Buddhism teaches, through the example of Bodhisattva Never Disparaging, to never look down on anyone.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, September 17, 2013:

 

Buddhism teaches, through the example of Bodhisattva Never Disparaging, to never look down on anyone. This is the essence of Buddhism. Nichiren Daishonin states that the "ultimate transmission" of Buddhism is to accord friends and fellow believers who are striving for kosen-rufu the same respect and reverence one would a Buddha.

How can we create the greatest value in the short span of a lifetime?

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Wednesday, September 18, 2013:

 

How can we create the greatest value in the short span of a lifetime? Those of us who embrace the Mystic Law know the answer. Our faith in and practice of the Daishonin's Buddhism enables us in this lifetime to solidify the world of Buddhahood in our lives and establish a state of eternal happiness. That is the purpose of faith in the Mystic Law, the purpose of our Buddhist practice.

Good man, a hundred, a thousand Buddhas will employ their transcendental powers to join in guarding and protecting you. Among the heavenly and human beings of all the worlds, there will be no one like you. -The Lotus Sutra

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Wednesday, September 18, 2013:

 

You have been able to accept, uphold, read, recite and ponder this sutra and to preach it for others. The good fortune you gain thereby is immeasurable and boundless. It cannot be burned by fire or washed away by water. Your benefits are such that a thousand Buddhas speaking all together could never finish describing them. Now you have been able to destroy all devils and thieves, to annihilate the army of birth and death, and all others who bore you enmity or malice have likewise been wiped out.

 

Good man, a hundred, a thousand Buddhas will employ their transcendental powers to join in guarding and protecting you. Among the heavenly and human beings of all the worlds, there will be no one like you. -The Lotus Sutra

We practice faith to live happily and also to die happily. One who has faith in the Mystic Law will not die an unhappy death.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Monday, September 16, 2013:

 

A nurse who cared for many terminal patients has observed, "Ultimately, people only die as they have lived." To die happily is therefore extremely difficult. And since death is the final settlement of accounts for one's life, it is when our true self comes to the fore. We practice faith to live happily and also to die happily. One who has faith in the Mystic Law will not die an unhappy death.

Life can unfold unlimitedly as long as we have a heart of appreciation and an undefeated mind.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, September 17, 2013:

 

Life can unfold unlimitedly as long as we have a heart of appreciation and an undefeated mind. Based on the Buddhist perspective of the eternity of life, we volunteered to be born in our current life-condition and chose to encounter the problems we have. If you can take this perspective, you should be able to overcome any difficulty with joy.

That is a fact.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Monday, September 16, 2013:

 

One thing is certain: That is that the power of belief, the power of thought, will move reality in the direction of what we believe and conceive of it. If you really believe you can do something, you can. That is a fact.

When one is deluded, it is as if one were dreaming. And when one is enlightened, it is as if one had awakened. -Nichiren

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Sunday, September 15, 2013:

 

When one is deluded, it is as if one were dreaming. And when one is enlightened, it is as if one had awakened. -Nichiren

No one is more pathetic than someone who is constantly complaining

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Sunday, September 15, 2013:

 

I hope that each of you will realize success in your respective fields, fully recognizing that success means not giving up halfway but resolutely pursuing the path you have chosen. To this end, it is also important that you realize that the place where you work is a place for forging your character and growing as a human being. By extension, therefore, it is a place for your Buddhist practice, a place for practicing and deepening your faith. When you view things from this angle, all your complaints will disappear. No one is more pathetic than someone who is constantly complaining.

Buddhism Day by Day

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday, September 14, 2013:

The Buddha does not look down on living beings from on high. He lifts them up to the same level as himself. He teaches them that they are all equally treasure towers worthy of supreme respect. This is the philosophy of the Lotus Sutra and Nichiren's spirit. It is true humanism.

Everything comes down to faith and conviction. It is what is in one's heart and the substance of one's actions that count.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday, September 14, 2013:

 

One's true worth as a human being is not a matter of outward appearance or title but derives rather from the breadth of one's spirit. Everything comes down to faith and conviction. It is what is in one's heart and the substance of one's actions that count.

Buddhism Day by Day

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Friday, September 13, 2013:

 

Exerting yourself by chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo each day amounts to what might be called a spiritual workout. It purifies and cleanses your life, gets your motors running and puts you on the right course for the day. It gets your body and mind working smoothly and puts you in rhythm, in sync, with the universe.

