Buddhism, the "religion of wisdom," is an extremely rational religion

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Friday, January 31, 2014:

 

A higher religion does not negate rationality. No religion that suppresses human reason can earn the trust of humankind. Buddhism, the "religion of wisdom," is an extremely rational religion. In fact, it is so rational that many Westerners even question whether it can be classified as a religion, since it does not teach the existence of a supreme being in the image of humankind.

No one develops in a pampered environment.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Friday, January 31, 2014:

 

Youth should not seek an easy comfortable path. No one develops in a pampered environment. Youth should instead actively seek out challenges and hardships, transforming them all into valuable assets as they strive to become individuals of outstanding character and ability.

Just as a diamond can only be polished by another diamond, it is only through intense human interaction engaging the entire personality that people can forge themselves, raising themselves up to ever-greater heights.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Thursday, January 30, 2014:

 

Just as a diamond can only be polished by another diamond, it is only through intense human interaction engaging the entire personality that people can forge themselves, raising themselves up to ever-greater heights.

How then do we manifest the brain's full creative powers?

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Thursday, January 30, 2014:

 

Buddhism teaches that "all phenomena in the universe are manifestations of the Law" (Gosho Zenshu, p. 564). I hope you will, with this understanding, engage yourselves in broad-ranging studies with vigor and determination. Your brains have a potential as vast and boundless as the universe. How then do we manifest the brain's full creative powers? There is only one way to bring out our full intellectual capacity: by constantly putting our minds to work.

You should become the master of your mind, not let your mind master you

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Wednesday, January 29, 2014:

 

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 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.

Practicing Buddhism means being victorious

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Wednesday, January 29, 2014:

 

Practicing Buddhism means being victorious. In advancing one step at a time amid the realities of our daily lives, in showing concrete actual proof, in becoming victors and successes, we are demonstrating with our very beings the validity of Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism and serving as a source of hope and inspiration for those who will follow us on the path of faith.

Why are human beings born?

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, January 28, 2014:

 

Why are human beings born? This question has posed a great challenge. Josei Toda lucidly set forward his conclusion. Namely, that this world is a place for people to, as the Lotus Sutra states, "enjoy themselves at ease." We were born here in order to thoroughly savor the joys of life. Faith in Nichiren Buddhism enables one to bring forth the great life force needed to lead such an existence.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, January 28, 2014:

 

All of you are chanting for the happiness of many members—children of the Buddha—in your respective communities; you support and encourage them and work tirelessly on their behalf as if they were your own children. Your actions are truly those of great bodhisattvas; your state of life that of noble Buddhas.

Prizing human rights and respecting others are among our most important tasks.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Monday, January 27, 2014:

 

Everyone has a right to flower, to reveal his or her full potential as a human being, to fulfill his or her mission in this world. You have this right, and so does everyone else. This is the meaning of human rights. To scorn, violate and abuse people's human rights destroys the natural order of things. Prizing human rights and respecting others are among our most important tasks.

Viewing events and situations in a positive light is important.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Monday, January 27, 2014:

 

Viewing events and situations in a positive light is important. The strength, wisdom and cheerfulness that accompany such an attitude lead to happiness. To regard everything in a positive light or with a spirit of goodwill, however, does not mean being foolishly gullible and allowing people to take advantage of our good nature. It means having the wisdom and perception to actually move things in a positive direction by seeing things in their best light, while all the time keeping our eyes firmly focused on reality.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Sunday, January 26, 2014:

 

Truly praiseworthy are those who resolve to work hard for kosen-rufu and the SGI within the lofty realm of Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism. They are genuinely capable people. And they will definitely attain life-conditions of complete fulfillment.

A coward cannot become a Buddha.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Sunday, January 26, 2014:

 

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.

Buddhism teaches equality and absolute respect for the dignity of life.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Friday, January 24, 2014:

 

Buddhism teaches equality and absolute respect for the dignity of life. Educating people to be citizens of the world begins with cultivating respect, compassion and empathy for others. I am certain that friendship and limitless trust in people can empower us to overcome socially disruptive discrimination and hatred. Openminded exchanges on the popular level will be increasingly important in the years to come. When people engage in mind-to-mind dialogue, they are grateful to see ethnic and cultural differences not as obstacles but as expressions of society—enriching diversity that engenders respect and a desire for further exploration.

