Friday, 24 June 2016

Daily Encouragement June 24

Published by Soka Gakkai International (SGI)
Written by Daisaku Ikeda, SGI President


June 24

***English***


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.

Daily Encouragement June 23

Published by Soka Gakkai International (SGI)
Written by Daisaku Ikeda, SGI President


June 23

***English***


Jesse Owens, who won four gold medals at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, later remarked that one's inner life is the true Olympics. Life itself is an Olympics where we strive each day to better our own personal records.

Daily Encouragement June 22

Published by Soka Gakkai International (SGI)
Written by Daisaku Ikeda, SGI President


June 22

***English***


It's foolish to be obsessed with past failures. And it's just as foolish to be self-satisfied with one's small achievements. Buddhism teaches that the present and the future are what are important, not the past. It teaches us a spirit of unceasing challenge to win over the present and advance ever toward the future. Those who neglect this spirit of continual striving steer their lives in a ruinous direction.

Daily Encouragement June 21

Published by Soka Gakkai International (SGI)
Written by Daisaku Ikeda, SGI President


June 21

***English***


When you devote your life to achieving your goal, you will not be bothered by shallow criticism. In fact nothing important can be accomplished if you allow yourself to be swayed by some trifling matter, always looking over your shoulder and wondering what others are saying or thinking. The key to achievement is to move forward resolutely along your chosen path.

Daily Encouragement June 20

Published by Soka Gakkai International (SGI)
Written by Daisaku Ikeda, SGI President


June 20

***English***


Your faith guarantees that an infinite number of your ancestors and descendants will attain Buddhahood. Such is the wondrous power of the Mystic Law. How profound and important is your existence! There is also no greater way to repay the debt of gratitude to your parents than through faith.

Daily Encouragement June 19

Published by Soka Gakkai International (SGI)
Written by Daisaku Ikeda, SGI President

June 19

***English***


I hope that you will lead immortal, invincible and joyous lives, filled with confidence, pride and good cheer. I also hope you will display inspiring leadership, while doing your utmost to protect your respective areas.

Daily Encouragement June 18

Published by Soka Gakkai International (SGI)
Written by Daisaku Ikeda, SGI President


June 18

***English***


The great American poet Walt Whitman writes in Leaves of Grass: "All comes by the body, only health puts you rapport with the universe." I am sure you are all very busy, but I hope you will advance in good health and with optimism and enjoy the power of your faith, which is what puts you in rhythm with the universe.

Daily Encouragement June 17

Published by Soka Gakkai International (SGI)
Written by Daisaku Ikeda, SGI President


June 17

***English***


How exhilarating it is to stand tall, walk with a buoyant step and be flexible in one's actions! How attractive to those we meet are our sparkling eyes and vibrant voices! This is the principle of the true entity of all phenomena. Your fresh and vital appearance eloquently attests to the greatness of faith, and you will find that you naturally cultivate a sphere of friendship and understanding among those around you.

Daily Encouragement June 16

Published by Soka Gakkai International (SGI)
Written by Daisaku Ikeda, SGI President


June 16

***English***


One of my favorite Argentine poets, the great educator Almafuerte (1854-1917), wrote: "To the weak, difficulty is a closed door. To the strong, however, it is a door waiting to be opened." Difficulties impede the progress of those who are weak. For the strong, however, they are opportunities to open wide the doors to a bright future. Everything is determined by our attitude, by our resolve. Our heart is what matters most.

Daily Encouragement June 15

Published by Soka Gakkai International (SGI)
Written by Daisaku Ikeda, SGI President


June 15

***English***


Nichiren teaches the meaning of true happiness and the true purpose of life. Fame and momentary glories are no more than illusions. True happiness lies in cultivating the great state of Buddhahood within one's life. This is life's true purpose. By chanting daimoku, we can change all of our sufferings into the ingredients for attaining a Buddha's lofty state of life.

