat every bite!
When I got Up from the table that evening, I remember hearing my mom apologize to my dad For burning the toast. And I'll never forget what he said: 'Baby, I love burned toast.'
Later that night, I went to kiss Daddy good night and I asked him if He really liked his toast burned. He wrapped me in his arms and said, 'Debbie, your Momma put in a hard day at work today and she's real tired. And besides-a little burnt toast never hurt anyone!'
Lead confident lives!
In his later years, President Toda often told his disciples: "Be courageous in faith! No matter what other people may say, advance boldly! Lead confident lives! Make courage the Gakkai's eternal emblem!" This was the spirit with which he charged us before he died. Faith is the source of true strength and courage. Without courage and confidence we cannot be said to have genuine faith.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 20/2
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 20/2
How to live without regrets?
This lifetime will never come again; it is precious and irreplaceable. To live without regret, it is crucial for us to have a concrete purpose and continually set goals and challenges for ourselves. It is equally important that we keep moving toward specific targets steadily and tenaciously, one step at a time.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 19/2
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 19/2
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Drowning Man
Spiritual Story by Unknown
While out to sea, a large boat became shipwrecked and there was only a single survivor. This man prayed and asked God to save his life. Soon thereafter, another boat came by and offered the man some help.
"No thanks," he said. "I'm waiting for God to save me."
The men on the boat shrugged their shoulders and continued. As the man became more deeply concerned, another boat came by. Again, the people aboard offered this man some help, and again he politely decline. "I'm waiting for God to save me," he said again.
After some time, the man began to lose his faith, and soon after that he died. Upon reaching Heaven, he had a chance to speak with God briefly.
"Why did you let me die? Why didn't you answer my prayers?"
"Dummy, I sent you two boats!"
While out to sea, a large boat became shipwrecked and there was only a single survivor. This man prayed and asked God to save his life. Soon thereafter, another boat came by and offered the man some help.
"No thanks," he said. "I'm waiting for God to save me."
The men on the boat shrugged their shoulders and continued. As the man became more deeply concerned, another boat came by. Again, the people aboard offered this man some help, and again he politely decline. "I'm waiting for God to save me," he said again.
After some time, the man began to lose his faith, and soon after that he died. Upon reaching Heaven, he had a chance to speak with God briefly.
"Why did you let me die? Why didn't you answer my prayers?"
"Dummy, I sent you two boats!"
Why religion should 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
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 18/2
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 18/2
What is the capacity of life?
Life contains the capacity, like flames that reach toward heaven, to transform suffering and pain into the energy needed for value-creation, into light that illuminates darkness. Like the wind traversing vast spaces unhindered, life has the power to uproot and overturn all obstacles and difficulties. Like clear flowing water, it can wash away all stains and impurities. And finally life, like the great earth that sustains plants and vegetation, impartially protects all people with its compassionate, nurturing force.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 17/2
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 17/2
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Dream
Spiritual Story by Unknown
An old story tells of a woman who dreams every night that she is being chased, throughout a big haunted house, by a hulking monster. Night after night, the hideous thing runs after her, its breath like acid on the back of her neck...
It all seems so real...
Finally one night, the dream begins again, but this time the beast corners the poor terrified woman, and just as it's about to tear her apart, the woman finds her voice and shrieks:
"What are you! Why are you chasing me! What will you do to me!"
At that, the monster stops, straightens up, and with a puzzled expression, puts its hands on its hips and says, "How should I know? It's your dream."
An old story tells of a woman who dreams every night that she is being chased, throughout a big haunted house, by a hulking monster. Night after night, the hideous thing runs after her, its breath like acid on the back of her neck...
It all seems so real...
Finally one night, the dream begins again, but this time the beast corners the poor terrified woman, and just as it's about to tear her apart, the woman finds her voice and shrieks:
"What are you! Why are you chasing me! What will you do to me!"
At that, the monster stops, straightens up, and with a puzzled expression, puts its hands on its hips and says, "How should I know? It's your dream."
Why should we avoid petty jealousies of others?
I hope you will always live in unity with Nichiren Daishonin pursuing faith as disciples who are "of the same mind as Nichiren." Unfazed by the petty jealousies of others, please move forward boldly with joy and laughter.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 16/2
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 16/2
Struggling against great difficulty enables us to develop ourselves tremendously.
Life is full of unexpected suffering. Even so, as Eleanor Roosevelt says: "If you can live through that [a difficult situation] you can live through anything. You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, 'I lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along.'" That's exactly right. Struggling against great difficulty enables us to develop ourselves tremendously. We can call forth and manifest those abilities lying dormant within us. Difficulty can be a source of dynamic new growth and positive progress.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 15/2
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 15/2
Monday, July 11, 2011
Why should we develop a strong spirit, strong faith and strong prayer?
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.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 14/2
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 14/2
Remembering people
Remembering things about a person is an expression of compassion and concern. Forgetfulness shows a lack of compassion, a lack of responsibility.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 13/2
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 13/2
Dragonfly
Spiritual Story by Unknown
Once, in a little pond, in the muddy water under the lily pads, there lived a little water beetle in a community of water beetles. They lived a simple and comfortable life in the pond with few disturbances and interruptions.
Once in a while, sadness would come to the community when one of their fellow beetles would climb the stem of a lily pad and would never be seen again. They knew when this happened; their friend was dead, gone forever.
