Monday, January 31, 2011

The Careless Lion (Cirumspection)

Once upon a time, the Five Training Steps were not yet known in the world. There was a very wealthy man living in Benares who owned a large herd of cattle. He hired a man to look after them.

During the time of year when the rice paddies were filled with the green growing rice plants, the herdsman took the cattle to the forest to graze. From there he brought the milk and butter and cheese to the rich man in Benares.

It just so happened that. being in the forest put the cattle in a very frightening situation. There was a meat eating lion living nearby. Sensing the presence of the lion kept the cattle in constant fear. This made the cows tense and high-strung, leaving them too weak to give more than a little milk.

One day the owner of the cattle asked the herdsman why he was bringing such a small amount of milk and butter and cheese. He replied, "Sir, cows need to be calm and contented to give much milk. Due to a nearby lion, your cows are always afraid and tense. So they give hardly any milk."

"I see. " said the rich man. Thinking like an animal trapper, he asked, "Is the lion closely connected to any other animal?" The herdsman answered, "Sir, there happens to be a variety of deer living in the forest. They are called 'minideer' because they are so small. Even the adults only grow to be about one foot tall. The lion has become very friendly with a certain minideer doe."

The rich man of Benares said, "So that my cows will be at peace and able to give their usual milk, this is what you are to do. Capture the lion's friend and rub poison all over her body. Then wait a couple days before releasing her. She will be like bait in a trap for the lion. When he dies, bring his body to me. Then my cows will be safe and happy again."

The herdsman followed his boss's orders exactly. When the lion saw his favorite minideer doe he was so overjoyed that he threw all caution to the wind. Without even sniffing the air around her, he immediately began licking her excitedly all over. Because of too much joy and not enough caution, he fell into the poisonous trap. The poor lion died on the spot.

The moral is: Too much of a good thing can be dangerous.

The power of women

Ralph Waldo Emerson once wrote: "Women are, by their power of conversation and their social influence, the civilizers of mankind. What is civilization? I answer, the power of good women." The solidarity of wise, good women will be the great power to guide the world toward peace and happiness.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 10/12

What is the true spirit of Florence Nightingale?

Florence Nightingale, the founder of the modern nursing profession, proudly declared: "Let us be anxious to do well, not for selfish praise but to honor and advance the cause, the work we have taken up." The spirit to fulfill a noble mission is pure, strong, and beautiful. It is a spirit that we all should emulate.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 9/12

The purposes of education

Education allows us to be truly human. It deepens us and enables us to build a better society and a brighter future. The profundity of education determines the profundity of culture, the nature of society and the firmness of peace. Education plays a major role in creating deep solidarity, mutual understanding and trust.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 8/12

How to achieve peace?

Peace can never be attained by passively waiting for it. It is necessary for each of us, no matter how weak we may feel we are, to build deep within our hearts a stronghold for peace that can withstand, and in the end silence, the incessant calls for war.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 7/12

What are the effects of our actions?

Inconspicuous virtue brings conspicuous reward. From the perspective of Buddhism, we never fail to receive the effect of our actions, whether good or bad; therefore, it's meaningless to be two-faced or to pretend to be something we're not.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 5/12

How to attain indestructible happiness?

There is an expansive life-state of profound, secure happiness that transcends any material or social advantage. It is called faith; it is called the life-state of Buddhahood. As Nichiren reminds us: "It is the heart that is important." It is in the heart of faith that Buddhahood resides and boundless and immeasurable happiness shines forth. Happiness is not something located far away. We must realize that it exists within our own lives. Nichiren Buddhism teaches this and shows us how to attain indestructible happiness.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 4/12

What can we achieve through dailogue?

Dialogue is a positive endeavor. It builds solidarity and creates unity. To reject others only has negative repercussions. It invites division and leads to destruction. The point is to meet and to talk. It is only natural that our perspective may at times differ from that of others. But dialogue gives rise to trust, even among those who don't see eye to eye.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 3/12

Sunday, January 30, 2011

Poison Dice (Deception)

Once upon a time there was a rich man living in Benares who was addicted to gambling. He played dice with another gambling addict, a man whose mind worked in tricky ways.

While the rich gambler was very honest and above board, the tricky one was dishonest. When he kept on winning he kept on playing. But when he began to lose he secretly put one of the dice in his mouth and swallowed it. Then he claimed it was lost and stopped the game.

The rich gambler began to notice this trick. Then one day he decided to teach him a lesson. He smeared poison on the dice and let it dry so it was invisible. He took these dice to the usual place and said, "Let's play dice!"

His friend agreed. They set up the gambling board and began to play. As usual the tricky one began by winning every throw of the dice. But as soon as he began to lose he sneaked the dice into his mouth.

Seeing this the rich gambler said, "Swallow now, and then something you don't expect will happen. Your own dishonesty will make you suffer much."

After swallowing the poison dice the trickster fell down sick and fainted. The rich gambler, who was basically good at heart, thought, "Enough is enough. Now I must save his life."

He made a medical mixture to cause vomiting. He made him swallow it, and he threw up the poison dice. He gave him a drink made with clear butter, thick palm syrup, honey and cane sugar. This made the trickster feel just fine again.

Afterwards he advised him not to deceive a trusting friend again. Eventually both gamblers died and were reborn as they deserved.

The moral is: Deceiving a friend may be hazardous to your health.

The real crude cruel world

Human society can be full of contradictions. It can be unfair; unforgiving, too. Yet we cannot afford to turn our backs to the world. A person who does loses, and no excuse can gloss that over. Given a choice whether to sink or swim, one must swim to the very end, no matter how the seas around us may rage.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 6/12

What is true success in life?

What is defeat in life? It is not merely making a mistake; defeat means giving up on yourself in the midst of difficulty. What is true success in life? True success means winning in your battle with yourself. Those who persist in the pursuit of their dreams, no matter what the hurdles, are winners in life, for they have won over their weaknesses.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 2/12

What is meant by truly alive?

The main thing is to be proud of the work you do, to live true to yourself. Activity is another name for happiness. What's important is that you give free, unfettered play to your unique talents, that you live with the full radiance of your being. This is what it means to be truly alive.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 1/12

The spiritual power to create peace and happiness

That we take pains to protect weapons while we expose children—the future of the race—to peril is impermissible. To ignore this absurdity will spell defeat for humanity. We must not live to destroy. We have the spiritual power to create peace and happiness.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 30/11

Dig right where you stand, for there lies a rich wellspring!

Do not become subservient. Do not dwell on every tiny setback in the course of pursuing your chosen path. To do so would be foolish. Victory or defeat is determined by our entire lives. Moreover, our final years are the most crucial. What is enviable about the pretentious rich? What is great about conceited celebrities? What is admirable about political leaders who gained their positions of power by treating others with contempt? Dig right where you stand, for there lies a rich wellspring!

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 29/11

How to overcome a weak and easily swayed life-state and become a person of strength and purpose?

Many young women agonize over perceived personality flaws and a lack of self-confidence. Nichiren Buddhism, however, teaches the great path of human revolution that enables each of us to shine in our own unique way. With this philosophy, you can decisively overcome a weak and easily swayed life-state and become a person of strength and purpose. It will allow you to withstand the storms of suffering and build a rock-solid foundation that will support you throughout your entire precious lives.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 28/11

Who are the true victors in life?

The true victors in life are those who, enduring repeated challenges and setbacks, have sent the roots of their being to such a depth that nothing can shake them.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 27/11

Keep making efforts year after year and winning year after year

Life is long. The important thing is to remain true to a lofty goal to the very end. Buddhism enables you to adorn the final chapter of your life with brilliant success, just as the golden sun colors the sky in glorious crimson hues and beams of sublime light. To do so, you need to keep making efforts year after year and winning year after year.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 26/11

Have the faith in Buddhism to attain happiness

Suppose that a person is standing at the foot of a tall embankment and is unable to ascend. And suppose that there is someone on top of the embankment who lowers a rope and says, "If you take hold of this rope, I will pull you up to the top of the embankment." If the person at the bottom begins to doubt that the other has the strength to pull him up, or wonders if the rope is not too weak and therefore refuses to put forth his hand and grasp it, then how is he ever to get to the top of the embankment? But if he follows the instructions, puts out his hand, and takes hold of the rope, then he can climb up. -Nichiren

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 25/11

How to create pure joy of life?

There is no one lonelier or more unhappy than a person who does not know the pure joy of creating a life for himself or herself. To be human is not merely to stand erect and manifest intelligence or knowledge. To be human in the full sense of the word is to lead a creative life.

The struggle to create new life from within is a truly wonderful thing. There is found the brilliant wisdom that guides and directs the workings of reason; the light of insight that penetrates the farthest reaches of the universe; the undaunted will to see justice done that meets and challenges all the assaults of evil; the spirit of unbounded care that embraces all who suffer. When these are fused with that energy of compassion that pours forth from the deepest sources of cosmic life, an ecstatic rhythm arises to color the lives of all people.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 24/11

What is the purpose of Buddhism?

The purpose of Buddhism is to bring out the Buddha nature that all people inherently possess, to awaken people to it and enable them to attain Buddhahood. Moreover, the Lotus Sutra does not allow for any discrimination; all people are equally entitled to salvation.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 23/11

What is compassion?

