Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

Let's do gongyo and chant daimoku resonantly and maintain a good rhythm of daily life by using our wisdom. That is how we can lead a sound life both physically and spiritually.*

Cheerfully and in high spirits, let's challenge ourselves to develop friendships with as many people as we can and have a great summer of 'human revolution'!

* The Oneness of Body and Mind -

http://www.sgi-usa.org/memberresources/resources/buddhist_concepts/buddhist_concept16.php

--- 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 of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 444)

Daily Guidance

--- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ---

Earnestly chant daimoku and just keep pressing ahead with courage, undaunted by what others may say, always proud to be a Soka Gakkai member. Mr. Toda declared with unshakable self-assurance: "I am Josei Toda! I am a Soka Gakkai member! I don't care what anyone says, I'm proud of who I am!" This was his most deep-seated conviction. Let's all advance with the same self-confidence.

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"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."
(The Essentials for Attaining Buddhahood - The Writings ofNichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 747)

Daily Guidance

---DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT---

The aim of the Soka Gakkai is something more powerful and profound than secular power; it is the spreading of the principles of Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism, which is the key to building happiness and peace for all humankind. Buddhism expounds the Law of life, which is of a completely different dimension than the laws of the land and secular authority.
I learned the principles of the Daishonin's Buddhism from Mr. Toda. He personally instructed me, for instance, in the difficult Gosho, "The Entity of the Mystic Law"(WND-1, 417ff). He taught and trained me a little every morning, and on Sundays as well. Sometimes he'd ask questions, and I'd have to answer. When we completed our study of this writing, Mr. Toda gave me a certificate indicating that I had completed this course of instruction under him. This certificate was just a simple piece of paper, but I regarded it as one of my most precious treasures. I believed that it would become a symbol of the highest intellectual excellence, and I'm sure Mr. Toda had the same conviction. The Buddhist Law is truly wondrous in its workings, and now I have been privileged to receive numerous academic honors from around the globe. In contrast, those who have scorned certificates or awards bestowed on them in the realm of kosen-rufu have all ended up miserable. As the Daishonin writes: "It is the heart that is important" (WND-1, 1000).

--- 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 NichirenDaishonin, Vol.1, page 681)

Daily Guidance

---DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT---

The German poet Heinrich Heine (1797 1856) wrote: "One is noble / If one nobly feels and acts." Neither social status nor wealth is any measure of a person's true worth; nor should we ever judge people by such criteria. For example, does being a government figure make a person special? Not at all. Government leaders are human beings just like the rest of us, and in a democracy, inparticular, the people are sovereign. Government figures exist to serve the people. It is a person's actions that count.

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Karma also may be divided into two categories: fixed and unfixed. Sincere repentance will eradicate even fixed karma, to say nothing of karma that is unfixed."
(On Prolonging One's Life Span - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 954)

Daily Guidance

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By the way, there's nothing more dangerous than forgetting to remain vigilant when things are going smoothly. British Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill (1874 1965) stressed the importance of constant vigilance. Never drop your vigilance, whether you're winning or losing; and remember, courage can win out over all this no doubt was the conclusion reached by Churchill, who led his country to victory in their valiant struggle against Nazi Germany.

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"The observation of the mind means to observe one's own mind and to find the Ten Worlds within it. This is what is called observing the mind."
(The Object of Devotion for Observing the Mind Established in the Fifth Five-Hundred-Year Period after the Thus Come One's Passing - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 356)

Daily Guidance

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"True disciples are willing to take on hardship or persecution in their mentor's stead. For instance, when Mr. Toda accompanied Mr. Makiguchi to prison, he prayed:"I am still young, but Mr. Makiguchi is old. May my mentor be released from prison as soon as possible. It doesn't matter how long I stay here, but let my mentor go free right away!" This was his deep and fervent prayer day and night. "
"The essence of Buddhism is found in the spirit of striving with the same commitment as the mentor. If this rigorous spirit is lost, the very foundation of Buddhism will be destroyed. Therefore, those who genuinely seek to carry on the correct teaching of Buddhism must always remember to maintain this spirit and take action based on it. "

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Let us discuss the question at length."
(On Establishing the Correct Teaching for the Peace of the Land - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 6)

Daily Guidance

--- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ---

By using our wisdom and good common sense, let's wisely maintain good health. First and foremost, paying even closer attention than usual, let's stay healthy and accident free each and every day!

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"More valuable than treasures in a storehouse are the treasures of the body, and the treasures of the heart are the most valuable of all."
(The Three Kinds of Treasure - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 851)

Daily Guidance

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"The Daishonin referred to disciples of steadfast faith as sages and worthies. He treated them as his equals, bestowing, I believe, the most honourable titles on them because of their nobility as human beings. The Daishonin didn't praise people because they were learned or had an exalted position in society. A person's level of learning has nothing to do with their faith, and we must never discriminate against anyone on that basis. It is evident from his writings that this was not the Daishonin's spirit. As the Buddha of the Latter Day of the Law, he bestowed the title of 'Sage' on an ordinary woman (cf. WND-1, 325). This is a crucial point to remember. If this point is lost sight of, the Gakkai will descend into ruin.

