Everyday Buddhism - Faith equals Daily life

Faith and daily life, faith and work—these are not separate things.

2014-08-09T18:15:00.002+08:00

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday, August 9, 2014:

Faith and daily life, faith and work—these are not separate things. They are one and the same. To think of them as separate—that faith is faith, and work is work—is theoretical faith. Based on the recognition that work and faith are one and the same, we should put 100 percent of our energy into our jobs and 100 percent into our faith, too. When we resolve to do this, we enter the path of victory in life. Faith means to show irrefutable proof of victory amid the realities of society and in our own daily lives.

The course of our lives is determined by how we react—what we decide and what we do—at the darkest of times.

2014-08-09T18:14:00.002+08:00

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday, August 9, 2014:

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.

2014-06-03T18:19:00.000+08:00

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, June 3, 2014:

When we plant the seed of happiness that is faith and carefully tend its growth, it will produce fruit without fail. We have to bear in mind, however, that we cannot plant a seed today and expect it to bear fruit tomorrow. That's not reasonable and Buddhism is reason. If we persevere, bearing in mind the principle faith equals daily life in accord with reason, then our prayers will definitely be answered. This is Nichiren's promise to us. And his words are true beyond any doubt.

2014-06-02T18:18:00.000+08:00

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Monday, June 2, 2014:

Unless we can perceive our fellow human beings and feel their sufferings as our own, we will never be free of conflict and war. In other words, a transformation within our own lives is important.

What is true joy in life?

2014-06-01T18:16:00.000+08:00

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Sunday, June 1, 2014:

What is true joy in life? This is a difficult question—and one that has occupied a great many thinkers and philosophers. Joy can quickly give way to suffering. Joy is short and suffering long. Also what passes for joy in society is superficial. It cannot compare with the joy deriving from the Mystic Law. The key then lies in cultivating a state of mind where we can declare without reservation that life itself is a joy. This is the purpose of our Buddhist practice.

The poetic spirit helps us control the greed-dominated self.

2014-05-31T09:50:00.000+08:00

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday, May 31, 2014:

The poetic spirit encourages people in all ranks and places to return to their naked humanity. Neither sentimental nor fantastic, it embraces and affirms the whole world and all its inhabitants; it imparts the will to remain optimistic and unbending in the face of all hardships.

As a believer in innate human goodness, I am certain that the concentrated power of good can overcome the greatest forces of evil. The poetic spirit helps us control the greed-dominated self. It helps us handle the actual while keeping our eyes turned toward the ideal.

This is the great benefit of Buddhism.

2014-05-31T09:45:00.000+08:00

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday, May 31, 2014:

Buddhism is about bringing happiness, joy and fulfillment to all. It enables us not only to become happy ourselves but to make causes for the enlightenment of our ancestors seven-plus generations back and for the happiness and prosperity of our children, grandchildren and descendants throughout future generations. This is the great benefit of Buddhism.

Children are mirrors that reflect adult society.

2014-05-30T09:48:00.000+08:00

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Friday, May 30, 2014:

All children are gems, full of precious potential. There is hope in every child since life itself is full of hope. Should the hopes of children be stifled or broken, that would be our responsibility as adults. It pains my heart to see what goes on in today's society. I do not want to see the eyes of children darkened with fear and clouded with tears of sorrow. Society must be absolutely transformed. Children are mirrors that reflect adult society. When adults are ailing and their vision clouded, children will also suffer. Let us wipe away the tears of sorrow from the face of each child! We must protect children and give them courage, strength and vitality. It is parents who nurture children, the hope of humanity. How noble parents are! What a great mission and responsibility they fulfill.

Those who make many friends have greater opportunities for growth and self-development; as such they make society a better place and lead happy, satisfying lives.

2014-05-30T09:43:00.000+08:00

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Friday, May 30, 2014:

Those who make many friends have greater opportunities for growth and self-development; as such they make society a better place and lead happy, satisfying lives. In every situation, human relations—communication and personal interaction—are vital. We need to initiate and nurture friendships and contacts with many people, both within the organization and in society at large. Our lives will open and be enriched to the extent that we do so.

Unremitting diligence in our Buddhist practice—brave and vigorous exertion—infuses our lives with the great life force of the eternal Buddha.

2014-05-29T09:47:00.000+08:00

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Thursday, May 29, 2014:

Shakyamuni proclaims, "People who are vigilant do not die; people who are negligent are as if dead." This is definitely true. Unremitting diligence in our Buddhist practice—brave and vigorous exertion—infuses our lives with the great life force of the eternal Buddha. In contrast, people who try to get by in life through cunning and deception enact a living death.

We who embrace the Mystic Law will not suffer on account of old age or death.

2014-05-29T09:42:00.000+08:00

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Thursday, May 29, 2014:

We who embrace the Mystic Law will not suffer on account of old age or death. As long as we keep the flame of faith alive, the fire of life force will forever burn brightly within us; we can live with great confidence transcending birth and death. Faith is the engine that enables us to live with hope throughout our lives.

The belief taught in the Lotus Sutra provides no easy answers, no escape route from the difficulties of human life

2014-05-28T09:46:00.000+08:00

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Wednesday, May 28, 2014:

The belief taught in the Lotus Sutra provides no easy answers, no escape route from the difficulties of human life. In fact, it rejects such easy answers; instead it implores us to take up the two tools for exploring life, belief and understanding, and use them to continually challenge and work to perfect ourselves. And it also provides us the energy to do just that.

What is true joy in life?