Then, one day, one little water beetle felt an irresistible urge to climb up that stem. However, he was determined that he would not leave forever. He would come back and tell his friends what he had found at the top.
When he reached the top and climbed out of the water onto the surface of the lily pad, he was so tired, and the sun felt so warm, that he decided he must take a nap. As he slept, his body changed and when he woke up, he had turned into a beautiful blue-tailed dragonfly with broad wings and a slender body designed for flying.
So, fly he did! And, as he soared he saw the beauty of a whole new world and a far superior way of life to what he had never known existed.
Then he remembered his beetle friends and how they were thinking by now he was dead. He wanted to go back to tell them, and explain to them that he was now more alive than he had ever been before. His life had been fulfilled rather than ended.
But, his new body would not go down into the water. He could not get back to tell his friends the good news. Then he understood that their time would come, when they, too, would know what he now knew.
So, he raised his wings and flew off into his joyous new life!
Once, in a little pond, in the muddy water under the lily pads, there lived a little water beetle in a community of water beetles. They lived a simple and comfortable life in the pond with few disturbances and interruptions.
Once in a while, sadness would come to the community when one of their fellow beetles would climb the stem of a lily pad and would never be seen again. They knew when this happened; their friend was dead, gone forever.
Then, one day, one little water beetle felt an irresistible urge to climb up that stem. However, he was determined that he would not leave forever. He would come back and tell his friends what he had found at the top.
When he reached the top and climbed out of the water onto the surface of the lily pad, he was so tired, and the sun felt so warm, that he decided he must take a nap. As he slept, his body changed and when he woke up, he had turned into a beautiful blue-tailed dragonfly with broad wings and a slender body designed for flying.
So, fly he did! And, as he soared he saw the beauty of a whole new world and a far superior way of life to what he had never known existed.
Then he remembered his beetle friends and how they were thinking by now he was dead. He wanted to go back to tell them, and explain to them that he was now more alive than he had ever been before. His life had been fulfilled rather than ended.
But, his new body would not go down into the water. He could not get back to tell his friends the good news. Then he understood that their time would come, when they, too, would know what he now knew.
So, he raised his wings and flew off into his joyous new life!
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Holding to you beliefs.
The important thing is to hold firm to your beliefs without being influenced or swayed by what others do or say. Those who live this way are strong and free of regret. What matters most is how you lead your life—not what those around you are doing.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 12/2
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 12/2
Effects of positive thinking
The moment we resolve "I will become healthy!" "I will become strong!" "I will work cheerfully for kosen-rufu!" our lives begin to move in that direction. We have to make up our minds.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 11/2
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 11/2
Diogenes and the King
Diogenes lived naked, and he was a strong man. Four people who were hijacking people and selling them as slaves in the market thought, "This is a great catch, this man can bring us a lot of money. We have sold many slaves, but none of them were so strong, so beautiful, so young. We can get as high a price as we demand; and there is going to be a great competition in the marketplace when we put this man on the pedestal for sale. But," they thought, "four are not enough to catch him. He alone could kill us all."
Diogenes heard what they were saying about him. He was sitting by the side of the river, just enjoying the cool breeze of the evening, underneath a tree; and behind the tree those four were planning what to do. He said, "Don't we worried. Come here! You need not worry that I will kill you, I never kill anything. And you need not worry that I will fight, resist you no. I don't fight anybody, I don't resist anything. You want to sell me as a slave?"
Embarrassed, afraid, those four people said, "That's what we were thinking. We are poor... if you are willing."
He said, "Of course I am. If I can help you in your poverty in some way, it is beautiful."
So they brought out chains. He said, "Throw them in the river; you need not chain me. I will walk ahead of you. I don't believe in escaping from anything. In fact, I am getting excited about the idea of being sold, standing on a high pedestal, and hundreds of people trying to get me. I am excited about this auction.I am coming!"
These four people became a little more afraid: this man is not only strong and beautiful, he seems to be mad also; he could be dangerous. But now there was no way for them to escape. Diogenes said, "If you try to escape, you will be risking your own life. Just follow me, all four of you. Put me on the pedestal in the market."
Unwillingly, they followed him. They wanted to take him, but he went ahead of them! He told those people, "Don't be afraid, and don't try to escape. You have given me a great idea, I am grateful to you. This is my responsibility; I am going to the marketplace. You put me up for auction.
"What type of man was this?" they wondered. But there was no way to back out now, so they followed him. And when he was put on a high pedestal so that everybody could see, there was almost silence, pin-drop silence. People had never seen such a proportionate body, so beautiful as if made of steel, so strong.
Before the auctioneer said anything, Diogenese declared, "Listen people! Here is a master to be sold to any slave, because these four poor people need money. So start the auction, but remember, you are purchasing a master."
A king purchased him. Of course, he could do it more and more money he offered at the auction. Many people were interested but finally a sum, larger than any that had ever been heard of before, was given to those four people. Diogenes said to them, "Are you happy now? You can leave now, and I will go with this slave."
On the way to the palace as they were riding in the chariot, the king said to Diogenes, "Are you crazy or something? You think yourself a master? I am a king, and you think me a slave?"
Diogenes said, "Yes, and I am not crazy, but you are crazy. I can prove it right now." At the back of the chariot was the queen. Diogenes said, "Your queen is already interested in me, she is finished with you. It is dangerous to purchase a master."
The king was shocked. Of course, he was nothing in comparison to Diogenes. The king took out his sword and asked his queen, "What he is saying, is it true? If you say the truth, your life will be saved.that is my promise. But if you say an untruth, and I find it out later on, I will behead you."
