Daily Guidance

9th March 2013

Saturday

UNLESS we strive against evil and injustice, we cannot say we are working for good. The same applies to our struggle for kosen-rufu. Unless we defeat evil, we will not be able to realise kosen-rufu.

HAVING good friends is like being equipped with a powerful auxiliary engine. When we encounter a steep hill or an obstacle, we can encourage one another and find the strength to keep pressing forward vigourously.

THOSE who spread wide the wings of courage are fearless. Limitless possibilities open up before them. They are able to soar towards victory and happiness. Those who lack courage, on the other hand, come to a standstill and lead lives full of complaints. Similarly, those who are haughty and abusive towards their juniors and subordinates cannot be said to possess true courage.

FINANCIAL security alone does not guarantee happiness - certainly not eternal happiness. There are too many people who fritter away their time - a precious commodity available to us in limited supply. When we consider this fact, the efforts you are undertaking now for kosen-rufu shine as brilliantly as diamonds; they are the means for you to accumulate unlimited good fortune.

EVEN if you have suffered from unfortunate circumstances in the course of your life and practice of faith, the actual proof you see as a result of your strong faith will leave you clearly convinced of the power of Buddhism, giving rise to hope and courage in life. This, in turn, will enable you to advance on a course towards lasting, genuine happiness based on the law of Myoho.

Taken from:http://dailyguidance.blogspot.com/ 
Pic taken:www.thisismyanmar.com 

8th March 2013

Eternal Guidelines of Faith

SGI President Ikeda shared the following guidelines at a conference with visiting SGI representatives, held at the Makiguchi Memorial Hall in Tokyo, December 11, 2003.

1) Faith for a harmonious family

"If we ourselves stand up earnestly and confidently in faith, we can lead all of our family and relatives in the direction of happiness and hope."

2) Faith for each person to become happy

"Happiness is not something bestowed on us by others or that comes from somewhere outside us. It is something that we ourselves must gain, with our own hearts."

3) Faith for surmounting obstacles

"Encountering obstacles is proof that we are faithfully practicing the correct teaching of Buddhism. Moreover, through surmounting obstacles we can attain the indestructible state of life of Buddhahood."

4) Faith for health and long life

"Life is the most precious treasure of all. May you all enjoy good health and longevity, living each irreplaceable day to the fullest and creating infinite and immeasurable value."

5) Faith for absolute victory

"The triumph of truth and justice is the ultimate law of the universe itself. Firmly believing that with all our hearts is the essence of faith."

Taken from: SGI-USA

 

Daily Encouragement

March 8

The great French philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712-78) wrote in his work Emile: "There is no happiness without courage nor virtue without struggle." Without courage there is no happiness and it is impossible to create a life of value. This is an unchanging rule of human existence.

Taken from:http://www.sgi.org/sgi-president/daily-encouragement.html

8th March

Daily Guidance

Friday

8th March

 

A person who constantly chants Nam-myoho-renge-kyo with courage, no matter what circumstances he/she may face, will be able to manifest Buddhahood and live in accordance with the universal rhythm of eternity, happiness, true self and purity (jo raku ga jo), due to the power of the law and the power of faith. This is the reason for our Buddhist practice. There is no other way to realise a life-condition as indestructible as that which we can attain through the practice of Buddhism.

THERE is nothing greater than the strength of spirit. This is the power of the world of the Mystic Law. It is not a matter of vested interests or formalities. The spirit is not visible to the naked eye, but the spark of the spirit of people, once ignited, will never die. It spreads out throughout the world and forever into the future.

A person of seeking spirit - one who strives to thoroughly pursue some end or master some discipline - is a person of victory. On the other hand, a person of arrogance inevitably becomes deadlocked.

ONLY to the extent that you pray, tell others about Buddhism and spread the Mystic Law will you be protected by Boten and Taishaku, the protective forces of the universe. Only to that extent will great life force, wisdom, benefit and compassion well forth from your life.

PLEASE give everyone the strength and joy to win. Towards that end, we must sincerely treasure everyone in the organisation and make every effort to help them freely and fully manifest their strength and ability.

Taken from:http://dailyguidance.blogspot.com/ 
Pic taken:www.quotes-and-poems.com

7th March 2013

Thursday

The Young Women's Vow:

Today, I will be courageous.
Today, I will pray with resolve.
Today, I will live the Gosho.
Today, I will not be defeated.
Today, I will share Buddhism.
Today, I will win over internal & external devilish functions.
Today, I will unite with my Myoho Sisterhood.
Today, I will reply to my mentor.
Today, I will act on my vow.

Daily Encouragement

7th March 2013

When you hold fast to your beliefs and live true to yourself, your true value as a human being shines through. Buddhism teaches the concept of "realizing your inherent potential." In other words manifesting your true entity, your innate self, revealing it and bringing it to shine, illuminating all around you. It refers to your most refined individuality and uniqueness.

Taken from:http://www.sgi.org/sgi-president/daily-encouragement.html

7th March 2013

Daily Guidance

Thursday

7th March 2013

NO matter what happens, the important thing is to carry on with faith in the Mystic Law, the great Law that is as vast as the universe itself; to never leave the path of kosen-rufu; and to strive to fulfil your own great mission. For that is the only way you can achieve true happiness. Based on that foundation, please continue making effort after effort and breaking through your limitations as you live out your life on the unique stage of your mission.

PEOPLE in general tend to lack will-power. To take the path of least resistance is human nature. Outstanding individuals did not become great overnight. They discipline themselves to overcome their weaknesses, conquering apathy and inertia to become true victors in life.

BUDDHISM does not exist apart from the realm of daily life. Nor does happiness. True happiness lies within the ordinary and immediate affairs of daily life. And it is Buddhism that enables us to make the flowers of happiness bloom within this daily reality of our lives. This is what "Soka" (value creation) is all about.

WHEN you accept with convictions what Nichiren Daishonin said in his writings exactly as he said it, your spiritual state will be greatly expanded. You will rejoice; you will be confident; you will feel gratitude. In addition, your sense of purpose will grow into the power to create a supreme life for yourself. This is the greatness of Buddhism.

IT is not always wise to continually advance in a battle. At certain times, you may have to retreat. What is important is to continue to do your best, even though at times you may have to take a step back.

Taken from:http://dailyguidance.blogspot.com/ 
Pic from:http://www.sodahead.com/united-states/