Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"The sun of the New Year
rises undauntedlyin your hearts,
a symbol of your certain victory
in the coming year."
Admiring the sun rising on the first day of the New Year, a prayer blooms spontaneously in the heart -- this is surely an experience that has naturally emerged from the inner most depths of people's lives since time immemorial. Prayer is a sublime act unique to human beings. The great Russian author LeoTolstoy {1828-1910} said: 'Prayer is the act of instilling ourselves with goodness.'"
"Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism gives prayer a concrete form in the way of gongyo, a practice that is accessible to all people. Based on the ultimate and most profound law of life, it is a dynamic practice that is in no way separate from our daily reality."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"The place where the person upholds and honours the Lotus Sutra is the 'place of practice' to which the person proceeds. It is not that he leaves his present place and goes to some other place."
* The sole purpose of Buddhism, the sole purpose of the SGI, is to save people from suffering. The SGI is doing its utmost to bring happiness to humanity. It has no other reason for existing.
How praise worthy are the lives of those who strive toward that goal with the SGI! How noble
From the perspective of the true entity of all phenomena, the here and now is our true and eternal sphere of activity. It is the actual stage on which we perform our missions. "There is no need," the Daishonin writes, "to leave this place and go elsewhere" (Gosho Zenshu, 781).
Even difficult situations, the kind we can only ascribe to our negative karma, are precious, never-to-be-repeated opportunities to fulfil our original mission.
In that respect, those who understand the wisdom of the true entity of all phenomena can transform any kind of karma into a radiantly brilliant mission. When you are absolutely confident of this, you will be filled with hope. Every person and every experience you encounter will become a precious and unique treasure.
(The Wisdom of the Lotus Sutra, Volume 1, page 190)
(Ongi kuden - Gosho Zenshu, page 781, The Record of the Orally TransmittedTeachings, page 192)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"Ideally, we should begin New Year's Day by offering warm wishes to our loved ones at home, promising to support each other and pray for the health and welfare of the household. That's a good way to start the year, don't you think? If, on the other hand, you begin New Year's morning by saying, 'Get up, you're oversleeping! Do you intend to skip gongyo this morning and just get by with chanting three daimoku?!' It's likely to lead to a quarrel. Of course, life's a drama, so maybe it's better to have some excitement at home every now and then! Anyway, let's all advance in high spirits in 2007."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"It is the heart that is important."
(The Strategy of the Lotus Sutra - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page1000)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"The ancient Chinese philosopher Hsün-tzu (or Xunzi), who lived during the intellectual and political tumult of the Warring States period, emphasized the importance of effort, asserting that through persistent effort, we can elevate ourselves to an unlimited degree."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Though I may be a person of little ability, I have reverently given myself to the study of the Mahayana. 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 ----

"Some people, while they may at one point have exerted themselves in faith wholeheartedly, end up defeated by persecution or succumbing to selfishness and arrogance and giving up completely. Nichiren Daishonin writes: 'To accept is easy; to continue is difficult. But Buddhahood lies in continuing faith' (WND-1, 471).
Perseverance is crucial in faith. It's the source of real strength and the key to achieving our great objective."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Therefore, you must summon up the great power of faith more than ever. Do not blame the heavenly gods if you exhaust your good fortune and lose their protection.."
(The Strategy of the Lotus Sutra - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page1000)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"The daimoku we chant is not just simply for our own security and protection, but daimoku for achieving kosen-rufu -- the true peace and happiness for all people -- and for combating evil and injustice. Ultimately, no matter how much daimoku we may chant, unless we take concrete action -- actively fighting against the three obstacles and four devils and refuting slander and abuse directed at us as votaries of the Lotus Sutra -- wewill not be able to gain enlightenment. As the Daishonin says: 'To hope to attain Buddhahood without speaking out against slander is as futile as trying to find water in the midst of fire or fire in the midst of water' (WND-1, 747)."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"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."
(Happiness in This World - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 681)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"Nichiren Daishonin writes: 'Life is limited; we must not begrudge it. Wha twe should ultimately aspire to is the Buddha land' (WND-1, 214).