Tuesday, 14 June 2016

Daily Encouragement June 14

Published by Soka Gakkai International (SGI)
Quoted by Daisaku Ikeda, SGI President
Translated by Kie Zen Lim (Sam)


June 14

***English***

Chanting daimoku is the foundation of Nichiren Buddhism. When we chant sonorous daimoku, the sun rises in our hearts. We are filled with power. Compassion wells forth. Our lives are lit with joy. Our wisdom shines. All Buddhas and Buddhist deities throughout the universe go to work on our behalf. Life becomes exhilarating.


***Nederlands***


Chanten van daimoku is het fundament van het Nichiren Boeddhisme. Wanneer wij daimoku chanten, komt de zon in onze harten op. Wij zijn gevuld met kracht. Ons leven is verlicht met vreugd. Onze wijsheid schijnt. Alle Bueddha’s door het hele universum werken namens ons. Het leven wordt opwindend.

Daily Encouragement June 13

Published by Soka Gakkai International (SGI)
Quoted by Daisaku Ikeda, SGI President
Translated by Kie Zen Lim (Sam)


June 13

***English***

It all comes down to hope. If we SGI members advance with hope and buoyant spirits, then we have nothing to fear in either the present or the future. The Law will continue to spread as long as those who uphold it remain vigorous and well.


***Nederlands***


Het komt allemaal neer op hoop. Als wij SGI met hoop en uitbundige geest vooruitgaan, dan hoeven wij niet bang te zijn in het heden en in de toekomst. De wet zal blijven verspreiden zolang degenen die er handhaven krachtig en goed blijven zijn.

Daily Encouragement June 12

Published by Soka Gakkai International (SGI)
Quoted by Daisaku Ikeda, SGI President
Translated by Kie Zen Lim (Sam)


June 12

***English***

Education definitely changes people's lives. This is why the SGI is so earnest when it comes to Buddhist study, which is the highest field of learning; it is the study of human beings and the foremost education. Buddhist study is the soul of the SGI.


***Nederlands***


Onderwijs verandert het leven van mensen. Daarom benadrukt SGI in de Boeddhisme studie, het hoogste gebied van leren; het is de studie van mens, de belangrijkste onderwijs en het is de ziel van SGI.

Daily Encouragement June 11

Published by Soka Gakkai International (SGI)
Quoted by Daisaku Ikeda, SGI President
Translated by Kie Zen Lim (Sam)


June 11

***English***

This is the era of youth. Youth do not depend on anyone. Nor do they hang on someone else's coattails. "I will open the way forward myself. I will advance kosen-rufu. I will see to it that the SGI is victorious." This is the spirit of youth and the attitude of true successors who love and cherish the SGI.


***Nederlands***


Dit is het tijdperk van jeugd. Jeugd hangt er niet van iemand af. “Ik wil mezelf vooruitgaan. Ik wil kosen-rufu vooruitgaan. Ik wil SGI als een winnaar zien.” Dit is de geest van jeugd en de houding van de echte winnaar die van SGI houden en koesteren.

Friday, 10 June 2016

Daily Encouragement June 10

Published by Soka Gakkai International (SGI)
Quoted by Daisaku Ikeda, SGI President
Translated by Kie Zen Lim (Sam)


June 10

***English***

When something needs saying, it is our duty to speak out. When something is right, we should say so; and when something is wrong or mistaken, we should likewise point it out. Cheating, lies or scheming should be denounced with alacrity. It is precisely because we have done this that the Soka Gakkai and the SGI have developed to the extent they have. To say what must be said--that is the spirit of propagation and the essence of the Soka Gakkai and the SGI.


***Nederlands***


Wanneer iets moet gezegd worden, moeten wij dan zeggen. Wanneer iets juist is, moeten wij zo zeggen; en wanneer iets onjuist is, moeten wij erop aanwijzen. Leugen moeten worden opgezegd. Dit is precies wat wij in de Soka Gakkai hebben gedaan en dit is de geest en de essentiƫle kernwarden van de Soka Gakkai en de SGI.

Thursday, 9 June 2016

Daily Encouragement June 9

Published by Soka Gakkai International (SGI)
Quoted by Daisaku Ikeda, SGI President
Translated by Kie Zen Lim (Sam)


June 9

***English***

We have to make ourselves heard. We have to speak out for what we believe in. When we, the people, boldly state our true convictions--never losing our optimism or sense of humor--the times will change. When it comes to speaking out for justice, there isn't any need for restraint. On the contrary, to be reserved or hesitant under such circumstances is wrong.