The functions of both the "devil" and the "Buddha" exist within our lives.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Friday, September 13, 2013:

 

The functions of both the "devil" and the "Buddha" exist within our lives. Ultimately, our battle is with ourselves. Whether in our Buddhist practice or in activities in society, or whether in historical, political or economic developments, everything essentially boils down to a struggle between positive and negative forces.

You are a Buddha and I am a Buddha. That's why we must not fight each other. That's why we must respect each other.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Thursday, September 12, 2013:

 

Buddhism teaches that all people are inherently Buddhas. I believe that this Buddhist view of humanity embodies a fundamental principle for world peace. You are a Buddha and I am a Buddha. That's why we must not fight each other. That's why we must respect each other.

This spirit of joint struggle shared by mentor and disciple is the very heart of the SGI.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Thursday, September 12, 2013:

 

I hope you members of the youth division will, in the spirit of Shijo Kingo, advance with the Daishonin and also with Mr. Makiguchi, Mr. Toda and myself. This spirit of joint struggle shared by mentor and disciple is the very heart of the SGI. It represents a solidarity in which people are linked by a true unity of purpose and commitment. May each one of you lead the most valuable, meaningful youth. The age belongs to you.

If we are to survive, a stronghold of peace must be fashioned within the mind of every single man, woman and child on the earth. This stronghold must resolutely hold out against the invasion of any idea to make war.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Wednesday, September 11, 2013:

 

If we are to survive, a stronghold of peace must be fashioned within the mind of every single man, woman and child on the earth. This stronghold must resolutely hold out against the invasion of any idea to make war.

Nothing can match the strength of those whose lives have been shaped and forged through challenging and overcoming hardships

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Wednesday, September 11, 2013:

 

Nothing can match the strength of those whose lives have been shaped and forged through challenging and overcoming hardships. Such people fear nothing. The purpose of our Buddhist practice is to develop such strength and fortitude. To cultivate such an invincible core is in itself a victory. It is also the greatest benefit. Those who can succeed in this endeavor will savor unsurpassed happiness; they can manifest the supreme state of Buddhahood.

Lotus Sutra reveals this truth, and one who embraces the Lotus Sutra will realize that hell is itself the Land of Tranquil Light.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, September 10, 2013:

 

Neither the pure land nor hell exists outside oneself; both lie only within one's own heart. Awakened to this, one is called a Buddha; deluded about it, one is called an ordinary person. The Lotus Sutra reveals this truth, and one who embraces the Lotus Sutra will realize that hell is itself the Land of Tranquil Light. -Nichiren

Youth means to cherish hope; it is a time of development. Youth means to challenge oneself; it is a time of construction. Youth means to fight for justice; it is a time of action.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, September 10, 2013:

 

Youth means to cherish hope; it is a time of development. Youth means to challenge oneself; it is a time of construction. Youth means to fight for justice; it is a time of action.

It's final victory in life that counts and that is the reason for our Buddhist practice.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Monday, September 9, 2013:

 

What matters is winning in the end; the wins and losses along the way are of secondary significance. It's final victory in life that counts and that is the reason for our Buddhist practice. No matter how powerful or famous or privileged a person might be, Nichiren says, from a Buddhist point of view it is all nothing more than a dream, an illusory pleasure; true happiness can only be attained by revealing the state of Buddhahood within your own life.

When young people make truly dedicated efforts, almost punishing themselves, their true brilliance will shine forth.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Monday, September 9, 2013:

 

Rather than sitting around idly and rusting, we must act, give of ourselves and contribute something to the world. The French scholar Robert Arnauld (1588-1674) declared, "Have we not all eternity to rest in?" Why do you seek to rest while you are still alive? he asks. These are venerable words indeed. When young people make truly dedicated efforts, almost punishing themselves, their true brilliance will shine forth.

It is important to remember that aging and growing old are not necessarily the same thing.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Sunday, September 8, 2013:

 

The German author Herman Hesse writes that the more one matures, the younger one grows. Certainly there are many people who as they age become increasingly vigorous and energetic, more broad-minded and tolerant, living with a greater sense of freedom and assurance. It is important to remember that aging and growing old are not necessarily the same thing.

Happiness is transcending all opposition and obstacles and continuing to grow.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Sunday, September 8, 2013:

 

Without opposition there is no growth. It is hard to argue with that logic. A state in which we are free from problems or constraints is not happiness. Happiness is transcending all opposition and obstacles and continuing to grow.

Nichiren Buddhism teaches us that we can transform our karma and attain a supremely peaceful death that is the start of a journey to our next lives.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday, September 7, 2013:

 

How painful and frightening is the prospect of death for human beings! No matter how wealthy or powerful we may be, all is vanity before death. Everything is empty, like a dream or an illusion. But people do not face this fact. Nichiren Buddhism teaches us that we can transform our karma and attain a supremely peaceful death that is the start of a journey to our next lives.

