Sensei's Daily Encouragement -January 5 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

  

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
January 5, 2026
 
Faith is light. The hearts of those with strong faith are filled with light. A radiance envelops their lives. People with unshakable conviction in faith enjoy a happiness that is as luminous as the full moon on a dark night, as dazzling as the sun on a clear day.
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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
January 5, 2026
 
First of all, as to the question of where exactly hell and the Buddha exist, one sutra states that hell exists underground, and another sutra says that the Buddha is in the west. Closer examination, however, reveals that both exist in our five-foot body. This must be true because hell is in the heart of a person who inwardly despises his father and disregards his mother. It is like the lotus seed, which contains both blossom and fruit. In the same way, the Buddha dwells within our hearts.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1137
New Year's Gosho
Written to the wife of Omosu on January 5, year unknown
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
January 5, 2026
 
One of the epithets of a Buddha is, "Hero of the World." A Buddha is a valiant and noble champion who has conquered the sufferings of life in the real world. Nichiren writes: "Buddhism is like the body, and society like the shadow when the body bends, so does the shadow." People can not live apart from society. But to be constantly at the mercy of society's ups and downs is a miserable existence. It is crucial for us to be strong and wise. The "body" Nichiren refers to is, on the personal level, our faith.
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (22 October 1957) p.345
 
In the evening, Sensei explained that the "Expedient Means" chapter of the Lotus Sutra is like a child's castle built upon sand (when compared to the true teaching hidden in the "Life Span" chapter) and clarified the benefit of the character ge of renge in terms of attaining Buddhahood. He deeply elucidated the difference between Shakyamuni's Buddhism, its history and ideas, and the Daishonin's supreme philosophy of Nam-myo-renge-kyo.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -January 4 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

  

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
January 4, 2026
 
Life is a series of changes, a succession of ups and downs. But those who possess a prime point, a home to which they can return no matter what happens, are strong. To come home to the world of friendship in the SGI, to talk things over and prepare for a fresh departure - this is the way I hope all of you will live. When you do, you will advance upon a fundamentally unerring path to happiness.
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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
January 4, 2026
 
You are already a lay practitioner and therefore one of the "good men" described in the sutra. One who listens to even a sentence or phrase of the sutra and cherishes it deep in one's heart may be likened to a ship that crosses the sea of the sufferings of birth and death. The Great Teacher Miao-lostated, "Even a single phrase cherished deep in one's heart will without fail help one reach the opposite shore. To ponder one phrase and practice it is to exercise navigation."
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 33
A Ship to Cross the Sea of ​​Suffering
Written to Shiji Shiro on April 28, 1961
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
January 4, 2026
 
The essential teaching of Buddhism is that the life of the Buddha resides in every plant and tree, even in the smallest dust mote. It's a philosophy founded on a profound reverence for life.
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (18 October 1957) p. 344
 
A day I will remember as long as I live. The first court session began at 2:00. It ended with the verification of the defendants' identity.
 
Dashed to Kobe in the evening to give guidance. Two thousand and several hundred members gathered. The battle has finally begun.
Know that now is the opportune time to advance in faith!
My friends! Advance resolutely, toward the next victory!
I, too, will fight!
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -January 3 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

  

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
January 3, 2026
 
Eiji Yoshikawa (1892-1962), the renowned Japanese author of many epic historic novels, asserted, "Great character is forged through hardships." Surviving a life of hardships and difficulties, of stormy ups and downs, is what produces a person of great depth and character. True happiness is also found in such an unshakable state of life.
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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
January 3, 2026
 
Just as flowers open up and bear fruit, just as the moon appears and invariably grows full, just as a lamp becomes brighter when oil is added, and just as plants and trees flourish with rain, so will human beings never fail to prosper when they make good causes.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1013
The Third Day of the New Year
Written to Nanjo Tokimitsu on January 11, 1280
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
January 3, 2026
 
There simply are no Buddhas who spend all their time sitting in meditation. Buddhas are Buddhas precisely because they continually ponder and take action to help others resolve their worries.
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (17 October 1957) p.343/344
 
Tomorrow, the trial begins. My wife accompanied me to pay her respects to the Osaka members. Though we rode third-class, it was perhaps a trip I shall never forget.
 
