Sensei's Daily Encouragement -May 7 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
May 7, 2026
 
Many things happen in life. There are joyous days and times of suffering. Sometimes unpleasant things occur. But that's what makes life so interesting. The dramas we encounter are part and parcel of being human. If we experienced no change or drama in our lives, if nothing unexpected ever happened, we would merely be like automatons, our lives unbearably monotonous and dull. Therefore, please develop a strong self so that you can enact the drama of your life with confidence and poise in the face of whatever vicissitudes you may encounter.
 
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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
May 7, 2026
 
Even the darkness becomes bright when a lantern is lit, and even muddy water becomes clear when the moon shines on it. Can anything exceed the sun and the moon in brightness? Can anything surpass the lotus flower in purity? The Lotus Sutra is the sun and moon and the lotus flower. Therefore, it is called the Lotus Sutra of the Wonderful Law. Nichiren, too, is like the sun and moon and the lotus flower. If the water of your faith is clear, the moon of blessings will surely cast its reflection on it and protect you.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 186
Easy Delivery of a Fortune Child
Written to Nichigen-nyo on May 8, 1271
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
May 7, 2026
 
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? Strengthen your power of faith more than ever - Nichiren.
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (07 October 1953) p.145
 
Read a book on Oda Nobunaga – a courageous general. A sharp mind. He acted in the spirit of male ambition. Toyotomi Hideyoshi was also fascinating. He was an individual of great friendliness. Many times, Mr. Toda has encouraged me to read books on history. One’s view of history is important.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -May 6 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
May 6, 2026
 
We have both a weak self and a strong self; the two are completely different. If we allow our weak side to dominate, we will be defeated. The thought,"I am still young and have a lot of time, so I can relax and take life easy" is a function of our own weakness.
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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
May 6, 2026
 
How does the mirror of the Lotus Sutra portray the people who, in the evil world of the latter age, believe in the teachings of the Lotus Sutra just as they are set forth in the sutra? Shakyamuni Buddha has left us words from his golden mouth revealing that such people have already made offerings to a hundred thousand million Buddhas in their past existences.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1108
The Proof of the Lotus Sutra
Written to Nanjo Tokimitsu on February 28, 1282
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
May 6, 2026
 
Chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is the foundation of Nichiren Buddhism. When we chant sonorously, the sun rises in our hearts. We are filled with power. Compassion wells forth. Our lives are lit with joy. Our wisdom shines. All Buddhas and protective forces throughout the universe go to work on our behalf. Life becomes exhilarating. .
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (07 October 1953) p.145
 
Bright sunshine. The sky, a stage in a dreamlike play. I want my life, too, to shine a spirited dance of “happiness in this world” on the stage of this earth.
Completed my astronomy study. Great nourishment for the future. Deeply thankful to President Toda.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -May 5 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

  

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
May 5, 2026
 
This is what I would like to communicate to you, my young friends who are the heirs of the Soka legacy: Live out your lives together with the SGI, an organization fulfilling the Buddha's decree! Our activities in the organization of faith constitute our Buddhist practice, lead to the realization of kosen-rufu and enable us to carry out our human revolution. To think selfishly, "I'll just practice on my own and however I like" cannot be called correct faith. Such a person is a Buddhist in name only; they are not true practitioners.
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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
May 5, 2026
 
Be diligent in developing your faith until the last moment of your life. Otherwise you will have regrets. For example, the journey from Kamakura to Kyoto takes twelve days. If you travel for eleven but stop with only one day remaining, how can you admire the moon over the capital?"
 
 The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1027
Letter to Niike
Written to Niike Saemon-no-jo in February 1280
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
May 5, 2026
 
When you encounter a wall, you should tell yourself, "Since there is a wall here, a wide, open expanse must lie on the other side." Rather than becoming discouraged, know that encountering a wall is proof of the progress that you have made so far. .
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (05 October 1953) p.145
 
A fine autumn day. There are days of rain, days of snow and overcast days. Similarly, there are days when we feel spirited, days of worry and days of sadness and regret. Traveled to the Joto area. My work is not going as planned. A youth’s mind is intensely restless. Must be strong, upright, untiring and self-disciplined.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -May 4 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
May 4, 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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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
May 4, 2026
 
The most important thing in practicing the Buddhist teachings is to follow and uphold the Buddha's golden words, not the opinions of others.
 
