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.
_____________________________

Sensei's Daily Encouragement -August 13 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
August 13, 2026

An important thing is that you concentrate on developing yourself. Whatever others may say or do, those who have established their own solid sense of identity will triumph in the end. The great Japanese author Eiji Yoshikawa (1892-1962) wrote in his novel Miyamoto Musashi [an account of the seventeenth-century master swordsman of the same name]: "Rather than worrying about your future, thinking ' Perhaps I should become this or perhaps I should become that,' first be still and build a self that is as solid and unmoving as Mount Fuji."
________________________________

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
August 13, 2026

Could "enjoy themselves at ease" mean anything but that both our bodies and minds, lives and environments, are entities of three thousand realms in a single moment of life and Buddhas of limitless joy? There is no true happiness other than upholding faith in the Lotus Sutra. This is what is meant by "peace and security in their present existence and good circumstances in future existences."

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 681
Happiness in This World
Written to Shijo Kingo on June 27, 1276
________________________________

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
August 13, 2026

Buddhism teaches that human life is endowed simultaneously with both good and evil. The human mind is interpreted as partaking of ten different conditions, or states, including, at one end of the scale, hell, which is filled with suffering; hunger, dominated by greed; and animality, characterized by fear of the strong and contempt for the weak. At the other end are the Bodhisattva and Buddha conditions - states of mind in which people strive to help others by eliminating suffering and imparting happiness. Buddhism further teaches that the nature of life is for good and evil to be essentially inseparable.
________________________________

Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (01 September 1954) p.199

An evening lecture in Tsurumi. “On the Buddha’s Prophecy.” When I have truly prepared myself, my lectures go very well. This is how it should always be. Met with M. at a sushi shop until 11:00. He had visited Miss I. during lunch. Dinner was ready when I returned home. My wife reminded me that when I left for work in the morning I had promised her to be home in time for dinner. No excuse.
_____________________________

Sensei's Daily Encouragement -August 12 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
August 12, 2026

Courage is free. Anyone can have it. Courage is another name for the SGI spirit. Mr. Toda said: "The Buddha is filled with compassion, but it is hard for us common mortals to show compassion. So we must have courage instead." In other words, when we work courageously for kosen-rufu, our actions by their very nature become compassionate.
________________________________

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
August 12, 2026

What caused you to inwardly believe in the Lotus Sutra and to make offerings to me during my more than thirty-day stay there? I was hated and resented by the steward and the people of the district even more than I was in Kamakura. Those who saw me scowled, while those who merely heard my name were filled with spite. And yet, though I was there in the fifth month when rice was scarce, you secretly fed me. Have my parents been reborn in a place called Kawana, in Ito of Izu Province?"

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 35
The Izu Exile
Written to Funamori Yasaburo on June 27, 1261
________________________________

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
August 12, 2026

When you look at those of superior capacity, do not disparage yourself. The Buddha's true intention was that no one, even those of inferior capacity, be denied enlightenment. Conversely, when you compare yourself with persons of inferior capacity, do not be arrogant and over proud. Even persons of superior capacity may be excluded from enlightenment if they do not devote themselves wholeheartedly – Nichiren
________________________________

Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (31 August 1954) p.199

Another cool day. Everyone has been warning me to eat more vegetables. Agree with them. It stands to reason that a good daily diet is more important to my health than medicine.

6:30 – a headquarters leaders meeting at Toshima Civic Auditorium. Afterward, the top leaders met at Jozai-ji. Worried that the senior leaders are not listening carefully enough to the other leaders’ views and ideas. Can only await the board of directors’ further growth.
_____________________________

Sensei's Daily Encouragement -August 11 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

   

   

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
August 11, 2026

Let's read the Gosho regularly. Even just a little is fine. Even a single sentence. Just opening the Gosho is a start. At any rate, let's strive to read the Daishonin's writings. It's important to have the spirit to study the Gosho, to open up the Gosho. Even if you forget what you've read, something profound will have been engraved in the depths of your life.
________________________________

From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
August 11, 2026

Even an individual at cross purposes with himself is certain to end in failure. Yet a hundred or even a thousand people can definitely attain their goal, if they are of one mind.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 618
Many in Body, One in Mind
Written to the lay priest Takahashi on August 6, year unknown
________________________________

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
August 11, 2026

One who has mastered himself is truly free. Freedom lies in the heart of the sage, servitude in the heart of the fool.
________________________________

Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (30 August 1954) p.199

Sensei seems healthy and in high spirits. This makes me truly happy...

A Study Department professors meeting from 5:00. I am now being dispatch to Osaka Chapter each month to give a lecture. Must study.

A general staff meeting from 7:00. Returned home early after a pleasant meeting. Must not neglect gongyo.
_____________________________

Sensei's Daily Encouragement -August 10 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
August 10, 2026
 
From one perspective, Buddhist practice means plunging into the midst of the people and striving to strengthen our life force to the greatest extent. The purpose of SGI activities is for each of us to be able to build a strong, invincible, diamond-like self that can overcome every difficulty and blaze a way forward wherever we go. Obstacles are a golden opportunity to quickly forge an inner self that is as indestructible as a diamond, able to endure for eternity.
________________________________
 
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
August 10, 2026
 
Concerning prayer, there are conspicuous prayer and conspicuous response, conspicuous prayer and inconspicuous response, inconspicuous prayer and inconspicuous response, and inconspicuous prayer and conspicuous response. But the only essential point is that, if you believe in this sutra, all your desires will be fulfilled in both the present and the future.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 750
Letter to the Lay Priest Domyo
Written to the lay priest Domyo on August 10, 1276
________________________________
 
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
August 10, 2026
 
The heart of one person moves another's. If one's own heart is closed, then the doors of other people's hearts will also shut tight. On the other hand, someone who makes all those around him or her into allies, bathing them in the sunlight of spring, will be treasured by all.
________________________________
 
Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (29 August 1954) p.198
 
Glad my physical condition has improved. With this as a turning point, must further my human revolution. Stayed home all morning. The children are noisy, but it’s good they are in high spirits. Amazed a how quickly they are growing. Never want to grow old. Wish to live out this century as a youth.
_____________________________