***Nederlands***


Wij moeten onszelf gehoord maken. Wij moeten uitdrukken waarin wij geloven. Wanneer wij onze echte veroordelingen staan – wanneer wij onze optimisme of ons humor nooit verliezen, zal de tijd veranderen. Wanneer het de tijd voor justitie is, zal er geen terughoudendheid zijn. Integendeel, het is onjuist om terughoudend of resistentie te zijn in zulke omstandigheden. 

Daily Encouragement June 8

Published by Soka Gakkai International (SGI)
Quoted by Daisaku Ikeda, SGI President
Translated by Kie Zen Lim (Sam)


June 8

***English***

President Toda often said that the final four or five years of one's life are decisive. No matter how good the preceding years may have been, one's life ends in defeat and sadness if the final few years are miserable. On the other hand, someone whose last four or five years are happy and filled with joy can be described a winner in life. No matter what happens, even if we should fall sick, we must never grow discouraged or allow ourselves to be defeated. This is vital. As long as our spirits are undefeated, we are victors.


***Nederlands***


President Toda zei vaak dat het laatste vier of vijf jaar van het leven zijn beslissend. Het maakt niet uit hoe goed de voorgaande jaren zou zijn geweest. Als het laatste vier of vijf jaar ellendig zijn, zou het leven in verdriet zullen eindigen. Integendeel, als iemand die het laatste vier of vijf jaar gelukkig is, zal hij of zij een winnaar genoemd worden. Het maakt niet uit wat gebeurd is, hoewel wij ziek zouden zijn, moeten wij nooit ontmoedigd zijn of moeten wij onszelf laten neergeslagen worden. Dit is vitaal. Zolang ons geest ongeslagen zijn, zijn wij winnaars.

Tuesday, 7 June 2016

Daily Encouragement June 7

Published by Soka Gakkai International (SGI)
Quoted by Daisaku Ikeda, SGI President
Translated by Kie Zen Lim (Sam)


June 7

***English***

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 one hundred percent of our energy into our jobs and one hundred 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.


***Nederlands***


Het geloof en het dagelijkse leven, het geloof en het werk – ze zijn geen aparte onderwerpen. Ze zijn hetzelfde. Om er apart te denken – het geloof is geloof, en het werk is werk – is theoretische geloof. Sinds het geloof en het werk dezelfde zijn, moeten wij honderd procent van onze energie in ons werk en ons geloof besteden. Als wij dat doen, gaan wij dan naar de juiste richting in het leven. Geloof betekent om het onweerlegbare bewijs van de overwinning in realiteit en in ons dagelijks leven te laten zien.

Daily Encouragement June 6

Published by Soka Gakkai International (SGI)
Quoted by Daisaku Ikeda, SGI President
Translated by Kie Zen Lim (Sam)


June 6

***English***

Science is based on tested proof or empirical evidence. You conduct a test or experiment and then observe the results. Nichiren Buddhism, similarly, teaches that nothing beats actual proof. In this regard, it stands alone among the religions of the world. I hope that each year you will strive to show clear proof of victory in Buddhism and your studies. Please always remember that showing such proof is the mark of a true successor.


***Nederlands***

Natuurwetenschappen zijn gebaseerd op het geteste en empirische bewijs. Jij doet een test of experiment en dan waarneem jij de resultaten. Nichiren Boeddhisme onderwijst dat er niets boven het daadwerkelijke bewijs staat. Ik hoop dat jullie naar het heldere bewijs van de overwinning van het Boeddhism en jouw studies zullen streven. Onthoud alsjeblieft dat het vertoon van zulke bewijs een kenmerk van een echte opvolger is.




Daily Encouragement June 5

Published by Soka Gakkai International (SGI)
Quoted by Daisaku Ikeda, SGI President
Translated by Kie Zen Lim (Sam)


June 5

***English***

Cowardice is harmful for it delights the enemies of Buddhism and obstructs the advance of kosen-rufu. The fainthearted cannot savor the true benefit of faith; their ability to tap the power of the Buddha and the power of the Law [of the Gohonzon] in their lives is enfeebled.