2014-05-28T09:41:00.000+08:00

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Wednesday, May 28, 2014:

What is true joy in life? This is a difficult question—and one which has occupied a great many thinkers and philosophers. Joy can quickly give way to suffering. Joy is short and suffering long. Also what passes for joy in society is superficial. It cannot compare with the joy deriving from the Mystic Law. The key then lies in cultivating a state of mind where we can declare without reservation that life itself is a joy. This is the purpose of our Buddhist practice.

The greater self always seeks to alleviate pain and to augment the happiness of others here amid the realities of everyday life.

2014-05-27T09:23:00.000+08:00

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, May 27, 2014:

Similar to the unifying and integrating self that Carl Jung perceived in the depths of the ego, the term greater self in Buddhism expresses the openness and expansiveness of character by which we can embrace all people's sufferings as our own. The greater self always seeks to alleviate pain and to augment the happiness of others here amid the realities of everyday life. Furthermore, the dynamic, vital awakening of the greater self enables each individual to experience both life and death with equal delight.

Forward! Always forward! This is a basic spirit of Buddhism.

2014-05-27T09:21:00.000+08:00

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, May 27, 2014:

Forward! Always forward! This is a basic spirit of Buddhism. Nichiren Daishonin's teaching is the Buddhism of true cause. We live with our gaze fixed on the future, not hung up on the past. To advance eternally—this is the essence of life and the essence of what it means to be a practitioner of the Daishonin's Buddhism.

There is a saying that "Speech is silver, silence is golden." But when you are engaged in a struggle, the opposite is true. Then, speaking out is golden and silence is defeat.

2014-05-26T09:21:00.000+08:00

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Monday, May 26, 2014:

There is a saying that "Speech is silver, silence is golden." But when you are engaged in a struggle, the opposite is true. Then, speaking out is golden and silence is defeat.

By winning in our lives, we are advancing kosen-rufu; and by advancing kosen-rufu, we win in our lives.

2014-05-26T09:19:00.000+08:00

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Monday, May 26, 2014:

In Buddhism, we either win or lose—there is no middle ground. Now and in the future, let us advance, determined to win in every sphere of our lives. By winning in our lives, we are advancing kosen-rufu; and by advancing kosen-rufu, we win in our lives.

The Indian poet Rabindranath Tagore compares the function of evil to the banks of a river.

2014-05-25T11:53:00.002+08:00

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Sunday, May 25, 2014:

The Indian poet Rabindranath Tagore compares the function of evil to the banks of a river. The riverbanks are obstructions, but they are necessary for keeping the river on track and flowing steadily forward. Without banks, the river would overflow, causing destruction instead of creating value.

It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.

2014-05-25T11:49:00.002+08:00

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Sunday, May 25, 2014:

The heart is most important of all. In his classic The Little Prince, the French author Antoine de Saint-Exupéry writes: "It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye." It is just as he says. We cannot always tell whether something is genuine just with our eyes. Only by looking with the heart can we discern the true essence.

However, the relationship of mentor and disciple, of spiritual successors, exists only among human beings.

2014-05-24T11:51:00.000+08:00

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday, May 24, 2014:

The ultimate and most glorious of human relationships is the relationship of spiritual successors. Even animals have relationships of parent and child. There are animals that share partnerships similar to marriage, and even those that enjoy friendships. However, the relationship of mentor and disciple, of spiritual successors, exists only among human beings.

Working hard within the organization for people's happiness and welfare is itself truly noble Buddhist practice.

2014-05-24T11:47:00.000+08:00

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday, May 24, 2014:

President Toda said: "Those who do not value the organization are practicing self-centered faith. With such faith you cannot expect to receive the truly profound benefits of this practice." Working hard within the organization for people's happiness and welfare is itself truly noble Buddhist practice.

And just as we enjoy the best sleep after a day in which we have done our very best, a calm and easy death can only follow a life lived to the fullest without any regrets.

2014-05-23T11:49:00.000+08:00

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Friday, May 23, 2014:

I believe that whether we can live a truly satisfying life to the end depends to a considerable extent on how we view death. Sadly, many older people are anxious and fearful about death. But, as a Buddhist, I find it helpful to compare the cycles of life and death to the daily rhythms of waking and sleeping. Just as we look forward to the rest sleep brings after the efforts and exertions of the day, death can be seen as a welcome period of rest and re-energizing in preparation for a new round of active life. And just as we enjoy the best sleep after a day in which we have done our very best, a calm and easy death can only follow a life lived to the fullest without any regrets.

We practice this faith precisely to forge such a strong and vibrant inner resolve.

2014-05-23T11:47:00.000+08:00

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Friday, May 23, 2014:

We need to cultivate the spirit to live with self-assurance, to make our way joyously through life. We practice this faith precisely to forge such a strong and vibrant inner resolve.

Only within the open space created by dialogue, whether conducted with our neighbors, with history, with nature or the cosmos, can human wholeness be sustained.

2014-05-22T11:58:00.002+08:00

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Thursday, May 22, 2014:

Only within the open space created by dialogue, whether conducted with our neighbors, with history, with nature or the cosmos, can human wholeness be sustained. We are not born human in any but a biological sense; we can only learn to know ourselves and others and thus be trained in the ways of being human. We do this by immersion in the ocean of language and dialogue fed by the springs of cultural tradition.

That was wonderful! Where shall I go next?

2014-05-22T11:54:00.000+08:00

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Thursday, May 22, 2014:

We need to cultivate a state of life where we can thoroughly enjoy ourselves at all times. We should have such joy that even at the time of death we can declare with a happy smile: "That was wonderful! Where shall I go next?" This is the state of mind of a person with strong faith. Such individuals will be reborn without delay and in a form and in a place exactly according with their desires. Faith enables us to attain the kind of generous and all-embracing state of mind where we can enjoy everything in our lives.