We use our voices not only to chant daimoku but to guide, encourage and introduce others to the Daishonin's Buddhism

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Friday, January 24, 2014:

 

We use our voices not only to chant daimoku but to guide, encourage and introduce others to the Daishonin's Buddhism. Our voice, therefore, is very important. An angry voice, a coarse voice, a cold voice, an imperious voice—none of these will communicate how wonderful Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism is. I would like you to be humanistic leaders who can encourage others with bright warm voices, so that they will say, "What a lovely voice!" and "I'm always so inspired when I hear you speak." Becoming this kind of leader is one actual proof of your human revolution.

Good travels at a snail's pace.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Thursday, January 23, 2014:

 

Mahatma Gandhi said, "Good travels at a snail's pace." The peace movement cannot accomplish things radically and all at once. Often, it can only advance by gradual and protracted means. Gradualism does not, however, imply negative compromise or merely passing time. It means truly reforming our times by sowing seeds of peace in individual minds through sincere dialogue and, in this way, cultivating consensus.

Gongyo is a solemn ceremony in which we are looking out and over the universe. It is a dialogue with the universe.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Thursday, January 23, 2014:

 

As practitioners of the Daishonin's Buddhism we get up in the morning and do gongyo. Some perhaps may do so rather reluctantly! Nevertheless, doing gongyo is itself a truly great and noble thing. Gongyo is a solemn ceremony in which we are looking out and over the universe. It is a dialogue with the universe.

There is a saying that the earth upon which we fall is the same ground which enables us to push ourselves up again.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Wednesday, January 22, 2014:

 

There is a saying that the earth upon which we fall is the same ground which enables us to push ourselves up again. There's another which maintains that barley grows better after it has been trampled on. Human relationships are sometimes painful, but there is no such pain from which we cannot recover. It is up to us to decide to live a life free from self-doubt and despair in spite of our failures. Indeed, it is during our most humbling moments that we should show greatest poise and grace. Then the dignity of our lives will truly shine.

Ultimately, happiness rests on how you establish a solid sense of self or being

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Wednesday, January 22, 2014:

 

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

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
Tuesday, January 21, 2014:

 

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

Please be confident that you will lead lives overflowing with good fortune throughout the three existences of past, present and future.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, January 21, 2014:

 

Humanity today lacks hope and vision for the future. It is for precisely this reason that the Bodhisattvas of the Earth have appeared. Without your presence, the future of humanity would be bleak and spiritual decline its destination. That is why you have been born in this age and are now playing an active role in society. This is the meaning of jiyu, or "emerging from the earth." Consequently, each of you will definitely become happy. Please be confident that you will lead lives overflowing with good fortune throughout the three existences of past, present and future.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Monday, January 20, 2014:
A complete lack of exertion or stress may seem desirable, but in fact it results in boredom and stagnation. It is essential that we keep making continuous efforts amid challenging circumstances, pushing forward with dynamic creativity and breaking through all obstacles. That is the way to develop new strength and achieve fresh growth, whether it be in the case of an individual or an organization.

Irrespective of your situations, however, the light of faith in the depths of your beings will continue to shine on eternally with diamond-like brilliance.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Monday, January 20, 2014:

 

In this lifetime, to demonstrate the power of faith in the Mystic Law to others some of you may have been born into poverty so that you could show actual proof by gaining secure and comfortable lives. Some of you may have been born with ill health so that you could show proof by growing strong and healthy. Irrespective of your situations, however, the light of faith in the depths of your beings will continue to shine on eternally with diamond-like brilliance.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Sunday, January 19, 2014:

 

The years pass. The times change. All that survives and transcends this inevitable process, that shines brighter with each new era, is the record of a great human spirit that has endured the unendurable and remained true to the very end to its deepest convictions.

Suffering and undergoing hardships for the sake of friends and for spreading the Law shows the sense of responsibility of a genuine leader and is the behavior of a bodhisattva

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Sunday, January 19, 2014:

 

Suffering and undergoing hardships for the sake of friends and for spreading the Law shows the sense of responsibility of a genuine leader and is the behavior of a bodhisattva. There is no suffering or hardship that a Bodhisattva of the Earth cannot surmount. So no matter what happens, I would like you to steadily advance one step at a time, always chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo with a vibrant voice.

Buddhism is practiced to make one's prayers and dreams come true and to achieve the greatest possible happiness.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday, January 18, 2014:

 

Buddhism is practiced to make one's prayers and dreams come true and to achieve the greatest possible happiness. The purpose of Nichiren Buddhism is to enable one to realize victory. The fact that prayers are answered proves the correctness of this teaching.