Wisdom, not might, is the most important thing. Wisdom and compassion are deeply connected. Giving earnest thought to others' welfare, asking ourselves what can we do to help—using our minds in this way is a sign of compassion.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 22/11

Saturday, January 29, 2011

Courage to Deepen my Relationships

by Andreja Nolan
Australia
I was born in Slovenia to two loving parents. An only child--and a daughter, to my mother's delight. She had been told by the doctors that she would not be able to have any children. So I was really a "miracle" to them. But not the miracle they had expected. I didn't want to wear dresses, my favorite color was blue, I was very strong willed ("stubborn" in those days) and I found their love and constant attention very difficult to appreciate. In fact I found it suffocating. I longed for a sibling to share my parents with, but alas that was not to be. They were all mine.

At the same time, I was growing up with a severely inflated sense of entitlement. My father was, and still is, a very kind and gentle man, generous and obliging. He would do anything for me. He was having great difficulties setting limits with me. My mother seemed at a complete loss.

I had great difficulty feeling any respect for my father. I longed for him to be firmer in his discipline and despised him for failing at it.

For many years, I was emotionally avoiding my parents--criticizing them and spending most of my time at friends' places. I was also deeply aware that my father had a very hard life and suffered a lot of back pain and rheumatoid arthritis.

I felt guilty to be treating him so badly, but I was not able to change my behavior.

By the time I was 27 and left for Australia to be with my husband David, I was at the point where I couldn't stand my father's "whining" and complaining. Our conversations seemed stuck on his prolonged complaints about his bodily problems. I could not stand to be in the same room with him. Just his presence would evoke such frustration and fury in me that I was afraid that I would hurt him (at least with my words). That continued during our regular visits back to Slovenia in the years to come.

During one such visit three years after I started to practice Buddhism, I decided to attend to this relationship through my practice because I felt there had been enough suffering between us. I sought guidance and received it: to appreciate my father just the way he is, that he is perfect the way he is, that I was the one who chose him to be my father. That was all news to me, especially the bit about appreciation, as I really had never felt that in my relationship with my father--or in general.

I went home and for the first time used my "stubbornness" to create value. I chanted wholeheartedly to be able to appreciate my father and his role in my life. I felt the surge of confidence that comes only with a strong determination.

The next day, I received a phone call from my father. That was a total surprise since it had previously always been me calling home, begrudgingly and halfheartedly, fearing a prolonged list of his health complaints.

Following the greetings I asked him, as always: "How are you today, how is your back?" His answer was, "Oh, let's not talk about my health and illnesses. It's getting boring. How are you?"

My father had never before spoken in this way. We had a "normal," two-way conversation for the first time in my life. From that moment on, I have never again, not once, felt any frustration with him; I so appreciate his love and care for me from the first moment of my life until today. And I am so happy that we were able to reach this point while he is still alive and that he can experience my compassion for him.

However, I realized it was not only in relation to my father that I had such a profound lack of appreciation.

I had come to Australia at the age of 27 after meeting my husband-to-be, David, in 1989 while he was traveling in Europe. After a very short time, we both knew that we were meant to be together and we got married.

In 2002, my friend from Slovenia, Anita, came to visit and stayed with us in Gerringong for seven weeks. At that time I had already lived in Australia for seven years and had two children, but I still felt very lonely and disconnected from people. I only had one close friend, but even that relationship was very challenging. Every day I wondered, "What's wrong with these people?"

My friend practiced Buddhism and chanted Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. When I asked Anita about her chanting, she said that according to this Buddhism everyone can achieve enlightenment in this lifetime. I thought that sounded good, since I had two children and didn't have time or money for weekend retreats.

She also made a very gentle comment to me that only a very good friend can make, that maybe I had something to do with my poor friendship record. At least I could entertain this possibility, but did not know how to change it. My "victim" position was very strong.

I started chanting together with Anita, and by the time she left I was also attending discussion meetings in Wollongong. Soon after that, I received the Gohonzon and started discussion meetings at our home in Gerringong.

I always knew that I was onto something good with this Buddhism and I was sharing it enthusiastically with many people, but not many responded by chanting or coming to meetings. I couldn't work out why. Again, I was thinking, "What's wrong with these people?"

During our discussion meetings, I would still suffer and complain a lot about lack of friends here in Gerringong, blaming the "small community" and considering moving because I was so lonely and unhappy.

It took time to recognize my arrogance and take responsibility for my loneliness and lack of friends, but I practiced consistently and, soon enough, I began to see what I needed to change in my own life to become happy.

Through my active involvement in group meetings, I have experienced care and compassion as well as wisdom and guidance. I have built up enough courage to start treating people with more respect and appreciation, regardless of "what they could do for me" or my judgment of them. To determine to start seeing people with infinite potential for Buddhahood was very freeing for me, and undoubtedly more pleasant for them. I began consciously challenging my sense of isolation.

I started to appreciate others just as they are. And that is how I want to relate to everybody that I meet--with a profound sense of appreciation for everyone's potential. What a sense of freedom that is! When I judge, I feel dragged down; when I criticize, I feel heavy. When I manage to appreciate, I feel light and truly happy.

During a recent visit to Japan, I experienced SGI President Daisaku Ikeda's magnitude of care and appreciation. I was deeply touched by his continuous expressions of care for all visiting members. I want to care for people the way he does. In that kind of life, there is no room for loneliness, no room for isolation, no room for self-pity. This life is so precious! I don't want to wait to start caring for others tomorrow or the next day. I am determined to continue challenging myself through sincere care for whoever is right in front of me.

President Ikeda states: "There is no true joy in a life lived closed up in the little shell of the self. When you take one step to reach out to people, when you meet with others and share their thoughts and sufferings, infinite compassion and wisdom well up within your heart. Your life is transformed."

I am determined to join my mentor in reaching out to our members, friends, family and fellow human beings. I don't want to hold back my expression of care anymore.

[Adapted from Indigo, SGI-Australia, June 2010]

Happiness for Myself and Others

by Janaía Cristina Bandettini
Brazil
My parents divorced when I was 14 years old and, when my mother remarried, I went to live with my grandparents. It was during this time, in 1985, that my grandmother's neighbor introduced my mother and me to Nichiren Buddhism, assuring us that we could transform our situation and conquer our hopelessness and unhappiness.

Chanting infused me with enthusiasm and energy. I had always had lots of dreams and learned that it was up to me to make them happen.

From an early age I had to learn what it means to be responsible for others. I started my first job when I was 14. Just before I turned 16, I was hired by one of the largest insurance companies in Brazil with an excellent salary and benefits. Now, as the only provider for my family, I was able to offer my grandparents the comfort that they deserved. I also took on various responsibilities within SGI-Brazil (BSGI), particularly taking care of younger members.

In 2000, I ended a turbulent romantic relationship that I had been suffering in for over 10 years. I determined that I would become truly happy.

The following year, I participated in an SGI youth training course in Japan. This was one of the most remarkable experiences of my life. I was deeply moved by the care and warmth I experienced from everyone there, particularly from SGI President Ikeda. From his words and his actions, I felt his deep concern for each of us to lead happy lives, his desire for us to develop the strength and wisdom to be able to confront whatever difficulties we might encounter in our lives.

Nevertheless, back in Brazil, the accumulating stress of my various responsibilities and the ending of my long-term relationship was beginning to cause me emotional instability, which spiraled into serious depression. My responsible attitude had always made me appear strong, always with a smile on my face, but now I felt and looked fatigued and hopeless. I lost weight and my health worsened. I felt I had lost my grip on life.

On top of this I felt ashamed to be in such despair; I thought that as a leader within BSGI I should not be experiencing this. Not long thereafter, I endured three major crises and needed to be taken to a psychiatric first-aid clinic. I could no longer do my work as an independent insurance broker and began accumulating debt.

I was still trying to maintain my responsibilities in BSGI's young women's division. Around that time we determined that we would each exert ourselves in talking to others about Buddhist philosophy. I, however, felt at the end of my tether and was even questioning my faith.

Through the encouragement of a fellow member, I decided not to give up and to pursue this goal. The purpose, she reminded me, was to help other people who were suffering.

As I began to talk with others about my Buddhist practice and the innate potential we each possess to transform our lives, a change started to occur. By encouraging others and giving them hope, I began to feel hopeful and energetic myself. The more effort I made for other people's happiness, the happier I felt.

In a very natural way, my depression became a thing of the past. I was able to return to work and began to relate to people as I had in the past. I completed a postgraduate business degree and, in 2006, opened my own company.

I feel now that the suffering that I endured has given me a deeper understanding of life. Because of these difficulties, I can more effectively help young people to overcome their own problems. I want to help raise young people who radiate the splendor of life, able to transform adversities into happiness. Because of my sufferings, I can appreciate that much more the sweet taste of victory in my life.

[Adapted from SGI Quarterly, October 2007]

One Way Hospitality (Ingratitude)

Once upon a time there were two merchants who wrote letters back and forth to each other. They never met face to face. One lived in Benares and the other lived in a remote border village.

The country merchant sent a large caravan to Benares. It had 500 carts loaded with fruits and vegetables and other products. He told his workers to trade all these goods with the help of the Benares merchant.