This is true freedom

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday, September 7, 2013:

 

Freedom doesn't mean an absence of all restrictions. It means possessing unshakable conviction in the face of any obstacle. This is true freedom.

But ultimately, the lives of those dedicated to the welfare and happiness of others, even if they remain unrecognized, are the ones truly worthy of respect.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Friday, September 6, 2013:

 

There is nothing wrong with being successful in society and enjoying a degree of fame. But ultimately, the lives of those dedicated to the welfare and happiness of others, even if they remain unrecognized, are the ones truly worthy of respect.

If we chant daimoku to the Gohonzon, we can bring forth all the ability and strength we will ever need.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Friday, September 6, 2013:

 

We often hear people say they aren't capable. But this is a defeatist attitude. If you feel you aren't capable, then tap into the great reservoir of potential that lies inside you. Since we embrace the Daishonin's Buddhism, we have recourse to daimoku. If we chant daimoku to the Gohonzon, we can bring forth all the ability and strength we will ever need.

One should regard meeting obstacles as true peace and comfort.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Thursday, September 5, 2013:

 

In the "Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings," Nichiren says, "One should regard meeting obstacles as true peace and comfort." You may wonder how encountering obstacles could be a source of peace and comfort. But the truth of the matter is that through struggling against and overcoming difficulties, we can transform our destiny and attain Buddhahood. Confronting adversity, therefore, represents peace and comfort.

Faith manifests itself in daily life. For young people in school, faith manifests itself in their studies.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Thursday, September 5, 2013:

 

Young people in school should make study their first priority. It goes without saying that faith is important, but faith is something we practice throughout our entire lives. There is a certain period and age when we should study. If we don't work hard during that period, we may fail to acquire important knowledge and skills, and we may come to regret it deeply later. Faith manifests itself in daily life. For young people in school, faith manifests itself in their studies. During this period, to devote themselves to study represents an important part of their practice of faith.

Quitting is not faith. We have to keep chanting until our prayers are answered. That is the correct way of prayer.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Wednesday, September 4, 2013:

 

What was the secret to Thomas 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
Wednesday, September 4, 2013:

 

Leaders who are responsible for organizing and holding discussion meetings in the SGI must study. If they do not, they cannot hope to satisfy the participants and inspire them with fresh energy and enthusiasm.

Viewing events and situations in a positive light is important.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, September 3, 2013:

 

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 your 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 your eyes firmly focused on reality.

True character is only forged through hardship and suffering.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, September 3, 2013:

 

True character is only forged through hardship and suffering. Moreover, it is the mentor-disciple relationship, not organizational structures, that builds character. Many great scholars, pioneers and leaders of the world have come to note how crucial the mentor-disciple relationship is.

Happiness does not lie in outward appearances nor in vanity. It is a matter of what you feel inside; it is a deep resonance in your life.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Monday, September 2, 2013:

 

Ultimately, happiness rests on how you establish a solid sense of self or being. Happiness does not lie in outward appearances nor in vanity. It is a matter of what you feel inside; it is a deep resonance in your life. To be filled each day with a rewarding sense of exhilaration and purpose, a sense of tasks accomplished and deep fulfillment—people who feel this way are happy. Those who have this sense of satisfaction even if they are extremely busy are much happier than those who have time on their hands but feel empty inside.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Monday, September 2, 2013:

 

The stronger the oppression from without, the stronger one's determination to summon forth one's inner resources to fight against it—this is the spirit of youth.

We must establish the correct standard of value upon the foundation of the dignity of life.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Sunday, September 1, 2013:

 

We must establish the correct standard of value upon the foundation of the dignity of life. Leaders of society, including politicians and schoolteachers, should teach children the distinction between good and evil and lead society in the direction of goodness. Today, however, the higher the status that people achieve, the more wrongdoings they tend to commit. Those in high status think only of their selfish interests while exploiting ordinary people. The "me first" attitude prevails. Looking at those adults, children cannot possibly grow upright. Such social trends, in a sense, are destroying our children. Adults must first reflect on their own way of life. Without self-reflection, adults are not qualified to scold children.

A mother's beliefs have a powerful influence on her children.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Sunday, September 1, 2013:

 

A mother's beliefs have a powerful influence on her children. In the realm of Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism, too, the children of families where the mother's faith is strong invariably develop into admirable adults.