Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"Guiseppe Mazzini (1805-72), a leader in the movement for Italian unity and independence, observed: 'Great ideas create great peoples.' The confusion caused by false ideas and doctrines has inflicted terrible damage on the people's spirit, promoting widespread feelings of powerlessness and apathy on the one hand, and encouraging rampant prejudice and egotism on the other. Our effort to 'establish the correct teaching for the peace of the land' is a spiritual struggle to transform this bleak situation.
"In The Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings, Nichiren Daishonin states: 'Generally speaking, the term 'Thus Come One' refers to all living beings. More specifically, it refers to the disciples and lay supporters of Nichiren' (OTT, 124). A Thus Come One or Buddha is not some sort of supernatural being far removed from us. We, ordinary people, who uphold the Daishonin's Buddhism, dedicated to the highest good, are Thus Come Ones or Buddhas."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"..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

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"Our times are changing at a dizzying pace. The resulting turmoil is capable of sweeping away all manner of power, wealth, reputation, or vanity. The people, standing firm on principle and conviction, will be the unshakable golden pillars of the age. They possess the strength and wisdom to surmount the tumult.
Stand upwith the pride of a champion of the people,brimming with strength, joy,and optimism."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"It has been twenty or more years now since I found myself in that situation and began the great battle. Not once have I thought of retreat."
(The Great Battle - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin,Vol.2, page 465)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"Sincerely engaging others in heart-to-heart dialogue, I behold a rainbow of friendship smiling down from the heavens.
"People tend to focus more on large meetings and grand events. But the main concern of Buddhism is always the human revolution of a single individual. A single individual initiating an earnest struggle for kosen-rufu can create dynamic and all-encompassing change. That is why it is so important to encourage and support those striving on the front lines, no matter how inconspicuous their efforts might seem."

--- 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 ----

"Mr. Toda said: 'Obstacles exist to test and train us. It's like students of judo who become stronger by being thrown about again and again by their instructor. If we face every obstacle with the readiness to confront it and the determination to win, we'll be able to overcome the most challenging difficulties.' He also said: 'Lead dauntless lives for kosen-rufu, no matter what happens.' We must never forget this spirit."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Such an occurrence cannot be adequately explained interms of your present existence alone, but must have its origin in your relationship with the sutra in past existences-- only thus can it be understood."
(On the Importance of the "Expedient Means" and "LifeSpan" Chapters - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin,Vol.2, page 748)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"Everything starts with dialogue; it is the first step towards fresh value-creation.
"The 'Expedient Means' (2nd) chapter of the Lotus Sutra-- part of which were cite morning and evening in gongyo-- is a paean to life that begins with the Buddha embarking on a dialogue with his disciples: 'At that time the World-Honoured One calmly arose from his samadhi and addressed Shariputra'(LS2, 23). The Lotus Sutra describes an assembly that takes place on the ultimate level of life and embraces the entire universe, starting on Eagle Peak and moving to the Ceremony in the Air expounded in the 'Life Span'(16th) chapter [a portion of which we also recite in gongyo]. When we sit infront of the Gohonzon, we ourselves become part of that assembly. Gongyo is a ceremony of dialogue between teacher and disciples, between the Buddha of the Latter Day of the Law and us. It is a ceremony watched over by all Buddhas and heavenly deities of the ten directions and three existences.
"In a letter to the lay nun Myoho, the Daishonin writes:
"When with our mouths we chant the Mystic Law [Nam-myoho-renge-kyo], our Buddha nature, being summoned, will invariably emerge. The Buddha nature of [the heavenly deities] Brahma and Shakra, being called, will protect us, and the Buddha nature of the Buddhas and bodhisattvas [throughout the universe], being summoned, will rejoice. (WND-1, 887)
"There is no more powerful sound than the chanting of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. No force can obstruct the advance of our movement as we chant and spread the Mystic Law, cheerfully reaching out to others in dialogue based on the shared commitment of mentor and disciple."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Therefore, I want people with seeking minds to meet and read this letter together for encouragement."
(Letter from Sado - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin,Vol.1, page 306)

Daily Guidance

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"A genuine practitioner of the Daishonin's Buddhism regards hardship as abadge of honour."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"The meaning of this sutra passage is that the heavenly gods and benevolent deities will assume various forms such as those of men and women, and present offerings to help the persons who practice the Lotus Sutra."
(The Izu Exile - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin,Vol.1, page 35)