When they arrived in the big city they went directly to the merchant. They gave him the gifts they had brought. He was pleased and invited them to stay in his own home. He even gave them money for their living expenses. He treated them with the very best hospitality. He asked about the well-being of the country merchant and gave them gifts to take back to him. Since it is easier for a local person to get a good price, he saw to it that all their goods were fairly traded. They returned home and told their master all that had happened.

Later on, the Benares merchant sent a caravan of 500 carts to the border village. His workers also took gifts to the country merchant. When they arrived he asked,

"Where do you come from?" They said they came from the Benares merchant, the one who wrote him letters.

Taking the gifts, the country merchant laughed in a very discourteous way and said, "Anyone could say they came from the Benares merchant!" Then he sent them away, giving them no place to stay, no gifts, and no help at all.

The caravan workers went downtown to the marketplace and did the best they could trading without local help. They returned to Benares and told their master all that had happened.

Before too long, the country merchant sent another caravan of 500 carts to Benares. Again his workers took gifts to the same merchant. When his workers saw them coming, they said to him, "We know just how to provide suitable lodgings, food and expense money for these people."

They took them outside the city walls to a good place to camp for the night. They said they would return to Benares and prepare food and get expense money for them.

Instead they rounded up all their fellow workers and returned to the campsite in the middle of the night. They robbed all 500 carts, including the workers' outer garments. They chased away the bullocks, and removed and carried off the cart wheels.

The villagers were terrified. They ran back home as fast as their legs could carry them.

The city merchant's workers told him all they had done. He said, 'Those who forget gratitude and ignore simple hospitality wind up getting what they deserve. Those who do not appreciate the help they have received soon find that no one will help them anymore."

The moral is: If you don't help others, you can't expect them to help you.

The unique purpose of everyone in this world

Everyone born in this world has a unique role that only he or she can fulfill. Were this not the case, we would not be here. The universe never acts without cause; everything invariably has a reason for being. Even the weeds people love to loathe serve a purpose.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 21/11

Develop a strong self with confidence and poise to face whatever vicissitudes you may encounter

Many things happen in life. There are joyous days and times of suffering. Sometimes unpleasant things occur. But that's what makes life so interesting. The dramas we encounter are part and parcel of being human. If we experienced no change or drama in our lives, if nothing unexpected ever happened, we would merely be like automatons, our lives unbearably monotonous and dull. Therefore, please develop a strong self so that you can enact the drama of your life with confidence and poise in the face of whatever vicissitudes you may encounter.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 20/11

The joy of sharing happiness

To be concerned only with one's own happiness is egoism. To claim you care only about the happiness of others is hypocrisy. Genuine happiness is becoming happy together with others. Josei Toda said: "Just becoming happy oneself—there's nothing difficult to that. It's easy. Helping others become happy is the foundation of our faith."

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 19/11

Where does happines come from?

If you want to build a happy life, you have to give careful thought to the foundations. Happiness certainly cannot be secured on appearances or affectation. Happiness comes down to the inner state of our life at a given moment.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 18/11

How to confront the fundamental darkness in one's own life.

The Lotus Sutra, which explains that all people can attain Buddhahood and that all people are Buddhas, embodies a spirit of supreme respect for human beings. By contrast, those teachings and ideas that seek to turn people into objects to be exploited embody ultimate disrespect for human beings. Such disrespect is an expression of fundamental darkness. On the level of the individual, practicing the Lotus Sutra means confronting the fundamental darkness in one's own life.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 17/11

Friday, January 28, 2011

The Phoney Holy Man (Hypocrisy)

Once upon a time there was a man who looked and acted just like a holy man. He wore nothing but rags, had long matted hair, and relied on a little village to support him. But he was sneaky and tricky. He only pretended to give up attachment to the everyday world. He was a phoney holy man.

A wealthy man living in the village wanted to earn merit by doing good deeds. So he had a simple little temple built in the nearby forest for the holy man to live in. He also fed him the finest foods from his own home.

He thought this holy man with matted hair was sincere and good, one who would not do anything unwholesome. Since he was afraid of bandits, he took his family fortune of 100 gold coins to the little temple. He buried it under the ground and said to the holy man, "Venerable one, please look after this my family fortune."

The holy man replied, "There's no need to worry about such things with people like me. We holy ones have given up attachment to the ordinary world. We have no greed or desire to obtain the possessions of others."

"Very well, venerable one," said the man. He left thinking himself very wise indeed, to trust such a good holy man.

However, the wicked holy man thought, "Aha! This treasure of 100 gold coins is enough for me to live on for the rest of my life! I will never have to work or beg again!" So a few days later he dug up the gold and secretly buried it near the roadside.

The next day he went to the wealthy villager's home for lunch as usual. After eating his fill he said, "Most honourable gentleman, I have lived here supported by you for a long time. But holy ones who have given up the world are not supposed to become too attached to one village or supporter. It would make a holy man like me impure! Therefore, kindly permit me to humbly go on my way."

The man pleaded with him again and again not to go, but it was useless. "Go then, venerable sir," he agreed at last. He went with him as far as the boundary of the village and left him there.

After going on a short way himself, the phoney holy man thought, "I must make absolutely sure that stupid villager does not suspect me. He trusts me so much that he will believe anything. So I will deceive him with a clever trick!" He stuck a blade of dry grass in his matted hair and went back.

When he saw him returning, the wealthy villager asked, "Venerable one, why have you come back?" He replied, "Dear friend, this blade of grass from the thatched roof of your house has stuck in my hair. It is most unwholesome and impure for a holy one such as myself to 'take what is not given'."

The amazed villager said, "Think nothing of it, your reverence. Please put it down and continue on your way. Venerable ones such as you do not even take a blade of grass that belongs to another. How marvellous! How exalted you are, the purest of the holy. How lucky I was to be able to support you!" More trusting than ever, he bowed respectfully and sent him on his way again.

It just so happened that the Enlightenment Being was living the life of a trader at that time. He was in the midst of a trading trip when he stopped overnight at the village. He had overheard the entire conversation between the villager and the 'purest of the holy'. He thought, "That sounds ridiculous! This man must have stolen something far more valuable than the blade of dry grass he has made such a big show of returning to its rightful owner."

The trader asked the wealthy villager, "Friend, did you perhaps give anything to this holy looking man for safekeeping?" "Yes friend," he replied, "I trusted him to guard my family fortune of 100 gold coins." "I advise you to go see if they are where you left them," said the trader.

Suddenly worried, he ran to the forest temple, dug up the ground, and found his treasure gone. He ran back to the trader and said, "It has been stolen!" "Friend," he replied, "No one but that so-called holy man could have taken it. Let's catch him and get your treasure back."

They both chased after him as fast as they could. When they caught up with him they made him tell where he had hidden the money. They went to the hiding place by the roadside and dug up the buried treasure.

Looking at the gleaming gold the Bodhisatta said, "You hypocritical holy man. You spoke well those beautiful words, admired by all, that one is not to 'take what is not given'. You hesitated to leave with even a blade of grass that didn't belong to you. But it was so easy for you to steal a hundred gold coins!" After ridiculing the way he had acted in this way, he advised him to change his ways for his own good.

The moral is: Be careful of a holy man who puts on a big show.

Dailogue

The real essence and practice of humanism is found in heartfelt, one-to-one dialogue. Be it summit diplomacy or the various interactions of private citizens in different lands, genuine dialogue has the kind of intensity described by the great twentieth-century humanist and philosopher Martin Buber as an encounter "on the narrow ridge" in which the slightest inattention could result in a precipitous fall. Dialogue is indeed this kind of intense, high-risk encounter.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 16/11

To say at the right moment and stand up for the truth

We are always changing. If you decide passively, "I'm a quiet type now, so I'll just go through life being quiet," then you won't fully realize your unique potential. On the other hand, you can challenge yourself to become someone, who, though quiet and reserved by nature, will nevertheless say what needs to be said at the right moment, clearly and completely, someone who has the courage to speak out and stand up for the truth.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 15/11

The influence and effect of the tone of our voice

Our voice resonates with life. Because this is so, it can touch the lives of others. The caring and compassion imbued in your voice finds passage to the listener's soul, striking his or her heart and causing it to sing out; the human voice summons something profound from deep within, and can even compel a person into action.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 14/11

The difference between Nichiren's disciples and cowards.

Nichiren writes, "None of you who declare yourselves to be my disciples should ever give way to cowardice." When the crucial moment comes, it is important to battle through it with the ferocity of a charging lion. This is the key to creating a record of lasting brilliance. As the ancient Greek poet and playwright Euripides inscribed, "Courage is very powerful against misfortune."

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 13/11

Complaints and evasions reflect a cowardly spirit

Indulgence and indolence produce nothing creative. Complaints and evasions reflect a cowardly spirit; they corrupt and undermine life's natural creative thrust. When life is denuded of the will to struggle creatively, it sinks into a state of hellish destructiveness directed at all that lives.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 12/11

Guarding others' lives, the ecology and the earth is the same as protecting one's own life.