 The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 393
On Practicing the Buddha's Teachings
Written to all followers in May 1273
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
May 4, 2026
 
What Buddhism terms good friends are sincere, honest people without a trace of deceit who guide others toward the correct path, toward good. It also refers to people who lend their assistance or support to us so that we can practice Buddhism with full assurance. If you become close to a person who makes you feel "that person is always glowing and animated" or "When I'm with that person I feel strong and secure," then your faith will naturally deepen, and you will develop bountiful wisdom. In carrying out this Buddhist practice, encountering good friends is the key to obtaining Buddhahood.
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (04 October 1953) p.145
 
Home at 11:00. It is natural young pioneers are seldom at home – we are working to construct our happiness. Nothing - not the earth, the sun’s flames, the cells of our bodies or the growth of plants – is ever stagnant. Our guidance and faith toward realizing kosen-rufu must also never cease.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -May 3 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
May 3, 2026
 
As direct disciples of the Daishonin, we have summoned forth the three powerful enemies of Buddhism. And defeating their schemes and repelling their onslaughts, we have carved out a great path of kosen-rufu. This has been the unrivalled pride of Mr. Makiguchi, Mr. Toda and myself as Soka Gakkai presidents. It is indisputable proof that the Soka Gakkai is the foremost organization in the entire world acting in accord with the Buddha's will and decree.
Events
1951 Josei Toda inaugurated as the second Soka Gakkai president.
1960 Daisaku Ikeda inaugurated as the third Soka Gakkai president.
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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
May 3, 2026
 
Life is the most precious of all treasures. Even one extra day of life is worth more than ten million ryo of gold. The Lotus Sutra surpasses all the other sacred teachings of the Buddha's lifetime because of the "Life Span" chapter. The greatest prince in the land of Jambudvipa would be of less consequence than a blade of grass if he died in childhood. If he died young, even a person whose wisdom shone as brilliantly as the sun would be less than a living dog. So you must hasten to accumulate the treasure of faith and quickly conquer your illness.
 
 The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 955
On Prolonging One's Life Span
Written to the lay nun Myojo in 1279
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
May 3, 2026
 
The SGI is a gathering of ordinary people. We struggle to ensure that the people are not despised and exploited by the powerful. To help all people become strong and wise, we are developing a network of peace and culture and putting great effort into education. By nature, the people are strong, wise, cheerful and warm. Religious faith has the power to draw out those qualities. The purpose of faith is not to turn people into sheep; it is to make them wise. Wisdom isn't knowledge that causes suffering for others; it is enlightened insight for improving one's own life as well as the lives of others.
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (03 October 1953) p.144
 
To Kogane City in Yokohama with K. on business. Things did not turn out too well.
Reflected that faith equals work. Sensei’s morning lecture passed the midpoint in our astronomy study. My heart leaps when I consider the relationship between Buddhism and the study of the cosmos.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -May 2 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

   

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
May 2, 2026
 
No matter how healthy, intelligent or affluent we may be, if our minds are weak, then our happiness will also be frail and brittle. Our minds of faith, moreover, enable us to bring out the full potential in all things and situations, so it is crucial that we strive to forge our minds of faith.
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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
May 2, 2026
 
All the other sutras are examples of preaching in accordance with the minds of others, because, when expounding them, the Buddha adjusted himself to the minds of all other living beings. But the Lotus Sutra is an example of preaching in accordance with the Buddha's own mind, because in it the Buddha had all living beings comply with his own mind.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 969
The Teaching That Accords with the Buddha's Mind
Written to Niike Saemon-no-jo on May 2, 1279
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
May 2, 2026
 
Great people never forget what others have done for them. In fact, having a sense of appreciation makes a person worthy of respect.
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (02 October 1953) p.144
 
A steady autumn rain. Appreciative in many ways for my circumstances, which allow me to grow while fighting courageously day after day and night after night. How fortunate that I can dedicate myself heart and soul to my job, my mission and my activities during this active time of my youth. Next year I’ll be twenty-six. Construction, improvement, fierce struggle, devotion – with these I will live, fight and advance under my mentor, in a way befitting a youth and a disciple.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -May 1 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
May 1, 2026
 
As you make your way home tonight, may you pause for a moment to gaze up at the night sky and let your heart communicate with the moon in wordless dialogue. Perhaps you might compose a poem and set it down in your journal entry for today. I would like you to possess such a poetic spirit.
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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
May 1, 2026
 
Though the teaching that I am now propagating seems limited, it is extremely profound. That is because it goes deeper than the teaching expounded by Tien-tai, Dengyo, and others. It is the three important matters in the "Life Span" chapter of the essential teaching. Practicing only the seven characters of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo seems limited, but since they are the master of all the Buddhas of the three existences, the teacher of all the bodhisattvas in the ten directions, and the guide that enables all living beings to attain the Buddha way, it is profound.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 317
Earthly Desires are Enlightenment
Written to Shijo Kingo on May 2, 1272
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
May 1, 2026
 
Nichiren states, "Mugwort that grows in the midst of hemp, or a snake inside a tube [will as a matter of course become straight], and those who associate with people of good character will consequently become upright in heart, deed, and word." If we apply this passage to various influences upon children, we may say that the environment surrounding children, particularly the behaviours of adults, has a great impact on children. Parents must set good examples before nagging them to do this or that. Parents must strive to become a good, upright influence for children like hemp for mugwort. It is also important for parents to bring their children closer to "people of good character" outside their own families so that children may advance in a more positive direction
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1953) p.143/144
 
Physical condition very poor, Missed the fourth-level lecture in the evening and went home early. Imagined my friends listening to the lecture in high spirit. So this is how painful it is to be resting when I should be advancing. Thought about tomorrow’s work. Felt lifeless. Decided to chant many daimoku.

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