Now is the time for youth to take full responsibility and courageously pave the way for the people's triumph.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday, January 18, 2014:

 

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who was a tireless crusader for human rights said: "Life's most persistent and urgent question is, What are you doing for others?" Do not say you will do it "someday"; now is the time. Do not say "someone" will do it; you are the one. Now is the time for youth to take full responsibility and courageously pave the way for the people's triumph.

When you devote yourself to achieving your goal, you will not be bothered by shallow criticism.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Friday, January 17, 2014:

 

When you devote yourself to achieving your goal, you will not be bothered by shallow criticism. 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 along your chosen path with firm determination.

Please remember that patience is in and of itself a great challenge and that it often holds the key to breaking through a seeming impasse.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Friday, January 17, 2014:

 

Please remember that patience is in and of itself a great challenge and that it often holds the key to breaking through a seeming impasse.

"One who is awakened [to the truth]."

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Thursday, January 16, 2014:

 

The Sanskrit word buddha means "One who is awakened [to the truth]." While the term was widely employed by various schools of the time, it eventually came to be used exclusively in reference to Shakyamuni. At the same time, the word buddha implies "to bloom." A person who causes flowers of lofty character to brilliantly bloom and who bears the fruits of good fortune and benefit in abundance is a Buddha. Such a person manifests the benefit of the Law and shines with character overflowing with blessings.

No great achievement is accomplished overnight or without difficulty.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Thursday, January 16, 2014:

 

It is important to take a long-range view. No great achievement is accomplished overnight or without difficulty. Should benefit be obtained easily without our making any efforts in Buddhist practice, we'd probably just as easily abandon our faith and end up miserable as a consequence. Because it isn't easy to get into a highly-ranked school, students study with all their might, gaining an abundance of knowledge and ability. Faith follows basically the same formula: Practice is essential to attaining Buddhahood.

Do not say you will do it "someday"; now is the time. Do not say "someone" will do it; you are the one.

Buddhism Day by Day

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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Wednesday, January 15, 2014:

 

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a tireless crusader for human rights, said: "Life's most persistent and urgent question is, What are you doing for others?" Do not say you will do it "someday"; now is the time. Do not say "someone" will do it; you are the one. Now is the time for youth to take full responsibility and courageously pave the way for the people's triumph.

The important thing, however, is not to spin out of the orbit of faith.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Wednesday, January 15, 2014:

 

Doing gongyo every day is a challenge. Introducing others to the practice is a challenge. Getting people to subscribe to our publications is a challenge. Attending meetings is a challenge. Sometimes it can all become too much and leave one feeling negative and wanting to take a break! Since we are human beings, it's only natural that we might feel this way on occasion. The important thing, however, is not to spin out of the orbit of faith. I hope you will continue to pursue the path of Buddhahood steadily and patiently, encouraging one another on your journey.

When it comes to championing a just cause, you must never be cowardly, never fawn, never try to curry favor.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, January 14, 2014:

 

Always speak the truth boldly, saying what needs to be said no matter whom you're addressing. When it comes to championing a just cause, you must never be cowardly, never fawn, never try to curry favor.

The power of the Mystic Law enables us to bring forth strength to overcome the pain and suffering of sickness with courage and determination.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, January 14, 2014:

 

Everyone at some time suffers from illness in one form or another. The power of the Mystic Law enables us to bring forth strength to overcome the pain and suffering of sickness with courage and determination. The Daishonin writes: "Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is like the roar of a lion. What sickness can therefore be an obstacle?" (The Major Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 119)

Buddhas love, rejoice at and try to bring out each person's uniqueness; this is their compassion and their wisdom.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Monday, January 13, 2014:

 

Buddhas respect people's individuality, and desire that they may freely manifest their unique qualities. They are neither partial nor adverse toward people on account of their individual proclivities. Buddhas love, rejoice at and try to bring out each person's uniqueness; this is their compassion and their wisdom.

A life lived without purpose or value, the kind in which one doesn't know the reason why one was born, is joyless and lackluster.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Monday, January 13, 2014:

 

A life lived without purpose or value, the kind in which one doesn't know the reason why one was born, is joyless and lackluster. To just live, eat and die without any real sense of purpose surely represents a life pervaded by the world of Animality. On the other hand, to do, create or contribute something that benefits others, society and ourselves and to dedicate ourselves as long as we live to that challenge—that is a life of true satisfaction, a life of value. It is a humanistic and lofty way to live.

