Effort and happiness are indivisible

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Sunday, June 30, 2013:

 

In one of his writings, renowned microbiologist René Dubos, stated. "History teaches that man without effort is sure to deteriorate; man cannot progress without effort, and man cannot be happy without effort." This is indisputable. You may be experiencing various hardships now, but because you continue to make efforts in the midst of those challenges, no matter how painful they are, you will definitely become happy. Effort and happiness are indivisible.

Buddhism teaches that we can transform wherever we are into the Land of Eternally Tranquil Light.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Sunday, June 30, 2013:

 

The place where we are right now is what matters. This is all the more true for us who embrace the Mystic Law. Buddhism teaches that we can transform wherever we are into the Land of Eternally Tranquil Light.

Chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is what polishes our lives.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday, June 29, 2013:

 

Originally, every person's life is a brilliantly shining mirror. Differences arise depending on whether one polishes this mirror: A polished mirror is the Buddha's life, whereas a tarnished mirror is that of a common mortal. Chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is what polishes our lives.

For Today and Tomorrow

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday, June 29, 2013:

 

The important thing is to advance brightly and strive to be victorious at each moment, right where we are; to begin something here and now instead of fretting and worrying over what will happen. This is the starting point for transforming our lives.

One day of life is more valuable than all the treasures of the major world system, so first you must muster sincere faith.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Friday, June 28, 2013:

 

If you are unwilling to make efforts to heal yourself, it will be very difficult to cure your illness. One day of life is more valuable than all the treasures of the major world system, so first you must muster sincere faith. -Nichiren

One should regard meeting obstacles as true peace and comfort.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Friday, June 28, 2013:

 

In the "Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings," the Daishonin says, "One should regard meeting obstacles as true peace and comfort" (Gosho Zenshu, p. 750). You may wonder how encountering obstacles could be a source of peace and comfort. But the truth of the matter is that through struggling against and overcoming difficulties, we can transform our destiny and attain Buddhahood. Confronting adversity, therefore, represents peace and comfort.

When individuals practice a teaching as intended, the expected result becomes manifest in their lives as well as in their environment.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Thursday, June 27, 2013:

 

When individuals practice a teaching as intended, the expected result becomes manifest in their lives as well as in their environment. Religion not only deals with spirituality but also has a significant impact—positive or negative—upon people's daily lives and their society. The nature and extent of a particular religion's impact becomes the standard for evaluating its validity.

For Today and Tomorrow

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Thursday, June 27, 2013:

 

In a world where indifference and inhumanity prevail, let us use our discussion meetings as the pivot for creating oases of peace and harmony in our homes and in our local communities and then extending them to encompass every sphere of society.

To live without regret, we must have a concrete purpose, continually setting goals and challenges for ourselves.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Wednesday, June 26, 2013:

 

This lifetime will never come again; it is precious and irreplaceable. To live without regret, we must have a concrete purpose, continually setting goals and challenges for ourselves. And we need to keep moving toward those specific targets steadily and tenaciously, one step at a time.

Through dialogue Shakyamuni opened hearts that were closed, softened hearts that had grown hard and melted hearts that were frozen.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Wednesday, June 26, 2013:

 

This spirit of engaging others in dialogue on equal terms is the essence of Buddhism. Ordering people about in a high-handed, arrogant manner, shouting at them to do one's bidding is truly deplorable behavior. Such a world has no relation to Buddhism. Through dialogue Shakyamuni opened hearts that were closed, softened hearts that had grown hard and melted hearts that were frozen.

The first thing is to pray.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, June 25, 2013:

 

The first thing is to pray. From the moment we begin to pray, things start moving. The darker the night, the closer the dawn. From the moment we chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo with a deep and powerful resolve, the sun begins to rise in our hearts. Hope—prayer is the sun of hope. To chant each time we face a problem, overcoming it and elevating our life-condition as a result—this is the path of "changing earthly desires into enlightenment," taught in Nichiren Buddhism.

Idle amusements bring only fleeting pleasure. They produce neither profound inspiration nor growth for one's life.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, June 25, 2013:

We live in an age where opportunities for profound life-to-life inspiration are all but nonexistent. Idle amusements bring only fleeting pleasure. They produce neither profound inspiration nor growth for one's life. By contrast, Buddhism exists to enable people to realize personal growth and to improve their lives. Buddhism is always rooted in the reality of life. It is the wellspring of wisdom for bringing harmony and happiness to our families, local communities and society at large.

