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

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
August 13, 2026

An important thing is that you concentrate on developing yourself. Whatever others may say or do, those who have established their own solid sense of identity will triumph in the end. The great Japanese author Eiji Yoshikawa (1892-1962) wrote in his novel Miyamoto Musashi [an account of the seventeenth-century master swordsman of the same name]: "Rather than worrying about your future, thinking ' Perhaps I should become this or perhaps I should become that,' first be still and build a self that is as solid and unmoving as Mount Fuji."
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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
August 13, 2026

Could "enjoy themselves at ease" mean anything but that both our bodies and minds, lives and environments, are entities of three thousand realms in a single moment of life and Buddhas of limitless joy? There is no true happiness other than upholding faith in the Lotus Sutra. This is what is meant by "peace and security in their present existence and good circumstances in future existences."

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 681
Happiness in This World
Written to Shijo Kingo on June 27, 1276
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
August 13, 2026

Buddhism teaches that human life is endowed simultaneously with both good and evil. The human mind is interpreted as partaking of ten different conditions, or states, including, at one end of the scale, hell, which is filled with suffering; hunger, dominated by greed; and animality, characterized by fear of the strong and contempt for the weak. At the other end are the Bodhisattva and Buddha conditions - states of mind in which people strive to help others by eliminating suffering and imparting happiness. Buddhism further teaches that the nature of life is for good and evil to be essentially inseparable.
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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (01 September 1954) p.199

An evening lecture in Tsurumi. “On the Buddha’s Prophecy.” When I have truly prepared myself, my lectures go very well. This is how it should always be. Met with M. at a sushi shop until 11:00. He had visited Miss I. during lunch. Dinner was ready when I returned home. My wife reminded me that when I left for work in the morning I had promised her to be home in time for dinner. No excuse.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -August 12 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
August 12, 2026

Courage is free. Anyone can have it. Courage is another name for the SGI spirit. Mr. Toda said: "The Buddha is filled with compassion, but it is hard for us common mortals to show compassion. So we must have courage instead." In other words, when we work courageously for kosen-rufu, our actions by their very nature become compassionate.
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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
August 12, 2026

What caused you to inwardly believe in the Lotus Sutra and to make offerings to me during my more than thirty-day stay there? I was hated and resented by the steward and the people of the district even more than I was in Kamakura. Those who saw me scowled, while those who merely heard my name were filled with spite. And yet, though I was there in the fifth month when rice was scarce, you secretly fed me. Have my parents been reborn in a place called Kawana, in Ito of Izu Province?"

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 35
The Izu Exile
Written to Funamori Yasaburo on June 27, 1261
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
August 12, 2026

When you look at those of superior capacity, do not disparage yourself. The Buddha's true intention was that no one, even those of inferior capacity, be denied enlightenment. Conversely, when you compare yourself with persons of inferior capacity, do not be arrogant and over proud. Even persons of superior capacity may be excluded from enlightenment if they do not devote themselves wholeheartedly – Nichiren
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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (31 August 1954) p.199

Another cool day. Everyone has been warning me to eat more vegetables. Agree with them. It stands to reason that a good daily diet is more important to my health than medicine.

6:30 – a headquarters leaders meeting at Toshima Civic Auditorium. Afterward, the top leaders met at Jozai-ji. Worried that the senior leaders are not listening carefully enough to the other leaders’ views and ideas. Can only await the board of directors’ further growth.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -August 11 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

   

   

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
August 11, 2026

Let's read the Gosho regularly. Even just a little is fine. Even a single sentence. Just opening the Gosho is a start. At any rate, let's strive to read the Daishonin's writings. It's important to have the spirit to study the Gosho, to open up the Gosho. Even if you forget what you've read, something profound will have been engraved in the depths of your life.
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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
August 11, 2026

Even an individual at cross purposes with himself is certain to end in failure. Yet a hundred or even a thousand people can definitely attain their goal, if they are of one mind.

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
August 11, 2026

One who has mastered himself is truly free. Freedom lies in the heart of the sage, servitude in the heart of the fool.
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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (30 August 1954) p.199

Sensei seems healthy and in high spirits. This makes me truly happy...

A Study Department professors meeting from 5:00. I am now being dispatch to Osaka Chapter each month to give a lecture. Must study.

