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

  


Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
February 3, 2026
 
I can declare with confidence that each of you who bravely exerts yourself in doing Gakkai activities and taking leadership for kosen-rufu, calmly overcoming every obstacle along the way, will enjoy immeasurable benefit. I can state with certitude too that each of you is in perfect accord with the Daishonin's spirit. Your efforts win his unrestrained applause and approval.
Events: 
1987 Calabasas, California, campus of Soka University of America, founded by SGI President Ikeda, opens.
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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
February 3, 2026
 
Great events never have minor omens. When great evil occurs, great good follows. Since great slander already exists in our land, the great correct Law will spread without fail. What could any of you have to lament? Even if you are not the Venerable Mahakashyapa, you should all perform a dance. Even if you are not Shariputra, you should leap up and dance. When Bodhisattva Superior Practices emerged from the earth, did he not emerge dancing?"
 
 The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1119
Great Evil and Great Good
Date and recipient unknown
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
February 3, 2026
 
Because we live in the human realm, we of course experience problems and suffering. Life is filled with contradictions. But if we refuse to be defeated by them and persist in our faith, we are certain to advance along the path towards happiness and victory. This is the essential power of Buddhism.
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (18 December 1957) p.365
 
Had a fever all day. A daily battle against the devil of illness. Decided to reread Collected Works of George A. Gamow. Transcending my past preconceptions about Buddhism, I steadily realize the greatness of this Buddhism of sowing.
 
As my mentor always says, "The more science advances, the easier it will be to prove the profound significance of this great Buddhism."
 
(George Gamow (1904-1968), Ukrainian-born theoretical physicist and cosmologist; an early advocate and developer of Lemaître's Big Bang theory)
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -February 2 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

  

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
February 2, 2026
 
Because life is long, you should not be impatient. What matters most is that you embrace the Gohonzon throughout your life. It is vitally important to continually challenge yourself to chant even a little more daimoku and to pray before the Gohonzon for the fulfillment of your desires.
 
Events: 1987 SGI President Ikeda formally opens the World Peace Ikeda Auditorium, the 1st building designed and built specifically for SGI-USA activities.
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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
February 2, 2026
 
Here I will make a great vow. Though I might be offered the rulership of Japan if I would only abandon the Lotus Sutra, accept the teachings of the Meditation Sutra, and look forward to rebirth in the Pure Land, though I might be told that my father and mother will have their heads cut off if I do not recite the Nembutsu, whatever obstacles I might encounter, so long as persons of wisdom do not prove my teachings to be false, I will never yield! All other troubles are no more to me than dust before the wind.
 
 The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 280
The Opening of the Eyes
Written to Shijo Kingo in February 1272
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
February 2, 2026
 
First of all, as to the question of where exactly hell and the Buddha exist, one sutra states that hell exists underground, and another sutra says that the Buddha is in the west. Closer examination, however, reveals that both exist in our five-foot body. This must be true because hell is in the heart of a person who inwardly despises his father and disregards his mother. It is like the lotus seed, which contains both blossom and fruit. In the same way, the Buddha dwells within our hearts - Nichiren
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (17 December 1957) p. 364
 
The general director stopped by in the morning. He brought his dog with him. Left for Sensei's house in Meguro at 8:00. He talked with us for about an hour. Reported on yesterday's general meeting and other matters. Sensei treated us to strawberries.
 
He said, "Daisaku, I want to fight for the next seven years until we attain a membership of two million households." "I will fight resolutely, with a hundred times the courage," I replied.
 
Nevertheless, in the depths of my life I feel a hint of loneliness. My sadness will not disappear. How long will Sensei live? What is his condition? Ah, how distressing. How miserable. How terribly regrettable. Sensei, I know. I do.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -February 1 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

  

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
 February 1, 2026
 
Buddhism teaches that one characteristic of a bodhisattva is being able to perceive the world's sounds. The insight needed to correctly discern and grasp developments in society and the times - even to anticipate them before they happen, is indispensable.
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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
February 1, 2026
 
If I remain silent, I may escape persecutions in this lifetime, but in my next life I will most certainly fall into the hell of incessant suffering. If I speak out, I am fully aware that I will have to contend with the three obstacles and four devils. But of these two courses, surely the latter is the one to choose.
 