Strength is happiness. Strength is itself victory. In weakness and cowardice there is no happiness.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Sunday, January 12, 2014:

 

Strength is happiness. Strength is itself victory. In weakness and cowardice there is no happiness. When you wage a struggle, you might win or you might lose. But regardless of the short-term outcome, the very fact of your continuing to struggle is proof of your victory as a human being. A strong spirit, strong faith and strong prayer—developing these is victory and the world of Buddhahood.

People who respect others are respected by others in turn.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Sunday, January 12, 2014:

 

In a passage of the "Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings," the Daishonin observes, "When you bow to a mirror, the reflected image bows back" (Gosho Zenshu, p. 769). People who respect others are respected by others in turn. Those who are unstinting in their compassion and concern for others are also protected and supported by others. Our environment is essentially a reflection of ourselves.

Buddhism Day by Day

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday, January 11, 2014:

 

One tragedy of our times is the willingness of realists, in spite of impending crises, to criticize and obstruct people who expend their energy toward finding solutions. Their judgments, however, are superficial and conventional, and their attitude distances them from the essential quality of reality-change. Often the wisest realists cannot escape this trap. The challenge, then, is to create a new kind of reality that offers hope for changing the world.

Should there be a leader or leaders in faith whom you do not like, all you have to do is determine not to become like them.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday, January 11, 2014:

 

The role of leaders is important. Everything is determined by the leaders behavior. There is a passage in The Romance of the Three Kingdoms that says only those who possess genuine wisdom and virtue win the highest regard from people. It all comes down to you. You have to polish and develop yourselves. Should there be a leader or leaders in faith whom you do not like, all you have to do is determine not to become like them. All you have to do is decide that you will become leaders who will make everyone feel comfortable and at ease.

The dawning twenty-first century holds the promise, however, to be a century of humanity and culture, a century of science and religion.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Friday, January 10, 2014:

 

The twentieth century was a century of war and peace, a century of politics and economics. The dawning twenty-first century holds the promise, however, to be a century of humanity and culture, a century of science and religion. Advance on this wonderful new path of humanism with pride and confidence, as gallant philosophers of action.

Please manifest the principle of "faith equals daily life," so that you will be trusted, respected and emulated by others.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Friday, January 10, 2014:

 

Buddhism is reason. It is vital therefore, that our lives and our activities in society also accord with reason. Please manifest the principle of "faith equals daily life," so that you will be trusted, respected and emulated by others. Bringing fragrant flowers of trust and humanism to bloom throughout society is one of the goals of Buddhism. To do things that others find strange and unnatural, that run counter to common sense—such actions go against the basic tenets of Buddhism and amount to slander of the Law.

Peace built on the unhappiness and sacrifice of others is a meaningless sham.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Thursday, January 9, 2014:

 

The peace we seek cannot be brought about through a struggle for dominance in military or economic power. It can be won only through peaceful means. Peace built on the unhappiness and sacrifice of others is a meaningless sham. What's needed is to create a world in which people of all races and nations can enjoy peace and happiness.

The real benefit of the Mystic Law is inconspicuous

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Thursday, January 9, 2014:

 

The real benefit of the Mystic Law is inconspicuous. Just as trees grow taller and stronger year after year, adding growth rings that are imperceptible to the human eye, we too will grow toward a victorious existence. For this reason it is important that we lead tenacious and balanced lives based on faith.

What is Wisdom?

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Wednesday, January 8, 2014:

 

Wisdom, in the Lotus Sutra, does not simply mean being smart; it is far more profound. Essentially, it is to have an excellent "heart." Wisdom signifies humanity and force of character borne of strength, breadth and profundity of spirit. Nichiren says, "The wise may be called human." He also explains that one who perseveres in following a correct way of life, unswayed by praise and censure, is truly wise.

Buddhism is reason. If we just chant without doing any work we cannot succeed in our jobs.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Wednesday, January 8, 2014:

 

Prayer is the foundation. But at the same time if we fail to make concrete efforts, no matter how much daimoku we chant, our prayers will not be answered. Buddhism is reason. If we just chant without doing any work we cannot succeed in our jobs.

We have to bear in mind, however, that we cannot plant a seed today and expect it to bear fruit tomorrow

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, January 7, 2014:

 

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 in the practice of "faith equals daily life" in accord with reason, then our prayers will definitely be answered. This is Nichiren Daishonin's promise to us. And his words are true beyond any doubt.

Buddhism Day by Day

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, January 7, 2014:

 

Hand in hand with (and inseparable from) our personal awakening, the aim of Buddhist practice is to establish a truly peaceful society based on the empowerment of all individuals, a true state of equality and justice grounded in respect for the Buddha nature inherent in everyone.