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

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
May 12, 2026
 
I want you to understand the subtle workings of the mind. How you orient your mind, the kind of attitude you take, greatly influences both you yourself and your environment. The Buddhist principle of a single life-moment encompassing 3,000 realms completely elucidates the true aspect of life's inner workings. Through the power of strong inner resolve, we can transform ourselves, those around us and the land in which we live.
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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
May 12, 2026
 
The Lotus Sutra is both the teaching of the Buddha and the embodiment of the Buddha wisdom. If one puts sincere faith in each character and brushstroke in it, then one will become a Buddha in one's present form.
 
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 12, 2026
 
Human society, as viewed with the "eyes of Buddhism," takes on a completely different meaning from that discerned by "secular eyes." No longer are the powerful above and ordinary people below. Status does not make people great, and authority does not make them noble. Instead, it is people wholeheartedly dedicated to a lofty ideal who shine the brightest.
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (12 October 1953) p.147
 
In the evening, a few members from my YMD corps came by for guidance. I feel great affection for them. Sincerely hope they will never abandon their faith. They are all great. Each courageously battling his own obstacles in order to save the people, each struggling with his own difficulties. How praiseworthy! Must pay heartfelt attention to each individual.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -May 11 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
May 11, 2026
 
The Daishonin urges us to earnestly chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, even just once or twice, stressing that if we do so we will definitely attain enlightenment. Now some might immediately think, "All right! I'll just put faith aside and take it easy, then embrace faith seriously a year before I die." But the Daishonin's words in this instance are meant to spur his followers to devote greater efforts to their Buddhist practice, emphasizing the beneficial power of chanting even a single daimoku. The correct way to read the Gosho is to always interpret the Daishonin's words from the standpoint of strengthening our faith.
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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
May 11, 2026
 
The moon appears in the west and sheds its light eastward, but the sun rises in the east and casts its rays to the west. The same is true of Buddhism. It spread from west to east in the Former and Middle Days of the Law, but will travel from east to west in the Latter Day.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 401
On the Buddha's Prophecy
Written to all disciples and lay supporters on May 11, 1273
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
May 11, 2026
 
The sanctity of life is known to everyone. At the same time, there is universal confusion about the essential meaning of life's sanctity. If the sanctity of life can become a solid touchstone of wisdom for all people, then humankind's destiny to experience war and misery repeatedly can be greatly transformed. It is toward this end that we Nichiren Buddhists are struggling.
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (10 October 1953) p.146
 
I have a mission. Without a mission, a Bodhisattva of the Earth has no reason to exist. Human beings must never forget their mission. Since this is the case, my only choice is to courageously carry out powerful unyielding, indomitable faith.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -May 10 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
May 10, 2026
 
The state of mind with which we meet our death will greatly influence the course of our lives over eternity. Granted, if one is unconcerned by how one dies, or if one dismisses any connection between this existence and the next, then there probably isn't any need to practice the Daishonin's Buddhism. But the truth is that life is eternal, that our existence continues even after we die. Moreover, during the latent stage of death before rebirth, we cannot change the essence of our lives, we cannot carry out Buddhist practice. Only while we are alive as human beings can we practice Buddhism.
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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
May 10, 2026
 
A woman who takes this efficacious medicine will be surrounded and protected by these four great bodhisattvas at all times. When she rises to her feet, so too will the bodhisattvas, and when she walks along the road, they will also do the same. She and they will be as inseparable as a body and its shadow, as fish and water, as a voice and its echo, or as the moon and its light.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 415
On Offering Prayers to the Mandala of the Mystic Law
Recipient and date unknown
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
May 10, 2026
 
Children remember all their lives mothers who are always optimistic and generous toward society and the community and who live creatively. That kind of behaviour provides the finest possible nourishment for learning how to build a happy home life. It is important for married couples, while giving full rein to their individual characteristics, to cooperate for the happiness of the children, the family and society.
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (10 October 1953) p.146
 
The faith that can change destiny cannot be carried out easily. Must not doubt. The fundamental cause lies in my own determination and faith.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -May 9 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
May 9, 2026
 
Buddhism is concerned with the essential nature of humanity. Buddhism is not found somewhere else separate from such beautiful expressions of humanity as appreciation toward one's mother and courtesy to others. As Nichiren Daishonin teaches in the Gosho, "behaviour as a human being" that perfectly accord with reason is what constitutes the heart of Buddhism. Therefore, our world of faith must be a gathering that is full of affection and heartfelt consideration.
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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
May 9, 2026
 
As you crave food when hungry, seek water when thirsty, long to see a lover, beg for medicine when ill, or as a beautiful woman desires powder and rouge, so should you put your faith in the Lotus Sutra. If you do not, you will regret it later.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 965
Persucution by Sword and Staff
Written to Nanjo Tokimitsu on April 20, 1279
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
May 9, 2026
 
A Turkish proverb says, "Iron shines when used, but rusts when not." The capacities of people working hard and striving with all their might never get rusty; they are constantly being polished and forged.
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (09 October 1953) p.146
 