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Employ the strategy of the Lotus Sutra before any other. 'All others who bear you enmity or malice will likewise be wiped out.' These golden words will never prove false."
(The Strategy of the Lotus Sutra - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin,Vol.1, page 1001)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"The Russian author Leo Tolstoy (1828-1910) said: 'Those who live life in perfection look only forwards, those who have stopped moving forwards look back on their achievements.' Moving forwards-- this is what all of you are doing. Those who keep pressing ahead for their own growth, for the happiness of their friends, and for the development of kosen-rufu are the most praise worthy; they are the ultimate victors in life. If, on the other hand, we become arrogant and self-satisfied, thinking that we've already done enough and can just sit back and relax, we begin to stop growing. Not advancing is regressing.

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"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 ----

"Allow me now to return to Guo Moruo and the benefit of song. He continued: 'Song can rally the strength of one's own forces, and ... it can deflate the morale of one's opponents." That's very true. This is why Mr. Toda always had members sing inspiring songs. Singing songs is a Gakkai tradition. Let's keep on doing so! Nothing can compare to the confident, dynamic, and optimistic momentum of our members united in spirited song.

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"And yet, though one might point at the earth and miss it, though one might bind up the sky, though the tides might cease to ebb and flow and the sunrise in the west, it could never come about that the prayers of the practitioner of the Lotus Sutra would go unanswered."
(On Prayer - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol. 1, page 345)

Daily Guidance

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"Though public opinion may seem a matter of great importance, it is something created by human beings. The Mystic Law, on the other hand, is the principle that governs the entire universe. It is of a totally different scale. When we understand this, we can attain the state of a Buddha. This is hard to fully grasp, however, which is why faith is crucial. It all comes down to having faith. The Daishonin cites the words [of T'ien-t'ai]: "Belief means to be without doubt" (OTT, 54). When we chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo without doubt in the Gohonzon and make steadfast efforts for kosen-rufu, we can realise eternal happiness in our lives.

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"The mighty sword of the Lotus Sutra must be wielded by one courageous in faith. Then one will be as strong as a demon armed with an iron staff."
(Reply to Kyo'o - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol. 1, page 412)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"Guo Moruo (1892-1978) was a noted Chinese author. A colleague of Chinese premier Zhou Enlai (1898-1976), he also showed a warm and deep understanding of the Soka Gakkai.
"Guo wrote: 'Nothing moves the human heart like song.' Song has always played an important role in the Soka Gakkai's development and growth. Guo's words are very perceptive. Songs inspire and energise us. Mr. Toda was also well aware of this. In Japan, our advance has always begun with the singing of Gakkai songs. This is a wonderful path. Let's continue singing songs together.
"Guo also wrote: 'Song instantly unites people's hearts and minds, and spurs them to action.' Song has a wondrous power. People who make light of that and refuse to join in singing will not share the same energy and joy. Let's all sing together, for the sake of kosen-rufu, and to elevate our lives-- that's the purpose of Gakkai songs. Mr. Toda also loved singing.

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"My wish is that my disciples will be cubs of the lion king, never to be laughed at by the pack of foxes. It is hard to encounter a master like Nichiren, who since distant kalpas in the past down to the present day has never begrudged his body or life in order to expose the faults of his powerful enemies!"
(In the Continent of Jambudvipa - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.2, page 1062)

Daily Guidance

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"True courage-- this is none other than having compassion for others. Mr. Toda thoroughly taught me this, and I've always put it into action.
"From today, I would like all of you to remember that courage is ultimately compassion. Please uphold the jewelled sword of courage and compassion in your hearts. People lacking courage become cowardly and self-serving."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Myo means to revive, that is, to return to life."
(The Daimoku of the Lotus Sutra - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 149)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"Awakening to one's mission in life is to have a solid foundation as a human being. Such a person can rapidly develop their talents to the fullest degree.
"Marie Curie wrote: 'You cannot hope to build a better world without improving the individuals. To that end each of us must work for [our] own improvement, and at the same time share a general responsibility for all humanity, our particular duty being to aid those to whom we think we can be most useful.' She believed that each person should transform their own destiny, become aware of their responsibility to humanity as a whole, and extend a hand to assist those in suffering and need. This is a belief that resonates strongly with the Soka philosophy of human revolution."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Kyo'o's misfortune will change into fortune. 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

