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

  


Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
January 12, 2026
 
In a passage of the "Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings," the Daishonin observes, "When you bow to a mirror, the reflected image bows back" (Gosho Zenshu, p. 769). People who respect others are respected by others in turn. Those who are unstinting in their compassion and concern for others are also protected and supported by others. Our environment is essentially a reflection of ourselves
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From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
January 12, 2026
 
How, then, are you to go about nurturing faith in the Lotus Sutra? For if you try to practice the teachings of the sutra without faith, it would be like trying to enter a jeweled mountain without hands [to pick up its treasures], or like trying to make a thousand-mile journey without feet. The answer is simply to examine the proof that is close at hand, and thus take hold of faith that is far off.
 
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin , page 511
Letter to Horen
Written to Soya Kyoshin in April 1275
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Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
January 12, 2026
 
Strength is happiness. Strength is itself victory. In weakness and cowardice there is no happiness. When you wage a struggle, you might win or you might lose. But regardless of the short-term outcome, the very fact of your continuing to struggle is proof of your victory as a human being. A strong spirit, strong faith and strong prayer—developing these is victory and the world of Buddhahood.
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Excerpt from Daisaku Ikeda - A Youthful Diary (13 November 1957) p.353
 
Missed gongyo in the morning. Very tired. Could not meet with Sensei. Was told he was resting all day in conference room #1. He seems to be growing weaker. Such desolation, sadness.
Feel a tautness in my heart when I think of the Soka Gakkai's future. Above all, must enable the Gakkai to develop. Must forge ahead, placing faith first and foremost. Strong faith and the power of practice.
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