Sensei's Daily Encouragement -April 13 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
April 13, 2026
 
Quite simply, there can be no true democracy unless the citizens of a country realize that they are sovereign, that they are the main protagonists, and then with wisdom and a strong sense of responsibility take action based on that realization. Democracy cannot be successful in its mission unless the people rouse themselves to become more informed and involved, unless they unite, unless they establish an unshakable force for justice and keep a strict eye on the activities of the powerful.
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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
April 13, 2026
 
Although I, Nichiren, am not a man of wisdom, the devil king of the sixth heaven has attempted to take possession of my body. But I have for some time been taking such great care that he now no longer comes near me. Therefore, because the power of the heavenly devil is ineffectual against me, he instead possesses the ruler and his high officials, or foolish priests such as Ryokan, and causes them to hate me.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 310
Reply to Sairen-bo
Written to Sairen-bo Nichijo on april 13, 1272
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 Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
April 13, 2026
 
A great work of art is one that truly moves and inspires you. You yourself must be moved. Don't look at art with others eyes. Don't listen to music with others ears. You must react to art with your own feelings, your own heart and mind. If you allow yourself to be swayed by the opinions of others, it must be good because everyone else likes it, it must be bad, because no one else likes it - your feelings, your sensibility, which should be the very core of the artistic experience, will wither and die. To enjoy art to the fullest, you must abandon all preconceived notions, leaving a blank slate. Then confront the work directly, with your entire being. If you are deeply moved, then that work is, for you, a great work of art.
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (01 February 1953) p.135
 
Attended a youth division meeting at 6:00pm. Witnessed their bold departure toward the coming year. How splendid! Someday, want Sensei to see the result of our behind-the-scenes unity and growth. I talked about the importance of study. I, myself, however, must first take the initiative and serve as an example. Personally resolved to take a great leap forward during the coming year.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -April 12 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

  

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
April 12, 2026
 
Young people are the leaders of the 21st century. For that reason it is important that you have an understanding of history, that you can see through to the heart of things. A penetrating view of history is essential. A superficial one won't suffice.
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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
April 12, 2026
 
I have found that even those who appear to believe just as the sutra teaches may not actually have strong faith at all, as you are already well aware. . . The fact that her prayers have gone unanswered is like a strong bow with a weak bowstring, or a fine sword in the hands of a coward. It is in no sense the fault of the Lotus Sutra.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 489
The Royal Palace
Written in Shijo Kingo on April 12, 1275
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
April 12, 2026
 
It's important to remember that your prayers always reflect your state of life. In that respect, prayer is a solemn means to raise your life-condition. And to get exactly the results that you're praying for, it is crucial to make determined, single-minded efforts toward that goal. That is the true path of manifesting faith in daily life. Those of you who proceed along this path day after day, year after year, will without fail develop - just like saplings into mighty trees, becoming people of outstanding strength and character.
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (30 January 1953) p.135
 
The Gakkai headquarters leaders meeting…
Felt it to be miniature world of Buddhas and bodhisattvas who have passionately arisen to achieve kosen-rufu. It is apparent however, that steep mountains and violent storms await us. Will it be possible to achieve kosen-rufu in our time? Or will it be 50, 100, 200 years from now? In the end, there is no other way for me but to devote this life, until I die, to the battle of propagation, with a determination, conviction and dream for two hundred years from now.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -April 11 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

 

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
April 11, 2026
 
As long as our mind of faith is connected to the Gohonzon, our benefits will never disappear. That's why it is vital for us to persevere in our Buddhist practice throughout our lives no matter what, even if on some days our physical condition or other circumstances prevent us from doing gongyo and chanting daimoku to our full satisfaction. Those who continue to challenge themselves to the end savour ultimate victory.
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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
April 11, 2026
 
The Flower Garland and the other various sutras are like stars in this dark night, while the Lotus Sutra is like the moon. For those who have faith in the Lotus Sutra, but whose faith is not deep, it is as though a half moon were lighting the darkness. But for those who have profound faith, it is as though a full moon were illuminating the night.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 94
The Essence of the "Medicine King" Chapter
Recipient unknown, written in 1265
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
April 11, 2026
 
Worthy persons deserve to be called so because they are not carried away by the eight winds: prosperity, decline, disgrace, honour, praise, censure, suffering, and pleasure. They are neither elated by prosperity nor grieved by decline - Nichiren
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (27 January 1953) p.134
 
Ichinen, single-minded determination – this is what enables the arrow to pierce the rock, as the saying goes. Mr. Toda’s frequent statement that “there is no power stronger or greater than faith” has gradually come to touch my heart.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -April 10 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

 

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
April 10, 2026
 
The Daishonin's words are guiding principles that have universal, eternal relevance. It is important to study his writings. And it is especially crucial that the members of the youth division gain a solid grounding in Buddhist study. The two ways of practice and study are important. A half-hearted attitude will not allow you to complete these two paths. That would be a truly sad thing.
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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
April 10, 2026
 