A sense of being part of the great all-inclusive life prompts us to reflect on our own place and on how we ought to live. Guarding others' lives, the ecology and the earth is the same as protecting one's own life. By like token, wounding them is the same thing as wounding oneself. Consequently, it is the duty of each of us to participate as members of the life community in the evolution of the universe. We can do this by guarding earth's ecological system.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 11/11

Thursday, January 27, 2011

The Bull Called Delightful (All Deserve Respect)

Once upon a time, in the country of Gandhara in northern India, there was a city called Takkasila. In that city the Enlightenment Being was born as a certain calf. Since he was well bred for strength, he was bought by a high class rich man. He became very fond of the gentle animal, and called him 'Delightful'. He took good care of him and fed him only the best.

When Delightful grew up into a big fine strong bull, he thought, "I was brought up by this generous man. He gave me such good food and constant care, even though sometimes there were difficulties. Now I am a big grown up bull and there is no other bull who can pull as heavy a load as I can. Therefore, I would like to use my strength to give something in return to my master."

So he said to the man, "Sir, please find some wealthy merchant who is proud of having many strong bulls. Challenge him by saying that your bull can pull one hundred heavily loaded bullock carts."

Following his advice, the high class rich man went to such a merchant and struck up a conversation. After a while, he brought up the idea of who had the strongest bull in the city.

The merchant said, "Many have bulls, but no one has any as strong as mine." The rich man said, "Sir, I have a bull who can pull one-hundred heavily loaded bullock carts." "No, friend, how can there be such a bull? That is unbelievable!" said the merchant. The other replied, "I do have such a bull, and I am willing to make a bet."

The merchant said, "I will bet a thousand gold coins that your bull cannot pull a hundred loaded bullock carts." So the bet was made and they agreed on a date and time for the challenge.

The merchant attached together one-hundred big bullock carts. He filled them with sand and gravel to make them very heavy.

The high class rich man fed the finest rice to the bull called Delightful. He bathed him and decorated him and hung a beautiful garland of flowers around his neck.

Then he harnessed him to the first cart and climbed up onto it. Being so high class, he could not resist the urge to make himself seem very important. So he cracked a whip in the air, and yelled at the faithful bull, "Pull, you dumb animal! I command you to pull, you big dummy!"

The bull called Delightful thought, "This challenge was my idea! I. have never done anything bad to my master, and yet he insults me with such hard and harsh words!" So he remained in his place and refused to pull the carts.

The merchant laughed and demanded his winnings from the bet. The high class rich man had to pay him the one-thousand gold coins. He returned home and sat down, saddened by his lost bet, and embarrassed by the blow to his pride.

The bull called Delightful grazed peacefully on his way home. When he arrived, he saw his master sadly lying on his side. He asked. "Sir, why are you lying there like that? Are you sleeping? You look sad." The man said, "I lost a thousand gold coins because of you. With such a loss, how could I sleep?"

The bull replied, "Sir, you called me 'dummy'. You even cracked a whip in the air over my head. In all my life, did I ever break anything, step on anything, make a mess in the wrong place, or behave like a 'dummy' in any way?" He answered, "No, my pet."

The bull called Delightful said, "Then sir, why did you call me 'dumb animal', and insult me even in the presence of others? The fault is yours. I have done nothing wrong. But since I feel sorry for you, go again to the merchant and make the same bet for two-thousand gold coins. And remember to use only the respectful words I deserve so well."

Then the high class rich man went back to the merchant and made the bet for two-thousand gold coins. The merchant thought it would be easy money. Again he set up the one-hundred heavily loaded bullock carts. Again the rich man fed and bathed the bull, and hung a garland of flowers around his neck.

When all was ready, the rich man touched Delightful's forehead with a lotus blossom, having given up the whip. Thinking of him as fondly as if he were his own child, he said. "My son, please do me the honor of pulling these one-hundred bullock carts."

Lo and behold, the wonderful bull pulled with all his might and dragged the heavy carts, until the last one stood in the place of the first.

The merchant, with his mouth hanging open in disbelief, had to pay the two-thousand gold coins. The onlookers were so impressed that they honored the bull called Delightful with gifts. But even more important to the high class rich man than his winnings, was his valuable lesson in humility and respect.

The moral is: Harsh words bring no reward. Respectful words bring honor to all.

Do the things that you want and be happy

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.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 10/11

What will happen to boastful people and people of integrity?

Don't put on airs. Conceit and pretense don't win people's hearts; the façade soon crumbles. Be yourself. Buddhism teaches we can shine most brilliantly through natural, unaffected behavior. Being sincere, dedicated and honest is the key. People of integrity triumph in the end.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 9/11

How to pioneer uncharted ways or new frontiers?

The noted pacifist scholar Johan Galtung tells young people, "We must be realists in our brains while keeping the flame of idealism burning in our hearts." Both of these—to see the world as it is and how it could be—are essential to reform. A firm hold on reality should not entail being swamped by or resting easy in the status quo. To pioneer uncharted ways requires that people today keep the lamp of optimism lit.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 8/11

Hardship and difficulties make strong individual

True ease and comfort are not found in a quiet, uneventful life. This may sound paradoxical, but hardships bring about ease and comfort. For only by establishing strong individual lives capable of boldly challenging difficult obstacles can we find true "peace and security in this lifetime," as the Lotus Sutra says.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 7/11

Society is where we put the teachings of Buddhism into practice. The essence of Buddhism shines in our actions in society.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 6/11

Summon up the courage of the lion king

Each of you should summon up the courage of a lion king and never succumb to threats from anyone. The lion king fears no other beast, nor do its cubs. Slanderers are like barking foxes, but Nichiren's followers are like roaring lions. -Nichiren

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 5/11

How to gain trust?

Trust is difficult to earn and it is easily lost—the trust built over a decade can be shattered in an instant by one offhanded remark or deed. A person who is not swayed from their chosen path, even during the most trying times, will ultimately find that he or she is trusted by all.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 4/11

Nichiren Buddhism is a teaching of action

The Lotus Sutra is a scripture to be practiced. Its teachings are meant to be put into action. Our faith and study of Buddhist doctrine are enhanced and given life through actual practice. Nichiren Buddhism is not a teaching of quiet contemplation and meditation; it is a teaching of action. Failing to translate the teachings of Buddhism into action is to go against Buddhism's fundamental spirit.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 3/11

The compassionate practice of the Lotus Sutra

The Lotus Sutra explains that the self is one with the universe. The practice of the Lotus Sutra is the practice of compassion to respect and revere everyone as a treasure tower, and to become happy conjointly with others in accord with the principle of the oneness of self and others, while overcoming the various difficulties we face.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 2/11

Buddhism is the path to happiness

Buddhism is not a religion that closes its eyes to people's suffering; it is a teaching that opens people's eyes. Therefore, Buddhism is the path that enables people to become happy. To turn away our eyes from the contradictions of society and rid ourselves of all worldly thoughts is not the way of Buddhist practice. The true spirit of mediation lies in manifesting our innate wisdom in society and resolutely struggling for the happiness of ourselves and others, and to construct a better society.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 1/11

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

A Priest Who Worshipped Luck (Superstition)

Once upon a time, the Enlightenment Being was born into a high class family in north-western India. When he grew up, he realized his ordinary life could not give him lasting happiness. So he left everything behind and went to live in the Himalayas as a forest monk. He meditated and gained knowledge and peace of mind.

One day he decided to come down from the forests to the city of Rajagaha. When he arrived he stayed overnight in the king's pleasure garden.

The next morning he went into the city to collect alms food. The king saw him and was pleased with his humble and dignified attitude. So he invited him to the palace. He offered him a seat and gave him the best foods to eat. Then he invited him to live in the garden for good. The holy man agreed, and from then on he lived in the king's pleasure garden and had his meals in the king's palace.

At that time there was a priest in the city who was known as 'Lucky Cloth'. He used to predict good or bad luck by examining a piece of cloth.

It just so happened that he had a new suit of clothes. One day, after his bath, he asked his servant to bring the suit to him. The servant saw that it had been chewed slightly by mice, so he told the priest.

Lucky Cloth thought, "It is dangerous to keep in the house these clothes that have been chewed by mice. This is a sure sign of a curse that could destroy my home. Therefore, I can't even give them to my children or servants. The curse would still be in my house!

"In fact, I can't give these unlucky clothes to anyone. The only safe thing to do is to get rid of them once and for all. The best way to do that is to throw them in the corpse grounds, the place where dead bodies are put for wild animals to eat.

"But how can I do that? If I tell a servant to do it, desire will make him keep the clothes, and the curse will remain in my household. Therefore, I can trust this task only to my son."

He called his son to him and told all about the curse of the clothes that were slightly chewed by mice. He told him not even to touch them with his hand. He was to carry them on a stick and go throw them in the corpse grounds. Then he must bathe from head to foot before returning home.

The son obeyed his father. When he arrived at the corpse grounds, carrying the clothes on a stick, he found the holy man sitting by the gate. When Lucky Cloth's son threw away the cursed suit, the holy man picked it up. He examined it and saw the tiny teeth marks made by the mice. But since they could hardly be noticed, he took the suit with him back to the pleasure garden.