I hope that all of you will make the fullest use of each precious day and cherish each person you encounter, there by leaving behind a satisfying personal history of action as champions of humanity, free of any regret."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"But if any of Nichiren's disciples disrupt the unity of many in body but one in mind, they would be like warriors who destroy their own castle from within."
(The Heritage of the Ultimate Law of Life - The Writings of NichirenDaishonin, page 217)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"This place where you gather in high spirits is Eagle Peak, and you are all Buddhas and bodhisattvas."
Having gathered in the eternally radiant 'assembly on Eagle Peak' of the Soka Gakkai and championing the highest good, you cannot fail to become happy and well. In the end, you are certain to be triumphant. All of you are performing your personal drama of human revolution on the stage of your mission, spreading courage and hope to others, and advancing kosen-rufu. This is the 'vow of Eagle Peak' of Bodhisattvas of the Earth."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"The purpose of the appearance in this world of Shakyamuni Buddha, the lord of teachings, lies in his behaviour as a human being."
(The Three Kinds of Treasure - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 852)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"During gongyo, we recite portions of the Lotus Sutra. The sutra unfolds with the assembly shifting from Eagle Peak to the Ceremony in the Air and then back to Eagle Peak. In other words, it moves from the real world to the realm of enlightenment and back to the real world once more. Our morning and evening gongyo enable us to re-enact this grand drama of the Lotus Sutra in our own lives and live each day with energy and vitality. We can bring forth the power of our innate Buddhahood to confidently challenge our hardships and obstacles in our day-to-day lives and triumph over them. Our lives come to brim with this immense power. This is what it means to attain Buddhahood in our present form."
"This lofty state of Buddhahood shines with the infinite brilliance of unshakable faith that has been forged through vanquishing all kinds of obstacles and devilish functions. It is a state of glorious and unending victory -- the victory of having transcended and triumphed over the sufferings of illness, aging, and death. And this towering state of being endures eternally even after we have passed away. Our lives merge with the universe and, in a vast and boundless state, continue on with freedom, joy, and delight. It is a state in which both life and death are joyful. Being able to attain such a state of life is the purpose of our faith and practice."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Rather than offering up ten thousand prayers for remedy, it would be better simply to outlaw this one evil."
(On Establishing the Correct Teaching for the Peace of the Land - TheWritings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 15)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"The Russian poet Aleksandr Pushkin (1799-1837) once said: 'In hope, in cheerful confidence/ face all that comes.' The spirit of challenge has the power to release our full potential."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Thrust aside evil friends and associate with good companions."
(The Real Aspect of the Gohonzon - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page832)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"When we chant the daimoku of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo with the deep conviction that we are entities of the Mystic Law, the fundamental law of the universe, we can bring forth the great life-force of the Mystic Law that is infusedwith wisdom and compassion. And we can use it to break through any painful difficulty or obstacle and establish a state of absolute happiness that nothing can destroy."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Myo means to revive, that is, to return to life."
(The Daimoku of the Lotus Sutra - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page149)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"We all face critical moments in life that put us to the test. That's why our attitude and efforts each day are so important. By diligently striving day in and day out, we will be able to make the most of the opportunities that arise at such crucial junctures."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Just as all the different kinds of plants and trees come forth from the earth, so all the various teachings of the Buddha are spread by persons."
(Questions and Answers about Embracing the Lotus Sutra - The Writings ofNichiren Daishonin, page 61)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"Each of us, regardless of what spiritual state we may be in at present, absolutely possesses in the depths of our life the powerful state ofBuddhahood overflowing with supreme wisdom. When we reveal this inner Buddhahood, we can overcome all obstacles. This is the working of 'the Law of the lotus' (WND, 216) -- that is, the law of simultaneity of cause and effect."
When we awaken to this reality, we can break through any hardship or adversity and positively open up and transform our destiny. This is how we can attain ultimate, unshakable freedom abounding with supreme autonomy. Also, when we are confident of the infinite power within us, an indestructible hope is born in our hearts. Thus, when difficulties assail us, no matter how serious, we are able to see them as challenges through which we can demonstrate the power of the Mystic Law within us, and also as wonderful, sought-for opportunities that we should tackle head-on. When we approach things with this positive attitude and tenaciously surmount and triumph over each obstacle, we can develop and elevate our own state of life enormously and construct a truly invincible state of freedom.
