Sensei's Daily Encouragement -April 3 2025- Year of Soaring Higher Toward a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
April 3, 2025
 
From one perspective, gongyo and daimoku are lyrics and songs. They are an ode to life. I hope, therefore, that your gongyo and daimoku will be such that even people who are not practicing will be favourably impressed by the sonorous and invigorating sound of your voices. That too will contribute to the spread of kosen-rufu.
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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
April 3, 2025
 
If one doubts the strength of the Buddha when he says, "I am the only person who can rescue and protect others," if one is suspicious of the rope held out by the Lotus Sutra when its teachings declare that one can "gain entrance though faith alone," if one fails to chant the Mystic Law which guarantees that "such a person assuredly and without doubt [will attain the Buddha way]," then the Buddha's power cannot reach one, and it will be impossible to scale the embankment of enlightenment.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 59
Questions and Answers about Embracing the Lotus Sutra
Recipient unknown; written in March 1263
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
April 3, 2025
 
A life lived without purpose or value, the kind in which one doesn't know the reason why one was born, is joyless and lacks lustre. To just live, eat and die without any real sense of purpose surely represents a life pervaded by the life-state of animals. On the other hand, to do, create or contribute something that benefits others, society and ourselves and to dedicate ourselves as long as we live up to that challenge - that is a life of true satisfaction, a life of value. It is a humanistic and lofty way to live.
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Daisaku Ikeda – A Youthful Diary (31 December 1951) p.126
 
At 4:00 we had a year-end company gathering. Everyone surrounded President Toda as he gave guidance to each individual, one by one. To some he was strict, while to others, he spoke of the next ten years to come. He also spoke of problems with the economy and foreign policy. Sometimes he would mention the importance of Buddhist study, while to others he spoke of his own childhood and youth. I ate until my stomach hurt.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -April 2 2025- Year of Soaring Higher Toward a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
April 2, 2025
 
Why are human beings born? This question has posed a great challenge. President Toda lucidly set forward his conclusion. Namely, that this world is a place for people to, as the Lotus Sutra states, "enjoy themselves at ease." We were born here in order to thoroughly savour the joys of life. Faith in the Daishonin's Buddhism is what enables us to bring forth the great life force we need to lead such an existence.
Events
1958 Josei Toda, the Soka Gakkai's second President, dies.
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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
April 2, 2025
 
Though I may be a person of little ability, I have reverently given myself to the study of the Mahayana. A blue fly, if it clings to the tail of a thoroughbred horse, can travel ten thousand miles, and the green ivy that twines around the tall pine can grow to a thousand feet.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 17
On Establishing the Correct Teaching for the Peace of the Land
Submitted to Hojo Tokiyori on July 16, 1260
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
April 2, 2025
 
Promptness is crucial in leading a victorious life. How we start each morning determines that day's victory or defeat. It's important that we resolve to win in the morning and begin our work with an energetic, refreshed spirit. We mustn't forget that this is the secret to continual success. We live in a tumultuous age, and in such times, swift action is the key to success.
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Daisaku Ikeda – A Youthful Diary (26 December 1952) p.125
 
Wish to become a leader who will never be swayed, who can always protect my juniors no matter what adversity I might encounter. Praying strongly that my fellow members and my family will spend the year-end enjoyably and safely. Wish to read many books next year. I will read and read and read. Next year will be my year of study. This is so I will not fall behind the Gakkai's advancement.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -April 1 2025- Year of Soaring Higher Toward a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
April 1, 2025
 
Emerson writes: "And so of cheerfulness, or a good temper, the more it is spent, the more of it remains." Cheerfulness is not the same as frivolousness. Cheerfulness is born of a fighting spirit. Frivolousness is the reverse side of cowardly escape. Emerson also said that "power dwells with cheerfulness, hope puts us in a working mood." Without cheerfulness there is no strength. Let us strive to advance still more brightly and cheerfully.
 
Events
1974 SGI President Ikeda gives his first university lecture, at UCLA.
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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
April 1, 2025
 
This teaching was not propagated in the Former or Middle Day of the Law because the other sutras had not yet lost their power of benefit. Now, in the Latter Day of the Law, neither the Lotus Sutra nor the other sutras lead to enlightenment. Only Nam-myoho-renge-kyo can do so. This is not my own judgment. Shakyamuni, Many Treasures, the Buddhas of the ten directions, and the bodhisattvas who emerged from the earth as numerous as the dust particles of a thousand worlds have so determined it.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 903
The Teaching for the Latter Day
Written to Nonjo Tokimitsu on April 1, 1278
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
April 1, 2025
 
At all times I think to myself: How can I cause living beings to gain entry into the unsurpassed way and quickly acquire the body of a Buddha? -The Lotus Sutra
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Daisaku Ikeda – A Youthful Diary (26 December 1952) p.125
 
A cold morning. I consider enduring the cold wind as training for both my body and mind. Must grow strong, to become someone on whom others can rely. I am now embraced by my mentor and protected by my parents. I have excellent comrades in faith. Society, too, enjoys better times.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -March 31 2025- Year of Soaring Higher Toward a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
March 31, 2025
 
Position and appearances are irrelevant. The important thing is to carry out our personal duty, our commitment, no matter what anyone else may say. This is a life of true victory, a life of unsurpassed nobility and fulfillment.
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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
March 31, 2025
 
