Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
October 5, 2026
Nichiren Daishonin said to one of his lay followers: "I entrust you with the propagation of Buddhism in your province. Because the seeds of Buddhahood sprout in response to the proper influence, one expounds the teaching of the one vehicle".
Events: SGI-USA Day.
1960 President Ikeda arrives in San Francisco on his first trip to the continental United States, setting in motion the American movement to spread the Daishonin's Buddhism. At Coit Tower, President Ikeda declares that this day will one day be looked upon as a significant step forward for the Daishonin's Buddhism.
________________________________
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
October 5, 2026
One may be letter-perfect in reciting the Lotus Sutra, but it is far more difficult to act as it teaches.
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 200
Lessening One's Karmic Retribution
Written to Ota Saemon-no-jo, the lay priest Soya and the Dharma Bridge Kimbara on October 5, 1271
________________________________
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
October 5, 2026
No matter what the circumstances, you should never concede defeat. Never conclude that you've reached a dead end, that everything is finished. You possess a glorious future. And precisely because of that, you must persevere and study. Life is eternal. We need to focus on the two existences of the present and the future and not get caught up in the past. We must always have the spirit to begin anew "from this moment," to initiate a new struggle each day.
________________________________
Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (06 October 1955) p. 253
1. Must take pains to treat people with compassion.
2. Advance with warmth and tolerance.
Why? Think it is because I am intense and passionately emotional by nature. Want to be first in Japan and then in the whole world. Is having such a desire a cause for happiness or unhappiness? This I must ask myself.
Do not wish to have regrets in this lifetime.
_____________________________
brilliant brent east buddhists
information that may prove interesting and/or useful to SGI buddhists, especially those in Brent
Labels
Monday, 5 October 2026
Sensei's Daily Encouragement -October 5 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide
Sunday, 4 October 2026
Sensei's Daily Encouragement -October 4 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
October 4, 2026
We are people of faith and faith is the ultimate conviction. Nothing could be sadder nor more short-sighted, therefore, than complaining or giving up when we encounter some small obstacle in our path. A genuine Buddhist is a person of wisdom and conviction.
________________________________
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
October 4, 2026
In the light of the above points, this shows, my followers, that you had better cut short your sleep by night and curtail your leisure by day, and ponder this! You must not spend your lives in vain and regret it for ten thousand years to come.
The Problem to Be Pondered Nigh and Day
Written to Toki Jonin on August 23, 1275
________________________________
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
October 4, 2026
The expansive world lies not in some distant place; it exists right where you are. That is why you need to win where you are right now. Today's victory is linked to your eternal victory.
________________________________
Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (05 October 1955) p. 253
At 8:30, in reception room # 1, the Seikyo Shimbun sponsored a discussion meeting on the condition of the erroneous sects. The writers have grown considerably. Trust their conviction as bold, youthful pioneers. Awakened with indignation to the poisonous nature and the devilish reality of other sects. Strengthened and solidified my resolve to stand alone and fight. Though others do not see, Dosho and Domyo*, the guardian deities, know all. When I realize that all is apparent to the Mystic Law, my heart fills with joy.
*Dosho and Domyo: Two gods said to dwell on a person’s shoulders from the time of birth and record all of his or her actions, to report to King Emma, who judges the dead. They represent the law of cause and effect operating within one’s life.
_____________________________
Saturday, 3 October 2026
Sensei's Daily Encouragement -October 3 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
October 3, 2026
Never be shaken, no matter what happens or what others may say. Never be flustered; never lose confidence. This is the way we should strive to live our lives. Being able to do so is a sign of genuine character.
________________________________
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
October 3, 2026
One who, on hearing the teachings of the Lotus Sutra, makes even greater efforts in faith is a true seeker of the way. T'ien-t'ai states, "From the indigo, an even deeper blue." This passage means that, if one dyes something repeatedly in indigo, it becomes even bluer than the indigo leaves. The Lotus Sutra is like the indigo, and the strength of one's practice is like the deepening blue.
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 457
Hell Is the Land of Tranquil Light
Written to Nanjo Tokimitsu's mother on July 11, 1274
________________________________
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
October 3, 2026
Buddhism teaches that self-awareness arises through our encounters with the eternal. Buddhism urges us to be receptive to the most profound meaning of living, in the eternal process of cosmic evolution, and further urges that we accept, as our mission, compassionate behaviour toward all beings.
________________________________
Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (05 October 1955) p. 252/253
A clear autumn day. Can’t stop thinking about Sensei, even for a moment. Actually, my lifelong destiny was determined when I met him and will continue to be guided by him until the end. How fortunate! Though I began poor and sick, nothing could be more glorious than to have Sensei watch over me throughout my life. Articles criticizing the Gakkai have appeared in several magazines. Have gradually sensed the presence of the three powerful enemies. Never fear. What is crucial now is the spirit never to retreat or regress in faith.
_____________________________
Friday, 2 October 2026
Sensei's Daily Encouragement -October 2 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
October 2, 2026
Please make every effort to find and raise capable people. My wish is that you construct a wonderful organization, joyfully building growing spheres of friendship and a solidarity of people who cherish hope for life and the future. Please lead the most wonderful of lives.
Events
World Peace Day.
1960 President Ikeda lands in Hawaii on his first trip outside Japan , beginning his worldwide efforts for peace, culture and education based on Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism.
________________________________
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
October 2, 2026
At first only Nichiren chanted Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, but then two, three, and a hundred followed, chanting and teaching others. Propagation will unfold this way in the future as well. Does this not signify "emerging from the earth?" At the time when the Law has spread far and wide, the entire Japanese nation will chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, as surely as an arrow aimed at the earth cannot miss the target.
