Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"Creating hope is creating value, and it ignites the flame of courage."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Can we count the number of raindrops that fall in a major world system in the space of seven days? Or does anyone know the number of dust particles in the vast lands that make up the worlds of the ten directions? But the benefits one gains by making offerings even to one word of the Lotus Sutra-- these, the Buddha says, are truly hard to measure."
(Reply to the Lay Nun of Kubo - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.2, page 871)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"In the words of the Indian poet Rabindranath Tagore (1861-1941): 'To see knew paths in a constant renewal of strength -- that has always been the secret of progress.'"

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Never seek this Gohonzon outside yourself. The Gohonzon exists only within the mortal flesh of us ordinary people who embrace the Lotus Sutra and chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo.."
(The Real Aspect of the Gohonzon - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 832)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"José Martí (1853-95), a champion of Cuban independence, declared: 'The world will not come to us, which is why we must go to the world.' How invigorating and inspiring is a life full of courage dedicated to opening the door to a new world and building bridges that connect people!"

--- 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 ----

"Only a Buddhist teaching of fundamental transformation -- one that teaches the importance of taking action amid the tumult and turmoil of society -- can offer the means for genuinely changing this strife-filled saha world into a Buddha land and for actualising the principle of establishing the correct teaching for the peace of the land.
"Also, the Daishonin says that two thousand years of propagating Buddhism during the Former and Middle Days of the Law are inferior to even a brief time spent doing so during the Latter Day of the Law. Buddhism during the Former and Middle Days was basically a teaching for people of superior capacity, and benefit could be gained through even the partial or implicit teachings.
"The Latter Day, however, is an age of quarrels and disputes,* when the proponents of various partial and implicit teachings will all proclaim their particular school of Buddhism to be perfect and absolute. These teachings will function as negative influences that obstruct the spread of the correct teaching. In such a confused and disordered age, only the teaching of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo of the Buddhism of sowing--which directly activates the Buddha nature-- will lead people to enlightenment. That is why propagating the correct teaching of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo for even a brief time in the Latter Day is superior to spreading partial or implicit teachings for a long period during the Former and Middle Days of the Law."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"...by all means persist in preaching the Lotus Sutra and causing them to hear it. Those who put their faith in it will surely attain Buddhahood, while those who slander it will establish a "poison-drum relationship"* with it and will likewise attain Buddhahood."
(How Those Initially Aspiring to the Way Can Attain Buddhahood through the Lotus Sutra - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol. 1, page 882)

*Poison-Drum relationship: Nichiren Buddhism explains that even though some people react negatively upon hearing about the Law, they can eventually attain Buddhahood through this reverse relationship. (This is also called a poison-drum relationship, in reference to a Nirvana Sutra tale of a drum laced with a certain toxin that when beaten causes the deaths of all who hear it, whether or not they wanted to listen to it. Similarly, the Lotus Sutra will provide the seeds of Buddhahood to all who hear its preaching, whether they embrace or oppose it.)
Once they hear about the Mystic Law, they will eventually embrace it, just as a seed, once planted, will eventually sprout. For this reason, regardless of their reactions, it is important to courageously tell others about the greatness of Nichiren Buddhism based on a sincere desire for their happiness— regardless of whether they respond positively or not.
Sowing the seeds by letting one hear the teaching and sowing the seeds by leading one to arouse faith in it— these two stages of planting the seeds of Buddhahood illustrate the importance of sharing Nichiren Buddhism with others and thus helping them form a relationship with the Mystic Law.

Daily Guidance

--- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ---

The SGI is victorious! I sincerely admire and appreciate all the great efforts and selfless dedication that our noble SGI members have made throughout this whole year. The good fortune and benefit you have accumulated is boundless and immeasurable. Let's all now stride forwards, courageously and in high spirits!

