Sensei's Daily Encouragement -June 3 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
June 3, 2026
 
 I would like each of you to rise to the challenge of revolutionizing the area where you live into an ideal community and to do so with the determination to start from where you are right now. This means building a good SGI organization in your local area and building it yourself with loving, painstaking care, the way an artist pours his or her heart and soul into creating a work of art. It also means fostering capable people. Buddhism, after all, can only flourish if there are people who uphold and practice its teachings.
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 From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
June 3, 2026
 
 As I said before, though no chapter of the Lotus Sutra is negligible, among the entire twenty-eight chapters, the "Expedient Means" chapter and the "Life Span" chapter are particularly outstanding. The remaining chapters are all in a sense the branches and leaves of these two chapters. Therefore, for your regular recitation, I recommend that you practice reading the prose sections of the "Expedient Means" and "Life Span" chapters.
 
 The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 71
The Recitation of the "Expedient Means" and "Life Span" Chapters
Written to Hiki Daigaku Saburo Yoshimoto's wife on April 17, 1264
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 Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
June 3, 2026
 
 When we plant the seed of happiness that is faith and carefully tend its growth, it will produce fruit without fail. We have to bear in mind, however, that we cannot plant a seed today and expect it to bear fruit tomorrow. That's not reasonable and Buddhism is reason. If we persevere, bearing in mind the principle faith equals daily life in accord with reason, then our prayers will definitely be answered. This is Nichiren's promise to us. And his words are true beyond any doubt.
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (15 February 1954) p.158
 
Reported to Sensei about our activities in Niigata. All he said was, "Thank you."
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -June 2 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
June 2, 2026
 
 No matter where we go, we cannot escape from the sufferings that are part and parcel of life. If we cannot avoid these sufferings, then our only choice is to overcome them. And since we have no choice but to overcome them, then we might as well live joyfully and vigorously while doing so. Let's continue to strive and chant daimoku to the end.
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 From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
June 2, 2026
 
 Rather than offering up ten thousand prayers for remedy, it would be better simply to outlaw this one evil.
 
 The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 15
On Establishing the Correct Teaching for the Peace of the Land
Submitted to Hojo Tokiyori on July 16, 1260
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 Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
June 2, 2026
 
Unless we can perceive our fellow human beings and feel their sufferings as our own, we will never be free of conflict and war. In other words, a transformation within our own lives is important.
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (14 February 1954) p.158
 
Poured all my energy into giving guidance.
Faith and guidance must be carried out with the realization that "now is my last moment."
Can I visit this area again one day?
I believe some can become happy as a result of the guidance they received during these two days.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -June 1 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
June 1, 2026
 
 A coward cannot become a Buddha. We cannot attain Buddhahood unless we possess the heart of a lion. The harsher the situation, the bolder the stand we must take. This is the essence of the Soka Gakkai spirit.
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 From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
June 1, 2026
 
 The heart of the Buddha's lifetime of teachings is the Lotus Sutra, and the heart of the practice of the Lotus Sutra is found in the "Never Disparaging" chapter. What does Bodhisattva Never Disparaging's profound respect for people signify? The purpose of the appearance in this world of Shakyamuni Buddha, the lord of teachings, lies in his behaviour as a human being.
 
 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
 June 1, 2026
 
 The gratification of desires is not happiness.Genuine happiness can only be achieved when we transform our way of life from the unthinking pursuit of pleasure to one committed to enriching our inner lives, when we focus on “being more” rather than simply having more.
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (13 February 1954) p.157
 
At 12:30, took the Niagra Express to Niigata District for propagation activities, arriving around 6:00...
Praying that many capable future leaders will arise one after another from this area. Yet how many fellow members will truly trust and follow me?
Must not think people are attracted to me due to my own power or ability. They are following the power of the Mystic Law. The members will advance on account of the Gakkai’s power. Disgusted with my tendency to ignore my own lack of ability and pretend to know more than I do. Must seriously reflect.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -May 31 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
 May 31, 2026
 
 Buddhism is about bringing happiness, joy and fulfillment to all. It enables us not only to become happy ourselves but to make causes for the enlightenment of our ancestors seven-plus generations back and for the happiness and prosperity of our children, grandchildren and descendants throughout future generations. This is the great benefit of Buddhism.
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 From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
 May 31, 2026
 
 Those who believe in the Lotus Sutra are as if in winter, but winter always turns to spring. Never, from ancient times on, has anyone heard or seen of winter turning back to autumn. Nor have we ever heard of a believer in the Lotus Sutra who turned into an ordinary person. The sutra reads, "If there are those who hear the Law, then not a one will fail to attain Buddhahood."
 
