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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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -July 19 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
July 19, 2026

 Youth is a truly wonderful thing. Unfortunately, though, this is often something that's hard to appreciate when we're young. Life passes by quickly. Before we know it, we are old. That's why in our youth we should be as active as we possibly can. Rather than a life of blank pages, live a life crammed full of memories - of battles well fought and wonderfully diverse experiences. Not to leave behind any history, to just grow old and die, is a sad way to live.

 Events
1951 Young women's division established.
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 From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
July 19, 2026

 Those who believe in the Lotus Sutra should beware of and guard themselves against the sutra's enemies. . . . If you do not know your enemies, you will be deceived by them.

 The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 664
Letter to Konichi-bo
Written to Konichi-bo in March 1276
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 Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
July 19, 2026

 It's foolish to be obsessed with past failures. And it's just as foolish to be self-satisfied with one's small achievements. The present and the future are what are important, not the past. Those who neglect this spirit of continual striving will start to veer off in a ruinous direction.
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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (30 June 1954) p.185

Extremely tired; missed the senior leaders meeting. Will be scolded, most likely. Rebuked myself for being the most self-centered person in the Gakkai. Went to the public baths. Stopped for sushi on the way home. Talked with the owner about many things. He seems to want to take faith. Got into bed early; read Yonejiro Noguchi. Tomorrow, July begins. Will advance with a greater resolution.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -July 18 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
July 18, 2026

 There is no need to seek impatiently for greatness, fame or wealth. The earth and sun do not hurry, they follow their own path at their own pace. If the earth were to accelerate and complete one rotation in three hours instead of twenty-four, we would be in big trouble! The most important thing in life, too, is to find a sure and certain path and confidently advance along it.
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 From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
July 18, 2026

 The ten directions are the "environment" and living beings are "life." To illustrate, environment is like the shadow, and life, the body. Without the body no shadow can exist, and without life, no environment. In the same way, life is shaped by its environment.

 The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 644
On Omens
Written to Shijo Kingo in 1275
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 Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
July 18, 2026

 People of conviction, who stand alone, who pursue their chosen path - not only are such people good and trustworthy friends themselves, but they can make genuine friends of others. The bamboo groves of autumn are gorgeous. Each bamboo tree stands independently, growing straight and tall toward the sky. Yet in the ground, out of sight, their roots are interconnected. In the same way, true friendship is not a relationship of dependence, but of independence. It is the enduring bond that connects self-reliant individuals, comrades who share the same commitment, on a spiritual dimension.
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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (30 June 1954) p.184

Hot and humid. Changed into a shirt with an open collar. An open-necked shirt befits action. Think it would be truly great if the National Diet, the United Nations and all government offices adopted the open collar as acceptable attire. From now on, year by year, formality will become less important worldwide. I, too, must take another step in my growth. Must not have a childish, easygoing attitude. It is clear that the world of the future will be more complex. Since this is the case, I must take great pains to train myself and devote myself to strict practice.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -July 17 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
July 17, 2026

 Life isn't always smooth. If it were, we would never grow and develop as human beings. If we succeed, we are envied if we fail, we are ridiculed and attacked. Sadly, this is how people are. Unexpected grief and suffering may lie ahead of you. But it is precisely when you encounter such trying times that you must not be defeated. Never give up. Never retreat.
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 From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
July 17, 2026

 Those who chant Myoho-renge-kyo [the title of the Lotus Sutra] even without understanding its meaning realize not only the heart of the Lotus Sutra, but also the "main cord," or essential principle of the Buddha's lifetime teachings.

 The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 860
"This is What I Heard"
Written to the lay priest Soya Jiro on November 28, 1277
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 Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
July 17, 2026

 Human beings inherently possess the strength to overcome any hardship. Religions have traditionally taught the importance of such spiritual strength. This is Buddhism's point of origin. Shakyamuni Buddha taught us to strive to win happiness and peace, not outside but within ourselves.
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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (29 June 1954) p.184

6:00, at the headquarters – the oral exams were held. I was responsible for the examinees from Suginami and Osaka chapters, who numbered twenty-six in all. At the last professors meeting, I was scolded severely by President Toda with regards to my grading of Assistant Professor S.’s test. I had tried to be fair and accurate, but Sensei told me that to become a great leader, I must become more generous in my grading. Am I too strict? Had taken my way of grading for granted. Returned home, feeling lonesome. It was after 11:00
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -July 16 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
July 16, 2026

 The powerful may appear great, but in reality they are not. Greatest of all are the ordinary people. If those in power lead lives of idle luxury it is because the people are silent. We have to speak out. With impassioned words, we need to resolutely attack abuses of power that cause people suffering. This is fighting on the side of justice. It is wrong to remain silent when confronted with injustice. Doing so is tantamount to supporting and condoning evil.
 Events
1260 Nichiren Daishonin submits his treatise "On Establishing the Correct Teaching for the Peace of the Land ."
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 From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
July 16, 2026

 I have pondered the matter carefully with what limited resources I possess, and have looked a little at the scriptures for an answer. The people of today all turn their backs upon what is right to a person, they give their allegiance to evil. This is the reason that the benevolent deities have abandoned the nation and departed together, that sages leave and do not return. And in their stead devils and demons come, and disasters and calamities occur. I cannot keep silent on this matter. I cannot suppress my fears.

 The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 7
On Establshing the Correct Teaching for the Peace of the Land
Submitted to Hojo Tokiyori on July 16, 1260
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 Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
July 16, 2026

 What will the future be like? No one knows the answer to this question. All we know is that the effects that will appear in the future are contained in the causes made in the present. The important thing, therefore, is that we stand up and take action to achieve great objectives without allowing ourselves to be distracted or discouraged by immediate difficulties.
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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (29 June 1954) p. 184

Administered a practice exam for our chapter members taking the Study Department oral exam this evening. Wonder how many from our chapter will pass. Those who have studied tirelessly and acquired real ability will do well on the test. Must emphasize that those lacking in study will not be qualified future leaders. I think tests are unnecessary. The times, however, demand a system of examinations. Are the only excellent people those who can pass university exams? Are the members who pass Gakkai study exams not happier than they? Ultimately, this will be clearly proven through lifelong experience.
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