Daily Guidance

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"Buddhism also teaches about gratitude. In Buddhism, gratitude is not something that reinforces society's hierarchical relationships. Rather, Buddhism speaks of gratitude for all living beings, advocating a philosophyof being open to society, accepting others, and cultivating a spirit of mutual trust.
"Shin'ichi Yamamoto asked Konosuke Matsushita* about his view of gratitude. Matsushita placed great importance on this virtue, saying that gratitude and appreciation were the foundation for his faith and life, and also among his fundamental business principles to share with his employees. 'The spirit of gratitude,' he wrote, 'imparts immeasurable joy and vitality to our hearts, and as long as we have a keen sense of it, it serves as a wellspring that enables us to overcome every form of adversity and welcome true happiness into our lives. Gratitude enriches our lives to an incomparable degree.'"

--- 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, page 412)

Daily Guidance

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"Those who face adversity with hope and the willingness to try their very best don't consider the process as painful. As the champion of Indian independence Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948) observed: 'Satisfaction lies in the effort, not in the attainment. Full effort is full victory.'"

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"(The deities Same Name and Same Birth protect people.) If one's mind is strong, then their protection is great."
(How the Gods Protect the Place of Practice - Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol. 2, page 668)

Daily Guidance

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By believing and practising the Mystic Law, we can definitely change poison into medicine.* Although some of us might be facing a great struggle in weathering the economic storm right now, let's never give up, no matter what! The inner strength of your Buddha nature is absolutely infinite.
* Changing Poison into Medicine- http://www.sgi.org/changing poison.html

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Life is limited; we must not begrudge it. What we should ultimately aspire to is the Buddhaland."
(Aspiration for the Buddha Land - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 214)

Daily Guidance

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""...one of the titles of the Buddha is 'One Who Can Endure.' With the great power of endurance, build a life as indestructible and imperishable as a diamond.
''Don’t be defeated!''Resolutely take the lead!'-- my mentor's voice still resonates powerfully in the depths of my being.
"My mentor Josei Toda rousingly encouraged a suffering friend, saying:
"All people face periods of despair. But if we endure such times and ride them through, then all those problems and worries will later come to seem small and insignificant. Nothing can obstruct the tremendous power of theMystic Law. If you rise up boldly in the face of devilish functions with the firm resolve to battle them head-on and win, they'll beat a hasty retreat. No matter what happens, just keep sending them flying!"

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"When someone reported to me, however, that you had been taken with this illness, day and night, morning and evening I addressed the Lotus Sutra on the matter, morning and evening I implored the gods of the blue heavens. And now today I have received word that you have recovered from illness. Could any tidings be more joyful than these?"
(Recovering from Illness - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.2, page 1034)

Daily Guidance

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"Making one’s way through life actively avoiding hard work and tough challenges will produce nothing of true lasting value. Young people, inparticular, need to throw themselves into their chosen task, roll up their sleeves, grit their teeth, and bravely weather all hardships and difficulties as they steadily work toward fulfilling their mission. That indomitable, invincible spirit is the highest honour a youth can earn."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"A blue fly, if it clings to the tail of a thorough bredhorse, can travel ten thousand miles, and the green ivy that twines around the tall pine can grow to a thousand feet."
(On Establishing the Correct Teaching for the Peace of the Land - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 17)

Daily Guidance

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"In Buddhism, the world we live in is called the 'saha world.' 'Saha' means' endurance.' We all struggle with various problems and difficulties that press in upon us. What is crucial is whether we can endure and triumph over them. Life is a struggle for which we need an invincible spirit.
"Nichiren Daishonin, too, placed utmost importance on an invincible spirit. Indeed, we can see this spirit burning brightly throughout his writings.

