Sensei's Daily Encouragement -October 24 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
October 24, 2026

The only way to succeed is by first bringing to completion that which is most immediate. This principle applies in all affairs - in our daily lives, our work and our families as well as in the progress of kosen-rufu.
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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
October 24, 2026

The sutra known as the Lotus Sutra is a scripture that has no match among all the sacred teachings of the Buddha's lifetime. And, as indicated by its words "between Buddhas," it can only be understood between one Buddha and another. Those at the stage of near-perfect enlightenment or below, on down to ordinary mortals, cannot fathom it. This is why Bodhisattva Nagarjuna stated in his Treatise on the Great Perfection of Wisdom that persons below the level of Buddha should simply have faith, and in that way they can attain Buddhahood.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1072
Reply to the Mother of Ueno
Written tot he lay nun Ueno on October 24, 1280
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
October 24, 2026

What one has done for another yesterday will be done for oneself today. Blossoms turn into fruit, and brides become mothers-in-law. ChantNam-myohorenge- kyo, and be always diligent in your faith - Nichiren
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (30 December 1955) p.277

Attended Bunkyo Chapter’s year-end meeting in the evening. My bad mood must have been very unpleasant for the members. Reflected. Took a taxi home. My house is so peaceful. Amid the simplicity glows a precious light of happiness. There are flowers in every room. A warm feeling.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -October 23 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
October 23, 2026

As far as the fundamental teachings of Buddhism and the Gosho are concerned, I hope that, regarding them as absolutely correct, you will first and foremost strive to put them into practice. I urge you to do so because this is the shortest route to understanding the essence of Buddhism in the depths of your life.
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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
October 23, 2026

No matter how earnestly Nichiren prays for you, if you lack faith, it will be like trying to set fire to wet tinder. Spur yourself to muster the power of faith. Regard your survival as wondrous. Employ the strategy of the Lotus Sutra before any other.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1000
The Strategy of the Lotus Sutra
Written to Shijo Kingo on October 23, 1279
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
October 23, 2026

The misfortune of others is our misfortune. Our happiness is the happiness of others. To see ourselves in others and feel an inner oneness and sense of unity with them represents a fundamental revolution in the way we view and live our lives. Therefore, discriminating against another person is the same as discriminating against oneself. When we hurt another, we are hurting ourselves. And when we respect others, we respect and elevate our own lives as well.
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (22 December 1955) p.275/276

Spent half the day with Sensei. Decided to read a biography he recommended to me. Sensei’s physical condition seems to be worsening. “I am really living the passage, ‘The teaching which I preach, I practice in my heart’, he said with a smile. He also told me: “Dai, life means suffering. Only when you suffer can you understand faith and become a great individual.” Ashamed of my own shallowness.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -October 22 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
October 22, 2026
 
The main point is to enable one member to stand up by imparting heartfelt assurance and understanding. It is the explosion of faith in the microcosm of an individual that causes the macrocosm of the organization -a gathering of many such individuals - to commence its revolution. This is how the doctrine of a life-moment possesses 3,000 realms applies to our practice.
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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
October 22, 2026
 
Although unworthy, I propagate the Lotus Sutra; hence heavenly devils have competed to deprive me of food. Understanding this, I have no complaint, but I believe that I survived this time only because Shakyamuni Buddha entered your body to help me.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 952
General Stone Tiger
Written to Shijo Kingo on October 22, 1278
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
October 22, 2026
 
Any position, honour or wealth we may gain we will possess only during our present existence. But the unshakable state of life we develop through faith in Nam-myoho-renge-kyo represents our greatest spiritual treasure.
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (11 November 1955) p.272
 
What is faith?
What is society?
What is country?
Economics? Politics? Culture?
 
At times I think randomly. It is important to ponder. I want, however, to live my life earnestly and thoroughly, reflecting on my incomplete self in a way most befitting my growth. Must try hard to develop the insight to perceive other people’s true worth, their fortune and their essential nature. Also, will try my best to enable each person to move strongly and bravely, in the direction of the greatest good.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -October 21 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
October 21, 2026

The mentality of getting others to do the hard work while one sits back and takes it easy - that is bureaucratism at its worst; it is not faith. The spirit of taking on the hard work oneself - that is faith, that is humanism.
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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
October 21, 2026

The mighty warrior General Li Kuang, whose mother had been devoured by a tiger, shot an arrow at the stone he believed was the tiger. The arrow penetrated the stone all the way up to its feathers. But once he realised it was only a stone he was unable to pierce it again. Later he came to be known as General Stone Tiger. This story applies to you. Though enemies lurk in wait for you, your resolute faith in the Lotus Sutra has forestalled great dangers before they could begin. Realising this, you must strengthen your faith more than ever.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 953
General Stone Tiger
Written to Shijo Kingo on October 22, 1278
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
October 21, 2026

Our lives grow to the degree that we give hope and courage to others and enable them to develop their lives. Therefore, while we speak of practicing Buddhism for others, it is we ourselves who ultimately benefit. With this understanding comes the ability to take action with a sense of appreciation.
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (10 November 1955) p.271

Everyone has periods when things go well and times when they aren’t so smooth. But such distinctions disappear when a person is truly strong and capable.
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At night, I composed a poem titled “Human Revolution”:
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Beginningless voyage of life,

Eternal motion of the macrocosm,

As the morning sun soars into the sky,

Life stirs anew among the buds.
 
