Sensei's Daily Encouragement -March 2 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

  

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
March 2, 2026
 
There is a saying, "To start an undertaking is easy, to maintain it is difficult." Though creating something new may seem daunting, it is in fact easy when compared to the far more challenging task of carrying on an existing enterprise, to keep it going, to develop it further. Everything depends on people, on capable successors. And our movement for kosen-rufu depends on young people. For that reason I am determined to do all that I can right now to raise genuine successors in the youth division.
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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
March 2, 2026
 
If in this present existence I am so fearful for my life that I fail to speak out, then in what future existence will I ever attain Buddhahood? Or in what future existence will I ever be able to bring salvation to my parents and my teacher? With thoughts such as these uppermost in my mind, I decided that I must begin to speak out. And, just as I had expected, I was ousted, I was vilified, I was attacked, and I suffered wounds.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 727
On Repaying Debts of Gratitude
Written to Joken-bo and Gijo-bo on July 21, 1276
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
March 2, 2026
 
The important thing is not whether we are optimistic or pessimistic but rather that, while keeping a careful eye on reality, we are neither overwhelmed by it nor content with the status quo. We must keep the lamps of our ideals alight while being ready to pioneer uncharted paths. Faith in life and in the human spirit is the necessary foundation for this approach.
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (19 March 1958) p.388
 
Nerves and body truly fatigued from overseeing transportation for the monthlong pilgrimage commemorating the Grand Lecture Hall completion. For the remaining ten days, want to fulfill my mission honorably, with renewed resolution and without regret. My life's most noble work is to sincerely guide those awakened to the True Law…
Must seriously consider the Gakkai's future and how I will contribute. Yes – after all, there is no other way than to chant to and entrust everything to the Gohonzon.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -March 1 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

  

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
March 1, 2026
 
We need to go out and mix with people every day. Making our local community the base for our activities, we need to forge ties of friendship with others and work with them to create peace. Staying connected in this way to our town, city, state and country is a practical manifestation of our lives permeating all things. We embody the doctrine of a life-moment possessing 3,000 realms when we do kosen-rufu activities.
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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
March 1, 2026
 
If in this present existence I am so fearful for my life that I fail to speak out, then in what future existence will I ever attain Buddhahood? Or in what future existence will I ever be able to bring salvation to my parents and my teacher? With thoughts such as these uppermost in my mind, I decided that I must begin to speak out. And, just as I had expected, I was ousted, I was vilified, I was attacked, and I suffered wounds.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 727
On Repaying Debts of Gratitude
Written to Joken-bo and Gijo-bo on July 21, 1276
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
March 1, 2026
 
Words can be either the root of discord or a force for unity. They can be the origin of deception or the key to learning. They can be the instruments of plotting and intrigue or weapons for truth and wisdom. That is why it is so crucial to speak out ever more vigorously for what is right.
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (13 February 1958) p.386
 
A corps flags exchange ceremony at the Toshima Civic Hall at 7:00…
Visited Sensei's home to report late at night. Received guidance on:
 
1. Developing the youth division's potential for the future.
2. Principles Gakkai leaders should adopt.
3. Buddhism and its view of society.
4. The ultimate mission of the Gakkai.
 
Home at 11:50. Had many thoughts. My wife cautioned me that my complexion is pale. Feel a slight fever.
 
Made a clean copy of the notes of Sensei's guidance until late.
The bathtub is leaking. The whole family cannot take a bath.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -February 28 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

  

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
February 28, 2026
 
 You can forge the path to a fulfilling and enjoyable life if you have the depth of faith to regard everything as a source for creating happiness and value. Conversely, if you see everything only in a negative or pessimistic light, your life will gradually but inevitably be plunged into darkness. Buddhism teaches the subtle principle of ichinen, and moreover, the power of faith.
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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
February 28, 2026
 
 Since you now appear certain to attain Buddhahood, perhaps the heavenly devil and evil spirits are using illness to try to intimidate you. Life in this world is limited. Never be even the least bit afraid!".
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1109
The Proof of the Lotus Sutra
Written to Nanjo Tokimitsu on February 28, 1282
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
February 28, 2026
 
Make goals. Whether big or small, work toward realizing them. You must be serious about and dedicated to your goals - you'll get nowhere if you just treat them like jokes. An earnest, dedicated spirit shines like a diamond and moves people's hearts. That is because a brilliant flame burns within. If we are sincere, people will understand our intentions, and our positive qualities will shine forth. It is pointless to be caught up in outward appearances. The German poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe writes: "How may one get to know oneself? Never by contemplation,only , indeed, by action. Seek to do your duty, and you will know at once how it is with you."
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (11 February 1958) p.385
 
Visited Sensei's home at 9:00 in the morning. Relieved to see his spirited face. Today is his fifty-eighth birthday.
Ate red-bean rice and sweet bean soup together with Sensei. My life-time memory and honor. He spoke about economy, stocks, politics as well as directions for a new era.
Attended with several dozen top leaders a celebration for Sensei's recovery at N. restaurant at 5:30pm…
Quoting the Gosho passage "The farther the source, the longer the stream" (WND, 940), Sensei expounded a philosophical Buddhist principle and gave strict guidance that remains in my heart: "Leaders' determination is fundamental. It is not the responsibility of general members. Leaders' faith and growth determine the entire organization's development."
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -February 27 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

  

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
February 27, 2026
 
Originally, every person's life is a brilliantly shining mirror. Differences arise depending on whether one polishes this mirror: A polished mirror is the Buddha's life, whereas a tarnished mirror is that of a common mortal. Chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is what polishes our lives.
 
