From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Thursday, April 26, 2012:
There are two types of illness: minor and serious. Early treatment by a skilled physician can cure even serious illnesses, not to mention minor ones. Karma also may be divided into two categories: fixed and unfixed. Sincere repentance will eradicate even fixed karma, to say nothing of karma that is unfixed.
On Prolonging One's Life Span
Written to the lay nun Myojo in 1279
Showing posts with label Daily Wisdom. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Daily Wisdom. Show all posts
Monday, February 6, 2012
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Daily Wisdom - Strong Faith
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Thursday, April 12, 2012:
I have found that even those who appear to believe just as the sutra teaches may not actually have strong faith at all, as you are already well aware. . . The fact that her prayers have gone unanswered is like a strong bow with a weak bowstring, or a fine sword in the hands of a coward. It is in no sense the fault of the Lotus Sutra.
The Royal Palace
Written to Shijo Kingo on April 12, 1275
Thursday, April 12, 2012:
I have found that even those who appear to believe just as the sutra teaches may not actually have strong faith at all, as you are already well aware. . . The fact that her prayers have gone unanswered is like a strong bow with a weak bowstring, or a fine sword in the hands of a coward. It is in no sense the fault of the Lotus Sutra.
The Royal Palace
Written to Shijo Kingo on April 12, 1275
Monday, January 30, 2012
Daily Wisdom - The Essence of the "Medicine King" Chapter
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Wednesday, April 11, 2012:
The Flower Garland and the other various sutras are like stars in this dark night, while the Lotus Sutra is like the moon. For those who have faith in the Lotus Sutra, but whose faith is not deep, it is as though a half moon were lighting the darkness. But for those who have profound faith, it is as though a full moon were illuminating the night.
The Essence of the "Medicine King" Chapter
Recipient unknown; written in 1265
Wednesday, April 11, 2012:
The Flower Garland and the other various sutras are like stars in this dark night, while the Lotus Sutra is like the moon. For those who have faith in the Lotus Sutra, but whose faith is not deep, it is as though a half moon were lighting the darkness. But for those who have profound faith, it is as though a full moon were illuminating the night.
The Essence of the "Medicine King" Chapter
Recipient unknown; written in 1265
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Daily Wisdom - Buddha in Everyone.
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Friday, March 2, 2012:
Bodhisattva Never Disparaging of old said that all people have the Buddha nature and that, if they embrace the Lotus Sutra, they will never fail to attain Buddhahood. He further stated that to slight a person is to slight the Buddha himself. Thus, his practice was to revere all people. He revered even those who did not embrace the Lotus Sutra because they too had the Buddha nature and might someday believe in the sutra.
The Fourteen Slanders
Written to the lay priest Matsuno Rokuro Saemon on December 9, 1276
Friday, March 2, 2012:
Bodhisattva Never Disparaging of old said that all people have the Buddha nature and that, if they embrace the Lotus Sutra, they will never fail to attain Buddhahood. He further stated that to slight a person is to slight the Buddha himself. Thus, his practice was to revere all people. He revered even those who did not embrace the Lotus Sutra because they too had the Buddha nature and might someday believe in the sutra.
The Fourteen Slanders
Written to the lay priest Matsuno Rokuro Saemon on December 9, 1276
Monday, January 2, 2012
Daily Wisdom - To chant Myoho-renge-kyo with this realization is to inherit the ultimate Law of life and death.
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Friday, February 11, 2011:
Shakyamuni Buddha who attained enlightenment countless kalpas ago, the Lotus Sutra that leads all people to Buddhahood, and we ordinary human beings are in no way different or separate from one another. To chant Myoho-renge-kyo with this realization is to inherit the ultimate Law of life and death. This is a matter of the utmost importance for Nichiren's disciples and lay supporters, and this is what it means to embrace the Lotus Sutra.
The Heritage of the Ultimate Law of Life
Written to Sairen-bo Nichijo on February 11, 1272
Friday, February 11, 2011:
Shakyamuni Buddha who attained enlightenment countless kalpas ago, the Lotus Sutra that leads all people to Buddhahood, and we ordinary human beings are in no way different or separate from one another. To chant Myoho-renge-kyo with this realization is to inherit the ultimate Law of life and death. This is a matter of the utmost importance for Nichiren's disciples and lay supporters, and this is what it means to embrace the Lotus Sutra.
