Sensei's Daily Encouragement -September 12 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
September 12, 2026
 
I hope you members of the youth division will, in the spirit of Shijo Kingo, advance with the Daishonin and also with Mr. Makiguchi, Mr. Toda and myself. This spirit of joint struggle shared by mentor and disciple is the very heart of the SGI. It represents a solidarity in which people are linked by a true unity of purpose and commitment. May each one of you lead the most valuable, meaningful youth. The age belongs to you.
Events
1271 Tatsunokuchi Persecution. The Daishonin, who is about to be beheaded by government troops, is saved when a flash of light in the night sky frightens the executioners away. The government later decides to exile him to Sado Island.
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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
September 12, 2026
 
A brilliant orb as bright as the moon burst forth from the direction of Enoshima, shooting across the sky from southeast to northwest. It was shortly before dawn and still too dark to see anyone's face, but the radiant object clearly illuminated everyone like bright moonlight. The executioner fell on his face, his eyes blinded. The soldiers were filled with panic. Some ran off into the distance, some jumped down from their horses and huddled on the ground, while others crouched in their saddles. I called out, "Here, why do you shrink from this vile prisoner? Come closer! Come closer!" But no one would approach me.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 767
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
September 12, 2026
 
Buddhism teaches that all people are inherently Buddhas. I believe that this Buddhist view of humanity embodies a fundamental principle for world peace. You are a Buddha and I am a Buddha. That's why we must not fight each other. That's why we must respect each other.
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (10 June 1950) p.32
 
More tired than ever. My health grows worse and worse. My family held a memorial service in their home tonight for my older brother. More than five years already since he was killed in the war. How tragic to die unmarried at twenty-six Will send him my most sincere prayers from here in my room.
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Out of all the billions of years past and the hundreds of billions to come, how are people joined together in the present moment as mentor and disciple or as parent and child? It awes me to think about it.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -September 11 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
September 11, 2026
 
Nothing can match the strength of those whose lives have been shaped and forged through challenging and overcoming hardships. Such people fear nothing. The purpose of our Buddhist practice is to develop such strength and fortitude. To cultivate such an invincible core is in itself a victory. It is also the greatest benefit. Those who can succeed in this endeavour will savour unsurpassed happiness, they can manifest the supreme state of Buddhahood.
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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
September 11, 2026
 
Because this mountain is where this wondrous votary of the Lotus Sutra dwells, how can it be any less sacred than the pure land of Eagle Peak? This is what [The Words and Phrases of the Lotus Sutra means when] it says, "Since the Law is wonderful, the person is worthy of respect; since the person is worthy of respect, the land is sacred."
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1097
The Person and the Law
Written to Nonjo Tokimitsu on September 11, 1281
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
September 11, 2026
 
If we are to survive, a stronghold of peace must be fashioned within the mind of every single man, woman and child on the earth. This stronghold must resolutely hold out against the invasion of any idea to make war.
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (16 March 1955) p.235
 
Physical condition extremely poor. Is it destiny? Karmic retribution? The result of past slander?
No spirit, no will. I am like someone on the brink of death. The cherry blossoms of the springtime of my youth have now fallen and scattered. Ho sad! Must devote myself to chanting daimoku consistently. My only choice is to spur myself on powerfully, to show actual proof the Buddhism’s strictness and of the strict power of my own determination.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -September 10 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
September 10, 2026
 
Youth means to cherish hope, it is a time of development. Youth means to challenge oneself; it is a time of construction. Youth means to fight for justice, it is a time of action.
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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
September 10, 2026
 
More valuable than treasures in a storehouse are the treasures of the body, and the treasures of the heart are the most valuable of all. From the time you read this letter on, strive to accumulate the treasures of the heart!"
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 851
The three Kinds of Treasure
Written to Shijo Kingo on September 11, 1277
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
September 10, 2026
 
Neither the pure land nor hell exists outside oneself; both lie only within one's own heart. Awakened to this, one is called a Buddha; deluded about it, one is called an ordinary person. The Lotus Sutra reveals this truth, and one who embraces the Lotus Sutra will realize that hell is itself the Land of Tranquil Light - Nichiren
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (07 March 1955) p.232
 
Faith, confidence, conviction - These thoughts arise, somehow, in the midst of practice: What is life's fundamental energy?
Fate, destiny, karma -what determines the course of one's life? What is the most powerful influence? Thought about how it relates to my efforts in life.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -September 9 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
September 9, 2026
 
Rather than sitting around idly and rusting, we must act, give of ourselves and contribute something to the world. The French scholar Robert Arnauld (1588-1674) declared, "Have we not all eternity to rest in?" Why do you seek to rest while you are still alive? he asks. These are venerable words indeed. When young people make truly dedicated efforts, almost punishing themselves, their true brilliance will shine forth.
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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
September 9, 2026
 
