11/30 Today’s Buddhist Food for Thought

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Sunday, November 30, 2008

President Toda often said: “Those of you who have problems or sufferings, pray earnestly! Buddhism is a deadly serious win-or-lose struggle. If you should [pray with such an earnest attitude] and still have no solution forthcoming, then I will give you my life!” This invincible conviction on which Mr. Toda was willing to stake his life inspired the members.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Sunday, November 30, 2008 (Buddhism Day by Day)

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

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Sunday, November 30, 2008 (Daily Wisdom)

Though water may be muddied, it will again become clear. Though the moon may hide behind the clouds, it will surely reappear. Similarly, in time my innocence became apparent, and my predictions proved not to have been in vain.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1007
Letter to the Lay Priest Nakaoki
Written to the lay priest Nakaoki and his wife on November 30, 1279

11/28 & 11/29 Today’s Buddhist Food for Thought

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Friday, November 28, 2008

Nichiren Daishonin discusses the meaning of the Chinese characters for the word benefit (Jpn kudoku), as follows: “The ku of kudoku means to extinguish evil and doku means to bring forth good” (Gosho Zenshu, p. 762). We fight against those who try to destroy the True Law. That struggle purifies us and brings forth benefits in our lives. Justice or happiness without a battle is just an illusion. Thinking that happiness means a life free of hard work and effort is fantasy.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Friday, November 28, 2008 (Buddhism Day by Day)

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

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Friday, November 28, 2008 (Daily Wisdom)

Buddhism spreads according to the time and the people’s capacity. Although I may not be worthy of this teaching, I expound it because the time is right.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 861
This is What I Heard
Written to the lay priest Soya Jiro on November 28, 1277

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday, November 29, 2008

Compassion is the very soul of Buddhism. To pray for others, making their problems and anguish our own; to embrace those who are suffering, becoming their greatest ally; to continue giving them our support and encouragement until they become truly happy-it is in such humanistic actions that the Daishonin’s Buddhism lives and breathes.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday, November 29, 2008 (Buddhism Day by Day)

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

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Saturday, November 29, 2008 (Daily Wisdom)

Whether or not your prayer is answered will depend upon your faith; [if it is not,] I will in no way be to blame. When the water is clear, the moon is reflected. When the wind blows, the trees shake. Our minds are like the water. Faith that is weak is like muddy water, while faith that is brave is like clear water. Understand that the trees are like principles, and the wind that shakes them is like the recitation of the sutra.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1079

Reply to the Lay Nun Nichigon
Written to the lay nun Nichigon on November 29, 1280

11/26 & 11/27 Today’s Buddhist Food for Thought

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Buddhism teaches that being led astray by evil friends, (negative influences) is to be feared more than being killed by a mad elephant. A mad elephant can only destroy our physical body, but evil friends, if we allow ourselves to be influenced by them, will drag us down into a state of hell.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Wednesday, November 26, 2008 (Buddhism Day by Day)

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

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Wednesday, November 26, 2008 (Daily Wisdom)

Even if we should gather all the water of the four great oceans to wet inkstones, burn all the trees and plants to cinders to make ink, collect the hairs of all beasts for writing brushes, employ all the surfaces of the worlds in the ten directions for paper, and, with these, set down expressions of gratitude, how could we possibly repay our debt to the Buddha?”,

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The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 44
The Four Debts of Gratitude
Written to Kudo Sakon-no-jo Yoshitaka on January 16, 1262

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Thursday, November 27, 2008

Faith is the ultimate essence of intellect. Through the practice of correct faith, the intellect comes to shine. Intellect without correct faith lacks a firm anchor in the soil of life and eventually becomes disordered. This prompted the first Soka Gakkai president, Tsunesaburo Makiguchi, to remark that many modern thinkers were suffering from what he termed “higher psychosis.” Faith without intellect, meanwhile, leads to blind faith and fanaticism. Faith or intellect alone-one without the other-is unhealthy.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Thursday, November 27, 2008 (Buddhism Day by Day)

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

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Thursday, November 27, 2008 (Daily Wisdom)

Only in the Lotus Sutra do we read that a woman who embraces this sutra not only excels all other women, but also surpasses all men.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 462
The Unity of Husband and Wife
Written to Nichigen-nyo on January 27, 1275

11/25 Today’s Buddhist Food for Thought

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Please do not forget your mother’s love or the hardships she has endured for you. I am convinced that while people keep the memory of their mothers’ loving faces alive in their mind, they will never go far astray. Similarly, as long as we bear in mind the Daishonin’s profound compassion and live in deep appreciation of it, our lives will be illuminated brightly by the light of Buddhahood. And enveloped in the Gohonzon’s great compassion, we will walk along a path that is filled with tranquillity and immeasurable joy.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, November 25, 2008 (Buddhism Day by Day)

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

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Tuesday, November 25, 2008 (Daily Wisdom)

Strive ever harder in faith, and never give in to negligence. All the people appear to believe sincerely when they first embrace the Lotus Sutra, but as time passes, they tend to become less devout; they no longer revere nor make offerings to the priest, giving themselves up to arrogance and forming distorted views. This is most frightening.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1027
Letter to Niike
Written to Niike Saemon-no-jo in February 1280

