Sensei's Daily Encouragement -August 23 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    


Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
 August 23, 2026

Shijo Kingo, a person of strong faith, was at one point envied and slandered by others, earning the disfavour of his lord. But later he received a new estate from him. In modern terms, we might say that Shijo Kingo scored this victory by showing wonderful actual proof of faith at his place of work. The test of faith is winning in daily life and society, since that is where Buddhism finds expression.
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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
 August 23, 2026

How wondrous it is that, around two hundred years and more into the Latter Day of the Law, I was the first to reveal as the banner of propagation of the Lotus Sutra this great mandala that even those such as Nagarjuna and Vasubandhu, T'ien-t'ai and Miao-lo were unable to express! This mandala is in no way my invention. It is the object of devotion that depicts Shakyamuni Buddha, the World-Honored One, seated in the treasure tower of Many Treasures Buddha, and the Buddhas who were Shakyamuni's emanations as perfectly as a print matches its woodblock.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 831
The Real Aspect of the Gohonzon
Written to Nichinyo on August 23, 1277
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
 August 23, 2026

Ralph Waldo Emerson says, "Good-nature is plentiful, but we want justice with a heart of steel, to fight down the proud." If people are merely good-natured, then those who are arrogant and highhanded will have free rein to carry on as they please. Only those who fight with hearts of steel are people of justice.
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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (27 December 1954) p.206

Sensei scolded me severely. Like the strict anger of a father, the intensity of his voice made me want to cringe.

Ah, I was at fault. It is exactly as Sensei said. His strict love aims to prevent me from becoming a failure in life. He admonishes me so I will not become a general defeated in battle. Over the past several days, I have looked hard at my negative karma – my destiny. I have shed tears, felt frustration and pondered deeply. Determined to reply to Sensei’s expectations.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -August 22 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    


Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
August 22, 2026

It is not a question of your environment or those around you, nor what the organization or leaders may be like. To be swayed by such externals is pointless. It all comes down to one person: you. What matters is that you become a brilliant beacon, shining with joy and happiness and live your life with confidence and courage. If you shine with a radiant light, there can be no darkness in your life.
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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
August 22, 2026

By considering the magnitude of the punishment suffered by those who harbor enmity toward the Lotus Sutra, we can understand the magnitude of the benefits obtained by devoting oneself to it.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1095
Reply to Jibu-bo
Written to Jibu-bo on August 22, 1281
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
August 22, 2026

The times when I have most intensely felt and experienced the inner reality of creation have been those times when I have thrown myself wholeheartedly into a task, when I have carried through with that task to the very end. At such times, I experience a dramatically expanded sense of self. I can almost hear the joyous yell of victory issuing from the depths of my being.
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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (20 December 1954) p.205

Physical condition poor. Troubled by my deep karma. A frightening thing, this destiny. Physically, I feel like I have aged beyond my fifties. How much longer will I live? Some days I become too sentimental…

Yesterday, a YWD general meeting was held at the Meiji University Memorial Auditorium. During the meeting, I was formally appointed as divisional advisor. Felt no special joy or excitement, since I have been fulfilling this responsibility every day for some time now.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -August 21 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    


Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
August 21, 2026

Those who say "I'll do it," who are willing to take on a challenge even if they are alone, are true winners. The determination, the commitment to take action yourself, is the force that leads to victory. As Buddhism teaches in the principle of a life - moment possesses 3,000 realms, our mind or attitude can change everything.
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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
August 21, 2026

T'ien-tai states, "By observing the fury of the rain, we can tell the greatness of the dragon that caused it, and by observing the flourishing of the lotus flowers, we can tell the depth of the pond they grow in." Miao-lo says, "Wise men can perceive the cause of things, as snakes know the way of snakes." When the skies are clear, the ground is illuminated. Similarly, when one knows the Lotus Sutra, one understands the meaning of all worldly affairs.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 376
The Object of Devotion for Observing the Mind Established in the Fifth Five-Hundred-Year Period after the Thus Come One's Passing
Written to Toki Jonin on April 25, 1273
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
August 21, 2026

It is important to remember that your worth as a person is not based on your profession. It is not based on wealth, fame or academic credentials. What counts is how hard you have striven in your chosen path, how much good you have accomplished, how earnestly you have devoted your energies to it. It is your spirit of devotion, your sincerity, that determines your true worth.
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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (28 October 1954) p.204

A meeting to plan upcoming guidance and direction was conducted in the second president's room. The participants' views and opinions did not mesh. A problem. Would like to see the directorate develop a step further. If the senior leaders fails to develop their life-condition, how can their juniors feel any joy or happiness?