Fearful, afraid, still the queen said, "It is true. Before him, you are nothing. I am enchanted, allured; the man has some magic. You are just a poor guy compared to him. This is the truth."
Of course, the king stopped the chariot and told Diogenes, "Get out of the chariot. I set you free; I don't want to take such risks in my palace."
Diogenes said, "Thank you. I am a man who cannot be made a slave, for the simple reason that every responsibility I take on myself. I have not left those four people feeling guilty they did not bring me there, I came of my own accord. They must be feeling obliged. And it is your chariot, if you want me to get out, that is perfectly good. I am not accustomed to chariots at all, my legs are strong enough. I am a naked man, a golden chariot does not fit with me."
Diogenes heard what they were saying about him. He was sitting by the side of the river, just enjoying the cool breeze of the evening, underneath a tree; and behind the tree those four were planning what to do. He said, "Don't we worried. Come here! You need not worry that I will kill you, I never kill anything. And you need not worry that I will fight, resist you no. I don't fight anybody, I don't resist anything. You want to sell me as a slave?"
Embarrassed, afraid, those four people said, "That's what we were thinking. We are poor... if you are willing."
He said, "Of course I am. If I can help you in your poverty in some way, it is beautiful."
So they brought out chains. He said, "Throw them in the river; you need not chain me. I will walk ahead of you. I don't believe in escaping from anything. In fact, I am getting excited about the idea of being sold, standing on a high pedestal, and hundreds of people trying to get me. I am excited about this auction.I am coming!"
These four people became a little more afraid: this man is not only strong and beautiful, he seems to be mad also; he could be dangerous. But now there was no way for them to escape. Diogenes said, "If you try to escape, you will be risking your own life. Just follow me, all four of you. Put me on the pedestal in the market."
Unwillingly, they followed him. They wanted to take him, but he went ahead of them! He told those people, "Don't be afraid, and don't try to escape. You have given me a great idea, I am grateful to you. This is my responsibility; I am going to the marketplace. You put me up for auction.
"What type of man was this?" they wondered. But there was no way to back out now, so they followed him. And when he was put on a high pedestal so that everybody could see, there was almost silence, pin-drop silence. People had never seen such a proportionate body, so beautiful as if made of steel, so strong.
Before the auctioneer said anything, Diogenese declared, "Listen people! Here is a master to be sold to any slave, because these four poor people need money. So start the auction, but remember, you are purchasing a master."
A king purchased him. Of course, he could do it more and more money he offered at the auction. Many people were interested but finally a sum, larger than any that had ever been heard of before, was given to those four people. Diogenes said to them, "Are you happy now? You can leave now, and I will go with this slave."
On the way to the palace as they were riding in the chariot, the king said to Diogenes, "Are you crazy or something? You think yourself a master? I am a king, and you think me a slave?"
Diogenes said, "Yes, and I am not crazy, but you are crazy. I can prove it right now." At the back of the chariot was the queen. Diogenes said, "Your queen is already interested in me, she is finished with you. It is dangerous to purchase a master."
The king was shocked. Of course, he was nothing in comparison to Diogenes. The king took out his sword and asked his queen, "What he is saying, is it true? If you say the truth, your life will be saved.that is my promise. But if you say an untruth, and I find it out later on, I will behead you."
Fearful, afraid, still the queen said, "It is true. Before him, you are nothing. I am enchanted, allured; the man has some magic. You are just a poor guy compared to him. This is the truth."
Of course, the king stopped the chariot and told Diogenes, "Get out of the chariot. I set you free; I don't want to take such risks in my palace."
Diogenes said, "Thank you. I am a man who cannot be made a slave, for the simple reason that every responsibility I take on myself. I have not left those four people feeling guilty they did not bring me there, I came of my own accord. They must be feeling obliged. And it is your chariot, if you want me to get out, that is perfectly good. I am not accustomed to chariots at all, my legs are strong enough. I am a naked man, a golden chariot does not fit with me."
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Achieve world peace through Kosen-rufu
Kosen-rufu is a supreme, golden path extending throughout the Latter Day of the Law into the eternal future. Let us continue to advance boldly and intrepidly along this path as Nichiren Daishonin teaches. This is the way world peace will be accomplished. If we do not widely spread the principles and ideals of the Daishonin's Buddhism, there will be no hope for the peace and happiness of humankind.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 10/2
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 10/2
What type of people is needed in SGI?
There is no place in the SGI for cowards or for egoists who are given to arbitrary or self-serving views. Our movement has no need for the fainthearted, filled with doubt, who readily succumb to negative influences. Let us strive for the Law and live with dignity as proud members of the SGI! The 21st century shall be the essential phase of our movement. Bathed in the brilliant light of dawn, let us take our places on that golden stage and lead truly magnificent lives!
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 9/2
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 9/2
Digging a Well
Spiritual Story by Unknown
A man wanted to dig a well to water his farm. After digging for some time in a place recommended by water-diviners, he found no water and got disgusted. He had dug only about fifteen feet.
Along came another man who laughed at him for digging there, and pointed to another place. The farmer went over to that spot and dug and dug, for about twenty feet. Still no water, and very tired, he finally took the advice of an old neighbor who assured him there was water at yet another place.
