Sensei's Daily Encouragement November 1 - 2026 Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
November 1, 2026

The Daishonin has taught us that through gongyo and chanting daimoku we can reach an elevated state in which, while engaged in our daily lives, we travel throughout the entire universe. When you worship the Gohonzon, the door to your microcosm is opened to the entire universe, the macrocosm, and you experience a great, boundless joy, as if you were looking out over the entire cosmos. You feel great satisfaction and rejoicing, a great wisdom, as if you held the entire universe in your palm.
________________________________

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
November 1, 2026

It must be ties of karma from the distant past that have destined you to become my disciple at a time like this. Shakyamuni and Many Treasures certainly realized this truth. The sutra's statement, "Those persons who had heard the Law dwelled here and there in various Buddha lands, constantly reborn in company with their teachers," cannot be false in any way.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 217
The Heritage of the Ultimate Law of Life
Written to Sairen-bo Nichijo on February 11, 1272
________________________________

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
November 1, 2026

Buddhism is not a religion that closes its eyes to people's suffering; it is a teaching that opens people's eyes. Therefore, Buddhism is the path that enables people to become happy. To turn away our eyes from the contradictions of society and rid ourselves of all worldly thoughts is not the way of Buddhist practice. The true spirit of meditation lies in manifesting our innate wisdom in society and resolutely struggling for the happiness of ourselves and others, and to construct a better society.
________________________________

Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (02 & 07 February 1956) p.288

Keeping a diary has become a burden.
…
As a person of average capacity, I have many aspects – I sometimes feel like writing and at other times do not. As a youth, I have many aspects – at times I am swept away by swift currents, and other times I stand fast amid the raging torrents. At times I enjoy solitude, while other times I delight in talking with others. Life has many aspects.
_____________________________

Sensei's Daily Encouragement -October 31 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
October 31, 2026

It is only natural that sometimes we fall sick. But we must see that sickness as a sickness that originally exists in life, based on the principle of the Mystic Law. In other words, there is no reason to allow yourself to be controlled by illness, for it to fill your life with suffering and distress. From the standpoint of eternal life through the three existences, your fundamentally happy self is incontrovertibly established.
________________________________

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
October 31, 2026

Question: Is it possible, without understanding the meaning of the Lotus Sutra, but merely by chanting the five or seven characters of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo once a day, once a month, or simply once a year, once a decade, or once in a lifetime, to avoid being drawn into trivial or serious acts of evil, to escape falling into the four evil paths, and instead to eventually reach the stage of non-regression? Answer: Yes, it is.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 141
The Daimoku of the Lotus Sutra
Recipient unknown; written on January 6, 1266
________________________________

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
October 31, 2026

Death does not discriminate; it strips of us everything. Fame, wealth and power are all useless in the unadorned reality of the final moments of life. When the time comes, we will have only ourselves to rely on. This is a solemn confrontation that we must face armed only with our raw humanity, the actual record of what we have done, how we have chosen to live our lives, asking, "Have I lived true to myself? What have I contributed to the world? What are my satisfactions or regrets?"
________________________________

Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (24 January 1956) p.288

Roused my tired body out of bed and left the house. Late for the morning lecture. Can only bow my head at Sensei’s earnest attitude in waiting for me before beginning. How long can I live with Sensei, like parent and child, mentor and disciple? Things suddenly come to mind. Our precious bond is like a drama, joyous. Ultimately, it is my own fortune, my own ability, my sense of mission and conviction that matter.
_____________________________

Sensei's Daily Encouragement -October 30 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
October 30, 2026

The Gohonzon is the concrete manifestation of the very existence of Nichiren Daishonin, who taught kosen-rufu. Because of that, if you only practice gongyo and chant daimoku and don't take any other action for the sake of kosen-rufu or improving your own life, the Gohonzon will not have its true, full effect. If, however, you take actions to achieve kosen-rufu, they will serve as that extra push for your own life and help you leap to higher and higher states of mind in your gongyo and chanting as well.
________________________________

