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"The Buddha dwells within our hearts. For example, flint has the potential to produce fire, and gems have intrinsic value. We ordinary people can see neither our own eyelashes, which are so close, nor the heavens in the distance. Likewise, we do not see that the Buddha exists in our own hearts." Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, p.1137
"…the journey from Kamakura to Kyoto takes twelve days. If you travel for eleven but stop with only one day remaining, how can you admire the moon over the capital?" Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, p. 1027
"A single life is worth more than the major world system. You still have many years ahead of you, and moreover you have encountered the Lotus Sutra. If you live even one day longer, you can accumulate that much more benefit. How precious your life is!" Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, p.955
"... With regard to the Lotus Sutra, when one's hand takes it up, that hand immediately attains Buddhahood, and when one's mouth chants it, that mouth is itself a Buddha, as, for example, the moon is reflected in the water the moment it appears from behind the eastern mountains, or as a sound and its echo arise simultaneously." Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, p.1099
"When deluded, one is called an ordinary being, but when enlightened, one is called a Buddha. This is similar to a tarnished mirror that will shine like a jewel when polished. A mind now clouded by the illusions of the innate darkness of life is like a tarnished mirror, but when polished, it is sure to become like a clear mirror, reflecting the essential nature of phenomena and the true aspect of reality. Arouse deep faith, and diligently polish your mirror day and night. How should you polish it? Only by chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo." Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, p.2
The following quotes are from the "Writings of Nichiren Daishonin" - a compilation of the Buddha's letters to his followers in 13th century Japan. Nichiren Buddhism has been revitalized in the 20th century as an international organization of lay believers, founded by Tsunesaburo Makiguchi. Makiguchi was imprisoned during World War II for opposing the state-mandated Shinto religion, and died in prison in November 1944. His disciple, Josei Toda, was also imprisoned but survived and went on to rebuild the organization, called the Soka Gakkai ("value creation society"). Toda's disciple, Daisaku Ikeda, took on the task of spreading this buddhism throughout Japan and the world. Soka Gakkai International (SGI) now has more than 12 million members in 190 countries. For more information go to http://www.sgi.org/about/about.html or http://www.sgi-usa.org/.
Other quotes:
"You've failed many times, although you don't remember. You fell down the first time you tried to walk. You almost drowned the first time you tried to swim. . . . Don't worry about failure. . . . Worry about the chances you miss when you don't even try." -- Sherman Finesilver, US District Court Judge
"Courage is going from failure to failure without losing enthusiasm. " - Winston Churchill
"One isn't necessarily born with courage, but one is born with potential. Without courage, we cannot practice any other virtue with consistency. We can't be kind, true, merciful, generous, or honest." - Maya Angelou
(I'll be adding more soon!)
When sending someone a card, sometimes it is hard to find the right words. A unique image, combined with the right words, can be the perfect way to inspire or encourage someone.
The quotes on this page are some of my favorites. I hope to continue adding to them. While the quotes from Nichiren Daishonin are ones I use most frequently, I know there is a whole world of wisdom out there - words from children, words from friends, words from the famous and words from the unknown. Anything that gives joy, hope or courage is what I would like to collect on these pages.
