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

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
July 3, 2026
 
Those who have a mentor in life are truly fortunate. The path of mentor and disciple is one that leads to personal development and growth. Those without a mentor may appear free and unbeholden to anyone, but without a solid standard or model on which to base themselves their lives will be aimless and wandering.
Events
Day of Mentor and Disciple
1945 President Josei Toda is released from Toyotama Prison.
1957 President Daisaku Ikeda is arrested in Osaka on false charges.
________________________________
 
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
July 3, 2026
 
Since the Lotus Sutra defines our body as the Dharma body of a Thus Come One, our mind as the reward body of a Thus Come One, and our actions as the manifested body of a Thus Come One, all who uphold and believe in even a single phrase or verse of this sutra will be endowed with the benefits of these three bodies.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 922
The One Essential Phrase
Written to the lay nun Myoho on July 3, 1278
________________________________
 
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
July 3, 2026
 
A mentor is indispensable if we are to develop into people of outstanding character. Viewed on a deeper level, our relationship with our mentor can have an even greater significance for us than our relationship with our parents. In the mentor-disciple relationship, we can find the very essence for achieving victory in life.
________________________________
 
Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (08 June 1954) p.175
 
A cool dreary day. My finances are marginal – like today’s weather. Felt uninspired all day. Scolded severely by Mr. Toda in the evening. The leaders closest to him were also scolded. A day that starts out wrong, ends up the same. Carp try again and again to climb a waterfall. Grass and flowers that have been trod upon, blossom again. Surmounting many adversities, people achieve greatness. Must youth be a time of such emotional turmoil?
_____________________________

Sensei's Daily Encouragement -July 2 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
July 2, 2026
 
The writer Goethe was an unflagging optimist. How was he able to maintain such optimism? Because he was always active. He did not allow his life to stagnate. He writes: "It is better to do the smallest thing in the world than to hold half an hour to be too small a thing." Spending thirty minutes a day assiduously challenging some undertaking can completely change our lives.
________________________________
 
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
July 2, 2026
 
The sutra teaches that women, evil men, and those in the realms of animality and Hell in fact, all the beings of the Ten Worlds can attain Buddhahood in their present form. [This is an incomparably greater wonder than] fire being produced by a stone taken from the bottom of a river, or a lantern lighting up a place that has been dark for a hundred, a thousand, or ten thousand years. If even the most ordinary things of this world are such wonders, then how much more wondrous is the power of the Buddhist Law!"
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 923
The One Essential Phrase
Written to the lay nun Myoho on July 3, 1278
________________________________
 
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
July 2, 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.
________________________________
 
Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (07 June 1954) p.174
 
Read Wind and Waves, a book that describes the life of Teisuke Akiyama. Though it seems his life was truly interesting, I cannot sympathize with his way of thinking. Each has his or her own way of living, so as not to have any regrets. Akiyama took his course and I shall take mine.
_____________________________

Sensei's Daily Encouragement -July 1 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
July 1, 2026
 
"Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is like the roar of a lion," the Daishonin says (The Major Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 119). It is by chanting powerful daimoku, like a lion's roar, that we can move the Buddhist deities, the protective forces of the universe. The voice is very important - it has profound power. While naturally being careful not to disturb your neighbours, I hope you will endeavour to chant cheerful and powerful daimoku that reaches all the Buddhist deities and Buddhas throughout the 10 directions.
________________________________
 
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
July 1, 2026
 
Though evils may be numerous, they cannot prevail over a single great truth, just as many raging fires are quenched by a single shower of rain. This principle also holds true with Nichiren and his followers.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 618
Many in Body, One in Mind
Written to the lay priest Takahashi on August 6, year unknown
________________________________
 
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
July 1, 2026
 
If we cherish the spirit to repay our debt of gratitude in the depths of our hearts, then our good fortune will increase by leaps and bounds. No matter how much action people might seem to be taking outwardly, if they lack the spirit to repay their debt of gratitude, their arrogance will destroy their good fortune.
________________________________
 
 Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (27 May 1954) p.173
 
9:30 – a chapter leaders meeting at O.’s. This month resulted in 420 new families. Worried that the chapters may get too caught up in the propagation numbers alone. My hope is that we will advance steadily, amid warm bonds of unity, without one person discarding faith or disrespecting the Gohonzon. But can such a large-scale movement be free from a little overzealousness; can we help becoming result-oriented? As of now, I cannot answer these questions, even for myself.
_____________________________

