Sensei's Daily Encouragement -August 20 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
August 20, 2026

To be fearless no matter what happens - that is the root of true happiness. To move forward resolutely regardless of what lies in store - that is the spirit, the resolve, that leads to human victory. But if we allow ourselves to be disturbed by petty criticism and slander, if we fear pressure and persecution, we will never advance nor create anything of lasting value.
________________________________

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
August 20, 2026

And do not go around lamenting to others how hard it is for you to live in this world. To do so is an act utterly unbecoming to a worthy man.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 850
The Three Kinds of Treasure
Written to Shijo Kingo on September 11, 1277
________________________________

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
August 20, 2026

Nature is like a mirror. It remains still, but I move. It seems unchanging, yet I am constantly changing. The mirror of nature reflects my inner world, the essence of humanity, and the great, all-embracing expanse of life itself. Only when we are connected to nature, engaged with nature, are we truly alive and vigorous. To really be alive, one must be under the sun, the moon, the shining stars and surrounded by the beautiful greenery and pure waters of the natural world.
________________________________

Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (27 October 1954) p.204

The youth division general staff met in the evening. Not much was accomplished; everyone clung strongly to their opinions, personal views and prejudices. The powerful character, conviction and foresight of a central figure is vital.
_____________________________

Sensei's Daily Encouragement -August 19 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

   

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
August 19, 2026

Buddhism is wisdom. As long as we have wisdom, we can put all things to the best use, we can turn everything in the direction of happiness.
________________________________

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
 August 19, 2026

During [Sudatta's] last period of poverty, when all the people had fled or perished and only he and his wife remained, they had five measures of rice that would nourish them for five days. At that time, five people , Mahakashyapa, Shariputra, Ananda, Rahula and Shakyamuni Buddha came one after another to beg for the five measures of rice, which Sudatta gave them. From that day on, Sudatta was the wealthiest man in all India, and he built the Jetavana Monastery. From this, you should understand all things.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1086
The Wealthy Man Sudatta
Written to Nanjo Tokimitsu on December 27, 1280
________________________________

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
 August 19, 2026

Ultimately, we are responsible for our own destiny. It may seem to us that our fate is predetermined, whether by our genes or by our environment. What really matters, however, is how we can improve ourselves from this moment forward, how we can change the circumstances that we find ourselves in. This enormous transformative force is what Buddhism is all about. In this struggle lies the source of never-ending youth and vitality.
________________________________

Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (13 October 1954) p.202

Walked home alone from Kamata Station. The autumn moon shone brilliantly. The heartbeat of youth – pristine, praiseworthy. One who protects the Mystic Law must become like the lotus, blooming amid the muddy swamp of our complicated society. Even if we find ourselves lonely, heartbroken, afflicted with sadness or in the midst of a trying or difficult time, we still have the Mystic Law. Never forget the moon and the greenery of nature. They are good friends.
_____________________________

Sensei's Daily Encouragement -August 18 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
August 18, 2026

Buddhism is action. One meaning of kyo of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is action. Without action, we cannot say that we are practicing Nam-myoho-renge-kyo; it would merely remain a concept. Only through action are we able to truly gain the great benefit of the Mystic Law.
________________________________

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
August 18, 2026

People have varied tastes. Some prefer good and some prefer evil. There are many kinds of people. But though they differ from one another in such ways, once they enter into the Lotus Sutra, they all become like a single person in body and a single person in mind. This is just like the myriad different rivers that, when they flow into the ocean, all take on a uniformly salty flavor, or like the many kinds of birds that, when they approach Mount Sumeru, all assume the same [golden] hue.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1042
The Treasure of a Filial Child
Written to the lay nun Sennichi on July 2, 1280
________________________________

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
August 18, 2026

Perhaps the chief purpose of a philosophy or religion is to help us understand the meaning of death and why we are alive. Without understanding where we have come from and where we are going, we cannot establish our own sense of identity to the fullest. Aging and its symptoms can, if nothing else, prompt us to seek rejuvenation. Ultimately, that rejuvenation can be found not in forestalling symptoms but in embracing a larger understanding of our own lives, which Buddhism elucidates.
________________________________

Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (08 October 1954) p.201

On this night, I keenly sense the severity of the way of mentor and disciple. Without Sensei, I do not exist – if mentor and disciple are truly one. At times I envy some of my friends’ free lifestyles. Ten years from now, however, the difference in our power and capability will be strikingly apparent. Every day, I live with determination, advancing toward a new goal. Today, too, I will exert my full energy and effort. This is the only way for me, no matter what mountains I may have to cross.
_____________________________

Sensei's Daily Encouragement -August 17 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
August 17, 2026

There is nothing more noble than inviting our friends to discussion meetings, gathering together to enable them to establish a connection with Buddhism, to talk about Buddhist teachings, and to deepen our faith. As the Lotus Sutra clearly indicates, through such steady, dedicated efforts to teach others about Buddhism, you are accumulating the good fortune and benefit to be reborn as great leaders and savour a state of unsurpassed freedom in lifetime after lifetime.
________________________________

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
August 17, 2026

Rice is what sustains life. It is like the oil that sustains the life of the lamp. The Lotus Sutra is a lamp, and its votary is the oil that sustains it. Or again, the lay supporters are the oil that sustains the lamp of the votary.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 983
King Rinda
Written to Soya Doso on August 17, 1279
________________________________

