0616 Buddhist Food 4 Thought

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, June 16, 2009

One of my favorite Argentine poets, the great educator Almafuerte (1854- 1917) wrote: “To the weak, difficulty is a closed door. To the strong, however, it is a door waiting to be opened.” Difficulties impede the progress of those who are weak. For the strong, however, they are opportunities to open wide the doors to a bright future. Everything is determined by our attitude, by our resolve. Our heart is what matters most.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, June 16, 2009 (Buddhism Day by Day)

The writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe was an unflagging optimist. How was he able to maintain such optimism? Because he was always active. He did not allow his life to stagnate. He writes: “It is better to do the smallest thing in the world than to hold half an hour to be too small a thing.” Spending thirty minutes a day assiduously challenging some undertaking can completely change our lives.

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Tuesday, June 16, 2009 (Daily Wisdom)

Even though I cannot see you, I am certain that your heart is here. If you find that you miss me, always look at the sun that rises [in the morning] and the moon that rises in the evening. I will be reflected in the sun and the moon. And in our next life, let us meet in the pure land of Eagle Peak. Nam-myoho-renge-kyo.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 596
Letter to the Lay Nun of Ko
Written to the lay nun of Ko on June 16, 1275