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

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
June 30, 2026
 
The place where we are right now is what matters. This is all the more true for us who embrace the Mystic Law. Buddhism teaches that we can transform wherever we are into the Land of Eternally Tranquil Light.
________________________________
 
From the Writing of Nichiren Daishonin
June 30, 2026
 
Because I have expounded this teaching, I have been exiled and almost killed. As the saying goes: "Good advice grates on the ear." But still I am not discouraged.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 748
The Essentials for Attaining Buddhahood
Written to Soya Jiro Hyoe-no-jo Kyoshin on August 3, 1276
________________________________
 
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
June 30, 2026
 
In one of his writings, renowned microbiologist Rene Dubos, stated. "History teaches that man without effort is sure to deteriorate; man cannot progress without effort, and man cannot be happy without effort." This is indisputable. You may be experiencing various hardships now, but because you continue to make efforts in the midst of those challenges, no matter how painful they are, you will definitely become happy. Effort and happiness are indivisible.
________________________________
  
Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (25 May 1954) p.173
 
Physical condition extremely poor. Have been pondering deeply my severe destiny. Pained over the complexity of my own feelings.
The Suiko Group met at 6:00 at the headquarters. My spirits were not especially high. Like a brave soldier who has just entered a peaceful forest. The other members, though, were quite inspired. This is as it should be. Received strict guidance from President Toda. Felt as if I had been stabbed in the chest. Faith. Nothing but faith. Faith with passionate resolve.
_____________________________

Sensei's Daily Encouragement -June 29 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
June 29, 2026
 
The important thing is to advance brightly and strive to be victorious at each moment, right where we are; to begin something here and now instead of fretting and worrying over what will happen. This is the starting point for transforming our lives.
________________________________
 
From the Writing of Nichiren Daishonin
June 29, 2026
 
If one hopes to study and master Buddhism, then one cannot do so without devoting time to the task.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 690
On Repaying Debts of Gratitude
Written to Joken-bo and Gijo-bo on July 21, 1276
________________________________
 
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
June 29, 2026
 
Originally, every person's life is a brilliantly shining mirror. Differences arise depending on whether one polishes this mirror: A polished mirror is the Buddha's life, whereas a tarnished mirror is that of a common mortal. Chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is what polishes our lives.
________________________________
 
Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (19 May 1954) p.172
 
Physical condition very poor.
Could I be suffering from tuberculosis? Or perhaps I have stomach trouble or diabetes. How I wish I was healthy.
If the principle ‘the oneness of body and mind’ is true, then my spiritual determination should spur me on, and there is no reason my body cannot be restored to health. Reflecting, I realize I must firmly establish powerful faith.
_____________________________

Sensei's Daily Encouragement -June 28 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
June 28, 2026
 
In the "Ongi Kuden" (Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings), the Daishonin says, "One should regard meeting obstacles as true peace and comfort" (Gosho Zenshu, p. 750). You may wonder how encountering obstacles could be a source of peace and comfort. But the truth of the matter is that through struggling against and overcoming difficulties, we can transform our destiny and attain Buddhahood. Confronting adversity, therefore, represents peace and comfort.
________________________________
 
From the Writing of Nichiren Daishonin
June 28, 2026
 
The fourth volume of the Lotus Sutra states, "[I will send...] men and women of pure faith, to offer alms to the teachers of the Law." The meaning of this sutra passage is that the heavenly gods and benevolent deities will assume various forms such as those of men and women, and present offerings to help the persons who practice the Lotus Sutra. There can be no doubt that this refers to you and your wife being born as a man and woman, and making offerings to Nichiren, the teacher of the Law.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 35
The Izu Exile
Written to Funamori Yasaburo on June 27, 1261
________________________________
 
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
June 28, 2026
 
If you are unwilling to make efforts to heal yourself, it will be very difficult to cure your illness. One day of life is more valuable than all the treasures of the major world system, so first you must muster sincere faith - Nichiren
________________________________
 
Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (18 May 1954) p.172
 
Attended a chapter leaders meeting at S.’s in the evening. To Jozai-jo afterward for a meeting of the Fourth Corps. Gave my utmost. The Gakkai is advancing rapidly. The chapters and the youth division are seeing victory as well.
Want to live undefeated until the end. Want my life to be a succession of victories.
_____________________________

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.
________________________________
 
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
________________________________
 
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.
________________________________
 
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.
_____________________________