Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"As Florence Nightingale (1820–1910) once observed: "Difficulties . . .[are] incident to new improvements.'"

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"The body is the palace of the ninth consciousness, the unchanging reality that reigns over all of life's functions."
* In saying, "The body is the palace of the ninth consciousness " Nichiren Daishonin emphasizes that the potential for Buddhahood exists within us.
He taught that by chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, we can gain access to this ninth consciousness, the ultimate depth of life. Activated by our daimoku, its light, so to speak, floods upward to illuminate the workings of the other eight conscious times, so that the entire interlocking network of causes and effects forming our individual existence comes to be based on enlightenment. By tapping the Buddha nature or the ninth consciousness within, we can fundamentally change our karma for the better and establish an unshakable state of life.
(SGI-USA Study Entrance-level Textbook)
(The Real Aspect of the Gohonzon - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page832)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"True victory as a human being is found in dedicating one's life to working for the welfare of others, no matter how hard the challenge. As Helen Keller said: ; We can convert [our trials] to new forces of good.'"

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"For this reason, when the bodhisattva Never Disparaging makes his bow of obeisance to the four kinds of believers, the Buddha nature inherent in the our kinds of believers of overbearing arrogance is bowing in obeisance to the bodhisattva Never Disparaging. It is like the situation when one faces a mirror and makes a bow of obeisance: the image in the mirror like wise makes a bow of obeisance to oneself."

(Ongi kuden - Gosho Zenshu, page 769, The Record of the Orally TransmittedTeachings, page 165)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

Let's create a fresh wind of movement! Let's challenge something new!Let's make an effort to try to talk to people we haven't spoken to before and build new friendships. It is through having such a ceaseless challenging spirit that we will be able to develop a new age!

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Only the ship of Myoho-renge-kyo enables one to cross the sea of the sufferings of birth and death."
(A Ship to Cross the Sea of Suffering - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin,page 33)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

We, the SGI Family, are the pillar of Japan (and the country we live in). Our movement is the great tide, the great current of the world. With confidence and pride, let's further develop our friendships throughout our local community!

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"It will no doubt depend on the strength of your faith."
(The Real Aspect of the Gohonzon - Gosho Zenshu, page 832)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"Never dismiss discussion meetings as unimportant. The Daishonin writes: "Those resolved to seek the way should gather [together in one place]” (WND,206). Our discussion meetings, where we all gather together, study together, and applaud and encourage each other, are forums of kosen-rufu that completely mirror the Daishonin’s instructions."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Therefore, I say to you, my disciples, try practicing as the Lotus Sutra teaches, exerting yourselves without begrudging your lives! Test the truth of Buddhism now!"
(The Selection of the Time - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 583)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"Buddhism is not an abstraction. Its truth is demonstrated in real life. It enables us to achieve victory without fail."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"If you care anything about your personal security, you should first of all pray for order and tranquillity throughout the four quarters of the land, should you not?"
(On Establishing the Correct Teaching for the Peace of the Land -The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 24)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"The reality of this world, twisted by greed, self-interest, and envy, can be terribly cruel, and people’s hearts can be weak and easily influenced. But if people open their eyes to the truth of Buddhism, they can see something different. They can see that in every person’s life exists an infinitely precious treasure glowing with the light of compassion, courage, and creativity. That is why I believe in people, and why I call on them to make their lives shine like the sun—to break through the rain clouds of suffering and cast a bright rainbow of happiness and peace. This is the aim of our great movement of human revolution."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"You also are a practitioner of the Lotus Sutra, and your faith is like the waxing moon or the rising tide. Be deeply convinced, then, that your illness cannot possibly persist, and that your life cannot fail to be extended! Take care of yourself, and do not burden your mind with grief."
(The Bow and Arrow - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 656)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"During Mr. Toda’s time, we, the youth, unfailingly put his guidance into practice. We were completely united around our mentor, who was striving earnestly for kosen-rufu. Regardless of our positions in the organization or how long we had been practicing, we were all equal as disciples dedicated to realizing our mentor’s vision. We advanced with a shared purpose. We truly embodied the spirit of 'many in body, one in mind.' We forged an unshakable solidarity committed to the goal of kosen-rufu. That’s what made us so strong and enabled us to achieve feats widely regarded as impossible. As the Daishonin writes: 'It is the heart that is important' (WND, 1000). This is the essence of the Soka Gakkai."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Life is limited; we must not begrudge it. What we should ultimately aspire to is the Buddha land."
(Aspiration for the Buddha Land - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page214)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"The basis for fostering capable people, asserted Mr. Toda, is fostering oneself. This is a very important point. Leaders must make a consistent effort to humbly reflect on themselves and always strive to improve. They mustn’t allow their positions to go to their heads. Arrogance only puts a stop to one’s personal growth."
People who cease to grow can’t inspire others. Fostering others begins with challenging oneself. It starts with one’s own efforts to study and develop."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Gold can be neither burned by fire nor corroded or swept away by water, but iron is vulnerable to both. A worthy person is like gold, a fool like iron."
(The Heritage of the Ultimate Law of Life - The Writings of NichirenDaishonin, page 217)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

The great vigorous momentum that each district (or group) hasis the very drive force of kosen-rufu's advancement. Let's all dash to the forefront of activities! Let's wholeheartedly encourage each other so that we all feel inspired!