After he had given up that one too, his wife came out and said, "Where are your brains? Does anyone sink a well that way? Stay in one place and go deeper and deeper there!" Next day, rested, the farmer spent all day on one hole and found abundant water.
A man wanted to dig a well to water his farm. After digging for some time in a place recommended by water-diviners, he found no water and got disgusted. He had dug only about fifteen feet.
Along came another man who laughed at him for digging there, and pointed to another place. The farmer went over to that spot and dug and dug, for about twenty feet. Still no water, and very tired, he finally took the advice of an old neighbor who assured him there was water at yet another place.
After he had given up that one too, his wife came out and said, "Where are your brains? Does anyone sink a well that way? Stay in one place and go deeper and deeper there!" Next day, rested, the farmer spent all day on one hole and found abundant water.
Friday, July 8, 2011
How should a leader treat other members?
I hope that as leaders you will always express your appreciation for and do your utmost to support the many sincere members who are steadfastly exerting themselves in faith. The Daishonin says that when you see someone who embraces the Mystic Law, you should rise and greet them from afar, showing them the same respect you would a Buddha.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 8/2
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 8/2
What is the challenge of youth?
Your environment does not matter. Everything starts with you. You must forge yourself through your own efforts. I urge each of you to create something, start something and make a success of something. That is the essence of human existence, the challenge of youth. Herein lies a wonderful way of life always aiming for the future.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 7/2
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 7/2
Cleaning Lady
Spiritual Story by Unknown
During my second month of college, 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, dark-haired and in her 50's, but how would I know her name?
I handed in my paper, leaving the last question blank. Just 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 Dorothy.
During my second month of college, 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, dark-haired and in her 50's, but how would I know her name?
I handed in my paper, leaving the last question blank. Just 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 Dorothy.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Circle of Joy
Spiritual Story by Unknown
One day, a countryman knocked hard on a monastery door. When the monk tending the gates opened up, he was given a magnificent bunch of grapes.
"Brother, these are the finest my vineyard has produced. I've come to bear them as a gift."
"Thank you! I will take them to the Abbot immediately, he'll be delighted with this offering."
"No! I brought them for you."
"For me?" The monk blushed, for he didn't think he deserved such a fine gift of nature.
"Yes!" insisted the man. "For whenever I knock on the door, it is you opens it. When I needed help because the crop was destroyed by drought, you gave me a piece of bread and a cup of wine every day. I hope this bunch of grapes will bring you a little of the sun's love, the rain's beauty and the miracle of God, for it is he made it grow so fine."
The monk held the grapes and spent the entire morning admiring it: it really was beautiful. Because of this, he decided to deliver the gift to the Abbot, who had always encouraged him with words of wisdom.
The Abbot was very pleased with the grapes, but he recalled that there was a sick brother in the monastery, and thought:
"I'll give him the grapes. Who knows, they may bring some joy to his life."
And that is what he did. But the grapes didn't stay in the sick monk's room for long, for he reflected:
"The cook has looked after me for so long, feeding me only the best meals. I'm sure he will enjoy these."
When the cook appeared at lunch, to bring him his meal, he presented him with the grapes:
"They're for you," said the sick monk. "Since you are always coming into contact with that which nature produces, you will know what to do with this work of God."
The cook was amazed at the beauty of the grapes, and showed his assistant how perfect they were. So perfect, he thought to himself, that no one would appreciate them more than the sexton; since he was responsible for the Holy Sacrament, and many at the monastery considered him a holy man, he would be best qualified to value this marvel of nature.
The sexton, in turn, gave the grapes as a gift to the youngest novice, that he might understand that the work of God is in the smallest details of Creation. When the novice received them, his heart was filled with the Glory of the Lord, for he had never seen such beautiful grapes.
Just then, he remembered the first time he came to the monastery, and of the person who had opened the gates for him; it was that gesture which allowed him to be among this community of people who knew how to value the wonders of life.
And so, just before nightfall, he took the grapes to the monk at the gates.
"Eat and enjoy them," he said. "For you spend most of your time alone here, and these grapes will make you very happy."
One day, a countryman knocked hard on a monastery door. When the monk tending the gates opened up, he was given a magnificent bunch of grapes.
"Brother, these are the finest my vineyard has produced. I've come to bear them as a gift."
"Thank you! I will take them to the Abbot immediately, he'll be delighted with this offering."
"No! I brought them for you."
"For me?" The monk blushed, for he didn't think he deserved such a fine gift of nature.
"Yes!" insisted the man. "For whenever I knock on the door, it is you opens it. When I needed help because the crop was destroyed by drought, you gave me a piece of bread and a cup of wine every day. I hope this bunch of grapes will bring you a little of the sun's love, the rain's beauty and the miracle of God, for it is he made it grow so fine."
The monk held the grapes and spent the entire morning admiring it: it really was beautiful. Because of this, he decided to deliver the gift to the Abbot, who had always encouraged him with words of wisdom.
The Abbot was very pleased with the grapes, but he recalled that there was a sick brother in the monastery, and thought:
"I'll give him the grapes. Who knows, they may bring some joy to his life."
And that is what he did. But the grapes didn't stay in the sick monk's room for long, for he reflected:
"The cook has looked after me for so long, feeding me only the best meals. I'm sure he will enjoy these."
When the cook appeared at lunch, to bring him his meal, he presented him with the grapes:
"They're for you," said the sick monk. "Since you are always coming into contact with that which nature produces, you will know what to do with this work of God."
