Overcoming the four sufferings of birth, old age, sickness and death is not just a matter of theory.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday, August 31, 2013:

 

Overcoming the four sufferings of birth, old age, sickness and death is not just a matter of theory. We mustn't move away from the issues of how we can lead healthy, fulfilling and long lives, and how we can die without suffering. Buddhism teaches the wisdom that enables us to do this.

As long as we pray earnestly and sincerely with all our being, if we have strong and genuine faith, even though results may not be immediately visible, they will definitely manifest without fail in generations of our children and our children's children.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday, August 31, 2013:

 

As long as we pray earnestly and sincerely with all our being, if we have strong and genuine faith, even though results may not be immediately visible, they will definitely manifest without fail in generations of our children and our children's children. I would like all of you to have absolute confidence in this.

Buddhism stresses the interconnectedness of all life.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Friday, August 30, 2013:

 

Buddhism stresses the interconnectedness of all life. It is only the limited capacity of our senses that causes us to place so much stock in the separation between "them" and "us." Because of this interconnectedness, by using violence, you not only injure or destroy the other person but also yourself. Those who use violence and devalue others' lives actually devalue and ruin their own lives.

A weak and unclear voice will not move the heavenly deities. That is why it is important for us to chant daimoku with voices that are clear, strong and brimming with joy.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Friday, August 30, 2013:

 

The Daishonin states, "The voice does the Buddha's work" (Gosho Zenshu, p. 708). To chant the Mystic Law is to praise the Gohonzon. Hearing the sound of our daimoku, the heavenly deities will be set into motion and work to protect us. A weak and unclear voice will not move the heavenly deities. That is why it is important for us to chant daimoku with voices that are clear, strong and brimming with joy.

Though one might point at the earth and miss it, though one might bind up the sky, though the tides might cease to ebb and flow and the sun rise in the west, it could never come about that the prayers of the practitioner of the Lotus Sutra would go unanswered. -Nichiren

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Thursday, August 29, 2013:

 

Though one might point at the earth and miss it, though one might bind up the sky, though the tides might cease to ebb and flow and the sun rise in the west, it could never come about that the prayers of the practitioner of the Lotus Sutra would go unanswered. -Nichiren

But the state of Buddhahood, once attained, can never be destroyed, not for all eternity. We will enjoy an existence overflowing with good fortune and immense joy in lifetime after lifetime.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Thursday, August 29, 2013:

 

Worldly success and good circumstances based on luck can easily crumble. They are as transient as an illusion. But the state of Buddhahood, once attained, can never be destroyed, not for all eternity. We will enjoy an existence overflowing with good fortune and immense joy in lifetime after lifetime.

People in the state of anger are attached to the illusory assumption that they are better than others and direct their energy toward sustaining and enhancing this image.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Wednesday, August 28, 2013:

 

Anger is fundamentally an arrogant state of life. People in the state of anger are attached to the illusory assumption that they are better than others and direct their energy toward sustaining and enhancing this image. To ensure that others think of them in similarly glowing terms, they can never reveal their true feelings. Instead, they act obsequiously while a burning desire to surpass all others is their exclusive focus. With their inner feelings and their outward appearance out of accord, they don't speak from the heart. Buddhism teaches that the heart is most important. Of two people making comparable efforts, the results will differ greatly if one person is motivated by a value that transcends the self—good, beauty, the well-being of others—while the other is motivated by ego.

Success is not a matter of accumulating more of this or that; it is not measured in quantity.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Wednesday, August 28, 2013:

 

Success is not a matter of accumulating more of this or that; it is not measured in quantity. It means changing the quality of your life. Wealth, power, fame and knowledge alone cannot make you happy, no matter how much of these you acquire. Nor can you take them with you when you die. But by improving the quality of your life you will at last approach true happiness.

When we create or appreciate art, we set free the spirit trapped within.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, August 27, 2013:

When we create or appreciate art, we set free the spirit trapped within. That is why art arouses such joy. Art—whether skillfully executed or not—is the emotion, the pleasure of expressing life as it is. Those who see art are moved by its passion and strength, its intensity and beauty. That is why it is impossible to separate life from art. Political and economic developments may seem to dominate the news, but culture and education are the forces that actually shape an age, since they transform the human heart.

