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

   

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
July 8, 2026

We must make steady and persistent efforts firmly grounded in daily life. If we travel in the orbit of "faith equals daily life," all our prayers will definitely be answered. We can then lead lives in which all our desires will be fulfilled. Should all our prayers be answered without our having to make any effort, we would grow lazy. Should all our desires be achieved without our ever having to experience suffering or hardship, we could not understand the pain and struggles of others, and our compassion would gradually wane.
________________________________

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
July 8, 2026

Just as I was thinking that, even if I remained free from illness, I would surely die of starvation, the wheat that you sent arrived. It is more wonderful than gold and more precious than jewels. Rida's millet changed into a golden man. How, then, could Tokimitsu's wheat fail to turn into the characters of the Lotus Sutra? These characters of the Lotus Sutra will become Shakyamuni Buddha and then a pair of wings for your deceased father, flying and soaring to the pure land of Eagle Peak. On returning, they will cover your body and protect you.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 926
Reply to Tokimitsu
Written to Nanjo Tokimitsu on July 8, 1278
________________________________

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
July 8, 2026

Buddhism concerns itself with winning. When we battle a powerful enemy, either we will triumph or we will be defeated - there is no middle ground. Battling against life's negative functions is an indivisible part of Buddhism. It is by being victorious in this struggle that we become Buddhas. We have to win. Moreover, Buddhism ensures that we can definitely do so.
________________________________

Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (16 June 1954) p.178

Nothing is more beautiful or worthy of respect than the human mind. But, on the other hand, nothing can be so ugly. However much our technological society has progressed in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, this truth about the human mind never changes. This is because the principle 'three thousand realms in a single moment of life' illustrates the essence of life.

First, I must firmly establish this as my perspective on life. Then, I must perform a dance on the grand stage of kosen-rufu. Will overcome the storms of my youth.
_____________________________

Sensei's Daily Encouragement -July 7 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
July 7, 2026
 
Vital are wisdom, tenacity and self-expression, as well as the strong life force that makes these things possible. Buddhism is an earnest struggle to win. This is what the Daishonin teaches. A Buddhist, therefore, must not be defeated. I hope you will maintain an alert and winning spirit in your work and daily life, taking courageous action and showing triumphant actual proof time and again.
________________________________
 
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
July 7, 2026
 
Perhaps your deceased son has become a Buddha and, in order to guide his father and mother, has entered your hearts. The king Wonderful Adornment was an evil king. However, because his two sons, Pure Storehouse and Pure Eye, guided him to the way, he and his wife were both able to place their trust in the Lotus Sutra and become Buddhas. Mysteriously enough, your own circumstances are much the same.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1050
The Sons Pure Storehouse and Pure Eye
Recipient unknown; written on July 7, 1280
________________________________
 
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
July 7, 2026
 
Buddhism, which is founded on the law of cause and effect, stresses the concept of karma. This principle explains that life at each moment is subject to the cumulative effects of causes made in the past. What we do, what we say and what we think are all causes. And according to Buddhism, the moment we do something, say something or think something, an effect is registered in the depths of our being. Then, as our lives meet the right circumstances, the effect becomes apparent. Personality traits are strongly connected to our karma. The good news is that, unlike fate, our karma can be changed by causes we make from this moment forward. In fact, the practice of Buddhism is essentially the practice of continually changing our karma.
________________________________
 
Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (16 June 1954) p.178
 
Though we use the term members to describe our comrades in faith, when compared to the members of a labor union, of the communist or socialist parties, or even of conservative political groups, how much more profound, powerful and praiseworthy are the bonds we share - bonds of unity without prejudice or class distinction.
_____________________________

Sensei's Daily Encouragement -July 6 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
July 6, 2026
 
We could liken doing gongyo and chanting daimoku to the earth's rotation on its axis, while taking part in activities resembles the earth's revolution around the sun. To enter this path, which enables us to savour a state where life is an unparalleled joy, is itself proof of our attainment of Buddhahood. In the present age, SGI activities represent the means by which we can attain Buddhahood.
________________________________
 
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
July 6, 2026
 
Chang-an wrote, "If one befriends another person but lacks the mercy to correct him, one is in fact his enemy." The consequences of a grave offense are extremely difficult to erase. The most important thing is to continually strengthen our wish to benefit others.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 625
The Embankment of Faith
Written to the lay nun Sennichi on September 3, 1275
________________________________
 
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
July 6, 2026
 
A strong opponent helps us develop and forge our own strength and ability. When you encounter some challenge, rejoice and say to yourself, "I have met a rare and worthy adversary!" Greet everything positively, weather all storms with a strong, resilient spirit, and emerge triumphant. That is the Buddhist way of life.
________________________________

Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (15 June 1954) p.177
 
Periodically, ideals and reality mix and mind becomes very complex. There are times I want to blame others, while overlooking my own faults. Must not forg 
et to self-reflect and consider my own shortcomings.
_____________________________

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

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
July 5, 2026
 
What does attaining Buddhahood mean for us? It does not mean that one day we suddenly turn into a Buddha or become magically enlightened. In a sense, attaining Buddhahood means that we have securely entered the path, or orbit, of Buddhahood inherent in the cosmos. Rather than a final static destination at which we arrive and remain, achieving enlightenment means firmly establishing the faith needed to keep advancing along the path of absolute happiness limitlessly, without end.
________________________________
 
