Wednesday, July 31, 2013

What is the purpose of life?

Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Wednesday, July 31, 2013:
 
What is the purpose of life? It is happiness. But there are two kinds of happiness: relative and absolute. Relative happiness comes in a wide variety of forms. The purpose of Buddhism is to attain Buddhahood. In modern terms, this could be explained as realizing absolute happiness—a state of happiness that can never be destroyed or defeated.

The key to creating good fortune is found in faith and daimoku.

For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Wednesday, July 31, 2013:
 
What is the secret to victory? Mr. Toda once described that in a certain sense life is a gamble. "If you are lucky, you will win," he said. "But if you are unlucky, then sometimes no matter how hard you try you lose. This is a hard fact." That is why, in addition to ability, good fortune is essential. The key to creating good fortune is found in faith and daimoku. I hope that you will all act in accord with the fundamental Law of Buddhism and lead victorious lives filled with unsurpassed good fortune.

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda

Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, July 30, 2013:
Religion must teach an "attitude to life." To live a life of true human dignity is certainly difficult. Life is change; it is continuous change. Nothing is constant. The four sufferings of birth, old age, sickness and death are an eternal theme that no one can escape.  Amid harsh reality, people yearn from the depths of their beings to live with dignity and for their lives to have meaning, and they make efforts toward that end. The product of these human yearnings, these prayers, is religion. Religion was born from prayer. What is Nichiren's response to these prayers of human beings? What attitude toward life does he teach? The answer, in short, is the principle of attaining Buddhahood in this lifetime.

Faith enables us to secure ultimate victory

For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, July 30, 2013:
 
Faith enables us to secure ultimate victory. It enables us to live with vigor and joy and to strive to improve ourselves—to become the very best people we can be. Moreover, faith enables us to walk through life with complete assurance and confidence, unafraid of anything.

Monday, July 29, 2013

Compassion is the very soul of Buddhism.

Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Monday, July 29, 2013:
 
Compassion is the very soul of Buddhism. To pray for others, making their problems and anguish our own; to embrace those who are suffering, becoming their greatest ally; to continue giving them our support and encouragement until they become truly happy—it is in such humanistic actions that Nichiren Buddhism lives and breathes.

Daishonin's constant urging that we make tenacious efforts in the present.

For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Monday, July 29, 2013:
 
The ultimate essence of Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism lies in living on through to the very end, pressing ever forward, courageously taking on each new challenge we encounter and never giving up. Constructing eternal glory—the state of Buddhahood—within our own lives is the purpose of our Buddhist practice in this lifetime. Hence the Daishonin's constant urging that we make tenacious efforts in the present.

Sunday, July 28, 2013

The Buddha's compassion is perfectly equal and impartial.

Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Sunday, July 28, 2013:
 
The Buddha's compassion is perfectly equal and impartial. The Buddha views all beings as his own children and strives to elevate them to attain his same enlightened state of life. It's not that there are no differences among people. Rather, it's that the Buddha, while fully recognizing people's differences, does not discriminate among them.

Life is a process of ongoing challenge.

For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Sunday, July 28, 2013:
 
Life is a process of ongoing challenge. Those who lead lives of boundless challenge realize boundless growth. In a time of tumultuous change, what people need most is the vitality to challenge their circumstances and the wisdom to open the treasure-house of knowledge and to ceaselessly strive to create new value.

Saturday, July 27, 2013

If you are jealous of others, you will not advance; you will only become miserable. Please do not be defeated or consumed by such emotions.

Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday, July 27, 2013:
 
The brilliance of true humanity lies in surmounting feelings of envy with the resolute attitude "I'll create an even more wonderful life for myself." If you are jealous of others, you will not advance; you will only become miserable. Please do not be defeated or consumed by such emotions.

Buddhism is found in the reality of society and daily life

For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday, July 27, 2013:
 
Buddhism is found in the reality of society and daily life. Because Buddhism is in no way separate from this reality, we must strive through our actions and behavior to be exemplary models for others.