On any journey, we cannot hope to reach our destination if we stop halfway.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, August 27, 2013:

 

The important thing is to keep working for kosen-rufu to the very end. On any journey, we cannot hope to reach our destination if we stop halfway. Likewise, if despite our good fortune in meeting and embarking on the unsurpassed way of Buddhism, we stop halfway, all the efforts we have made thus far will have been in vain; we will not be able to attain Buddhahood.

Prayer without action is not the way of Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Monday, August 26, 2013:

 

We accumulate great good fortune through our earnest prayers, devotion and efforts for the sake of Buddhism, kosen-rufu and humankind. Prayer without action is not the way of Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism.

When we observe Nichiren's actions, we are deeply struck by the conviction that this is the way a Buddhist must live.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Monday, August 26, 2013:

 

There is no trace of coercion or concern for appearances in Nichiren's behavior. He looked on those who were suffering, those who were bravely fighting alongside him, as if they were himself in the same situations. He prized each and every one of them. He encouraged them and sympathized with them, and we must never forget that the true essence of humanity is to be found in this. When we observe Nichiren's actions, we are deeply struck by the conviction that this is the way a Buddhist must live.

By devoting our lives to Buddhism, we will live a life of complete fulfillment. We are selling ourselves short if we fail to attain such a wonderful state of life.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Sunday, August 25, 2013:

 

Life flashes by in an instant. By devoting our lives to Buddhism, we will live a life of complete fulfillment. We are selling ourselves short if we fail to attain such a wonderful state of life.

Believe for long enough that you are not as smart as others and this will actually lead to intellectual ineptitude.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Sunday, August 25, 2013:

 

One of the fascinating things about human beings is this: Believe for long enough that you are not as smart as others and this will actually lead to intellectual ineptitude. But, confronted with the same doubts, if you choose to believe that your mind is merely dormant for now, lacking in exercise, once you begin to train it, there are no bounds to what you can achieve.

It has been said that aging gracefully is more difficult than dying, but as long as we have a forward-looking, positive attitude, a spirit to take on challenges, we will gain depth in our lives.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday, August 24, 2013:

 

It has been said that aging gracefully is more difficult than dying, but as long as we have a forward-looking, positive attitude, a spirit to take on challenges, we will gain depth in our lives.

Advancement—Nichiren Daishonin teaches the spirit that "not to advance is to retreat."

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday, August 24, 2013:

 

Advancement—Nichiren Daishonin teaches the spirit that "not to advance is to retreat." The point is to continue forging ahead despite any storms or hardships that may arise, to be fearless and advance like a lion.

Only those who fight with hearts of steel are people of justice.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Friday, August 23, 2013:

 

Ralph Waldo Emerson says, "Good-nature is plentiful, but we want justice with a heart of steel, to fight down the proud." If people are merely good-natured, then those who are arrogant and highhanded will have free rein to carry on as they please. Only those who fight with hearts of steel are people of justice.

The test of faith is winning in daily life and society, since that is where Buddhism finds expression.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Friday, August 23, 2013:

 

Shijo Kingo, a person of strong faith, was at one point envied and slandered by others, earning the disfavor of his lord. But later he received a new estate from him. In modern terms, we might say that Shijo Kingo scored this victory by showing wonderful actual proof of faith at his place of work. The test of faith is winning in daily life and society, since that is where Buddhism finds expression.

I can almost hear the joyous yell of victory issuing from the depths of my being.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Thursday, August 22, 2013:

 

The times when I have most intensely felt and experienced the inner reality of creation have been those times when I have thrown myself wholeheartedly into a task, when I have carried through with that task to the very end. At such times, I experience a dramatically expanded sense of self. I can almost hear the joyous yell of victory issuing from the depths of my being.

