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.
________________________________
 
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
________________________________
 
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.
________________________________
 
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.
_____________________________

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.
________________________________

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
________________________________

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.
________________________________

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.
…
At night, I composed a poem titled “Human Revolution”:
…
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.
____________________________

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.
________________________________
 
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
________________________________
 
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.
________________________________
 
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.’
_____________________________

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.
________________________________
 
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
________________________________
 
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.
________________________________
 
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.
_____________________________

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.
________________________________
 
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
________________________________
 
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.
________________________________
 
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
_____________________________

Sensei's Daily Encouragement -October 17 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
October 17, 2026
 
I hope that each of you will study broadly and develop your understanding of life, society and the universe, based on your faith in Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism. This type of learning enables you to cultivate a rich state of life, or inner world, drawing forth profound wisdom and limitless leadership ability from the depths of your life.
________________________________
 
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
October 17, 2026
 
In the eighth volume of Great Concentration and Insight and in the eighth volume of The Annotations on "Great Concentration and Insight" it says, "The stronger one's faith, the greater the protection of the gods." This means that the protection of the gods depends on the strength of one's faith. The Lotus Sutra is a fine sword, but its might depends upon the one who wields it.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 953
General Stone Tiger
Written to Shijo Kingo on October 22, 1278
________________________________
 
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
October 17, 2026
 
One's actions in previous existences are all engraved in and contained in this lifetime. The causes for our present suffering or joy, happiness or misery, all lie in our own past actions. But Nichiren Buddhism enables us to fundamentally reform our destiny. When we truly base ourselves on Buddhism's view of life's eternity, we realize the first thing to change is how we live in the present. In Nichiren Buddhism, change arises from the depths of our being. Strong, pure vitality abundantly wells forth. The iron chains of destiny are cut and our original identity, the fresh and robust world of Buddhahood, appears.
________________________________
 
Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (31 October 1955) p. 265
 
Isn’t conservatism a tendency to place great importance upon, or become caught up in, formality? Isn’t it also the inclination to cherish only the past while disregarding reform for the future? Reform – not in the commonly understood sense of the word but true reform – is to enable genuine vitality to surge forth from the midst of a society enslaved by formalism. In other words, by invoking the Mystic Law, we bring forth pure, fresh life force, revolutionizing our own lives and thereby transforming our environment.
_____________________________

Sensei's Daily Encouragement -October 16 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
October 16, 2026
 
Intellect will play a very important role in the coming age. By intellect I mean refined wisdom, clear reasoning, profound philosophy and broad-ranging knowledge. We are entering an age when people will develop their intelligence and wisdom, infusing society with their new outlook.
________________________________
 
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
October 16, 2026
 
None of you who declare yourselves to be my disciples should ever give way to cowardice.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 764
The Actions of the Votary of the Lotus Sutra
Written to the lay nun Konichi in 1276
________________________________
 
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
October 16, 2026
 
The air around us is filled with radio waves of various frequencies. While these are invisible, a television set can collect them and turn them into visible images. The practice of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo aligns the rhythm of our own lives with the world of Buddhahood in the universe. It "tunes" our lives, so to speak, so that we can manifest the power of Buddhahood in our very beings.
________________________________
 
Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (30 October 1955) p.265
 
Is it detrimental to think about myself too deeply? Or is it absolutely necessary? Some people become negative through too much self-criticism. Others, after deep introspection, can forge ahead boldly. These days, isn’t it more important to always challenge our situation with youthful courage instead of being foolishly self-critical? Ultimately, once we embrace the Mystic Law, we should feel free to think, move and advance in a way most natural to us, so long as we do not cause others trouble.
_____________________________