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

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
June 27, 2026
 
In a world where indifference and inhumanity prevail, let us use our discussion meetings as the pivot for creating oasis of peace and harmony in our homes and in our local communities and then extending them to encompass every sphere of society.
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From the Writing of Nichiren Daishonin
June 27, 2026
 
Though worldly troubles may arise, never let them disturb you. No one can avoid problems, not even sages or worthies. Drink sake only at home with your wife, and chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. Suffer what there is to suffer, enjoy what there is to enjoy. Regard both suffering and joy as facts of life, and continue chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, no matter what happens. How could this be anything other than the boundless joy of the Law?"
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 681
Happiness in this World
Written to Shijo Kingo on June 27, 1276
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
June 27, 2026
 
When individuals practice a teaching as intended, the expected result becomes manifest in their lives as well as in their environment. Religion not only deals with spirituality but also has a significant impact - positive or negative, upon people's daily lives and their society. The nature and extent of a particular religion's impact becomes the standard for evaluating its validity.
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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (06 May 1954) p.170/71
 
Home from work with a severe headache. Even at home, I could not relax. Left the house at 3:30. Saw Mr. Toda in the president’s office at the headquarters. Reported to him on my physical condition. He gave me guidance: “You’re engaged in a battle with the ‘three obstacles and four devils’. There is no other way to break through than to pray, shedding tears before the Gohonzon.”
 
Must live powerfully!
Must stand up powerfully!
Must fight powerfully!
 
This is a battle between me and the devil of sickness.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -June 26 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
June 26, 2026
 
This spirit of engaging others in dialogue on equal terms is the essence of Buddhism. Ordering people about in a high-handed, arrogant manner, shouting at them to do one's bidding is truly deplorable behaviour. Such a world has no relation to Buddhism. Through dialogue Shakyamuni opened hearts that were closed, softened hearts that had grown hard and melted hearts that were frozen.
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From the Writing of Nichiren Daishonin
June 26, 2026
 
This is the first time that the fundamental darkness has erupted in the lives of ordinary people caught in the illusions of thought and desire. Even if they pray to the gods, the Buddha, or the Lotus Sutra, these calamities will only be aggravated. But it is different when the votary of the Lotus Sutra offers prayers to the essential teaching of the Lotus Sutra. In the final analysis, unless we succeed in demonstrating that this teaching is supreme, these disasters will continue unabated.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1114
The Treatment of Illness
Written to Toki Jonin on June 26, 1278
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
June 26, 2026
 
This lifetime will never come again, it is precious and irreplaceable. To live without regret, we must have a concrete purpose, continually setting goals and challenges for ourselves. And we need to keep moving toward those specific targets steadily and tenaciously, one step at a time.
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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (03 May 1954) p.170
 
During the next three years, I must pour extra effort into studying Buddhism. I have a fierce disposition – like a roaring waterfall. Whether this leads to good or evil depends on my faith. Must prepare my mind for the next advance.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -June 25 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
June 25, 2026
 
We live in an age where opportunities for profound life-to-life inspiration are all but nonexistent. Idle amusements bring only fleeting pleasure. They produce neither profound inspiration nor growth for one's life. By contrast, Buddhism exists to enable people to realize personal growth and to improve their lives. Buddhism is always rooted in the reality of life. It is the wellspring of wisdom for bringing harmony and happiness to our families, local communities and society at large.
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From the Writing of Nichiren Daishonin
June 25, 2026
 
There are trails in the sky where birds fly, but people cannot recognize them. There are paths in the sea along which fish swim, but people cannot perceive them. All people and things of the four continents are reflected in the moon without a single exception, but people cannot see them. But they are visible to the heavenly eye. In like manner, ordinary people cannot see that the "Treasure Tower" chapter exists within the body of Lady Nichinyo, but Shakyamuni, Many Treasures, and the Buddhas of the ten directions perceive it. I, Nichiren, also presume this to be the case.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 915
An Outline of the "Entrustment" and Other Chapters
Written to Nichinyo on June 25, 1278
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
June 25, 2026
 
The first thing is to pray. From the moment we begin to pray, things start moving. The darker the night, the closer the dawn. From the moment we chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo with a deep and powerful resolve, the sun begins to rise in our hearts. Hope - prayer is the sun of hope. To chant each time we face a problem, overcoming it and elevating our life condition as a result - this is the path of "changing earthly desires into enlightenment," taught in Nichiren Buddhism.
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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (03 May 1954) p.170
 
The tenth annual Soka Gakkai general meeting…
The clean-up was completely finished by 8:00. I bow my head in respect to those nameless individual young men and women who stayed behind, working quietly to clean up after the meeting. Felt unworthy to be directing them. Resolved in my heart that I shall never forget the feelings of those who toil inconspicuously behind the scenes.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -June 24 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
June 24, 2026
 
You must be strong. There is no hope of winning in this chaotic world if you are weak. No matter what others do or say, it is important to develop your ability and then put that ability to use. Strong faith, of course, is the best means for drawing out one's inner strength. You each have a very important mission, and I hope you will awaken to and be proud of that mission.
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From the Writing of Nichiren Daishonin
June 24, 2026
 