In the evening, called on A., who is ill, at home, then offered greetings at T.'s, S.'s and Y.'s.
 
The devilish nature of authority; the impartiality of the court; the integrity of the lawyers – had better etch all these in my mind…
 
Talked with the members until late at night. They are people I will remember always.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -January 2 2026- Year of Vbrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

  

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
January 2, 2026
 
The people are most important and noble. President Toda was firmly convinced of this point. And I have advanced with the same spirit. This is also Nichiren Daishonin's undying spirit. Please always treasure and protect this organization of the people that is the SGI.
Events
1928 Daisaku Ikeda, SGI president, is born.
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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
January 2, 2026
 
The Buddha has already been called a skilled physician, and the Law has been likened to good medicine and all living beings to people suffering from illness. The Buddha took the teachings that he had preached in the course of his lifetime, ground and sifted them, blended them together, and compounded an excellent medicine, the pill of the Mystic Law. Regardless of whether one understands it or not, so long as one takes the pill, can one fail to be cured of the illness of delusion?
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 132-33
Conversation between a Sage and an Unenlightened Man
Recipient unknown; written in 1265
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
January 2, 2026
 
In Nichiren Buddhism, attaining enlightenment is not about embarking on some inconceivably long journey to become a resplendent, godlike Buddha; it is about accomplishing a transformation in the depths of one's being. In other words, it is not a matter of practicing in order to scale the highest summit of enlightenment at some point in the distant future. Rather, it is a constant, moment-to-moment inner struggle between revealing our innate Dharma nature or allowing ourselves to be ruled by our fundamental darkness and delusion.
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (15 October 1957) p.343
 
Yesterday, the retired high priest, Nissho, died. Received communication there would be an evening service for him. Sensei came directly to the head temple from Osaka, and we, from Tokyo. Severely rebuked by Sensei, who said all communication had been poor. Reflecting, I realize he was right.
The evening memorial service was held at the Renyoan at 7:00. Countless emotions. Was moved to tears watching Sensei eulogize Nissho.
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At 11:00, the casket was removed. Can imagine what it must have been like when the Daishonin died.
Gazed upon High Priest Nissho's face one last time. Amazed at his sublime and venerable Buddha-like countenance. Returned to Tokyo with Sensei on the steam train, which left just after 3:00. In the train, received profound guidance concerning the future of the priesthood and the Gakkai.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -January 1 2026- Year of Vbrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

  

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
January 1, 2026
 
Those who wake up each morning with work to accomplish and a mission to fulfill are the happiest people of all. SGI members are like this. For us each day is one of supreme purpose and satisfaction. For us each day is New Year's Day. Please exert yourselves vigorously with the determination to live each day to the fullest, so that you may compose a golden diary of life.
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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
January 1, 2026
 
I have received a hundred slabs of steamed rice cake and a basket of fruit. New Year's Day marks the first day, the first month, the beginning of the year, and the start of spring. A person who celebrates this day will accumulate virtue and be loved by all, just as the moon becomes full gradually, moving from west to east, and as the sun shines more brightly, traveling from east to west.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1137
New Year's Gosho
Written to wife of Omosu on January 5, year unknown
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
January 1, 2026
 
If the minds of living beings are impure, their land is also impure, but if their minds are pure, so is their land. There are not two lands, pure or impure in themselves. The difference lies solely in the good or evil of our minds. It is the same with a Buddha and an ordinary being. While 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 – Nichiren.
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (14 October 1957) p.343
 
Got my wife to help edit my manuscript. Worked until late. Moonlight glistens through the window. Ah! Youth's emotions and passion shine all the more brilliantly! And my wife's face is so beautiful. Both, so young. Will never forget our youth together.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -December 31 2025- Year of Soaring Higher Toward a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

