Sensei's Daily Encouragement -March 9 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

  

  
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
March 9, 2026
 
The fundamental spirit of Buddhism is that all people are equal. A person is not great simply because of his or her social standing, fame, academic background or position in the organization. In the world of faith, the truly great are those who spread the Mystic Law and strive for kosen-rufu, who actively work for the sake of Buddhism and the happiness of others. Supremely respectworthy are those who champion the cause of kosen-rufu.
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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
March 9, 2026
 
Our contemporaries think of the five characters of Myoho-renge-kyo only as a name, but this is not correct. It is the essence, that is, the heart of the Lotus Sutra. . . . Those who seek the heart of the sutra apart from its title are as foolish as the turtle who sought the monkey's liver outside the monkey, or the monkey who left the forest and sought fruit on the seashore.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 861
This is What I Heard
Written to the lay priest Soya Jiro on November 28, 1277
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
March 9, 2026
 
Some people are overly critical of themselves and become listless and unassertive as a result. Rather than engaging in pointless self-flagellation, young people would do best just being what young people are: bold, audacious and gutsy -- and throwing themselves entirely into whatever the task at hand.
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Daisaku Ikeda – A Youthful Diary (31 May 1951) p.114
 
The greater the hardships we encounter, the more courageous and passionate we must become.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -March 8 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

  

  
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
March 8, 2026
 
The great French philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712- 78) wrote in his work Emile: "There is no happiness without courage nor virtue without struggle." Without courage there is no happiness and it is impossible to create a life of value. This is an unchanging rule of human existence.
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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
March 8, 2026
 
The debt of gratitude owed to one's father and mother is as vast as the ocean. If one cares for them while they are alive but does nothing to help them in their next life, it will be like a mere drop of water.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1033
On Filial and Unfilial Conduct
Written to Nanjo Tokimitsu on March 8, 1280
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
March 8, 2026
 
No great achievement is accomplished overnight or without difficulty. Should benefit be obtained easily without making any efforts in Buddhist practice, we'd probably just as easily abandon our faith and end up miserable as a consequence. Because it isn't easy to get into a highly ranked school, students study with all their might, gaining an abundance of knowledge and ability. Faith follows basically the same formula: Practice is essential to attaining Buddhahood.
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Daisaku Ikeda – A Youthful Diary (30 May 1951) p.114
 
More and more like summer every day.
First, believe in the Gohonzon
First, never doubt the Gohonzon
First, continue to pray to the Gohonzon
First, never leave the Gohonzon
First, proclaim the greatness of the Gohonzon.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -March 7 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

  

  
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
March 7, 2026
 
Calling forth the three powerful enemies and defeating them makes one a votary of the Lotus Sutra. It is only natural, then, when we advance upon the correct path of mentor and disciple originating with the Daishonin, we will encounter obstacles. By battling the three powerful enemies, we become genuine disciples of the Daishonin. In that respect, the authenticity of the path of mentor and disciple followed by the first three presidents of the Soka Gakkai has been proven beyond doubt.
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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
March 7, 2026
 
If the minds of living beings are impure, their land is also impure, but if their minds are pure, so is their land. There are not two lands, pure or impure in themselves. The difference lies solely in the good or evil of our minds. It is the same with a Buddha and an ordinary being. While deluded, one is called an ordinary being, but when enlightened, one is called a Buddha. This is similar to a tarnished mirror that will shine like a jewel when polished.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 4
On Attaining Buddhahood in This Lifetime
Written to Toki Jonin in 1255
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
March 7, 2026
 
When we revere Myoho-renge-kyo inherent in our own life as the object of devotion, the Buddha nature within us is summoned forth and manifested by our chanting of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. This is what is meant by "Buddha." To illustrate, when a caged bird sings, birds who are flying in the sky are thereby summoned and gather around, and when the birds flying in the sky gather around, the bird in the cage strives to get out. When with our mouths we chant the Mystic Law, our Buddha nature, being summoned, will invariably emerge.
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Daisaku Ikeda – A Youthful Diary (26 May 1951) p.113
 
When each individual understands the True Law, and it becomes the driving force, the fundamental principle for that age, how deep the nation's foundation will be! How reasonable and splendid a society will be established! People will then lead lives free from contradictions and deadlocks.
 
The True Law: Understand it deeply!
The True Law: Spread it widely!
The True Law: Apply it powerfully to your daily life!
The True Law: Praise it highly!
The True Law: Let it flow, purely, to the depths of your life!
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -March 6 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

  

  
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
March 6, 2026
 
There is no need for you to be impatient. If you can achieve something very easily right from the start, you will find no sense of fulfillment or joy. It is in making tenacious, all-out efforts for construction that profound happiness lies.
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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
March 6, 2026
 
A passage from the Lotus Sutra reads that it is "the most difficult to believe and the most difficult to understand." Many hear about and accept this sutra, but when great obstacles arise, just as they were told would happen, few remember it and bear it firmly in mind. To accept is easy, to continue is difficult. But Buddhahood lies in continuing faith.
 