The power of myoho, fundamental force of nature,

Strong enough to shatter boulders,

Or dispel the darkness of our evil karma.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -October 20 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
October 20, 2026
 
President Toda detested formality. And for this reason, as his disciple, I have tried to place foremost emphasis on substance. Formalities are important in certain cases, but mere formality without substance is evil. Formalities in and of themselves have no life; whereas substance is alive. Formality is provisional and substance essential. Formality is conventional and therefore conservative, but substance provides the impetus for progress and development.
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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
October 20, 2026
 
From here we are going to cross the sea to the island province of Sado , but at the moment the winds are not favourable, so I do not know when we will depart. The hardships along the way were worse than I could have imagined, and indeed more than I can put down in writing. I will leave you to surmise what I endured. But I have been prepared for such difficulties from the outset, so ther0e is no point in starting to complain about them now. I shall accordingly say no more of the matter.

Letter from Teradomari
Written to Toki Jonin on October 22, 1271
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
October 20, 2026
 
We should all develop the mind to rejoice in, praise and share in the gift of those who have artistic talents and a richness of heart, whether they achieve wide recognition or not. Cultivating such a beautiful mind is a very worthy effort. Culture and art are not just decorations. They are not just accessories. What matters is whether culture enriches the essential substance of our lives.
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (10 November 1955) p.270/271
 
Morning gongyo is most crucial. It determines today’s victory or defeat, whether this day of life will be one of prosperity or decline. Gongyo is the practical application of the philosophy of ‘the simultaneity of cause and effect.’
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -October 19 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
October 19, 2026
 
No matter what happens, please continue to chant daimoku - in both good times and bad, irrespective of joys or sorrows, happiness or suffering. Then you will be able to seize victory in your daily life and in society.
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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
October 19, 2026
 
Though the moon is forty thousand yojanas high in the heavens, its reflection appears instantly in a pond on the earth; and the sound of the drum at the Gate of Thunder is immediately heard a thousand, ten thousand ri in the distance. Though you remain in Sado, your heart has come to this province. The way of attaining Buddhahood is just like this. Though we live in the impure land, our hearts reside in the pure land of Eagle Peak . Merely seeing each other's face would in itself be insignificant. It is the heart that is important.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 949
The Drum at the Gate of Thunder
Written tot he lay nun Sennichi on October 19, 1278
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
October 19, 2026
 
Our individual experiences of triumph over our problems give courage and hope to many others. Our personal victories, in other words, become parables expressing the power of the Mystic Law. And those who hear our experiences can share them with still others.
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (06 November 1955) p. 266
 
Trying to reflect thoroughly on my way of giving guidance.
 
1. Guidance should be clear and to the point
2. Guidance should express a purpose or objective
3. Guidance should be given with the Buddhist spirit of compassion and filled with confidence.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -October 18 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

   

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
 October 18, 2026
 
A victor is one whose life shines with faith. Emerson, one of the favourite writers of my youth, once said, "That which befits us...is cheerfulness and courage, and the endeavour to realize our aspirations." To advance toward our dreams cheerfully, to courageously work toward achieving them - this is what gives sublime meaning and value to our lives.
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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
 October 18, 2026
 
Without exception, all these Buddhas, bodhisattvas, great sages, and, in general, all the various beings of the two worlds and the eight groups who appear in the "Introduction" chapter of the Lotus Sutra dwell in the Gohonzon. Illuminated by light of the five characters of the Mystic Law, they display the dignified attributes they inherently possess. This is the object of devotion.

The Real Aspect of the Gohonzon
Written to Nichinyo on August 23, 1277
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
 October 18, 2026
 
Such things as money, fame, and material possessions offer a fleeting satisfaction, something that can be called relative happiness. However, when we transform our lives internally, when we develop within ourselves a brilliant inner palace, then we can be said to have established absolute happiness. If we develop a state of mind as vast and resplendent as a magnificent palace, then nothing - no matter where we go or what we may encounter in life can undermine or destroy our happiness.
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (31 October 1955) p.265
 
Worried about next spring’s House of Councillors election. This battle will determine my destiny. My only recourse is to believe in the Buddhist gods’ protection. No, rather than simply parroting Buddhist terms, I must first dedicate my entire spirit, my essence. Only then can I expect protection from the Buddhist gods. Must strictly avoid using terminology to support my own sense of value or my personal view of faith. Using Gosho terms irresponsibly will only impeded the progress of kosen rufu
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