After bathing thoroughly, his son told Priest Lucky Cloth what had happened. He thought, "This cursed suit of clothes will bring great harm to the king's favorite holy man. I must warn him." So he went to the pleasure garden and said. "Holy one, the unlucky cloth you have taken, please throw it away! It is cursed and will bring harm to you!"

But the holy man replied, "No no, what others throw away in the corpse grounds is a blessing to me! We forest meditators are not seers of good and bad luck. All kinds of Buddhas and Enlightenment Beings have given up superstitions about luck. Anyone who is wise should do the same. No one knows the future!"

Hearing about the truly wise and enlightened ones made Priest Lucky Cloth see how foolish he had been. From then on he gave up his many superstitions and. followed the teachings of the humble holy man.

The moral is: A fool's curse can be a wise man's blessing.

What is sickness based on the principle of the Mystic Law?

It is only natural that sometimes we fall sick. But we must see that sickness as a sickness that originally exists in life, based on the principle of the Mystic Law. In other words, there is no reason to allow yourself to be controlled by illness, for it to fill your life with suffering and distress. From the standpoint of eternal life through the three existences, your fundamentally happy self is incontrovertibly established.

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 31/10

What is the Gohonzon?

The Gohonzon is the concrete manifestation of the very existence of Nichiren Daishonin, who taught kosen-rufu. Because of that, if you only practice gongyo and chant daimoku and don't take any other action for the sake of kosen-rufu or improving your own life, the Gohonzon will not have its true, full effect. If, however, you take actions to achieve kosen-rufu, they will serve as that extra push for your own life and help you leap to higher and higher states of mind in your gongyo and chanting as well.

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 30/10

What is Gongyo?

Gongyo is a practice that calls forth and activates the infinite power that the microcosm inherently possesses. It transforms your fate, breaks through any apparent dead ends and converts sufferings into happiness. It creates a transformation, a revolution of the microcosm. It is a diagram in miniature of kosen-rufu in our lives.

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 29/10

Become the master of your mind, not let your mind master you

It may seem perfectly all right to put ourselves and our own wishes first, to simply follow the dictates of our emotions and cravings, but the truth is that there is nothing more unreliable than our own mind. Life doesn't always go like clockwork and things will not necessarily turn out as we hope or plan. Consequently, Nichiren Daishonin frequently stressed: You should become the master of your mind, not let your mind master you. We mustn't allow ourselves to be ruled by a self-centered mind. Rather, we have to discipline our mind and gain mastery over it. This is the Daishonin's strict admonition.

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 28/10

How to overcome difficulities in life?

Whether we regard difficulties in life as misfortunes or whether we view them as good fortune depends entirely on how much we have forged our inner determination. It all depends on our attitude or inner state of life. With a dauntless spirit, we can lead a cheerful and thoroughly enjoyable life. We can develop a "self" of such fortitude that we can look forward to life's trials and tribulations with a sense of profound elation and joy: "Come on obstacles! I've been expecting you! This is the chance that I've been waiting for!"

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 27/10

What is the difference between worldly success and true happiness?

I hope that, basing yourself on faith, you will become wealthy people of virtue and influence who are widely respected. I would like to add, however, that worldly success is not equivalent to true happiness. Achieving this requires that we have a profound understanding of the nature of life. A person of success in the true sense is one who can enjoy a free and unrestrained state of life.

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 26/10

How to sever the chains of suffering?

It is the sharp sword of the Mystic Law and the great power of faith that enable us to completely sever the chains of suffering. Therefore, I wish to make it clear that to secure eternal freedom and happiness, you must absolutely not be cowardly, especially in faith.

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 25/10

How to succeed?

The only way to succeed is by first bringing to completion that which is most immediate. This principle applies in all affairs—in our daily lives, our work and our families as well as in the progress of kosen-rufu.

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 24/10

The shortest route to understanding the essence of Buddhism in the depths of your life is to practice it

As far as the fundamental teachings of Buddhism and the Gosho are concerned, I hope that, regarding them as absolutely correct, you will first and foremost strive to put them into practice. I urge you to do so because this is the shortest route to understanding the essence of Buddhism in the depths of your life.

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 23/10

How human revolution begins?

The main point is to enable one member to stand up by imparting heartfelt assurance and understanding. It is the explosion of faith in the microcosm of an individual that causes the macrocosm of the organization—a gathering of many such individuals—to commence its revolution. This is how the doctrine of a life-moment possesses 3,000 realms applies to our practice.

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 22/10

The spirit of taking on the hard work oneself—that is faith, that is humanism.

The mentality of getting others to do the hard work while one sits back and takes it easy—that is bureaucratism at its worst; it is not faith. The spirit of taking on the hard work oneself—that is faith, that is humanism.

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 21/10

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

A Lesson From a Snake (The Value of Goodness)

Once upon a time, King Brahmadatta of Benares had a very valuable adviser priest. He came from a rich noble family. He was intelligent and full of knowledge. He was generous with his wealth and knowledge, holding nothing back. People thought of him as a kind and good person.

By practicing the Five Training Steps, he trained his mind to avoid the five unwholesome actions. He discovered that giving up each unwholesome action made him better off in its own way:

1-destroying life, since you have to kill part of yourself in order to kill someone else;
2-taking what is not given, since this makes the owner angry at you;
3-doing wrong in sexual ways, since this leads to the pain of jealousy and envy;
4-speaking falsely, since you can't be true to yourself and false to another at the same time;
5-losing your mind from alcohol, since then you might hurt yourself by doing the other four.


Seeing how he lived, King Brahmadatta thought, 'This is truly a good man."

The priest was curious to learn more about the value of goodness. He thought, "The king honors and respects me more than his other priests. But I wonder what it is about me that he really respects most. Is it my nationality, my noble birth or family wealth? Is it my great learning and vast knowledge? Or is it because of my goodness? I must find the answer to this."

Therefore, he decided to perform an experiment in order to answer his question. He would pretend to be a thief!

On the next day, when he was leaving the palace, he went by the royal coin maker. He was stamping out coins from gold. The good priest, not intending to keep it, took a coin and continued walking out of the palace. Because the money maker admired the famous priest highly, he remained sitting and said nothing.

On the following day the make-believe thief took two gold coins. Again the royal coin maker did not protest.

Finally, on the third day, the king's favorite priest grabbed a whole handful of gold coins. This time the money maker didn't care about the priest's position or reputation. He cried out, "This is the third time you have robbed his majesty the king." Holding onto him, he shouted, "I've caught the thief who robs the king! I've caught the thief who robs the king! I've caught the thief who robs the king!"

Suddenly a crowd of people came running in, yelling, "Aha! You pretended to be better than us! An example of goodness!" They slapped him, tied his hands behind his back, and hauled him off to the king.

But on their way, they happened to go by some snake charmers. They were entertaining some bystanders from the king's court with a poisonous cobra. They held him by the tail and neck, and coiled him around their necks to show how brave they were.

The tied up prisoner said to them, "Please be careful! Don't grab that cobra by the tail. Don't grab him by his neck. And don't coil that poisonous snake around your own necks. He may bite you and bring your lives to a sudden end!"

The snake charmers said, "You ignorant priest, you don't understand about this cobra. He is well-mannered and very good indeed. He is not bad like you! You are a thief who has stolen from the king. Because of your wickedness and criminal behavior, you are being carried off with your hands tied behind your back. But there's no need to tie up a snake who is good!"

The priest thought, "Even a poisonous cobra, who doesn't bite or harm anyone, is given the name 'good'. In truth, goodness is the quality people admire most in the world!"

When they arrived at the throne room, the king asked, 'What is this, my children?" They replied, 'This is the thief who stole from your royal treasury." The king said. "Then punish him according to the law."

The adviser priest said, 'My lord king, I am no thief!" 'Then why did you take gold coins from the palace?" asked the king.

The priest explained, "I have done this only as an experiment, to test why it is you honor and respect me more than others. Is it because of my family background and wealth, or my great knowledge? Because of those things, I was able to get away with taking one or two gold coins. Or do you respect my goodness most of all? It is clear that by grabbing a handful of coins I no longer had the name 'good'. This alone turned respect into disgrace!

"Even a poisonous cobra, who doesn't harm anyone, is called `good'. There is no need for any other title!"

To emphasize the lesson he had learned, the wise priest recited:

"High birth and wealth and even knowledge vast, I find, Are less admired than goodness is, by humankind."

The king pardoned his most valuable adviser priest.

He asked to be allowed to leave the king's service in the ordinary world and become a forest monk. After refusing several times. the king eventually gave his permission.

The priest went to the Himalayas and meditated peacefully. When he died he was reborn in a heaven world.

The moral is: People prize goodness most of all.

Culture enriches the essential substance of our lives.

We should all develop the mind to rejoice in, praise and share in the gift of those who have artistic talents and a richness of heart, whether they achieve wide recognition or not. Cultivating such a beautiful mind is a very worthy effort. Culture and art are not just decorations. They are not just accessories. What matters is whether culture enriches the essential substance of our lives.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 20/10

Our personal victories and experiences can become parables expressing the power of the Mystic Law.

Our individual experiences of triumph over our problems give courage and hope to many others. Our personal victories, in other words, become parables expressing the power of the Mystic Law. And those who hear our experiences can share them with still others.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 19/10

If we attain absolute happiness, then nothing—no matter where we go or what we may encounter in life—can undermine or destroy our happiness.

