Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (1929-68), the American civil rights champion, said: 'Cowardice is a submissive surrender to circumstance.' In otherwords, we shouldn't be ruled by fear was his message. 'Courage,' he declared, 'is an inner resolution to go forward in spite of obstacles and frightening situations.'"

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"All disciples and lay supporters of Nichiren should chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo with the spirit of many in body but one in mind, transcending all differences among themselves to become as inseparable as fish and the water in which they swim."
(The Heritage of the Ultimate Law of Life - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 217)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"A Persian saying goes: 'A grateful dog is better than an ungrateful man.' Mr. Toda sternly warned against ingratitude. And the German philosopher Immanuel Kant (1724-1804) wrote: 'The devilish vices have a degree of wickedness that goes far beyond the human, and we include among them the following three: envy, ingratitude, and malice.'
"Kant was the philosopher whose writings Mr. Makiguchi read right up to hislast days in prison. Mr. Toda also frequently quoted Kant.
"Envy disrupts the harmonious body of practitioners. Ingratitude destroys the realm of Buddhism. When I stepped down as Soka Gakkai president (in1979), there were malicious forces that turned on us in enmity, resentful and envious of the astonishing growth the Soka Gakkai was achieving. A stern fate awaits the corrupt and degenerate. Those who look on silently and pretend not to see wrongdoing when it is being committed will regret their inaction forever.
"If our organisation is led astray by corrupt influences and loses the spirit of compassion and the spirit of mentor and disciple, it will no longer be a Buddhist organisation. This came close to happening once, and we must absolutely ensure that such a situation never arises again. I say this for the sake of the future.

--- 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)
"Let's move forwards with enthusiasm and energy! Nothing makes me happierthan seeing all of you in high spirits."

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"Just like we can't walk without legs, our organisation couldn't function without those who support it from behind the scenes. The most important and admirable of all are those who strive tirelessly on the front lines of our movement, the uncrowned champions who work for kosen-rufu at the grassroots level. I can never state this enough: leaders must never be arrogant."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"The greater the hardships befalling him, the greater the delight he feels, because of his strong faith."
(A Ship to Cross the Sea of Suffering - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin,Vol.1, page 33)

Daily Guidance

--- WORDS OF THE WEEK ---

Spring is the season for change for many people, such as graduation, a new school to go to, a new job or a transfer.* Let's give our warm support and encouragement to those who are about to make a new start. Together with our wonderful Soka family, wherever we might be, it is certain that it is the Land of Eternally Tranquil Light.
*In Japan, a new school year and fiscal year starts in April.

--- 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

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"In our discussion on the realm of the human heart (at the Seikyo Shimbun building in September 1997), Dr. Seligman, the well-known American psychologist and former president of the American Psychological Association, pointed to a vital ingredient in dealing with setbacks in our careers or lives, or coping with suffering. What do you think that ingredient is? [Called on to give their answer, several members in the audience respond individually, 'The heart,' 'Conviction,' 'Resilience,' and so on.] Good answers. You're all very insightful. Dr. Seligman's answer, however, was 'optimism.' He defined optimism as the conviction that though one may failor have a painful experience somewhere, sometime, one can take action to change things. He also described optimism as hope. In the same positive vein, Nichiren Daishonin writes: 'Winter always turns to spring' (WND-1,536). The Daishonin's Buddhism pulses with an invincible spirit of optimism.
"We all have the power to overcome the most daunting circumstances. This is something that I'd like you to reflect on deeply."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"In that case, I will by all means meet with you as soon as possible and talk with you directly. Words cannot all be set down in a letter, and a letter never adequately conveys one's thoughts, so I will stop for now."
(Encouragement to a Sick Person - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 82)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"To courageously take the initiative to reach out to others in dialogue; to speak to others openly and honestly from the heart-- such actions have the fundamental power to break through barriers of prejudice and misunderstanding."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Abutsu-bo is therefore the treasure tower itself, and the treasure tower is Abutsu-bo himself. No other knowledge is purposeful. It is the treasure tower adorned with the seven kinds of treasures-- hearing the correct teaching, believing it, keeping the precepts, engaging in meditation, practising assiduously, renouncing one's attachments, and reflecting on oneself."
(On the Treasure Tower - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 229)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"There is a treasured maxim in Malaysia that expresses an inspiring wisdom:“Hendak seribu daya, tak hendak seribu dalih. (When one truly seeks to achieve something, thousandfold power will arise; when one fails to do so, a thousand excuses will be found.)”
"In life, those who continue to seek and learn throughout their lives will always emerge victorious. It is a sad thing to give in to defeat."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"And could not this illness of your husband's be the Buddha's design, because the Vimalakirti and Nirvanasutras both teach that sick people will surely attain Buddhahood? Illness gives rise to the resolve to attain the way."
(The Good Medicine for All Ills - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 937)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"We can't start a fire from flint if we stop halfway. If we do, all of our efforts up to that point would have been in vain. Similarly, we will be defeated if our faith is half-hearted. So warns the Daishonin.
"'Have profound faith. A coward cannot have any of his prayers answered'(WND-1, 1001)-- this famous passage is from a letter the Daishonin wrote to Shijo Kingo. Faith is the highest form of courage and the highest form of good.