Friday, July 26, 2013

What does attaining Buddhahood mean for us?

Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Friday, July 26, 2013:
 
What does attaining Buddhahood mean for us? It does not mean that one day we suddenly turn into a Buddha or become magically enlightened. In a sense, attaining Buddhahood means that we have securely entered the path, or orbit, of Buddhahood inherent in the cosmos. Rather than a final static destination at which we arrive and remain, achieving enlightenment means firmly establishing the faith needed to keep advancing along the path of absolute happiness limitlessly, without end.

Nichiren Daishonin stresses the importance of having faith that flows ceaselessly like water rather than faith that flames up briefly like fire.

For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Friday, July 26, 2013:
 
Faith is perseverance. The key to victory in any struggle in life is persistence. That is why Nichiren Daishonin stresses the importance of having faith that flows ceaselessly like water rather than faith that flames up briefly like fire. To advance continuously, it is important never to become exhausted. Carrying out activities until late at night does not equate with strong faith.

Thursday, July 25, 2013

The lion is most lionlike when he roars

Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Thursday, July 25, 2013:
Many people talk about peace, but few really do anything about it. Very few are willing to fight the battle to the end. Josei Toda instilled in me the hard and fast rule that, even if we stand alone, we must never give up but must see the struggle through to its conclusion.  The year before he died, he said something I have never forgotten for a minute: "If we don't fight, justice will be defeated. Because justice is on our side, we must not lose, we absolutely must win. That's why we fight. The lion is most lionlike when he roars."

Buddhist practice lies in bravely facing and overcoming adversity.

For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Thursday, July 25, 2013:
Buddhism is, in a sense, an eternal struggle between the Buddha and demons; in other words, a contest between positive and negative forces. If we are never assailed by negative influences, we cannot be said to be truly practicing Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism. Buddhist practice lies in bravely facing and overcoming adversity.

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Everything is determined by our attitude, by our resolve.

Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Wednesday, July 24, 2013:
 
The Argentine educator Almafuerte wrote: "To the weak, difficulty is a closed door. To the strong, however, it is a door waiting to be opened." Difficulties impede the progress of those who are weak. For the strong, however, they are an opportunity to open wide the doors to a bright future. Everything is determined by our attitude, by our resolve.

Happiness is born from such inner fortitude.

For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Wednesday, July 24, 2013:
Our lives are our own. It is not for someone else to dictate to us how we should live them. All that awaits those who allow themselves to be continually swayed by what other people say or do is unhappiness. We simply need to have the self-belief to be able to say: "This is right. This is the path I will follow. I am content." Happiness is born from such inner fortitude. Moreover, those who earnestly devote themselves in accord with the Mystic Law cannot fail to realize lives of total fulfillment.

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Women have the wisdom and strength to lead society in the direction of good, of hope and of peace.

Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, July 23, 2013:
 
I've suggested that the twenty-first be named the Century of Women. Women have the wisdom and strength to lead society in the direction of good, of hope and of peace. In expanding his own nonviolence movement, Gandhi greatly relied on women. He said it is women who can teach pacific learning to a world that, while engaged in hostilities, nonetheless thirsts for the sweet dew of peace.

Each of us will also possess a unique mission and be born in an appropriate form to fulfill it.

For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, July 23, 2013:
 
If we attain the state of Buddhahood in this lifetime, that state will forever pervade our lives. Throughout the cycle of birth and death, in each new lifetime, we are endowed with good health, wealth and intelligence, along with a supportive, comfortable environment and lead lives that overflow with good fortune. Each of us will also possess a unique mission and be born in an appropriate form to fulfill it.

Monday, July 22, 2013

Those who live out their lives courageously, on the other hand, lead the noblest and most sublime existences; they are happy.

Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Monday, July 22, 2013:
 
Josei Toda always urged us to live our lives with courage and never be cowards. He said: "Those who can't do anything but live cowardly lives are like beasts. They are ignoble and unhappy. Those who live out their lives courageously, on the other hand, lead the noblest and most sublime existences; they are happy."

A Bodhisattva of the Earth, in contrast, respects others and works for their happiness.

For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Monday, July 22, 2013:
Without practice or actual efforts, there is no bodhisattva. Action is the essence of a Buddha. A self-centered life lived solely in pursuit of one's own benefit and fortune is empty and base. A Bodhisattva of the Earth, in contrast, respects others and works for their happiness.

Sunday, July 21, 2013

We can never become truly happy unless we ourselves undergo a personal transformation.

Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Sunday, July 21, 2013:
 
We can lose ourselves in romantic attachment, but the truth is, the euphoria is unlikely to last for long. Indeed, the likelihood of undergoing suffering and sadness only grows over time. As long as we remain unable to redress our own weaknesses, we will be miserable no matter where or to whom we may take flight. We can never become truly happy unless we ourselves undergo a personal transformation.

True and lasting happiness only and always comes from our own efforts, our own wisdom, our own good fortune.

For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Sunday, July 21, 2013:
 
True and lasting happiness only and always comes from our own efforts, our own wisdom, our own good fortune. This is a fundamental truth. Faith is the key to strengthening our efforts, wisdom and good fortune; SGI activities are the key to strengthening ourselves.

Saturday, July 20, 2013

Do not have doubts simply because heaven does not lend you protection.

Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday, July 20, 2013:
 
Although I and my disciples may encounter various difficulties, if we do not harbor doubts in our hearts, we will as a matter of course attain Buddhahood. Do not have doubts simply because heaven does not lend you protection. Do not be discouraged because you do not enjoy an easy and secure existence in this life. This is what I have taught my disciples morning and evening, and yet they begin to harbor doubts and abandon their faith. -Nichiren

The challenge is how to create something of enduring value within the context of our impermanent lives.

For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday, July 20, 2013:
 
Our lives are ruled by impermanence. But simply realizing that changes nothing. There is no value in bleak pessimism. The challenge is how to create something of enduring value within the context of our impermanent lives. The Lotus Sutra teaches us how to do this.

Friday, July 19, 2013

It's foolish to be obsessed with past failures.

Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Friday, July 19, 2013:
 
It's foolish to be obsessed with past failures. And it's just as foolish to be self-satisfied with one's small achievements. The present and the future are what are important, not the past. Those who neglect this spirit of continual striving will start to veer off in a ruinous direction.

Not to leave behind any history, to just grow old and die, is a sad way to live.

For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Friday, July 19, 2013:
 
Youth is a truly wonderful thing. Unfortunately, though, this is often something that's hard to appreciate when we're young. Life passes by quickly. Before we know it, we are old. That's why in our youth we should be as active as we possibly can. Rather than a life of blank pages, live a life crammed full of memories—of battles well fought and wonderfully diverse experiences. Not to leave behind any history, to just grow old and die, is a sad way to live.

Thursday, July 18, 2013

Buddhism Day by Day

Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Thursday, July 18, 2013:
 
People of conviction, who stand alone, who pursue their chosen path—not only are such people good and trustworthy friends themselves, but they can make genuine friends of others. The bamboo groves of autumn are gorgeous. Each bamboo tree stands independently, growing straight and tall toward the sky. Yet in the ground, out of sight, their roots are interconnected. In the same way, true friendship is not a relationship of dependence, but of independence. It is the enduring bond that connects self-reliant individuals, comrades who share the same commitment, on a spiritual dimension.

The most important thing in life, too, is to find a sure and certain path and confidently advance along it.

For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Thursday, July 18, 2013:
 
There is no need to seek impatiently for greatness, fame or wealth. The earth and sun do not hurry; they follow their own path at their own pace. If the earth were to accelerate and complete one rotation in three hours instead of twenty-four, we would be in big trouble! The most important thing in life, too, is to find a sure and certain path and confidently advance along it.