The Heritage of the Ultimate Law of Life
Written to Sairen-bo Nichijo on February 11, 1272
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Daily Wisdom - A Sage Perceives the Three Existences of Life
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Sunday, January 30, 2011:
My disciples, you should believe what I say and watch what happens. These things do not occur because I myself am respectworthy, but because the power of the Lotus Sutra is supreme. If I praise myself, people will think that I am boastful, but if I humble myself, they will despise the sutra. The taller the pine tree, the longer the wisteria vine hanging from it. The deeper the source, the longer the stream. How fortunate, how joyful! In this impure land, I alone enjoy true happiness and delight.
A Sage Perceives the Three Existences of Life
Written to Toki Jonin in 1275
Sunday, January 30, 2011:
My disciples, you should believe what I say and watch what happens. These things do not occur because I myself am respectworthy, but because the power of the Lotus Sutra is supreme. If I praise myself, people will think that I am boastful, but if I humble myself, they will despise the sutra. The taller the pine tree, the longer the wisteria vine hanging from it. The deeper the source, the longer the stream. How fortunate, how joyful! In this impure land, I alone enjoy true happiness and delight.
A Sage Perceives the Three Existences of Life
Written to Toki Jonin in 1275
Monday, December 26, 2011
Daily Wisdom - As long as you are praised by the Lotus Sutra, what cause have you for discontent?
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Friday, January 28, 2011:
Let others hate you if they will. What have you to complain of, if you are cherished by Shakyamuni Buddha, Many Treasures Buddha, and the Buddhas of the ten directions, as well as by Brahma, Shakra, and the gods of the sun and the moon? As long as you are praised by the Lotus Sutra, what cause have you for discontent?
The Unity of Husband and Wife
Written to Nichigen-nyo on January 27, 1275
Friday, January 28, 2011:
Let others hate you if they will. What have you to complain of, if you are cherished by Shakyamuni Buddha, Many Treasures Buddha, and the Buddhas of the ten directions, as well as by Brahma, Shakra, and the gods of the sun and the moon? As long as you are praised by the Lotus Sutra, what cause have you for discontent?
The Unity of Husband and Wife
Written to Nichigen-nyo on January 27, 1275
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Daily Wisdom - Importance of a solid foundation
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Saturday, January 15, 2011:
When a tree has been transplanted, though fierce winds may blow, it will not topple if it has a firm stake to hold it up. But even a tree that has grown up in place may fall over if its roots are weak. Even a feeble person will not stumble if those supporting him are strong, but a person of considerable strength, when alone, may fall down on an uneven path.
Three Tripitaka Masters Pray for Rain
Written to the lay priest Nishiyama on June 22, 1275
Saturday, January 15, 2011:
When a tree has been transplanted, though fierce winds may blow, it will not topple if it has a firm stake to hold it up. But even a tree that has grown up in place may fall over if its roots are weak. Even a feeble person will not stumble if those supporting him are strong, but a person of considerable strength, when alone, may fall down on an uneven path.
Three Tripitaka Masters Pray for Rain
Written to the lay priest Nishiyama on June 22, 1275
Monday, December 19, 2011
Daily Wisdom
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Thursday, January 13, 2011:
The sutra states, "If there are those who hear the Law, then not a one will fail to attain Buddhahood." This means that, even if one were to point at the earth and miss it, even if the sun and moon should fall to the ground, even if an age should come when the tides cease to ebb and flow, or even if flowers should not turn to fruit in summer, it could never happen that a woman who chants Nam-myoho-renge-kyo would fail to be reunited with her beloved child. Continue in your devotion to faith, and bring this about quickly!",.
The Gift of Clear Sake
Written to the lay nun Ueno on January 13, 1281
Thursday, January 13, 2011:
The sutra states, "If there are those who hear the Law, then not a one will fail to attain Buddhahood." This means that, even if one were to point at the earth and miss it, even if the sun and moon should fall to the ground, even if an age should come when the tides cease to ebb and flow, or even if flowers should not turn to fruit in summer, it could never happen that a woman who chants Nam-myoho-renge-kyo would fail to be reunited with her beloved child. Continue in your devotion to faith, and bring this about quickly!",.
