Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"Wisdom is important. Especially key for us are faith and prayer, which enable us to draw forth the boundless Buddha wisdom from within our own lives. Nothing is more powerful. Wholehearted effort is also essential. It opens the way to victory. Let's do our best!"

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Buddhism is like the body, and society like the shadow. When the body bends, so does the shadow."
(A Comparison of the Lotus and Other Sutras - The Writings of NichirenDaishonin, Vol. 1, page 1039)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"'Those who believe in the Lotus Sutra are as if in winter, but winter always turns to spring' (WND-1, 536)....
"We practise the Mystic Law so that we will be undefeated by even the harshest winter of suffering and able to welcome spring in our lives."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"(Since I have realized that only the Lotus Sutra teaches the attainment of Buddhahood by women, and that only the Lotus is the sutra of true requital for repaying the kindness of our mother,) in order to repay my debt to my mother, I have vowed to enable all women to chant the daimoku of this sutra."
(The Sutra of True Requital - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol. 1,page 931)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"Mr. Toda said that the Soka Gakkai would be in peril if we didn't value the women's division. It would succumb to authoritarianism. But if we valued the women's division, he asserted, our organisation would remain peaceful and harmonious and advance cheerfully to victory.
"I call on all of you to speak out courageously against those forces that seek to destroy our lofty movement.
"Again, I ask the men's and young men's division members to develop strong integrity and to also do everything they can to support and assist the women's and young women's division members. I'd like them to win the appreciation and praise of women."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"(A woman known as the dragon king's daughter achieved Buddhahood through faith in the Lotus Sutra;) she therefore pledged to protect women who embrace this sutra in the latter age."
(The One-eyed Turtle and the Floating Log - The Writings of NichirenDaishonin, Vol. 1, page 960)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"I have triumphed in every struggle for kosen-rufu. Buddhism teaches the importance of being victorious. I have striven to bring joy to my mentor and made trailblazing efforts to realize his vision. This is a natural course for a true disciple."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Hence the storehouse of the eighty-four thousand teachings represents a day-to-day record of one's own existence. This storehouse of the eighty thousand teachings is embodied in and contained within one's own mind. To use the mind to suppose that the Buddha or the Law or the pure land exist somewhere other than in one's own self and to seek them elsewhere is a delusion. When the mind encounters good or bad causes, it creates and puts forth the aspects of good and bad."
(The Unanimous Declaration by the Buddhas of the Three Existences regarding the Classification of the Teachings and Which Are to Be Abandoned and Which Upheld - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol. 2, page 843)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"It was in 1969 that I received a very courteous letter from the great British historian Dr. Arnold J. Toynbee (1889-1975) inviting me to engage in a dialogue with him about the various challenges facing humanity.... The very first thing Dr. Toynbee said to me was, 'Let's talk!' I hope all of you will join me again this year in stirring up a whirlwind of dialogue across the globe."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"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 Good Medicine for All Ills - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 937)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"As the French writer Victor Hugo (1802-85) declared: 'We who believe, what can we fear?'... Those who live to achieve something great must be prepared to face difficulties. Nothing worthwhile can be accomplished without courage."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"The wise man who works to propagate the five characters of the Mystic Law, no matter how lowly his station, should be looked upon as a manifestation of Bodhisattva Superior Practices, or perhaps as an envoy of Shakyamuni Thus Come One."
(How Those Initially Aspiring to the Way Can Attain Buddhahood through the Lotus Sutra - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol. 1, page 880)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"Pleasant, smiling dialogue binds hearts even closer together."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Winter always turns to spring."
(Winter Always Turns to Spring - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol. 1,page 536)

Daily Guidance

--- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ---

The Daishonin states,"When one knows the Lotus Sutra, one understands the meaning of all worldly affairs."
*Buddhism manifests itself in society. Let's make every possible effort to be successful in our workplace, our local community, (and wherever we are right now,) so that we will all be able to gain people's trust.

