Daily Encouragement November 14 - 2026 Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
November 14, 2026

In a family, if one person is unhappy, then so is the entire family. Therefore, I would like you to sincerely pray for and protect one another so that there are no people who are unfortunate and unhappy, or who abandon their faith, and that every person will become happy. These are the kinds of humanistic bonds among fellow members that give birth to true unity. Coercion or force stemming from power and authority is ineffective at critical moments.
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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
November 14, 2026

When once we chant Myoho-renge-kyo, with just that single sound we summon forth and manifest the Buddha nature of all Buddhas; all existences; all bodhisattvas; all voice-hearers; all the deities such as Brahma, Shakra, and King Yama; the sun and moon, and the myriad stars; the heavenly gods and earthly deities, on down to hell-dwellers, hungry spirits, animals, asuras, human and heavenly beings, and all other living beings. This blessing is immeasurable and boundless.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 887
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
November 14, 2026

Our voice resonates with life. Because this is so, it can touch the lives of others. The caring and compassion imbued in your voice finds passage to the listener's soul, striking his or her heart and causing it to sing out; the human voice summons something profound from deep within, and can even compel a person into action.
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (02 December 1956) p.305

Awoke around 6:00 from a frightening dream. Boundless agony, even after awakening. Proof that the Mystic Law has not yet permeated the mysterious inner world of my life. It was just a nightmare, but it makes me think of life in the state of hell after death. Want to have sublime and beautiful dreams.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement November 13 - 2026 Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
November 13, 2026

Buddhism aims to make people free in the most profound sense; its purpose is not to restrict or constrain. Doing gongyo is a right, not an obligation. Because Buddhism entails practice, tenacious efforts are required, but these are all for your own sake. If you want to have great benefits or to develop a profound state of life, you should exert yourself accordingly.
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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
November 13, 2026

Kai-ko said: ". . . I felt it a terrible pity that someone such as he, outstanding in every respect, should die so young. Reconsidering the matter, however, I realized that it was because of this boy's death that his mother became a seeker of the way and his father began to practice, praying for his repose. How marvelous, I thought. Moreover, the fact that they have put their trust in the Lotus Sutra, which all people detest, must mean that their deceased son has been at their side and encouraged them to do so." I also believe this to be the case.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1050
The Sons Pure Storehouse and Pure Eye
Recipient unknown; written on July 7, 1280
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
November 13, 2026

Nichiren writes, "None of you who declare yourselves to be my disciples should ever give way to cowardice." When the crucial moment comes, it is important to battle through it with the ferocity of a charging lion. This is the key to creating a record of lasting brilliance. As the ancient Greek poet and playwright Euripides inscribed, "Courage is very powerful against misfortune."
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (01 December 1956) p.305

Toward next year’s Study Department entrance exam, I, too, will exert myself earnestly at study. A leader who lacks power in Buddhist study will definitely suffer in the future and will eventually take a step backward. We do not study to impress others; we study for our own sake.
Came home early. Read a book. My family abounds with happiness. A family filled with good fortune. This, I feel, is a benefit arising from faith. Resolved from today to develop further in faith, practice and study.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement November 12 - 2026 Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
November 12, 2026

I hope that no matter what happens, you will always advance with hope. Especially I hope that the more desperate your circumstances, the more you will press on with unflagging hope. Please keep challenging things with a bright and positive spirit, always taking care at the same time to safeguard your health.
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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
November 12, 2026

Even if your fiefs should be confiscated or you yourself driven out, you must think that it is due to the workings of the ten demon daughters, and wholeheartedly entrust yourself to them. Had I not been exiled, but remained in Kamakura, I would certainly have been killed in the battle. In like manner, since remaining in your lord's service will likely be to your detriment, this may well be the design of Shakyamuni Buddha.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 824
A Warning against Begrudging One's Fief
Written to Shijo Kingo in July 1277
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
November 12, 2026

Indulgence and indolence produce nothing creative. Complaints and evasions reflect a cowardly spirit; they corrupt and undermine life's natural creative thrust. When life is denuded of the will to struggle creatively, it sinks into a state of hellish destructiveness directed at all that lives.
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (29 November 1956) p.305

A panel discussion for the New Year’s Seiko Shimbun issue began at 2:00. The topic, “The five main temples of Fuji.” It lasted until 5:00. The dialogue covered Nikko Shonin’s six original and six new disciples and the origin of Fuji’s five or seven main temples. Concluded with the present status of these temples. Keenly reflected on the importance of ability in Buddhist study and of having a correct historical perspective.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement November 11 - 2026 Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
November 11, 2026

The 20th century was a century of war and peace, a century of politics and economics. The dawning 21st century holds the promise, however, to be a century of humanity and culture, a century of science and religion. I hope all of you will advance on this wonderful new path of humanism with pride and confidence, as gallant philosophers of action.