The cook was amazed at the beauty of the grapes, and showed his assistant how perfect they were. So perfect, he thought to himself, that no one would appreciate them more than the sexton; since he was responsible for the Holy Sacrament, and many at the monastery considered him a holy man, he would be best qualified to value this marvel of nature.
The sexton, in turn, gave the grapes as a gift to the youngest novice, that he might understand that the work of God is in the smallest details of Creation. When the novice received them, his heart was filled with the Glory of the Lord, for he had never seen such beautiful grapes.
Just then, he remembered the first time he came to the monastery, and of the person who had opened the gates for him; it was that gesture which allowed him to be among this community of people who knew how to value the wonders of life.
And so, just before nightfall, he took the grapes to the monk at the gates.
"Eat and enjoy them," he said. "For you spend most of your time alone here, and these grapes will make you very happy."
Do not put things off till the future
Unless we live fully right now, not sometime in the future, true fulfillment in life will forever elude us. Rather than putting things off till the future, we should find meaning in life, thinking and doing what is most important right now, right where we are—setting our hearts aflame and igniting our lives. Otherwise, we cannot lead an inspired existence.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 6/2
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 6/2
Champion on what you believe is a just cause
I hope that you will always speak the truth boldly, saying what needs to be said no matter whom you're addressing. When it comes to championing a just cause, you must never be cowardly, never fawn, never try to curry favor.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 5/2
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 5/2
Light up your life with faith
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.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 5/2
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 5/2
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Chicken and the Eagles
Spiritual Story by Unknown
A long time ago in a remote valley, there lived a farmer. One day he got tired of the daily routine of running the farm and decided to climb the cliffs that brooded above the valley to see what lay beyond.
He climbed all day until he reached a ledge just below the top of the cliff; there, to his amazement was a nest, full of eggs.
Immediately he knew they were eagle's eggs and, even though he knew it was profoundly un-ecological and almost certainly illegal, he carefully took one and stowed it in his pack; then seeing the sun was low in the sky, he realized it was too late in the day to make the top and slowly began to make his way down the cliff to his farm.
When he got home he put the egg in with the few chickens he kept in the yard. The mother hen was the proudest chicken you ever saw, sitting atop this magnificent egg; and the cockerel couldn't have been prouder.
Sure enough, some weeks later, from the egg emerged a fine, healthy egret. And as is in the gentle nature of chickens, they didn't balk at the stranger in their midst and raised the majestic bird as one of theirown.
So it was that the eagle grew up with its brother and sister chicks. It learned to doall the things chickens do: it clucked andcackled, scratching in the dirt for gritsand worms, flapping its wings furiously,flying just a few feet in the air beforecrashing down to earth in a pile of dust andfeathers.
It believed resolutely and absolutely it was a chicken.
One day, late in its life, the eagle-who-thought-he-was-a-chicken happened to look up at the sky. High overhead,soaring majestically and effortlessly on thethermals with scarcely a single beat of itspowerful golden wings, was an eagle!
"What's that?!", cried the old eagle in awe. "It's magnificent! So much power and grace!It's beautiful!"
"That's an eagle", replied a nearby chicken, "That's the King of the Birds. It's a bird of the air... not for the likes of us. We'reonly chickens, we're birds of the earth".
With that, they all cast their eyes downwards once more and continued digging in the dirt.
And so it was that the eagle lived and died a chicken... because that's all it believed itself to be.
A long time ago in a remote valley, there lived a farmer. One day he got tired of the daily routine of running the farm and decided to climb the cliffs that brooded above the valley to see what lay beyond.
He climbed all day until he reached a ledge just below the top of the cliff; there, to his amazement was a nest, full of eggs.
Immediately he knew they were eagle's eggs and, even though he knew it was profoundly un-ecological and almost certainly illegal, he carefully took one and stowed it in his pack; then seeing the sun was low in the sky, he realized it was too late in the day to make the top and slowly began to make his way down the cliff to his farm.
When he got home he put the egg in with the few chickens he kept in the yard. The mother hen was the proudest chicken you ever saw, sitting atop this magnificent egg; and the cockerel couldn't have been prouder.
Sure enough, some weeks later, from the egg emerged a fine, healthy egret. And as is in the gentle nature of chickens, they didn't balk at the stranger in their midst and raised the majestic bird as one of theirown.
So it was that the eagle grew up with its brother and sister chicks. It learned to doall the things chickens do: it clucked andcackled, scratching in the dirt for gritsand worms, flapping its wings furiously,flying just a few feet in the air beforecrashing down to earth in a pile of dust andfeathers.
It believed resolutely and absolutely it was a chicken.
One day, late in its life, the eagle-who-thought-he-was-a-chicken happened to look up at the sky. High overhead,soaring majestically and effortlessly on thethermals with scarcely a single beat of itspowerful golden wings, was an eagle!
"What's that?!", cried the old eagle in awe. "It's magnificent! So much power and grace!It's beautiful!"
"That's an eagle", replied a nearby chicken, "That's the King of the Birds. It's a bird of the air... not for the likes of us. We'reonly chickens, we're birds of the earth".
With that, they all cast their eyes downwards once more and continued digging in the dirt.
And so it was that the eagle lived and died a chicken... because that's all it believed itself to be.
The courage, the timid and the coward
Please never turn your back on your faith. Courage is crucial. There is no room for faintheartedness in faith. The timid doom themselves to ridicule—from their partners, from their children, from their friends, from the world at large. The Daishonin declares that there is no place for cowards among his disciples. President Toda said the same.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 4/2
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 4/2
The confidence of Daisaku Ikeda in all the members.
