Sensei's Daily Encouragement -March 7 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

  

  
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
March 7, 2026
 
Calling forth the three powerful enemies and defeating them makes one a votary of the Lotus Sutra. It is only natural, then, when we advance upon the correct path of mentor and disciple originating with the Daishonin, we will encounter obstacles. By battling the three powerful enemies, we become genuine disciples of the Daishonin. In that respect, the authenticity of the path of mentor and disciple followed by the first three presidents of the Soka Gakkai has been proven beyond doubt.
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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
March 7, 2026
 
If the minds of living beings are impure, their land is also impure, but if their minds are pure, so is their land. There are not two lands, pure or impure in themselves. The difference lies solely in the good or evil of our minds. It is the same with a Buddha and an ordinary being. While 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.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 4
On Attaining Buddhahood in This Lifetime
Written to Toki Jonin in 1255
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
March 7, 2026
 
When we revere Myoho-renge-kyo inherent in our own life as the object of devotion, the Buddha nature within us is summoned forth and manifested by our chanting of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. This is what is meant by "Buddha." To illustrate, when a caged bird sings, birds who are flying in the sky are thereby summoned and gather around, and when the birds flying in the sky gather around, the bird in the cage strives to get out. When with our mouths we chant the Mystic Law, our Buddha nature, being summoned, will invariably emerge.
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Daisaku Ikeda – A Youthful Diary (26 May 1951) p.113
 
When each individual understands the True Law, and it becomes the driving force, the fundamental principle for that age, how deep the nation's foundation will be! How reasonable and splendid a society will be established! People will then lead lives free from contradictions and deadlocks.
 
The True Law: Understand it deeply!
The True Law: Spread it widely!
The True Law: Apply it powerfully to your daily life!
The True Law: Praise it highly!
The True Law: Let it flow, purely, to the depths of your life!
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -March 6 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

  

  
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
March 6, 2026
 
There is no need for you to be impatient. If you can achieve something very easily right from the start, you will find no sense of fulfillment or joy. It is in making tenacious, all-out efforts for construction that profound happiness lies.
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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
March 6, 2026
 
A passage from the Lotus Sutra reads that it is "the most difficult to believe and the most difficult to understand." Many hear about and accept this sutra, but when great obstacles arise, just as they were told would happen, few remember it and bear it firmly in mind. To accept is easy, to continue is difficult. But Buddhahood lies in continuing faith.
 
 The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 471
The Difficulty of Sustaining Faith
Written to Shijo Kingo on March 6, 1275
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
March 6, 2026
 
 When we chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, the good and evil capacities of our lives begin to function as the exalted form of fundamental existence. Lives that are full of the pain of hell, lives that are in the state of hunger, lives warped by the state of anger -- such lives too begin to move in the direction of creating their own personal happiness and value. Lives being pulled toward misfortune and unhappiness are redirected and pulled in the opposite direction, toward good, when they make the Mystic Law their base.
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Daisaku Ikeda – A Youthful Diary (26 May 1951) p.113
 
My district has many points that need improvement. U. and T. came by late in the evening. Inwardly, I feel some Gakkai members could use a little more common sense. Spontaneity deserves respect. Nonetheless, it should be appropriate. Actions that cause trouble for others can in no way be called spontaneity. Rather, we could conclude that those who act in such a way are taking advantage of Buddhism.
Qualities like courtesy and common sense should serve to enhance spontaneity. They should not exist merely for their own sake.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -March 5 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

  

  
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
March 5, 2026
 
 The efforts made by one individual can be immensely important. Nichiren Daishonin repeatedly states that victory depends not on numbers but on a group or individual's attitude or resolve. In one passage he writes: "Everyone in Japan, from the sovereign on down to the common people, all without exception tried to do me harm, but I have survived until this day. This is because, although I am alone, I have firm faith [in the Lotus Sutra]"
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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
March 5, 2026
 
 The more gold is heated in the flames, the brighter will be its colour, the more a sword is whetted, the sharper it will become. And the more one praises the blessings of the Lotus Sutra, the more one's own blessings will increase. Bear in mind that the twenty-eight chapters of the Lotus Sutra contain only a few passages elucidating the truth, but a great many words of praise.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 673
The Blessings of the Lotus Sutra
Written to Myomitsu on March 5, 1276
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
March 5, 2026
 
Our individual lives are each infinite treasure houses. Our lives are clusters of blessings. Lasting happiness never comes from the outside. Everything of value emanates from within our own being. Faith in Buddhism means establishing one's true self. It is the recognition that the infinite horizon of the cosmos exists right here within the self. One's life opens out toward the cosmos and is enfolded in it, at the same time, one's life encompasses the entire cosmos.
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (31 March 1958) p.389
 
To Sensei's home in the morning. Immediately took a taxi with Sensei's wife to the Japan University Hospitality in Surugadai. The room was not very good. Negotiated again and again. Earnestly requested the best room possible, but to no avail. Truly regrettable. Dr. H. also asked for our understanding, calling it only temporary. An unavoidable choice. But sincerely urged the hospital to provide its best possible treatment.
 
Went back to the head temple… Immediately reported to the board of directors and the general director.
 
