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

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
June 13, 2026
 
It all comes down to hope. If we SGI members advance with hope and buoyant spirits, then we have nothing to fear in either the present or the future. The Law will continue to spread as long as those who uphold it remain vigorous and well.
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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
June 13, 2026
 
When an evil ruler in consort with priests of erroneous teachings tries to destroy the correct teaching and do away with a man of wisdom, those with the heart of a lion king are sure to attain Buddhahood. Like Nichiren, for example. I say this not out of arrogance but because I am deeply committed to the correct teaching.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 302
Letter to Sado
Written to Toki Jonin on March 20, 1272
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
June 13, 2026
 
No one can escape death. Precisely because of this, when people resolve to live at each instant with all their might, to make the present moment shine by living true to themselves and leading truly humane existences, they can summon forth immense strength. At the same time, they can manifest a considerate spirit toward others. Herein lies the Middle Way. Buddhism is the philosophy that teaches this essential way of life.
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (18 March 1954) p162
 
Early morning – worked on a thesis titled “On the Sacred Teachings Concerning the Eternity of Life.” Fifteen pages. My graduate thesis for the Study Department. Thoroughly reflecting on my lack of deep insight.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -June 12 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

 

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
June 12, 2026
 
Education definitely changes people's lives. This is why the SGI is so earnest when it comes to Buddhist study, which is the highest field of learning; it is the study of human beings and the foremost education. Buddhist study is the soul of the SGI.
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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
June 12, 2026
 
I say this for your sake. I know your faith has always been admirable, but now you must strengthen it more than ever. Only then will the ten demon daughters lend you even greater protection.
 
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 12, 2026
 
There may be times when life seems gloomy and dull. When we feel stuck in some situation or other, when we are negative toward everything, when we feel lost and bewildered, not sure which way to turn - at such times we must transform our passive mindset and determine, "I will proceed along this path," "I will pursue my mission today." When we do so a genuine springtime arrives in our hearts, and flowers start to blossom.
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (11 March 1954) p162
 
Spoke one to one with about ten people. Giving personal guidance is difficult. President Toda and the other senior leaders are truly skilled at it. They can grasp thoroughly the nature of the other person’s problem and what he or she is seeking, leading that person to a solution. Though it might seem simple, it is really vital. The guidance given by a senior in faith can determine the course of a person’s entire life.
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