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 385
The True Aspect of All Phenomena
Written to Sairen-bo Nichijo on May 17, 1273
________________________________
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
October 2, 2026
Our individual circle of friendship is part of the global circle of friendship; it is one and the same. A drop of rain from the sky, a drop of water from the river, or a drop of water from the ocean are all just that - a drop of water - until they accumulate. The friends we make in our own small circle contribute to the spread of friendship around the world. Making one true friend is a step toward creating world peace.
________________________________
Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (03 October 1955) p.251
Don’t think well of Chief Secretary I.’s sly tactics. She has become rude and demeaning toward me and others, often distorting the truth. She has no reason to hold herself above those around her and should not take advantage of the kindness and consideration shown her by Sensei. Women can be particularly fearsome. Must be very careful in the future. Strictly warned Miss I., the chapter women’s division chief, and Miss U. regarding their arrogance. Worried that several people are hesitating to practice their faith freely.
_____________________________
Thursday, 1 October 2026
Sensei's Daily Encouragement -October 1 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
October 1, 2026
I hope that leaders will earnestly pray for the prosperity, safety and happiness of the members who are all so infinitely noble and praiseworthy. May you also never forget to develop yourselves and pray to become people who are liked and trusted by the members, who can work unstintingly for the members' happiness and well-being.
________________________________
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
October 1, 2026
I do not know whether these trials equal or surpass those of the Buddha. Nagarjuna, Vasubandhu, T'ien-t'ai, and Dengyo, however, cannot compare with me in what they suffered. Had it not been for the advent of Nichiren in the Latter Day of the Law, the Buddha would have been a teller of great lies, and the testimony given by Many Treasures and by the Buddhas of the ten directions would have been false. In the 2,230 and more years since the Buddha's passing, Nichiren is the only person in the entire land of Jambudvipa who has fulfilled the Buddha's words.
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 997
On Persecutions Befalling the Sage
Written to all followers (and entrusted to Shijo Kingo on October 1, 1279)
________________________________
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
October 1, 2026
Time is constantly passing, one moment following fast upon the other. That's why it's so important to press forward boldly, without complaining or fretting. The person who looks to the future and keeps moving ahead is eternally youthful. Such a person's heart is filled with flowers and shines brilliantly.
________________________________
Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (03 October 1955) p. 251
More rain. Physically exhausted. Feel as if I’m sinking in a dark whirlpool of fatigue. Can only strengthen my faith. Break through, shatter, transform. Thought bitterly about my lack of ability and power.
Went to see I. at the postal services office at noon. He is a friend from the Taisei Business School. Was treated to lunch in the basement cafeteria. He seems to be in trouble in terms of faith, chanting only two or three daimoku a day.
_____________________________
Wednesday, 30 September 2026
Sensei's Daily Encouragement -September 30 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
September 30, 2026
Those who strengthen their faith day by day and month after month are genuine practitioners. Our daily practice of gongyo, therefore, is important, as well as is attending meetings every month. We must not let our faith grow weak. We must make it stronger today than yesterday, stronger this month than last. Buddhist practice is a succession of such untiring efforts, the ultimate goal of which is attaining the summit of Buddhahood.
________________________________
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
September 30, 2026
The meaning of this passage is that those who obtained benefit during the Former and Middle Days of the Law received "conspicuous" benefit, because the relationship they formed with the Lotus Sutra during the lifetime of the Buddha had finally matured. On the other hand, those born today in the Latter Day of the Law receive the seeds of Buddhahood for the first time, and their benefit is therefore "inconspicuous."
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 474
The Teaching, Practice and Proof
Written to Sammi-bo on March 21, 1275
________________________________
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
September 30, 2026
Knowledge gives rise to wisdom. If you like, knowledge is the pump; wisdom is the water that we get from the pump. If we can't obtain water, the pump is useless. At the same time, without knowledge, without the pump, we won't be able to obtain water.
________________________________
Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (1 October 1955) p.250
At 6:00, met with H., an M. newspaper reporter. Strongly refuted claims that we have been forcing people to convert. He seemed persuaded. Was astonished, however, at the prominent five-column story that appeared in the paper. The cynical press exerts a bad influence on society. Employing the brute force of words, the press reigns unchallenged. The weak are always made to suffer. An extremely biased democracy.
_____________________________
Tuesday, 29 September 2026
Sensei's Daily Encouragement -September 29 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
September 29, 2026
Faith, which at first glance may appear weak, is actually the most powerful force in the world. Many people put on a show of being strong, but true strength has nothing to do with appearances. On the contrary, we usually find that the weaker the individual, the greater their bravado or outward display of strength.
________________________________
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
September 29, 2026
The number of those endowed with human life is as small as the amount of earth one can place on a fingernail. Life as a human being is hard to sustain ‚ as hard as it is for the dew to remain on the grass. But it is better to live a single day with honour than to live to 120 and die in disgrace. Live so that all the people of Kamakura will say in your praise that Nakatsukasa Saburo Saemon-no-jo is diligent in the service of his lord, in the service of Buddhism, and in his concern for other people.
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 851
The Three Kinds of Treasure
Written to Shijo Kingo on September 11, 1277
________________________________
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
September 29, 2026
A sword is 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 - Nichiren
________________________________
Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (30 September 1955) p.250
A youth division staff meeting at 6:00 at the headquarters. Nothing conclusive arose, as everyone promoted his personal viewpoint. They are forgetting their great mission and objective, their ideas stemming only from their own abilities or intellect. Had Sensei been present, they would have reached a conclusion right away. Frightening. The spirit and significance of the youth division staff conference President Toda entrusted to us has already been lost.
_____________________________