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
July 5, 2026
 
It is a rare thing to be born as a human being. And if, having been born as such, you do not do your best to distinguish between the correct doctrine and the incorrect so that in the future you may attain Buddhahood, then you are certainly not fulfilling your true worth as a human being.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 350
On Prayer
Written to Sairen-bo in September 1272
________________________________
 
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
July 5, 2026
 
Having the energy to argue is a sign of good health! When the two people in a relationship share similar conditions, it is only natural that they will lock horns from time to time. On the other hand, if one party begins to outgrow the other, then the two will probably not have serious confrontations, because their states of life are so different.
________________________________
 
Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (10 June 1954) p.176
 
Ten years from now, I think the Gakkai will be playing an important role at the core of society; active in the fields of politics, economics, culture and education. Now is the time to encourage youth division members to study earnestly, specializing in one of these specific fields. To this end, I must master many things myself.
The leaders should have the ability and power. They should never be sly or conniving. Without earnest study, they are not qualified to be leaders. As part of my responsibility, I will study, little by little. Reason and passion – intellect and conviction.
_____________________________

Sensei's Daily Encouragement -July 4 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

 

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
July 4, 2026
 
I place a high value on personal initiative. Spontaneity underlies the spirit of autonomy and independence; conversely, taking action because one is told to amounts to slavery of the spirit. Kosen-rufu will be advanced by brave people armed with the spirit of independence who voluntarily strive to fulfill the vow they made at the time of kuon ganjo. Because they struggle of their own volition, they have no complaints or grievances. The greater the obstacles they face, the greater the courage, wisdom and power they muster from within.
________________________________
 
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
July 4, 2026
 
Even if it seems that, because I was born in the ruler's domain, I follow him in my actions, I will never follow him in my heart.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 579
The Selection of the Time
Written to Yui in 1275
________________________________
 
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
July 4, 2026
 
A great inner revolution in just a single individual will help achieve a change in the destiny of an entire society and, further, will cause a change in the destiny of humankind.
________________________________
 
Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (08 June 1954) p.175
 
Feel especially tormented and lonesome tonight. Now, with no close friend or assistant, I feel as if my energy is waning, moment by moment. Tears flow in torrents. I do not want to die now. I am only twenty-six. It would be too miserable to die now without fully understanding the depth of my life, without having made any great contribution to humankind or society, or without repaying my debt of gratitude to my mentor.
_____________________________

Sensei's Daily Encouragement -July 3 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
July 3, 2026
 
Those who have a mentor in life are truly fortunate. The path of mentor and disciple is one that leads to personal development and growth. Those without a mentor may appear free and unbeholden to anyone, but without a solid standard or model on which to base themselves their lives will be aimless and wandering.
Events
Day of Mentor and Disciple
1945 President Josei Toda is released from Toyotama Prison.
1957 President Daisaku Ikeda is arrested in Osaka on false charges.
________________________________
 
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
July 3, 2026
 
Since the Lotus Sutra defines our body as the Dharma body of a Thus Come One, our mind as the reward body of a Thus Come One, and our actions as the manifested body of a Thus Come One, all who uphold and believe in even a single phrase or verse of this sutra will be endowed with the benefits of these three bodies.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 922
The One Essential Phrase
Written to the lay nun Myoho on July 3, 1278
________________________________
 
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
July 3, 2026
 
A mentor is indispensable if we are to develop into people of outstanding character. Viewed on a deeper level, our relationship with our mentor can have an even greater significance for us than our relationship with our parents. In the mentor-disciple relationship, we can find the very essence for achieving victory in life.
________________________________
 
Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (08 June 1954) p.175
 
A cool dreary day. My finances are marginal – like today’s weather. Felt uninspired all day. Scolded severely by Mr. Toda in the evening. The leaders closest to him were also scolded. A day that starts out wrong, ends up the same. Carp try again and again to climb a waterfall. Grass and flowers that have been trod upon, blossom again. Surmounting many adversities, people achieve greatness. Must youth be a time of such emotional turmoil?
_____________________________

Sensei's Daily Encouragement -July 2 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
July 2, 2026
 
The writer Goethe was an unflagging optimist. How was he able to maintain such optimism? Because he was always active. He did not allow his life to stagnate. He writes: "It is better to do the smallest thing in the world than to hold half an hour to be too small a thing." Spending thirty minutes a day assiduously challenging some undertaking can completely change our lives.
________________________________
 
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
July 2, 2026
 
The sutra teaches that women, evil men, and those in the realms of animality and Hell in fact, all the beings of the Ten Worlds can attain Buddhahood in their present form. [This is an incomparably greater wonder than] fire being produced by a stone taken from the bottom of a river, or a lantern lighting up a place that has been dark for a hundred, a thousand, or ten thousand years. If even the most ordinary things of this world are such wonders, then how much more wondrous is the power of the Buddhist Law!"
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 923
The One Essential Phrase
Written to the lay nun Myoho on July 3, 1278
________________________________
 
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
July 2, 2026
 
If we attain the state of Buddhahood in this lifetime, that state will forever pervade our lives. Throughout the cycle of birth and death, in each new lifetime, we are endowed with good health, wealth and intelligence, along with a supportive, comfortable environment, and lead lives that overflow with good fortune. Each of us will also possess a unique mission and be born in an appropriate form to fulfill it.
________________________________
 
Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (07 June 1954) p.174
 
Read Wind and Waves, a book that describes the life of Teisuke Akiyama. Though it seems his life was truly interesting, I cannot sympathize with his way of thinking. Each has his or her own way of living, so as not to have any regrets. Akiyama took his course and I shall take mine.
_____________________________