--- 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 ----

"The most trying times represent the most wonderful opportunities for challenging ourselves in our Buddhist practice and deepening our faith. All of our arduous efforts at that time will turn into incalculable benefit. Quite simply, 'a hundred years of practice in the Land of Perfect Bliss' means Buddhist practice in a comfortable environment free of hardships. Such circumstances would make it difficult for us to accomplish our human revolution. And without polishing and forging our lives, the goal of attaining the Buddha way would remain out of reach even if we practised for a hundred years."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"My wish is that all my disciples make a great vow."
(The Dragon Gate - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 1003)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"...the phrases 'the deeper the roots' and 'the farther the source' mean having faith that is deep and firm. With the power of faith, we can definitely triumph over any of the three obstacles and four devils that may arise to assail us in the course of our struggles in life and in our work for kosen-rufu. If we maintain a strong sense of purpose and determination to fight for kosen-rufu, we will be able to see negativity or devilish functions for what they are and prevail over them. Deep faith is the sharp sword for cutting through any and all obstacles.
"In addition, the phrases 'the more prolific the branches' and 'the longer the stream' mean that if we have the courageous faith to remain undefeated by obstacles, we will enjoy not only success and prosperity in our own lives, but our victory in turn will form the foundation for the success and prosperity of our descendants for generations to come.
"Accordingly, striving earnestly for kosen-rufu, here and now, becomes the cause for happiness and prosperity in the present and the future. All of our hard work and effort to share the Daishonin's Buddhism is transformed into good fortune for our families and loved ones throughout eternity. This is the principle of causality of the Mystic Law."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"This sutra is superior to all other sutras. It is like the lion king, the monarch of all the creatures that run on the ground, and like the eagle, the king of all the creatures that fly in the sky."
(The Sutra of True Requital - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 929)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"No matter what happens, let's always proceed with the Gohonzon and faith as our foundation. We will definitely win in the end. We will definitely attain happiness. That is the purpose of faith in Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism."

--- 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

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"Mr. Toda said: 'If you have faith in the teachings of Nichiren Daishonin, you need to exert yourself just as the Daishonin instructs. That's what would please the Daishonin.' 'Just as the Daishonin instructs'-- this is the crucial point. If you strive for kosen-rufu, the three obstacles and the four devils will arise, and opposition will be inevitable.
"Mr. Toda also said: 'Nichiren Daishonin boldly propagated the Lotus Sutra unafraid of persecution by the Kamakura military government. We also need to rouse our courage, unite, and forge ahead on the great path of kosen-rufu!' Courage and unity are vital.
"He further stated: 'We possess the Gohonzon. The Lotus Sutra says that wherever people have strong faith, their land [remains safe and tranquil] (LS16, 230). What have we to fear? We mustn't be overly swayed or troubled by the passing tide of events. If we're fainthearted, we won't be able to accomplish the great undertaking of kosen-rufu.'"

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"If you care anything about your personal security, you should first of all pray for order and tranquillity throughout the four quarters of the land, should you not?"
(On Establishing the Correct Teaching for the Peace of the Land - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol. 1, page 24)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"My friends, stand up for the sake of justice, for kosen-rufu, and for your own happiness! My friends, exert yourselves for the sake of the people's victory! Take courageous action to raise the curtain on a new age.
"New advances require fresh and inspiring goals. It's important to unite, plan carefully, and consult with each other."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

The Great Teacher T'ien-t'ai stated, "One accepts because of one's power of faith and continues because of one's power of constant thought."
(The Difficulty of Sustaining Faith - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin,Vol. 1, page 471)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"The ancient Greek historian Herodotus said: 'He is the best man who is timid in counsel because he takes all that may befall him into account, but in action is bold.' Careful planning and bold action constitute the formula for victory.
"The Japanese author Sohachi Yamaoka (1907-78) wrote in his well-known epic novel Tokugawa Ieyasu: 'People should be on their guard when they are in the best of health and fortune is with them, but they must also guard against inertia when they are tired.' Of course when you're tired, it's important to get the rest you need, but it's also important not to lose your vital spirit and grow apathetic."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"'Hatred' refers to those who have not yet freed themselves from impediments, and 'jealousy' to those who take no delight in listening to the doctrine.'"
(The Opening of the Eyes - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 240)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"Mr. Makiguchi often used to say: 'In life, there are bound to be times of adversity. Those times are the most decisive. That is when you must strive your hardest, persevering through all, no matter what. You mustn't lose courage. That way, good times will definitely come to you again.'"

