Monday, July 31, 2006

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----
Napoleon said that death is the loss of one's will. Nothing is sadder than experiencing a "living death", alife in which one has lost one's passion or ideals. That is why we must constantly rouse in our hearts the spirit to keep moving forward.
--- DAILY GOSHO ---
"A hundred years of practice in the Land of Perfect Blisscannot compare to the benefit gained from one day'spractice in the impure world."
(On Repaying Debts of Gratitude - The Writings of NichirenDaishonin, page 736)

Friday, July 28, 2006

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----
Dedicated to kosen-rufu, our lives are often busier and more challenging than many people around us. But precisely because of that, we experience many times the fulfillment and joy of others as well. We constantly rack our brains over how we can advance kosen-rufu; wondering how best to share Buddhism with others, encourage our fellow members, galvanize a certain group, contribute to the growth of our chapter, and so on. But these are the worries and struggles of a bodhisattva. They resonate with the Buddha’s spirit and represent the noblest state of life.
--- DAILY GOSHO ---
"Iron, when heated in the flames and pounded, becomes a fine sword. Worthies and sages are tested by abuse."
(Letter from Sado - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin,page 303)

Thursday, July 27, 2006

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----
When our heart and sense of purpose change, everything changes. As we work for the happiness and welfare of others, we enter a path in which our lives come to shine with the greatest possible brilliance. It is just as theDaishonin says when he writes: “If you light a lantern for another, it will also brighten your own way."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---
"[When we consider these examples,] it seems that the length of the journey traveled in pursuit of the Law represents the strength of seeking spirit."
(Letter to the Mother of Oto Gozen - Gosho Zenshu, page1223)

Wednesday, July 26, 2006

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----
One of the crucial points for the new era is our "leaders' (human) revolution".It is very important for all of our leaders to always be careful not to become arrogant or disrespectful to their fellow members! Let's all respect each other and express our utmost sincerity in every action we take!
--- DAILY GOSHO ---
"There should be no discrimination among those who propagate the five characters of Myoho-renge-kyo in the Latter Day of the Law, be they men or women."
(The True Aspect of All Phenomena - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin,page

Tuesday, July 25, 2006

Daily Guidance

--- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ---
Confidently and wisely, let's initiate courageous action that will lead to us all making dynamic advancement! That single action will eventually cause others to take action. Those who make the first move will most certainly be victorious and successful!

--- DAILY GOSHO ---
"It is said that, if a teacher has a good disciple, both will gain the fruit of Buddhahood, but if a teacher fosters a bad disciple, both will fall into hell. If teacher and disciple are of different minds, they will never accomplish anything. "
(Flowering and Bearing Grain - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 909)

Monday, July 24, 2006

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----
Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism 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 lifestate that is weak and easily swayed, 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 life.

--- DAILY GOSHO ---
Put into flames, a rock simply turns to ashes, but gold becomes pure gold.
(Letter to Brothers - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 497)

Saturday, July 22, 2006

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----
Human society is a struggle between good and evil. The evil are easily united by shared self-interest. That is why it is so important for good people to unite and form alliances and networks to counter and combat those negative forces. Let me share these words of President Makiguchi with you: "If good people allow evil people to do as they please, though they may regard themselves high above such people, they have in effect already capitulated to evil."
--- DAILY GOSHO ---
"Never seek this Gohonzon outside yourself. The Gohonzon exists only within the mortal flesh of us ordinary people who embrace the Lotus Sutra and chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo."
(The Real Aspect of the Gohonzon - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page832)

Friday, July 21, 2006

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----
The 21st century will be a century of the universe and a century of life. It will also be a century of philosophy, in which the philosophy one upholds and practises will be brought sharply into focus. I hope that you, who embrace a great philosophy that encompasses all of life and the universe, will never forget to be confident and proud that you are advancing at the forefront of this new century.

