Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Derwin Lycan Sherwood
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Sunday,
August 1, 2010:
We must not allow ourselves to become bureaucratic and take for granted the efforts of those working behind the scenes. Nor must we ever forget to be considerate of those members of our families who may not be practicing the Daishonin's Buddhism. We must remember that for every person involved in SGI activities there is another, supporting him or her behind the scenes.
Derwin Lycan Sherwood
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Monday,
August 2, 2010:
The greater our efforts to advance kosen-rufu, the greater the benefit and eternal good fortune we will accumulate in our lives. The more outstanding people we can foster, the stronger and healthier we will become. The more aware we are of our responsibility, the more joy we will experience. Such are the workings of the Buddhist Law.
Derwin Lycan Sherwood
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday,
August 3, 2010:
As human beings, let us reach beyond our small, limited selves
and attain an all-encompassing state of being, our hearts communing with
the vast universe.
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Wednesday,
August 4, 2010:
The resolve to accomplish your goals is what counts. If you earnestly put your mind to something, your brain, your body, your environment—everything—will start working toward achieving that end.
Derwin Lycan Sherwood
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Thursday,
August 5, 2010:
We cannot build true character if we allow ourselves to be swayed by passing praise or censure. "Don't concern yourself with petty criticisms! Commune constantly with fine books and fine people and improve yourself!" This was the creed by which Mr. Makiguchi and Mr. Toda lived their lives.
Derwin Lycan Sherwood
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Friday,
August 6, 2010:
Youth, and indeed life itself, flashes by in the blink of an eye. That is why it is important for you to ask yourselves what you can do for those who are suffering, what you can do to resolve the mournful contradictions that plague society, and boldly take on these great challenges without shunning the problems and difficulties you will inevitably face.
Derwin Lycan Sherwood
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday,
August 7, 2010:
Gandhi stressed the importance of being resolute in one's determinations: "A man who says that he will do something 'as far as possible' betrays either his pride or his weakness, though he himself may attribute it to his humility. There is, in fact, not a trace of humility in such an attitude of mind." In short, he asserts that someone who makes halfhearted pronouncements is either arrogant or cowardly.
Derwin Lycan Sherwood
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Sunday, August 8, 2010:
The present, as I am sure you all sense, is an age pervaded by great weariness and apathy. I would like you to be aware that the power and energy to serve humanity in such an enervated age can only be born from a vigorous, indomitable, noble will. Though the times may be rife with petty human conflicts, a pervading sense of hopelessness and all manner of turbulent storms, I hope that all of you will forge ahead boldly, with unflagging good cheer.
Derwin Lycan Sherwood
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Monday,
August 9, 2010:
The course of our lives is determined by how we react—what we decide and what we do—at the darkest of times. The nature of that response determines a person's true worth and greatness.
Derwin Lycan Sherwood
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday,
August 10, 2010:
From one perspective, Buddhist practice means plunging into the midst of the people and striving to strengthen our life force to the greatest extent. The purpose of SGI activities is for each of us to be able to build a strong, invincible, diamond-like self that can overcome every difficulty and blaze a way forward wherever we go. Obstacles are a golden opportunity to quickly forge an inner self that is as indestructible as a diamond, able to endure for eternity.