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Therefore, wherever we dwell and practice the single vehicle, that place will be the Capital of Eternally Tranquil Light. And, without having to take a step, those who are our disciples and lay supporters can view Eagle Peak in India and day and night will go to and from the Land of Eternally Tranquil Light that has existed for all time."
(A Ship to Cross the Sea of Suffering - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin,page 313)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"We practice the Daishonin’s Buddhism for the sake of the present and the future — a future that is determined by our struggle in the present. What we do right here and now is what counts. The Daishonin cites: 'If you want to understand what results will be manifested in the future, look at the causes that exist in the present' (WND, 279)."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Your earnest resolve shows in your having travelled such a long way."
(Letter to the Mother of Oto Gozen - Gosho Zenshu, page 1223)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"Leaders must never be arrogant. Those who are cannot foster capable people. Mr. Toda used to say: “The power of the Gohonzon (Nam-myoho-renge-kyo) is boundless and immeasurable. This means that our organization will definitely develop without limit. But if leaders arrogantly think that this growth is because of them, then, even though the membership may increase, contrary to their expectations, capable people will not emerge.”"
Rather than judging people as capable or incapable, it is best to look for each person’s strong or good points. We should discover and praise their inherent strengths and abilities. Whether or not capable people are fostered comes down to the determination and efforts of leaders."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Therefore, from the very day you listen to [and take faith in] this sutra, you should be fully prepared to face the great persecutions of the three types of enemies that are certain to be more horrible now after the Buddha's passing. Although my disciples had already heard this, when both great and small persecutions confronted us, some were so astounded and terrified that they even forsook their faith."
(On Practicing the Buddha's Teachings - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin,page 391)

Daily Guidance

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"Buddhism teaches that 'the voice does the Buddha’s work' (cf. OTT, 4). Our voice is important. We should speak in a way that reaches people’s hearts. And whatever we say should be accurate, true, and to the point. Mr. Toda was adamant about this."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"When a tree has been transplanted, though fierce winds may blow, it will not topple if it has a firm stake to hold it up. But even a tree that has grown up in place may fall over if its roots are weak. Even a feeble person will not stumble if those supporting him are strong, but a person of considerable strength, when alone, may fall down on an uneven path."
(Three Tripitaka Masters Pray for Rain - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin,page 598)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"Advance each day! Win each day! This is the Gakkai way of life. After all,not advancing is retreating, and Buddhism is win or lose."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"As practice progresses and understanding grows, the three obstacles and four devils emerge in confusing form, vying with one another to interfere ... One should be neither influenced nor frightened by them."
(Letter to the Brothers - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 501)

Daily Guidance

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"A “fighting” faith to take on and overcome the three obstacles and four devils opens the life-state of Buddhahood. There is no attaining enlightenment without struggling against the three powerful enemies. Those who work unceasingly for kosen-rufu are genuine Buddhas."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"On the twelfth day of the ninth month of last year, between the hours of the rat and the ox (11:00 P.M. to 3:00 A.M.), this person named Nichiren was beheaded. It is his soul that has come to this island of Sado and, in the second month of the following year, snow bound, is writing this to send tohis close disciples."
(The Opening of the Eyes - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 269)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"The daimoku chanted by the Bodhisattvas of the Earth is characterized by deep, thoroughly forged faith to overcome darkness and devilish functions, and by practice for both ourselves and others. Its essence, in short, is “faith dedicated to kosen-rufu.”"
It was shortly after the Daishonin proclaimed the establishment of his teaching, ready and resolved to battle all obstacles, that he composed this writing in which he explains the principle of attaining Buddhahood in this lifetime. We must never forget how the Daishonin’s life, a momentous struggle to spread the five characters of Myoho-renge-kyo, was a succession of great difficulties and persecutions. Without a solid focus on how the Daishonin actually propagated the Mystic Law, any discussion of attaining Buddhahood in this lifetime will just be empty intellectualising.
"We should carefully ponder the Daishonin’s words: 'From the time that I was born until today, I have never known a moment’s ease; I have thought only of propagating the daimoku of the Lotus Sutra' (WND, 965).