 The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 239
The Opening of the Eyes
Written to Shijo Kingo in February 1272
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
February 1, 2026
 
While controlling your mind, which is at once both extremely subtle and solemnly profound, you should strive to elevate your faith with freshness and vigour. When you do so, both your life and your surroundings will open wide before you and every action you take will become a source of benefit. Understanding the subtle workings of one's mind is the key to faith and attaining Buddhahood in this lifetime.
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (15 December 1957) p.364
 
On the evening of the 14th, attended a meeting in Yoshihara City in Shizuoka Prefecture – a group of members connected with Bunkyo Chapter.
 
No spirit or vigor. Need to dispatch a capable leader to this area.

Returned home late at night. My wife waited up for me, sewing.
A beautiful night. Want to build a family vulnerable to no one, dependent upon no one.
 
Yes! Will advance tomorrow again, even if only an inch or two.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -January 31 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

  

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
January 31, 2026
 
Youth should not seek an easy comfortable path. No one develops in a pampered environment. Youth should instead actively seek out challenges and hardships, transforming them all into valuable assets as they strive to become individuals of outstanding character and ability.
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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
January 31, 2026
 
Carry through with your faith in the Lotus Sutra. You cannot strike fire from flint if you stop halfway. Bring forth the great power of faith, and be spoken of by all the people of Kamakura, both high and low, or by all the people of Japan as "Shijo Kingo, Shijo Kingo of the Lotus school!" Even a bad reputation will spread far and wide. A good reputation will spread even farther, particularly if it is a reputation for devotion to the Lotus Sutra.
 
 The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 319
Earthly Desires are Enlightenment
Written to Shijo Kingo on May 2, 1272
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
January 31, 2026
 
A higher religion does not negate rationality. No religion that suppresses human reason can earn the trust of humankind. Buddhism, the "religion of wisdom," is an extremely rational religion. In fact, it is so rational that many Westerners even question whether it can be classified as a religion, since it does not teach the existence of a supreme being in the image of humankind.
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (09 December 1957) p. 362
 
A cold day. When Sensei is not active, the Gakkai is somehow quiet. Asking myself whether this is acceptable.
Must increase my life force with daimoku. "Myo means 'to revive'."
…
On the 12th, the main funeral service for High Priest Nichiko Hori will be held at the head temple. My last pilgrimage of this year. Wish to offer him a heartfelt send-off to Eagle Peak. Did a fulfilling gongyo. Read.

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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -January 30 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

  

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
January 30, 2026
 
Buddhism teaches that "all phenomena in the universe are manifestations of the Law" (Gosho Zenshu, p. 564). I hope you will, with this understanding, engage yourselves in broad-ranging studies with vigour and determination. Your brains have a potential as vast and boundless as the universe. How then do we manifest the brain's full creative powers? There is only one way to bring out our full intellectual capacity: by constantly putting our minds to work.
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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
January 30, 2026
 
My disciples, you should believe what I say and watch what happens. These things do not occur because I myself am respect worthy, but because the power of the Lotus Sutra is supreme. If I praise myself, people will think that I am boastful, but if I humble myself, they will despise the sutra. The taller the pine tree, the longer the wisteria vine hanging from it. The deeper the source, the longer the stream. How fortunate, how joyful! In this impure land, I alone enjoy true happiness and delight.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 642
A Sage Perceives the Three Existences of Life
Written to Toki Jonin in 1275
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
January 30, 2026
 
Just as a diamond can only be polished by another diamond, it is only through intense human interaction engaging the entire personality that people can forge themselves, raising themselves up to ever-greater heights.
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (05 December 1957) p.361/62
 
A slight fever. A dark and gloomy day.
Spent the whole day battling myself; fighting for kosen-rufu. Way behind in writing my article. Very troubling.
Keenly aware of the excellence of President Makiguchi's and President Toda's scholarship. Lament my own lack of ability. Have no choice but to do human revolution.
Attended a YMD group chiefs meeting in the evening. Talked about Eta Benzo, the pioneer of Obihiro.
 