We ordinary people can see neither our own eyelashes, which are so close, nor the heavens in the distance. Likewise, we do not see that the Buddha exists in our own hearts. -Nichiren

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Monday, June 24, 2013:

 

Flint has the potential to produce fire, and gems have intrinsic value. We ordinary people can see neither our own eyelashes, which are so close, nor the heavens in the distance. Likewise, we do not see that the Buddha exists in our own hearts. -Nichiren

No matter what others do or say, it is important to develop your ability and then put that ability to use.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Monday, June 24, 2013:

 

You must be strong. There is no hope of winning in this chaotic world if you are weak. No matter what others do or say, it is important to develop your ability and then put that ability to use. Strong faith, of course, is the best means for drawing out one's inner strength. You each have a very important mission, and I hope you will awaken to and be proud of that mission.

Let us give something to each person we meet: joy, courage, hope, assurance, philosophy, wisdom, a vision for the future. Let us always give something.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Sunday, June 23, 2013:

 

If a person is hungry, we should give them bread. When there is no bread, we can at least give words that nourish. To a person who looks ill or is physically frail, we can turn the conversation to some subject that will lift their spirits and fill them with the hope and determi-nation to get better. Let us give something to each person we meet: joy, courage, hope, assurance, philosophy, wisdom, a vision for the future. Let us always give something.

Life itself is an Olympics where we strive each day to better own personal records.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Sunday, June 23, 2013:

 

Jesse Owens, who won four gold medals at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, later remarked that one's inner life is the true Olympics. Life itself is an Olympics where we strive each day to better own personal records.

A Buddha is a person of compassion.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday, June 22, 2013:

 

The Buddha keenly understands various sufferings as though his own children were experiencing them. Sorrow and empathy well from his life. A Buddha is a person of compassion. Josei Toda said: "Compassion is not a Buddhist austerity. It is something that should be expressed unconsciously and naturally in one's actions, and in the workings of one's heart. The Buddha knows no path of living apart from that of living with compassion."

Buddhism teaches that the present and the future are what are important, not the past.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday, June 22, 2013:

 

It's foolish to be obsessed with past failures. And it's just as foolish to be self-satisfied with one's small achievements. Buddhism teaches that the present and the future are what are important, not the past. It teaches us a spirit of unceasing challenge to win over the present and advance ever toward the future. Those who neglect this spirit of continual striving steer their lives in a ruinous direction.

Within the restrictions that define your present existence, the only thing to do is to discipline yourself and head in the direction of growth and self-improvement.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Friday, June 21, 2013:

 

Certainly there will be times when you wish you had more spending money, more time to sleep and more time for fun and recreation. You may feel restricted now, but you should consider your current situation as the perfect set of circumstances for your growth. Within the restrictions that define your present existence, the only thing to do is to discipline yourself and head in the direction of growth and self-improvement.

The key to achievement is to move forward resolutely along your chosen path.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Friday, June 21, 2013:

 

When you devote your life to achieving your goal, you will not be bothered by shallow criticism. In fact nothing important can be accomplished if you allow yourself to be swayed by some trifling matter, always looking over your shoulder and wondering what others are saying or thinking. The key to achievement is to move forward resolutely along your chosen path.

Buddhism is a practice to revere human life, one's own as well as others'.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Thursday, June 20, 2013:

Buddhism elucidates the dignity of human life on the most fundamental level. Buddhism is not merely a philosophy that observes truth from an objective point of view or in light of reason. It is oriented toward practice and the study of human beings that shows the correct way to live. Buddhism aims to prove the true dignity of human life through the individual's life and his or her actions to help others do the same. In other words, Buddhism is a practice to revere human life, one's own as well as others'.

There is also no greater way to repay the debt of gratitude to your parents than through faith.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Thursday, June 20, 2013:

 

Your faith guarantees that an infinite number of your ancestors and descendants will attain Buddhahood. Such is the wondrous power of the Mystic Law. How profound and important is your existence! There is also no greater way to repay the debt of gratitude to your parents than through faith.

Buddhism Day by Day

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Wednesday, June 19, 2013:

 

If you always have a shallow perspective and pay attention only to trivial things, you are sure to get bogged down in all kinds of petty worries and concerns, and not be able to move forward. Even relatively minor hurdles or problems will seem insurmountable. But if you look at life from a broad viewpoint, you naturally spot the way to solve any problem you may confront. This is true when we consider our own personal problems as well as those of society and even the future of the entire world.

For Today and Tomorrow

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Wednesday, June 19, 2013:

 

I hope that you will lead immortal, invincible and joyous lives, filled with confidence, pride and good cheer. I also hope you will display inspiring leadership, while doing your utmost to protect your respective areas.

What decides our real merit as human beings?