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"To discard the shallow and seek the profound is the way of a person of courage."
(On the Buddha's Prophecy - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol. 1, page402)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"The Swiss philosopher Carl Hilty (1833-1909) said that one must never in any instance make material wealth a basis for one's evaluations of a person or their circumstances. A person's greatness is determined by their actions. The most important thing is what one has done for others and for society."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"When a lion roars all the other beasts are silenced."
(The One-eyed Turtle and the Floating Log - The Writings of NichirenDaishonin, Vol. 1, page 959)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"The Russian author Leo Tolstoy (1828-1910) declared: 'When I say, "I can't do that," I don't express myself correctly, I should say, "I haven't been able to do it yet." I definitely know that every minute I can do what I want.' The future, what we do from now on, is what counts. Let's all make this a year in which we break through our limitations and create a record of new achievements."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"(The eighth volume of Great Concentration and Insight states: 'Just as the petty devils will respect and avoid entering the hall of the god Shakra, so if the gods who protect the place of Buddhist practise are powerful, then evil forces will have no way to break in and cause trouble.) Likewise, if the ruler of a walled city is unbending, then those who guard the city will remain firm."
(How the Gods Protect the Place of Practice - The Writings of NichirenDaishonin, Vol. 2, page 668)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"The Indian poet Rabindranath Tagore (1861-1941), with his unbounded faith in human beings, once wrote: 'It is man's true function to make the impossible into the possible by dint of his own powers.'... People shine when they strive to live up to great ideals."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"How gratifying! You have associated with a friend in the orchid room and have become as straight as mugwort growing among hemp."
(On Establishing the Correct Teaching for the Peace of the Land - TheWritings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol. 1, page 23)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"I believe that the path for transforming mistrust into trust is dialogue, as well as cultural exchange and personal interaction. I pledge to continue to do everything I can as a private citizen to open the way for dialogue and exchange."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Muster your faith, and pray to this Gohonzon. Then what is there that cannot be achieved?"
(Reply to Kyo'o - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol. 1, page 412)

Daily Guidance

--- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ---

Let's hold cheerful discussion meetingsto celebrate the opening of a new era.Let's try to hold vibrant meetings whereeveryone feels really youthful and is filled with hopeso that we can all advance with a youthful spirit(towards achieving new victories).

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"As practise 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, Vol. 1, page501)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"The path of a disciple is a great path of unflagging seeking spirit and unceasing gratitude. Walking this path throughout one's life is the essence of human existence as taught in Buddhism. To deviate from it can lead one to fall into a misguided path of arrogance and ingratitude."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"If the embankments around a moat do not leak, then the water will never escape from the moat. And if the mind of faith is perfect, then the water of wisdom, the great impartial wisdom, will never dry up."
(Letter to Akimoto - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol. 1, page 1015)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"Great things are achieved through the steady accumulation of many inconspicuous small actions."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Strengthen your faith day by day and month after month."
(On Persecutions Befalling the Sage - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin,Vol. 1, page 997)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"Kosen-rufu is the realisation of the happiness of humanity and peace in the world. As a Buddhist, I will continue to work wholeheartedly to achieve that. It doesn't matter to me whether or not people notice, or what society thinks. History will be the judge, eventually."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"There should be no discrimination among those who propagate the five characters of Myoho-renge-kyo in the Latter Day of the Law, be they men or women."
(The True Aspect of All Phenomena - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 385)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"The path of following one's principles is always blocked by daunting obstacles. A new path can only be opened up by overcoming those impediments."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"In battles soldiers regard the general as their soul. If the general were to lose heart, his soldiers would become cowards."
(The Supremacy of the Law - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol. 1, page613)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"The future is created through the fresh power of youth, which is why it is so important to dedicate all one's energies to fostering young people."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"This passage is saying that, if in a single moment of life we exhaust the pains and trials of millions of kalpas, then instant after instant there will arise in us the three Buddha bodies with which we are eternally endowed. Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is just such a 'diligent' practise."
(Ongi kuden - Gosho Zenshu, page 790, The Record of the Orally TransmittedTeachings, page 214)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"Perfunctory greetings can only lead to artificial, formal relations. Inorder to enjoy genuine interaction with others, we should strive to understand them as best we can and speak from our hearts."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"I am praying that, no matter how troubled the times may become, the Lotus Sutra and the ten demon daughters will protect all of you, praying as earnestly as though to produce fire from damp wood, or to obtain water from parched ground."
(On Rebuking Slander of the Law and Eradicating Sins - The Writings ofNichiren Daishonin, Vol. 1, page 444)

Daily Guidance

--- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ---

It is said that "those who make the first move gain the advantage."
Speedy response and action to things is the key to determining whether we win or not. Let's take the initiative! With our fresh new momentum, let's launch a vibrant opening to a victorious year

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"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 Good Medicine for All Ills - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 937)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"The great Uzbek poet Alisher Navoi (also Ali Shir Nava'i ; 1441-1501)wrote:"
'Be a person who illuminates the land like the sun!
Be fair and impartial like the eternal spring!
Be like lightning to the wicked!'

