Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday, November 8, 2008
In the “Ongi Kuden” (Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings), Nichiren Daishonin says with reference to attaining Buddhahood, “?To attain’ means ?to open’” (Gosho Zenshu, p. 753). Attaining Buddhahood means opening our lives to their fullest potential and revealing our innate Buddhahood. This is the purpose of Buddhism.
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Sunday, November 9, 2008
The Daishonin explains the significance of cause and effect: All sutras other than the Lotus Sutra expound that Buddhahood (effect), can be attained only after having made good causes, that is, practicing their teachings (causes), over a length of time. With the Lotus Sutra, however, the very act of embracing it (cause) enables one simultaneously to become a Buddha (effect).
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday, November 8, 2008 (Buddhism Day by Day)
The noted pacifist scholar Johan Galtung tells young people, “We must be realists in our brains while keeping the flame of idealism burning in our hearts.” Both of these-to see the world as it is and how it could be-are essential to reform. A firm hold on reality should not entail being swamped by or resting easy in the status quo. To pioneer uncharted ways requires that people today keep the lamp of optimism lit.
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Sunday, November 9, 2008 (Buddhism Day by Day)
Don‚’t put on airs. Conceit and pretense don’t win people’s hearts; the facade soon crumbles. Be yourself. Buddhism teaches we can shine most brilliantly through natural, unaffected behavior. Being sincere, dedicated and honest is the key. People of integrity triumph in the end.
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Saturday, November 8, 2008 (Daily Wisdom)
If you seek enlightenment outside yourself, then your performing even ten thousand practices and ten thousand good deeds will be in vain. It is like the case of a poor man who spends night and day counting his neighbor’s wealth but gains not even half a coin. That is why the T’ien-t’ai school’s commentary states, “Unless one perceives the nature of one’s life, one cannot eradicate one’s grave offenses.” This passage implies that, unless one perceives the nature of one’s life, one’s practice will become an endless, painful austerity.
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 3
On Attaining Buddhahood in This Lifetime
Written to Toki Jonin in 1255
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Sunday, November 9, 2008 (Daily Wisdom)
Kyo’o’s misfortune will change into fortune. Muster your faith, and pray to this Gohonzon. Then what is there that cannot be achieved? There can be no doubt about the sutra passages that say, “This sutra can fulfill their desires, as a clear cool pond can satisfy all those who are thirsty,” and “The will enjoy peace and security in their present existence and good circumstances in future existences.”
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 412
Reply to Kyo’o
Written to Kyo’o and her parents, Nichigen-nyo and Shijo Kingo, on August 15, 1273