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, June 18, 2013:

 

What decides our real merit as human beings? Ultimately, it comes down to the philosophy we uphold and the actions we take based on our convictions.

All comes by the body, only health puts you rapport with the universe.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, June 18, 2013:

The great American poet Walt Whitman writes in Leaves of Grass: "All comes by the body, only health puts you rapport with the universe." I am sure you are all very busy, but I hope you will advance in good health and with optimism and enjoy the power of your faith, which is what puts you in rhythm with the universe.

When we interact with others with true sincerity, the other person will more often than not come to respect and value our own character.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Monday, June 17, 2013:

 

When we interact with others with true sincerity, the other person will more often than not come to respect and value our own character. And this is all the more so when our actions are based on prayer.

 

Conversely, holding others in contempt only leads to being held in contempt oneself: one whose life is tainted by feelings of hate toward others will come to be reviled by others.  Let us open the path to mutual respect and harmonious coexistence so as to bring an end to this vicious circle that has long been part of human destiny.

The principle of the true entity of all phenomena.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Monday, June 17, 2013:

 

How exhilarating it is to stand tall, walk with a buoyant step and be flexible in one's actions! How attractive to those we meet are our sparkling eyes and vibrant voices! This is the principle of the true entity of all phenomena. Your fresh and vital appearance eloquently attests to the greatness of faith, and you will find that you naturally cultivate a sphere of friendship and understanding among those around you.

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

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Sunday, June 16, 2013:

 

The writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe was an unflagging optimist. How was he able to maintain such optimism? Because he was always active. He did not allow his life to stagnate. He writes: "It is better to do the smallest thing in the world than to hold half an hour to be too small a thing." Spending thirty minutes a day assiduously challenging some undertaking can completely change our lives.

Difficulties impede the progress of those who are weak. For the strong, however, they are opportunities to open wide the doors to a bright future

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Sunday, June 16, 2013:

 

One of my favorite Argentine poets, the great educator Almafuerte (1854-1917) wrote: "To the weak, difficulty is a closed door. To the strong, however, it is a door waiting to be opened." Difficulties impede the progress of those who are weak. For the strong, however, they are opportunities to open wide the doors to a bright future. Everything is determined by our attitude, by our resolve. Our heart is what matters most.

The purpose of Buddhist practice is to establish an eternally indestructible state of happiness; not a fleeting happiness that perishes like a flower but an internal palace of happiness that will last throughout all time.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday, June 15, 2013:

 

The joy of heaven is ephemeral like a mirage or a dream. A life spent in pursuit of a mirage is itself a mirage. The purpose of Buddhist practice is to establish an eternally indestructible state of happiness; not a fleeting happiness that perishes like a flower but an internal palace of happiness that will last throughout all time.

By chanting daimoku, we can change all of our sufferings into the ingredients for attaining a Buddha's lofty state of life.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday, June 15, 2013:

 

The Daishonin teaches the meaning of true happiness and the true purpose of life. Fame and momentary glories are no more than illusions. True happiness lies in cultivating the great state of Buddhahood within one's life. This is life's true purpose. By chanting daimoku, we can change all of our sufferings into the ingredients for attaining a Buddha's lofty state of life.

Wherever we are, it is necessary to begin with the revitalization of individual human beings.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Friday, June 14, 2013:

 

Wherever we are, it is necessary to begin with the revitalization of individual human beings. That will lead to the reformation of society and the world through human revolution. That is the teaching of the Lotus Sutra. And actions directed toward that end, I would like to stress, represent the wisdom of the Lotus Sutra.

Chanting daimoku is the foundation of the Daishonin's Buddhism.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Friday, June 14, 2013:

 

Chanting daimoku is the foundation of the Daishonin's Buddhism. When we chant sonorous daimoku, the sun rises in our hearts. We are filled with power. Compassion wells forth. Our lives are lit with joy. Our wisdom shines. All Buddhas and Buddhist gods throughout the universe go to work on our behalf. Life becomes exhilarating.

No one can escape death. What should we do?

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Thursday, June 13, 2013:

No one can escape death. Precisely because of this, when people resolve to live at each instant with all their might, to make the present moment shine by living true to themselves and leading truly humane existences, they can summon forth immense strength. At the same time, they can manifest a considerate spirit toward others. Herein lies the Middle Way. Buddhism is the philosophy that teaches this essential way of life.

What to do when life seems gloomy and dull?

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Wednesday, June 12, 2013:

 

There may be times when life seems gloomy and dull. When we feel stuck in some situation or other, when we are negative toward everything, when we feel lost and bewildered, not sure which way to turn—at such times we must transform our passive mindset and determine, "I will proceed along this path," "I will pursue my mission today." When we do so a genuine springtime arrives in our hearts, and flowers start to blossom.