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"If one lights a fire for others, one will brighten one's own way."
(On the Three Virtues of Food - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.2, page 1060)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"The spirit of refuting falsehood and error is the essence of the Daishonin's Buddhism. In a letter to his disciple Shijo Kingo, who spoke of the greatness of the Mystic Law to his feudal lord, a follower of the corrupt priest Ryokan of Gokuraku-ji temple, Nichiren Daishonin writes: 'How admirable it is that... you communicated this teaching [the Lotus Sutra] to your lord and urged him to take faith in it. Even though he may fail to accept it now, you have managed to avoid the offence of complicity' (WND-1,461). Remaining silent in the face of evil and injustice is actually a form of support for them. It's tantamount to being an accomplice. The true spirit of the Daishonin's Buddhism is to fight tirelessly against such abuses and triumph through the power of words.
"The great Russian author Leo Tolstoy (1828-1910) wrote: 'It is impossible to live without a knowledge of the difference between good and evil.' One cannot lead a truly meaningful life without being able to distinguish between good and evil, and it is a sound philosophy of life that teaches this."

--- 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, page 681)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"Leaders need to be capable and to demonstrate their abilities. Crucial to this end are the power of faith and the power of practice. For it is through the power of faith and the power of practice that we can manifest the power of the Buddha and the power of the Law, which constitute the ultimate force for victory. True ability for a leader of kosen-rufu lies not in such superficial things as being a good speaker or cutting an attractive figure. What matters is having the spirit to fight for kosen-rufu, the spirit of not begrudging one's life for the sake of the Law. Genuine Buddhist leaders dedicate themselves with selfless altruism for the welfare of others.
"Our top leaders mustn't complacently think that someone else will take care of things or do what needs to be done. If they apply themselves with even greater seriousness and dedication, they will easily be able to bring forth tens or even hundreds of times the ability they are now.
"We must never forget the spirit of not begrudging our lives and the spirit of oneness of mentor and disciple."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Thus you should understand that so long as a practitioner of the Lotus Sutra remains unwavering in faith, free of all false alliances, entrusting himself wholeheartedly to the Lotus Sutra and practising in accordance with the Buddha's golden words, he will without fail be able to prevent disaster and prolong his life in this present existence, to say nothing of in the life to come. Splendid recompense will be his, and he will fulfil his great vow to broadly proclaim and propagate the Lotus Sutra."
(Letter Sent with the Prayer Sutra - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin,Vol.2, page 460)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"The renowned Dutch humanist Erasmus (1469-1536) said: 'The mind will bear good fruit if it is sown with good seeds, but if it is neglected it will be grown over with weeds that must shortly be pulled up.' Forgetting our spiritual growth and pursuing only empty pleasures marks the beginning of decline and degeneration. Spiritual stagnation leads to defeat.
"Enriching society with the spirit of Buddhist compassion, let us continue to reach out to others and forge new friendships."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Were Nichiren and I bound by a promise to be teacher and disciple from the beginningless past, or were we not? Was I sent as an envoy of Shakyamuni Buddha to assist him in his efforts to spread the teachings?"
(Reply to Sairen-bo - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 312)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"The Daishonin observes: 'Here in the entire land of Jambudvipa [the entire world], in all the 2,225 years since the passing of the Buddha, not a single person chanted it [Nam-myoho-renge-kyo]. Nichiren alone, without sparing his voice, now chants Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, Nam-myoho-renge-kyo' (WND-1, 736). Even the universal teaching of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo would only be spread when the right time arrived and someone appeared who was willing to stake their life on earnestly propagating it.
"The Daishonin speaks of 'not sparing his voice.' He himself had worked tirelessly, without sparing his voice, to teach people about the path he had pioneered. As a result, he was able to establish the Three Great Secret Laws, the core principles of the supreme teaching to be propagated in the Latter Day. We must never forget that the flourishing of the Daishonin's people-centred Buddhism is fostered through dedicated, practical efforts to spread the Law.
"Merely chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo by oneself without encouraging others to do the same will not cause the Law to spread widely among the people in the evil age of the Latter Day. Unless we can defeat the darkness or ignorance in our own lives and teach others to do likewise, there will be no fundamental transformation in people's lives. Therefore, after declaring the establishment of his teaching, the Daishonin continued to chant and teach others to do the same--' without sparing his voice.' Consequently, he encountered tremendous persecutions. Undeterred, he advanced fearlessly along the path of his mission to propagate the Mystic Law in the Latter Day. His efforts to speak out and spread the correct teaching without sparing his voice epitomise the spirit of not begrudging one's life."