I can declare with confidence that each of you who bravely exerts yourself in doing Gakkai activities and taking leadership for kosen-rufu, calmly overcoming every obstacle along the way, will enjoy immeasurable benefit. I can state with certitude too that each of you is in perfect accord with the Daishonin's spirit. Your efforts win his unrestrained applause and approval.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 3/2
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 3/2
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Calling Card
Spiritual Story by Unknown
Keichu, the great Zen teacher of the Meiji era, was the head of Tofuku, a cathedral in Kyoto. One day the governor of Kyoto called upon him for the first time.
His attendant presented the card of the governor, which read: Kitagaki, Governor of Kyoto.
"I have no business with such a fellow," said Keichu to his attendant. "Tell him to get out of here."
The attendant carried the card back with apologies. "That was my error," said the governor, and with a pencil he scratched out the words Governor of Kyoto. "Ask your teacher again."
"Oh, is that Kitagaki?" exclaimed the teacher when he saw the card. "I want to see that fellow."
Keichu, the great Zen teacher of the Meiji era, was the head of Tofuku, a cathedral in Kyoto. One day the governor of Kyoto called upon him for the first time.
His attendant presented the card of the governor, which read: Kitagaki, Governor of Kyoto.
"I have no business with such a fellow," said Keichu to his attendant. "Tell him to get out of here."
The attendant carried the card back with apologies. "That was my error," said the governor, and with a pencil he scratched out the words Governor of Kyoto. "Ask your teacher again."
"Oh, is that Kitagaki?" exclaimed the teacher when he saw the card. "I want to see that fellow."
Why should we challenge ourselves to chant?
Because life is long, you should not be impatient. What matters most is that you embrace the Gohonzon throughout your life. It is vitally important to continually challenge yourself to chant even a little more daimoku and to pray before the Gohonzon for the fulfillment of your desires.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 2/2
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 2/2
What is meant by being able to perceive the world's sound?
Buddhism teaches that one characteristic of a bodhisattva is being able to perceive the world's sounds. The insight needed to correctly discern and grasp developments in society and the times—even to anticipate them before they happen—is indispensable.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 1/2
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 1/2
Monday, July 4, 2011
Building Your Home
Spiritual Story by Unknown
An elderly carpenter was ready to retire. He told his employer-contractor of his plans to leave the house-building business to live a more leisurely life with his wife and enjoy his extended family. He would miss the paycheck each week, but he wanted to retire. They could get by.
The contractor was sorry to see his good worker go and asked if he could build just one more house as a personal favor. The carpenter said yes, but over time it was easy to see that his heart was not in his work. He resorted to shoddy workmanship and used inferior materials. It was an unfortunate way to end a dedicated career.
When the carpenter finished his work, his employer came to inspect the house. Then he handed the front-door key to the carpenter and said, This is your house my gift to you.
The carpenter was shocked!
What a shame! If he had only known he was building his own house, he would have done it all so differently.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
An elderly carpenter was ready to retire. He told his employer-contractor of his plans to leave the house-building business to live a more leisurely life with his wife and enjoy his extended family. He would miss the paycheck each week, but he wanted to retire. They could get by.
The contractor was sorry to see his good worker go and asked if he could build just one more house as a personal favor. The carpenter said yes, but over time it was easy to see that his heart was not in his work. He resorted to shoddy workmanship and used inferior materials. It was an unfortunate way to end a dedicated career.
When the carpenter finished his work, his employer came to inspect the house. Then he handed the front-door key to the carpenter and said, This is your house my gift to you.
The carpenter was shocked!
What a shame! If he had only known he was building his own house, he would have done it all so differently.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
No one develops in a pampered environment.
Youth should not seek an easy comfortable path. No one develops in a pampered environment. Youth should instead actively seek out challenges and hardships, transforming them all into valuable assets as they strive to become individuals of outstanding character and ability.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 31/1
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 31/1
How then do we manifest the brain's full creative powers?
Buddhism teaches that "all phenomena in the universe are manifestations of the Law" (Gosho Zenshu, p. 564). I hope you will, with this understanding, engage yourselves in broad-ranging studies with vigor and determination. Your brains have a potential as vast and boundless as the universe. How then do we manifest the brain's full creative powers? There is only one way to bring out our full intellectual capacity: by constantly putting our minds to work.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 30/1
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 30/1
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Those who practice Buddhism are .......
Practicing Buddhism means being victorious. In advancing one step at a time amid the realities of our daily lives, in showing concrete actual proof, in becoming victors and successes, we are demonstrating with our very beings the validity of Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism and serving as a source of hope and inspiration for those who will follow us on the path of faith.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 29/1
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 29/1
Great bodhisattvas and noble Buddhas
All of you are chanting for the happiness of many members—children of the Buddha—in your respective communities; you support and encourage them and work tirelessly on their behalf as if they were your own children. Your actions are truly those of great bodhisattvas; your state of life that of noble Buddhas.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 28/1
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 28/1
Blindness
Story by Unknown
There was a blind girl who hated herself because she was blind. She hated everyone, except her loving boyfriend who was always there for her. She told her boyfriend, 'If I could only see the World, I will marry you.'
One day, someone donated a pair of eyes to her. When the bandages came off, she was able to see everything, including her boyfriend.