The Gift of Clear Sake
Written to the lay nun Ueno on January 13, 1281
Friday, December 16, 2011
Daily Wisdom - The Lotus Sutra is the king of sutras
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Saturday, January 8, 2011:
The Lotus Sutra is the king of sutras, the direct path to enlightenment, for it explains that the entity of our life, which manifests either good or evil at each moment, is in fact the entity of the Mystic Law. If you chant Myoho-renge-kyo with deep faith in this principle, you are certain to attain Buddhahood in this lifetime.
On Attaining Buddhahood in This Lifetime
Written to Toki Jonin in 1255
Saturday, January 8, 2011:
The Lotus Sutra is the king of sutras, the direct path to enlightenment, for it explains that the entity of our life, which manifests either good or evil at each moment, is in fact the entity of the Mystic Law. If you chant Myoho-renge-kyo with deep faith in this principle, you are certain to attain Buddhahood in this lifetime.
On Attaining Buddhahood in This Lifetime
Written to Toki Jonin in 1255
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Daily Wisdom - The good fortune one receives from simply chanting the daimoku
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Thursday, January 6, 2011:
The Lotus Sutra of the Correct Law says that, if one hears this sutra and proclaims and embraces its title, one will enjoy merit beyond measure. And the Supplemented Lotus Sutra of the Wonderful Law says that one who accepts and upholds the name of the Lotus Sutra will enjoy immeasurable good fortune. These statements indicate that the good fortune one receives from simply chanting the daimoku is beyond measure.
The Daimoku of the Lotus Sutra
Recipient unknown; written on January 6, 1266
Thursday, January 6, 2011:
The Lotus Sutra of the Correct Law says that, if one hears this sutra and proclaims and embraces its title, one will enjoy merit beyond measure. And the Supplemented Lotus Sutra of the Wonderful Law says that one who accepts and upholds the name of the Lotus Sutra will enjoy immeasurable good fortune. These statements indicate that the good fortune one receives from simply chanting the daimoku is beyond measure.
The Daimoku of the Lotus Sutra
Recipient unknown; written on January 6, 1266
Daily Wisdom - Where does exactly hell and the Buddha exist?
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Wednesday, January 5, 2011:
First of all, as to the question of where exactly hell and the Buddha exist, one sutra states that hell exists underground, and another sutra says that the Buddha is in the west. Closer examination, however, reveals that both exist in our five-foot body. This must be true because hell is in the heart of a person who inwardly despises his father and disregards his mother. It is like the lotus seed, which contains both blossom and fruit. In the same way, the Buddha dwells within our hearts.
New Year's Gosho
Written to the wife of Omosu on January 5, year unknown
Wednesday, January 5, 2011:
First of all, as to the question of where exactly hell and the Buddha exist, one sutra states that hell exists underground, and another sutra says that the Buddha is in the west. Closer examination, however, reveals that both exist in our five-foot body. This must be true because hell is in the heart of a person who inwardly despises his father and disregards his mother. It is like the lotus seed, which contains both blossom and fruit. In the same way, the Buddha dwells within our hearts.
New Year's Gosho
Written to the wife of Omosu on January 5, year unknown
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Daily Wisdom
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Tuesday, January 4, 2011:
You are already a lay practitioner and therefore one of the "good men" described in the sutra. One who listens to even a sentence or phrase of the sutra and cherishes it deep in one's heart may be likened to a ship that crosses the sea of the sufferings of birth and death. The Great Teacher Miao-lo stated, "Even a single phrase cherished deep in one's heart will without fail help one reach the opposite shore. To ponder one phrase and practice it is to exercise navigation".
A Ship to Cross the Sea of Suffering
Written to Shiji Shiro on April 28, 1961
Tuesday, January 4, 2011:
You are already a lay practitioner and therefore one of the "good men" described in the sutra. One who listens to even a sentence or phrase of the sutra and cherishes it deep in one's heart may be likened to a ship that crosses the sea of the sufferings of birth and death. The Great Teacher Miao-lo stated, "Even a single phrase cherished deep in one's heart will without fail help one reach the opposite shore. To ponder one phrase and practice it is to exercise navigation".