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
August 17, 2026

The Buddhist teaching of the oneness of life and its environment tells us that humanity and the natural world are one. That is why if we wish to protect the environment, we must transform and purify the three poisons - greed, anger and foolishness - that exist in people's lives. The principle of human revolution focuses on precisely that: inner transformation at the most fundamental level.
________________________________

Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (18 September 1954) p.200/201

There are times I think about death and times I am filled with the joy of living. At times I give guidance, overflowing with profound gratitude and appreciation for the Mystic Law; at other times I only go through the motions, giving guidance and carrying out propagation out of obligation. At times I want to run to Sensei’s side, while at others, I feel in the depths of my heart like avoiding him.

A lonesome youth. A young man gripped by a myriad emotions. Fateful days of youth. I can only advance with all my might. In any event, whether joyful of suffering, I must advance, as a child of the Gakkai.
_____________________________

Sensei's Daily Encouragement -August 16 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    


Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
August 16, 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. In the process of exerting yourself in such endeavours, you will without a doubt build and strengthen your character.
________________________________

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
 August 16, 2026

A person's death is not determined by illness. In our own time, the people of Iki and Tsushima, though not suffering from illness, were slaughtered in an instant by the Mongols. It is not certain that, because one is ill, one will die. And could not this illness of your husband's be the Buddha's design, because the Vimalakirti and Nirvana sutras both teach that sick people will surely attain Buddhahood? Illness gives rise to the resolve to attain the way.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 937
The Good Medicine for All Ills
Written to the lay nun Myoshin on August 16, probably in 1278
________________________________

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
 August 16, 2026

As long as we are human, we are bound to make mistakes. We all fall prey to flawed beliefs and views. What distinguishes a forward-looking person from an intransigent one, a virtuous person from a dishonest one, however, is whether one can candidly admit to one's mistakes and take bold steps to redress them.
________________________________

Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (18 September 1954) p.200

There was a storm. I am twenty-six, the departure point for the journey of my life. Soon, this coming year, I will be twenty-seven. I end each year in the midst of a battle with myself. Sad – disappointing. Why can’t I become a youth who is praised by his brilliant teacher?
_____________________________

Sensei's Daily Encouragement -August 15 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

  

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
August 15, 2026

The first thing is to pray. From the moment we begin to pray, things start moving. The darker the night, the closer the dawn. From the moment we chant daimoku with a deep and powerful resolve, the sun begins to rise in our hearts. Hope - prayer is the sun of hope. To chant daimoku each time we face a problem, overcoming it and elevating our life-condition as a result - this is the path of "changing earthly desires into enlightenment," taught in Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism.

Events
1964 World Tribune publishes first issue.
________________________________

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
August 15, 2026

I, Nichiren, have inscribed my life in sumi ink, so believe in the Gohonzon with your whole heart. The Buddha's will is the Lotus Sutra, but the soul of Nichiren is nothing other than Nam-myoho-renge-kyo.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 412
Reply to Kyo'o
Written to Kyo'o and her parents, Nichigen-nyo and Shijo Kingo, on August 15, 1273
________________________________

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
August 15, 2026

The world is growing increasingly interrelated and interdependent. We have reached a point where, in order to deal with not only environmental problems but every other issue confronting humankind, leaders with a broad, global perspective are indispensable. Everything hinges on how many capable leaders we can produce who are willing to fight wholeheartedly for the world's future and the happiness of humanity.
________________________________

Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (15 September 1954) p.200

Had dinner with Sensei and his wife at the N. Chinese restaurant. Sensei’s physical condition is extremely poor. Was scolded severely. Certainly, what I said was wrong. Can only reflect seriously.

Received guidance about the future responsibilities of the president and general director. Very strict. Sensei is truly a fearsome teacher. Must study! Must remind myself again and again to study!
_____________________________

Sensei's Daily Encouragement -August 14 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

  

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
August 14, 2026

The German author Hermann Hesse (1877-1962) writes that the more one matures, the younger one grows. And certainly there are many people who, as they age, become increasingly vigorous and energetic, more broad-minded and tolerant, living with a greater sense of freedom and assurance. It is important to remember that aging and growing old are not necessarily the same thing.
________________________________

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
August 14, 2026

Let us openly and clearly outline the virtues of Myoho-renge-kyo! Just as poisonous compounds are changed into medicine, so these five characters of Myoho-renge-kyo change evil into good.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1064
White Horses and White Swans
Written to the lady of Utubusa on August 14, 1280
________________________________

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
August 14, 2026

In Nichiren Buddhism, we are encouraged to chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo for the happiness of those who - for whatever reason - displease, anger or even hurt us. Often this is not easy. But, inevitably, we come to see the better side of most people.
________________________________

Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (03 September 1954) p.200

Sleepy all day. It’s gotten cooler. Lacking sleep, especially the past several days. A life that lacks common sense will definitely come to an impasse. Must be careful.

Attended a general meeting of Toshima District, Bunkyo Chapter, at Jozai-ji in the evening. Returned home extremely disappointed. Arrived at home a little before 11:00. Read Heroes of East and West.
_____________________________