11/24 Today’s Buddhist Food for Thought

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Monday, November 24, 2008

Rosa Parks wrote in her book Quiet Strength: “I find that if I am thinking too much of my own problems and the fact that at times things are not just like I want them to be, I do not make any progress at all. But if I look around and see what I can do, and then I do it, I move on.” Youth, and indeed life itself, flashes by in the blink of an eye. That is why it is important for you young people to ask yourselves what you can do for those who are suffering, what you can do to resolve the contradictions that plague society and to boldly take on these great challenges.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Monday, November 24, 2008 (Buddhism Day by Day)

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

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

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Monday, November 24, 2008 (Daily Wisdom)

A person of wisdom is one who, understanding the time, spreads the teachings of the Lotus Sutra accordingly; this is his most important task. If a person’s throat is dry, what he needs is water; he has no use for bows and arrows, weapons and sticks. If a person is naked, he wants a suit of clothes but has no need for water. From one or two examples you can guess the principle that applies in general.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 518
Letter to Horen
Written to Soya Kyoshin in April 1275

11/23 Today’s Buddhist Food for Thought

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Sunday, November 23, 2008

If I were to make an allegory, thought and philosophy would be like the heart or respiratory system of the human body. When the heart is sound, the whole body can maintain healthy activity. This same principle applies to both the individual and society. The SGI has a mission to serve as the heart that ensures the healthy functioning of society. Consequently, taking good care of the SGI, (the heart) allows the fresh life-giving blood of humanism to flow to and nourish all areas of society, including culture, politics and the economy.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Sunday, November 23, 2008 (Buddhism Day by Day)

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

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Sunday, November 23, 2008 (Daily Wisdom)

You absolutely must not lament over my exile. It says in the “Encouraging Devotion” chapter and in the “Never Disparaging” chapter [that the votary of the Lotus Sutra will meet with persecution]. Life is limited; we must not begrudge it. What we should ultimately aspire to is the Buddha land.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 214
Aspiration for the Buddha Land
Written to Toki Jonin on November 23, 1271

11/22 Today’s Buddhist Food for Thought

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday, November 22, 2008

There is a Russian proverb that says: “It is no use to blame the looking glass if your face is awry.” Likewise, one’s happiness or unhappiness is entirely the reflection of the balance of good and bad causes accumulated in one’s life. No one can blame others for his misfortunes. In the world of faith, it is necessary to realize this all the more clearly.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday, November 22, 2008 (Buddhism Day by Day)

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

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Saturday, November 22, 2008 (Daily Wisdom)

But now you, born a woman in the evil world of the latter age, while being reviled, struck and persecuted by the barbaric inhabitants of this island country who are unaware of these things, have endured and are propagating the Lotus Sutra. The Buddha at Eagle Peak surely perceives that your surpass the nun [Mahaprajapate] as greatly as clouds do mud. The name of that nun, the Buddha Gladly Seen by All Living Beings, is no unrelated matter; it is now the name of the lay nun Myoho.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1106
Reply to the Lay Nun Myoho
Written to the lay nun Myoho in 1281

11/21 Today’s Buddhist Food for Thought

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Friday, November 21, 2008

If you practice faith while doubting its effects, you will get results that are at best unsatisfactory. This is the reflection of your own weak faith on the mirror of the cosmos. On the other hand, when you stand up with strong confidence, you will accrue limitless blessings.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Friday, November 21, 2008 (Buddhism Day by Day)

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

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Friday, November 21, 2008 (Daily Wisdom)

There is definitely something extraordinary in the ebb and flow of the tide, the rising and setting of the moon, and the way in which summer, autumn, winter and spring give way to each other. Something uncommon also occurs when an ordinary person attains Buddhahood. At such a time, the three obstacles and four devils will invariably appear, and the wise will rejoice while the foolish will retreat.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 637
The Three Obstacles and Four Devils
Written to Ikegami Hyoe no Sakan Munenga on November 20, 1277

11/20 Today’s Buddhist Food for Thought

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Thursday, November 20, 2008

What is the purpose of life? It is happiness. But here are two kinds of happiness: relative and absolute. Relative happiness comes in a wide variety of forms. The purpose of Buddhism is to attain Buddhahood. In modern terms, this could be explained as realizing absolute happiness-a state of happiness that can never be destroyed or defeated.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Thursday, November 20, 2008 (Buddhism Day by Day)

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

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Thursday, November 20, 2008 (Daily Wisdom)

You should not have the slightest fear in your heart. It is lack of courage that prevents one from attaining Buddhahood, although one may have professed faith in the Lotus Sutra many times since innumerable kalpas ago.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 637
The Three Obstacles and Four Devils
Written to Ikegami Hyoe no Sakan Munenga on November 20, 1277

11/19 Today’s Buddhist Food for Thought

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Wednesday, November 19, 2008

The innate power of humanity is the driving force that breaks down all barriers of discrimination. The ultimate expression of this humanity is Buddhahood; it is the power of the Mystic Law. Daimoku is therefore the fundamental energy for realizing victory in the struggle for human rights.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Wednesday, November 19, 2008 (Buddhism Day by Day)

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

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Wednesday, November 19, 2008 (Daily Wisdom)

In this age, it is as natural for a woman to change her fixed karma by practicing the Lotus Sutra as it is for rice to ripen in fall or chrysanthemums to bloom in winter. When I prayed for my mother, not only was her illness cured, but her life was prolonged by four years. Now you too have fallen ill, and as a woman, it is all the more timely for you to establish steadfast faith in the Lotus Sutra and see what it will do for you.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 955
On Prolonging One’s Life Span
Written to the lay nun Myojo in 1279