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

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
May 3, 2026
 
As direct disciples of the Daishonin, we have summoned forth the three powerful enemies of Buddhism. And defeating their schemes and repelling their onslaughts, we have carved out a great path of kosen-rufu. This has been the unrivalled pride of Mr. Makiguchi, Mr. Toda and myself as Soka Gakkai presidents. It is indisputable proof that the Soka Gakkai is the foremost organization in the entire world acting in accord with the Buddha's will and decree.
Events
1951 Josei Toda inaugurated as the second Soka Gakkai president.
1960 Daisaku Ikeda inaugurated as the third Soka Gakkai president.
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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
May 3, 2026
 
Life is the most precious of all treasures. Even one extra day of life is worth more than ten million ryo of gold. The Lotus Sutra surpasses all the other sacred teachings of the Buddha's lifetime because of the "Life Span" chapter. The greatest prince in the land of Jambudvipa would be of less consequence than a blade of grass if he died in childhood. If he died young, even a person whose wisdom shone as brilliantly as the sun would be less than a living dog. So you must hasten to accumulate the treasure of faith and quickly conquer your illness.
 
 The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 955
On Prolonging One's Life Span
Written to the lay nun Myojo in 1279
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
May 3, 2026
 
The SGI is a gathering of ordinary people. We struggle to ensure that the people are not despised and exploited by the powerful. To help all people become strong and wise, we are developing a network of peace and culture and putting great effort into education. By nature, the people are strong, wise, cheerful and warm. Religious faith has the power to draw out those qualities. The purpose of faith is not to turn people into sheep; it is to make them wise. Wisdom isn't knowledge that causes suffering for others; it is enlightened insight for improving one's own life as well as the lives of others.
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (03 October 1953) p.144
 
To Kogane City in Yokohama with K. on business. Things did not turn out too well.
Reflected that faith equals work. Sensei’s morning lecture passed the midpoint in our astronomy study. My heart leaps when I consider the relationship between Buddhism and the study of the cosmos.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -May 2 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

   

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
May 2, 2026
 
No matter how healthy, intelligent or affluent we may be, if our minds are weak, then our happiness will also be frail and brittle. Our minds of faith, moreover, enable us to bring out the full potential in all things and situations, so it is crucial that we strive to forge our minds of faith.
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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
May 2, 2026
 
All the other sutras are examples of preaching in accordance with the minds of others, because, when expounding them, the Buddha adjusted himself to the minds of all other living beings. But the Lotus Sutra is an example of preaching in accordance with the Buddha's own mind, because in it the Buddha had all living beings comply with his own mind.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 969
The Teaching That Accords with the Buddha's Mind
Written to Niike Saemon-no-jo on May 2, 1279
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
May 2, 2026
 
Great people never forget what others have done for them. In fact, having a sense of appreciation makes a person worthy of respect.
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (02 October 1953) p.144
 
A steady autumn rain. Appreciative in many ways for my circumstances, which allow me to grow while fighting courageously day after day and night after night. How fortunate that I can dedicate myself heart and soul to my job, my mission and my activities during this active time of my youth. Next year I’ll be twenty-six. Construction, improvement, fierce struggle, devotion – with these I will live, fight and advance under my mentor, in a way befitting a youth and a disciple.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -May 1 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
May 1, 2026
 
As you make your way home tonight, may you pause for a moment to gaze up at the night sky and let your heart communicate with the moon in wordless dialogue. Perhaps you might compose a poem and set it down in your journal entry for today. I would like you to possess such a poetic spirit.
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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
May 1, 2026
 
Though the teaching that I am now propagating seems limited, it is extremely profound. That is because it goes deeper than the teaching expounded by Tien-tai, Dengyo, and others. It is the three important matters in the "Life Span" chapter of the essential teaching. Practicing only the seven characters of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo seems limited, but since they are the master of all the Buddhas of the three existences, the teacher of all the bodhisattvas in the ten directions, and the guide that enables all living beings to attain the Buddha way, it is profound.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 317
Earthly Desires are Enlightenment
Written to Shijo Kingo on May 2, 1272
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
May 1, 2026
 
Nichiren states, "Mugwort that grows in the midst of hemp, or a snake inside a tube [will as a matter of course become straight], and those who associate with people of good character will consequently become upright in heart, deed, and word." If we apply this passage to various influences upon children, we may say that the environment surrounding children, particularly the behaviours of adults, has a great impact on children. Parents must set good examples before nagging them to do this or that. Parents must strive to become a good, upright influence for children like hemp for mugwort. It is also important for parents to bring their children closer to "people of good character" outside their own families so that children may advance in a more positive direction
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1953) p.143/144
 
Physical condition very poor, Missed the fourth-level lecture in the evening and went home early. Imagined my friends listening to the lecture in high spirit. So this is how painful it is to be resting when I should be advancing. Thought about tomorrow’s work. Felt lifeless. Decided to chant many daimoku.