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
October 30, 2026

Shakyamuni's practices and the virtues he consequently attained are all contained within the five characters of Myoho-renge-kyo. If we believe in these five characters, we will naturally be granted the same benefits as he was.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 365
The Object of Devotion for Observing the Mind Established in the Fifth Five-Hundred-Year Period af the Thus Come One's Passing
Written to Toki Jonin on April 25, 1273
________________________________

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
October 30, 2026

If you allow the passing of time to let you forget the lofty vows of your youth, you stand to block the source of your own boundless good fortune and sever the roots of limitless prosperity for your family and loved ones as well. Please never let this happen. Only by remaining steadfast to the vows we have made in our youth can we shine as true victors in life.
________________________________

Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (18 January 1956) p.287

A strict and fair meeting to determine the final results of the written exams. Everyone had hoped the candidates would do well. Many, however, did not pass. Ultimately, faith amounts to belief plus study. Being too easy on oneself in faith is the first step toward complacency. My wife passed. She tried hard, studying while praying pure-heartedly to the Gohonzon…
Went to T. with Y. and N. to get dinner and talk. Did not enjoy myself. Want to establish a rhythm of going to bed early and getting up early.
_____________________________

Sensei's Daily Encouragement -October 30 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
October 30, 2026

The Gohonzon is the concrete manifestation of the very existence of Nichiren Daishonin, who taught kosen-rufu. Because of that, if you only practice gongyo and chant daimoku and don't take any other action for the sake of kosen-rufu or improving your own life, the Gohonzon will not have its true, full effect. If, however, you take actions to achieve kosen-rufu, they will serve as that extra push for your own life and help you leap to higher and higher states of mind in your gongyo and chanting as well.
________________________________

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
October 30, 2026

Shakyamuni's practices and the virtues he consequently attained are all contained within the five characters of Myoho-renge-kyo. If we believe in these five characters, we will naturally be granted the same benefits as he was.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 365
The Object of Devotion for Observing the Mind Established in the Fifth Five-Hundred-Year Period af the Thus Come One's Passing
Written to Toki Jonin on April 25, 1273
________________________________

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
October 30, 2026

If you allow the passing of time to let you forget the lofty vows of your youth, you stand to block the source of your own boundless good fortune and sever the roots of limitless prosperity for your family and loved ones as well. Please never let this happen. Only by remaining steadfast to the vows we have made in our youth can we shine as true victors in life.
________________________________

Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (18 January 1956) p.287

A strict and fair meeting to determine the final results of the written exams. Everyone had hoped the candidates would do well. Many, however, did not pass. Ultimately, faith amounts to belief plus study. Being too easy on oneself in faith is the first step toward complacency. My wife passed. She tried hard, studying while praying pure-heartedly to the Gohonzon…
Went to T. with Y. and N. to get dinner and talk. Did not enjoy myself. Want to establish a rhythm of going to bed early and getting up early.
_____________________________

Sensei's Daily Encouragement -October 29 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
October 29, 2026

Gongyo is a practice that calls forth and activates the infinite power that the microcosm inherently possesses. It transforms your fate, breaks through any apparent dead ends and converts sufferings into happiness. It creates a transformation, a revolution of the microcosm. It is a diagram in miniature of kosen-rufu in our lives.
________________________________

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
October 29, 2026

If a boat is handled by an unskilled steersman, it may capsize and drown everyone aboard. Likewise, though someone may have great physical strength, if he lacks a resolute spirit, even his many abilities will be of no use.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 614
The Supremacy of the Law
Written to Oto and her mother, Nichimyo, on August 4, 1275
________________________________

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
October 29, 2026

As you meet various trials and difficulties, thus polishing all the many facets of the jewel which is life, you will learn to walk that supreme pathway of humanity. Of this, I am confident, and I am confident too that those who embrace life's native creativity now stand and will continue to stand in the vanguard of history. Bringing the creativity of life to its fullest flowering is the work of human revolution. Carrying out this kind of human revolution is your mission now as it will be throughout your lives.
________________________________

Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (17 January 1956) p.286

Health is paramount, together with life force and good fortune. Will establish these with the Mystic Law, through the powers of faith and practice.
To the headquarters at 6:00 to grade the exams. Went to give guidance afterward at a YMD meeting in Nakano Civic Auditorium. My wife looked beautiful when I got home.
_____________________________

Sensei's Daily Encouragement -October 28 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
October 28, 2026

It may seem perfectly all right to put ourselves and our own wishes first, to simply follow the dictates of our emotions and cravings, but the truth is that there is nothing more unreliable than our own mind. Life doesn't always go like clockwork and things will not necessarily turn out as we hope or plan. Consequently, Nichiren Daishonin frequently stressed: You should become the master of your mind, not let your mind master you. We mustn't allow ourselves to be ruled by a self-centered mind. Rather, we have to discipline our mind and gain mastery over it. This is the Daishonin's strict admonition.
________________________________

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
October 28, 2026

Showing profound compassion for those unable to comprehend the gem of the doctrine of three thousand realms in a single moment of life, the Buddha wrapped it within the five characters [of Myoho-renge-kyo], with which he then adorned the necks of the ignorant people of the latter age.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 376
The Object of Devotion for Observing the Mind Established in the Fifth Five-Hundred-Year Period after the Thus Come One's Passing
Written to Toki Jonin on April 25, 1273
________________________________

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
October 28, 2026

Shakyamuni Buddha explained the fundamental spirit of Buddhism as a sense of individual responsibility. "You are your only master. Who else? Subdue yourself and discover your master." In other words, we must each take responsibility for our own self-discipline and for cultivating meaningful lives.
________________________________

Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (14 January 1956) p.285/86

Left Tokyo Station at 12:30 on the Dove, the express for Osaka, for the Study Department exam. Thought I would study on the train, but couldn’t. It was awful. Couldn’t concentrate at all. Practice, training. Recalled Musashi*.
Answered exam prep questions until after 11:00. Overly tired. Feel a neuralgia-like pain in my left hand…
At 1:20, 423 people took the written exam. There were five questions. The quality of my lecture will be reflected in the examinees’ performance. The responsibility is ultimately my own.

*Miyamoto Musashi (famed swordsman 1584 – 1645)
____________________________

Sensei's Daily Encouragement -October 27 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
October 27, 2026

Whether we regard difficulties in life as misfortunes or whether we view them as good fortune depends entirely on how much we have forged our inner determination. It all depends on our attitude or inner state of life. With a dauntless spirit, we can lead a cheerful and thoroughly enjoyable life. We can develop a "self" of such fortitude that we can look forward to life's trials and tribulations with a sense of profound elation and joy: "Come on obstacles! I've been expecting you! This is the chance that I've been waiting for!"
________________________________

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
October 27, 2026

The function of fire is to burn and give light. The function of water is to wash away filth. The winds blow away dust and breathe life into plants, animals and human beings. The earth nourishes the grasses and trees, and heaven provides nourishing moisture. The five characters of Myoho-renge-kyo are also like that. They are the cluster of blessings brought by the Bodhisattvas of the Earth, disciples of the Buddha in his true identity.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 218
The Heritage of the Ultimate Law of Life
Written to Sairen-bo Nichijo on February 11, 1272
________________________________

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
October 27, 2026

Literature that works to refine, deepen and save the human soul is akin to a religion that elevates and binds people together. And the texts of great religions, such as the Bible and the Buddhist scriptures, make great literature. Literature and religion are parts of the human heritage, and determining how to use that heritage is essential to our further growth as human beings.
________________________________

Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (12 January 1956) p.285

Attended a study meeting for the upcoming Study Department exam. All the participants showed the utmost seriousness. Nevertheless, their eyes sparkled. This is a world of devotion and joy unseen in other organizations.
Studied until 10:30pm, covering every subject.
I should worry about my next life. Reflected on my lack of ability. Study, study! Must pursue the two ways of practice and study.
____________________________