Sensei's Daily Encouragement -March 19 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
March 19, 2026
 
By devoting ourselves earnestly to SGI activities, we gain the ability to turn all difficulties and obstacles into benefit, recognizing that earthly desires and delusions are enlightenment and that the sufferings of birth and death are nirvana. No matter how unpleasant the circumstances we find ourselves in, we can transform them into hope and good fortune - into eternal happiness. How incredible this is!
________________________________
 
From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
March 19, 2026
 
Although I and my disciples may encounter various difficulties, if we do not harbor doubts in our hearts, we will as a matter of course attain Buddhahood. Do not have doubts simply because heaven does no lend you protection. Do no be discouraged because you do not enjoy an easy and secure existence in this life. This is what I have taught my disciples morning and evening, and yet they begin to harbour doubts and abandon their faith.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 283
The Opening of the Eyes
Written to Shijo Kingo in February 1272
________________________________
 
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
March 19, 2026
 
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.
________________________________
 
Daisaku Ikeda – A Youthful Diary (9 December 1952) p. 120
 
Since the end of the war, the word revolution has come to be used quite frequently. It has even become somewhat fashionable. The term human revolution, however, has real meaning. Have come to realize that this revolution, in other words the transformation of our destiny, can only be accomplished through faith.
  ________________________________

Sensei's Daily Encouragement -March 18 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
March 18, 2026
 
Let us do our utmost to sustain the wonderfully warm atmosphere of the SGI - an atmosphere where members feel free to discuss whatever is on their minds. Unless we do so, our organization will stop growing, stop developing. The SGI is a world of humanity - of the heart, of faith, of compassion. It is a world of unity and mutual inspiration. That is why it is strong. If we continue to value and promote these qualities, the SGI will continue to grow and develop forever. I want to declare here and now the atmosphere where we can discuss anything is fundamental to the SGI.
________________________________
 
From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
March 18, 2026
 
Regard your service to your lord as the practice of the Lotus Sutra. This is what is meant by "No worldly affairs of life or work are ever contrary to the true reality." I hope you will deeply consider the meaning of this passage.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 905
Reply to a Believer
Written to Shijo Kingo on april 11, 1278
________________________________
 
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
March 18, 2026
 
Happiness doesn't exist on the far side of distant mountains. It is within you, yourself. Not you, however, sitting in idle passivity. It is to be found in the vibrant dynamism of your own life as you struggle to challenge and overcome one obstacle after another, as you clamber up a perilous ridge in pursuit of that which lies beyond.
________________________________
 
Daisaku Ikeda – A Youthful Diary (9 December 1952) p. 120
 
Snow fell from noon. A cold day. Rain, wind and snow in nature, as well as the rain, wind and snow that exist within our lives, all become a stage setting for developing and polishing ourselves.
The great universe possesses the Ten Worlds. My life, too contains the Ten Worlds. So there should be nothing in the world to fear.
  ________________________________

Sensei's Daily Encouragement -March 17 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
March 17, 2026
 
You mustn't allow yourselves to grow old before your time. Please live with a youthful spirit. That is what Buddhism teaches us to do and it is how life ought to be lived. If you make a commitment to work for the sake of others, you will be rejuvenated. If you devote your life to helping others, you'll stay young. The power of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo guarantees that.
________________________________
 
From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
March 17, 2026
 
Strengthen your faith day by day and month after month. Should you slacken in your resolve even a bit, devils will take advantage.
 
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
________________________________
 
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
March 17, 2026
 
Buddhism teaches that life at each moment embraces all phenomena. This is the doctrine of a life-moment possessing three thousand realms, which is the Lotus Sutra's ultimate teaching and Buddhism's essence. Because of the profound way our lives interact with people around us, it is vital that we reach out to others, that we be engaged with our environment and with our local community. A self-absorbed practice or theory without action is definitely not Buddhism.
________________________________
 
Daisaku Ikeda – A Youthful Diary (08 December 1952) p.119/120
 
A little over twenty days left to the year. To bring a splendid year, I wish to spend the remaining days of this year meaningfully. Next year, my twenty-fifth, ought to be a most brilliant and dynamic year. This year has been a succession of battles with obstacles and devils. But it was also a year of splendid victories. I want next year to be the same.
Read some Chinese poetry before going to bed.
  ________________________________

Sensei's Daily Encouragement -March 16 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
March 16, 2026
 
March 16, Kosen-Rufu Day. The spirit of this day lies not in magnificent ceremonies or high-sounding words. It lies in being victorious. That is the most crucial thing in all endeavours. In life and in Kosen-Rufu, we either win or lose. I would like you to be absolute victors in both. No matter what excuses we try to make, giving in to defeat brings misery and loses us the respect of others. I hope each of you without exception will adorn your life with indestructible triumph.
 
Events: Kosen-Rufu Day.
1958 More than 6,000 youth attend a ceremony at the head temple where President Josei Toda passes responsibility for the spread of the Daishonin's Buddhism to all youth division members.
________________________________
 
From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
March 16, 2026
 
Now, at the beginning of the Latter Day of the Law, I, Nichiren, am the first to set out on propagating, throughout Jambudvipa, the five characters of Myoho-renge-kyo, which are the heart of the Lotus Sutra and the eye of all Buddhas. These five characters are the heart of the Lotus Sutra and the source of the enlightenment of all Buddhas.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 764
The Actions of the Votary of the Lotus Sutra
Written to the lay nun Konichi in 1276
________________________________
 
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
March 16, 2026
 
There is no other course for us but to entrust everything to the youth. This holds true for families, businesses and countries. Youth are vitally important to the world and the human race. The key to eternal development lies in fostering, encouraging and training youth who will lead the way to a new era.
________________________________
 
Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (10 July 1953) p.443
 
What fundamentally moves people's hearts is nothing other than faith; it is neither eloquence, nor schemes, nor money. Here, faith has limitless meaning, including strength as a human being and influence in society. Faith means to become a "supreme hero of the world," another name for a Buddha. Since faith is reflected in all phenomena, victory or defeat in everything rests upon faith.
  ________________________________

Sensei's Daily Encouragement -March 15 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
March 15, 2026
 
We must take the enemies of the Buddha to task. We absolutely cannot remain silent when we see people distorting and corrupting the Daishonin's teaching. To speak out resolutely and clarify what is correct and what is erroneous is the Soka Gakkai spirit. If we simply try to be amiable and avoid making waves, then we will play right into the hands of people with malicious intent.
________________________________
 
From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
March 15, 2026
 
[The Nirvana Sutra] compares "it gradually becomes deeper" to the Lotus Sutra leading everyone, from ordinary people who lack understanding to sages who possess it, to attain the Buddha way.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 39
The Universal Salty Taste
Recipient and date unknown
________________________________
 
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
March 15, 2026
 
Buddhism comes down to practice. This means making a personal determination and steadfastly taking action to accomplish it, no matter what obstacles may arise. If we aren't striving to open a way forward, what we are doing cannot be called Buddhist practice. We will only enter the path to Buddhahood by making tireless effort based on the same determination as the Buddha.
________________________________
 
Daisaku Ikeda – A Youthful Diary (05 December 1952) p.119
 
The clear sky is more precious than ten thousand gold pieces. There are days when I feel deep gratitude and appreciation for the sun. From the perspective of the great workings of nature, how trivial matters of human conflict or political unrest appear to be! How limited and narrow people are!
A religion like the sun - no, greater, as the universe itself. This is the Daishonin's Buddhism. No philosophy or religion other than this Buddhism can illuminate the darkness of the ten thousand years of the Latter Day of the Law.
  ________________________________

Sensei's Daily Encouragement -March 14 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
March 14, 2026
 
As SGI leaders, how we interpret the words of members and what we say in response is important. A genuine leader is someone who gives measured thought to such matters. When talking with individuals, ask yourselves: "What are they worried about?" "What are they trying to say?" "What are they thinking? "What is it they seek?" Try to discern these things in others. Try to know. Try to understand. This is the challenge of leadership. From such compassion arises wisdom.
________________________________
 
From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
March 14, 2026
 
While I was there, however, you and your husband, the lay priest of Ko, being apprehensive of the eyes of others, brought me food in the middle of the night. Never fearing even punishment from the provincial officials, you are persons who were ready to sacrifice yourselves for me. Thus, though it was a harsh land, when I left, I felt as if the hair that had been shaved from my head were being tugged from behind and as if with each step I took I were being pulled back.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 596
Letter to the Lay Nun of Ko
Written to the lay nun of Ko on June 16, 1275
________________________________
 
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
March 14, 2026
 
Depending on their outlook, people's old age will dramatically differ, especially in terms of the richness and fulfillment they will experience. Everything is up to our attitude, how we approach life. Do we look at old age as a descending path to oblivion? Or is it a period in which we can attain our goals and bring our lives to a rewarding, satisfying completion?
________________________________
 
Daisaku Ikeda – A Youthful Diary (05 December 1952) p.118
 
The brilliant moon shining in the cold night sky makes me temporarily forget the whirlpool of intense struggle I am in the midst of. How it calms my agitated mind, affording a respite to prepare me for tomorrow and the future! This is the Buddhism of 'the oneness of body and mind.' I have never before been as keenly aware of this principle, in my body, my spirit and my life, as I have this year. Rather, this year I sensed it so deeply I often felt alone or in anguish.
  ________________________________

Sensei's Daily Encouragement -March 13 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
March 13, 2026
 
If we don't practice gongyo, the rhythm of our lives will be thrown off kilter, just as a machine that isn't oiled will rust. Gongyo and chanting daimoku are like starting an automobile's engine every day and driving in the direction of happiness and truth. By doing so day after day, you will gradually attain perfect unity with the universe and the Law. That state is the state of the Buddha.
________________________________
 
From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
March 13, 2026
 
Abutsu-bo is therefore the treasure tower itself, and the treasure tower is Abutsu-bo himself. No other knowledge is purposeful. It is the treasure tower adorned with the seven kinds of treasures - hearing the correct teaching, believing it, keeping the precepts, engaging in meditation, practicing assiduously, renouncing one's attachments, and reflecting on oneself. You may think you offered gifts to the treasure tower of the Thus Come One Many Treasures, but that is not so. You offered them to yourself.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 299
On the Treasure Tower
Written to Abutsu-bo Nittoko on March 13, 1272
________________________________

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
March 13, 2026
 
In the face of rejection, you must learn to be courageous. It is important to believe in yourself. Be like the sun, which shines on serenely even though not all the heavenly bodies reflect back its light and even though some of its brilliance seems to radiate only into empty space. While those who reject your friendship may sometimes fade out of your life, the more you shine your light, the more brilliant your life will become.
________________________________

Daisaku Ikeda – A Youthful Diary (10 June 1951) p. 116

Before the Gohonzon, I must make a vow and deeply apologize. Also I must reflect on the following points:
 
1. Take action for propagation and practice for others.
2. Awaken to a sense of responsibility for the sake of my district.
3. Be careful about my speech.
4. Deeply reflect on my tendency to insist on my own viewpoint.
5. Be careful to show proper courtesy to senior members.
 
My language and actions with regard to Y. were clearly wrong. Must reflect. There is truly no end to my problems.
 
When we reflect, we can advance. Resolutely, determinedly. Nothing else suits my nature.
  ________________________________