  

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
December 31, 2025
 
To lead a life in which we are inspired and can inspire others, our hearts have to be alive; they have to be filled with passion and enthusiasm. To achieve that, as President Toda also said, we need the courage to "live true to ourselves." And to live true to ourselves, we need the strength of mind not to be swayed by our environment or be obsessed with vanity and superficial appearances. Rather than borrowing from or imitating others, we need the conviction to be able to think for ourselves and to take action from our own sense of responsibility.
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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
December 31, 2025
 
I, Nichiren, am the richest man in all of present-day Japan . I have dedicated my life to the Lotus Sutra, and my name will be handed down in ages to come.
 
The Opening of the Eyes
This treatise is one of Nichiren Daishonin's five most important writings, in which he reveals his identity as the Buddha of the Latter Day of the Law who possesses the three virtues of sovereign, teacher, and parent.In the year 1272, still in exile under harsh conditions on Sado Island, the Daishonin completed this work in two volumes and addressed it to Shijo Kingo, one of his leading disciples in Kamakura
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
December 31, 2025
 
Buddhism enables us to tap from within the depths of our beings the greatest courage and strongest life force there is. Buddhas are not destined for unhappiness or defeat. Those who practice Buddhism can definitely transform all adversity into something positive, irrespective of the troubled time in which they live, their personal circumstances or the hardships that befall them.
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (12 October 1957) p.342
 
Took the 1:30 p.m. express from Tokyo Station to the head temple. Sensei, Division Chief I., Chapter Chief T., my wife and me. My thoughts turned to the Dai-Gohonzon "bestowed upon the entire world" enshrined in the Hoan-den, on this, the anniversary of its inscription. When, conjectured Sensei, will the day come that it will be enshrined in the Sho-Hondo, completing the first step in securing the foundation for kosen-rufu?
…
Ushitora gongyo was conducted at 2:00 a.m. Joyfully participated. Was received by the retired high priest, Nissho, in the afternoon. A high priest of magnificent virtue. He has treated me with great fondness, and my visit with him will be my lifelong joy.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -December 30 2025- Year of Soaring Higher Toward a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

  

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
December 30, 2025
 
Taking good care of our health is most important. In particular, it is vital for those who are advanced in years to get sufficient rest to avoid becoming fatigued. Sleep is the best medicine. I also hope you will put your wisdom to work and find various ways to improve and maintain your health.
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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
December 30, 2025
 
In the yard around the hut the snow piled deeper and deeper. No one came to see me; my only visitor was the piercing wind. Great Concentration and Insight and the Lotus Sutra lay open before my eyes, and Nam-myoho-renge-kyo flowed from my lips. My evenings passed in discourse to the moon and stars on the fallacies of the various schools and the profound meaning of the Lotus Sutra. Thus, one year gave way to the next.
 
The Actions of the Votary of the Lotus Sutra
This work is an autobiographical account covering the events of an important period in Nichiren Daishonin's life— from the time shortly before the Tatsunokuchi Persecution through his two-and-a-half-year exile on Sado Island to his eventual retirement to Mount Minobu.This letter was written in the year 1276 and addressed to the lay nun Konichi, a widow who lived in Awa, the Daishonin's native province.
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
December 30, 2025
 
Defeat for a Buddhist lies not in encountering difficulties but rather in not challenging them. Difficulties only truly become our destiny if we run away from them. We must fight as long as we live. 
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (13 October 1957) p.342
 
Attended a unit chiefs meeting in Numazu on the way back from the head temple. Along with the chapter chief, I poured my full effort into fostering the growth of capable individuals. Where the sun shines brightly, grass and trees will flourish. Convinced that where there is guidance in faith, a procession of able people will develop.
Fatigue accumulates with each passing day. If myo means "to revive," then how can I fail to be revitalized?
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