He asked her,'Now that you can see the world, will you marry Me?' The girl looked at her boyfriend and saw that he was blind.
The sight of his closed eyelids shocked her. She hadn't expected that, and the thought of looking at them the rest of her life led Her to refuse to marry him.
Her boyfriend left in tears and days later wrote a note to her that said:
'Take good care of your eyes, my dear, for before they Were yours, they were mine.'
There was a blind girl who hated herself because she was blind. She hated everyone, except her loving boyfriend who was always there for her. She told her boyfriend, 'If I could only see the World, I will marry you.'
One day, someone donated a pair of eyes to her. When the bandages came off, she was able to see everything, including her boyfriend.
He asked her,'Now that you can see the world, will you marry Me?' The girl looked at her boyfriend and saw that he was blind.
The sight of his closed eyelids shocked her. She hadn't expected that, and the thought of looking at them the rest of her life led Her to refuse to marry him.
Her boyfriend left in tears and days later wrote a note to her that said:
'Take good care of your eyes, my dear, for before they Were yours, they were mine.'
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Viewing thing with a positive way.
Viewing events and situations in a positive light is important. The strength, wisdom and cheerfulness that accompany such an attitude lead to happiness. To regard everything in a positive light or with a spirit of goodwill, however, does not mean being foolishly gullible and allowing people to take advantage of our good nature. It means having the wisdom and perception to actually move things in a positive direction by seeing things in their best light, while all the time keeping our eyes firmly focused on reality.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 27/1
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 27/1
How to attain life-conditions of complete fulfillment?
Truly praiseworthy are those who resolve to work hard for kosen-rufu and the SGI within the lofty realm of Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism. They are genuinely capable people. And they will definitely attain life-conditions of complete fulfillment.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 26/1
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 26/1
Be Indifferent
Spiritual Story by Unknown
An old man and a young man are traveling with a donkey. They have reached near a town; they both are walking with their donkey. School children passed them and they giggled and they laughed and they said,
Look at these fools: they have a healthy donkey with them and they are walking. At least the old man can sit on the donkey.
Listening to those children the old man and the young man decided, What to do? - because people are laughing and soon we will be entering the town, so it is better to follow what they are saying. So the old man sat on the donkey and the young man followed.
Then they came near another group of people and they looked at them and said, Look! - the old man is sitting on the donkey and the poor boy is walking. This is absurd! The old man can walk, but the boy should be allowed to sit on the donkey. So they changed: the old man started walking and the boy was allowed to sit.
Then another group came and said, Look at these fools. And this boy seems to be too arrogant. Maybe the old man is his father or his teacher and he is walking, and he is sitting on the donkey - this is against all rules!
So what to do? They both decided that now there is only one possibility: that they both should sit on the donkey; so they both sat on the donkey. Then other groups came and they said, Look at these people, so violent! The poor donkey is almost dying - two persons on one donkey. It would have been better if they carried the donkey on their shoulders.
So they again discussed, and then there was the river and the bridge. They had now almost reached the boundary of the town, so they thought: It is better to behave as people think in this town, otherwise they will think we are fools. So they found a bamboo; on their shoulders they put the bamboo and hung the donkey by his legs, tied it in the bamboo and carried him.
The donkey tried to rebel, as donkeys are they cannot be forced very easily. He tried to escape because he is not a believer in society and what others are saying. But the two men were too much and they forced him, so the donkey had to yield. Just on the bridge in the middle a crowd passed and they all gathered and they said,
Look, these fools! We have never seen such idiots - a donkey is to ride upon, not to carry on your shoulders. Have you gone mad?
Listening to them - and a great crowd gathered - the donkey became restless, so restless that he jumped and fell from the bridge down into the river - died. Both men came down - the donkey was dead. They sat by the side and the old man said,
Now listen... just like this donkey you will be dead if you listen to people too much. Don't bother what others say, because there are millions of others and they have their own minds and everybody will say something; everybody has his opinions and if you listen to opinions this will be your end.
Don't listen to anybody, you remain yourself. Just bypass them, be indifferent. If you go on listening to everybody, everybody will be prodding you to this way or that. You will never be able to reach your innermost center."
An old man and a young man are traveling with a donkey. They have reached near a town; they both are walking with their donkey. School children passed them and they giggled and they laughed and they said,
Look at these fools: they have a healthy donkey with them and they are walking. At least the old man can sit on the donkey.
Listening to those children the old man and the young man decided, What to do? - because people are laughing and soon we will be entering the town, so it is better to follow what they are saying. So the old man sat on the donkey and the young man followed.
Then they came near another group of people and they looked at them and said, Look! - the old man is sitting on the donkey and the poor boy is walking. This is absurd! The old man can walk, but the boy should be allowed to sit on the donkey. So they changed: the old man started walking and the boy was allowed to sit.
Then another group came and said, Look at these fools. And this boy seems to be too arrogant. Maybe the old man is his father or his teacher and he is walking, and he is sitting on the donkey - this is against all rules!
So what to do? They both decided that now there is only one possibility: that they both should sit on the donkey; so they both sat on the donkey. Then other groups came and they said, Look at these people, so violent! The poor donkey is almost dying - two persons on one donkey. It would have been better if they carried the donkey on their shoulders.
So they again discussed, and then there was the river and the bridge. They had now almost reached the boundary of the town, so they thought: It is better to behave as people think in this town, otherwise they will think we are fools. So they found a bamboo; on their shoulders they put the bamboo and hung the donkey by his legs, tied it in the bamboo and carried him.