Daily Guidance

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"We should take a long-term view with regards to the appearance of genuine benefit. If we remain steadfast in faith, no matter what happens along the way, we will definitely win in the end. Of this there is no doubt."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"This means that the protection of the gods depends on the strength of one's faith. The Lotus Sutra is a fine sword, but its might depends on the one who wields it."
(General Stone Tiger - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin,Vol.1, page 953)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"Different times in life require different responses. There are times when we'll need to wisely save our energy. There are times when we'll need to strive with all our dedication and sincerity. There are times when we'll need to rest to prevent exhaustion. I hope you will always proceed with wisdom. But no matter what the situation, never lose sight of kosen-rufu and the path of faith--promise me that. I'm counting on you!
"When we challenge ourselves in trying times, we can accumulate tremendous benefit. Benefit is manifested in many different ways. Sometimes undergoing a trial that seems more like punishment opens the way to happiness. It's like surgery or an injection--they may hurt, but they can restore your health. Even in the most desperate of circumstances, if we challenge ourselves through strong faith, we can gain true great benefit. This is the profound teaching of the Daishonin."

--- 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 realised this truth. The sutra's statement, 'Those persons who had heard the Law dwelled here and there in various Buddhalands, constantly reborn in company with their teachers,' cannot be false in any way."
(The Heritage of the Ultimate Law of Life - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 216)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"The essence of our faith is manifested in our daily actions. And the substance of our Buddhist practise lies in enjoying the trust and friendship of our close neighbours. Our goal is to realise a peaceful and prosperous society through spreading the philosophy and ideals of Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism. It is not something abstract or distant, but starts with concrete efforts where we are right now."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Employ the strategy of the Lotus Sutra before any other."
(The Strategy of the Lotus Sutra - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 1001)

Daily Guidance

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"How much action we take, how many people we meet and talk with, whom we meet and what we talk about--all these things are crucial in consolidating the foundation for kosen-rufu and in deciding the future of our movement. Everything depends on individuals taking determined action."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Under their protection, he will [establish and] spread abroad widely throughout Jambudvipa the object of devotion of the essential teaching, or the five characters of Myoho-renge-kyo."
(On the Buddha's Prophecy - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 400)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"A genuine leader of our movement is someone who takes the initiative, goes out and meets people, tells them about our noble cause, and makes new friends and allies.
"...Of course, engaging in such a struggle is tiring, but unless we make this kind of Herculean effort, we can't expect to triumph over momentous opposition and obstacles when they threaten. I say this for the sake of future generations."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"In the final analysis, unless we succeed in demonstrating that this teaching is supreme, these disasters will continue unabated."
(The Treatment of Illness - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 1114)

Daily Guidance

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"'Though you may quarrel with distant relatives, remain friendly with your neighbours'-- this is a wise Ukraine proverb that the then Ukraine Ambassador to Japan Yuriy V. Kostenko and his wife Dr. Liudmyla Skyrda kindly shared with me (in January 2002). Getting on well with your neighbours is not only important daily wisdom, but also the starting point of diplomacy and peaceful coexistence."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Were they not Bodhisattvas of the Earth, they could not chant the daimoku."
(The True Aspect of All Phenomena - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 385)