Boldly, I set my heart on the Northern Sea.
Let the wind blow!
Let the waves rise!
 
This verse speaks of destiny.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -January 29 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

 

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
January 29, 2026
 
Practicing Buddhism means being victorious. In advancing one step at a time amid the realities of our daily lives, in showing concrete actual proof, in becoming victors and successes we are demonstrating with our very beings the validity of Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism and serving as a source of hope and inspiration for those who will follow us on the path of faith.
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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
January 29, 2026
 
Understand then that the votary who practices the Lotus Sutra exactly as the Buddha teaches will without fail be attacked by the three powerful enemies. In the more than two thousand years that have passed since the Buddha's advent, Shakyamuni himself, T'ien-t'ai and Dengyo were the only three who perfectly carried out the Buddha's teachings. Now in the Latter Day of the Law, Nichiren and his disciples and lay believers are just such practitioners.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 395
On Practicing the Buddha's Teachings
Written to all followers in May 1273
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
January 29, 2026
 
It may seem perfectly all right to put ourselves and our own wishes first, to simply follow the dictates of our emotions and cravings, but the truth is that there is nothing more unreliable than our own mind. Life doesn't always go like clockwork and things will not necessarily turn out as we hope or plan. Consequently, Nichiren frequently stressed: "You should become the master of your mind, not let your mind master you." We mustn't allow ourselves to be ruled by a self-centered mind. Rather, we have to discipline our mind and gain mastery over it.
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (04 December 1957) p.361
 
Until ten: My childhood, as the son of a seaweed farmer.
Until twenty: Developed self-awareness, battled the devil of illness.
Until thirty: Buddhist practice and study; fighting to destroy the devil of illness.
Until forty: Perfect my Buddhist study; perfect my Buddhist practice.
Until fifty: Make my declaration to society.
Until sixty: Complete the foundation of kosen-rufu in Japan.
 
Many thoughts. Signposts for the future.
 
Now that I am approaching my thirties, I ponder alone how many of my life's goals I have completed.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -January 28 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

  

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
January 28, 2026
 
All of you are chanting for the happiness of many members - children of the Buddha - in your respective communities, you support and encourage them and work tirelessly on their behalf as if they were your own children. Your actions are truly those of great bodhisattvas, your state of life that of noble Buddhas.
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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
January 28, 2026
 
Let others hate you if they will. What have you to complain of, if you are cherished by Shakyamuni Buddha, Many Treasures Buddha, and the Buddhas of the ten directions, as well as by Brahma, Shakra, and the gods of the sun and the moon? As long as you are praised by the Lotus Sutra, what cause have you for discontent?"
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 464
The Unity of Husband and Wife
Written to Nichigen-nyo on January 27, 1275
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
January 28, 2026
 
Why are human beings born? This question has posed a great challenge. Josei 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 Nichiren Buddhism enables one to bring forth the great life force needed to lead such an existence.
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (03 December 1957) p.360
 
It's getting cold – at the headquarters, in the street and in my house as well. On the other side of winter the bright sunshine of spring awaits. Life always faces the bitter north wind and awaits the coming of spring.
Life and society are complex. But life is long, and society, vast. Without fear of failure, must polish my body and mind while being buffeted by the great north wind. While walking or riding on the train, I ponder such principles as 'all is changing, nothing is constant' and the four virtues – eternity, happiness, true self and purity.
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