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Consider this: if one cannot cross a moat ten feet wide, can one cross a moat that is twenty or thirty feet wide? If you cannot bring about rainfall, which is easy, how can you attain rebirth in the pure land and achieve Buddhahood, which is difficult?"
(The Letter to Petition from Yorimoto - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 808)

Daily Guidance

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"If we let opportunities slip by because of indecision, we are likely to lose even struggles that we could have won. A delayed response can even lead to serious setbacks or defeats. This is a golden rule that applies in all things."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"It seems to me that on the path to attain Buddhahood it may invariably be when one has done something like lay down one's life that one becomes a Buddha."
(Banishment to Sado - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol. 1, page 202)

Daily Guidance

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"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)

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"The secret of success in business is to take personal initiative and action instead of relying on others."

Daily Guidance

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"I’ll never forget my dialogue with the eminent American economist John Kenneth Galbraith (1908–2006). Dr. Galbraith took great pride in his contribution to the speedy inception of the New Deal under U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt (1882–1945), at the time of the Great Depression in the 1930s. In his first inaugural address, Roosevelt said: “There are many ways in which it [the pressing task at hand] can be helped, but it can never be helped merely by talking about it. We must act, and act quickly.” Swift action is always critical."

--- 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

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"The French author Victor Hugo (1802-85) declared: 'Isolated forces cancel each other out.' Working together in unity is very important. For the continued success of our movement, we need to keep building a solid alliance for truth and justice.
"Religion is often seen as being self-righteous and isolating. However, the Daishonin writes: 'What does Bodhisattva Never Disparaging's profound respect for people signify? The purpose of the appearance in this world of Shakyamuni Buddha, the lord of teachings, lies in his behaviour as a human being' (WND-1, 852). Buddhism seeks to enable all people to behave with the utmost humanity.
"As our practice and understanding of the principles of Buddhism deepen, we develop the ability to transcend all differences and open our hearts to anyone, helping them form a connection with Buddhism. We are able to forge warm bonds of friendship with those we meet and interact with them sincerely. This leads to the expansion of a network of good people and the creation of the values of peace, culture, and education. This is the humanistic path of Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism. The SGI is a great alliance for peace bringing people together everywhere."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Three things are required-- a good teacher, a good believer, and a good teaching-- before prayers can be effective and disasters banished from the land."
(How Those Initially Aspiring to the Way Can Attain Buddhahood through the Lotus Sutra - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 880)

Daily Guidance

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"Each encounter with another person is a priceless opportunity. Interacting with people entails an earnest struggle waged with sincerity and integrity. There can be no missteps.

--- 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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"As the Daishonin states: 'The Law does not spread by itself: because people propagate it, both people and the Law are respectworthy' (GZ, 856). People who are eager to share Buddhism with others are essential. Through courageous dialogue, they can inspire others and change their times and societies for the better. Dialogue has immense power."

--- 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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"This challenge is so difficult because remaining steadfast in faith means battling the ignorance or darkness in the depths of our lives-- in other words, making continuous efforts to transform our lives on a fundamental level. This is an extremely arduous path because those who pursue it are certain to be assailed by the three obstacles and four devils, along with the three powerful enemies. However, we can only truly attain Buddhahood by defeating these obstacles and steadfastly working on our inner transformation."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"In the light of the Buddha's prophecy, 'the last five-hundred-year period' has already begun. I say that without fail Buddhism will arise and flow forth from the east, from the land of Japan."
(On the Buddha's Prophecy - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 401)

Daily Guidance

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"Kosen-rufu is a struggle. It is a fierce battle between the Buddha and negative forces. It can never be won through half-hearted efforts. That is why it is so important to stay true to our convictions, to summon all our wisdom, and to do our utmost--so that we can win in that struggle."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"There are six causes of illness: ... (3) inappropriatepractice of seated meditation..."
(On Curing Karmic Disease - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 631)

Daily Guidance

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"“Once you take the first step, overcoming each difficulty that arises is an easy matter.' These are the confident words of Madame Xie Bingxin (1900-99; commonly known by her pen name Bing Xin), a great Chinese writer with whom my wife and I enjoyed an unforgettable friendship. She wrote this in a letter one January during a period that was fraught with hardship and adversity.
"In this Year of Youth and Victory, let us take action with a youthful and courageous spirit, one step after another. Let us keep pressing energetically forward, ever forward, towards a glorious golden victory."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"The people of today all turn their backs upon what is right; to a person, they give their allegiance to evil. This is the reason that the benevolent deities have abandoned the nation and departed together, that sage sleave and do not return. And in their stead devils and demons come, and disasters and calamities occur. I cannot keep silent on this matter. I cannot suppress my fears."
(On Establishing the Correct Teaching for the Peace of the Land - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 7)