 The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 536
Winter Always Turns to Spring
Written to the lay nun Myoichi in May 1275
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 Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
 May 31, 2026
 
 The poetic spirit encourages people in all ranks and places to return to their naked humanity. Neither sentimental nor fantastic, it embraces and affirms the whole world and all its inhabitants; it imparts the will to remain optimistic and unbending in the face of all hardships. As a believer in innate human goodness, I am certain that the concentrated power of good can overcome the greatest forces of evil. The poetic spirit helps us control the greed-dominated self. It helps us handle the actual while keeping our eyes turned toward the ideal.
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (12 February 1954) p.157
 
I don’t feel so well. Very tired. Angry seniors, jealous friends and those who are full of hostility. A person with a goal and a mission will forge directly ahead, facing any difficulty with a smile.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -May 30 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
May 30, 2026
 
Those who make many friends have greater opportunities for growth and self-development; as such they make society a better place and lead happy, satisfying lives. In every situation, human relations, communication and personal interaction are vital. We need to initiate and nurture friendships and contacts with many people, both within the organization and in society at large. Our lives will open and be enriched to the extent that we do so.
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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
May 30, 2026
 
But your faith alone will determine all these things. A sword will be useless in the hands of a coward. The mighty sword of the Lotus Sutra must be wielded by one courageous in faith. Then one will be as strong as a demon armed with an iron staff.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 412
Reply to Kyo'o
Written to Kyo'o and her parents, Shijo Kingo and Nichigen-nyo, on August 15, 1273
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
May 30, 2026
 
All children are gems, full of precious potential. There is hope in every child since life itself is full of hope. Should the hopes of children be stifled or broken, that would be our responsibility as adults. It pains my heart to see what goes on in today's society. I do not want to see the eyes of children darkened with fear and clouded with tears of sorrow. Society must be absolutely transformed. Children are mirrors that reflect adult society. When adults are ailing and their vision clouded, children will also suffer. Let us wipe away the tears of sorrow from the face of each child! We must protect children and give them courage, strength and vitality. It is parents who nurture children, the hope of humanity. How noble parents are! What a great mission and responsibility they fulfill.
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (11 February 1954) p.156
 
Must burn with a youthful passion to learn. Must advance with a seeking spirit, like one truly seeking the Way. This is the most important requisite for becoming an excellent leader.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -May 29 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
May 29, 2026
 
We who embrace the Mystic Law will not suffer on account of old age or death. As long as we keep the flame of faith alive, the fire of life force will forever burn brightly within us; we can live with great confidence transcending birth and death. Faith is the engine that enables us to live with hope throughout our lives.
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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
May 29, 2026
 
When one carries out the single practice of exercising faith in Myoho-renge-kyo, there are no blessings that fail to come to one, and no good karma that does not begin to work on one's behalf. It is like the case of a fishing net: though the net is composed of innumerable small meshes, when one pulls on the main cord of the net, there are no meshes that do not move. Or it is like a garment: though the garment is composed of countless tiny threads, when one pulls on a corner of the garment, there are no threads that are not drawn along.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 133
Conversation between a Sage and an Unenlightened Man
Recipient unknown; written in 1265
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
May 29, 2026
 
Shakyamuni proclaims, "People who are vigilant do not die; people who are negligent are as if dead." This is definitely true. Unremitting diligence in our Buddhist practice - brave and vigorous exertion - infuses our lives with the great life force of the eternal Buddha. In contrast, people who try to get by in life through cunning and deception enact a living death.
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (11 February 1954) p.156
 
Today is President Toda's fifty-fourth birthday.
In the morning, I gave him a white shirt and necktie as a gift. He seemed quite fatigued.
At 2:00, I helped administer the Study Department oral examination, along with Secretary Y. About forty candidates took the exam. Ashamed about my own lack of ability. Must study. Must not be defeated.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -May 28 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
May 28, 2026
 
What is true joy in life? This is a difficult question and one which has occupied a great many thinkers and philosophers. Joy can quickly give way to suffering. Joy is short and suffering long. Also what passes for joy in society is superficial. It cannot compare with the joy deriving from the Mystic Law. The key then lies in cultivating a state of mind where we can declare without reservation that life itself is a joy. This is the purpose of our Buddhist practice.
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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
May 28, 2026
 
"Single-mindedly desiring to see the Buddha" may be read as follows: single-mindedly observing the Buddha, concentrating one's mind on seeing the Buddha, and when looking at one's own mind, perceiving that it is the Buddha.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 389
Letter to Gijo-bo
Written to Gijo-bo on May 28, 1273
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
May 28, 2026
 
The belief taught in the Lotus Sutra provides no easy answers, no escape route from the difficulties of human life. In fact, it rejects such easy answers; instead it implores us to take up the two tools for exploring life, belief and understanding, and use them to continually challenge and work to perfect ourselves. And it also provides us the energy to do just that.
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (10 February 1954) p.156
 
Saw President Toda in his office at 1:30. Reported on various matters. Greatly appreciate Sensei's passion to instruct me in many areas, as ignorant as I am.
Gave a lecture in Ikebukuro this evening. Visited President Toda again afterwards, bringing him two boxes of strawberries. He was extremely happy. Received guidance for an hour together with H. Truly amazed at his life force and boundless wisdom.
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