Sensei's Daily Encouragement -July 5 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
July 5, 2026
 
What does attaining Buddhahood mean for us? It does not mean that one day we suddenly turn into a Buddha or become magically enlightened. In a sense, attaining Buddhahood means that we have securely entered the path, or orbit, of Buddhahood inherent in the cosmos. Rather than a final static destination at which we arrive and remain, achieving enlightenment means firmly establishing the faith needed to keep advancing along the path of absolute happiness limitlessly, without end.
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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
July 5, 2026
 
It is a rare thing to be born as a human being. And if, having been born as such, you do not do your best to distinguish between the correct doctrine and the incorrect so that in the future you may attain Buddhahood, then you are certainly not fulfilling your true worth as a human being.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 350
On Prayer
Written to Sairen-bo in September 1272
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
July 5, 2026
 
Having the energy to argue is a sign of good health! When the two people in a relationship share similar conditions, it is only natural that they will lock horns from time to time. On the other hand, if one party begins to outgrow the other, then the two will probably not have serious confrontations, because their states of life are so different.
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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (10 June 1954) p.176
 
Ten years from now, I think the Gakkai will be playing an important role at the core of society; active in the fields of politics, economics, culture and education. Now is the time to encourage youth division members to study earnestly, specializing in one of these specific fields. To this end, I must master many things myself.
The leaders should have the ability and power. They should never be sly or conniving. Without earnest study, they are not qualified to be leaders. As part of my responsibility, I will study, little by little. Reason and passion – intellect and conviction.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -July 4 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

 

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
July 4, 2026
 
I place a high value on personal initiative. Spontaneity underlies the spirit of autonomy and independence; conversely, taking action because one is told to amounts to slavery of the spirit. Kosen-rufu will be advanced by brave people armed with the spirit of independence who voluntarily strive to fulfill the vow they made at the time of kuon ganjo. Because they struggle of their own volition, they have no complaints or grievances. The greater the obstacles they face, the greater the courage, wisdom and power they muster from within.
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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
July 4, 2026
 
Even if it seems that, because I was born in the ruler's domain, I follow him in my actions, I will never follow him in my heart.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 579
The Selection of the Time
Written to Yui in 1275
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
July 4, 2026
 
A great inner revolution in just a single individual will help achieve a change in the destiny of an entire society and, further, will cause a change in the destiny of humankind.
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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (08 June 1954) p.175
 
Feel especially tormented and lonesome tonight. Now, with no close friend or assistant, I feel as if my energy is waning, moment by moment. Tears flow in torrents. I do not want to die now. I am only twenty-six. It would be too miserable to die now without fully understanding the depth of my life, without having made any great contribution to humankind or society, or without repaying my debt of gratitude to my mentor.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -July 3 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
July 3, 2026
 
Those who have a mentor in life are truly fortunate. The path of mentor and disciple is one that leads to personal development and growth. Those without a mentor may appear free and unbeholden to anyone, but without a solid standard or model on which to base themselves their lives will be aimless and wandering.
Events
Day of Mentor and Disciple
1945 President Josei Toda is released from Toyotama Prison.
1957 President Daisaku Ikeda is arrested in Osaka on false charges.
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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
July 3, 2026
 
Since the Lotus Sutra defines our body as the Dharma body of a Thus Come One, our mind as the reward body of a Thus Come One, and our actions as the manifested body of a Thus Come One, all who uphold and believe in even a single phrase or verse of this sutra will be endowed with the benefits of these three bodies.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 922
The One Essential Phrase
Written to the lay nun Myoho on July 3, 1278
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
July 3, 2026
 
A mentor is indispensable if we are to develop into people of outstanding character. Viewed on a deeper level, our relationship with our mentor can have an even greater significance for us than our relationship with our parents. In the mentor-disciple relationship, we can find the very essence for achieving victory in life.
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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (08 June 1954) p.175
 
A cool dreary day. My finances are marginal – like today’s weather. Felt uninspired all day. Scolded severely by Mr. Toda in the evening. The leaders closest to him were also scolded. A day that starts out wrong, ends up the same. Carp try again and again to climb a waterfall. Grass and flowers that have been trod upon, blossom again. Surmounting many adversities, people achieve greatness. Must youth be a time of such emotional turmoil?
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -July 2 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
July 2, 2026
 
The writer Goethe was an unflagging optimist. How was he able to maintain such optimism? Because he was always active. He did not allow his life to stagnate. He writes: "It is better to do the smallest thing in the world than to hold half an hour to be too small a thing." Spending thirty minutes a day assiduously challenging some undertaking can completely change our lives.
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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
July 2, 2026
 