Events
1264 Komatsubara Persecution. Nichiren Daishonin is attacked by swordsmen led by the lord of the region. He receives a slash on his forehead and has his left hand broken, but his followers repel the attack, allowing his escape.
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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
November 11, 2026

Worthy persons deserve to be called so because they are not carried away by the eight winds: prosperity, decline, disgrace, honor, praise, censure, suffering and pleasure. They are neither elated by prosperity nor grieved by decline. The heavenly gods will surely protect one who is unbending before the eight winds. But if you nurse an unreasonable grudge against your lord, they will not protect you, not for all your prayers.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 794
The Eight Winds
Written to Shijo Kingo in 1277
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
November 11, 2026

A sense of being part of the great all-inclusive life prompts us to reflect on our own place and on how we ought to live. Guarding others lives, the ecology and the earth is the same as protecting one's own life. By like token, wounding them is the same thing as wounding oneself. Consequently, it is the duty of each of us to participate as members of the life community in the evolution of the universe. We can do this by guarding earth's ecological system.
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (07 September 1956) p.303

Heard that Mars has approached within thirty-five million miles of the Earth. I am very fond of astronomy. Today’s society is so hectic, people don’t have the freedom to look into the sky and ponder the Milky Way. Want to lead a noble life in which I can better contemplate nature.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement November 10 - 2026 Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
November 10, 2026

There are various kinds of careers and roles that people fill in society. While each role of course has significance, the fundamental role that we each play as a Buddhist is that of philosopher of life and of humanity who can impart eternal value to humankind. We are leaders of happiness and creators of peace. In this sense, our role is unique.
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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
November 10, 2026

Moreover, as life does not go beyond the moment, the Buddha expounded the blessings that come from a single moment of rejoicing [on hearing the Lotus Sutra]. If two or three moments were required, this could no longer be called the original vow of the Buddha endowed with great impartial wisdom, the single vehicle of the teaching that directly reveals the truth and leads all living beings to attain Buddhahood.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 63
Questions and Answers about Embracing the Lotus Sutra
Recipient unknown; written in March 1263
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
November 10, 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.
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (24 April 1956) p.298

I am an emotional person. Rather, I am a man of flaring passions. Toward justice, toward myself and toward the battle. Is this correct? Or am I mistaken? The future will determine whether I am correct. Proof will most definitely appear. Then it will be decided. Right now, there is nothing more I can do.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement November 9 - 2026 Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
November 9, 2026

The Daishonin explains the significance of cause and effect: All sutras other than the Lotus Sutra expound that Buddhahood (effect), can be attained only after having made good causes, that is, practicing their teachings (causes), over a length of time. With the Lotus Sutra, however, the very act of embracing it (cause) enables one simultaneously to become a Buddha (effect).
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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
November 9, 2026

Kyo's misfortune will change into fortune. Muster your faith, and pray to this Gohonzon. Then what is there that cannot be achieved? There can be no doubt about the sutra passages that say, "This sutra can fulfill their desires, as a clear cool pond can satisfy all those who are thirsty," and "They will enjoy peace and security in their present existence and good circumstances in future existences."

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 412
Reply to Kyo'o
Written to Kyo'o and her parents, Nichigen-nyo and Shijo Kingo, on August 15, 1273
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
November 9, 2026

Don't put on airs. Conceit and pretense don't win people's hearts; the facade soon crumbles. Be yourself. Buddhism teaches we can shine most brilliantly through natural, unaffected behaviour. Being sincere, dedicated and honest is the key. People of integrity triumph in the end.
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (23 April 1956) p.298

Life’s ambitions, life’s tedium, life’s significance. What is the purpose of my existence? Why must I lead such a difficult life? There are days I wonder heedlessly about such things. Must challenge society and challenge myself every day. Many in this society grow weary and are defeated.
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What is power? It is the energy of faith.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement November 8 - 2026 Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
November 8, 2026

In the "Ongi Kuden" (Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings), Nichiren Daishonin says with reference to attaining Buddhahood, "To attain' means to open'" (Gosho Zenshu, p. 753). Attaining Buddhahood means opening our lives to their fullest potential and revealing our innate Buddhahood. This is the purpose of Buddhism.
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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
November 8, 2026

If you seek enlightenment outside yourself, then your performing even ten thousand practices and ten thousand good deeds will be in vain. It is like the case of a poor man who spends night and day counting his neighbour's wealth but gains not even half a coin. That is why the T'ien-t'ai school's commentary states, "Unless one perceives the nature of one's life, one cannot eradicate one's grave offenses." This passage implies that, unless one perceives the nature of one's life, one's practice will become an endless, painful austerity.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 3
On Attaining Buddhahood in This Lifetime
Written to Toki Jonin in 1255
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
November 8, 2026

The noted pacifist scholar Johan Galtung tells young people, "We must be realists in our brains while keeping the flame of idealism burning in our hearts." Both of these --to see the world as it is and how it could be -- are essential to reform. A firm hold on reality should not entail being swamped by or resting easy in the status quo. To pioneer uncharted ways requires that people today keep the lamp of optimism lit.
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (22 April 1956) p.298

Today I thought I would like to spend my entire life as a youth in my twenties. Reflected on the principle that ‘Buddhahood is inherent in the nine worlds.’

Many obstacles and fierce storms lie ahead. But the genuine glory is the glory we gain in winning over these, is it not?
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