A general staff meeting from 7:00. Returned home early after a pleasant meeting. Must not neglect gongyo.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -August 10 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
August 10, 2026
 
From one perspective, Buddhist practice means plunging into the midst of the people and striving to strengthen our life force to the greatest extent. The purpose of SGI activities is for each of us to be able to build a strong, invincible, diamond-like self that can overcome every difficulty and blaze a way forward wherever we go. Obstacles are a golden opportunity to quickly forge an inner self that is as indestructible as a diamond, able to endure for eternity.
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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
August 10, 2026
 
Concerning prayer, there are conspicuous prayer and conspicuous response, conspicuous prayer and inconspicuous response, inconspicuous prayer and inconspicuous response, and inconspicuous prayer and conspicuous response. But the only essential point is that, if you believe in this sutra, all your desires will be fulfilled in both the present and the future.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 750
Letter to the Lay Priest Domyo
Written to the lay priest Domyo on August 10, 1276
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
August 10, 2026
 
The heart of one person moves another's. If one's own heart is closed, then the doors of other people's hearts will also shut tight. On the other hand, someone who makes all those around him or her into allies, bathing them in the sunlight of spring, will be treasured by all.
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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (29 August 1954) p.198
 
Glad my physical condition has improved. With this as a turning point, must further my human revolution. Stayed home all morning. The children are noisy, but it’s good they are in high spirits. Amazed a how quickly they are growing. Never want to grow old. Wish to live out this century as a youth.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -August 9 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    


Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
 August 9, 2026
 
The course of our lives is determined by how we react - what we decide and what we do - at the darkest of times. The nature of that response determines a person's true worth and greatness.
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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
 August 9, 2026
 
The Buddha promised in the Lotus Sutra that, for women, the sutra will serve as a lantern in the darkness, as a ship when they cross the sea, and as a protector when they travel through dangerous places.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 614
The Supremacy of the Law
Written to Oto, the daughter of Nichimiyo in 1272
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
 August 9, 2026
 
Faith and daily life, faith and work - these are not separate things. They are one and the same. To think of them as separate - that faith is faith, and work is work - is theoretical faith. Based on the recognition that work and faith are one and the same, we should put 100 percent of our energy into our jobs and 100 percent into our faith, too. When we resolve to do this, we enter the path of victory in life. Faith means to show irrefutable proof of victory amid the realities of society and in our own daily lives.
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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (25 August 1954) p.198
 
A cool day. Feeling physically healthy. Must never forget faith. Must remember to maintain strict practice and training. I, myself, am weak. On my own, I am timid and cowardly. Strong faith is important. Need a strong senior; rather, a strong mentor in life. Then, I must become a strong disciple.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -August 8 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
August 8, 2026
 
The present, as I am sure you all sense, is an age pervaded by great weariness and apathy. I would like you to be aware that the power and energy to serve humanity in such an enervated age can only be born from a vigorous, indomitable, noble will. Though the times may be rife with petty human conflicts, a pervading sense of hopelessness and all manner of turbulent storms, I hope that all of you will forge ahead boldly, with unflagging good cheer.
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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
August 8, 2026
 
The sutras expounded prior to the Lotus Sutra cannot lead to Buddhahood because they are provisional and expedient teachings that separate reality and wisdom. The Lotus Sutra, however, unites the two as a single entity. The sutra says that the Buddhas open the door of Buddha wisdom to all living beings, show it, cause them to awaken to it, and induce them to enter its path. By realizing this Buddha wisdom, one attains Buddhahood.
 
 The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 746
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
August 8, 2026
 
Depending on the use to which it is put, religion can be a demonic force. Religion should bring us together, but it is exploited by some to create greater schisms among us. Nothing could be more unfortunate. Religion must always be for the people. People do not exist for the sake of religion. This must be the fundamental guideline of religion in the twenty-first century.
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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (03 August 1954) p.196
 
The summer training course.
Spent a meaningful time at the training course. Visited Shiraito Falls and even went under the falls. Strove to further develop my state of life at this training course. At next year’s training course, I will have been practicing this faith for eight full years. Must do my best.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -August 7 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
August 7, 2026
 
Gandhi stressed the importance of being resolute in one's determinations: "A man who says that he will do something 'as far as possible,' betrays either his pride or his weakness, though he himself may attribute it to his humility. There is, in fact, not a trace of humility in such an attitude of mind." In short, he asserts that someone who makes halfhearted pronouncements is either arrogant or cowardly. 
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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
August 7, 2026
 
When praised highly by others, one feels that there is no hardship one cannot bear. Such is the courage that springs from words of praise.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 385
The True Aspect of All Phenomena
Written to Sairen-bo Nichijo on May 17, 1273
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
August 7, 2026
 
The people we are close to are important. We should treat them as our treasures. When dealing with others, we should always be sincere and polite. Nothing is stronger than sincerity. I have made many friends around the world and made them all with the same sincerity. A relationship built with sincerity will never be destroyed, but relationships build by means of tactics and scheming always collapse in the end.
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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (30 July 1954) p.196
 
Went to Omiya on business. Resent K.’s insolence. Wait another five or ten years, then we will see who is victorious. Exhausted, returned home just after 8:00. Bored. Must take care of my health. Sat quietly at my desk, scribbling notes in my notebook.
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