Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"Live to the fullest, aiming to excel in everything you do. That's what life is all about.
"Don't be swayed by those around you, don't be timid or hesitant -- act without reservation. Strive to surpass your predecessors, gaining capability and strength. This will lead to your development."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Foolish men are likely to forget the promises they have made when the crucial moment comes."
(The Opening of the Eyes - The Writings of NichirenDaishonin, Vol. 1, page 283)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"When a fellow member, be they junior or senior, receives an award or honour, our life-state is clearly evident in whether or not we are able to sincerely rejoice as if we ourselves were the ones receiving the accolade. Those who share in such joys are genuine comrades who possess a broad, elevated life-state and are able to practise faith in a spirit of unity with their fellow members. On the other hand, those who instead feel envy or jealousy on such occasions are exhibiting a low, narrow life-state controlled by desires for personal acclaim. This typifies someone whose belief is coloured by discord.
"For us, unity means to share in the joys and sorrows of our fellow members. Human revolution enables us to overcome our petty self-centred tendencies and to wholeheartedly rejoice for others' happiness."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Great events never have minor omens. When great evil occurs, great good follows."
(Great Evil and Great Good - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol. 1,page 1119)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"The German writer Friedrich von Schiller (1759-1805) wrote these lines for a leading character in one of his plays.
"'The unconquered spirit drives me o'er life's billows; My planks still firm, my canvas swelling proudly. Hope is my goddess still, and Youth my inmate.'
"The Soka Gakkai is a youthful organisation. Even our older members need to demonstrate the courage of youth. Up to the end of his days, Mr. Makiguchi used to address members, saying: 'We youth.' Let's always advance with a youthful spirit!"

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"But now you must build your reputation on the Lotus Sutra and give yourself up to it."
(The True Aspect of All Phenomena - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 385)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"Takasugi Shinsaku (1839-67) was a pivotal figure who helped usher in Japan's modern era, he wrote these lines of verse while in captivity: 'Though I might be confined in a cage like a bird, my heart is free like a flowing river.' No authority can shackle the human spirit. Whatever challenges may arise, simply look to the future and advance with a serene, undaunted spirit."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Belief means to be without doubt."
(Ongi kuden - Gosho Zenshu, pg 725, The Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings, pg 54)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"The great French author Victor Hugo (1802-85) noted that faith is forged amid the pains of hardship and suffering. Don't be afraid of hardship or suffering, instead of running away from them, confront them head-on. Always resolve to take full responsibility yourself."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"And now the place where Nichiren and his followers chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, 'whether ... in mountain valleys or the wide wilderness' (chapter twenty-one, Supernatural Powers), these places are all the Land of Eternally Tranquil Light."
(Ongi kuden - Gosho Zenshu, page 781, The Record of the Orally TransmittedTeachings, page 192)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"I hope that all of you will become wise and conscientious individuals who enjoy the trust and respect of those around you. That's the power of kosen-rufu. To make that happen, you need to chant abundant daimoku and polish yourselves. Master the teachings of Buddhism and cultivate an outlook on life that will enable you to prevail over any hardship."

--- 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, Vol. 1, page681)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"In general, without constructive interactions with others, human beings tend to take the easiest path and drift in a negative direction, ceasing to challenge themselves. To break through these tendencies, we need to maintain an active seeking spirit and learn from a mentor. Mentors provide the inspiration we need to resist stagnation and elevate ourselves. Nothing could be more unfortunate than to lack that kind of inspiration..
"As the Chinese writer Lu Xun (1881-1936) warned: 'A heart closed to inspiration shrivels or atrophies.'"

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

It must be ties of karma from the distant past that have destined you to become my disciple at a time like this. Shakyamuni and Many Treasures certainly realized this truth. The sutra's statement, "Those persons who had heard the Law dwelled here and there in various Buddha lands, constantly reborn in company with their teachers,"13 cannot be false in any way.
(Gosho: The Heritage of the Ultimate Law of Life, Writings of NichirenDaishonin, Vol 1, Page 217)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"French writer André Malraux (1901-76) said: 'Glory acquires its supreme brilliance through insult.' Champions of justice and humanity always face criticism and abuse. If they don't, they are not the genuine article; they are not true leaders. Authentic champions remain unperturbed by all slurs and defamations, fight on resolutely, and achieve victory. Mirroring Malraux's assertion, the magnificent glory of the Soka Gakkai lies in the fact that it continues to press forwards in the face of persecution and insult.