Sensei's condition is quickly worsening.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -March 4 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

  

  
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
March 4, 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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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
March 4, 2026
 
A woman who makes offerings to such a Gohonzon invites happiness in this life and in the next, the Gohonzon will be with her and protect her always. Like a lantern in the dark, like a strong guide and porter on a treacherous mountain path, the Gohonzon will guard and protect you, Lady Nichinyo, wherever you go.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 832
The Real Aspect of the Gohonzon
Written to Nichinyo on August 23, 1277
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
March 4, 2026
 
Life is an everlasting struggle with ourselves. It is a tug of war between moving forward and regressing, between happiness and unhappiness. Outstanding individuals didn't become great overnight. They disciplined themselves to overcome their weaknesses, to conquer their lack of caring and motivation until they became true victors in life. One reason Buddhists chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo each day is to develop strong will and discipline and, along with those, the ability to tackle any problem seriously and with the determination to overcome it.
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (30 March 1958) p.389
 
Stayed at Sensei's home until after 7:00 taking pains to prepare for his hospitalization. Tired. Exhausted, spiritually and physically.
Home after a long absence.
Pondered my destiny to live on the battlefield and struggle for the Law.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -March 3 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

  

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
March 3, 2026
 
What is youth? The French philosopher Roger Garaudy suggests that while most people believe a person is born young and then ages and dies in reality, acquiring youth in the deepest sense is a very long and challenging process. The youth of which he speaks is the spiritual strength not to stagnate or grow resistant to change but to stay ever open to new possibilities. It is the power of the spirit that refuses to succumb to complacency and strives forward.
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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
March 3, 2026
 
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.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 4
On Attaining Buddhahood in this Lifetime
Written to Toki Jonin in 1255
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
March 3, 2026
 
It all comes down to you. I hope you won't rely on others or wait for them to do something. Try to develop such a strong sense of responsibility that you can stand up to the fiercest storms, confidently proclaiming, "I'll do it. Just watch me!" Please confront reality, look it squarely in the face, and with guts, wisdom and strength, challenge everything that lies ahead of you.
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (30 March 1958) p.388
 
Discussed Sensei's hospitalization with his son. His wife said, "I want him to come home." But the son suggested hospital care. We also recommended Sensei check into a hospital. In my heart, though, I hesitated about whether I should be responsible to honor Sensei's wish to "return to the headquarters."
 
Feel as if I am falling into a bottomless abyss. Lament my lack of strength as a disciple. Ah… will I gain it in this lifetime? Must take a strict look at myself. To make up for this, I have no choice but to carry through with Sensei's spirit throughout my life.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -March 2 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

  

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
March 2, 2026
 
There is a saying, "To start an undertaking is easy, to maintain it is difficult." Though creating something new may seem daunting, it is in fact easy when compared to the far more challenging task of carrying on an existing enterprise, to keep it going, to develop it further. Everything depends on people, on capable successors. And our movement for kosen-rufu depends on young people. For that reason I am determined to do all that I can right now to raise genuine successors in the youth division.
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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
March 2, 2026
 
If in this present existence I am so fearful for my life that I fail to speak out, then in what future existence will I ever attain Buddhahood? Or in what future existence will I ever be able to bring salvation to my parents and my teacher? With thoughts such as these uppermost in my mind, I decided that I must begin to speak out. And, just as I had expected, I was ousted, I was vilified, I was attacked, and I suffered wounds.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 727
On Repaying Debts of Gratitude
Written to Joken-bo and Gijo-bo on July 21, 1276
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
March 2, 2026
 
The important thing is not whether we are optimistic or pessimistic but rather that, while keeping a careful eye on reality, we are neither overwhelmed by it nor content with the status quo. We must keep the lamps of our ideals alight while being ready to pioneer uncharted paths. Faith in life and in the human spirit is the necessary foundation for this approach.
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (19 March 1958) p.388
 
Nerves and body truly fatigued from overseeing transportation for the monthlong pilgrimage commemorating the Grand Lecture Hall completion. For the remaining ten days, want to fulfill my mission honorably, with renewed resolution and without regret. My life's most noble work is to sincerely guide those awakened to the True Law…
Must seriously consider the Gakkai's future and how I will contribute. Yes – after all, there is no other way than to chant to and entrust everything to the Gohonzon.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -March 1 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

  

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
March 1, 2026
 
We need to go out and mix with people every day. Making our local community the base for our activities, we need to forge ties of friendship with others and work with them to create peace. Staying connected in this way to our town, city, state and country is a practical manifestation of our lives permeating all things. We embody the doctrine of a life-moment possessing 3,000 realms when we do kosen-rufu activities.
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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
March 1, 2026
 
If in this present existence I am so fearful for my life that I fail to speak out, then in what future existence will I ever attain Buddhahood? Or in what future existence will I ever be able to bring salvation to my parents and my teacher? With thoughts such as these uppermost in my mind, I decided that I must begin to speak out. And, just as I had expected, I was ousted, I was vilified, I was attacked, and I suffered wounds.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 727
On Repaying Debts of Gratitude
Written to Joken-bo and Gijo-bo on July 21, 1276
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
March 1, 2026
 
Words can be either the root of discord or a force for unity. They can be the origin of deception or the key to learning. They can be the instruments of plotting and intrigue or weapons for truth and wisdom. That is why it is so crucial to speak out ever more vigorously for what is right.
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (13 February 1958) p.386
 
A corps flags exchange ceremony at the Toshima Civic Hall at 7:00…
Visited Sensei's home to report late at night. Received guidance on:
 
1. Developing the youth division's potential for the future.
2. Principles Gakkai leaders should adopt.
3. Buddhism and its view of society.
4. The ultimate mission of the Gakkai.
 
Home at 11:50. Had many thoughts. My wife cautioned me that my complexion is pale. Feel a slight fever.
 
Made a clean copy of the notes of Sensei's guidance until late.
The bathtub is leaking. The whole family cannot take a bath.
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