Myoho-renge-kyo is indeed the supreme teaching, bringing people true hope and inner freedom."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Exert yourself in the two ways of practice and study. Without practice and study, there can be no Buddhism."
(The True Aspect of All Phenomena - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page386)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"As great leaders of kosen-rufu of your respective regions, please never forget to have courage, confidence, and compassion as well as a cheerful spirit and a smile for everyone. Please never forget the honour of dedicating one’s life to this noble mission of the Mystic Law, which represents life’s supreme purpose and the highest form of beauty, benefit,and good."

--- 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. Do not have doubts simply because heaven does not lend you protection. Do not be discouraged because you do not enjoy an easy and secure existence in this life."
(The Opening of the Eyes - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 283)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"The struggle against aging is really a struggle against the fear to face new challenges. The aging process occurs more rapidly in those who start thinking that they've done enough, who lose the spirit to foster younger people, and who remain attached to the past. Those who keep challenging themselves to the end are the most admirable and youthful of all. Such people are ever young and true victors of life."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"When you shake your head, your hair sways; when your mind begins to work, your body moves. When a strong wind blows, the grass and trees can no longer remain still; when the earth shakes, the seas are a tremble. Thus if one can move Shakyamuni Buddha, the lord of teachings, can the grass and trees fail to respond, can the waters remain calm?"
(Concerning the Statue of Shakyamuni Buddha Fashioned by Nichigen-nyo - TheWritings of Nichiren Daishonin, Volume 2, page 811)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"The Daishonin writes: 'Devadatta, however, did not command such respect from others [as Shakyamuni did], so he began to consider whether there was not some way he could gain worldly fame that would surpass that of theBuddha' (WND-1, 506). Do not become a person like Devadatta, dominated by rivalry and envy."
In The Republic, the ancient Greek philosopher Plato recorded these words of his mentor Socrates: 'We find... that the man who is shown to be the most evil will also be the most miserable.' Plato also wrote: 'The best thing, then, is to aid [Justice] as best I can.' This is what you are all doing in your daily activities."
Plato also advised: 'If one becomes bad in any respect one must be corrected.' It is crucial to point out serious error and rectify it."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Today there are people who have faith in the Lotus Sutra. The belief of some is like fire while that of others is like water. When the former listen to the teachings, their passion flares up like fire, but as time goes on, they tend to discard their faith. To have faith like water means to believe continuously without ever regressing."
(The Two Kinds of Faith - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 899)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

Through chanting daimoku earnestly and by taking constant precaution, let's do our very best to protect and support our precious fellow members so that each and every one of them will stay absolutely safe and accumulate immeasurable good fortune!

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"What a joy it is for us to have been born in the Latter Day of the Law and to have shared in the propagation of the Lotus Sutra!"
(Letter to Niike - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1026)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"Let me share some passages from Nichiren Daishonin's writings with you. First, the Daishonin states: 'It is an undeniable fact that fire can at once reduce even a thousand-year-old field of pampas grass to ashes, and that the merit one has formed over a hundred years can be destroyed with a singleword' (WND-1, 636).
We must remember never to give up, particularly when we are facing difficulties."The Daishonin teaches: 'If one draws near to those who slander the Law, the good roots that one has gained through religious practice will be totally destroyed and one will fall with the slanderers into hell' (WND-2, 1025).
There are those who outwardly profess faith but are actually slandering the Law. We should take care not to slander the Law, as this will only erase all the good causes we have worked so hard to accumulate."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Tell them to be prepared for the worst, and not to expect good times, but take the bad times for granted."
(On Persecutions Befalling the Sage - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin,page 998)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"The higher one's leadership position, the more danger there is of succumbing to arrogance and forgetting faith. Mr Toda taught us: 'Unity is the key to victory. Never form cliques or factions.' We must bear this firmly in mind."On another occasion, Mr Toda stated: 'Instead of waiting for instructions from above, young people should spur their leaders into action.' Young people should freely express their opinions and ideas to those in the leadership, right on up to and including the president. This is how young people can get them moving. There is no need to hesitate or hold back on account of age or position."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is the greatest of all joys."
(Ongi kuden - Gosho Zenshu, page 788, The Record of the Orally TransmittedTeachings, page 212)