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

If Nichiren's compassion is truly great and encompassing, Nam-myoho-renge-kyo will spread for ten thousand years and more, for all eternity, for it has the beneficial power to open the blind eyes of every living being in the country of Japan, and it blocks off the road that leads to the hell of incessant suffering.
(On Repaying Debts of Gratitude , Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Page736)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"In his 'Twenty-six Admonitions,' Nikko Shonin says: 'You should revere a teacher of the Law who engages in its propagation as a sacred priest, even though he may be your junior' (GZ, 1618). In other words, the spirit of Nichiren Buddhism is to accord the highest respect to those who strive to spread the Daishonin's teachings. The greatest champions are those who excel in propagation."

--- 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.
(Gosho: On Establishing the Correct Teaching for the Peace of the Land, The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Pg 17.)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"As the Daishonin promises: 'Where there is unseen virtue, there will be visible reward' (WND-1, 907). The inconspicuous efforts of those striving earnestly for kosen-rufu are guaranteed to blossom into tremendous benefits. This accords with the strict law of cause and effect functioning in all life as taught in Buddhism."

--- 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, Vol. 1, page 283)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"...you must never think that you are privileged in any way. People who succumb to that delusion always end up regressing in life and in faith.
"Instead of concerning yourselves with becoming successful or important, I hope you will strive your hardest behind the scenes and continue to exert yourselves fully for kosen-rufu. If you polish your abilities, you'll naturally come to shine. Mr. Toda did not ask us to become professional clergy. Rather, he called on youth to become leaders who are dedicated to working for the benefit of society. By that, he meant that we should become leading figures in various fields and not restrict ourselves to the realm of religion. The spirit of Buddhism is not narrow or restrictive; its aim is to establish peace and happiness for all humankind."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Because of karma accumulated in the past, we have been born in a land where the Buddhist Law is propagated."
(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 861)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"It is essential that you all work together well. Throughout human history, this has been and will remain the key to victory.
"In the words of the South American liberator Simón Bolívar (1783-1830): 'United, we will be invincible.'"

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Arouse deep faith, and diligently polish your mirror day and night. How should you polish it? Only by chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo."
(On Attaining Buddhahood in This Lifetime - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol. 1, page 4)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"The Daishonin writes: 'An enemy will try to make you forget the danger so that he can attack' (WND-1, 952), and 'The protection of the gods depends on the strength of one's faith' (WND-1, 953). Precisely when we are moving forwards vigorously, we must be careful not to grow negligent or complacent. Arrogance and recklessness put us off guard. The Daishonin urges: 'Be millions of times more careful than ever' (WND-1, 839). That is his solemn advice.
"Faith is a struggle between the Buddha and devilish functions. If we let down our guard or are the least bit careless, we risk being overrun and defeated by negative forces. That's why it's crucial for us to have strong faith and keep working at strengthening it without cease. Acting with wisdom based on such faith is the key to victory."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Believe in this mandala with all your heart. Nam-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, Vol. 1, page 412)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"The American writer and social activist Helen Keller (1880-1968) once wrote: '[Our] more enduring joys are born of an unselfish purpose to serve others and create new life in the world.'"

