Sensei's Daily Encouragement -July 10 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
July 10, 2026

Beethoven is called a genius. But we need to be aware that his genius was based on incredibly strenuous effort. It all comes down to hard work, to tenacious efforts. You cannot become a person of the highest caliber if you have a casual, easygoing attitude, thinking things will somehow just fall into place. Accordingly, Beethoven's motto was "No day without a line." Every day without fail, he wrote music. He would not let even a single day pass without working assiduously. To continue every day-this is just like our practice of gongyo. Making persistent efforts each day is a source of tremendous strength.
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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
July 10, 2026

Just as the Buddha's words in the sutra predict, the ruler grew hostile and the common people began to attack me. And because they treated me with enmity, heaven grew enraged, the sun and moon displayed great changes in their behavior, and huge comets appeared. The earth shook as though it would turn over, internecine strife broke out, and they were attacked by a foreign country. All happened just as the Buddha had predicted, and there is no doubt that I, Nichiren, am the votary of the Lotus Sutra.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 607
Reply to the Lay Priest Takahashi
Written to the lay priest Takahashi on July 12, 1275
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
July 10, 2026

People's hearts are growing more complex, more confused and harder to understand. The same is true for human institutions. The darkness of this complicated and disturbed age may grow even deeper. This is why there is an even greater need for the brilliant inner light of culture, for education that polishes people's wisdom and character. This is the key to winning in life.
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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (22 June 1954) p.181

There are days when the sun shines and others when it remains hidden. There are days my faith is dynamic and others when it seems somehow weak. Is it fitting to compare the two? What great effort is required to continue throughout life with faith like flowing water. My deepest respect goes to those who have assiduously persevered in their faith for ten or twenty years, though they may be aged or living a mundane life.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -July 9 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
July 9, 2026

Even in times of hardship, the important thing is for each of us to determine that we are the star, protagonist and hero of our lives and keep moving forward. Putting ourselves down and shrinking back from the obstacles looming before us spell certain defeat. Through making ourselves strong and developing our state of life, we can definitely find a way through. As long as we uphold the Mystic Law throughout our lives, we can break through any impasse and surmount any obstacle. We will also be able to lead all those who are suffering to happiness.
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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
July 9, 2026

Strengthen your faith now more than ever. Anyone who teaches the principles of Buddhism to others is bound to incur hatred from men and women, priests and nuns. Let them say what they will. Entrust yourself to the golden teachings of the Lotus Sutra, Shakyamuni Buddha, T'ien-t'ai, Miao-lo, Dengyo, and Chang-an. This is what is signified by the expression, "practicing according to the Buddha's teachings."

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 626
The Embankments of Faith
Writen to the lay nun Sennichi on September 3, 1275
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
July 9, 2026

When open and engaged, we are experiencing the greater self. When closed off, we are putting forth our "lesser self." The lesser self is a deluded condition, while the greater self is synonymous with the Buddha nature. To live for the greater self means to recognize the universal principle behind all things and, thus awakened, rise above the suffering caused by awareness of impermanence. A belief in something eternal is needed to enhance our quality of existence. By believing this lifetime is the be-all and end-all of existence, we will miss out on living a truly profound life. When our viewpoint expands beyond the boundaries of our present existence to include the entire, eternal universe, we can live deeply fulfilling lives.
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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (17 June 1954) p.179

Talked over various matters for about an hour with Senior Director M.

At 7:00, a unit chiefs meeting was held for Bunkyo chapter at the headquarters.

Shared my thoughts on the following topics:

1. The meaning of faith as freedom from doubt.

2. Doing our best in our present positions.

3. Never being passive; instead taking the initiative in faith activities.

A bright, pleasant meeting. Faith, study, work - these I must repeat throughout my entire life.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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