Double Dish of Buddhist Food 4 Thought

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Wednesday, June 17, 2009

How exhilarating it is to stand tall, walk with a buoyant step and be flexible in one’s actions! How attractive to those we meet are our sparkling eyes and vibrant voices! This is the principle of the true entity of all phenomena. Your fresh and vital appearance eloquently attests to the greatness of faith, and you will find that you naturally cultivate a sphere of friendship and understanding among those around you.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Wednesday, June 17, 2009 (Buddhism Day by Day)

When we interact with others with true sincerity, the other person will more often than not come to respect and value our own character. And this is all the more so when our actions are based on prayer.

Conversely, holding others in contempt only leads to being held in contempt oneself: one whose life is tainted by feelings of hate toward others will come to be reviled by others.

Let us open the path to mutual respect and harmonious coexistence so as to bring an end to this vicious circle that has long been part of human destiny.

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Wednesday, June 17, 2009 (Daily Wisdom)

The nation may be devasted by the superior strength of the Mongols, but the slander of the correct teaching will cease almost entirely. Defeat would be like a moxa cautery, which cures disease, or like acupuncture, which relieves pain. Both are painful at the moment, but bring happiness later.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 618
Many in Body, One in Mind
Written to the lay priest Takahashi on August 6, year unknown

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Thursday, June 18, 2009

The great American poet Walt Whitman writes in Leaves of Grass: “All comes by the body, only health puts you rapport with the universe.” I am sure you are all very busy, but I hope you will advance in good health and with optimism and enjoy the power of your faith , which is what puts you in rhythm with the universe.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Thursday, June 18, 2009 (Buddhism Day by Day)

What decides our real merit as human beings? Ultimately, it comes down to the philosophy we uphold and the actions we take based on our convictions.

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Thursday, June 18, 2009 (Daily Wisdom)

The teachings such as those of the non-Buddhist writings and those of the Hinayana and provisional Mahayana Buddhist scriptures all partially explain the phenomena inherent in one’s life. They do not explain them as the Lotus Sutra does. Thus, among the sutras, there are both superior and inferior, and among people also, sages and worthies may be distinguished.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 629
The Mongol Envoys
Written to the lay priest Nishiyama in 1275