Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Derwin Lycan Sherwood
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Thursday, June 24, 2010:
You must be strong. There is no hope of winning in this chaotic world if you are weak. No matter what others do or say, it is important to develop your ability and then put that ability to use. Strong faith, of course, is the best means for drawing out one's inner strength. You each have a very important mission, and I hope you will awaken to and be proud of that mission.
Derwin Lycan Sherwood
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Friday, June 25, 2010:
We live in an age where opportunities for profound life-to-life inspiration are all but nonexistent. Idle amusements bring only fleeting pleasure. They produce neither profound inspiration nor growth for one's life. By contrast, Buddhism exists to enable people to realize personal growth and to improve their lives. Buddhism is always rooted in the reality of life. It is the wellspring of wisdom for bringing harmony and happiness to our families, local communities and society at large.
Derwin Lycan Sherwood
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday, June 26, 2010:
This spirit of engaging others in dialogue on equal terms is the essence of Buddhism. Ordering people about in a high-handed, arrogant manner, shouting at them to do one's bidding is truly deplorable behavior. Such a world has no relation to Buddhism. Through dialogue Shakyamuni opened hearts that were closed, softened hearts that had grown hard and melted hearts that were frozen.
Derwin Lycan Sherwood
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Sunday, June 27, 2010:
In a world where indifference and inhumanity prevail, let us use our discussion meetings as the pivot for creating oases of peace and harmony in our homes and in our local communities and then extending them to encompass every sphere of society.
Derwin Lycan Sherwood
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Monday, June 28, 2010:
In the "Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings," the Daishonin says, "One should regard meeting obstacles as true peace and comfort" (Gosho Zenshu, p. 750). You may wonder how encountering obstacles could be a source of peace and comfort. But the truth of the matter is that through struggling against and overcoming difficulties, we can transform our destiny and attain Buddhahood. Confronting adversity, therefore, represents peace and comfort.
Derwin Lycan Sherwood
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, June 29, 2010:
The important thing is to advance brightly and strive to be victorious at each moment, right where we are; to begin something here and now instead of fretting and worrying over what will happen. This is the starting point for transforming our lives.
Derwin Lycan Sherwood
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Wednesday, June 30, 2010:
The place where we are right now is what matters. This is all the more true for us who embrace the Mystic Law. Buddhism teaches that we can transform wherever we are into the Land of Eternally Tranquil Light.