---- DAILY GOSHO ----
"Nevertheless, even though you chant and believe in Myoho-renge-kyo, if you think the Law is outside yourself, you are embracing not the Mystic Law but an inferior teaching."
(On Attaining Buddhahood in This Lifetime - The Writings of NichirenDaishonin, page 3)

Thursday, July 20, 2006

Daily Guidance

The trust, respect and appreciation that bind fellow members together serve to amplify the spiritual strength of each individual. Unity is strength. In our movement for kosen-rufu, advancing in the unity of "many in body, one in mind" is key.

Wednesday, July 19, 2006

Daily Guidance

A victory for culture is a victory towards peace! It is also a victory for the human spirit! Now, let's all perform together the anthem of humanism loudly and proudly!

Tuesday, July 18, 2006

Daily Guidance

"Buddhism primarily concerns itself with victory or defeat."* Those who continue to challenge to overcome all obstacles and to achieve all their goals will certainly accumulate immeasurable benefit. And those who are victorious, as a result of such struggles and efforts, will certainly attain true happiness!

* "The Hero of the World" - WND, 835

Monday, July 17, 2006

Daily Guidance

It is our sincerity that moves people's hearts and makes our environment change for the better!By showing our real honest care and concern for others, let's share the philosophy of Buddhism with as many people as we can, and through summoning up great courage, let's speak out for the sake of justice and the truth!

Friday, July 14, 2006

Daily Guidance

Renew your determination in faith every day. Challenge yourself every day. Clarify what you need to do each day and work with a positive, dedicated commitment, so that you shine brilliantly in your own unique way.

Thursday, July 13, 2006

Daily Guidance

I would ask you, as outstanding flagbearers of dialogue and communication for kosen-rufu, to do all you can to create and expand circles of friendship by sincerely reaching out and talking with others. What tremendous progress we can achieve with just our voice or a single word!

Wednesday, July 12, 2006

Daily Guidance

Tenacity and effort are what ensure victory - a formula for success that applies as equally to the individual as it does to organizations. Without these two qualities, every struggle is doomed to fail.

Tuesday, July 11, 2006

Daily Guidance

President Toda once said : "When we are joined by many young people who have faith in and practise the great Buddhism of Nichiren Daishonin, we will definitely be able to accomplish kosen-rufu." If young people gather together, we can definitely achieve kosen-rufu - the Youth Division must never forget these words of Mr Toda.

Monday, July 10, 2006

Daily Guidance

In life, struggles and challenges lead to growth; they add zest to life. When we stop challenging ourselves, we stop growing. Stagnation sets in. Life feels empty and meaningless. Those who engage in activities for kosen-rufu are positive and filled with life.

Friday, July 07, 2006

Daily Guidance

Those whose hearts shine with a commitment to truth and justice never lose hope, even in the midst of the greatest hardship or difficulty. Rather, they serve as a bright beacon illuminating the darkness of people’s suffering, imparting inspiration, assurance, and courage.

Thursday, July 06, 2006

Daily Guidance

What is the purpose of life? What is the purpose of learning? Without a profound philosophy that addressess these questions, our lives will be superficial and shallow. How can we deepend ourselves as individuals? How can we attain a rich, fulfiling view of what it means to be a human being? And how can we lead lives that make the most of our potential? These are the basic questions we face in life.

Wednesday, July 05, 2006

Daily Guidance

"Try to become a perceptive and responsive person!" This is what my mentor, Josei Toda, used to say. It is very important that we express our heartfelt care and concern for others especially when we get to hear of someone else's earnest endeavours. Let's try to respond to people's great sincerity with even greater sincerity than theirs!

Tuesday, July 04, 2006

Daily Guidance

Now, here we are in the Month of Youth! Let's all make fresh new advancement brimming with a youthful spirit and enthusiasm! Let's challenge to further expand our movement and develop a new arena of activities by summoning forth "the power of the Buddha that has the lion's ferocity"!*

* "Emerging from the Earth" chapter of the Lotus Sutra

Monday, July 03, 2006

Daily Guidance

Second Soka Gakkai president Josei Toda solemnly declared: 'Life is an earnest all-out struggle. It is a fierce win-or-lose battle. Moreover, kosen-rufu is a momentous battle between the life-state of Buddhahood and the devilish workings of authority. We won’t be able to win if we put on airs or count on others to take care of things for us. We have to fight with all our being.