The Friday lecture was on “The Opening of the Eyes.” Could not absorb it because I was suffering from a headache. But Mr. Toda’s courageous spirit brought tears to my eyes. Sensei! Please live another thirty years! For Japan, for Asia and for world peace. I will not begrudge my meager efforts. I can only pray and pray.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -May 8 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
 May 8, 2026
 
No one is more wonderful than a mother. And there is nothing more noble than a mother's heart. I hope you will all treasure your mothers. Truly praiseworthy are those who have a sense of gratitude and appreciation toward their parents. The Buddhist sutras teach that the practice of Buddhism is the ultimate expression of devotion to one's parents, and the Buddha excels in such dedication and concern.
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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
 May 8, 2026
 
The master of the house in private treated us with compassion. Though outwardly he appeared to be fearful of the authorities, at heart he had great pity for us, something that I will never forget in any future lifetime. At that time, he meant more to me than the very parents who gave me birth. However great the obligations I incurred to him, I must endeavour to repay them. Even more, I must not fail to do what I had promised him.
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 529
Letter to the Lay Priest Ichinosawa
Written to the wife of the lay priest Ichinosawa on May 8, 1275
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
 May 8, 2026
 
Wildflowers are neither vain nor haughty, neither jealous nor servile. Living in accord with their unique mission, characterizing the Buddhist principle of the equality of cherry, peach, plum, and damson blossoms, they neither envy other flowers nor belittle themselves. They take pride in their individuality, knowing that each is a flower with a bloom like no other. Even the prettiest and most delicate wildflowers are by no means weak. They may seem fragile, but they are strong, unperturbed by rain or wind.
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (09 October 1953) p.146
 
In physical and spiritual anguish all day. My only choice is to improve my faith. Must make myself practice strictly. Went in the rain to Yokohama to help negotiate the construction of a new home for Mr.’s relative. I enjoyed a meal on the way back.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -May 7 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
May 7, 2026
 
Many things happen in life. There are joyous days and times of suffering. Sometimes unpleasant things occur. But that's what makes life so interesting. The dramas we encounter are part and parcel of being human. If we experienced no change or drama in our lives, if nothing unexpected ever happened, we would merely be like automatons, our lives unbearably monotonous and dull. Therefore, please develop a strong self so that you can enact the drama of your life with confidence and poise in the face of whatever vicissitudes you may encounter.
 
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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
May 7, 2026
 
Even the darkness becomes bright when a lantern is lit, and even muddy water becomes clear when the moon shines on it. Can anything exceed the sun and the moon in brightness? Can anything surpass the lotus flower in purity? The Lotus Sutra is the sun and moon and the lotus flower. Therefore, it is called the Lotus Sutra of the Wonderful Law. Nichiren, too, is like the sun and moon and the lotus flower. If the water of your faith is clear, the moon of blessings will surely cast its reflection on it and protect you.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 186
Easy Delivery of a Fortune Child
Written to Nichigen-nyo on May 8, 1271
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
May 7, 2026
 
Suffer what there is to suffer, enjoy what there is to enjoy. Regard both suffering and joy as facts of life, and continue chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, no matter what happens. How could this be anything other than the boundless joy of the Law? Strengthen your power of faith more than ever - Nichiren.
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (07 October 1953) p.145
 
Read a book on Oda Nobunaga – a courageous general. A sharp mind. He acted in the spirit of male ambition. Toyotomi Hideyoshi was also fascinating. He was an individual of great friendliness. Many times, Mr. Toda has encouraged me to read books on history. One’s view of history is important.
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Sensei's Daily Encouragement -May 6 2026- Year of Vibrant Growth for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide

    

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
May 6, 2026
 
We have both a weak self and a strong self; the two are completely different. If we allow our weak side to dominate, we will be defeated. The thought,"I am still young and have a lot of time, so I can relax and take life easy" is a function of our own weakness.
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From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
May 6, 2026
 
How does the mirror of the Lotus Sutra portray the people who, in the evil world of the latter age, believe in the teachings of the Lotus Sutra just as they are set forth in the sutra? Shakyamuni Buddha has left us words from his golden mouth revealing that such people have already made offerings to a hundred thousand million Buddhas in their past existences.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1108
The Proof of the Lotus Sutra
Written to Nanjo Tokimitsu on February 28, 1282
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
May 6, 2026
 
Chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is the foundation of Nichiren Buddhism. When we chant sonorously, the sun rises in our hearts. We are filled with power. Compassion wells forth. Our lives are lit with joy. Our wisdom shines. All Buddhas and protective forces throughout the universe go to work on our behalf. Life becomes exhilarating. .
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (07 October 1953) p.145
 
Bright sunshine. The sky, a stage in a dreamlike play. I want my life, too, to shine a spirited dance of “happiness in this world” on the stage of this earth.
Completed my astronomy study. Great nourishment for the future. Deeply thankful to President Toda.
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