Hope.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Thursday, June 13, 2013:

It all comes down to hope. If we SGI members advance with hope and buoyant spirits, then we have nothing to fear in either the present or the future. The Law will continue to spread as long as those who uphold it remain vigorous and well.

Education definitely changes people's lives.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Wednesday, June 12, 2013:

Education definitely changes people's lives. This is why the SGI is so earnest when it comes to Buddhist study, which is the highest field of learning; it is the study of human beings and the foremost education. Buddhist study is the soul of the SGI.

Life is about scaling one mountain

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, June 11, 2013:

Life is about scaling one mountain, then facing the next one, followed by the one after that. Those who persevere and finally succeed in conquering the highest mountain are victors in life. On the other hand, those who avoid such challenges and take the easy route, descending into the valleys, will end in defeat.

This is the era of youth.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, June 11, 2013:

This is the era of youth. Youth do not depend on anyone. Nor do they hang on someone else's coattails. "I will open the way forward myself. I will advance kosen-rufu. I will see to it that the SGI is victorious." This is the spirit of youth and the attitude of true successors who love and cherish the SGI.

When something needs saying, it is our duty to speak out.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Monday, June 10, 2013:

When something needs saying, it is our duty to speak out. When something is right, we should say so; and when something is wrong or mistaken, we should likewise point it out. Cheating, lies or scheming should be denounced with alacrity. It is precisely because we have done this that the Soka Gakkai and SGI have developed to the extent they have. To say what must be said—that is the spirit of propagation and the essence of the Soka Gakkai and the SGI.

Those who avoid hard work or neglect the things they have to do, who just while away their time, eating, sleeping, playing, watching television—such individuals will never experience true happiness, satisfaction or joy.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Monday, June 10, 2013:

"All right, let's get to work again!"—this is the spirit of people of genuine substance. Those who avoid hard work or neglect the things they have to do, who just while away their time, eating, sleeping, playing, watching television—such individuals will never experience true happiness, satisfaction or joy.

Halfhearted desire doesn't amount to a vow.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Sunday, June 9, 2013:

In any field of endeavor, making a vow is the foundation for achieving something great. If for whatever reason a person gives up halfway or backslides, his or her commitment hasn't been based on a vow. Halfhearted desire doesn't amount to a vow.

We have to make ourselves heard.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Sunday, June 9, 2013:

 

We have to make ourselves heard. We have to speak out for what we believe in. When we, the people, boldly state our true convictions—never losing our optimism or sense of humor—the times will change. When it comes to speaking out for justice, there isn't any need for restraint. On the contrary, to be reserved or hesitant under such circumstances is wrong.

We must pour upon all children our great love and compassion so that each child can blossom, true to his or her unique quality.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday, June 8, 2013:

 

Every child is precious. The Lotus Sutra tells the parable of the three kinds of medicinal herbs and two kinds of trees. There are many different kinds of plants; their shape, size and nature come in myriad varieties. Some plants grow fast while others take time to mature. In this parable, however, the heavens rain upon all the plants equally, nurturing their growth. And the plants blossom and bear fruits according to their own unique character. This parable symbolizes the Buddha's vast compassion to nurture all living beings despite their differences. All children are different; each possesses his or her wonderful unique quality. We must pour upon all children our great love and compassion so that each child can blossom, true to his or her unique quality.

President Toda often said that the final four or five years of one's life are decisive.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday, June 8, 2013:

 

President Toda often said that the final four or five years of one's life are decisive. No matter how good the preceding years may have been, one's life ends in defeat and sadness if the final few years are miserable. On the other hand, someone whose last four or five years are happy and filled with joy can be described a winner in life. No matter what happens, even if we should fall sick, we must never grow discouraged or allow ourselves to be defeated. This is vital. As long as our spirits are undefeated, we are victors.

Nam-myoho-renge-kyo enables us to make any hardship or setback the source of our new advancement and our treasure for the future.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Friday, June 7, 2013:

 

Nam-myoho-renge-kyo enables us to make any hardship or setback the source of our new advancement and our treasure for the future. Therefore, you don't have to be afraid of making a mistake or encountering an obstacle. In short, as long as you are devoted to staying in the correct orbit of faith, you won't ever cease to advance toward your victory, even if you may go through some twists and turns in life.