A Ship to Cross the Sea of Suffering
Written to Shiji Shiro on April 28, 1961
Daily Wisdom - What happens when people make good causes.
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Monday, January 3, 2011:
Just as flowers open up and bear fruit, just as the moon appears and invariably grows full, just as a lamp becomes brighter when oil is added, and just as plants and trees flourish with rain, so will human beings never fail to prosper when they make good causes.
The Third Day of the New Year
Written to Nanjo Tokimitsu on January 11, 1280
Monday, January 3, 2011:
Just as flowers open up and bear fruit, just as the moon appears and invariably grows full, just as a lamp becomes brighter when oil is added, and just as plants and trees flourish with rain, so will human beings never fail to prosper when they make good causes.
The Third Day of the New Year
Written to Nanjo Tokimitsu on January 11, 1280
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Daily Wisdom - Buddha, the skilled physician
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Sunday, January 2, 2011:
The Buddha has already been called a skilled physician, and the Law has been likened to good medicine and all living beings to people suffering from illness. The Buddha took the teachings that he had preached in the course of his lifetime, ground and sifted them, blended them together, and compounded an excellent medicine, the pill of the Mystic Law. Regardless of whether one understands it or not, so long as one takes the pill, can one fail to be cured of the illness of delusion?
Conversation between a Sage and an Unenlightened Man
Recipient unknown; written in 1265
Sunday, January 2, 2011:
The Buddha has already been called a skilled physician, and the Law has been likened to good medicine and all living beings to people suffering from illness. The Buddha took the teachings that he had preached in the course of his lifetime, ground and sifted them, blended them together, and compounded an excellent medicine, the pill of the Mystic Law. Regardless of whether one understands it or not, so long as one takes the pill, can one fail to be cured of the illness of delusion?
Conversation between a Sage and an Unenlightened Man
Recipient unknown; written in 1265
Daily Wisdom
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Saturday, January 1, 2011:
I have received a hundred slabs of steamed rice cake and a basket of fruit. New Year's Day marks the first day, the first month, the beginning of the year, and the start of spring. A person who celebrates this day will accumulate virtue and be loved by all, just as the moon becomes full gradually, moving from west to east, and as the sun shines more brightly, traveling from east to west.
New Year's Gosho
Written to wife of Omosu on January 5, year unknown
Saturday, January 1, 2011:
I have received a hundred slabs of steamed rice cake and a basket of fruit. New Year's Day marks the first day, the first month, the beginning of the year, and the start of spring. A person who celebrates this day will accumulate virtue and be loved by all, just as the moon becomes full gradually, moving from west to east, and as the sun shines more brightly, traveling from east to west.
New Year's Gosho
Written to wife of Omosu on January 5, year unknown
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Why should we not look down on people?
Of foremost importance are the people—not celebrities, the powerful, the rich, scholars or others whom society deems great or praiseworthy. The purpose of all things must be the happiness of the people. Everything else should be but a means to that end. Those who fail to recognize this fundamental point and look down on the people and exploit them are thoroughly vile and contemptible; they are a hindrance to people's happiness.
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 26/3
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 26/3
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
What is wisdom in the Lotus Sutra?
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 Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 8/1
Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 8/1
Sunday, June 12, 2011
How to savor the true joy of spring?
Even if today may seem to be a time of total darkness, it will not last forever. The dawn will surely come if you advance, ever forward, without being defeated. The day will definitely come when you can look back fondly and declare, "I am savoring this happiness because I struggled back then." It is those who know the bitterness of winter that can savor the true joy of spring.
Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 21/12
Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 21/12
Saturday, June 11, 2011
How to overcome relationship problems?
Relationship problems are opportunities to grow and mature. Such problems can be character building if you don't let them defeat you. That's why it's important not to isolate yourself. No one can exist apart from others. Remaining aloof from others cultivates selfishness, which accomplishes nothing.
Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 19/2
Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 19/2
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