deadly serious daimoku

happy kosen rufu day! 

i really feel like this is our time to determine that each one of us has to have a personal victory and show actual proof, no matter how impossible or outrageous our goals may seem.

many of us have been battling all kinds of devilish functions, large and small, and our daily daimoku may have become stagnant or out of habit rather than out of sincere conviction, hope and faith. 

well, let's make today our reset day. let's really determine to chant "deadly serious daimoku" and set up the conditions for a brilliant victory this year.

sensei says it best:

To My Friends 3/16
The blazing torch of kosen-rufu
is humanity's hope.
You each have a profound mission.
Resolutely accept and succeed
this legacy.

To My Friends 3/14
Let's thoroughly win in life with
an invincible spirit
[to never be defeated].
Let's smash through every
adversity with indomitable
and unyielding optimism.

From Today and Tomorrow - Daily Guidance
March 16, Kosen-rufu Day. The spirit of this day lies not in magnificent ceremonies or high-sounding words. It lies in being victorious. That is the most crucial thing in all endeavors. In life and in kosen-rufu, we either win or lose. I would like you to be absolute victors in both. No matter what excuses we try to make, giving in to defeat brings misery and loses us the respect of others. I hope each of you without exception will adorn your life with indestructible triumph.

Economics vs. Human Revolution - No Contest!

Daisaku Ikeda, president of the Soka Gakkai International, recently encouraged members regarding the economic crisis. He said the key is to focus on human revolution.

Excerpt from...
Let’s Strive Together for a Year of Victory!
February 20, 2009 WT – Seize the Day p. E

We are in the midst of what is being called a “once-in-a-century” financial crisis. What is most important at this troubled time? Of course, wise and decisive measures need to be taken in the political, economic and international arenas. But there is something else that we must not forget.

On New Year’s Day 1946, as Japan was still suffering from the aftermath of its defeat in World War II, Shigeru Nambara, president of Tokyo University (present-day University of Tokyo), gave a radio address in which he said, “An even more urgent priority than institutional and structural reform is an inner revolution, a revolution in people’s hearts and minds.” Nambara saw this as “human revolution.”

At that time, Mr. Toda had already embarked on his struggle for kosen-rufu, based on his conviction that awakening people to the Buddhahood inherent in their lives was key to freeing them from suffering and helping them on a fundamental level. People are the focus and heart of everything. Unless people themselves change at the innermost level, any reform or improvement will be lacking a vital element.

Nambara concluded his radio address as follows: “Sacred Mount Fuji illuminated by the morning sunlight of New Year’s Day seems to me a symbol of a new future. With fresh hope and courage, let us press straight ahead on the road that lies before us, no matter how filled with adversity and difficulty it may be.”

***

The idea of human revolution was also emphasized by (French author Andre’) Maurois: “The most profound revolutions are spiritual. They transform people who, in turn, transform the world.” He discerned the fact that the human revolution of a single individual is the true starting point of all change, writing, “A single individual, whether hero or saint, can set an example for the multitudes, the emulation of which can dramatically transform the world.”

We must see to it that the 21st century is a century of human revolution. Humanity as a whole must now turn its focus to this fundamental path.

True Benefit Comes From Faith

WT, 12/19/08, p.4-5

Of course, engaging in such a struggle is tiring, but unless we make this kind of herculean effort, we can't expect to triumph over momentous opposition and obstacles when they threaten.

Irresponsible people don’t really appreciate how difficult it is to overcome obstacles. I hope that the youth, our future leaders, will be wise people who actively seek out challenges and never lose their sense of gratitude whatever happens.

Different times in life require different responses. There are times when we’ll need to wisely save our energy. There are times when we’ll need to strive with all out dedication and sincerity. There are times when we’ll need to rest to prevent exhaustion. I hope you will always proceed with wisdom. But no matter what the situation, never lose sight of kosen-rufu and the path of faith—promise me that. I’m counting on you!

When we challenge ourselves in trying times, we can accumulate tremendous benefit. Benefit is manifested in many different ways. Sometimes undergoing a trial that seems more like punishment opens the way to happiness. It’s like surgery or an injection—they may hurt, but they can restore your health. Even in the most desperate of circumstances, if we challenge ourselves through strong faith, we can gain true, great benefit. This is the profound teaching of Nichiren Daishonin.

[In “On Persecutions befalling the Sage,” Nichiren writes to disciples who are battling persecution for their faith in the Mystic law: “Although at present we are encountering the severe trials of persecution, in our next life we will become Buddhas. Our present tribulations are like moxibustion; at the time, it is painful, but because it has beneficial aftereffects, the pain is not really pain” (WND, vol. 1, p. 998)]

We should take a long-term view with regard to the appearance of genuine benefit. If we remain steadfast in faith, no matter what happens along the way, we will definitely win in the end. Of this there is no doubt.


michele's thoughts
FAILURE IS NOT AN OPTION