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"They were like non-Buddhist believers who, though they read the Buddhist sutras, interpret them to be the same as non-Buddhist teachings; or like bats that, in their blindness, mistake day for night. Or they were like a red-faced man who, looking into a clear mirror, supposes that the whole mirror has turned red, or like a round-faced man who, seeing his reflection in a narrow sword blade, thinks that his facehas become long and thin."
(The Blessings of the Lotus Sutra - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page670)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"The actual practice of daimoku of the Bodhisattvas of the Earth in theLatter Day of the Law means chanting daimoku for the enlightenment of all people— a practice that aims for the happiness of both oneself and others. As the Daishonin indicates in 'The True Aspect of All Phenomena' when he says, 'At first only Nichiren chanted Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, but then two, three, and a hundred followed' (WND, 385), the essence of daimoku is chanting it ourselves and also teaching it to others."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Although I and my disciples may encounter various difficulties, if we do not harbour doubts in our hearts, we will as a matter of course attain Buddhahood."
(The Opening of the Eyes - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 283)

Daily Guidance

--- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ---

The very basics of helping our newer and younger members to successfully develop are our earnest efforts to share the "legwork (for kosen-rufu)" with them and to challenge, together with them, towards achieving our goals! Senior, more experienced members' advancement will certainly enable those newer and younger members to grow.

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"A blue fly, if it clings to the tail of a thorough bred horse, can travel ten thousand miles, and the green ivy that twines around the tall pine can grow to a thousand feet."
(On Establishing the Correct Teaching for the Peace of the Land - TheWritings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 17)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

Let's live each and every day vibrantly and in high spirits! Those who continue to challenge to live such lives can certainly create an everlasting history each and every day.

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Nan-myoho-renge-kyo is like the roar of a lion. What sickness can therefore be an obstacle?"
(Reply to Kyo'o - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 412)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

Let's always try to praise, encourage and respect each other. That is how we can develop good relationships and trust between each other and as a result create an organization that is unshakable.

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Now, if you wish to attain Buddhahood, you have only to lower the banner ofyour arrogance, cast aside the staff of your anger, and devote yourself exclusively to the one vehicle of the Lotus Sutra. Worldly fame and profit are mere baubles of your present existence, and arrogance and prejudice are ties that will fetter you in the next one."
(Questions and Answers about Embracing the Lotus Sutra - The Writings ofNichiren Daishonin, page 58)

Daily Guidance

--- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ---

Unity is strength, and the fundamental source of such strength is our gongyo and daimoku. By being perfectly united in mind towards our goal, let's all chant daimoku with the spirit of roaring lions!

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Strengthen your faith day by day and month after month. Should you slackenin your resolve even a bit, devils willtake advantage."
(On Persecutions Befalling the Sage - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin,page 997)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"The dialogue we of the SGI are carrying out for the sake of kosen-rufu is understanding and sympathetic, compassionate and respectful. It is sincere, persevering, and courageous. It promotes truth and has conviction and a sound philosophy. It brims with hope and inspiration as we strive to achieve happiness and victory together."

All of you are great pioneers of humanity, energetically building a civilization of dialogue. I hope that you will become experts in the art of dialogue and courageously and optimistically carry out dialogues that promote friendship and understanding throughout your communities and with everyone you encounter."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"One's body is insignificant while the Law is supreme."
(The Fourteen Slanders - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 760)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"President Thep, referring to a statue on the Maejo University campus bearing an inscription that reads to the effect “Effort is the antidote to laziness,” commented that this motto, meaning that effort makes us strong, expresses the fundamental attitude students should have. Effort, he went onto say, produces a sense of responsibility, reliability, and success in life. This is a sound philosophy. In particular, every effort for kosen-rufu is rewarded with boundless and immeasurable good fortune that will adorn our lives in lifetime after lifetime."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"This is what I have taught my disciples morning and evening, and yet they begin to harbour doubts and abandon their faith. Foolish men are likely to forget the promises they have made when the crucial moment comes."
(The Opening of the Eyes - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 283)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"“Both practice and study arise from faith” (WND, 386), continues NichirenDaishonin in the same gosho "The True Aspect of All Phenomena." When faith deepens, practice and study progress, and when practice and study progress, faith deepens. Through this chain of cause and effect, our lives are filled with benefit that can vanquish the negative and bring forth the positive; we are assured of true happiness and able to accumulate everlasting good fortune." Disregarding the two ways of practice and study is like flying an airplane with no idea of your course, altitude, or destination, and no means of refuelling. Without fail, you will stray and eventually lose speed. If you encounter the slightest turbulence, you will come crashing down from the skies in a flash. Those who persevere in the two ways of practice and study, however, walk the path of supreme victors in life; they are people who will never regress in faith and will triumph resolutely in all struggles."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Each of you should summon up the courage of a lion kingand never succumb to threats from anyone. The lion kingfears no other beast, nor do its cubs."
(On Persecutions Befalling the Sage - The Writings ofNichiren Daishonin, page 997)