Daily Guidance

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"Buddhism is concerned with winning. This is a point that Nichiren Daishonin made emphatically clear. The law of cause and effect operating within our lives is very strict. We cannot fool ourselves; we know in our hearts when we have won or when we have given in to defeat. Those who win through faith plant the cause to attain Buddhahood deep within their beings. When we earnestly challenge ourselves and are able to declare with all our hearts, 'I have won!' the tremendous good fortune we gain as a result will adorn our lives eternally. This is the life-state, the strength, and the life-force of a Buddha.
"Those who succumb to self-defeat cannot accumulate good fortune. They create the cause to feel regret in their lives. That is why it's so important to win, to triumph in our lives. That is the direct way to experience the true power of Buddhahood within us. There is no greater joy than this."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"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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"Speaking in an easily comprehensible way that reaches people and touches their hearts--this is a vital point for a successful dialogue and an important quality for leaders to have.
"Also, when you're standing in front of a large crowd, you don't need to shout at them or speak in an exaggeratedly forceful manner. Look at your audience with genuine warmth and smile at them when you speak. Your spirit should be to inspire everyone to join in and work harmoniously alongside you. When you shout or speak too forcefully, you may think you're demonstrating your impassioned commitment, but all your audience sees is a frightening grimace!
"The great Japanese educator and reformer Yoshida Shoin (1830-59) instructed his students on how they should address others: 'In your everyday conversations with people, speak in a tone closer to that of a gentle, refined woman. That way, at a crucial moment, you can make your voice ring out with powerful vigour.' He urged them to smile at people warmly. Given the stern visage with which Yoshida Shoin is often depicted in portraits, many of you must be astonished that he would say such a thing! But truly accomplished leaders put people at ease and impress them with their warmth, gentleness, and consideration. You need to have a generous and open spirit that makes people feel able to say anything to you, even to complain.
"I would especially like the leaders of the youth division, on whose shoulders the future will rest, to take this to heart."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Our minds are like the water. Faith that is weak is like muddy water, while faith that is brave is like clear water."
(Reply to the Lay Nun Nichigon - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 1079)

Daily Guidance

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"Everything begins with changing our own attitude or mind-set. This applies equally to forging solid unity. If members of an organisation are constantly at loggerheads, always blaming and criticising each other, there will never be any unity among them. Since organisations are made up of individuals, weare bound to encounter all kinds of people. At times, there may be cases when our personalities just don't mesh with certain individuals. That is why unless we do our human revolution, we will not be able to forge bonds of shared purpose with each other, rising above various differences. In 'The Heritage of the Ultimate Law of Life,' the Daishonin urges his followers to unite 'in the spirit of many in body but one in mind, transcending all differences among themselves [free of distinctions of self and other] to become as inseparable as fish and the water in which they swim' (WND-1,217).
"It is only natural that people will have different personalities and temperaments. But that doesn't mean that because people are different from us, we should discriminate against them or exclude and reject them. The important thing is that we respect each other and accept each others' differences, with an all-embracing heart that is free of discrimination or distinctions of self and other."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"When great evil occurs, great good follows."
(Great Evil and Great Good - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 1119)

Daily Guidance

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""The Japanese painter Shoen Uemura (1875-1949). One of the few female painters of that period, declared to the effect: “Lofty art is created by alofty spirit. This is true of painting, literature, and all the arts.”
"Everything depends on people — on talented and able individuals. We need to search out such capable people, give them positions of responsibility, and foster their growth and development."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"If there is a storehouse full of treasures but no key, then it cannot be opened, and if it cannot be opened, then the treasures inside cannot be seen."
(The Daimoku of the Lotus Sutra - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 145)

Daily Guidance

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"The Japanese painter Shoen Uemura (1875-1949). One of the few female painters of that period, Uemura is famous for her refined and elegant paintings wrote:
"'I cannot remember all the times that in tears I gritted my teeth and repressed my anger [at the most outrageous discriminatory treatment in the male-dominated world of art], all the while vowing that I would someday make them sit up and pay attention.' ***"'Just as the ship of life may be buffeted by wind and rain and sometimes list almost to the point of sinking, I, too, have experienced various bitter trials and hardships.'***"'Many times I suffered so terribly that I seriously thought that I'd be better off dead. But when you repeatedly undergo experiences of this kind,you become incredibly strong.'
"Real happiness is not the absence of any problems, difficulties, or suffering. As Nichiren Daishonin writes, difficulties are to be regarded as peace and comfort (cf. OTT, 115). Whenever you find yourself beset by some new harsh trial, adopt a positive attitude and face it bravely as an opportunity to strengthen yourself. This is the Soka Gakkai spirit. It is a way of life that embodies the very essence of Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism.This fighting spirit, this willingness to take on a new challenge, is the key to true happiness, victory, and fulfilment."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Therefore, those who become Nichiren's disciples and lay believers should realise the profound karmic relationship they share with him and spread the Lotus Sutra as he does. Being known as a votary of the Lotus Sutra is a bitter, yet unavoidable destiny."
(Letter to Jakunichi-bo - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 994)