 The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 471
The Difficulty of Sustaining Faith
Written to Shijo Kingo on March 6, 1275
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
March 6, 2026
 
 When we chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, the good and evil capacities of our lives begin to function as the exalted form of fundamental existence. Lives that are full of the pain of hell, lives that are in the state of hunger, lives warped by the state of anger -- such lives too begin to move in the direction of creating their own personal happiness and value. Lives being pulled toward misfortune and unhappiness are redirected and pulled in the opposite direction, toward good, when they make the Mystic Law their base.
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Daisaku Ikeda – A Youthful Diary (26 May 1951) p.113
 
My district has many points that need improvement. U. and T. came by late in the evening. Inwardly, I feel some Gakkai members could use a little more common sense. Spontaneity deserves respect. Nonetheless, it should be appropriate. Actions that cause trouble for others can in no way be called spontaneity. Rather, we could conclude that those who act in such a way are taking advantage of Buddhism.
Qualities like courtesy and common sense should serve to enhance spontaneity. They should not exist merely for their own sake.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -March 5 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

  

  
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
March 5, 2026
 
 The efforts made by one individual can be immensely important. Nichiren Daishonin repeatedly states that victory depends not on numbers but on a group or individual's attitude or resolve. In one passage he writes: "Everyone in Japan, from the sovereign on down to the common people, all without exception tried to do me harm, but I have survived until this day. This is because, although I am alone, I have firm faith [in the Lotus Sutra]"
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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
March 5, 2026
 
 The more gold is heated in the flames, the brighter will be its colour, the more a sword is whetted, the sharper it will become. And the more one praises the blessings of the Lotus Sutra, the more one's own blessings will increase. Bear in mind that the twenty-eight chapters of the Lotus Sutra contain only a few passages elucidating the truth, but a great many words of praise.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 673
The Blessings of the Lotus Sutra
Written to Myomitsu on March 5, 1276
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
March 5, 2026
 
Our individual lives are each infinite treasure houses. Our lives are clusters of blessings. Lasting happiness never comes from the outside. Everything of value emanates from within our own being. Faith in Buddhism means establishing one's true self. It is the recognition that the infinite horizon of the cosmos exists right here within the self. One's life opens out toward the cosmos and is enfolded in it, at the same time, one's life encompasses the entire cosmos.
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (31 March 1958) p.389
 
To Sensei's home in the morning. Immediately took a taxi with Sensei's wife to the Japan University Hospitality in Surugadai. The room was not very good. Negotiated again and again. Earnestly requested the best room possible, but to no avail. Truly regrettable. Dr. H. also asked for our understanding, calling it only temporary. An unavoidable choice. But sincerely urged the hospital to provide its best possible treatment.
 
Went back to the head temple… Immediately reported to the board of directors and the general director.
 
Sensei's condition is quickly worsening.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -March 4 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

  

  
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
March 4, 2026
 
Shakyamuni proclaims, "People who are vigilant do not die; people who are negligent are as if dead." This is definitely true. Unremitting diligence in our Buddhist practice - brave and vigorous exertion - infuses our lives with the great life force of the eternal Buddha. In contrast, people who try to get by in life through cunning and deception enact a living death.
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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
March 4, 2026
 
A woman who makes offerings to such a Gohonzon invites happiness in this life and in the next, the Gohonzon will be with her and protect her always. Like a lantern in the dark, like a strong guide and porter on a treacherous mountain path, the Gohonzon will guard and protect you, Lady Nichinyo, wherever you go.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 832
The Real Aspect of the Gohonzon
Written to Nichinyo on August 23, 1277
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
March 4, 2026
 
Life is an everlasting struggle with ourselves. It is a tug of war between moving forward and regressing, between happiness and unhappiness. Outstanding individuals didn't become great overnight. They disciplined themselves to overcome their weaknesses, to conquer their lack of caring and motivation until they became true victors in life. One reason Buddhists chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo each day is to develop strong will and discipline and, along with those, the ability to tackle any problem seriously and with the determination to overcome it.
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (30 March 1958) p.389
 
Stayed at Sensei's home until after 7:00 taking pains to prepare for his hospitalization. Tired. Exhausted, spiritually and physically.
Home after a long absence.
Pondered my destiny to live on the battlefield and struggle for the Law.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -March 3 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

  

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
March 3, 2026
 
What is youth? The French philosopher Roger Garaudy suggests that while most people believe a person is born young and then ages and dies in reality, acquiring youth in the deepest sense is a very long and challenging process. The youth of which he speaks is the spiritual strength not to stagnate or grow resistant to change but to stay ever open to new possibilities. It is the power of the spirit that refuses to succumb to complacency and strives forward.
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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
March 3, 2026
 
A mind now clouded by the illusions of the innate darkness of life is like a tarnished mirror, but when polished, it is sure to become like a clear mirror, reflecting the essential nature of phenomena and the true aspect of reality. Arouse deep faith, and diligently polish your mirror day and night. How should you polish it? Only by chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 4
On Attaining Buddhahood in this Lifetime
Written to Toki Jonin in 1255
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
March 3, 2026
 
It all comes down to you. I hope you won't rely on others or wait for them to do something. Try to develop such a strong sense of responsibility that you can stand up to the fiercest storms, confidently proclaiming, "I'll do it. Just watch me!" Please confront reality, look it squarely in the face, and with guts, wisdom and strength, challenge everything that lies ahead of you.
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (30 March 1958) p.388
 
Discussed Sensei's hospitalization with his son. His wife said, "I want him to come home." But the son suggested hospital care. We also recommended Sensei check into a hospital. In my heart, though, I hesitated about whether I should be responsible to honor Sensei's wish to "return to the headquarters."
 
Feel as if I am falling into a bottomless abyss. Lament my lack of strength as a disciple. Ah… will I gain it in this lifetime? Must take a strict look at myself. To make up for this, I have no choice but to carry through with Sensei's spirit throughout my life.
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