Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

". The Daishonin emphasises that the essence of faith is in 'transcending all differences among themselves' (WND-1, 217). When each of us, in divers espheres of endeavour, loses the spirit to advance toward kosen-rufu with the shared commitment of our mentor and to advance harmoniously with our fellow members, we stray from the path of faith and our belief immediately falters. Then we are liable to succumb to the fundamental darkness inherent in our lives."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"The lion king fears no other beast, nor do its cubs. Slanderers are like barking foxes, but Nichiren's followers are like roaring lions."
(On Persecutions Befalling the Sage - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin,Vol. 1, page 997)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"Everything comes down to striving with a sense of joy at each moment, believing that the area we find ourselves in right now-- no matter how small or how challenging it might be-- is the shining stage on which we can make a difference in this life."
SGI Newsletter No. 7688, THE WRITINGS OF NICHIREN DAISHONIN AND THE MENTOR-DISCIPLE RELATIONSHIP [NEW SERIES] {2} The "Threefold Transformation of the Land" --Part 2 {of 2}, from the Dec. 12th, 2008, issue of the Seikyo Shimbun, translated Jan 15th, 2009

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"The mighty sword of the Lotus Sutra must be wielded by one courageous in faith."
(Reply to Kyo'o - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol. 1, page 412)

Daily Guidance

---- Daily Encouragement ----

Let's chant daimoku to achieve kosen-rufu, sincerely and seriously. Let's be perfectly united with the spirit of "many in body but one in mind."Let's continually base our actions on the selfless spirit of "never begrudging our bodies or lives."*What is important is to have the same faith, the same prayer, as our mentor, committing ourselves together to the same cause.
* fushaku shinmyo (Japanese) - "never begrudging our bodies or lives" as in the passage "But although it will be difficult to teach and convert them, we will summon up the power of great patience and will read and recite this sutra, embrace, preach and copy it, offering it many kinds of alms and never begrudging our bodies or lives."("Encouraging Devotion" chapter of the Lotus Sutra)
** The ultimate meaning of faith is to treasure Nam-myoho-renge-kyo even more highly than our own lives. It is to devote ourselves entirely to achieving the widespread propagation of the Mystic Law. Concretely speaking, this means advancing together with the SGI, thoroughly protecting the SGI, and practicing together with the SGI, in both times of hardship and times of joy. Apart from the SGI, there is no kosen-rufu of the Mystic Law. (The Wisdom of the Lotus Sutra, Volume 3, page 146)

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"No matter how earnestly Nichiren prays for you, if you lack faith, it will be like trying to set fire to wettinder. Spur yourself to muster the power of faith."
(The Strategy of the Lotus Sutra - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 1000)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"...wherever we spread the Mystic Law, all Buddhas and bodhisattvas throughout the universe will gather joyously to praise and protect us. The teachings subsequently expounded by Shakyamuni in the Ceremony in the Air -- which begins with the 'threefold transformation of the land' -- clearly attest to this.
"Kosen-rufu is the process of spreading the Mystic Law in this troubled, strife-filled world. Dedicating our lives to kosen-rufu means taking on the struggle inherent in the 'threefold transformation of the land' -- the struggle to fundamentally transform society -- a place afflicted by the three poisons of greed, anger, and foolishness -- into a Buddha land.
"And, further, from the standpoint of life-condition or state of being, the 'threefold transformation of the land' is a demonstration of the boundless virtues possessed by the two Buddhas Shakyamuni and Many Treasures. It also represents the unification or merging of all the Buddhas throughout the three existences who are emanations of Shakyamuni. Buddhas and bodhisattvas from every corner of the universe, seeking the Law and their teacher, travel from afar to assemble in the saha world. This gives us an indication of the towering life-state of Shakyamuni, brimming with infinite wisdom and compassion, as he preached the Lotus Sutra. This is a testament to the greatness of the Mystic Law that underlies this life-state -- a life-state that all of us who dedicate our lives to the Mystic Law are also able to attain."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Iron, when heated in the flames and pounded, becomes a fine sword."
(Letter from Sado - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 303)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"...from the perspective of Nichiren Buddhism, the moment we decide to transform our environment, our lives undergo a tremendous change. This is because when we forge a deep and unwavering resolve to embark on this undertaking, we immediately vanquish all of the three categories of illusions.* As a result, our environment, or the land, also changes without fail.
"The 'threefold transformation of the land' essentially represents the challenge of doing our human revolution to smash through the tiny shell of our lesser self. This means vigorously chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo and courageously initiating efforts for kosen-rufu with the same spirit as our teacher or mentor in faith. Victory lies in taking action right here and now, not sometime in the future."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"From this single element of mind spring all the various lands and environmental conditions."
(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 ----

"Those who strive to 'establish the correct teaching for the peace of the land' as taught by Nichiren Daishonin and achieve kosen-rufu will no doubt face obstacles and hardships. As the Daishonin writes: 'Without tribulation there would be no votary of the Lotus Sutra' (WND-1, 33). The Daishonin teaches that the world is ruled by the devil king of the sixth heaven. The term 'devil' indicates the negative functions of life that cause unhappiness and misfortune. Discrimination, domination, the desire to harm and kill -- all these are due to the devilish functions operating within the human heart and mind.
"Buddhism teaches that the origin of these devilish functions is the fundamental darkness or ignorance residing at the very foundation of life. The life-state of the Buddha is the key to overcoming this ignorance or darkness. Kosen-rufu is the struggle to awaken the life-state of Buddhahood in all people and vanquish the darkness and ignorance that is the root of all unhappiness. Because of that, wherever kosen-rufu is advancing, there is a tremendous struggle going on between the Buddha and devilish functions, which appears in the form of persecutions of those who uphold and spread the Mystic Law.".