Events: SGI-USA Womens Day.
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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
February 27, 2026
 
However, people all turn their backs on these sutra passages, and the world as a whole is completely confused with regard to the principles of Buddhism. Why do you persist in following the teachings of evil friends? T'ien-t'ai said that to accept and put faith in the doctrines of evil teachers is the same as drinking poison. You should deeply consider this and beware.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 61
Questions and Answers about Embracing the Lotus Sutra
Recipient unknown; written in March 1263
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
February 27, 2026
 
We each move forward secure on our own earth, not the earth of others. Happiness is something we must create for ourselves. No one else can give it to us.
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (07 February 1958) p.383/84
 
Is it a turbulent time when the bold and daring will win? Or does true humanity lie in warmth and sensitivity? Confusing for a youth.
Thought about the stout heart of faith, the pure practice of faith. Also pondered revolution, selfless devotion, common sense and wisdom.
Must seriously consider a method and vision for 'the kosen-rufu through positive relationship' and 'the kosen-rufu of substantiation.' 

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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -February 26 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

  

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
February 26, 2026
 
Buddhism teaches that life at each moment embraces all phenomena. This is the doctrine of a life-moment possessing 3,000 realms, which is the Lotus Sutra's ultimate teaching and Buddhism's essence. Because of the profound way our lives interact with people around us, it is vital that we reach out to others, that we be engaged with our environment and with our local community. A self-absorbed practice or theory without action is definitely not Buddhism.
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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
February 26, 2026
 
The Great Teacher Tz'u-en wrote a work in ten volumes entitled Praising the Profundity of the Lotus Sutra in which he praised the Lotus Sutra, but the Great Teacher Dengyo criticized it, saying, "Though he praises the Lotus Sutra, he destroys its heart." If we consider these examples carefully, we will realize that, among those who read the Lotus Sutra and sing its praises, there are many who are destined for the hell of incessant suffering.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 718
On Repaying Debts of Gratitude
Written to Joken-bo and Gijo-bo on July 21, 1276
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
February 26, 2026
 
No discrimination exists in Nichiren Buddhism. Nichiren teaches that the Buddha and all people are absolutely equal. Chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo with faith in this point is a matter of the utmost importance. Doing so is to embrace the Lotus Sutra. It is also an act of succeeding to the heritage of Buddhism. In this light, we can say that the gist of the teaching of the Lotus Sutra is that all people are equal.
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (04 February 1958) p.383
 
A fever in the morning. Could not get out of bed. Rested quietly all day. My cold seems to be getting worse. A doctor who lives in the neighborhood came over….
My wife's father, T. and Z. came over to see me. Talked with them while resting. Enjoyed sweet bean soup with rice cake.
Reflected on the following:
1. The outcome of the Osaka trial
2. The third and fourth presidents of the Soka Gakkai.
3. Compiling a sequel to (Toda's) The Human Revolution.
4. Construction of the Gakkai headquarters building.
5. Financial planning for my family

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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -February 25 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

  

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
February 25, 2026
 
Gandhi taught people to live with lion-like courage, impressing upon them that they could not afford to leave things up to others, that they had to stand up for themselves and fight for justice. Ultimately, the only way forward is by developing self-reliance, forging a stand-alone spirit. That is the only path to victory.
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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
February 25, 2026
 
Today there are people who have faith in the Lotus Sutra. The belief of some is like fire while that of others is like water. When the former listen to the teachings, their passion flares up like fire, but as time goes on, they tend to discard their faith. To have faith like water means to believe continuously without ever regressing.
 
 The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 899
The Two Kinds of Faith
Written to Nanjo Tokumitsu on February 25, 1278
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
February 25, 2026
 
When you hold fast to your beliefs and live true to yourself, your true value as a human being shines through. Buddhism teaches the concept of "realizing your inherent potential." In other words manifesting your true entity, your innate self, revealing it and bringing it to shine, illuminating all around you. It refers to your most refined individuality and uniqueness.
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (02 February 1958) p.382
 
Had dinner with my family for the first time in a while. My wife and children seemed happy. My wife's father came over. He is in good spirits. Chanted for his longevity. All of us did a resounding gongyo and chanted daimoku together.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -February 24 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

  

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
February 24, 2026
 
Buddhism is not about leading a self-centered existence. If we do not base our lives on the Law, we are not practicing Buddhism. The German writer Friedrich von Schiller writes, "The brave man thinks upon himself the last." This is analogous to the spirit of not begrudging one's life taught in the Lotus Sutra. This means treasuring the Law more highly than one's life. The Law and kosen-rufu are central.
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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
February 24, 2026
 
No matter how humble a person may be, if his wisdom is the least bit greater than yours, you should ask him about the meaning of the sutra. But the people in this evil age are so arrogant, prejudiced, and attached to fame and profit that they are afraid that, should they become the disciple of a humble person or try to learn something from him, they will be looked down upon by others. They never rid themselves of this wrong attitude, so they seem to be destined for the evil paths.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 757
The Fourteen Slanders
Written to the lay priest Matsuno Rokuro Saemon on December 9, 1276
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
February 24, 2026
 
According to Buddhism, health is not a condition in which we merely escape negative influences. It is a highly positive, active state in which we hold ourselves responsible for such influences, in which we face and try to solve various problems - not just our own but others problems, too. The word disease implies a lack of ease, which conversely implies that health is a state of comfort. In the Buddhist sense, however, being "at ease" does not mean freedom from difficulties, it means having the strength to meet and overcome any problem.
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (30 January 1958) p.381
 
After the conference, returned to the headquarters to write an article. Completely forgot I had called my wife and promised to meet her at Kamata Station at 10:00 p.m. Made my pregnant wife wait for more than one hour in the cold. Terribly sorry for her. On the way home, the two of us stopped at a street vendor and ate grilled tripe to warm our chilled bodies.
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