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"The Romance of the Three Kingdoms describes how the two emperors, Liu Bang(Gaozu) of the Former Han Dynasty and Liu Xiu (Guangwu) of the Later Han Dynasty, worked at securing strong bases of support. It says: 'They both put down deep roots, consolidated their position, and then gained command of the entire land.'
"One can achieve great things only by putting down deep roots and laying a solid foundation. This is a timeless and eternal truth. Put down deep roots in the place of your mission. Don't lose sight of yourself by envying or resenting others, or always being concerned with how others look."
"Your happiness, your success or failure in life, is up to you. People who have forged a solid foundation always win out in the end. Live with the spirit that you will definitely succeed in your endeavours. Don't be impatient, just advance with confidence and assurance."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Only by defeating a powerful enemy can one prove one's real strength."
(Letter from Sado - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol. 1, page 302)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"This path is found where we are right now, not somewhere far removed from our daily lives."

--- 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, Vol. 1, page 217)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"Everything depends on whether one can persevere in efforts to establish the correct teaching for the peace of the land and continue to uphold the banner of this noble cause. To practice in a spirit of oneness with the mentor means to carry on the essence of the mentor’s actions."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"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,Vol. 1, page 598)

Daily Guidance

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"In my youth, as a student of 'Toda University,' I studied the Romance of the Three Kingdoms, in Japanese novelist Eiji Yoshikawa's retelling of the classic Chinese tale. Zhuge Liang (Chuko K'ung-ming, 181-234), one of its leading characters, left an indelible impression on my mind. On friendship, he once said; 'It is difficult to sustain associations motivated by ambition for power or profit. When men of true integrity get to know and understand each other, their friendship endures without fading throughout the four seasons, neither blooming extravagantly in the warmth nor dropping its leaves in the cold.... It becomes stronger with each passing period of fortune or adversity.' Let's strive to forge these kind of lasting friendships.
"Second Soka Gakkai president Josei Toda stressed to me the importance of extending a hand of friendship to people when they experience hard or challenging times, and of warmly supporting and encouraging them, standing by them with unchanging sincerity and goodwill. Please remember that this is the Soka spirit of friendship."

--- 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, Vol. 1, page 283)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"I’d like to share with you some more words of Mr. Toda. During the war, many top Gakkai leaders quaked at the thought of persecution by the militarist authorities. For all their brave speeches, they were utterly terrified. Mr. Toda described this clearly in his novel The Human Revolution (under the pen name Myo Goku): 'They make bold pronouncements, but at a crucial moment, what happens?... I've seen it all too well. When the authorities appear, they shrivel up like slugs that have been sprinkled with salt.' Please strive your hardest, so that no one can ever say that of you. I'm counting on you.
"One's actions at a crucial moment are what matter. That's when a person's true worth is revealed. Don't be faint hearted. The stronger the opposition, the more powerfully, boldly, cheerfully we should speak out. This is the Gakkai spirit, it is the spirit that lives in the hearts of Soka mentors and disciples."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Those who believe in the Lotus Sutra are as if in winter, but winter always turns to spring."
(Winter Always Turns to Spring - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol. 1, page 536)

Daily Guidance

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"British prime minister Winston Churchill (1874-1965) was a great leader who fought successfully against the Nazi on slaught. When the Nazi forces were bombing England, he looked up into the sky and encouraged his fellow citizens. And in one of his speeches, he declared: 'You must not weaken in any way in your alert and vigilant frame of mind.' It was his belief that defeat would only come from a weakening of vigilance; that one's own attitude -- and not what the other side did -- was the key to one's victory or defeat. We in the Gakkai also need to have this spirit."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"A wise person, while dwelling in security, anticipates danger; a perverse one, while dwelling amid danger, takes security for granted."
(The Problem to Be Pondered Night and Day - The Writings of NichirenDaishonin, Vol. 1, page 621)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

July, the month of youth is here! Let's all be like lions, and at the same time let's raise many!Determinedly and decisively, let's create a triumphant history of 'Mentor and Disciple'!

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

“Now, when Nichiren and his followers chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, they are revealing that the phantomcity is none other than the treasure land. These mountain valleys and broad plains where we live are all, every one of them, the treasure land of the Eternally Tranquil Light."
(Ongi kuden – Gosho Zenshu, page 734, The Record of the OrallyTransmitted Teachings, page 77)

Daily Guidance

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"As Ba Jin (1904-2005), author of such novels as The Family and Cold Nights, ranked as one of modern China's most renowned writers declared: 'In a struggle for survival, you must have a powerful life force.' One's life force determines everything. With a strong life force, we will never be defeated. For us, the source of our invincible life force is chanting the daimoku of the Mystic Law, Nam-myoho-renge-kyo."

--- 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 Nichiren Daishonin, Vol. 1, page 842)