Such things as money, fame, and material possessions offer a fleeting satisfaction, something that can be called relative happiness. However, when we transform our lives internally, when we develop within ourselves a brilliant inner palace, then we can be said to have established absolute happiness. If we develop a state of mind as vast and resplendent as a magnificent palace, then nothing—no matter where we go or what we may encounter in life—can undermine or destroy our happiness.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 18/10

Change the present to shape the future

One's actions in previous existences are all engraved in and contained in this lifetime. The causes for our present suffering or joy, happiness or misery, all lie in our own past actions. But Nichiren Buddhism enables us to fundamentally reform our destiny. When we truly base ourselves on Buddhism's view of life's eternity, we realize the first thing to change is how we live in the present. In Nichiren Buddhism, change arises from the depths of our being. Strong, pure vitality abundantly wells forth. The iron chains of destiny are cut, and our original identity, the fresh and robust world of Buddhahood, appears.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 17/10

The practice of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo "tunes" our lives, so to speak, so that we can manifest the power of Buddhahood in our very beings

The air around us is filled with radio waves of various frequencies. While these are invisible, a television set can collect them and turn them into visible images. The practice of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo aligns the rhythm of our own lives with the world of Buddhahood in the universe. It "tunes" our lives, so to speak, so that we can manifest the power of Buddhahood in our very beings.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 16/10

Viewing things through the Buddha eye

I view things through the Buddha eye, I see the living beings in the six paths, how poor and distressed they are, without merit or wisdom, how they enter the perilous road of birth and death, their sufferings continuing with never a break, how deeply they are attached to the five desires, like a yak enamored of its tail, blinding themselves with greed and infatuation, their vision so impaired they can see nothing. They do not seek the Buddha, with his great might, or the Law that can end their sufferings, but enter deeply into erroneous views, hoping to shed suffering through greater suffering. For the sake of these living beings I summon up a mind of great compassion. -The Lotus Sutra

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 15/10

How to be victors in life?

Life is best lived by being bold and daring. People tend to grow fearful when they taste failure, face a daunting challenge or fall ill. Yet that is precisely the time to become even bolder. Those who are victors at heart are the greatest of all champions.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 14/10

What is the purpose of faith?

Josei Toda explained the supreme benefit of faith as follows: "Attaining Buddhahood means achieving the state in which we are always reborn overflowing with abundant and powerful life force; we can take action to our heart's content based on a profound sense of mission; we can achieve all our goals; and we possess good fortune that no one can destroy." The purpose of faith is to realize a state of eternal happiness. This existence is as fleeting as a dream. We practice faith to awaken from this dream and firmly establish a state of eternal happiness in the depths of our lives during this lifetime.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 13/10

Monday, January 24, 2011

A Question From a Seven-year-old (Six Worthy Ways)

Once upon a time there was a rich man living in Benares, in northern India. He had a son who was intelligent, curious and eager to learn. Even though he was only seven years old, he was determined to find out what is really valuable.

One day the little boy asked his father, "What are the ways to gain the most valuable things in life?"

His father said, "Only worthy ways lead to worthwhile goals. These are the six worthy ways:

keep yourself healthy and fit;
be wholesome in every way;
listen to those with more experience;
learn from those with more knowledge;
live according to Truth;
act with sincerity, not just energy."

The boy paid close attention to his father's words. He tried hard to practice these ways from then on. As he grew up and became wise, he realized that the six worthy ways, and the most valuable things in life, could not be separated.

The moral is: "A serious question deserves a serious answer."

The belief of some is like fire while that of others is like water.

Today there are people who have faith in the Lotus Sutra. The belief of some is like fire while that of others is like water. When the former listen to the teachings, their passion flares up like fire, but as time goes on, they tend to discard their faith. To have faith like water means to believe continuously without ever regressing. -Nichiren

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 12/10

It's valuable to look for the strengths in others—you gain nothing by criticizing people's imperfections.

It's valuable to look for the strengths in others—you gain nothing by criticizing people's imperfections. In fact, it is helpful to take a step back, for even a moment each day, and try to consider the feelings and positive qualities of others of whom you are critical.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 11/10

Shakyamuni taught that the shallow is easy to embrace, but the profound is difficult.

Shakyamuni taught that the shallow is easy to embrace, but the profound is difficult. To discard the shallow and seek the profound is the way of a person of courage. -Nichiren.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 10/10

The determination, the commitment to take action yourself, is the force that leads to victory.

Those who say "I'll do it," who are willing to take on a challenge even if they are alone, are true winners. The determination, the commitment to take action yourself, is the force that leads to victory. As Buddhism teaches in the principle of a life-moment possesses three thousand realms, our mind or attitude can change everything.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 9/10

Fighting spirit, "Bring it on!"

Life is like a sea voyage. We each need to open up our own course in life with the strength of our convictions, unperturbed by the crashing breakers of life's stormy seas. The fiercer the tempest rages, the more we need to rouse our own fighting spirit and man the tiller with all our strength and skill crying, "Bring it on!" Through this type of arduous struggle we can forge the practical wisdom to triumph consistently and, as victorious champions, to create history.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 8/10

Work first on developing yourself, and you can rest assured that an infinite number of wonderful encounters await you in the future.

If you remain sincere in your interactions with others, you will one day find yourself surrounded by good friends. And among those people, your friendships will be as strong and unshakable as towering trees. Don't be impatient. Work first on developing yourself, and you can rest assured that an infinite number of wonderful encounters await you in the future.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 7/10

Sunday, January 23, 2011

A Hero Named Jinx (Friendship)

Once upon a time, there was a very rich man who was well known for wholesomeness. He had a good friend who had the somewhat strange name, Jinx. They had been the best of friends ever since they were little children making mud-pies together. They had gone to the same schools and helped each other always.

After graduating, Jinx fell on hard times. He couldn't find a job and earn a living. So he went to see his lifelong friend, the prosperous and successful rich man. He was kind and comforting to his friend Jinx, and was happy to hire him to manage his property and business.

After he went to work in the rich man's mansion. pretty soon his strange name became a household word. People said, "Wait a minute, Jinx," "Hurry up, Jinx," "Do this, Jinx," 'Do that, Jinx."

After a while some of the rich man's neighbors went to him and said, 'Dear friend and neighbor, we are concerned that misfortune may strike. Your mansion manager has a very strange and unlucky name. You should not let him live with you any longer. His name fills your house, with people saying, 'Wait a minute, Jinx,'

'Hurry up, Jinx,' 'Do this, Jinx,' 'Do that, Jinx.' People only use the word 'jinx' when they want to cause bad luck or misfortune. Even house spirits and fairies would be frightened by hearing it constantly and would run away. This can only bring disaster to your household. The man named Jinx is inferior to you - he is miserable and ugly. What advantage can you possibly get by keeping such a fellow around?"

The rich man replied, "Jinx is my best friend! We have supported and cared for each other ever since we were little tots making mud-pies together. A lifelong trustworthy friend is of great value indeed! I could not reject him and lose our friendship just because of his name. After all, a name is only for recognition.

"The wise don't give a name a I second thought. Only fools are superstitious about sounds and words and names. They don't make good luck or bad luck!" So saying, the rich man refused to follow the advice of his busybody neighbors.

One day he went on a journey to his home village. While he was away, he left his friend Jinx in charge of his mansion home.

It just so happened that a gang of robbers heard about this. They decided it would be a perfect time to rob the mansion. So they armed themselves with various weapons and surrounded the rich man's home during the night.

Meanwhile, the faithful Jinx suspected that robbers might attack. So he stayed up all night to guard his friend's possessions. When he caught sight of the gang surrounding the house, he woke up everybody inside. Then he got them to blow shell horns and beat drums and make as much noise as possible.

Hearing all this, the bandits thought, "We must have been given bad information. There must be many people inside and the rich man must still be at home." So they threw down their clubs and other weapons, and ran away.

The next morning the people from the mansion were surprised to see the discarded weapons. They said to each other. "If we didn't have such a wise house protector, all the wealth in the mansion would certainly have been stolen. Jinx has turned out to be a hero! Rather than bringing bad luck, such a strong friend has been a blessing to the rich man."

When the master of the house returned home his neighbors met him and told him what had happened. He said, "You all advised against letting my friend stay with me. If I had done as you said, I'd be penniless today!

"Walking together for just seven steps is enough to start a friendship. Continuing for 12 steps forms a bond of loyalty. Remaining together for a month brings the closeness of relatives. And for longer still, the friend becomes like a second self. So my friend Jinx is no jinx - but a great blessing!"

The moral is: The longer the friendship, the greater its rewards.

There's no need to worry about what others may think. It's your life, after all. Be true to yourself.

If you summon your courage to challenge something, you'll never regret it. How sad it would be to spend your life wishing, "If only I had a little more courage." Whatever the outcome, the important thing is to take a step forward on the path that you believe is right. There's no need to worry about what others may think. It's your life, after all. Be true to yourself.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 6/10

We need to focus on the two existences of the present and the future and not get caught up in the past.

