FAITH is the fundamental source of vitality. Do not be defeated by a slump in faith. It is important to strive in chanting daimoku, and in association with one’s fellow believers. Although we speak of activities for kosen-rufu, the benefit of all such efforts ultimately returns to oneself.
BUDDHISM expounds the principle that “earthly desires are enlightenment”. In like manner it may well be said that hardships are benefits. As long as you maintain faith in the Gohonzon, you can definitely make your problems and sufferings the springboard towards great happiness.
THE question is whether or not prayer is at the basis of your action. Both a sense of responsibility and compassion are manifested in prayer. Action without prayer is nothing but an artifice.
NICHIREN DAISHONIN said, “Do not expect good times but take the bad times for granted” (WND, p998). If you engrave this teaching in your life, you will have nothing to fear. Nor will you ever become deadlocked. The important thing is to take that first step. If you barely overcome one small fear, it will give you the courage to take on the next one.
WHETHER or not one has attended this or that school is a trivial matter when viewed from the cosmic scope of Buddhism. Please take pride in the fact that you are studying in the eternal university if life, which teaches the supreme law of cause and effect – the Mystic Law – and the way to lead lives of absolute freedom.
BUDDHISM expounds the principle that “earthly desires are enlightenment”. In like manner it may well be said that hardships are benefits. As long as you maintain faith in the Gohonzon, you can definitely make your problems and sufferings the springboard towards great happiness.
THE question is whether or not prayer is at the basis of your action. Both a sense of responsibility and compassion are manifested in prayer. Action without prayer is nothing but an artifice.
NICHIREN DAISHONIN said, “Do not expect good times but take the bad times for granted” (WND, p998). If you engrave this teaching in your life, you will have nothing to fear. Nor will you ever become deadlocked. The important thing is to take that first step. If you barely overcome one small fear, it will give you the courage to take on the next one.
WHETHER or not one has attended this or that school is a trivial matter when viewed from the cosmic scope of Buddhism. Please take pride in the fact that you are studying in the eternal university if life, which teaches the supreme law of cause and effect – the Mystic Law – and the way to lead lives of absolute freedom.
THE ultimate aim of attending university is also to become happy. Likewise, gaining a good position in society is also merely a means to attain happiness. In contrast, faith constitutes the direct path to happiness. It connects directly to that goal. Guiding people to happiness is the SGI’s mission.
OUR Buddhist practice entails much hard work and effort, but there is also the tremendous joy of human revolution that could never be derived from merely leading a life of idle pleasure. That is why Nichiren Daishonin sternly warns that we must not forget the promises we have made when the crucial moment comes.
BUDDHISM teaches that it is possible to live to be 120 years old. In this sense, we are all still very young and our lives are just beginning. Our spirit to live “from this moment on” makes our lives youthful and refreshed.
CAN one live a truly happy existence if he spends it uneventfully never experiencing the waves and storms of hardships or painful experiences? I doubt it. In the process of struggling through and overcoming wave upon wave of tribulation, you can discipline yourself and elevate your state of life. In so doing, you can lead a life which is far more valuable than that of the one who never experiences storms of hardship.
FIRST, be healthy.
OUR Buddhist practice entails much hard work and effort, but there is also the tremendous joy of human revolution that could never be derived from merely leading a life of idle pleasure. That is why Nichiren Daishonin sternly warns that we must not forget the promises we have made when the crucial moment comes.
BUDDHISM teaches that it is possible to live to be 120 years old. In this sense, we are all still very young and our lives are just beginning. Our spirit to live “from this moment on” makes our lives youthful and refreshed.
CAN one live a truly happy existence if he spends it uneventfully never experiencing the waves and storms of hardships or painful experiences? I doubt it. In the process of struggling through and overcoming wave upon wave of tribulation, you can discipline yourself and elevate your state of life. In so doing, you can lead a life which is far more valuable than that of the one who never experiences storms of hardship.
FIRST, be healthy.
Second, establish your economic base.
Third, be trusted on your job.
Fourth, raise your children with affection,
and establish a secure family life.
These are all aspects of daily life,
and apart from daily life, there is no Buddhism.
Source: Daily guidance by Daisaku ikeda, Vol. 1 to 5, Singapore soka association.
