Sensei's Daily Encouragement -July 26 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
July 26, 2026
 
 Faith is perseverance. The key to victory in any struggle in life is persistence. That is why Nichiren Daishonin stresses the importance of having faith that flows ceaselessly like water rather than faith that flames up briefly like fire. To advance continuously, it is important never to become exhausted. Carrying out activities until late at night does not equate with strong faith.
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 From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
 July 26, 2026
 
 Faith in this sutra means that you will surely attain Buddhahood if you are true to the entirety of the Lotus Sutra, adhering exactly to its teachings without adding any of your own ideas or following the arbitrary interpretations of others.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1030
Letter to Niike
Written to Niike Saemon-no-jo in February 1280
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 Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
 July 26, 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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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (10 July 1954) p.189
 
Visited Sensei's home in the evening for summer season greetings. Imposed on them until late in the evening. They fed me well - feel ashamed. Mrs Toda taught me something about women's kimonos, cooking, important things women must be aware of and other subjects. Left for home a little before midnight.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -July 25 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
July 25, 2026

 Buddhism is, in a sense, an eternal struggle between the Buddha and demons; in other words, a contest between positive and negative forces. If we fail to be assailed by negative influences, we cannot be said to be truly practicing Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism. Buddhist practice lies in bravely facing and overcoming adversity.
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 From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
July 25, 2026

 A bird's egg contains nothing but liquid, yet by itself this develops into a beak, two eyes, and all the other parts, and the bird soars into the sky. We, too, are the eggs of ignorance, which are pitiful things, but when nurtured by the chanting of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, which is like the warmth of the mother bird, we develop the beak of the thirty-two features and the feathers of the eighty characteristics and are free to soar into the skies of the true aspect of all phenomena and the reality of all things.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1030
Letter to Niike
Written to Niike Saemon-no-jo in February 1280
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
July 25, 2026

 Many people talk about peace, but few really do anything about it. Very few are willing to fight the battle to the end. Josei Toda instilled in me the hard and fast rule that, even if we stand alone, we must never give up but must see the struggle through to its conclusion.

The year before he died, he said something I have never forgotten for a minute: "If we don't fight, justice will be defeated. Because justice is on our side, we must not lose, we absolutely must win. That's why we fight. The lion is most lion like when he roars."
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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (08 July 1954) p.188/9

7:00 - to Tsurumi Chapter to lecture on "The Opening of the Eyes". Put my whole life into it. Returning home, thought of how sorry I will feel for the members who come to my lectures if I do not grow more. True ability. Must always nurture and strive to develop my true ability.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -July 24 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
July 24, 2026

 Our lives are our own. It is not for someone else to dictate to us how we should live them. All that awaits those who allow themselves to be continually swayed by what other people say or do is unhappiness. We simply need to have the self-belief to be able to say: "This is right. This is the path I will follow. I am content." Happiness is born from such inner fortitude. Moreover, those who earnestly devote themselves in accord with the Mystic Law cannot fail to realize lives of total fulfillment.
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 From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
July 24, 2026

 The Great Teacher Nan-yueh has stated, "If one sees a foe of the Lotus Sutra and yet fails to censure him, one becomes a slanderer of the Law and will fall into the hell of incessant suffering." Even a man of great wisdom, if he sees such a person and fails to speak out, will fall into the depths of the hell of incessant suffering, and as long as that hell shall endure, he will never escape.

 The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1021
Letter to Akimoto
Written Akimoto Taro Hyo-no-jo on January 27, 1280
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 Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
July 24, 2026

 The Argentine educator Almafuerte wrote: "To the weak, difficulty is a closed door. To the strong, however, it is a door waiting to be opened." Difficulties impede the progress of those who are weak. For the strong, however, they are an opportunity to open wide the doors to a bright future. Everything is determined by our attitude, by our resolve.
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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (07 July 1954) p.188

In good physical condition. Overjoyed. As usual, talked with staff members all morning. Seems that those who lead leisurely, uneventful lives become unhappy, while those who courageously challenge many waves of adversity find meaning in their lives...
 
My wife is three months pregnant. Feeling my responsibility growing heavier each day. As a man of responsibility, I will courageously fight to open the way, no matter what hardships I may face, for my wife and for my children.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -July 23 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
July 23, 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.
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 From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
July 23, 2026

 Among my disciples, those who think themselves well-versed in Buddhism are the ones who make errors. Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is the heart of the Lotus Sutra. It is like the soul of a person. To revere another teaching as its equal is to be like a consort who is married to two emperors, or who secretly commits adultery with a minister or a humble subject. It can only be a cause for disaster.