"Let us strive with this same spirit. We must take a firm stand against the corrupt and unjust. In particular, we must not condone anyone seeking to destroy our harmonious community of practitioners from within. If we allow such individuals to go unchecked, we will face terrible consequences. No matter what their positions in our organisation or in society, they must be stopped. Speak out resolutely against thankless individuals who, though owing so much to the Soka Gakkai, betray and inflict harm on their fellow members. For the sake of the future, I want to reconfirm this with you today."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Bring forth the great power of faith, and be spoken of by all the people of Kamakura, both high and low, or by all the people of Japan, as 'Shijo Kingo, Shijo Kingo of the Lotus school!'"
(Earthly Desires Are Enlightenment - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin,Vol. 1, page 319)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"Mr. Toda used to say that one of the qualities of a capable person for kosen-rufu is having a challenging spirit. He declared: 'A fighter is a person who burns with a fierce passion and fighting spirit to completely vanquish any evil that inflicts suffering on the people.'"

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"The wonderful means of truly putting an end to the physical and spiritual obstacles of all living beings is none other than Nam-myoho-renge-kyo."
(The Wonderful Means of Surmounting Obstacles - The Writings of NichirenDaishonin, Vol. 1, page 842)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"'I don't need anything else -- all I hope for are capable people!' This was the constant cry of my mentor Josei Toda in his final years. I share exactly the same sentiments. The foundation of worldwide kosen-rufu has been firmly established. The rest depends on able individuals.
"Nichiren Daishonin writes: 'The correct teaching can be propagated only by a person of wisdom' (WND-1, 752). Whether in a country, a society, or an organisation, it's people who count, who make the difference. Groups that develop a solid corps of capable individuals are the ones that succeed."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Little streams come together to form the great ocean, and tiny particles of dust accumulate to form Mount Sumeru. When I, Nichiren, first took faith in the Lotus Sutra, I was like a single drop of water or a single particle of dust in all the country of Japan. But later, when two people, three people, ten people, and eventually a hundred, a thousand, ten thousand, and a million people come to recite the Lotus Sutra and transmit it to others, then they will form a Mount Sumeru of perfect enlightenment, and an ocean of great nirvana. Seek no other path by which to attain Buddhahood!"
(The Selection of the Time - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 579)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"The Year of Capable People and Development has begun. In a letter to thel ay nun Ueno, the mother of Nanjo Tokimitsu, the Daishonin writes"
"'After hearing it [this teaching of the Lotus Sutra]' strive even more earnestly in faith. One who, on hearing the teachings of the Lotus Sutra, makes even greater efforts in faith is a true seeker of the way. (WND-1,457)
The Daishonin constantly urges us to exert ourselves 'even more,' 'more and more,' and 'more than ever.' It is important that we strive for kosen-rufu with the strong and determined spirit to make even greater efforts with every passing year of our Buddhist practise. When we advance with faith based on this spirit of “true cause'--the spirit of always moving forwards from this moment on--capable people will appear and grow, and kosen-rufu will develop exponentially."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Secret means strict [or without a single exception]. The three thousand worlds, every single one of them, exist [in one's life]."
(Ongi kuden - Gosho Zenshu, page 714, The Record of the Orally TransmittedTeachings, page 22)

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Happy New Year!! Let us strive together for kosen-rufu with the strong and determined spirit to make even greater efforts with every passing year of our Buddhist practise.

In this Year of Capable People & Development - Three Steps Forward II, let us all in District 1 pray earnestly for :-

1) The success of our year end general meeting;

2) Accomplished successfully our target of 4 gohonzon recipents in our district.

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"Capable people are not defined by social position or impressive titles, but by their hearts, their sincerity in faith. In his 'Letter from Sado,' the Daishonin writes: 'Since my heart believes in the Lotus Sutra, I do not fear even [the heavenly deities] Brahma or Shakra' (WND-1, 303). Having decided to take up the challenge of working for kosen-rufu, we have nothing to fear from anyone. We just need to speak about the true nature of our great movement and our ideals."