No matter what the circumstances, you should never concede defeat. Never conclude that you've reached a dead end, that everything is finished. You possess a glorious future. And precisely because of that, you must persevere and study. Life is eternal. We need to focus on the two existences of the present and the future and not get caught up in the past. We must always have the spirit to begin anew "from this moment," to initiate a new struggle each day.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 5/10

Today's victory is linked to your eternal victory.

The expansive world lies not in some distant place; it exists right where you are. That is why you need to win where you are right now. Today's victory is linked to your eternal victory.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 4/10

Buddhism teaches that self-awareness arises through our encounters with the eternal.

Buddhism urges us to be receptive to the most profound meaning of living, in the eternal process of cosmic evolution, and further urges that we accept, as our mission, compassionate behavior toward all beings.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 3/10

Making one true friend is a step toward creating world peace

Our individual circle of friendship is part of the global circle of friendship; it is one and the same. A drop of rain from the sky, a drop of water from the river, or a drop of water from the ocean are all just that—a drop of water—until they accumulate. The friends we make in our own small circle contribute to the spread of friendship around the world. Making one true friend is a step toward creating world peace.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 2/10

The person who looks to the future and keeps moving ahead is eternally youthful

Time is constantly passing, one moment following fast upon the other. That's why it's so important to press forward boldly, without complaining or fretting. The person who looks to the future and keeps moving ahead is eternally youthful. Such a person's heart is filled with flowers and shines brilliantly.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 1/10

Knowledge gives rise to wisdom

Knowledge gives rise to wisdom. If you like, knowledge is the pump; wisdom is the water that we get from the pump. If we can't obtain water, the pump is useless. At the same time, without knowledge, without the pump, we won't be able to obtain water.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 30/9

My home is the world. Everywhere in the world where my fellow human beings live, all of it, is my home

Your home is where your loved ones live. Your home is the place where you work together with your fellow human beings to build a paradise, a realm of peace and prosperity for all. When we are asked where our home is, we can answer: "My home is the world. Everywhere in the world where my fellow human beings live, all of it, is my home."

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 28/9

Buddhism teaches how to overcome the four inherent sufferings or sorrows—birth, aging, illness and death—in order to lead a happy, meaningful life.

The wise course is to control and make correct use of knowledge. Buddhism is a means for developing wisdom, and it teaches how to overcome the four inherent sufferings or sorrows—birth, aging, illness and death—in order to lead a happy, meaningful life. In addition it teaches how to control desire rather than be controlled by it.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 27/9

Saturday, January 22, 2011

Forest Monks in a King's Pleasure Garden (Pupils Without a Teacher)

Once upon a time, there was a high class rich man who gave up his wealth and his easy life in the ordinary world. He went to the Himalayan forests and lived as a homeless holy man. By practicing meditation, he developed his mind and gained the highest knowledge. Dwelling in high mental states, he enjoyed great inner happiness and peace of mind. Before long, he had 500 pupils.

In a certain year, when the rainy season was beginning, the pupils said to their teacher, "Oh wise master, we would like to go to the places where most people live. We would like to get some salt and other seasonings and bring them back here."

The teacher said, "You have my permission. It would be healthy for you to do so, and return when the rainy season is over. But I will stay here and meditate by myself." They knelt down and paid their farewell respects.

The 500 pupils went to Benares and began living in the royal pleasure garden. The next day they collected alms in the villages outside the city gates. They received generous gifts of food. On the following day they went inside the city. People gladly gave them food.

After a few days, people told the king, "Oh lord king, 500 forest monks have come from the Himalayas to live in your pleasure garden. They live in a simple way, without luxuries. They control their senses and are known to be very good indeed."

Hearing such good reports, the king went to visit them. He knelt down and paid his respects. He invited them to stay in the garden during the whole four months of the rainy season. They accepted, and from then on were given their food in the king's palace.

Before long a certain holiday took place. It was celebrated by drinking alcohol, which the people thought would bring good luck. The King of Benares thought, "Good wine is not usually available to monks who live simply in the forests. I will treat them to some as a special gift." So he gave the 500 forest monks a large quantity of the very best tasting wine.

The monks were not at all accustomed to alcohol. They drank the king's wine and walked back to the garden. By the time they got there, they were completely drunk. Some of them began dancing, while others sang songs. Usually they put away their bowls and other things neatly. But this time they just left everything lying around, here and there. Soon they all passed out into a drunken sleep.

When they had slept off their drunkenness, they awoke and saw the messy condition they'd left everything in. They became sad and said to each other, 'We have done a bad thing, which is not proper for holy men like US." Their embarrassment and shame made them weep with regret. They said, 'We have done these unwholesome things only because we are away from our holy teacher."

At that very moment the 500 forest monks left the pleasure garden and returned to the Himalayas. When they arrived they put away their bowls and other belongings neatly, as was their custom. Then they went to their beloved master and greeted him respectfully.

He asked them, Mow are you, my children? Did you find enough food and lodgings in the city? Were you happy and united?"

They replied. "Venerable master, we were happy and united. But we drank what we were not supposed to drink. We lost all our common sense and self-control. We danced and sang like silly monkeys. It's fortunate we didn't turn into monkeys! We drank wine, we danced, we sang, and in the end we cried from shame."

The kind teacher said, "It is easy for things like this to happen to pupils who have no teacher to guide them. Learn from this. do not do such things in the future."

From then on they lived happily and grew in goodness.

The moral is: A pupil without a teacher is easily embarrassed.

A sword is useless in the hands of a coward.

A sword is useless in the hands of a coward. The mighty sword of the Lotus Sutra must be wielded by one courageous in faith. Then one will be as strong as a demon armed with an iron staff. -Nichiren

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 29/9

People find the courage to transform sufferings into hopes will be able to light the lamp of hope in the hearts of many others, as well.

Live in a way that is full of life—for yourself, for your loved ones, for your friends. People who do so will find the courage to transform sufferings into hopes. Not only that, but they will be able to light the lamp of hope in the hearts of many others, as well.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 26/9

Life is infinitely expansive and eternal, without beginning or end.

In the true reality of life as viewed from the enlightened state of the Buddha—who has broken free of all delusion—all things are equal, transcending distinctions and differences between subject and object, self and others, mind and body, the spiritual and the material. In its true aspect, life is infinitely expansive and eternal, without beginning or end. Life is dynamic; it is wisdom and compassion; it embodies the principle of the indivisibility of life and death; it is a universal law. The cosmos is not so big that life cannot embrace it, nor a particle of matter so small that life cannot be contained within it.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 25/9

World peace starts with trust between one individual and another

We are all human beings, whatever our positions. If we open our hearts and speak with sincerity, we can communicate and touch others on the deepest level. World peace starts with trust between one individual and another.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 24/9

Worldly fame and profit are mere baubles of your present existence, and arrogance and prejudice are ties that will fetter you in a next one. -Nichiren

Now, if you wish to attain Buddhahood, you have only to lower the banner of your arrogance, cast aside the staff of your anger, and devote yourself exclusively to the one vehicle of the Lotus Sutra. Worldly fame and profit are mere baubles of your present existence, and arrogance and prejudice are ties that will fetter you in a next one. -Nichiren

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 23/9

Buddhism views illness as an opportunity to attain a higher, nobler state of life.

Buddhism views illness as an opportunity to attain a higher, nobler state of life. It teaches that, instead of agonizing over a serious disease, or despairing of ever overcoming it, we should use illness as a means to build a strong, compassionate self, which in turn will make it possible for us to be truly victorious.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 22/9

Friday, January 21, 2011

Fear Maker and Little Archer (Self-deception)

Some say that the world comes into being, disappears, and comes into being ... over and over, throughout time. In one of these previous worlds, countless years ago, Truth was unknown and the Five Training Steps were practiced by only a few. Even the Enlightenment Being - the Bodhisatta - did not know Truth, and had not yet discovered the Five Training Steps.

Once upon a time in that long ago world, there was a king named Brahmadatta. Like many other kings of that name, he ruled in the place known today as Benares.

The Bodhisatta was born in a rich high class family in a market town, also in northern India. He happened to be a dwarf, bent over and partly hunchbacked. When he became a young man he remained short and stooped. Many people found him unpleasant to look at.

He studied under a very outstanding teacher. He learned all there was to know. at that time, about the two great branches of knowledge - religion and science. He also learned how to use a bow and arrow better than anyone else in India. For this reason his teacher called him 'Little Archer'.

Like most new graduates he was quite clever. He thought, "Many people judge by appearance alone. If I go to a king and ask for a job, he'll probably ask, 'Having such a short body, what can you possibly do for me?' Therefore it would be better if I can team up with a front man - someone who is handsome in appearance, tall and well-grown in body, and strong in personality. I will provide the brains, but remain out of sight behind his shadow. In this way we can earn a good living together."

One day he was walking in the district where the weavers live and work. He happened to see a big, strong looking man. He greeted him and asked his name. The weaver said, "Because of my appearance, people call me Fear Maker."

"With such an impressive name." said Little Archer, "and being so big and strong looking, why do you have such a low paying job?" "Because life is hard," he replied.

"I have an idea." said the dwarf "In all India there is no one as skilled with a bow and arrow as I am. But I don't look the part! If I asked a king for work he would either laugh or get angry at me. He would not believe that a hunchbacked little dwarf could be the greatest archer in India!