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Shakyamuni Buddha taught us to strive to win happiness and peace, not outside but within ourselves.

Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Wednesday, July 17, 2013:
 
Human beings inherently possess the strength to overcome any hardship. Religions have traditionally taught the importance of such spiritual strength. This is Buddhism's point of origin. Shakyamuni Buddha taught us to strive to win happiness and peace, not outside but within ourselves.

Never give up. Never retreat.

For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Wednesday, July 17, 2013:
 
Life isn't always smooth. If it were, we would never grow and develop as human beings. If we succeed, we are envied; if we fail, we are ridiculed and attacked. Sadly, this is how people are. Unexpected grief and suffering may lie ahead of you. But it is precisely when you encounter such trying times that you must not be defeated. Never give up. Never retreat.

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

What will the future be like?

Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, July 16, 2013:
 
What will the future be like? No one knows the answer to this question. All we know is that the effects that will appear in the future are contained in the causes made in the present. The important thing, therefore, is that we stand up and take action to achieve great objectives without allowing ourselves to be distracted or discouraged by immediate difficulties.

We have to speak out.

For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, July 16, 2013:
 
The powerful may appear great, but in reality they are not. Greatest of all are the ordinary people. If those in power lead lives of idle luxury it is because the people are silent. We have to speak out. With impassioned words, we need to resolutely attack abuses of power that cause people suffering. This is fighting on the side of justice. It is wrong to remain silent when confronted with injustice. Doing so is tantamount to supporting and condoning evil.

Monday, July 15, 2013

But, if you get lost in love just because you are bored, and consequently veer from the path you should be following, then love is nothing more than escapism.

Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Monday, July 15, 2013:
 
Daily life can seem all too drab and unexciting. Living itself can sometimes seem a strain, and few of us realistically expect what joy we feel to last forever. But when we fall in love, life seems filled with drama and excitement. We feel like the leading character in a novel. But, if you get lost in love just because you are bored, and consequently veer from the path you should be following, then love is nothing more than escapism.

What is the treasure of youth?

For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Monday, July 15, 2013:
 
What is the treasure of youth? It is struggle; it is hard work. Unless you struggle, you cannot become truly strong. Those who fight hard during their youth will have nothing to fear when the time comes to put the finishing touches on their lives. They will possess a great state of life that towers strong and unshakable. In Buddhism, we call this the state of Buddhahood, which nothing can undermine or destroy. It is a state of mind enjoyed by invincible champions of life.

Sunday, July 14, 2013

An awareness of death enables us to live each day each moment—filled with appreciation for the unique opportunity we have to create something of our time on Earth.

Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Sunday, July 14, 2013:
 
An awareness of death enables us to live each day each moment—filled with appreciation for the unique opportunity we have to create something of our time on Earth. I believe that in order to enjoy true happiness, we should live each moment as if it were our last. Today will never return. We may speak of the past or of the future, but the only reality we have is that of this present instant. And confronting the reality of death actually enables us to bring unlimited creativity, courage and joy into each instant of our lives.

Only the good fortune that we accumulate during our lives lasts forever.

For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Sunday, July 14, 2013:
 
Governments come and go, economies rise and fall and society constantly changes. Only the good fortune that we accumulate during our lives lasts forever. The true victors are those who cultivate the tree of Buddhahood in the vast earth of their lives, while achieving success both in society and their personal lives through true faith and a true way of living.

Saturday, July 13, 2013

The joy of Buddhahood, however, is profound, indestructible and everlasting.

For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday, July 13, 2013:
 
The glory we enjoy in a dream vanishes without a trace when we awaken. When an illusion disappears, nothing is left of its joy except a sense of emptiness, like that which one feels when finally sobering from a state of drunkenness. The joy of Buddhahood, however, is profound, indestructible and everlasting.

How can you possibly ever know how far or fast you can go if you've never run all-out?

Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday, July 13, 2013:
 
People shouldn't hesitate to exert their all, in a way true to themselves. How can you possibly ever know how far or fast you can go if you've never run all-out? To give up even before you've tried is actually arrogance—an affront to the wondrous power of life within you and disrespectful to yourself. It is cowardly.

Friday, July 12, 2013

The person who has transformed the worst of fate into the best of fortune is life's champion.

Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Friday, July 12, 2013:
 
No one can better bask in summer's balm than those who have endured winter's bite. Similarly, it is those who have suffered through life's darkest hours who are able to truly savor the bright dawn of happiness. The person who has transformed the worst of fate into the best of fortune is life's champion.

When a single sun rises, everything is illuminated.

For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Friday, July 12, 2013:
 
I imagine that some of you have family members who are not yet practicing Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism. There is no need to be impatient or to agonize over this. Whether people take faith has to do with their mystic connection with Buddhism, which takes a variety of different forms. Important is the presence of one person who is practicing. One person's attainment of Buddhahood brings happiness to family members and relatives and all those around him or her. When a single sun rises, everything is illuminated.

Thursday, July 11, 2013

The heart of the Buddha's lifetime of teachings is the Lotus Sutra, and the heart of the practice of the Lotus Sutra is found in the "Never Disparaging" chapter.

Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Thursday, July 11, 2013:
The heart of the Buddha's lifetime of teachings is the Lotus Sutra, and the heart of the practice of the Lotus Sutra is found in the "Never Disparaging" chapter. What does Bodhisattva Never Disparaging's profound respect for people signify? The purpose of the appearance in this world of Shakyamuni Buddha, the lord of teachings, lies in his behavior as a human being. -Nichiren

It is important that youth in particular actively seek challenges to forge and strengthen themselves.

For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Thursday, July 11, 2013:
It is important that youth in particular actively seek challenges to forge and strengthen themselves. Those who enjoy material luxury from a young age and do not work hard cannot become people of outstanding character. They cannot become great leaders who protect the people. I hope that you will work hard, sparing no effort, and develop yourselves as indomitable champions, shaken or disheartened by nothing.

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

The key to winning in life.

Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Wednesday, July 10, 2013:
People's hearts are growing more complex, more confused and harder to understand. The same is true for human institutions. The darkness of this complicated and disturbed age may grow even deeper. This is why there is an even greater need for the brilliant inner light of culture, for education that polishes people's wisdom and character. This is the key to winning in life.

You cannot become a person of the highest caliber if you have a casual, easygoing attitude, thinking things will somehow just fall into place.

For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Wednesday, July 10, 2013:
 
Beethoven is called a genius. But we need to be aware that his genius was based on incredibly strenuous effort. It all comes down to hard work, to tenacious efforts. You cannot become a person of the highest caliber if you have a casual, easygoing attitude, thinking things will somehow just fall into place. Accordingly, Beethoven's motto was "No day without a line." Every day without fail, he wrote music. He would not let even a single day pass without working assiduously. To continue every day—this is just like our practice of gongyo. Making persistent efforts each day is a source of tremendous strength.

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

When open and engaged, we are experiencing the greater self.

Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, July 9, 2013:
 
When open and engaged, we are experiencing the greater self. When closed off, we are putting forth our "lesser self." The lesser self is a deluded condition, while the greater self is synonymous with the Buddha nature. To live for the greater self means to recognize the universal principle behind all things and, thus awakened, rise above the suffering caused by awareness of impermanence. A belief in something eternal is needed to enhance our quality of existence. By believing this lifetime is the be-all and end-all of existence, we will miss out on living a truly profound life. When our viewpoint expands beyond the boundaries of our present existence to include the entire, eternal universe, we can live deeply fulfilling lives.

As long as we uphold the Mystic Law throughout our lives, we can break through any impasse and surmount any obstacle.