Faith and daily life, faith and work—these are not separate things.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Friday, June 7, 2013:

 

Faith and daily life, faith and work—these are not separate things. They are one and the same. To think of them as separate—that faith is faith, and work is work—is theoretical faith. Based on the recognition that work and faith are one and the same, we should put one hundred percent of our energy into our jobs and one hundred percent into our faith, too. When we resolve to do this, we enter the path of victory in life. Faith means to show irrefutable proof of victory amid the realities of society and in our own daily lives.

Buddhism Day by Day

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Thursday, June 6, 2013:

 

I have profound reverence for you, I would never dare treat you with disparagement or arrogance. Why? Because you are all practicing the bodhisattva way and are certain to attain Buddhahood. -The Lotus Sutra

Please always remember that showing such proof is the mark of a true successor.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Thursday, June 6, 2013:

 

Science is based on tested proof or empirical evidence. You conduct a test or experiment and then observe the results. Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism, similarly, teaches that nothing beats actual proof. In this regard, it stands alone among the religions of the world. I hope that each year you will strive to show clear proof of victory in Buddhism and your studies. Please always remember that showing such proof is the mark of a true successor.

Everything starts with you.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Wednesday, June 5, 2013:

 

Everything starts with you. You must forge yourself through your own efforts. I urge each of you to create something, start something and make a success of something. That is the essence of human existence, the challenge of youth. Herein lies a wonderful way of life always aiming for the future.

The fainthearted cannot savor the true benefit of faith; their ability to tap the power of the Buddha and the power of the Law [of the Gohonzon] in their lives is enfeebled.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Wednesday, June 5, 2013:

 

Cowardice is harmful for it delights the enemies of Buddhism and obstructs the advance of kosen-rufu. The fainthearted cannot savor the true benefit of faith; their ability to tap the power of the Buddha and the power of the Law [of the Gohonzon] in their lives is enfeebled.

It's so important to keep the promises made to friends.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, June 4, 2013:

 

It's so important to keep the promises made to friends. This is the true meaning of friendship. To become people who can do so, however, we must first learn to keep our resolutions—the promises we have made to ourselves.

That was truly an interesting life.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, June 4, 2013:

 

 

Death will come to each of us some day. We can die having fought hard for our beliefs and convictions, or we can die having failed to do so. Since the reality of death is the same in either case, isn't it far better that we set out on our journey toward the next existence in high spirits and with a bright smile on our faces—knowing that in everything we did, we did the very best we could, thrilling with the sense "That was truly an interesting life"?

If we persevere, bearing in mind the principle faith equals daily life in accord with reason, then our prayers will definitely be answered.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Monday, June 3, 2013:

 

When we plant the seed of happiness that is faith and carefully tend its growth, it will produce fruit without fail. We have to bear in mind, however, that we cannot plant a seed today and expect it to bear fruit tomorrow. That's not reasonable and Buddhism is reason. If we persevere, bearing in mind the principle faith equals daily life in accord with reason, then our prayers will definitely be answered. This is Nichiren's promise to us. And his words are true beyond any doubt.

Buddhism, after all, can only flourish if there are people who uphold and practice its teachings.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Monday, June 3, 2013:

 

I would like each of you to rise to the challenge of revolutionizing the area where you live into an ideal community and to do so with the determination to start from where you are right now. This means building a good SGI organization in your local area—and building it yourself with loving, painstaking care, the way an artist pours his or her heart and soul into creating a work of art. It also means fostering capable people. Buddhism, after all, can only flourish if there are people who uphold and practice its teachings.

Transformation within our own lives is important.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Sunday, June 2, 2013:

 

Unless we can perceive our fellow human beings and feel their sufferings as our own, we will never be free of conflict and war. In other words, a transformation within our own lives is important.

If we cannot avoid these sufferings, then our only choice is to overcome them.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Sunday, June 2, 2013:

 

No matter where we go, we cannot escape from the sufferings that are part and parcel of life. If we cannot avoid these sufferings, then our only choice is to overcome them. And since we have no choice but to overcome them, then we might as well live joyfully and vigorously while doing so. Let's continue to strive and chant daimoku to the end.

What is true joy in life?

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday, June 1, 2013:

 

What is true joy in life? This is a difficult question—and one that has occupied a great many thinkers and philosophers. Joy can quickly give way to suffering. Joy is short and suffering long. Also what passes for joy in society is superficial. It cannot compare with the joy deriving from the Mystic Law. The key then lies in cultivating a state of mind where we can declare without reservation that life itself is a joy. This is the purpose of our Buddhist practice.

The harsher the situation, the bolder the stand we must take.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday, June 1, 2013:

A coward cannot become a Buddha. We cannot attain Buddhahood unless we possess the heart of a lion. The harsher the situation, the bolder the stand we must take. This is the essence of the Soka Gakkai spirit.