Sensei's Daily Encouragement -October 27 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
October 27, 2026

Whether we regard difficulties in life as misfortunes or whether we view them as good fortune depends entirely on how much we have forged our inner determination. It all depends on our attitude or inner state of life. With a dauntless spirit, we can lead a cheerful and thoroughly enjoyable life. We can develop a "self" of such fortitude that we can look forward to life's trials and tribulations with a sense of profound elation and joy: "Come on obstacles! I've been expecting you! This is the chance that I've been waiting for!"
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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
October 27, 2026

The function of fire is to burn and give light. The function of water is to wash away filth. The winds blow away dust and breathe life into plants, animals and human beings. The earth nourishes the grasses and trees, and heaven provides nourishing moisture. The five characters of Myoho-renge-kyo are also like that. They are the cluster of blessings brought by the Bodhisattvas of the Earth, disciples of the Buddha in his true identity.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 218
The Heritage of the Ultimate Law of Life
Written to Sairen-bo Nichijo on February 11, 1272
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
October 27, 2026

Literature that works to refine, deepen and save the human soul is akin to a religion that elevates and binds people together. And the texts of great religions, such as the Bible and the Buddhist scriptures, make great literature. Literature and religion are parts of the human heritage, and determining how to use that heritage is essential to our further growth as human beings.
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (12 January 1956) p.285

Attended a study meeting for the upcoming Study Department exam. All the participants showed the utmost seriousness. Nevertheless, their eyes sparkled. This is a world of devotion and joy unseen in other organizations.
Studied until 10:30pm, covering every subject.
I should worry about my next life. Reflected on my lack of ability. Study, study! Must pursue the two ways of practice and study.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -October 26 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
October 26, 2026

I hope that, basing yourself on faith, you will become wealthy people of virtue and influence who are widely respected. I would like to add, however, that worldly success is not equivalent to true happiness. Achieving this requires that we have a profound understanding of the nature of life. A person of success in the true sense is one who can enjoy a free and unrestrained state of life.
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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
October 26, 2026

Life is the foremost of all treasures. It is expounded that even the treasures of the entire major world system cannot equal the value of one's body and life.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1125
The Gift of Rice
Recipient and date unknown
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
October 26, 2026

Buddhism is a movement emphasizing self-education with the aim of unlocking and developing our inherent Buddha nature while at the same time bringing forth diverse wisdom and using various expedient means to help others tap their Buddhahood. This development of potential, this education of oneself and others, is the noblest path a human being can ever pursue.
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (10 January 1956) p.285

Suffering mentally and physically. Perhaps I am the best physician when it comes to my own life. Because I am young, my heart burns with ambition. I am also unyielding, like a great boulder. On the other hand, my state of life is free and expansive, soaring into the sky like a great bird. I also possess the mind of a naturalist, who wishes to escape from society’s harsh realities. I know the futility of seeking worldly fame and fortune and understand what it means to “perceive things exactly as they are.” Complex – the psyche of youth.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -October 25 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
October 25, 2026

It is the sharp sword of the Mystic Law and the great power of faith that enable us to completely sever the chains of suffering. Therefore, I wish to make it clear that to secure eternal freedom and happiness, you must absolutely not be cowardly, especially in faith.
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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
October 25, 2026

Moreover, I chant the daimoku, which is the heart and core of the entire sutra, and I urge others to do likewise. Although the mugwort growing in a hemp field or wood marked for cutting with an inked line may not be straight to begin with, they will as a matter of course become so. In the same way, one who chants the daimoku as the Lotus Sutra teaches will never have a twisted mind. For one should know that, unless the mind of the Buddha enters into our bodies, we cannot in fact chant the daimoku.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 670
The Blessings of the Lotus Sutra
Written to Myomitsu on March 5, 1276
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
October 25, 2026

Health is not simply a matter of absence of illness. Health means constant challenge. Constant creativity. A prolific life always moving forward, opening up fresh new vistas - that is a life of true health. An unbeatable spirit is what supplies the power to keep pressing ahead.
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (04 January 1956) p.283

Pondered the concept of ‘eternally endowed’ on the train home. Lament my lack of intelligence. Deeply aware that when all is said and done, there is no other way for me than to hurl myself into practice that will enable me to ‘transform faith into wisdom.’ Ah, such is the plight of a common mortal.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -October 24 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
October 24, 2026

The only way to succeed is by first bringing to completion that which is most immediate. This principle applies in all affairs - in our daily lives, our work and our families as well as in the progress of kosen-rufu.
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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
October 24, 2026

The sutra known as the Lotus Sutra is a scripture that has no match among all the sacred teachings of the Buddha's lifetime. And, as indicated by its words "between Buddhas," it can only be understood between one Buddha and another. Those at the stage of near-perfect enlightenment or below, on down to ordinary mortals, cannot fathom it. This is why Bodhisattva Nagarjuna stated in his Treatise on the Great Perfection of Wisdom that persons below the level of Buddha should simply have faith, and in that way they can attain Buddhahood.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1072
Reply to the Mother of Ueno
Written tot he lay nun Ueno on October 24, 1280
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
October 24, 2026