For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, July 9, 2013:
 
Even in times of hardship, the important thing is for each of us to determine that we are the star, protagonist and hero of our lives and keep moving forward. Putting ourselves down and shrinking back from the obstacles looming before us spell certain defeat. Through making ourselves strong and developing our state of life, we can definitely find a way through. As long as we uphold the Mystic Law throughout our lives, we can break through any impasse and surmount any obstacle. We will also be able to lead all those who are suffering to happiness.

Monday, July 8, 2013

Battling against life's negative functions is an indivisible part of Buddhism.

Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Monday, July 8, 2013:
 
Buddhism concerns itself with winning. When we battle a powerful enemy, either we will triumph or we will be defeated—there is no middle ground. Battling against life's negative functions is an indivisible part of Buddhism. It is by being victorious in this struggle that we become Buddhas. We have to win. Moreover, Buddhism ensures that we can definitely do so.

Should all our prayers be answered without our having to make any effort, we would grow lazy.

For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Monday, July 8, 2013:
 
We must make steady and persistent efforts firmly grounded in daily life. If we travel in the orbit of "faith equals daily life," all our prayers will definitely be answered. We can then lead lives in which all our desires will be fulfilled. Should all our prayers be answered without our having to make any effort, we would grow lazy. Should all our desires be achieved without our ever having to experience suffering or hardship, we could not understand the pain and struggles of others, and our compassion would gradually wane.

Sunday, July 7, 2013

The good news is that, unlike fate, our karma can be changed by causes we make from this moment forward.

Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Sunday, July 7, 2013:
 
Buddhism, which is founded on the law of cause and effect, stresses the concept of karma. This principle explains that life at each moment is subject to the cumulative effects of causes made in the past. What we do, what we say and what we think are all causes. And according to Buddhism, the moment we do something, say something or think something, an effect is registered in the depths of our being. Then, as our lives meet the right circumstances, the effect becomes apparent. Personality traits are strongly connected to our karma. The good news is that, unlike fate, our karma can be changed by causes we make from this moment forward. In fact, the practice of Buddhism is essentially the practice of continually changing our karma.

Buddhism is an earnest struggle to win.

For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Sunday, July 7, 2013:
 
Vital are wisdom, tenacity and self-expression, as well as the strong life force that makes these things possible. Buddhism is an earnest struggle to win. This is what the Daishonin teaches. A Buddhist, therefore, must not be defeated. I hope you will maintain an alert and winning spirit in your work and daily life, taking courageous action and showing triumphant actual proof time and again.

Saturday, July 6, 2013

Greet everything positively, weather all storms with a strong, resilient spirit, and emerge triumphant. That is the Buddhist way of life.

Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday, July 6, 2013:
A strong opponent helps us develop and forge our own strength and ability. When you encounter some challenge, rejoice and say to yourself, "I have met a rare and worthy adversary!" Greet everything positively, weather all storms with a strong, resilient spirit, and emerge triumphant. That is the Buddhist way of life.

In the present age, SGI activities represent the means by which we can attain Buddhahood.

For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday, July 6, 2013:
 
We could liken doing gongyo and chanting daimoku to the earth's rotation on its axis, while taking part in activities resembles the earth's revolution around the sun. To enter this path, which enables us to savor a state where life is an unparalleled joy, is itself proof of our attainment of Buddhahood. In the present age, SGI activities represent the means by which we can attain Buddhahood.

Friday, July 5, 2013

Having the energy to argue is a sign of good health!

Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Friday, July 5, 2013:
 
Having the energy to argue is a sign of good health! When the two people in a relationship share similar conditions, it is only natural that they will lock horns from time to time. On the other hand, if one party begins to outgrow the other, then the two will probably not have serious confrontations, because their states of life are so different.
 
It would be great if we could live cheerfully, enjoying life to the extent that we regard our partner's nagging as a sign of his or her good health and proof that he or she is still alive and kicking. When we develop a broad state of life, then even our partner's ranting and raving will sound like the sweet song of a bird.