As I have been saying for some time, in your situation as a lay believer, you should just single-mindedly chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo morning and evening, day and night, and observe what happens at the last moments of your life. At that time, hasten to the summit of perfect enlightenment, and look around you in all directions. The entire realm of phenomena will have changed into the Land of Tranquil Light. . . . Buddhas and bodhisattvas all being caressed by breezes of eternity, happiness, true self, and purity. We, too, will surely be among their numbers.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 843
Reply to Matsuno
Written to Matsuno Rokuro Saemon on September 9, 1277 
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
September 9, 2026
 
What matters is winning in the end; the wins and losses along the way are of secondary significance. It's final victory in life that counts and that is the reason for our Buddhist practice. No matter how powerful or famous or privileged a person might be, Nichiren says, from a Buddhist point of view it is all nothing more than a dream, an illusory pleasure; true happiness can only be attained by revealing the state of Buddhahood within your own life.
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (02 March 1955) p.230
 
Some Friendships are shallow; others are deep. My relations with some are superficial, while others share my pleasures and my pains. Many people believe only in themselves, but they are egoistic and self-centered. Is this instinctual? Only the Gakkai tries to realize profound and powerful unity based on the principle of ‘many in body, one in mind.’ In all the world, we are the only ones to do so.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -September 8 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
September 8, 2026

Without opposition there is no growth. It is hard to argue with that logic. A state in which we are free from problems or constraints is not happiness. Happiness is transcending all opposition and obstacles and continuing to grow.
Events
1957 President Josei Toda makes declaration against the use of nuclear weapons.
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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
September 8, 2026

Priests possessed by the heavenly devil, such as Ryokan and the others, deceived your father, Saemon no Tayu, and tried to destroy you and your brother, but you, having a wise heart, heeded Nichiren's admonition. Therefore, just as two wheels support a cart, or two legs carry a person, just as two wings enable a bird to fly, or just as the sun and moon aid all living beings, the efforts of you brothers have led your father to take faith in the Lotus Sutra.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 845
A Father Takes Faith
Written to Ikegami Hyoe no Sakan Munenga on September 9, 1277
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
September 8, 2026

The German author Herman Hesse writes that the more one matures, the younger one grows. Certainly there are many people who as they age become increasingly vigorous and energetic, more broad-minded and tolerant, living with a greater sense of freedom and assurance. It is important to remember that ageing and growing old are not necessarily the same thing.
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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (01 March 1955) p.230

Intense back pain – suffered all day. Could this be the work of the Devil of the Sixth Heaven? Can only chant to the Gohonzon for the protective functions of Bodhisattva Medicine King and the gods of Bonten and Taishaku to become manifest. Received a lecture from President Toda in his office on “One Hundred and Six comparisons.” Keenly aware of my own lack of intelligence.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -September 7 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
September 7, 2026

Freedom doesn't mean an absence of all restrictions. It means possessing unshakable conviction in the face of any obstacle. This is true freedom.
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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
September 7, 2026

The blessings from making offerings to a votary of the Lotus Sutra in the latter age exceed even those from making offerings to a Thus Come One endowed with the ten honorable titles, while those who persecute a votary of the Lotus Sutra in the defiled age will have their heads split into seven pieces.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 595
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
September 7, 2026

How painful and frightening is the prospect of death for human beings! No matter how wealthy or powerful we may be, all is vanity before death. Everything is empty, like a dream or an illusion. But people do not face this fact. Nichiren Buddhism teaches us that we can transform our karma and attain a supremely peaceful death that is the start of a journey to our next lives.
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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (27 February 1955) p.229

Up at 8:00. While I am young, I do not want to live with reservations. It is vital that I act with conviction, life force and responsibility.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -September 6 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
 September 6, 2026

We often hear people say they aren't capable. But this is a defeatist attitude. If you feel you aren't capable, then tap into the great reservoir of potential that lies inside you. Since we embrace the Daishonin's Buddhism, we have recourse to daimoku. If we chant daimoku to the Gohonzon, we can bring forth all the ability and strength we will ever need.
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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
 September 6, 2026

Even if my counsel is heeded, if I am not given due respect as the votary of the Lotus Sutra, then the country will perish. How ominous that the authorities have turned hundreds of persons against me and have even banished me twice! This country is surely doomed, but since I have asked the gods to withhold their punishment on our land, it has survived until now. However, that punishment has finally descended because these unreasonable actions continued.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 773
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
 September 6, 2026

There is nothing wrong with being successful in society and enjoying a degree of fame. But ultimately, the lives of those dedicated to the welfare and happiness of others, even if they remain unrecognized, are the ones truly worthy of respect.
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Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (26 February 1955) p.228

Some days I feel little hope or joy; others, I sense progress and advancement. Ultimately, no matter how bad I feel, I must continue my training. Especially within the realm of Buddhist practice which enables us to grasp the eternity of life.
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