If you shine with a radiant light, there can be no darkness in your life.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Thursday, August 22, 2013:

 

It is not a question of your environment or those around you, nor what the organization or leaders may be like. To be swayed by such externals is pointless. It all comes down to one person: you. What matters is that you become a brilliant beacon, shining with joy and happiness and live your life with confidence and courage. If you shine with a radiant light, there can be no darkness in your life.

It is your spirit of devotion, your sincerity, that determines your true worth.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Wednesday, August 21, 2013:

 

It is important to remember that your worth as a person is not based on your profession. It is not based on wealth, fame or academic credentials. What counts is how hard you have striven in your chosen path, how much good you have accomplished, how earnestly you have devoted your energies to it. It is your spirit of devotion, your sincerity, that determines your true worth.

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

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Wednesday, August 21, 2013:

 

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 3,000 realms, our mind or attitude can change everything.

To be fearless no matter what happens—that is the root of true happiness.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, August 20, 2013:

 

To be fearless no matter what happens—that is the root of true happiness. To move forward resolutely regardless of what lies in store—that is the spirit, the resolve, that leads to human victory. But if we allow ourselves to be disturbed by petty criticism and slander, if we fear pressure and persecution, we will never advance nor create anything of lasting value.

Nature is like a mirror.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, August 20, 2013:

 

Nature is like a mirror. It remains still, but I move. It seems unchanging, yet I am constantly changing. The mirror of nature reflects my inner world, the essence of humanity, and the great, all-embracing expanse of life itself. Only when we are connected to nature, engaged with nature, are we truly alive and vigorous. To really be alive, one must be under the sun, the moon, the shining stars and surrounded by the beautiful greenery and pure waters of the natural world.

Buddhism is wisdom.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Monday, August 19, 2013:

 

Buddhism is wisdom. As long as we have wisdom, we can put all things to the best use; we can turn everything in the direction of happiness.

Buddhism Day by Day

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Monday, August 19, 2013:

 

Ultimately, we are responsible for our own destiny. It may seem to us that our fate is predetermined, whether by our genes or by our environment. What really matters, however, is how we can improve ourselves from this moment forward, how we can change the circumstances that we find ourselves in. This enormous transformative force is what Buddhism is all about. In this struggle lies the source of never-ending youth and vitality.

Buddhism is action.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Sunday, August 18, 2013:

 

Buddhism is action. One meaning of kyo of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is action. Without action, we cannot say that we are practicing Nam-myoho-renge-kyo; it would merely remain a concept. Only through action are we able to truly gain the great benefit of the Mystic Law.

Perhaps the chief purpose of a philosophy or religion is to help us understand the meaning of death and why we are alive.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Sunday, August 18, 2013:

 

Perhaps the chief purpose of a philosophy or religion is to help us understand the meaning of death and why we are alive. Without understanding where we have come from and where we are going, we cannot establish our own sense of identity to the fullest. Aging and its symptoms can, if nothing else, prompt us to seek rejuvenation. Ultimately, that rejuvenation can be found not in forestalling symptoms but in embracing a larger understanding of our own lives, which Buddhism elucidates.

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday, August 17, 2013:

 

There is nothing more noble than inviting our friends to discussion meetings, gathering together to enable them to establish a connection with Buddhism, to talk about Buddhist teachings, and to deepen our faith. As the Lotus Sutra clearly indicates, through such steady, dedicated efforts to teach others about Buddhism, you are accumulating the good fortune and benefit to be reborn as great leaders and savor a state of unsurpassed freedom in lifetime after lifetime.

The principle of human revolution focuses on precisely that: inner transformation at the most fundamental level.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday, August 17, 2013:

 

The Buddhist teaching of the oneness of life and its environment tells us that humanity and the natural world are one. That is why if we wish to protect the environment, we must transform and purify the three poisons—greed, anger and foolishness—that exist in people's lives. The principle of human revolution focuses on precisely that: inner transformation at the most fundamental level.

For Today and Tomorrow

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Friday, August 16, 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. In the process of exerting yourself in such endeavors, you will without a doubt build and strengthen your character.