Everyone believes in those Buddhist teachers who were revered in their own time. But the Buddha enjoins us in the Nirvana Sutra as his final instruction, "Rely on the Law and not upon persons." The Buddha taught us to rely on the sutras if the Buddhist teachers should be in error. You say those teachers could not possibly be in error, but between the Buddha's golden words and your personal opinion, I am committed to the former.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 805
The Letter of Petition from Yorimoto
Written on behalf of Shijo Kingo on June 25, 1277
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
June 24, 2026
 
Flint has the potential to produce fire, and gems have intrinsic value. We ordinary people can see neither our own eyelashes, which are so close, nor the heavens in the distance. Likewise, we do not see that the Buddha exists in our own hearts - Nichiren
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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (22 April 1954) p.169
 
The first corps chiefs meeting, with new corps chiefs attending. Gave strict guidance.
1. Take responsibility
2. Give accurate direction and communication.
3. Do away with criticizing fellow believers.
4. Never behave in an authoritarian manner.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -June 23 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
June 23, 2026
 
Jesse Owens, who won four gold medals at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, later remarked that one's inner life is the true Olympics. Life itself is an Olympics where we strive each day to better own personal records.
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From the Writing of Nichiren Daishonin
June 23, 2026
 
Our present tribulations are like moxibustion; at the time, it is painful, but because it has beneficial after effects, the pain is not really pain. Urge on, but do not frighten, the ones from Atsuhara who are ignorant of Buddhism. Tell them to be prepared for the worst, and not to expect good times, but take the bad times for granted.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 998
On Persecutions Befalling the Sage
Written to all followers (and entrusted to Shijo Kingo on October 1, 1279
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
June 23, 2026
 
If a person is hungry, we should give them bread. When there is no bread, we can at least give words that nourish. To a person who looks ill or is physically frail, we can turn the conversation to some subject that will lift their spirits and fill them with the hope and determination to get better. Let us give something to each person we meet: joy, courage, hope, assurance, philosophy, wisdom, a vision for the future. Let us always give something.
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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (19 April 1954) p.168/69
 
Few friends know me.
Few members trust me.
Few seniors sincerely look after my development.
Few truly protect me.
No – such a spoiled attitude will not do.
Everything derives from my determination. Before Judging others, remember to look strictly at myself. Must take a good look at my own faith. The Gohonzon watches over and protects me. My mentor watches over me and guides my growth.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -June 22 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
 June 22, 2026
 
It's foolish to be obsessed with past failures. And it's just as foolish to be self-satisfied with one's small achievements. Buddhism teaches that the present and the future are what are important, not the past. It teaches us a spirit of unceasing challenge to win over the present and advance ever toward the future. Those who neglect this spirit of continual striving steer their lives in a ruinous direction.
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From the Writing of Nichiren Daishonin
June 22, 2026
 
In judging the relative merit of Buddhist doctrines, I, Nichiren, believe that the best standards are those of reason and documentary proof. And even more valuable than reason and documentary proof is the proof of actual fact.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 599
Three Tripitaka Masters Pray for Rain
Written to the lay priest Nishiyama on June 22, 1275
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
June 22, 2026
 
The Buddha keenly understands various sufferings as though his own children were experiencing them. Sorrow and empathy well from his life. A Buddha is a person of compassion. Josei Toda said: "Compassion is not a Buddhist austerity. It is something that should be expressed unconsciously and naturally in one's actions, and in the workings of one's heart. The Buddha knows no path of living apart from that of living with compassion."
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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (16 April 1954) p.167
 
Physically very ill. Pitiful. A young revolutionary with a great mission and dream for the future must never die young! I must live so I can show actual proof of my faith by changing my destiny…
Returned home around 10:30. Chapter members were waiting to receive guidance. All were suffering from grave daily-life problems. It made me truly appreciate the life-condition
and circumstances I am blessed with.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -June 21 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
June 21, 2026
 
When you devote your life to achieving your goal, you will not be bothered by shallow criticism. In fact nothing important can be accomplished if you allow yourself to be swayed by some trifling matter, always looking over your shoulder and wondering what others are saying or thinking. The key to achievement is to move forward resolutely along your chosen path.
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From the Writing of Nichiren Daishonin
June 21, 2026
 
I, Nichiren, have personally suffered each of the nine great ordeals. . . . These are hardships that T'ien-t'ai and Dengyo never met. Truly you should know that, adding Nichiren to the other three, there is now a fourth votary of the Lotus Sutra who has appeared in the Latter Day of the Law. How glad I am to fulfill the words of the prophecy from the sutra: "How much more will this be so after his passing?"
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 448
The Votary of the Lotus Sutra Will Meet Persecution
Written to all priest disciples and lay followers on January 14, 1274
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
June 21, 2026
 
Certainly there will be times when you wish you had more spending money, more time to sleep and more time for fun and recreation. You may feel restricted now, but you should consider your current situation as the perfect set of circumstances for your growth. Within the restrictions that define your present existence, the only thing to do is to discipline yourself and head in the direction of growth and self-improvement.
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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (14 April 1954) p.167
 
Argued with a visitor in the morning. It was my fault. Must reflect on my tendency to be satisfied with trivial successes….
 
At times I think of the organization as a hindrance. But I know that without an organization, the Gakkai, the individual members and their faith would become disordered and confused, ultimately resulting in the greatest unhappiness. Those who despise the organization appear to be self-centered and arrogant; ultimately they will fail in the world of faith. The most excellent principle of organization is none other than that of many in body, one in mind.
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