Sensei's Daily Encouragement -June 20 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
June 20, 2026
 
Your faith guarantees that an infinite number of your ancestors and descendants will attain Buddhahood. Such is the wondrous power of the Mystic Law. How profound and important is your existence! There is also no greater way to repay the debt of gratitude to your parents than through faith.
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From the Writing of Nichiren Daishonin
June 20, 2026
 
In your position as a woman, you have made offerings to the Lotus Sutra in this defiled latter age. Therefore, King Brahma will look after you with his divine eye, Shakra will press his palms together and pay obeisance to you, the earthly deities will delight in reverently holding up your feet, and Shakyamuni Buddha will extend his hand from Eagle Peak to pat your head.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 981
Reply to the Wife of Matsuno
Written to the wife of Matsuno Rokuro Saemon-no-jo on June 20, 1279
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
June 20, 2026
 
Buddhism elucidates the dignity of human life on the most fundamental level. Buddhism is not merely a philosophy that observes truth from an objective point of view or in light of reason. It is oriented toward practice and the study of human beings that shows the correct way to live. Buddhism aims to prove the true dignity of human life through the individual's life and his or her actions to help others do the same. In other words, Buddhism is a practice to revere human life, one's own as well as others.
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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (11 April 1954) p.167
 
7:00 at Josen-Ji – my last meeting with the First Corps. They seemed sad to see me go.
You have fought well. I am grateful to you.
You have followed me closely. I thank you deeply.
You have endured many hardships. Well done!
I will protect you steadfastly throughout my life.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -June 19 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
June 19, 2026
 
I hope that you will lead immortal, invincible and joyous lives, filled with confidence, pride and good cheer. I also hope you will display inspiring leadership, while doing your utmost to protect your respective areas. 
Events
1996 The Florida Nature and Culture Center opens.
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From the Writing of Nichiren Daishonin
June 19, 2026
 
It is an undeniable fact that fire can at once reduce even a thousand year old field of pampas grass to ashes, and that the merit one has formed over a hundred years can be destroyed with a single word.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 636
The Three Obstacles and Four Devils
Written to Ikegami Hyoe no Sakan Munenga on November 20, 1277
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
June 19, 2026
 
If you always have a shallow perspective and pay attention only to trivial things, you are sure to get bogged down in all kinds of petty worries and concerns, and not be able to move forward. Even relatively minor hurdles or problems will seem insurmountable. But if you look at life from a broad viewpoint, you naturally spot the way to solve any problem you may confront. This is true when we consider our own personal problems as well as those of society and even the future of the entire world.
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (6 April 1954) p166
 
Rained all day long. A gloomy day. Have recently deeply realized that life force is the greatest fundamental requirement for happiness.
Live and move within society. Eventually I will die.
For 10,000 people, 10,000 unique lives. Simply amazing. What does equality really indicate. Have come to understand the law of causality inherent in life.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -June 18 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
June 18, 2026
 
The great American poet Walt Whitman writes in Leaves of Grass: "All comes by the body, only health puts you in rapport with the universe." I am sure you are all very busy, but I hope you will advance in good health and with optimism and enjoy the power of your faith , which is what puts you in rhythm with the universe.
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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
June 18, 2026
 
The teachings such as those of the non-Buddhist writings and those of the Hinayana and provisional Mahayana Buddhist scriptures all partially explain the phenomena inherent in one's life. They do not explain them as the Lotus Sutra does. Thus, among the sutras, there are both superior and inferior, and among people also, sages and worthies may be distinguished.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 629
The Mongol Envoys
Written to the lay priest Nishiyama in 1275
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
June 18, 2026
 
What decides our real merit as human beings? Ultimately, it comes down to the philosophy we uphold and the actions we take based on our convictions.
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (05 April 1954) p166
 
My physical condition is extremely poor. Went to the Namamugi area on business. Felt ill all day.
Must chant daimoku, first and foremost. There is no other way to challenge and overcome my destiny than to chant daimoku. Practice – concrete action with a bold, unyielding spirit. Not even partial reform can be accomplished through mere theory. To the headquarters in the evening for a Daibyakurenge editorial staff meeting.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -June 17 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
June 17, 2026
 
How exhilarating it is to stand tall, walk with a buoyant step and be flexible in one's actions! How attractive to those we meet are our sparkling eyes and vibrant voices! This is the principle of the true entity of all phenomena. Your fresh and vital appearance eloquently attests to the greatness of faith, and you will find that you naturally cultivate a sphere of friendship and understanding among those around you.
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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
June 17, 2026
 
The nation may be devasted by the superior strength of the Mongols, but the slander of the correct teaching will cease almost entirely. Defeat would be like a moxa cautery, which cures disease, or like acupuncture, which relieves pain. Both are painful at the moment, but bring happiness later.
 
