Sensei's Daily Encouragement -September 8 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
September 8, 2026

Without opposition there is no growth. It is hard to argue with that logic. A state in which we are free from problems or constraints is not happiness. Happiness is transcending all opposition and obstacles and continuing to grow.
Events
1957 President Josei Toda makes declaration against the use of nuclear weapons.
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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
September 8, 2026

Priests possessed by the heavenly devil, such as Ryokan and the others, deceived your father, Saemon no Tayu, and tried to destroy you and your brother, but you, having a wise heart, heeded Nichiren's admonition. Therefore, just as two wheels support a cart, or two legs carry a person, just as two wings enable a bird to fly, or just as the sun and moon aid all living beings, the efforts of you brothers have led your father to take faith in the Lotus Sutra.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 845
A Father Takes Faith
Written to Ikegami Hyoe no Sakan Munenga on September 9, 1277
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
September 8, 2026

The German author Herman Hesse writes that the more one matures, the younger one grows. Certainly there are many people who as they age become increasingly vigorous and energetic, more broad-minded and tolerant, living with a greater sense of freedom and assurance. It is important to remember that ageing and growing old are not necessarily the same thing.
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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (01 March 1955) p.230

Intense back pain – suffered all day. Could this be the work of the Devil of the Sixth Heaven? Can only chant to the Gohonzon for the protective functions of Bodhisattva Medicine King and the gods of Bonten and Taishaku to become manifest. Received a lecture from President Toda in his office on “One Hundred and Six comparisons.” Keenly aware of my own lack of intelligence.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -September 7 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
September 7, 2026

Freedom doesn't mean an absence of all restrictions. It means possessing unshakable conviction in the face of any obstacle. This is true freedom.
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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
September 7, 2026

The blessings from making offerings to a votary of the Lotus Sutra in the latter age exceed even those from making offerings to a Thus Come One endowed with the ten honorable titles, while those who persecute a votary of the Lotus Sutra in the defiled age will have their heads split into seven pieces.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 595
Letter to the Lay Nun of Ko
Written to the lay nun of Ko on June 16, 1275
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
September 7, 2026

How painful and frightening is the prospect of death for human beings! No matter how wealthy or powerful we may be, all is vanity before death. Everything is empty, like a dream or an illusion. But people do not face this fact. Nichiren Buddhism teaches us that we can transform our karma and attain a supremely peaceful death that is the start of a journey to our next lives.
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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (27 February 1955) p.229

Up at 8:00. While I am young, I do not want to live with reservations. It is vital that I act with conviction, life force and responsibility.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -September 6 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
 September 6, 2026

We often hear people say they aren't capable. But this is a defeatist attitude. If you feel you aren't capable, then tap into the great reservoir of potential that lies inside you. Since we embrace the Daishonin's Buddhism, we have recourse to daimoku. If we chant daimoku to the Gohonzon, we can bring forth all the ability and strength we will ever need.
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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
 September 6, 2026

Even if my counsel is heeded, if I am not given due respect as the votary of the Lotus Sutra, then the country will perish. How ominous that the authorities have turned hundreds of persons against me and have even banished me twice! This country is surely doomed, but since I have asked the gods to withhold their punishment on our land, it has survived until now. However, that punishment has finally descended because these unreasonable actions continued.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 773
The Actions of the Votary of the Lotus Sutra
Written to the lay nun Konichi in 1276
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
 September 6, 2026

There is nothing wrong with being successful in society and enjoying a degree of fame. But ultimately, the lives of those dedicated to the welfare and happiness of others, even if they remain unrecognized, are the ones truly worthy of respect.
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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (26 February 1955) p.228

Some days I feel little hope or joy; others, I sense progress and advancement. Ultimately, no matter how bad I feel, I must continue my training. Especially within the realm of Buddhist practice which enables us to grasp the eternity of life.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -September 5 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    


Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
September 5, 2026

Young people in school should make study their first priority. It goes without saying that faith is important, but faith is something we practice throughout our entire lives. There is a certain period and age when we should study. If we don't work hard during that period, we may fail to acquire important knowledge and skills, and we may come to regret it deeply later. Faith manifests itself in daily life. For young people in school, faith manifests itself in their studies. During this period, to devote themselves to study represents an important part of their practice of faith.
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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
September 5, 2026

These passages from the sutras speak of powerful enemies of the correct teaching. Such enemies are to be found not so much among evil rulers and evil ministers, among non-Buddhists and devil kings, or among monks who disobey the precepts. Rather they are those great slanderers of the Law who are to be found among the eminent monks who appear to be upholders of the precepts and men of wisdom.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 584
The Selection of the Time
Written to Yui in 1275
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
September 5, 2026

