To My Friends 09.26.2010

Ikeda Sensei:

"In a letter sent to Toki Jonin, one of the central figures among his lay followers, Nichiren Daishonin sternly cautions: 'You must not spend your lives in vain and regret it for ten thousand years to come' (WND-1, 622). And he adds in the postscript: 'I hope all those who are serious in their resolve will gather in one place and listen to this letter [being read]' (WND-1, 622)."

"As disciples, it's not enough that we simply read the Daishonin's writings or our mentor's guidance in quiet solitude. We should have the spirit to gather together in one place with our fellow practitioners. The earnest resolve in making an effort to assemble in this way has the power to defeat negativity and devilish functions. And by joining together with others to study the Daishonin's writings and our mentor's guidance, we can summon forth lion-like courage to undertake the task of actualising the great vow of kosen-rufu.

"Even if beforehand we don't really feel like attending a meeting, once we get there we invariably find ourselves refreshed and invigorated. Meetings have a wondrous power to draw us towards happiness and victory."

To My Friends 09.25.2010

Sensei:

Let's firmly determine never to be the cause of a traffic accident. Whether you are driving a car or riding a bicycle,strictly follow the traffic rules!

Let's always keep in mind that seemingly small trivial matters are in fact important ones.

A Youthful Diary - Monday, April 9 (1956) Cloudy, then clear

The sun shone brilliantly. Yesterday's storm seems like a dream. Spent the morning discussing various plans with the Culture Department chief. He is young. I, too, am young. We each have strong opinions. Reflect. We must excuse each other's intrinsic arrogance.

Left for home on the Dove at 12:30 from Umeda Station. Couldn't read during the eight-hour ride. Regret I wasted the time. Must quit smoking if I want to improve my health. My wife and brother greeted me at Yokohama Station. It was comforting. Returned to my pleasant, happy home. Remember Sensei's mercy. Worried those close to him lack compassion.

To My Friends 09.20.2010

When the seasons begin to change, let's be careful about the frequent changes in temperature.

Maintaining a good rhythm in our daily lives, let's make our being in good health our top priority so that we can all continue to carry out our unique and noble roles.

To My Friends 09.19.2010

My friends, stand up!
Create a new history (in our activities for kosen-rufu). What will open up the way towards our future successes is the courageous voices of our young people.

Let's have genuine and sincere conversations with others and speak frankly.

Wisdom for Modern Life 09.16.10

One thing is certain: That is that the power of belief, the power of thought, will move reality in the direction of what we believe and conceive of it. If you really believe you can do something, you can. That is a fact.
Buddhism day by day - Wisdom for Modern Life

Wisdom for Modern Life 08.02.10

Why was Shakyamuni Buddha so respected? One of the reasons was the power of his voice. His voice is recorded as "beautiful, sweet like honey, warm and graceful, resounding and clear." He is also described as an individual who "speaks brightly, remarks brightly, narrates gracefully, talks clearly, expresses himself eloquently to make himself understood."

Shakyamuni called to anybody who visited him, "Welcome, welcome." It is expounded that he associated with people with his friendliness, joy and gentleness. He always politely greeted any person he encountered. He never greeted them in an unfriendly manner. It is said that he first opened his mouth to speak to the other person so that he or she would have an easier time to open up to Shakyamuni.
Buddhism day by day - Wisdom for Modern Life