Sensei's Daily Encouragement -August 27 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
August 27, 2026

The important thing is to keep working for kosen-rufu to the very end. On any journey, we cannot hope to reach our destination if we stop halfway. Likewise, if despite our good fortune in meeting and embarking on the unsurpassed way of Buddhism, we stop halfway, all the efforts we have made thus far will have been in vain, we will not be able to attain Buddhahood.
Events
1260 Matsubagayatsu Persecution. Incited by priests, Pure Land believers descend on the Daishonin's hermitage at Matsubagayatsu,Japan, to kill him. He is forced to flee for his l
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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
August 27, 2026

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. The Lotus Sutra exerts a similar influence. The Buddha will look upon one who simply puts faith in this sutra as a good person.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1128
The Bodies and Minds of Ordinary Beings
Recipient and date unknown
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
August 27, 2026

When we create or appreciate art, we set free the spirit trapped within. That is why art arouses such joy. Art - whether skillfully executed or not - is the emotion, the pleasure of expressing life as it is. Those who see art are moved by its passion and strength, its intensity and beauty. That is why it is impossible to separate life from art. Political and economic developments may seem to dominate the news, but culture and education are the forces that actually shape an age, since they transform the human heart.
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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (07 January 1955) p.214

The annual children’s group meeting…

Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. President Toda gave strict guidance to one couple who was late. Feel that this was only proper. Pained when I think of those who couldn’t attend. Whenever people are enjoying themselves, others are definitely sad or lonely. Want never to forget this throughout my life. Want to be a man of fairness, that is, an ally to those who work behind the scenes, to those who are lonely, who are suffering.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -August 26 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
August 26, 2026

We accumulate great good fortune through our earnest prayers, devotion and efforts for the sake of Buddhism, kosen-rufu and humankind. Prayer without action is not the way of Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism.
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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
August 26, 2026

It is easy to sustain our concern for someone who is before our very eyes, but quite a different thing when that person is far away, even though in our heart we may not forget him. Nevertheless, in the five years . . . that have already passed since I came to live here in the mountains, you have sent your husband from the province of Sado to visit me three times. How great is your sincerity! It is firmer than the great earth, deeper than the great sea!

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 933
The Sutra of True Requital
Written to the lay nun Sennichi on July 28, 1278
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
August 26, 2026

There is no trace of coercion or concern for appearances in Nichiren's behaviour. He looked on those who were suffering, those who were bravely fighting alongside him, as if they were himself in the same situations. He prized each and every one of them. He encouraged them and sympathized with them, and we must never forget that the true essence of humanity is to be found in this. When we observe Nichiren's actions, we are deeply struck by the conviction that this is the way a Buddhist must live.
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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (06 January 1955) p.213

The members are young; vigorous. The nature of the Gakkai is eternal. We are inexperienced, but the elements necessary to complete our great task lie far beyond mere experience. Daringly and courageously we cast off the old and open the way for the new.
Because I have expounded this teaching, I have been exiled and almost killed. As the saying goes, “Good advice grates on the ear.”

- “The Essentials for Attaining Buddhahood”
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -August 25 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
August 25, 2026

Life flashes by in an instant. By devoting our lives to Buddhism, we will live a life of complete fulfillment. We are selling ourselves short if we fail to attain such a wonderful state of life.
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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
August 25, 2026

This Gohonzon is the essence of the Lotus Sutra and the eye of all the scriptures. It is like the sun and moon in the heavens, a great ruler on earth, the heart in a human being, the wish-granting jewel among treasures and the pillar of a house. When we have this mandala with us, it is a rule that all Buddhas and gods will gather round and watch over us, protecting us like a shadow day and night, just as warriors guard their ruler, as parents love their children, as fish rely on water, as trees and plants crave rain, or as birds depend on trees.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 624
On Upholding Faith in the Gohonzon
Written to the lay nun Myoshin on August 25, 1275
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
August 25, 2026

One of the fascinating things about human beings is this: Believe for long enough that you are not as smart as others and this will actually lead to intellectual ineptitude. But, confronted with the same doubts, if you choose to believe that your mind is merely dormant for now, lacking in exercise, once you begin to train it, there are no bounds to what you can achieve.
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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (31 December 1954) p.207

Sensei reminisced about his childhood, his youth and his adulthood. He has led a tumultuous life. There have been many great individuals and many pioneers. Absolutely no one but President Toda, however, stands by the common people and inspires youth to construct a new era. Without power, wealth, background or status, all he possesses is the raw power of humanity, the power of faith gushing forth from his entire being, and the wisdom to see ten years, no, two hundred years into the future. Had profound thoughts.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -August 24 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
August 24, 2026

Advancement - Nichiren Daishonin teaches the spirit that "not to advance is to retreat." The point is to continue forging ahead despite any storms or hardships that may arise, to be fearless and advance like a lion.
Events
SGI-USA Men's Division Day
1947 Daisaku Ikeda joins the Soka Gakkai at age 19
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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
August 24, 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 flavour, 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 24, 2026

It has been said that aging gracefully is more difficult than dying, but as long as we have a forward-looking, positive attitude, a spirit to take on challenges, we will gain depth in our lives.
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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (28 December 1954) p.206

Only two or three days left to the year. I feel like a roc, a magnificent bird of legend who has flown and fought all year. Now, returning to his nest, he rests. This year of my youth, my twenty-sixth, is now over. Time passes. A new time approaches. History has been made and is now behind us. We shall make history from now on. How should one live? This is truly a difficult question. The right teacher, the correct faith. Beyond these, the strength of my determination is what’s vital, is it not?
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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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