--- 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 Nichiren Daishonin, Vol. 1, page 217)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"In his letter "The Strategy of the Lotus Sutra", the Daishonin lists three reasons why Kingo triumphed in his recent skirmish. The first is 'usual prudence.' In other words, staying alert, taking careful precautions, paying close attention to what's happening, and never slackening for a moment in any of those efforts. The second is 'courage.' Namely, the courage to deal calmly with any crisis, along with the wisdom that derives from such courage. And third is 'firm faith in the Lotus Sutra.' That is to say, the strong resolve to maintain steadfast faith in the Mystic Law, no matter what happens. This is the foundation for everything else. Because, ultimately, prudence and courage derive from faith.
"Of course, it is a mistake to think that everything will somehow work out okay just because we're practising the Daishonin's Buddhism. Indeed, precisely because we are practising the Daishonin's Buddhism, it is vital that we be strongly determined to prevent accidents at all costs and keep devilish forces from taking advantage."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"There are six causes of illness: (I) disharmony of the four elements; (2)improper eating or drinking; (3) inappropriate practise of seatedmeditation; (4) attack by demons; (5) the work of devils; and (6) theeffects of karma."
(On Curing Karmic Disease - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol. 1, page631)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"The purpose of faith is to make our hearts strong and steadfast -- that is, to develop inner strength and conviction. Everything depends on our minds, our hearts. The ultimate conclusion of Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism is summed up in the words: 'It is the heart that is important' (WND-1, 1000).
"Buddhism is win or lose. It is a struggle between enlightenment and ignorance. Kosen-rufu is a battle between the Buddha and devilish functions. Our heart or mind is what decides our victory or defeat in all things. Spiritual victors can lead lives that are not defeated by anything. The secret to adorning our lives with brilliant victory is the 'strategy of the Lotus Sutra.'"

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Therefore, wherever we dwell and practise the single vehicle, that place will be the Capital of Eternally Tranquil Light."
(Reply to Sairen-bo - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol. 1, page 313)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

Youth, use your enthusiasm and conviction to conquer all the obstacles that confront you, and courageously open up a new path to victory. That is the very mission that our youth must fulfil."We will definitely be victorious no matter how difficult the situation might be," having such a strong decisive spirit, be determined to assume the full responsibility for achieving kosen-rufu!

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Even when Jakusho and other priests set out from Japan to take some sutras to China, no one was found there who could embrace these sutras and teach them to others. It was as though there were only wooden or stone statues garbed in priests' robes and carrying begging bowls."
(On the Buddha's Prophecy - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol. 1, page401)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"No life is completely smooth sailing. In fact, life is a series of hardships. We surmount such difficulties by awakening to our true mission, and such awareness gives birth to hope."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Strengthen your faith day by day and month after month. Should you slacken in your resolve even a bit, devils will take advantage."
(On Persecutions Befalling the Sage - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin,Vol. 1, page 997)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"The most profound and wonderful teaching will remain incomprehensible if one presents it in obscure language. To do so is self-indulgent, arrogant, and lacking in compassion. It is an insult to one's audience. The essential spirit of Buddhism is to communicate in a way that everyone can understand. The Soka Gakkai has inherited this spirit and is continually striving to present the Daishonin's Buddhism in a clear and lucid form to people today.

"Making an effort to really reach others' hearts -- this is the manifestation of compassion and the epitome of wisdom. Such effort shines with warm humanity."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"And even those with profound faith do not reproach the enemies of the Lotus Sutra. However great the good causes one may make, or even if one reads and copies the entirety of the Lotus Sutra a thousand or ten thousand times, or attains the way of perceiving three thousand realms in a single moment of live, if one fails to denounce the enemies of the Lotus Sutra, it will be impossible to attain the way."
(Encouragement to a Sick Person - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 78)

Daily Guidance

--- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ---

Dedicating ourselves to activities for the sake of kosen-rufu, let's always take the very best possible care of our health. Let's try to head for home as early as possible (in the evenings) so that we can avoid getting too exhausted or overtired. Let's be good examples of people who live wisely by practicing the principle of "Faith Equals Daily life".

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Just as flowers open up and bear fruit, just as the moon appears and invariably grows full, just as a lamp becomes brighter when oil is added, and just as plants and trees flourish with rain, so will human beings never fail to prosper when they make good causes."
(The Third Day of the New Year - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol. 1,page 1013)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"The 18th-century English poet Robert Blair wrote: 'Those only are the brave that keep their ground, and keep it to the last.'"

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"You will grow younger."
(The Unity of Husband and Wife - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol. 1,page 464)