--- 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. "
(The Opening of the Eyes - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 283)

Daily Guidance

--- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ---

Faith manifests itself in our daily lives and Buddhist practice is directly reflected in society. Let's, therefore, do our very best to contribute to our local community and carefully cherish all the people around us by sincerely cultivating good relations with them. Let's help the development of a world where everyone prospers together.

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"If you wish to free yourself from the sufferings of birth and death you have endured since time without beginning and to attain without fail unsurpassed enlightenment in this lifetime, you must perceive the mystic truth that is originally inherent in all living beings."
(On Attaining Buddhahood in This Lifetime - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 3)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"The culmination of the Daishonin's struggle to propagate the Law is the revelation of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo of the Three Great Secret Laws, the entity of the Law for kosen-rufu.
"The first of the Three Great Secret Laws is the object of devotion of the essential teaching. The Daishonin embodied the supremely noble life-state of his own enlightenment in this object of devotion, the Gohonzon, in order to enable us to become aware of the supremely noble life-state that inherently exists in all human beings. The second of the Three Great Secret Laws is the daimoku of the essential teaching. It consists of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo oneself and teaching others to do the same-- Nam-myoho-renge-kyo being the name of this supremely noble state oflife, or Buddha nature. And the third of the Three Great Secret Laws is the sanctuary of the essential teaching. This serves as the foundation for constructing a harmonious community of believers (Skt. samgha), whose members encourage each other to maintain firm faith in Nam-myoho-renge-kyo and vow together to propagate the Law and actualise the principle of establishing the correct teaching for the peace of the land.
"Based on these three elements, practitioners of the Daishonin's Buddhism strive to realise kosen-rufu by bringing the brilliance of the infinitely precious Mystic Law to shine in people's lives and in the land where they reside."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"However, as for the matter of becoming a Buddha, ordinary people keep in mind the words 'earnest resolve' and there by become Buddhas."
(The Gift of Rice - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin,Vol.1, page 1125)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"'I think,' said Marie Curie, 'that one can have an interesting and useful life at any age. What is necessary is not to waste it and to be able to say, [I did what I could.]' Everyone, regardless of the times in which they live, has a unique mission that only they can fulfil. There's no need to become someone extraordinary. There's no need to be famous or live out your life in the spotlight. Ordinary is perfectly fine. Just shine in the way that is true to yourself. The important thing is to be able to say you have done all that you could.
"When things are going smoothly, it's often difficult for us to bring forth our true power and potential. But facing adversity head-on enables us to tap the hidden reserves of our real strength. It is through valiantly challenging our hardships that we can realise our greatest dreams and highest ideals."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Whether or not your prayer is answered will depend on your faith; [if it is not] I will in no way be to blame."
(Reply to the Lay Nun Nichigon - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 1079)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"How noble are those who base their lives on the unparalleled philosophy of the Mystic Law. All without exception who practise as the Buddha teaches will attain Buddhahood in this lifetime. Nichiren Daishonin writes:
"'In the case of rice plants, there are three types--those that ripen early in autumn, those that ripen in a middling time, and those that ripen late--and yet all are ready to be harvested within a single year. In the same way, although persons [who follow the Buddha way] fall into three different categories of superior, middling, and inferior [capacity], allalike, within the space of a single lifetime, can come to the realization that they themselves are identical and in no way at variance with all the Buddhas, the Thus Come Ones. (WND-2, 79-80)'