What distinguishes a forward—looking person from an intransigent one, a virtuous person from a dishonest one, however, is whether one can candidly admit to one's mistakes and take bold steps to redress them.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Friday, August 16, 2013:

 

As long as we are human, we are bound to make mistakes. We all fall prey to flawed beliefs and views. What distinguishes a forward—looking person from an intransigent one, a virtuous person from a dishonest one, however, is whether one can candidly admit to one's mistakes and take bold steps to redress them.

From the moment we chant daimoku with a deep and powerful resolve, the sun begins to rise in our hearts. Hope—prayer is the sun of hope.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Thursday, August 15, 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 daimoku with a deep and powerful resolve, the sun begins to rise in our hearts. Hope—prayer is the sun of hope. To chant daimoku 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 Daishonin's Buddhism.

Everything hinges on how many capable leaders we can produce who are willing to fight wholeheartedly for the world's future and the happiness of humanity.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Thursday, August 15, 2013:

 

The world is growing increasingly interrelated and interdependent. We have reached a point where, in order to deal with not only environmental problems but every other issue confronting humankind, leaders with a broad, global perspective are indispensable. Everything hinges on how many capable leaders we can produce who are willing to fight wholeheartedly for the world's future and the happiness of humanity.

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

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Wednesday, August 14, 2013:

 

The German author Hermann Hesse (1877-1962) writes that the more one matures, the younger one grows. And certainly there are many people who, as they age, become increasingly vigorous and energetic, more broad-minded and tolerant, living with a greater sense of freedom and assurance. It is important to remember that aging and growing old are not necessarily the same thing.

In Nichiren Buddhism, we are encouraged to chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo for the happiness of those who—for whatever reason—displease, anger or even hurt us.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Wednesday, August 14, 2013:

 

In Nichiren Buddhism, we are encouraged to chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo for the happiness of those who—for whatever reason—displease, anger or even hurt us. Often this is not easy. But, inevitably, we come to see the better side of most people.

An important thing is that you concentrate on developing yourself.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, August 13, 2013:

 

An important thing is that you concentrate on developing yourself. Whatever others may say or do, those who have established their own solid sense of identity will triumph in the end. The great Japanese author Eiji Yoshikawa (1892-1962) wrote in his novel Miyamoto Musashi [an account of the seventeenth-century master swordsman of the same name]: "Rather than worrying about your future, thinking 'Perhaps I should become this or perhaps I should become that,' first be still and build a self that is as solid and unmoving as Mount Fuji."

Buddhism teaches that human life is endowed simultaneously with both good and evil.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, August 13, 2013:

 

Buddhism teaches that human life is endowed simultaneously with both good and evil. The human mind is interpreted as partaking of ten different conditions, or states, including, at one end of the scale, hell, which is filled with suffering; hunger, dominated by greed; and animality, characterized by fear of the strong and contempt for the weak. At the other end are the Bodhisattva and Buddha conditions—states of mind in which people strive to help others by eliminating suffering and imparting happiness. Buddhism further teaches that the nature of life is for good and evil to be essentially inseparable.

When we work courageously for kosen-rufu, our actions by their very nature, become compassionate.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Monday, August 12, 2013:

 

Courage is free. Anyone can have it. Courage is another name for the SGI spirit. Mr. Toda said: "The Buddha is filled with compassion, but it is hard for us common mortals to show compassion. So we must have courage instead." In other words, when we work courageously for kosen-rufu, our actions by their very nature, become compassionate.

The Buddha's true intention was that no one, even those of inferior capacity, be denied enlightenment.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Monday, August 12, 2013:

 

When you look at those of superior capacity, do not disparage yourself. The Buddha's true intention was that no one, even those of inferior capacity, be denied enlightenment. Conversely, when you compare yourself with persons of inferior capacity, do not be arrogant and overproud. Even persons of superior capacity may be excluded from enlightenment if they do not devote themselves wholeheartedly. -Nichiren

Let's read the Gosho regularly.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Sunday, August 11, 2013:

 

Let's read the Gosho regularly. Even just a little is fine. Even a single sentence. Just opening the Gosho is a start. At any rate, let's strive to read the Daishonin's writings. It's important to have the spirit to study the Gosho, to open up the Gosho. Even if you forget what you've read, something profound will have been engraved in the depths of your life.