'But you look perfect. And your name helps too. Therefore, let us go together to the king. You will be the front man and do all the talking. The king will hire you immediately. Meanwhile I will remain as if hidden underneath your shadow. I will be the real archer and we will prosper and be happy. You just have to do whatever I tell you."

Thinking he had nothing to lose, Fear Maker agreed, saying, "It's a deal, my friend!"

The two partners went off to Benares to see the king. When they entered the throne room, they bowed respectfully to the king. He asked them, "Why have you come here?"

Fear Maker stood in front and did all the talking. He answered, "I am the great archer known as Fear Maker. There is no one in all India who understands the science of archery as well as I do. I wish to be in your service, your majesty."

The king was quite impressed. He asked, "What shall I pay you?" "I will serve you for 500 pieces of money per week. your majesty," he replied.

Nodding, the king noticed the silent dwarf stooping behind him, almost out of sight. "Who is this little man?" he asked. "What does he do for you?" "He's my little assistant," said Fear Maker. 'Very well," said King Brahmadatta, "the job is yours."

In this way Fear Maker was accepted into the king's service, but it was Little Archer who did all the work.

Before long, news came to the palace that there was a ferocious tiger living in the jungle next to the king's highway. He ambushed travellers, and then killed and ate them. Many began to avoid the king's highway out of fear of the man-eater.

The king summoned Fear Maker and asked, "Can you capture this rampaging tiger, young man?" "Your majesty," he answered, "I am known as your best archer. Why wouldn't I be able to capture a tiger?" Hearing this, the king gave him an extra sum of money and sent him out to catch the tiger.

Fear Maker went home and told all this to his partner. "All right," said Little Archer, "be on your way!" "Aren't you coming too?" asked the surprised Fear Maker. "No, I won't go," he replied, "but I will give you a perfect plan. You must do exactly as I say." "I will, my little friend. Please tell me," said the big front man.

The clever little dwarf said to his friend, "Go to the district of the tiger, but don't rush straight to his home by yourself. Instead, gather together a thousand local villagers and give them all bows and arrows. Take them directly to the tiger's home. But then you must let them go on ahead while you hide in the underbrush.

'The local villagers will be very afraid of the tiger. When they see him they will surround him and beat him. Being so terrified, they won't stop beating him until he's dead!

"Meanwhile you must cut a piece of vine with your teeth. Then come out of hiding and approach the dead tiger, holding the vine in your hand. When you see the tiger's body, shout at the people, 'Hey! Who has killed the tiger? I was going to capture him with this vine and lead him like a bull to the king. That's why I've been searching in the jungle. Now tell me who has killed the tiger before I could get here with my vine.'

"The villagers will be easily frightened by this. They will say, 'Lord Fear Maker, please don't tell the king! Then they will give you a big bribe to be quiet. Thinking you have killed the dangerous tiger, King Brahmadatta will also reward you greatly." This was the tricky plan of the clever Little Archer.

Fear Maker did exactly as he had been instructed. The man-eating tiger was killed, and fear was removed from that part of the king's highway. Followed by a big crowd he returned to the king and said, "Your majesty, I have killed the tiger and made the jungle safe for people again." The king was pleased and gave him a huge reward.

Before long there were similar complaints about a buffalo who threatened another royal road. Again the king sent Fear Maker. Following Little Archer's strategy he did exactly as before. He took credit for killing the buffalo and was greatly rewarded again by the grateful king.

By this time Fear Maker had become a very rich and powerful nobleman. All the wealth and praise, which he didn't really deserve, soon went to his head. He became intoxicated with his own conceit. and began thinking he was a 'big man' in his own right. He even looked down on Little Archer and ignored his advice. He said to him, "You think this is all because of you. But I don't need you. I can do all this without you!" He had come to believe the appearance created by Little Archer's plan.

Then it happened that an enemy king attacked. He surrounded the city of Benares with his army. He sent a message to King Brahmadatta that he must either surrender his kingdom or wage war. The King of Benares ordered his greatest hero, Fear Maker, to go out and fight the enemy.

Fear Maker was dressed in full military armour. He mounted the mightiest armoured war elephant. Little Archer knew that the ungrateful conceited braggart, called Fear Maker. was really scared to death underneath. So he too mounted the elephant and sat behind Fear Maker. The mighty elephant walked through the city gates towards the battlefield, followed by a big crowd.

When Fear Maker heard the huge noise made by the war drums, he began trembling with fear. To keep him from falling off the elephant and being killed, Little Archer tied a rope around him and held him with it.

When Fear Maker saw the field of battle he was overwhelmed by the terrible fear of death. So much so, that he couldn't help but release his bowels and urinate at the same time - all over the back of the poor brave war elephant!

The Enlightenment Being said, "Before you bragged and spoke roughly like a big man. But now, the only big thing you do is make a filthy mess all over this elephant's back! Your present actions prove your past appearance was false."

Fear Maker had embarrassed himself. Little Archer had humbled him by speaking the truth. But he couldn't help feeling sympathy for him. He said, "Don't be afraid anymore, my friend. With me to protect you, your life is safe. Climb down from the elephant and go home and take a bath."

Alone atop the great elephant, the Enlightenment Being thought, "Now is the time to show what is in the heart of this hunchbacked little dwarf!" Shouting mightily as he rode he charged into the field of battle. Without killing any men or animals, he crashed through the enemy's defences. He broke into the king's camp, captured him, and took him back as prisoner to the King of Benares.

King Brahmadatta was delighted with Little Archer's great victory. He rewarded him with wealth and fame. He became known throughout all India as 'Little Archer the Wise'. He sent his friend Fear Maker back to his home village and supported him with monthly payments.

Little Archer the Wise practiced generosity and other meritorious deeds. When he died he was reborn as he deserved.

The moral is: "Appearances can be deceiving."

Engage others in dailogue is a bold and daring challenge to create a new era of human civilization

Efforts to reach out and engage others in dialogue with the aim of fostering mutual understanding and bringing people closer together may seem ordinary and unexciting, but they in fact constitute a bold and daring challenge to create a new era of human civilization.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 21/9

The essence of Buddhism

There has never been, nor will there ever be, a Buddha who does not encounter hardships. Only by struggling against difficulties can we attain the life-state of Buddhahood. Herein lies the essence of Buddhism.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 20/9

The highest offering to the Buddha

The highest offering to the Buddha is not to worship something reminiscent of the Buddha. Rather, it is to inherit the Buddha's spirit. In other words, the highest offering lies in struggling to manifest, as one's own way of life, even a part of the spirit of the Buddha, who upheld the philosophy that everyone is a Buddha and tirelessly strove to save all from suffering.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 19/9

To accept, uphold, read, recite and ponder the sutra and to preach it for others will gain good fortune that is immeasurable and boundless.

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



Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 18/9

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

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.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 17/9

If you really believe you can do something, you can. That is a fact.

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.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 16/9

Thursday, January 20, 2011

A Motherless Son (Betrayal)

Once upon a time, King Brahmadatta was ruling in Benares in northern India. He had a clever minister who pleased him very much. To show his appreciation he appointed him headman of a remote border village. His duty was to represent the king and collect the king's taxes from the villagers.

Before long the headman was completely accepted by the villagers. Since he had been sent by the just King Brahmadatta, they respected him highly. They came to trust him as much as if he had been born among them.

In addition to being clever, the headman was also very greedy. Collecting the king's taxes was not enough reward for him. After becoming friendly with a gang of bandits, he thought up a plan to make himself rich.

The headman said to his friends, the robbers, "I will find excuses and reasons to lead all the villagers into the jungle. This will be easy for me, since they trust me as one of their own. I will keep them busy in the jungle, while you invade the village and rob everything of value. Carry everything away before I bring the people home. In return for my help, you must give me half of all the loot!" The bandits agreed, and a date was set.

When the day arrived, the headman assembled all the villagers and led them into the jungle. According to the plan, the bandits entered the unprotected village. They stole everything of value they could find. They also killed all the defenseless village cows, and cooked and ate the meat. At the end of the day the gang collected all their stolen goods and escaped.

It just so happened that on that very same day a travelling merchant came to the village to trade his goods. When he saw the bandits he stayed out of sight.

The headman brought all the villagers home in the evening. He ordered them to make a lot of noise by beating drums as they marched towards the village. If the bandits had still been there, they would have heard the villagers coming for sure.

The village people saw that they had been robbed and all their cows were dead and partly eaten. This made them very sad. The travelling merchant appeared and said to them, 'This treacherous village headman has betrayed your trust in him. He must be a partner of the gang of bandits. Only after they left with all your valuables did he lead you home. beating drums as loudly as possible!

'This man pretends to know nothing about what has happened - as innocent as a newborn lamb! In truth, it's as if a son did something so shameful that his mother would say -'I am not his mother. He is not my son. My son is dead!"'

Before long, news of the crime reached the king. He recalled the treacherous headman and punished him according to the law.

The moral is: No one defends a betrayer of trust.

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

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 15/9

Looking down on others?

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.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 14/9

Chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo each day purifies and cleanses your life, gets your motors running and puts you on the right course for the day

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.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 13/9

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 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.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 12/9