"Buddhism also teaches that there are five types of vision, or five types of eyes--the physical eye, the heavenly eye, the wisdom eye, the Dharma eye, and the Buddha eye. The Daishonin writes: 'These five types of vision are naturally acquired by one who upholds the Lotus Sutra' (WND-1, 683).
"He also declares: 'The votaries of the Lotus Sutra, men and women alike, are all Thus Come Ones' (OTT, 83). This is an affirmation that all of you who are working selflessly for kosen-rufu are Buddhas.
"And elsewhere he says: 'All those who keep faith in the Lotus Sutra are most certainly Buddhas, and one who slanders a Buddha commits a grave offence (WND-1, 756). You are people worthy of the greatest respect. Anyone who ridicules or harasses you will reap stern karmic effects. From everything that I have witnessed in the course of my long practise, I can attest to this with utmost conviction."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"At such a time, the three obstacles and four devils will invariably appear, and the wise will rejoice while the foolish will retreat."
(The Three Obstacles and Four Devils - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 637)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"The Filipino poet Nick Joaquin (1917-2004) has stated: 'The history of Manila can be put in three words: challenge and response.' In other words, Manila has responded courageously to the challenges of war and disaster, and has triumphed.
"Whether on the level of the individual, society, or civilisation as a whole, the key to meaningful progress, growth, and creativity lies in responding courageously to challenges and continuing to make positive efforts for the future. It is a mistake to seek escape from hardships and simply skate through life. Real meaning in one's youth and one's life is found in earnest struggle."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"If a person cannot manage to cross a moat ten feet wide, how can he cross one that is a hundred or two hundred feet?"
(The Actions of the Votary of the Lotus Sutra - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 766)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"The aim of Buddhism is to enable all human beings to awaken to, tap, and actively manifest the incomparably noble Buddha nature within them. As the Daishonin says: 'One becomes aware of the Buddha vehicle [the Law] within oneself and enters the palace of oneself [the highest life-state of Buddhahood]. Chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is what is meant by entering the palace of oneself' (OTT, 209). This is the essence of a Buddhism that is truly open to all people and illuminates the world with the light of hope.
"Our faith and practise -- as ordinary people who refuse to accept defeat -- are smiled on by the Buddhas and protected by the heavenly deities."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"My wish is that my disciples will be cubs of lion kings, never to be laughed at by a pack of foxes".
(In the Continent of Jambudvipa - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.2, page 1062)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"It has been one of history's great tragedies that people, failing to recognise the enormous power they possess, have often been subjugated, or divided and set against one another. In contrast, the mentor-disciple relationship of the Soka Gakkai is dedicated to inspiring, uniting, and guiding people in a positive direction. There is no more lofty human bond than that shared by mentor and disciple.
"My mentor, second Soka Gakkai president Josei Toda, encouraged members who were facing adversity: 'You should be proud that you possess within yourself the same life-state as Nichiren Daishonin. Maintain a noble spirit and triumph in life. Never belittle yourself.'"

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Each of you should summon up the courage of a lion king and never succumb to threats from anyone."
(On Persecutions Befalling the Sage - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin,Vol. 1, page 997)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"Kosen-rufu is a struggle against the arrogance that demeans and denigrates people. We must never allow ourselves to be defeated by arrogant individuals who look down on others."

--- 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)