Daily Guidance

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"As a wise champion of kosen-rufu upholding Buddhism, take pride and lead the way to victory.
"I once sent this poem to a member who was struggling against adversity. He immediately responded with a letter expressing his determination, and he cited a quote from the Swiss philosopher Carl Hilty (1833-1909) to the effect that people who have suffered in life only trust those who've experienced hardship themselves. His letter closed with the pledge: 'With that resolve, I will strive to become truly wise, sparing no effort.'
"Hilty himself lived a life filled with difficulties, but to a friend who visited him in his final year he said: 'If I were to erase all of the sufferings from my life, I would have no good memories left. Everything grew out of such times [of suffering].' By encountering many obstacles, a genuine leader is able to develop the ability to guide and encourage others. This is a principle that we should never forget."

--- 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

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"A compassionate life dedicated to working for the welfare of all living beings is a joyous one.
"In his treatise 'The Opening of the Eyes,' Nichiren Daishonin writes: '[In his earlier teachings, Shakyamuni Buddha] spoke of the present world as an impure land. But now, in the 'Life Span' chapter [of the Lotus Sutra], he has reversed this, revealing that this world is the true land' (WND-1,256). Our communities are the 'true land' of our mission. We should, therefore, not lament about the places where we find ourselves right now. The challenge falls to us to transform them, through our own efforts, into victorious Lands of Tranquil Light--realms of Buddhahood. Such is a way of life based on the essential teaching of the Lotus Sutra."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Nevertheless, I vowed to summon up a powerful and unconquerable desire for the salvation of all beings and never to falter in my efforts."
(The Opening of the Eyes - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 240)

Daily Guidance

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"Recently, researchers of Harvard Medical School and the University of California, San Diego, published findings indicating that happiness is contagious. Their conclusions are based on a study of about 5,000 individuals over a 20-year period. According to their research, when one person feels happy, that happiness spreads like a ripple from friend to friend. Indeed, if one's next-door neighbour is happy, the likelihood that one will feel happy as well increases 34 percent. This research supports the idea that a zone of happiness can be spread through a social network.
"The world economy is in the direst of straits right now, and many are concerned about the impact that it is having on people's morale and spiritual welfare. It is precisely at this time that the example of our wise and committed SGI members standing up bravely in their communities and societies can serve as an incredible source of hope and inspiration for many others. In particular, nothing is more noble than the united efforts of our women's and young women's division members who are always earnestly chanting for the cause of good and warmly encouraging everyone. As Mr. Toda asserted:'The vibrant example of a woman who upholds the Mystic Law is more powerful than a hundred sermons or books.'"

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"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

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"To one of his trustworthy lay disciples, the Daishonin writes: 'Can it be that Shakyamuni Buddha or the Bodhisattvas of the Earth have entered into your body? I entrust you with the propagation of Buddhism in your province'(WND-1, 1117). Carrying out kosen-rufu in our communities is the sacred task entrusted to us directly by the Daishonin, the Buddha of the Latter Day. That is why the wisdom and power of the Buddha to share the Law with many others flows vibrantly in our chapters, districts, and groups, which are striving in the same spirit as the Daishonin. There is absolutely no doubt that capable Bodhisattvas of the Earth will continue to joyously emerge, and that the heavenly deities will always staunchly protect us.
"The activities of SGI members everywhere and their sincere contributions to society are beacons of hope and reassurance for their local communities.
"Contribute to the enduring prosperity of your beautiful communities, through fostering harmonious relations, enjoying long, fulfilling lives, and bringing happiness to bloom."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Therefore when we speak of withdrawing or departing, it refers to a 'departure that is not a departure.'"
(Ongi kuden - Gosho Zenshu, page 719, The Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings, page 36)