The donkey tried to rebel, as donkeys are they cannot be forced very easily. He tried to escape because he is not a believer in society and what others are saying. But the two men were too much and they forced him, so the donkey had to yield. Just on the bridge in the middle a crowd passed and they all gathered and they said,
Look, these fools! We have never seen such idiots - a donkey is to ride upon, not to carry on your shoulders. Have you gone mad?
Listening to them - and a great crowd gathered - the donkey became restless, so restless that he jumped and fell from the bridge down into the river - died. Both men came down - the donkey was dead. They sat by the side and the old man said,
Now listen... just like this donkey you will be dead if you listen to people too much. Don't bother what others say, because there are millions of others and they have their own minds and everybody will say something; everybody has his opinions and if you listen to opinions this will be your end.
Don't listen to anybody, you remain yourself. Just bypass them, be indifferent. If you go on listening to everybody, everybody will be prodding you to this way or that. You will never be able to reach your innermost center."
Friday, July 1, 2011
People who possess such unwavering conviction will definitely become happy.
The important thing is to hold on resolutely to one's convictions come what may, just as the Daishonin teaches. People who possess such unwavering conviction will definitely become happy.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 25/1
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 25/1
How to be a humanistic leader?
We use our voices not only to chant daimoku but to guide, encourage and introduce others to the Daishonin's Buddhism. Our voice, therefore, is very important. An angry voice, a coarse voice, a cold voice, an imperious voice—none of these will communicate how wonderful Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism is. I would like you to be humanistic leaders who can encourage others with bright warm voices, so that they will say, "What a lovely voice!" and "I'm always so inspired when I hear you speak." Becoming this kind of leader is one actual proof of your human revolution.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 24/1
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 24/1
Are You Real
Spiritual Story by Unknown
I assume that you have heard of the story the Velveteen Rabbit. If you have not, it is the story of a little stuffed bunny rabbit who dreams of being Real. To his owner, a small boy, the rabbit is perceived to be Real, because the Boy loves him so much. He gets older and shabbier but is content with knowing the Boy believes he is a Real rabbit. When the boy falls ill with scarlet fever and the velveteen rabbit must be thrown away, a fairy comes and tells him that because of the boy's love for him, he could now be turned into a physically real rabbit.
Why I mention this tale I explain now: I am a junior in high - school, and one day during my semester exams I was rather tired and depressed. It had been a long, wearying week and I needed to talk with someone, anyone... just to get my mind off of the tests, which I was sure I had done poorly on.
So, after school, I walked down to the student personnel services office, and sat down with one of the counselors. He was a real blast to hang out with, and every student liked him. When we began to talk, I realized my heart really wasn't in the conversation. My mind wandered back to the exams... to a doctors appointment I had the week before -- anything but the cheerful subject we were speaking of.
He paused in conversation and looked at me. We began talking now of more serious subjects: a few health problems that I have, a fight I had with my mother the day before -- things that were bothering me. After a few minutes of this, he asked me a very strange question.
"Do you think you are real?"
I was taken aback. What could he possibly meant by that? I pressed him for an explanation, and what he said was basically, he was hearing all of the things that had an impact on me, but really didn't hear about things that I was taking part in or making a difference in. He likened it to the story of the Velveteen Rabbit: did i think that I was real to the people around me, and most importantly to myself.
To my surprise, I found it very hard to answer his question instantly or honestly. A few months later, and I am still thinking about it. It made me wonder that, if I couldn't tell if I was "real" or not, what other people believed about me.
It makes you think: Do you have enough of an effect on the world around you as you would like to?
I assume that you have heard of the story the Velveteen Rabbit. If you have not, it is the story of a little stuffed bunny rabbit who dreams of being Real. To his owner, a small boy, the rabbit is perceived to be Real, because the Boy loves him so much. He gets older and shabbier but is content with knowing the Boy believes he is a Real rabbit. When the boy falls ill with scarlet fever and the velveteen rabbit must be thrown away, a fairy comes and tells him that because of the boy's love for him, he could now be turned into a physically real rabbit.
Why I mention this tale I explain now: I am a junior in high - school, and one day during my semester exams I was rather tired and depressed. It had been a long, wearying week and I needed to talk with someone, anyone... just to get my mind off of the tests, which I was sure I had done poorly on.
So, after school, I walked down to the student personnel services office, and sat down with one of the counselors. He was a real blast to hang out with, and every student liked him. When we began to talk, I realized my heart really wasn't in the conversation. My mind wandered back to the exams... to a doctors appointment I had the week before -- anything but the cheerful subject we were speaking of.
He paused in conversation and looked at me. We began talking now of more serious subjects: a few health problems that I have, a fight I had with my mother the day before -- things that were bothering me. After a few minutes of this, he asked me a very strange question.
"Do you think you are real?"
I was taken aback. What could he possibly meant by that? I pressed him for an explanation, and what he said was basically, he was hearing all of the things that had an impact on me, but really didn't hear about things that I was taking part in or making a difference in. He likened it to the story of the Velveteen Rabbit: did i think that I was real to the people around me, and most importantly to myself.
To my surprise, I found it very hard to answer his question instantly or honestly. A few months later, and I am still thinking about it. It made me wonder that, if I couldn't tell if I was "real" or not, what other people believed about me.
It makes you think: Do you have enough of an effect on the world around you as you would like to?
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