The sutra teaches that women, evil men, and those in the realms of animality and Hell in fact, all the beings of the Ten Worlds can attain Buddhahood in their present form. [This is an incomparably greater wonder than] fire being produced by a stone taken from the bottom of a river, or a lantern lighting up a place that has been dark for a hundred, a thousand, or ten thousand years. If even the most ordinary things of this world are such wonders, then how much more wondrous is the power of the Buddhist Law!"
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 923
The One Essential Phrase
Written to the lay nun Myoho on July 3, 1278
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
July 2, 2026
 
If we attain the state of Buddhahood in this lifetime, that state will forever pervade our lives. Throughout the cycle of birth and death, in each new lifetime, we are endowed with good health, wealth and intelligence, along with a supportive, comfortable environment, and lead lives that overflow with good fortune. Each of us will also possess a unique mission and be born in an appropriate form to fulfill it.
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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (07 June 1954) p.174
 
Read Wind and Waves, a book that describes the life of Teisuke Akiyama. Though it seems his life was truly interesting, I cannot sympathize with his way of thinking. Each has his or her own way of living, so as not to have any regrets. Akiyama took his course and I shall take mine.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -July 1 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
July 1, 2026
 
"Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is like the roar of a lion," the Daishonin says (The Major Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 119). It is by chanting powerful daimoku, like a lion's roar, that we can move the Buddhist deities, the protective forces of the universe. The voice is very important - it has profound power. While naturally being careful not to disturb your neighbours, I hope you will endeavour to chant cheerful and powerful daimoku that reaches all the Buddhist deities and Buddhas throughout the 10 directions.
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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
July 1, 2026
 
Though evils may be numerous, they cannot prevail over a single great truth, just as many raging fires are quenched by a single shower of rain. This principle also holds true with Nichiren and his followers.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 618
Many in Body, One in Mind
Written to the lay priest Takahashi on August 6, year unknown
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
July 1, 2026
 
If we cherish the spirit to repay our debt of gratitude in the depths of our hearts, then our good fortune will increase by leaps and bounds. No matter how much action people might seem to be taking outwardly, if they lack the spirit to repay their debt of gratitude, their arrogance will destroy their good fortune.
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 Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (27 May 1954) p.173
 
9:30 – a chapter leaders meeting at O.’s. This month resulted in 420 new families. Worried that the chapters may get too caught up in the propagation numbers alone. My hope is that we will advance steadily, amid warm bonds of unity, without one person discarding faith or disrespecting the Gohonzon. But can such a large-scale movement be free from a little overzealousness; can we help becoming result-oriented? As of now, I cannot answer these questions, even for myself.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -June 30 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
June 30, 2026
 
The place where we are right now is what matters. This is all the more true for us who embrace the Mystic Law. Buddhism teaches that we can transform wherever we are into the Land of Eternally Tranquil Light.
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From the Writing of Nichiren Daishonin
June 30, 2026
 
Because I have expounded this teaching, I have been exiled and almost killed. As the saying goes: "Good advice grates on the ear." But still I am not discouraged.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 748
The Essentials for Attaining Buddhahood
Written to Soya Jiro Hyoe-no-jo Kyoshin on August 3, 1276
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
June 30, 2026
 
In one of his writings, renowned microbiologist Rene Dubos, stated. "History teaches that man without effort is sure to deteriorate; man cannot progress without effort, and man cannot be happy without effort." This is indisputable. You may be experiencing various hardships now, but because you continue to make efforts in the midst of those challenges, no matter how painful they are, you will definitely become happy. Effort and happiness are indivisible.
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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (25 May 1954) p.173
 
Physical condition extremely poor. Have been pondering deeply my severe destiny. Pained over the complexity of my own feelings.
The Suiko Group met at 6:00 at the headquarters. My spirits were not especially high. Like a brave soldier who has just entered a peaceful forest. The other members, though, were quite inspired. This is as it should be. Received strict guidance from President Toda. Felt as if I had been stabbed in the chest. Faith. Nothing but faith. Faith with passionate resolve.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -June 29 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
June 29, 2026
 
The important thing is to advance brightly and strive to be victorious at each moment, right where we are; to begin something here and now instead of fretting and worrying over what will happen. This is the starting point for transforming our lives.
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From the Writing of Nichiren Daishonin
June 29, 2026
 
If one hopes to study and master Buddhism, then one cannot do so without devoting time to the task.
 
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
June 29, 2026
 
Originally, every person's life is a brilliantly shining mirror. Differences arise depending on whether one polishes this mirror: A polished mirror is the Buddha's life, whereas a tarnished mirror is that of a common mortal. Chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is what polishes our lives.
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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (19 May 1954) p.172
 
Physical condition very poor.
Could I be suffering from tuberculosis? Or perhaps I have stomach trouble or diabetes. How I wish I was healthy.
If the principle ‘the oneness of body and mind’ is true, then my spiritual determination should spur me on, and there is no reason my body cannot be restored to health. Reflecting, I realize I must firmly establish powerful faith.
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