I have written out the prose section of the "Expedient Means" chapter for you. You should recite it together with the verse portion of the "Life Span" chapter, which I sent you earlier. The characters of this sutra are all without exception living Buddhas of perfect enlightenment. But because we have the eyes of ordinary people, we see them as characters.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 486
Reply to the Lay Priest Soya
Written to the lay priest Soya in March 1275
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
March 31, 2025
 
Reading is dialogue with oneself; it is self-reflection, which cultivates profound humanity. Reading is therefore essential to our development. It expands and enriches the personality like a seed that germinates after a long time and sends forth many blossom-laden branches. People who can say of a book "this changed my life" truly understand the meaning of happiness. Reading that sparks inner revolution is desperately needed to escape drowning in the rapidly advancing information society. Reading is more than intellectual ornamentation, it is a battle for the establishment of the self, a ceaseless challenge that keeps us young and vigorous.
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Daisaku Ikeda – A Youthful Diary (25 December 1952) p.125

Returned home, 11:30.
Many problems plague individuals, families, society and the world. Absolutely none is more important, however, than the problem of death.
My physical condition is poor. Even speaking is a burden. May have a fever. Had my wife give me an innoculation.
To bed, 1:50.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -March 30 2025- Year of Soaring Higher Toward a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
March 30, 2025
 
There are many elements involved in a prayer being answered, but the important thing is to keep praying until it is. By continuing to pray, you can reflect on yourself with unflinching honesty and begin to move your life in a positive direction on the path of earnest, steady effort. Even if your prayer doesn't produce concrete results immediately, your continual prayer will at some time manifest itself in a form greater than you had ever hoped.
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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
March 30, 2025
 
To mix other practices with this Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is a grave error. A lantern is useless when the sun rises. How can dewdrops be beneficial when the rain falls? Should one feed a newborn baby anything other than its mother's milk? No addition of other medicines is needed with a good medicine.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 903
The Teaching for the Latter Day
Written to Nanjo Tokimitsu on April 1, 1278
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
March 30, 2025
 
It is important to develop your character to be as powerful as a mighty river. Continue to advance bravely in the face of every challenge, paying no heed to the obstacles in your way. Become a great river of bottomless compassion and wisdom, overflowing with boundless invincibility and passion.
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Daisaku Ikeda – A Youthful Diary (25 December 1952) p.124
 
T. came over in the morning. He is sincerity itself. Just a few days remain in this seven-hundredth year since the establishment of Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism. Constantly thinking about next year. Today, again, I worked to my heart's content.
Short of money. Now in utter poverty. What shall I do?
Attended a dragon Corps leaders meeting. Deeply delighted to see such spirited youths…
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -March 292025- Year of Soaring Higher Toward a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
March 29, 2025
 
 Molly Brown was on board the Titanic when it tragically sunk in 1912. Although she knew the ship was taking on water, she shouted to a panic-stricken fellow passenger: "There's no danger. It simply can't go down, because I'm on it and I'm unsinkable." Her bantering words, which rang out with the determination never to be defeated and never to give in to despair are said to have given courage to her fellow passengers. Those who stand up at a crucial moment demonstrate genuine greatness.
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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
March 29, 2025
 
Now, if you wish to attain Buddhahood, you have only to lower the banner of your arrogance, cast aside the staff of your anger, and devote yourself exclusively to the one vehicle of the Lotus Sutra. Worldly fame and profit are mere baubles of your present existence, and arrogance and prejudice are ties that will fetter you in a next one. Ah, you should be ashamed of them! And you should fear them too!"
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 58
Questions and Answers about Embracing the Lotus Sutra
Recipient unknown, written in March 1263
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
March 29, 2025
 
Nichiren spoke of earthly desires being used as fuel for the flame of wisdom. Buddhism teaches the converting of personal ambitions and desires, even base ones, into good traits like wisdom through altruistic living. A Buddhist doctrine that earthly desires are enlightenment indicates that greed, anger (violence) and egocentricism can be transformed into altruistic traits like compassion, trust and nonviolence. The underlying delusions that drive our desires - including the desire for the development of science and civilizations can be essentially transformed in a way that changes selfishness into altruism, violence into nonviolence and suspicion into trust.
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Daisaku Ikeda – A Youthful Diary (22 December 1952) p.124
 
Happiness is not to be found in material wealth alone, nor in the pursuit of fame or pleasure. Ultimately, it lies only in tapping the world of Buddhahood through faith. This is accomplished through ceaseless activity, practice and action.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -March 28 2025- Year of Soaring Higher Toward a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
March 28, 2025
 
Youth must have the spirit to attack injustice, the spirit to refute that which is wrong, the spirit to spread the Daishonin's teaching. Just giving an appearance of promoting kosen-rufu and going with the flow, afraid of making waves, are the actions of self-serving youth, who are spiritually old and decrepit.
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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
March 28, 2025
 
The heart of the Lotus Sutra is its title, or the daimoku, of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. Truly, if you chant this in the morning and evening, you are correctly reading the entire Lotus Sutra. Chanting daimoku twice is the same as reading the entire sutra twice, one hundred daimoku equal one hundred readings of the sutra, and a thousand daimoku, a thousand readings of the sutra. Thus, if you ceaselessly chant daimoku, you will be continually reading the Lotus Sutra.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 923
The One Essential Phrase
Written to the lay nun Myoho on July 3, 1278
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
March 28, 2025
 
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.
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Daisaku Ikeda – A Youthful Diary (19 December 1952) p.123
 
Next year, I will further exert myself in faith and advance in practice. I will apply myself thoroughly to studying Buddhism. I will gain trust and respect as a youth.
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