In describing the first, second, and third of the five stages of practice, the Buddha restricts those at these stages from practicing precepts and meditation, and places all emphasis upon the single factor of wisdom. And because our wisdom is inadequate, he teaches us to substitute faith for wisdom, making this single word "faith" the foundation.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 785
On the Four Stages of Faith and the Five Stages of Practice
Written to Toki Jonin on April 10, 1277
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
April 10, 2026
 
Many today regard any kind of belief and religious faith, in particular as somehow in opposition to reason or at the very least as a sort of paralysis of the faculty of reason. There are, indeed, fanatical religions in which faith opposes reason. But it is an erroneous leap of logic to assume on this basis, and without any evidence, that all religions are so. That itself is irrational and can be characterized as a kind of blind faith in its own right.
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (26 January 1953) p.134
 
Worked vigorously all day. Gave a lecture for the first time this year. Feel I must study harder and harder. Had friends from work over for dinner late in the evening. Talked to our hearts’ content about our dreams for the next twenty years.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -April 9 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
April 9, 2026
 
Nothing is wasted in faith. One never loses out. Please be confident that all your efforts to help others and promote Buddhism are accumulating immense treasures of good fortune in your life. This is what is meant by inconspicuous benefit.
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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
April 9, 2026
 
And yet there is one river called the Sahaya that follows a course as straight as a taut rope, flowing directly into the western sea. A woman who has faith in the Lotus Sutra will be like this river, proceeding directly to the Pure Land in the west. Such is the virtue inherent in the single character myo.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 149
The Daimoku of the Lotus Sutra
Recipient unknown; writen on January 6, 1266
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
April 9, 2026
 
Illusion about the true nature of existence is literally illusion about the nature of one's own life. This is the fundamental source of all illusions. If we are ignorant about the nature of our own existence, then we will be ignorant about the nature of other people's lives, too. On the other hand, when our lives are free of illusion, we can perceive the treasure tower that shines resplendent in all people, in all beings.
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (25 January 1953) p.133
 
Whatever the chapter and whomever the members, I want them to become happy. Dreaming of making the Gakkai, with vigor and unity, a nationwide, even a worldwide organization. Convinced this can only be achieved through all the members attaining happiness. Disturbed by the shallowness and bias of two or three top leaders who do not understand President Toda's will.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -April 8 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
April 8, 2026
 
Great individuals fight abuses of authority. The truly strong do not lord it over the weak. People of genuine strength and courage battle against the powerful, the arrogant, the authoritarian, the evil and corrupt - all who look down on the people with contempt.
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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
April 8, 2026
 
Above all, both you and your husband are upholders of the Lotus Sutra. You will surely bear a jewel of a child who is going to inherit the seed for the propagation of the Lotus Sutra. I wholeheartedly congratulate you. The child is one who will inherit both your physical and spiritual aspects.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 186
Easy Delivery of a Fortune Child
Written to Nichigen-nyo on May 7, 1271
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
April 8, 2026
 
Nichiren writes, "If you light a lantern for another, it will also brighten your own way." Please be confident that the higher your flame of altruistic action burns, the more its light will suffuse your life with happiness. Those who possess an altruistic spirit are the happiest people of all.
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (25 January 1953) p.133
 
Thought about the other day’s spiritless leaders meeting of Koiwa chapter, held at Masui’s House. There were about sixty participants. They lacked joy and appeared to have lost confidence. Decided in my heart to charge forth with tremendous passion into this desert like area. I am worried that these leaders, however, who lack spirit or an understanding of their mission, cannot accept my spirit and intent.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -April 7 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
April 7, 2026
 
Strength is the source of happiness. We mustn't shy away from life's challenges. We mustn't be defeated. Refusing to be defeated equals victory. A person who perseveres to the end is a winner. In the course of promoting our movement, the Soka Gakkai has never pulled back in the face of any hindrance. We have kept moving forward. And that is the key to our success. Never to retreat a single step, no matter what - that is the Soka Gakkai spirit. Those who embrace this spirit can achieve unlimited victory.
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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
April 7, 2026
 
If you try to treat someone's illness without knowing its cause, you will only make the person sicker than before.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 774
The Actions of the Votary of the Lotus Sutra
Written to the lay nun Konichi in 1276
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
April 7, 2026
 
The Buddhist teaching of the inseparability of evil and good means that everything can be made one or the other in an instant, according to what we harbour in our hearts. Everything begins with the self. A change in one's outlook or intention triggers a change in the self and radiates outward to effect society-wide revolutions. This idea is what we in the SGI refer to as "human revolution."
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (23 January 1953) p.133
 
Many problems trouble the world. The newspapers are devoid of any encouraging news. A dreadful world. It pains my youthful heart. The only security is to advance with bold determination, without begrudging my life.
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