Sensei's Daily Encouragement -April 5 2025- Year of Soaring Higher Toward a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
April 5, 2025
 
In all things patience is the key to victory. Those who cannot endure cannot hope to win. Ultimate triumph belongs to those who can forbear.
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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
April 5, 2025
 
I, Nichiren, observing this state of affairs, proceeded to consult the great collection of Buddhist scriptures. There I discovered the reason why these prayers are without effect and on the contrary actually make the situation worse, along with passages of proof to support it. In the end I had no other recourse than to compile a work to present my findings, entitling it On Establishing the Correct Teaching for the Peace of the Land…
This I did solely that I might repay the debt of gratitude that I owe to my native land.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 161
The Rationale for Writing "On Establishing the Correct Teaching for the Peace of the Land"
Written to Hogan on April 5, 1268
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
April 5, 2025
 
Even places that have been shrouded in darkness for billions of years can be illuminated. Even a stone from the bottom of a river can be used to produce fire. Our present sufferings, no matter how dark, have certainly not continued for billions of years - nor will they linger forever. The sun will definitely rise. In fact, its ascent has already begun.
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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (15 January 1953) p.132
 
Have decided to reflect on myself more seriously from now on. The path I must follow with respect to my mentor demands the greatest self-awakening. Deeply regret my thoughtlessness, having presumed upon President Toda's profound consideration. My own lack of realization is as clear as if reflected in a mirror. To trip over the same stone twice is indeed foolish. Will reflect, and then advance once again, cheerfully and boldly.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -April 4 2025- Year of Soaring Higher Toward a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
April 4, 2025
 
There is no means other than faith by which to open our lives and our inner state of Buddhahood. Faith is the most "open" state of mind of all. Infinite clusters of good fortune spill forth from this unbarred treasure house of life.
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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
April 4, 2025
 
Each of you should summon up the courage of a lion king and never succumb to threats from anyone. The lion king fears no other beast, nor do its cubs. Slanderers are like barking foxes, but Nichiren's followers are like roaring lions.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 997
On Persecutions Befalling the Sage
Written to all followers (and entrusted to shijo Kingo) on October 1, 1279
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
April 4, 2025
 
The flower of the Law blooms within the human being. It shines through our character. The Lotus Sutra is wholly a teaching for human beings. The purpose of religion is to help each person become happy. But even a teaching whose original intent was to promote human happiness may start to restrict people. Even the Lotus Sutra could be used incorrectly to justify discrimination. What is necessary to prevent the danger of such distortion from occurring? It is the disciple's inheritance of the resolute spirit and faith of the mentor to lead people to happiness.
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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (6 January 1953) p.131
 
In the morning, Mr Toda lectured on principles of law. Morning study is now in full swing. Must be clearheaded every morning so that I can absorb the lecture.
 
Indomitable spirit. Guts. Stubborn determination – these may not be elegant terms, but I believe they are necessary qualities for a man's life. Must fight hard now to ensure victory ten years from now. Will study hard and work hard, looking ahead ten years into the future.
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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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