Daily Guidance

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"Another vital requirement for maintaining a united organisation is the accurate transmission of information to the central figures. Mr. Toda often declared that those who fail to report on matters of crucial importance to the organisation are like enemies. Those who lack unity of purpose and refuse to support the central figures are, bluntly speaking, people who' destroy their own castle from within' (cf. WND-1, 217) in that through their actions they end up aiding and abetting the real enemies.
"Let us forever engrave in our lives the motto: 'Winning through perfect unity' (cf. WND-1, 618). With this resolve, let's continue to build a united organisation through our faith and concerted efforts, and create a rhythm of unceasing victory."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"The reason that you have survived until now when so many have died was so that you would meet with this affair."
(Reply to Yasaburo - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin,Vol.1, page 829)

Daily Guidance

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"When the times are dark and gloomy -- indeed, precisely at such times-- we should advance with dynamism and good cheer. We should strive to brighten and lift the spirits of those around us. Soka Gakkai meetings should be the most energetic, inspiring, and vibrant gatherings in the world. If the meetings are filled with people who are tired and listless, thinking 'Not another meeting,' 'Not another activity,' even their applause will sound weary. [Laughter.] Meetings in the early days of our movement were incredibly lively, and the applause, too, was always enthusiastic and powerful. Such meetings are energizing, and that's good for our health, too.
"Being half-hearted is such a waste. If we go around as if we're half-asleep all the time, we can't hope to savour a life that is free of regret. Let's forge ahead with enthusiasm and vigour!"

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Be resolved to summon forth the great power of faith, and chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo with the prayer that your faith will be steadfast and correct at the moment of death."
(The Heritage of the Ultimate Law of Life - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 218)

Daily Guidance

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"The Buddha became enlightened to the fundamental power that connects all things in the universe -- namely, the Mystic Law. He also awakened to the fact that all people have the potential to manifest the power of this Law in their own lives. This potential is what in Buddhism is termed as the Buddha nature or Dharma nature. Only when each of us brings forth the wisdom of our enlightened Buddha nature can we truly actualise the unity of diverse individuals as taught in Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism. Because we each rise above our attachment to self and reveal our highest potential and individuality, the path of 'many in body, one in mind' becomes a path for absolute victory.
"We must also remember that, through manifesting the wisdom of our Buddha nature, we can break free of the darkness or ignorance that would keep us trapped in the paths of evil and suffering. The spirit of many in body but one in mind doesn't refer to the kind of unity that is achieved through external constraints or demands for conformity, but to a unity that is a manifestation of the wisdom of our Buddha nature resulting from a fundamental liberation in the inner most depths of our lives. It is a unity based on aligning our own hearts with the heart of the Buddha."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Each of you should summon up the courage of a lion king and never succumb to threats from anyone. The lion king fears no other beast, nor do its cubs."
(On Persecutions Befalling the Sage - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 996)

Daily Guidance

--- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ---

The Daishonin states,"If the spirit of many in body but one in mind prevails among the people, they will achieve all their goals."*Let's all be united in one mind towards achieving kosen-rufu and cheerfully advance in the same step. Let's strive together to make the month of the Soka Gakkai's founding really victorious and successful!
*"Many in Body, One in Mind" - WND-I, page 618

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Though they protect people at all times, if one's mind is strong, the protection of the gods also is sure to be firm."
(How the Gods Protect the Place of Practise - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.2, page 668)

Daily Guidance

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"Firm determination decides everything. A single moment of resolve can change one's life forever. One person can make a difference. A single individual can change history."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"I entrust you with the propagation of Buddhism in your province."
(The Properties of Rice - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 1117)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"Songs can unite; they can bring people together. Similarly, Gakkai songs -- songs for kosen-rufu -- unite our members in the cause of widely spreading the ideals and principles of Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism. Throughout Japan and countries around the globe, our members are singing such stirring songs as they forge ahead valiantly to create a new era.
"Songs provide the rhythm for victory. Songs solidify the unity of mentor and disciple."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Illness gives rise to the resolve to attain the way."
(Letter to Niike - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin,Vol.1, page 937)

Daily Guidance

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"Marie Curie declared: 'When something is right, it has to be done, even if there are a thousand reasons to prevent you from doing it.'"

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"This passage refers to the great joy that one experiences when one understands for the first time that one's mind from the very beginning has been the Buddha. Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is the greatest of all joys."
(Ongi kuden - Gosho Zenshu, page 788, The Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings, page 211)