Sensei's Daily Encouragement -June 22 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
 June 22, 2026
 
It's foolish to be obsessed with past failures. And it's just as foolish to be self-satisfied with one's small achievements. Buddhism teaches that the present and the future are what are important, not the past. It teaches us a spirit of unceasing challenge to win over the present and advance ever toward the future. Those who neglect this spirit of continual striving steer their lives in a ruinous direction.
________________________________
 
From the Writing of Nichiren Daishonin
June 22, 2026
 
In judging the relative merit of Buddhist doctrines, I, Nichiren, believe that the best standards are those of reason and documentary proof. And even more valuable than reason and documentary proof is the proof of actual fact.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 599
Three Tripitaka Masters Pray for Rain
Written to the lay priest Nishiyama on June 22, 1275
________________________________
 
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
June 22, 2026
 
The Buddha keenly understands various sufferings as though his own children were experiencing them. Sorrow and empathy well from his life. A Buddha is a person of compassion. Josei Toda said: "Compassion is not a Buddhist austerity. It is something that should be expressed unconsciously and naturally in one's actions, and in the workings of one's heart. The Buddha knows no path of living apart from that of living with compassion."
________________________________
 
Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (16 April 1954) p.167
 
Physically very ill. Pitiful. A young revolutionary with a great mission and dream for the future must never die young! I must live so I can show actual proof of my faith by changing my destiny…
Returned home around 10:30. Chapter members were waiting to receive guidance. All were suffering from grave daily-life problems. It made me truly appreciate the life-condition
and circumstances I am blessed with.
_____________________________

Sensei's Daily Encouragement -June 21 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
June 21, 2026
 
When you devote your life to achieving your goal, you will not be bothered by shallow criticism. In fact nothing important can be accomplished if you allow yourself to be swayed by some trifling matter, always looking over your shoulder and wondering what others are saying or thinking. The key to achievement is to move forward resolutely along your chosen path.
________________________________
 
From the Writing of Nichiren Daishonin
June 21, 2026
 
I, Nichiren, have personally suffered each of the nine great ordeals. . . . These are hardships that T'ien-t'ai and Dengyo never met. Truly you should know that, adding Nichiren to the other three, there is now a fourth votary of the Lotus Sutra who has appeared in the Latter Day of the Law. How glad I am to fulfill the words of the prophecy from the sutra: "How much more will this be so after his passing?"
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 448
The Votary of the Lotus Sutra Will Meet Persecution
Written to all priest disciples and lay followers on January 14, 1274
________________________________
 
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
June 21, 2026
 
Certainly there will be times when you wish you had more spending money, more time to sleep and more time for fun and recreation. You may feel restricted now, but you should consider your current situation as the perfect set of circumstances for your growth. Within the restrictions that define your present existence, the only thing to do is to discipline yourself and head in the direction of growth and self-improvement.
________________________________
 
Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (14 April 1954) p.167
 
Argued with a visitor in the morning. It was my fault. Must reflect on my tendency to be satisfied with trivial successes….
 
At times I think of the organization as a hindrance. But I know that without an organization, the Gakkai, the individual members and their faith would become disordered and confused, ultimately resulting in the greatest unhappiness. Those who despise the organization appear to be self-centered and arrogant; ultimately they will fail in the world of faith. The most excellent principle of organization is none other than that of many in body, one in mind.
_____________________________

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.
________________________________
 
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
________________________________
 
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.
________________________________
 
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.
_____________________________

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.
________________________________
 
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
________________________________
 
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.
________________________________
 
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.
_____________________________

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.
________________________________
 
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
________________________________
 
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.
________________________________
 
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.
_____________________________

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.
________________________________
 
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
________________________________
 
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.
________________________________
 
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.
_____________________________

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.
________________________________
 
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
________________________________
 
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.
________________________________
 
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.
_____________________________