In the "Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings," Nichiren says, "One should regard meeting obstacles as true peace and comfort." You may wonder how encountering obstacles could be a source of peace and comfort. But the truth of the matter is that through struggling against and overcoming difficulties, we can transform our destiny and attain Buddhahood. Confronting adversity, therefore, represents peace and comfort.
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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (15 February 1955) p. 224

President Toda gave severe guidance from the morning on. My heart feels as if I am standing on an icy mountain peak, naked before the cold wind. No excuse. Spiritual age, physical age: must revolutionize both simultaneously. Actual proof will result from my Buddhist practice, due to the principle of ‘the oneness of body and mind.’
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -September 4 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
September 4, 2026

Leaders who are responsible for organizing and holding discussion meetings in the SGI must study. If they do not, they cannot hope to satisfy the participants and inspire them with fresh energy and enthusiasm.
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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
September 4, 2026

Question: Why do you alone spew forth such evil words about other people? Answer: I, Nichiren, am not condemning others. I am only pointing out the questionable places in their doctrines. If they want to get angry at me, then let them!".

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 867
Letter to Shomitsu-bo
Written to Shomitsu-bo in 1277
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
September 4, 2026

What was the secret to Thomas Edison's success? He explained that it was to never give up before he succeeded in what he was trying to do. Not giving up -- that's the only way. Once you give up you are defeated. This is equally true in the realm of faith. Quitting is not faith. We have to keep chanting until our prayers are answered. That is the correct way of prayer.
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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (10 February 1955) p.223

 Fatigued throughout my body. An agonizing day. Is it my evil karma? I am reading with my life the passage from a sutra that states, “The people’s sins are like frost or dew, which vanish in the sunlight of wisdom.”

At noon, shopped for birthday gifts for President Toda… Purchased a dress shirt, two neckties, pearl cuff links and a shoehorn. Confident these gifts express my sincere feeling.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -September 3 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
September 3, 2026

True character is only forged through hardship and suffering. Moreover, it is the mentor-disciple relationship, not organizational structures, that builds character. Many great scholars, pioneers and leaders of the world have come to note how crucial the mentor-disciple relationship is.
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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
September 3, 2026

Suppose there is a ship that sails on the open sea. Though the ship is stoutly built, if it is flooded by a leak, those on the ship are sure to drown together. Though the embankment between rice fields is firm, if there is an ant hole in it, then surely, in the long run, it will not remain full of water. Bail the seawater of slander and disbelief out of the ship of your life, and solidify the embankments of your faith.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 626
The Embankments of Faith
Written to the lay nun Sennichi on September 3, 1275
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
September 3, 2026

Viewing events and situations in a positive light is important. The strength, wisdom and cheerfulness that accompany such an attitude lead to happiness. To regard everything in a positive light or with a spirit of goodwill, however, does not mean being foolishly gullible and allowing people to take advantage of your good nature. It means having the wisdom and perception to actually move things in a positive direction by seeing things in their best light, while all the time keeping your eyes firmly focused on reality.
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 Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (9 February 1955) p.222

 Must apologize to President Toda for many things. Must spur myself on. Youth must not be caught up in the past. Isn’t the Daishonin’s teaching that of ‘for the present and the future’? If people become too caught up in the past, their hearts will age and their spirit will die. Must forge ahead, even if laughed at or scorned.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -September 2 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
September 2, 2026

The stronger the oppression from without, the stronger one's determination to summon forth one's inner resources to fight against it -- this is the spirit of youth.
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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
September 2, 2026

I hear that these priests have been slandering me for some years now. These mosquitos and gadflies, as it were, are such fools that they groundlessly revile Nichiren, who is like the lion king, when they have neither listened to nor seen him.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 856
The Third Doctrine
Written to Toki Jonin on October 1, 1277
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
September 2, 2026

Ultimately, happiness rests on how you establish a solid sense of self or being. Happiness does not lie in outward appearances nor in vanity. It is a matter of what you feel inside; it is a deep resonance in your life. To be filled each day with a rewarding sense of exhilaration and purpose, a sense of tasks accomplished and deep fulfillment -- people who feel this way are happy. Those who have this sense of satisfaction even if they are extremely busy are much happier than those who have time on their hands but feel empty inside.
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 Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (8 February 1955) p.222

 A quiet day. Reflected, must sincerely consider my societal obligations and responsibilities without ever becoming arrogant.

From tomorrow, must further intensify my determination and deal with everything that arises. Inertia and construction; obligation and privilege; negative and positive. Also, discipline and self-indulgence; confidence and self-contempt. What fine qualities and superior points do great people hold in common? Ultimately, isn’t it that they have successfully challenged and overcome their own weaknesses and persevered until they achieved their desired goals?
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