Freedom lies in the heart of the sage, servitude in the heart of the fool.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Sunday, August 11, 2013:

 

One who has mastered himself is truly free. Freedom lies in the heart of the sage, servitude in the heart of the fool.

Obstacles are a golden opportunity to quickly forge an inner self that is as indestructible as a diamond, able to endure for eternity.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday, August 10, 2013:

 

From one perspective, Buddhist practice means plunging into the midst of the people and striving to strengthen our life force to the greatest extent. The purpose of SGI activities is for each of us to be able to build a strong, invincible, diamond-like self that can overcome every difficulty and blaze a way forward wherever we go. Obstacles are a golden opportunity to quickly forge an inner self that is as indestructible as a diamond, able to endure for eternity.

The heart of one person moves another's. If one's own heart is closed, then the doors of other people's hearts will also shut tight.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday, August 10, 2013:

 

The heart of one person moves another's. If one's own heart is closed, then the doors of other people's hearts will also shut tight. On the other hand, someone who makes all those around him or her into allies, bathing them in the sunlight of spring, will be treasured by all.

The course of our lives is determined by how we react—what we decide and what we do—at the darkest of times.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Friday, August 9, 2013:

 

The course of our lives is determined by how we react—what we decide and what we do—at the darkest of times. The nature of that response determines a person's true worth and greatness.

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

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Friday, August 9, 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 100 percent of our energy into our jobs and 100 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.

For Today and Tomorrow

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Thursday, August 8, 2013:

 

The present, as I am sure you all sense, is an age pervaded by great weariness and apathy. I would like you to be aware that the power and energy to serve humanity in such an enervated age can only be born from a vigorous, indomitable, noble will. Though the times may be rife with petty human conflicts, a pervading sense of hopelessness and all manner of turbulent storms, I hope that all of you will forge ahead boldly, with unflagging good cheer.

Religion must always be for the people. People do not exist for the sake of religion.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Thursday, August 8, 2013:

 

Depending on the use to which it is put, religion can be a demonic force. Religion should bring us together, but it is exploited by some to create greater schisms among us. Nothing could be more unfortunate. Religion must always be for the people. People do not exist for the sake of religion. This must be the fundamental guideline of religion in the twenty-first century.

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Wednesday, August 7, 2013:

 

Gandhi stressed the importance of being resolute in one's determinations: "A man who says that he will do something 'as far as possible' betrays either his pride or his weakness, though he himself may attribute it to his humility. There is, in fact, not a trace of humility in such an attitude of mind." In short, he asserts that someone who makes halfhearted pronouncements is either arrogant or cowardly.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Wednesday, August 7, 2013:

 

The people we are close to are important. We should treat them as our treasures. When dealing with others, we should always be sincere and polite.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Wednesday, August 7, 2013:
The people we are close to are important. We should treat them as our treasures. When dealing with others, we should always be sincere and polite. Nothing is stronger than sincerity. I have made many friends around the world and made them all with the same sincerity. A relationship built with sincerity will never be destroyed, but relationships build by means of tactics and scheming always collapse in the end. I have made many friends around the world and made them all with the same sincerity. A relationship built with sincerity will never be destroyed, but relationships build by means of tactics and scheming always collapse in the end.

For Today and Tomorrow

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, August 6, 2013:

 

Youth, and indeed life itself, flashes by in the blink of an eye. That is why it is important for you to ask yourselves what you can do for those who are suffering, what you can do to resolve the mournful contradictions that plague society, and boldly take on these great challenges without shunning the problems and difficulties you will inevitably face.

Prayer in Nichiren Buddhism is fundamentally a vow.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, August 6, 2013:

 

Prayer in Nichiren Buddhism is fundamentally a vow. It is a pledge or commitment to follow a chosen course of action; it is a declaration to challenge a clear objective. As such, how could anything be more wonderful than the vow to realize our personal human revolution and actualize the goal of world peace?

"Don't concern yourself with petty criticisms! Commune constantly with fine books and fine people and improve yourself!"