 The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 903
The Teaching for the Latter Day
Written to Nanjo Tokimitsu on April 1, 1278
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 Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
July 23, 2026

 I've suggested that the twenty-first be named the Century of Women. Women have the wisdom and strength to lead society in the direction of good, of hope and of peace. In expanding his own non-violence movement, Gandhi greatly relied on women. He said it is women who can teach pacific learning to a world that, while engaged in hostilities, nonetheless thirsts for the sweet dew of peace.
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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (03 July 1954) p.186

A hot day. The heat in the office was torturous. Couldn't help feeling exhausted. Felt like going home before the day was half over. Next month is the summer training course. Applications to participate will be accepted August 1-3. Each year, must use this training course as a steppingstone to train myself to my fullest ability. Must do away with my spoiled egoism.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -July 22 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
July 22, 2026

 Without practice or actual efforts, there is no bodhisattva. Action is the essence of a Buddha. A self-centered life lived solely in pursuit of one's own benefit and fortune is empty and base. A Bodhisattva of the Earth, in contrast, respects others and works for their happiness.
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 From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
July 22, 2026

 A good believer is one who does not depend upon persons of eminence nor despise those of humble station; who does not rely on the backing of superiors or look down on inferiors; who, not relying upon the opinions of others, upholds the Lotus Sutra among all the sutras. Such a person the Buddha has called the best of all people.

 The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 880
How Those Initially Aspiring to the Way Can Attain Buddhahood through the Lotus Sutra
Written to the lay nun Myoho in 1277
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 Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
July 22, 2026

 Josei Toda always urged us to live our lives with courage and never be cowards. He said: "Those who can't do anything but live cowardly lives are like beasts. They are ignoble and unhappy. Those who live out their lives courageously, on the other hand, lead the noblest and most sublime existences, they are happy."
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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (02 July 1954) p.185

The sun shone for the first time in quite a while. A bright morning. Nevertheless, could not absorb this morning's Western history lecture. Must not be lazy. Whoever fails to study deeply will regret it for a lifetime.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -July 21 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
July 21, 2026

 True and lasting happiness only and always comes from our own efforts, our own wisdom, our own good fortune. This is a fundamental truth. Faith is the key to strengthening our efforts, wisdom and good fortune; SGI activities are the key to strengthening ourselves.
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 From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
July 21, 2026

 What can we say, then, of persons who are devoting themselves to Buddhism? Surely they should not forget the debts of gratitude they owe to their parents, their teachers and their country. But if one intends to repay these great debts of gratitude, one can hope to do so only if one learns and masters Buddhism, becoming a person of wisdom.

 The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 690
On Repaying Debts of Gratitude
Written to Joken-bo and Gijo-bo on July 21, 1276
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 Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
July 21, 2026

 We can lose ourselves in romantic attachment, but the truth is, the euphoria is unlikely to last for long. Indeed, the likelihood of undergoing suffering and sadness only grows over time. As long as we remain unable to redress our own weaknesses, we will be miserable no matter where or to whom we may take flight. We can never become truly happy unless we ourselves undergo a personal transformation.
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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (01 July 1954) p.185

Hiromasa* stayed with my wife's parents. Talked quietly with my wife until late at night. Hope she will never become old. Want her to be eternally youthful.

* Hiromasa Ikeda, the eldest son of SGI President Daisaku Ikeda born 28 April 1953 (author of My Path of Youth)
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -July 20 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
July 20, 2026

 Our lives are ruled by impermanence. But simply realizing that changes nothing. There is no value in bleak pessimism. The challenge is how to create something of enduring value within the context of our impermanent lives. The Lotus Sutra teaches us how to do this.
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 From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
July 20, 2026

 To speak out without fearing others and without flinching before society this is what the sutra means when it says, "We care nothing for our bodies or lives but are anxious only for the unsurpassed way." It is not that one does not recall the calumny, the staves and stones that were suffered by Bodhisattva Never Disparaging. It is not that one is unafraid of the world. It is just that the censure of the Lotus Sutra is even more severe.

 The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1017
Letter to Akimoto
Written to Akimoto Taro Hyo-no-jo on January 27, 1280
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 Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
July 20, 2026

 Although I and my disciples may encounter various difficulties, if we do not harbour doubts in our hearts, we will as a matter of course attain Buddhahood. Do not have doubts simply because heaven does not lend you protection. Do not be discouraged because you do not enjoy an easy and secure existence in this life. This is what I have taught my disciples morning and evening, and yet they begin to harbour doubts and abandon their faith – Nichiren
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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (01July 1954) p. 185

Tonight Mars shone with mysterious brilliance and clarity. Cannot help pondering the wonder of the universe and its heavenly bodies.

Fluctuations, centripetal force, gravitation; light-years, atmosphere, distance, circular form; living beings, life and death – how mysterious! Must come to understand it by living my entire life based upon the Mystic Law. Never have I thought so seriously about life and death as I have tonight. Rather, I have never been so worried about it.
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