Live powerfully, to become an ally of people of the future. Fight powerfully, to become the friend of sincere and honest people. Advance powerfully, to break through conservatism and create reform.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -August 20 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
August 20, 2026

To be fearless no matter what happens - that is the root of true happiness. To move forward resolutely regardless of what lies in store - that is the spirit, the resolve, that leads to human victory. But if we allow ourselves to be disturbed by petty criticism and slander, if we fear pressure and persecution, we will never advance nor create anything of lasting value.
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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
August 20, 2026

And do not go around lamenting to others how hard it is for you to live in this world. To do so is an act utterly unbecoming to a worthy man.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 850
The Three Kinds of Treasure
Written to Shijo Kingo on September 11, 1277
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
August 20, 2026

Nature is like a mirror. It remains still, but I move. It seems unchanging, yet I am constantly changing. The mirror of nature reflects my inner world, the essence of humanity, and the great, all-embracing expanse of life itself. Only when we are connected to nature, engaged with nature, are we truly alive and vigorous. To really be alive, one must be under the sun, the moon, the shining stars and surrounded by the beautiful greenery and pure waters of the natural world.
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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (27 October 1954) p.204

The youth division general staff met in the evening. Not much was accomplished; everyone clung strongly to their opinions, personal views and prejudices. The powerful character, conviction and foresight of a central figure is vital.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -August 19 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

   

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
August 19, 2026

Buddhism is wisdom. As long as we have wisdom, we can put all things to the best use, we can turn everything in the direction of happiness.
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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
 August 19, 2026

During [Sudatta's] last period of poverty, when all the people had fled or perished and only he and his wife remained, they had five measures of rice that would nourish them for five days. At that time, five people , Mahakashyapa, Shariputra, Ananda, Rahula and Shakyamuni Buddha came one after another to beg for the five measures of rice, which Sudatta gave them. From that day on, Sudatta was the wealthiest man in all India, and he built the Jetavana Monastery. From this, you should understand all things.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1086
The Wealthy Man Sudatta
Written to Nanjo Tokimitsu on December 27, 1280
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
 August 19, 2026

Ultimately, we are responsible for our own destiny. It may seem to us that our fate is predetermined, whether by our genes or by our environment. What really matters, however, is how we can improve ourselves from this moment forward, how we can change the circumstances that we find ourselves in. This enormous transformative force is what Buddhism is all about. In this struggle lies the source of never-ending youth and vitality.
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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (13 October 1954) p.202

Walked home alone from Kamata Station. The autumn moon shone brilliantly. The heartbeat of youth – pristine, praiseworthy. One who protects the Mystic Law must become like the lotus, blooming amid the muddy swamp of our complicated society. Even if we find ourselves lonely, heartbroken, afflicted with sadness or in the midst of a trying or difficult time, we still have the Mystic Law. Never forget the moon and the greenery of nature. They are good friends.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -August 18 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
August 18, 2026

Buddhism is action. One meaning of kyo of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is action. Without action, we cannot say that we are practicing Nam-myoho-renge-kyo; it would merely remain a concept. Only through action are we able to truly gain the great benefit of the Mystic Law.
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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
August 18, 2026

People have varied tastes. Some prefer good and some prefer evil. There are many kinds of people. But though they differ from one another in such ways, once they enter into the Lotus Sutra, they all become like a single person in body and a single person in mind. This is just like the myriad different rivers that, when they flow into the ocean, all take on a uniformly salty flavor, or like the many kinds of birds that, when they approach Mount Sumeru, all assume the same [golden] hue.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1042
The Treasure of a Filial Child
Written to the lay nun Sennichi on July 2, 1280
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
August 18, 2026

Perhaps the chief purpose of a philosophy or religion is to help us understand the meaning of death and why we are alive. Without understanding where we have come from and where we are going, we cannot establish our own sense of identity to the fullest. Aging and its symptoms can, if nothing else, prompt us to seek rejuvenation. Ultimately, that rejuvenation can be found not in forestalling symptoms but in embracing a larger understanding of our own lives, which Buddhism elucidates.
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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (08 October 1954) p.201

On this night, I keenly sense the severity of the way of mentor and disciple. Without Sensei, I do not exist – if mentor and disciple are truly one. At times I envy some of my friends’ free lifestyles. Ten years from now, however, the difference in our power and capability will be strikingly apparent. Every day, I live with determination, advancing toward a new goal. Today, too, I will exert my full energy and effort. This is the only way for me, no matter what mountains I may have to cross.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -August 17 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
August 17, 2026

There is nothing more noble than inviting our friends to discussion meetings, gathering together to enable them to establish a connection with Buddhism, to talk about Buddhist teachings, and to deepen our faith. As the Lotus Sutra clearly indicates, through such steady, dedicated efforts to teach others about Buddhism, you are accumulating the good fortune and benefit to be reborn as great leaders and savour a state of unsurpassed freedom in lifetime after lifetime.
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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
August 17, 2026

Rice is what sustains life. It is like the oil that sustains the life of the lamp. The Lotus Sutra is a lamp, and its votary is the oil that sustains it. Or again, the lay supporters are the oil that sustains the lamp of the votary.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 983
King Rinda
Written to Soya Doso on August 17, 1279
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
August 17, 2026

The Buddhist teaching of the oneness of life and its environment tells us that humanity and the natural world are one. That is why if we wish to protect the environment, we must transform and purify the three poisons - greed, anger and foolishness - that exist in people's lives. The principle of human revolution focuses on precisely that: inner transformation at the most fundamental level.
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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (18 September 1954) p.200/201

There are times I think about death and times I am filled with the joy of living. At times I give guidance, overflowing with profound gratitude and appreciation for the Mystic Law; at other times I only go through the motions, giving guidance and carrying out propagation out of obligation. At times I want to run to Sensei’s side, while at others, I feel in the depths of my heart like avoiding him.

A lonesome youth. A young man gripped by a myriad emotions. Fateful days of youth. I can only advance with all my might. In any event, whether joyful of suffering, I must advance, as a child of the Gakkai.
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