***Nederlands***


Lafhartigheid is schadelijk. Het is de vijand van het Boeddhisme en het belemmert het bevorderen van kosen-rufu. Het echte voordeel van het geloof kan niet worden genoten; de kracht van Boeddha en de kracht van de wet [van de Gohonzon] in hun leven zullen gezwakt worden.

Daily Encouragement June 4

Published by Soka Gakkai International (SGI)
Quoted by Daisaku Ikeda, SGI President
Translated by Kie Zen Lim (Sam)


June 4

***English***

Because we live in the human realm, we of course experience problems and suffering. Life is filled with contradictions. But if we refuse to be defeated by them and persist in our faith, we are certain to advance along the path towards happiness and victory. This is the essential power of Buddhism.


***Nederlands***


Wij ervaren problemen en lijden omdat wij in de menselijke wereld leven. Het leven is vol met tegenstrijdigheden. Als wij in onze geloven aanhouden, gaan wij zeker naar de richting van geluk en overwinning. Dit is de essentiƫle kracht van het Boeddhisme.

Monday, 6 June 2016

Daily Encouragement June 3

Published by Soka Gakkai International (SGI)
Quoted by Daisaku Ikeda, SGI President
Translated by Kie Zen Lim (Sam)


June 3

***English***

A Buddha is definitely not an absolute being living a static existence. A Buddha shares the sufferings of others and, sensing the condition of the time, earnestly ponders how to transform that condition. A Buddha vows to struggle in order to lead the people and the age to enlightenment. The strength of this vow causes the Buddha's enlightenment to mature into rich wisdom.


***Nederlands***


Een Boeddha leeft niet in static. Een Boeddha deelt het lijden van anderen en denkt de transformatie van die conditie ernstig na. Een Boeddha leidt anderen om naar de verlichting te strijden. Dit leidt tot een verlichting van Boeddhisme in rijke wijsheid.

Thursday, 2 June 2016

Daily Encouragement June 2

Published by Soka Gakkai International (SGI)
Quoted by Daisaku Ikeda, SGI President
Translated by Kie Zen Lim (Sam)


June 2

***English***

No matter where we go, we cannot escape from the sufferings that are part and parcel of life. If we cannot avoid these sufferings, then our only choice is to overcome them. And since we have no choice but to overcome them, then we might as well live joyfully and vigorously while doing so. Let's continue to strive and chant daimoku to the end.


***Nederlands***

Wij kunnen het lijden niet ontsnappen en het maakt niet uit waar wij heengaan. Dit is een deel van het leven. Als wij het lijden niet vermijden kunnen, dan is de enige keuze om er te overwinnen voor het gelukkige leven. Laten wij blijven streven en daimoku chanten tot het eind.

Daily Encouragement June 1

Published by Soka Gakkai International (SGI)
Quoted by Daisaku Ikeda, SGI President
Translated by Kie Zen Lim (Sam)


June 1

***English***

A coward cannot become a Buddha. We cannot attain Buddhahood unless we possess the heart of a lion. The harsher the situation, the bolder the stand we must take. This is the essence of the Soka Gakkai spirit.


***Nederlands***

Een lafaard kan een Boeddha niet worden. Wij kunnen Boeddhaschap niet bereiken tenzij wij het hart van leeuw hebben. Hoe harder is de situatie, des te bolder de stand wij moeten nemen. Dit is een essentieel geest van Soka Gakkai.

Daily Encouragement May 31

Published by Soka Gakkai International (SGI)
Quoted by Daisaku Ikeda, SGI President
Translated by Kie Zen Lim (Sam)


May 31

***English***

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.


***Nederlands***

Boeddhisme gaat over het brengen van geluk, vreugde en voldoening van alles. Het stelt ons niet alleen om gelukkig te zijn, maar om voor de verlichting van onze voorouders en voor het geluk en voorspoed van onze kinderen in de toekomstige generatie te veroorzaken. Dit is het grote voordeel van het boeddhisme.