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
June 17, 2026
 
When we interact with others with true sincerity, the other person will more often than not come to respect and value our own character. And this is all the more so when our actions are based on prayer.
Conversely, holding others in contempt only leads to being held in contempt oneself: One whose life is tainted by feelings of hate toward others will come to be reviled by others.
Let us open the path to mutual respect and harmonious coexistence so as to bring an end to this vicious circle that has long been part of human destiny.
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (03 April 1954) p165
 
Visited President Toda at home to apologize for the other evening. Arrived at 5:45. He was still in an unpleasant mood. Escorted him to Tokyo Station where he took the 7:27 to Kansai. My heart is clouded as he did not forgive me.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -June 16 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

 Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
June 16, 2026
 
One of my favorite Argentine poets, the great educator Almafuerte (1854- 1917) wrote: "To the weak, difficulty is a closed door. To the strong, however, it is a door waiting to be opened." Difficulties impede the progress of those who are weak. For the strong, however, they are opportunities to open wide the doors to a bright future. Everything is determined by our attitude, by our resolve. Our heart is what matters most.
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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
June 16, 2026
 
Even though I cannot see you, I am certain that your heart is here. If you find that you miss me, always look at the sun that rises [in the morning] and the moon that rises in the evening. I will be reflected in the sun and the moon. And in our next life, let us meet in the pure land of Eagle Peak. Nam-myoho-renge-kyo.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 596
Letter to the Lay Nun of Ko
Written to the lay nun of Ko on June 16, 1275
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
June 16, 2026
 
The writer Johann Wolfgang von 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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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (02 April 1954) p165
 
A youth division general staff meeting at 8:00 at S.’s. President Toda stopped by after his lecture. He severely rebuked us – like an atomic bomb going off. Calling us naïve, he trembled with rage as he spoke. Completely unable to understand his intentions. Severely reproached myself, reflecting deeply.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -June 15 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
June 15, 2026
 
The Daishonin teaches the meaning of true happiness and the true purpose of life. Fame and momentary glories are no more than illusions. True happiness lies in cultivating the great state of Buddhahood within one's life. This is life's true purpose. By chanting daimoku, we can change all of our sufferings into the ingredients for attaining a Buddha's lofty state of life.
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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
June 15, 2026
 
Furthermore, human beings have two heavenly gods who always accompany them, just as a shadow follows the body. One is named Same Birth and the other Same Name. Perched on one's left and right shoulders, they protect one [by reporting all of one's deeds to heaven]. Therefore, heaven never punishes those who have committed no error, let alone people of merit. That is why the Great Teacher Miao-lo stated, "The stronger one's faith, the greater the protection of the gods." So long as one maintains firm faith, one is certain to receive the great protection of the gods.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 614
The Supremacy of the Law
Written to Oto and her mother, Nichimyo, on August 4, 1275
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
June 15, 2026
 
The joy of heaven is ephemeral like a mirage or a dream. A life spent in pursuit of a mirage is itself a mirage. The purpose of Buddhist practice is to establish an eternally indestructible state of happiness, not a fleeting happiness that perishes like a flower but an internal palace of happiness that will last throughout all time.
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (30 March 1954) p164
 
Have been assigned by the headquarters to function as public information department chief advisor and youth division general staff chief. Step by step, I am coming closer to the Gakkai’s core – to being responsible for the progress of kosen-rufu. This is my personal mission. Flowers and grass exist together, but only the flower blossoms – this is its mission. I, myself, must accomplish propagation of the Mystic Law. This is my mission.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -June 14 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
 June 14, 2026
 
Chanting daimoku is the foundation of the Daishonin's Buddhism. When we chant sonorous daimoku, the sun rises in our hearts. We are filled with power. Compassion wells forth. Our lives are lit with joy. Our wisdom shines. All Buddhas and Buddhist gods throughout the universe go to work on our behalf. Life becomes exhilarating.
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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
 June 14, 2026
 
The Buddha dwells within our hearts. For example, flint has the potential to produce fire, and gems have intrinsic value. We ordinary people can see neither our own eyelashes, which are so close, nor the heavens in the distance. Likewise, we do not see that the Buddha exists in our own hearts.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1137
New Years Gosho
Written to the wife of Omosu on January 5, year unknown
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
 June 14, 2026
 
Wherever we are, it is necessary to begin with the revitalization of individual human beings. That will lead to the reformation of society and the world through human revolution. That is the teaching of the Lotus Sutra. And actions directed toward that end, I would like to stress, represent the wisdom of the Lotus Sutra.
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (23 March 1954) p162
 
The Suiko Group met at 6:00. Have gradually come to sense my heavy responsibility.
Stopped by the chapter chief's house on the way home. Seriously discussed the chapter's future development. Emphasized that good communication among top leaders is fundamental to effectively managing the chapter.
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