In this week's World Tribune ther is an essay by Daisaku Ikeda called "Fostering Young 'Tokimitzus' of a new era". On page E of the insert is a passage I want to share with you.
I'd actually like to post all of Daisaku Ikeda's words, essays, photographs on this blog every day! His words are so important. You can find quotes at the great website Ikedaquotes.org, and you can read the World Tribune and Living Buddhism online or on paper when you subscribe by calling 800-835-4558, or by going to www.SGIsubs.org. There are publications in every county. This is the information for America's publications. For other countries you could start at the Website SGI.org.
In this essay President Ikeda is talking about how difficult it is to maintain a Buddhist practice in the Latter Day of the Law. That's the age that we are living in.
It's a time of darkness where the land is defiled by fundamental darkness. Greed, anger and stupidity run amok. I'm sure you'll agree with that!
He compares each practitioner to the carps from the ancient Chinese tale of the Dragon Gate. He compares all of us to the carps that are trying to swim up to the top of the waterfall, going against the tide of the times to become powerful dragons. Fierce currents assail us, fishermen, animals and birds of prey seek to stop us on our journey. Our own fundamental darkness (manifesting as the voices in our head that tell us that chanting won't work, and in people who seek to discourage us) can be overwhelming sometimes.
But if we persevere we become the strong shining souls I talk about in this blog. In other words, we Attain Buddhahood.
Daisaku Ikeda states:
"Precisely because it is so difficult to carry out faith in the Mystic Law in such an age, the bond of mentor and disciple in Buddhism takes on decisive importance. Likewise a harmonious community of fellow practitioners solidly united in purpose - in what Nichiren Daishonin terms "the spirit of many in body, one in mind" - is also indispensable.
The Soka Gakkai possesses the bond of mentor and disciple that is strong enough to withstand any adversity.
And its members - noble ordinary people who are polishing their lives by striving in faith with the same commitment as their mentor - are allied together in solid unity. Moreover, countless members, like magnificent dragons born through the the triumphant ascent of the waterfall, are leading lives of profound dignity and confidence forged through continually challenging themselves in their faith and self-development."
No - it is not easy!!! But you can do it. We can all do it together. Please make sure to join with your fellow members in every country. We are so fortunate. The foundation has been forged by Daisaku Ikeda and the members who came before us. All we have to do is make sure that we are in the flow of the water by joining our local SGI members and chanting with the heart of Daisaku Ikeda. When we join our hearts with our great mentor we can accomplish ANYTHING! We can achieve our own happiness and the happiness of all those around us. Don't give up - you are not alone! Persevere towards your own happiness!
I'd actually like to post all of Daisaku Ikeda's words, essays, photographs on this blog every day! His words are so important. You can find quotes at the great website Ikedaquotes.org, and you can read the World Tribune and Living Buddhism online or on paper when you subscribe by calling 800-835-4558, or by going to www.SGIsubs.org. There are publications in every county. This is the information for America's publications. For other countries you could start at the Website SGI.org.
In this essay President Ikeda is talking about how difficult it is to maintain a Buddhist practice in the Latter Day of the Law. That's the age that we are living in.
It's a time of darkness where the land is defiled by fundamental darkness. Greed, anger and stupidity run amok. I'm sure you'll agree with that!
He compares each practitioner to the carps from the ancient Chinese tale of the Dragon Gate. He compares all of us to the carps that are trying to swim up to the top of the waterfall, going against the tide of the times to become powerful dragons. Fierce currents assail us, fishermen, animals and birds of prey seek to stop us on our journey. Our own fundamental darkness (manifesting as the voices in our head that tell us that chanting won't work, and in people who seek to discourage us) can be overwhelming sometimes.
But if we persevere we become the strong shining souls I talk about in this blog. In other words, we Attain Buddhahood.
Daisaku Ikeda states:
"Precisely because it is so difficult to carry out faith in the Mystic Law in such an age, the bond of mentor and disciple in Buddhism takes on decisive importance. Likewise a harmonious community of fellow practitioners solidly united in purpose - in what Nichiren Daishonin terms "the spirit of many in body, one in mind" - is also indispensable.
The Soka Gakkai possesses the bond of mentor and disciple that is strong enough to withstand any adversity.
And its members - noble ordinary people who are polishing their lives by striving in faith with the same commitment as their mentor - are allied together in solid unity. Moreover, countless members, like magnificent dragons born through the the triumphant ascent of the waterfall, are leading lives of profound dignity and confidence forged through continually challenging themselves in their faith and self-development."
No - it is not easy!!! But you can do it. We can all do it together. Please make sure to join with your fellow members in every country. We are so fortunate. The foundation has been forged by Daisaku Ikeda and the members who came before us. All we have to do is make sure that we are in the flow of the water by joining our local SGI members and chanting with the heart of Daisaku Ikeda. When we join our hearts with our great mentor we can accomplish ANYTHING! We can achieve our own happiness and the happiness of all those around us. Don't give up - you are not alone! Persevere towards your own happiness!
