January 9th, 2003
DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT
"How can one develop an immense state of life? How can a human being achieve
greatness? There is no greater mystery than this. I am confident that this
is the power of making a vow. When we dedicate our lives to fulfilling a
deep pledge and to correct ideals, our hearts develop limitlessly.
"Buddhism speaks of a 'pledge from the remotest past.' Such a pledge is the
foundation that enables us to drive away darkness and live in accord with
the essential nature of phenomena. Specifically, this means a heart that
yearns for the happiness of oneself and others, and for the accomplishment
of the great vow of kosen-rufu.
"Absolutely nothing can obstruct the spirit of a person who has awakened to
this vow. Though one's body may be cut down, absolutely no one can destroy
one's spirit. Such is the power of a person who lives a life of compassion.
Even if facing hellish circumstances alone, such a person fears nothing.
Rather, those around someone so completely free of fear may feel a sense of
trepidation.
"It could be said that Nichiren Daishonin's lifetime of facing one great
persecution after another proves that the power of a thoroughly developed
human spirit is eternal. With his entire being, the Daishonin declared,
'Behold the greatness that a human being can attain!"
DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT
"How can one develop an immense state of life? How can a human being achieve
greatness? There is no greater mystery than this. I am confident that this
is the power of making a vow. When we dedicate our lives to fulfilling a
deep pledge and to correct ideals, our hearts develop limitlessly.
"Buddhism speaks of a 'pledge from the remotest past.' Such a pledge is the
foundation that enables us to drive away darkness and live in accord with
the essential nature of phenomena. Specifically, this means a heart that
yearns for the happiness of oneself and others, and for the accomplishment
of the great vow of kosen-rufu.
"Absolutely nothing can obstruct the spirit of a person who has awakened to
this vow. Though one's body may be cut down, absolutely no one can destroy
one's spirit. Such is the power of a person who lives a life of compassion.
Even if facing hellish circumstances alone, such a person fears nothing.
Rather, those around someone so completely free of fear may feel a sense of
trepidation.
"It could be said that Nichiren Daishonin's lifetime of facing one great
persecution after another proves that the power of a thoroughly developed
human spirit is eternal. With his entire being, the Daishonin declared,
'Behold the greatness that a human being can attain!"