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Monday, August 5, 2013:

 

We cannot build true character if we allow ourselves to be swayed by passing praise or censure. "Don't concern yourself with petty criticisms! Commune constantly with fine books and fine people and improve yourself!" This was the creed by which Mr. Makiguchi and Mr. Toda lived their lives.

Buddhism Day by Day

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Monday, August 5, 2013:
Buddhist optimism is not the escapist optimism of those who throw up their hands and say, "Somehow or other things will work out." Rather it means clearly recognizing evil as evil and suffering as suffering and resolutely fighting to overcome it. It means believing in one's ability and strength to struggle against any evil or any obstacle. It is to possess a fighting optimism.

The resolve to accomplish your goals is what counts.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Sunday, August 4, 2013:

 

The resolve to accomplish your goals is what counts. If you earnestly put your mind to something, your brain, your body, your environment—everything—will start working toward achieving that end.

All things are mutually related to and interdependent with all other things. They all form a great cosmos maintaining the rhythms of life.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Sunday, August 4, 2013:

In Buddhist terms, the great universe and the self—the great macrocosm and the microcosm—are one. Since the self and all phenomena are one, all things are interrelated. Termed dependent origination, this teaching explains that all things weave a single whole in which individuals live in relation to all others.  In other words, all beings and phenomena exist or occur because of their relationship with other beings and phenomena, and nothing in either the human or the nonhuman world exists in isolation. All things are mutually related to and interdependent with all other things. They all form a great cosmos maintaining the rhythms of life.

For Today and Tomorrow

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday, August 3, 2013:

 

As human beings, let us reach beyond our small, limited selves and attain an all-encompassing state of being, our hearts communing with the vast universe.

Even embracing the Lotus Sutra would be useless without the heritage of faith.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday, August 3, 2013:

 

Be resolved to summon forth the great power of faith, and chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo with the prayer that your faith will be steadfast and correct at the moment of death. Never seek any other way to inherit the ultimate Law of life and death, and manifest it in your life. Only then will you realize that earthly desires are enlightenment, and that the sufferings of birth and death are nirvana. Even embracing the Lotus Sutra would be useless without the heritage of faith. -Nichiren

The greater our efforts to advance kosen-rufu, the greater the benefit and eternal good fortune we will accumulate in our lives.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Friday, August 2, 2013:

 

The greater our efforts to advance kosen-rufu, the greater the benefit and eternal good fortune we will accumulate in our lives. The more outstanding people we can foster, the stronger and healthier we will become. The more aware we are of our responsibility, the more joy we will experience. Such are the workings of the Buddhist Law.

Why was Shakyamuni Buddha so respected?

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Friday, August 2, 2013:

 

Why was Shakyamuni Buddha so respected? One of the reasons was the power of his voice. His voice is recorded as "beautiful, sweet like honey, warm and graceful, resounding and clear." He is also described as an individual who "speaks brightly, remarks brightly, narrates gracefully, talks clearly, expresses himself eloquently to make himself understood."

 

Shakyamuni called to anybody who visited him, "Welcome, welcome." It is expounded that he associated with people with his friendliness, joy and gentleness. He always politely greeted any person he encountered. He never greeted them in an unfriendly manner. It is said that he first opened his mouth to speak to the other person so that he or she would have an easier time to open up to Shakyamuni.

We must remember that for every person involved in SGI activities there is another, supporting him or her behind the scenes.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Thursday, August 1, 2013:

 

We must not allow ourselves to become bureaucratic and take for granted the efforts of those working behind the scenes. Nor must we ever forget to be considerate of those members of our families who may not be practicing the Daishonin's Buddhism. We must remember that for every person involved in SGI activities there is another, supporting him or her behind the scenes.

By wholeheartedly and directly meeting life's challenges, we bring forth from within ourselves the "three bodies of the Buddha," which are truth, wisdom and compassion.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Thursday, August 1, 2013:

 

By wholeheartedly and directly meeting life's challenges, we bring forth from within ourselves the "three bodies of the Buddha," which are truth, wisdom and compassion. The light of this internal wisdom constantly encourages and guides us toward true and correct action.