--- 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 secret to victory lies in deep and genuine unity that respects and treasures diversity. This is a point made by Nichiren Daishonin. Many otherwise figures throughout history, including the ancient Chinese general Zhuge Liang, have noted its importance. As the famous Malaysian proverb teaches us: 'Bersatu kita teguh, bercerai kita roboh. (Where there is unity there is strength, where there is division there is destruction.)'"

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"But now you must build your reputation on the Lotus Sutra and give yourself up to it."
(The True Aspect of All Phenomena - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 385)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"As the Daishonin says, it is the heart that is important. It's a matter of exerting millions of kalpas of effort in a single moment of life for the sake of Buddhism, for the noble cause of kosen-rufu. For us, not begrudging our life ultimately means steadfastly chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo without any fear, and wholeheartedly dedicating ourselves to showing actual proof of faith--for the sake of the world, for the sake of the future, and for the sake of others.
"Mr. Makiguchi described this as 'a selfless way of life of great good.' Such a way of life is characterised by overcoming both selfishness and fear, and striving for the happiness of both oneself and others. He explained:
"It is an ordinary way of life, a way of plain humanity -- such that anyone who consciously experiences it and comes to realise that it is universally accessible will feel an overwhelming desire to embrace it, and, indeed, will feel compelled to do so.
"Therefore, Mr. Makiguchi asserted that the Soka Kyoiku Gakkai (lit. Value-Creating Education Society; fore runner of the Soka Gakkai) 'was itself living proof of a life of great good.'
"In other words, selfless dedication is found in a seemingly ordinary way of life open to anyone. A true example of such dedication can be seen in our daily efforts for kosen-rufu, exerting ourselves body and soul to encourage others and sincerely sharing the greatness of Buddhism with those around us."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"When your beloved deceased father hears the sound of your voice chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, he will delight in his Buddhahood."
(White Horses and White Swans - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 1066)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"'Tricked by bait' is a metaphor for how human beings-- even though taking various measures and precautions to stay safe-- may be swept away by immediate desires or have a lapse of judgment due to narrow thinking, leading ultimately to their self-destruction. Sadly, this kind of human folly remains very much in evidence today.
"The Daishonin, therefore, counsels that rather than giving our life, our most valuable possession of all, for 'shallow, worldly matters,' we should dedicate it to: 'the Buddha's precious teachings.'
"Though we speak of 'not begrudging one's life,' the Daishonin's Buddhism is definitely not a teaching of reckless self-sacrifice or martyrdom. Mr. Makiguchi, Mr. Toda, and I-- the first three presidents of the Soka Gakkai-- have taken action with the resolve to advance kosen-rufu in such away that not a single member is sacrificed, and to willingly give our all towards that end."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"What can we say, then, of persons who are devoting themselves to Buddhism? Surely they should not forget the debts of gratitude they owe to their parents, their teachers, and their country."
(On Repaying Debts of Gratitude - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 690)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"For what purpose, then, should we use this life, which is irreplaceable? In 'Letter from Sado,' the Daishonin teaches that by dedicating our life to the practice of Buddhism we can attain Buddhahood. To underscore the profound significance of such dedication, he first cites the 'Medicine King' (23rd) chapter of the Lotus Sutra. He then points to the examples of the boy Snow Mountains and the ascetic Aspiration for the Law -- both of whom represent Shakyamuni Buddha in past existences when he was carrying out bodhisattva practise -- to clarify that striving with an ungrudging spirit is the key to accomplishing our Buddhist practice.
"Further, the Daishonin notes that those who are prepared to give their lives will not hesitate to part with any other treasure. He is in effect saying with strict compassion to those of his followers who trembled at the thought of being persecuted and suffering such terrible consequences as having their fiefs confiscated: 'Aren't these present persecutions we are facing an unparalleled chance to give our lives in exchange for Buddhahood? Since the goal of attaining that supreme state of life is just ahead, what can we possibly have to fear?'
"This passage also conveys an important spirit that offers lessons for us today. One of these lessons, as noted above, is that simply clinging to our life will not result in attaining genuine happiness. It is by establishing a fundamental purpose and pursuing the correct course in life--ready to face any hardship this might entail -- that enables us to experience a deep sense of joy and fulfilment. If we allow ourselves to be controlled by shallow desires and begrudge our lives at a crucial moment, then our hearts will wither and only misery and regret will await us."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Birds and crickets cry, but never shed tears. I, Nichiren, do not cry, but my tears flow ceaselessly. I shed my tears not for worldly affairs but solely for the sake of the Lotus Sutra."
(The True Aspect of All Phenomena - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 386)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"A Buddhist doesn't simply pray to win without making any effort. If that was Buddhism, it would only teach people to be lazy and corrupt.
"As a Soka Gakkai member you need to work harder than anyone else at your job and, in order to become as efficient and productive as possible, study and think hard. Faith and daimoku enable us to bring forth a strong life-force and the necessary wisdom to succeed in that endeavour. Every job demands not only hard work but also presents a variety of other challenges, such as human relations problems and other difficulties. But your job is a place where you can polish and perfect yourself as a person.
"It's very important to give it your full effort, become the top performer in your workplace, and to win the trust of those around you. This will improve your performance and reputation.... And if that were to occur, you would regard your workplace as the most optimum.
"During gongyo each morning, you should pray with determination to do your best at your job that day, become a victor in your workplace, and demonstrate the power of your Buddhist faith. That's the key to fully manifesting your greatest strength and wisdom.... That's the Soka Gakkai spirit."