What does attaining Buddhahood mean for us?

For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Friday, July 5, 2013:
 
What does attaining Buddhahood mean for us? It does not mean that one day we suddenly turn into a Buddha or become magically enlightened. In a sense, attaining Buddhahood means that we have securely entered the path, or orbit, of Buddhahood inherent in the cosmos. Rather than a final static destination at which we arrive and remain, achieving enlightenment means firmly establishing the faith needed to keep advancing along the path of absolute happiness limitlessly, without end.

Thursday, July 4, 2013

Buddhism Day by Day

Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Thursday, July 4, 2013:
A great inner revolution in just a single individual will help achieve a change in the destiny of an entire society and, further, will cause a change in the destiny of humankind.

The greater the obstacles they face, the greater the courage, wisdom and power they muster from within.

For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Thursday, July 4, 2013:
 
I place a high value on personal initiative. Spontaneity underlies the spirit of autonomy and independence; conversely, taking action because one is told to amounts to slavery of the spirit. Kosen-rufu will be advanced by brave people armed with the spirit of independence who voluntarily strive to fulfill the vow they made in the remotest past. Because they struggle of their own volition, they have no complaints or grievances. The greater the obstacles they face, the greater the courage, wisdom and power they muster from within.

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

A mentor is indispensable if we are to develop into people of outstanding character.

Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Wednesday, July 3, 2013:
 
A mentor is indispensable if we are to develop into people of outstanding character. Viewed on a deeper level, our relationship with our mentor can have an even greater significance for us than our relationship with our parents. In the mentor-disciple relationship, we can find the very essence for achieving victory in life.

The path of mentor and disciple is one that leads to personal development and growth.

For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Wednesday, July 3, 2013:
 
Those who have a mentor in life are truly fortunate. The path of mentor and disciple is one that leads to personal development and growth. Those without a mentor may appear free and unbeholden to anyone, but without a solid standard or model on which to base themselves their lives will be aimless and wandering.

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Each of us will also possess a unique mission and be born in an appropriate form to fulfill it.

Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, July 2, 2013:
 
If we attain the state of Buddhahood in this lifetime, that state will forever pervade our lives. Throughout the cycle of birth and death, in each new lifetime, we are endowed with good health, wealth and intelligence, along with a supportive, comfortable environment, and lead lives that overflow with good fortune. Each of us will also possess a unique mission and be born in an appropriate form to fulfill it.

It is better to do the smallest thing in the world than to hold half an hour to be too small a thing.

For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, July 2, 2013:
 
The writer Goethe was an unflagging optimist. How was he able to maintain such optimism? Because he was always active. He did not allow his life to stagnate. He writes: "It is better to do the smallest thing in the world than to hold half an hour to be too small a thing." Spending thirty minutes a day assiduously challenging some undertaking can completely change our lives.

Monday, July 1, 2013

If we cherish the spirit to repay our debt of gratitude in the depths of our hearts, then our good fortune will increase by leaps and bounds.

Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Monday, July 1, 2013:
 
If we cherish the spirit to repay our debt of gratitude in the depths of our hearts, then our good fortune will increase by leaps and bounds. No matter how much action people might seem to be taking outwardly, if they lack the spirit to repay their debt of gratitude, their arrogance will destroy their good fortune.

While naturally being careful not to disturb your neighbors, I hope you will endeavor to chant cheerful and powerful daimoku that reaches all the Buddhist deities and Buddhas throughout the 10 directions.

For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Monday, July 1, 2013:
 
"Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is like the roar of a lion," the Daishonin says (MW-1, 119). It is by chanting powerful daimoku, like a lion's roar, that we can move the Buddhist deities, the protective forces of the universe. The voice is very important—it has profound power. While naturally being careful not to disturb your neighbors, I hope you will endeavor to chant cheerful and powerful daimoku that reaches all the Buddhist deities and Buddhas throughout the 10 directions.