Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Derwin Lycan Sherwood
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Thursday,
July 22, 2010:
Without practice or actual efforts, there is no bodhisattva. Action is the essence of a Buddha. A self-centered life lived solely in pursuit of one's own benefit and fortune is empty and base. A Bodhisattva of the Earth, in contrast, respects others and works for their happiness.
Derwin Lycan Sherwood
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Friday,
July 23, 2010:
If we attain the state of Buddhahood in this lifetime, that state will forever pervade our lives. Throughout the cycle of birth and death, in each new lifetime, we are endowed with good health, wealth and intelligence, along with a supportive, comfortable environment and lead lives that overflow with good fortune. Each of us will also possess a unique mission and be born in an appropriate form to fulfill it.
Derwin Lycan Sherwood
Sunday,
July 25, 2010:
Buddhism is, in a sense, an eternal struggle between the Buddha and demons; in other words, a contest between positive and negative forces. If we are never assailed by negative influences, we cannot be said to be truly practicing Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism. Buddhist practice lies in bravely facing and overcoming adversity.
Derwin Lycan Sherwood
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Monday,
July 26, 2010:
Faith is perseverance. The key to victory in any struggle in life is persistence. That is why Nichiren Daishonin stresses the importance of having faith that flows ceaselessly like water rather than faith that flames up briefly like fire. To advance continuously, it is important never to become exhausted. Carrying out activities until late at night does not equate with strong faith.
Derwin Lycan Sherwood
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday,
July 27, 2010:
Buddhism is found in the reality of society and daily life. Because Buddhism is in no way separate from this reality, we must strive through our actions and behavior to be exemplary models for others.
Derwin Lycan Sherwood
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Wednesday,
July 28, 2010:
Life is a process of ongoing challenge. Those who lead lives of boundless challenge realize boundless growth. In a time of tumultuous change, what people need most is the vitality to challenge their circumstances and the wisdom to open the treasure-house of knowledge and to ceaselessly strive to create new value.
Derwin Lycan Sherwood
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Thursday,
July 29, 2010:
The ultimate essence of Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism lies in living on through to the very end, pressing ever forward, courageously taking on each new challenge we encounter and never giving up. Constructing eternal glory—the state of Buddhahood—within our own lives is the purpose of our Buddhist practice in this lifetime. Hence the Daishonin's constant urging that we make tenacious efforts in the present.
Derwin Lycan Sherwood
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday,
July 31, 2010:
What is the secret to victory? Mr. Toda once described that in a certain sense life is a gamble. "If you are lucky, you will win," he said. "But if you are unlucky, then sometimes no matter how hard you try you lose. This is a hard fact." That is why, in addition to ability, good fortune is essential. The key to creating good fortune is found in faith and daimoku. I hope that you will all act in accord with the fundamental Law of Buddhism and lead victorious lives filled with unsurpassed good fortune.