--- 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 ----

For those fellow members who are struggling to overcome problems right now, let's give them all the encouragement we can, sharing with them just how great this Buddhism of the sun is. Let's also hold the type of discussion meeting where everyone feels inspired to take the initiative in the advancement of kosen-rufu, brimming with the spirit of March 16th, Kosen-rufu Day!

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"If in a single moment of life we exhaust the pains and trials of millions of kalpas, then instant after instant there will arise in us the three Buddha bodies with which we are eternally endowed. Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is just such a 'diligent' practice."
(Ongi kuden - Gosho Zenshu, page 790, The Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings, page 214)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"'The most dreadful things in the world are the pain of fire, the flashing of swords, and the shadow of death. Even horses and cattle fear being killed; no wonder human beings are afraid of death. Even a leper clings to life; how much more so a healthy person.' (WND-1, 301)
"-- by launching into the main body of this letter with these opening words, the Daishonin powerfully draws attention to the concerns that weigh on all people's minds.
"To fear death and cling to life is the way of living beings. 'The pain of fire' indicates accidents or natural disasters, while 'the flashing of swords' means violence or war. It's probably true that nothing is more frightening than the 'shadow of death,' or the prospect of one's own demise. This is as true for animals as it is for human beings. But if we do nothing but fear death and cling to life, we cannot savour a truly profound existence. Why are we born? What is the purpose of our lives? Why do we die? It is only by earnestly contemplating our own existence that we can lead a life of great depth and meaning."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Mugwort that grows in the midst of hemp, or a snake inside a tube [will as a matter of course become straight], and those who associate with people of good character will consequently become upright in heart, deed, and word."
(The Bodies and Minds of Ordinary Beings - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 1128)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"Of course it's important to chant daimoku and do your best in Gakkai activities. But if you only focus on your Buddhist practice without making an honest effort at your workplace, you're just escaping from reality. So long as you have that attitude, the results will be the same, no matter where you work.
"Mr. Toda used to say: 'In faith, do the work of one; in your job, do the work of three.' That's the way of life for Gakkai members. And Nichiren Daishonin writes: 'Regard your service to your lord as the practice of the Lotus Sutra' (WND-1, 905). In other words, regard your work as your practice of the Lotus Sutra and throw yourself into it wholeheartedly. When you strive to become the best person in your workplace and win the trust of your employer and fellow employees, while at the same time making an earnest effort to practise Buddhism, you'll grow as a person. That's what I did. I worked until midnight day after day in order to keep Mr. Toda's businesses running."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Bound as we common mortals are by earthly desires, we can instantly attain the same virtues as Shakyamuni Buddha, for we receive all the benefits that he accumulated. The sutra reads, 'Hoping to make all persons equal to me, without any distinction between us.'"
(Letter to the Sage Nichimyo - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 323)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"As the Great Teacher T'ien-t'ai wrote: 'No worldly affairs of life or work are ever contrary to the true reality' (WND, 905). Worldly affairs are in no way separate or divorced from Buddhism. That's why the thoughts and actions of leading figures from society often have so much in common with Buddhism."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"A sword is useless in the hands of a coward. 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, page 412)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

Our noble SGI friends from 60 different countries and regions are now here in Japan for a training course with great seeking spirits. United in heart and mind with them, let's strive together to achieve worldwide kosen-rufu, engaging in courageous and confident dialogue about the Mystic Law with as many people as we possibly can!

--- 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 ----

"Though having been regarded as something of an under achiever during his school days at Harrow, Winston Churchill (1874–1965), the wartime British prime minister, later returned to his alma mater as the nation's prime minister during World War II and appealed to its students: 'Never give in, never give in, never, never, never, never.' I have imparted these words to my beloved students of the Soka schools in the past. And the quote continues as follows: 'In nothing, great or small, large or petty-- never give in except to convictions of honour and good sense.'"

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"And now the place where Nichiren and his followers chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, 'whether... in mountain valleys or the wide wilderness' (chapter twenty-one, Supernatural Powers), these places are all the Land of Eternally Tranquil Light."
(Ongi kuden - Gosho Zenshu, page 781, The Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings, page 192)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"As the great champion of Indian independence Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948)once observed: 'A small body of determined spirits fired by an unquenchable faith in their mission can alter the course of history.'"

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Or again we may say that our head corresponds to myo, our throat to ho, our chest to ren, our stomach to ge, and our legs to kyo. Hence this five-foot body of ours constitutes the five characters of Myoho-renge-kyo."
(Ongi kuden - Gosho Zenshu, 716, The Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings, page 28)