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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -April 30 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
April 30, 2026
 
Nobel laureate Gabriela Mistral (1889-1957) of Chile, was well respected as a humanistic educator. Indicative of the great spirit of compassion and caring with which she interacted with her students is her "Teacher's Prayer": "Let me be more mother than the mother herself in my love and defense of the child who is not flesh of my flesh. Help me to make one of my children my most perfect poem and leave within him or her my most melodious melody from that day when my own lips no longer sing." With this same spirit, let us care for and nurture young people.
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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
April 30, 2026
 
You are indeed an unusual woman since you asked me to explain the effects of various degrees of slander. You are every bit as praiseworthy as the dragon king's daughter when she said, "I unfold the doctrines of the great vehicle to rescue living beings from suffering." The Lotus Sutra reads, "If one can ask about its meaning, that will be difficult indeed." There are very few people who inquire about the meaning of the Lotus Sutra.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 626
The Embankments of Faith
Written to the lay nun Sennichi on September 3, 1275
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
April 30, 2026
 
Nichiren wrote that wrath can be either good or bad. Self-centered anger generates evil, but wrath at social injustice becomes the driving force for reform. Strong language that censures and combats a great evil often awakens adverse reactions from society, but this must not intimidate those who believe they are right. A lion is a lion because he roars.
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (19 June 1953) p.143
 
Physically and mentally exhausted. All day long, I feel like a person suffering from a serious illness. How regrettable, how sad! Could this be the result of my past misdeeds or karma? How bitter my destiny. Must not allow it to defeat me. Because I have a mission, I must win! There are many things I must accomplish. Will dedicate this life to my mentor, Josei Toda. 
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -April 29 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
April 29, 2026
 
What is success in life? Who are the truly successful? There are famous and powerful people who become pitiful figures in their old age. There are people who die alone, feeling empty and desolate inside. Just what is success? The English thinker Walter Pater (1839-94) wrote: "To burn always with this hard, gemlike flame, to maintain this ecstasy, is success in life." The person who lives life fully, glowing with life's energy, is the person who lives a successful life.
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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
April 29, 2026
 
Little streams come together to form the great ocean, and tiny particles of dust accumulate to form Mount Sumeru . When I, Nichiren, first took faith in the Lotus Sutra, I was like a single drop of water or a single particle of dust in all the country of Japan . But later, when two people, three people, ten people, and eventually a hundred, a thousand, ten thousand, and a million people come to recite the Lotus Sutra and transmit it to others, then they will form a Mount Sumeru of perfect enlightenment, an ocean of great nirvana.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 579
The Selection of the Time
Written to Yui in 1275
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
April 29, 2026
 
Our efforts for the sake of dialogue, in order to be worthy of the term dialogue, must be carried through to the end. To refuse peaceful exchange and choose force is to compromise and give in to human weakness; it is to admit the defeat of the human spirit. Socrates encourages his youthful disciples to train and strengthen themselves spiritually, to maintain hope and self-control, to advance courageously, choosing virtue over material wealth, truth over fame.
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (17 June 1953) p.142
 
After 10:00, I was summoned by the police about a matter of giving notice of our intention to hold a meeting. Alone, I went to Koiwa police headquarters. The situation has become more and more interesting. After explaining everything thoroughly, I returned home late at night.
In anything, whoever continues to fight on will be a winner in the end.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -April 28 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
April 28, 2026
 
How incredible it is to chant this wonderful daimoku each day! Nichiren Daishonin writes, "There is no greater happiness for human beings than chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. The sutra [Lotus Sutra] says, The people there [in my land] are happy and at ease.
Events
1253 Nichiren Daishonin chants Nam-myoho-renge-kyo for the first time.
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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
April 28, 2026
 
The greater the hardships befalling him, the greater the delight he feels, because of his strong faith. Doesn't a fire burn more briskly when logs are added? All rivers flow into the sea, but does the sea turn back their waters? The currents of hardship pour into the sea of the Lotus Sutra and rush against its votary. The river is not rejected by the ocean; nor does the votary reject suffering. Were it not for the flowing rivers, there would be no sea. Likewise, without tribulation there would be no votary of the Lotus Sutra.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 33
A Ship to Cross the Sea of Suffering
Written to Shiji Shiro on April 28, 1261
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
April 28, 2026
 
When deluded, one is called an ordinary being, but when enlightened, one is called a Buddha. This is similar to a tarnished mirror that will shine like a jewel when polished. A mind now clouded by the illusions of the innate darkness of life is like a tarnished mirror, but when polished, it is sure to become like a clear mirror, reflecting the essential nature of phenomena and the true aspect of reality. Arouse deep faith, and diligently polish your mirror day and night. How should you polish it? Only by chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo -Nichiren
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (17 June 1953) p.142
 
A corps meeting at M.'s in Koiwa. There were about a hundred participants. Pleased to see everyone in high spirits, filled with hope, determination and vitality... Soiled clothes, wrinkled shirts, unkempt hair – they have, however, the precious eyes of youth looking toward and living for the future. Furthermore, though not apparent on the surface theirs is a gathering of young pioneers of the Mystic Law.
Resolved deep in my heart to develop them into a group of a hundred, a thousand, or ten thousand youth. Will take good care of my juniors. Must make them better than myself. This is the mission of a leader or senior in faith.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -April 27 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
April 27, 2026
 
Age is not an excuse for giving up. If you allow yourself to grow passive and draw back, it's a sign of personal defeat. There may be a retirement age at work, but there is no retirement age in life. How then could there be any "going into retirement" in the world of faith? The Buddhist Law is eternal, extending across the three existences of past, present and future, and one of the benefits of faith is perennial youth and eternal life.
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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
April 27, 2026
 
The five characters of Myoho-renge-kyo, the heart of the essential teaching of the Lotus Sutra, contain the benefit amassed through the countless practices and meritorious deeds of all Buddhas throughout the three existences. Then, how can these five characters not include the benefits obtained by observing all of the Buddhas' precepts?
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 481
The Teaching, Practice, and Proof
Written to Sammi-bo on March 21, 1275
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 Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
April 27, 2026
 
We all long for things of beauty - beauty of nature, of appearance, of life, a beautiful family and so on. But these cannot be gained if we are withdrawn and isolated, just looking at ourselves. We must create better relationships with other people and interact with our community and society with an open heart. We must be kind to nature. It is only through this process that we really grow and cultivate our own beauty.
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (16 June 1953) p.141
 
Strictly reflected that I, alone, am responsible for Sensei’s anger.
Faith will change everything. The power of faith is the only way to a solution and further advancement.
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