What one has done for another yesterday will be done for oneself today. Blossoms turn into fruit, and brides become mothers-in-law. ChantNam-myohorenge- kyo, and be always diligent in your faith - Nichiren
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (30 December 1955) p.277

Attended Bunkyo Chapter’s year-end meeting in the evening. My bad mood must have been very unpleasant for the members. Reflected. Took a taxi home. My house is so peaceful. Amid the simplicity glows a precious light of happiness. There are flowers in every room. A warm feeling.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -October 23 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
October 23, 2026

As far as the fundamental teachings of Buddhism and the Gosho are concerned, I hope that, regarding them as absolutely correct, you will first and foremost strive to put them into practice. I urge you to do so because this is the shortest route to understanding the essence of Buddhism in the depths of your life.
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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
October 23, 2026

No matter how earnestly Nichiren prays for you, if you lack faith, it will be like trying to set fire to wet tinder. Spur yourself to muster the power of faith. Regard your survival as wondrous. Employ the strategy of the Lotus Sutra before any other.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1000
The Strategy of the Lotus Sutra
Written to Shijo Kingo on October 23, 1279
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
October 23, 2026

The misfortune of others is our misfortune. Our happiness is the happiness of others. To see ourselves in others and feel an inner oneness and sense of unity with them represents a fundamental revolution in the way we view and live our lives. Therefore, discriminating against another person is the same as discriminating against oneself. When we hurt another, we are hurting ourselves. And when we respect others, we respect and elevate our own lives as well.
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (22 December 1955) p.275/276

Spent half the day with Sensei. Decided to read a biography he recommended to me. Sensei’s physical condition seems to be worsening. “I am really living the passage, ‘The teaching which I preach, I practice in my heart’, he said with a smile. He also told me: “Dai, life means suffering. Only when you suffer can you understand faith and become a great individual.” Ashamed of my own shallowness.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -October 22 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
October 22, 2026
 
The main point is to enable one member to stand up by imparting heartfelt assurance and understanding. It is the explosion of faith in the microcosm of an individual that causes the macrocosm of the organization -a gathering of many such individuals - to commence its revolution. This is how the doctrine of a life-moment possesses 3,000 realms applies to our practice.
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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
October 22, 2026
 
Although unworthy, I propagate the Lotus Sutra; hence heavenly devils have competed to deprive me of food. Understanding this, I have no complaint, but I believe that I survived this time only because Shakyamuni Buddha entered your body to help me.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 952
General Stone Tiger
Written to Shijo Kingo on October 22, 1278
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
October 22, 2026
 
Any position, honour or wealth we may gain we will possess only during our present existence. But the unshakable state of life we develop through faith in Nam-myoho-renge-kyo represents our greatest spiritual treasure.
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (11 November 1955) p.272
 
What is faith?
What is society?
What is country?
Economics? Politics? Culture?
 
At times I think randomly. It is important to ponder. I want, however, to live my life earnestly and thoroughly, reflecting on my incomplete self in a way most befitting my growth. Must try hard to develop the insight to perceive other people’s true worth, their fortune and their essential nature. Also, will try my best to enable each person to move strongly and bravely, in the direction of the greatest good.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -October 21 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
October 21, 2026

The mentality of getting others to do the hard work while one sits back and takes it easy - that is bureaucratism at its worst; it is not faith. The spirit of taking on the hard work oneself - that is faith, that is humanism.
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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
October 21, 2026

The mighty warrior General Li Kuang, whose mother had been devoured by a tiger, shot an arrow at the stone he believed was the tiger. The arrow penetrated the stone all the way up to its feathers. But once he realised it was only a stone he was unable to pierce it again. Later he came to be known as General Stone Tiger. This story applies to you. Though enemies lurk in wait for you, your resolute faith in the Lotus Sutra has forestalled great dangers before they could begin. Realising this, you must strengthen your faith more than ever.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 953
General Stone Tiger
Written to Shijo Kingo on October 22, 1278
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
October 21, 2026

Our lives grow to the degree that we give hope and courage to others and enable them to develop their lives. Therefore, while we speak of practicing Buddhism for others, it is we ourselves who ultimately benefit. With this understanding comes the ability to take action with a sense of appreciation.
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (10 November 1955) p.271

Everyone has periods when things go well and times when they aren’t so smooth. But such distinctions disappear when a person is truly strong and capable.
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At night, I composed a poem titled “Human Revolution”:
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Beginningless voyage of life,

Eternal motion of the macrocosm,

As the morning sun soars into the sky,

Life stirs anew among the buds.
 
The power of myoho, fundamental force of nature,

Strong enough to shatter boulders,

Or dispel the darkness of our evil karma.
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