--- 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 ----

"Tolstoy said that when we look up into the heavens, we see infinite numbers of stars and planets, similarly, when we look inside ourselves, we see something that we call the spirit, and realise that it is even greater and more wondrous than the star-filled universe. This is an idea that has much in common with the Buddhist view of life and the cosmos.
"Nichiren Daishonin writes: 'Winter always turns to spring' (WND-1, 536). Our Russian members, bracing themselves against winter blizzards, are especially fond of these words. From within our lives, we can bring the sun to shine forth, undefeated by the adversities of winter, and we can bring the flowers of spring into bloom."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Misfortune comes from one's mouth and ruins one, but fortune comes from one's heart and makes one worthy of respect."
(New Year's Gosho - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol. 1, page 1137)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY GUIDANCE ----

Let's hold really cheerful and vibrant discussion meetings this month, where all of us feel inspired to support the success and victory of kosen-rufu. Both victory and success depend on the momentum of our advancement. Let's build castles of happiness in our districts where everyone is in splendid full bloom.

--- 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."
(Letter to Jakunichi-bo - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 994)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"The global financial crisis has plunged the world into a period of ever greater anxiety and uncertainty. People are realising that things cannot continue as they have been, and they're seeking a sound philosophy of peace and prosperity.
"My friends in the youth division, now is the time to speak out with even greater conviction, energy, and vigour for our hope-filled philosophy of the dignity of life and human revolution. Be bold! Dedicating your lives resolutely for the happiness of yourselves and others is the most fulfilling life there is-- as the Daishonin says. 'the treasures of the heart are the most valuable of all' (WND-1, 851). There must not be a single coward in the Soka Gakkai."

--- 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 ----

"René Dubos (1901-82), the eminent French-American microbiologist whom I met at the recommendation of British historian Arnold J. Toynbee (1889-1975), warned: 'Despite our scientific and technological triumphs we suffer from a loss of nerve and have become a conservative society satisfied with continuing on our present course.'
"Humankind today needs courage and hope to choose a new path of change -- for the sake of achieving sustainable development and for lasting peace. The noble mission of the SGI is to impart the energy of courage and the philosophy of hope to societies around the world.
"Our movement is not something abstract or beyond the scope of daily life. It is manifested in our relationships with those in our immediate surroundings, the people around us, in our neighbourhoods, communities, and societies. It is a movement that spreads from individual to individual, through sincere and earnest one-on-one dialogue."

--- 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

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"The Soka Gakkai pulses with an indomitable spirit of fresh advance and fresh hope. In the light of Nichiren Daishonin's writings, we know that we will face bitter storms of persecution and raging waves of attack. But inorder to protect freedom of belief, human rights, and the peace and happiness of the people, we must persevere in our struggle."

--- 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

---- WORDS OF THE WEEK ----

With the spirit of one reborn, let's brim with fresh energy and a youthful spirit! "Speed" is the key to success. Summoning up the great power of faith, "more than ever", *let's overcome any and all challenges and obstacles that might confront us in these troubled times, and boldly and decisively advance towards success!
*"Therefore, you must summon up the great power of faith more than ever." - "The Strategy of the Lotus Sutra",WND-I, page 1000

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"To accept is easy; to continue is difficult. But Buddhahood lies in continuing faith."
(The Difficulty of Sustaining Faith - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 471)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"The British author George Orwell (1903-50) wrote: 'Nothing ever stands still. We must add to our heritage or lose it, we must grow greater or growless, we must go forwards or go backwards.'"

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"It is the heart that is important."
(The Strategy of the Lotus Sutra - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 1000)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"The votary of the Lotus Sutra is certain to face attack by the three powerful enemies, by all kinds of negative and destructive forces. Explaining the spirit of shakubuku in his treatise 'The Opening of the Eyes,' the Daishonin cites [the words of Chang-an]: 'One who rids the offender of evil is acting as his parent. Those who reproach offenders are disciples of the Buddha' (WND-1, 286). Battling the manifestations of overbearing arrogance is the mark of one who genuinely follows the Buddha's teaching.
"The realm of Buddhism is fair and impartial, and the law of cause and effect is exact and uncompromising. That is why it is crucial to be strict when it comes to dealing with corruption and wrong doing. Our organisation will collapse if people who are only concerned with increasing their own influence and preserving their popularity rise to top leadership positions."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"A coward cannot have any of his prayers answered."
(The Strategy of the Lotus Sutra - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 1001)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"The power to achieve kosen-rufu is found in the solidarity of true champions. Victory cannot be attained by a crowd of bystanders or a disordered collection of people who lack self-reliance; it can only be achieved through the unity of champions who each resolve to take full responsibility on their own. Courage and strength well up in those who consciously take on everything as the protagonist and person responsible for achieving their goals. Unlimited wisdom and ardent resolve also surge forth.And by striving with unstoppable vigour and boldness, they will experience vitality, fulfilment, and joy.
"As the Russian writer Leo Tolstoy (1828-1910) once wrote: 'Those who live for a lofty purpose experience constantly increasing goodness.'"

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Though evils may be numerous, they cannot prevail over a single great truth."
(Many in Body, One in Mind - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol. 1, page 618)