Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"People don't always get the credit they deserve. Sometimes the efforts of those working behind the scenes are overlooked. But the Buddhist law of cause and effect that permeates life applies equally to all. Both good and bad causes return to the doer."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Whatever trouble occurs, regard it as no more than a dream, and think only of the Lotus Sutra."
(Letter to Brothers - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin,Vol.1, page 502)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"Life's victorious champions, cheerfully and calmly overcoming every obstacle.
"No plant grows in opposition to the laws of nature. Likewise, people grow and mature within human society. Through interacting with others, we are able to develop our character and fulfil our purpose in life. As Nichiren Daishonin writes: 'A person of wisdom is not one who practises Buddhism apart from worldly affairs but, rather, one who thoroughly understands the principles by which the world is governed' (WND-1, 1121). Buddhism does not exist apart from human society. A truly wise person, therefore, is one who thoroughly understands the ways of society, contributes to society, and succeeds in society."

--- 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. 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)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"A true lion, a person of genuine courage, stands up to those who use their authority to exploit or intimidate others. Mr. Toda was such a lion. In the course of our struggle -- which could also be described as a fierce battle for human rights here in Japan -- I always rushed to my mentor's side whenever he called me, even if it was the middle of the night. His tough yet compassionate training made me into the person I am. On his release from prison for his opposition to the demands of the all-powerful militarist authorities, Mr. Toda's health was seriously compromised, but his heart burned with even greater fervour than before. In the midst of adversity, he once said to me: 'I’m a lion. Daisaku, you're a lion, too. 'Lion' is a symbol for the oneness of mentor and disciple. Both the mentor and the disciple must boldly keep on winning.' I will never forget those words. They will always remain indelibly engraved in my heart. I have fought like a lion all my life. And I have won. I want the youth to fight like lions, too, and triumph in every struggle. I'm counting on you!"
"In the severe economic downturn the world is currently facing, it is all the more important for our members everywhere to bravely weather and triumph over every obstacle with the tremendous life-force of a charging lion."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Now, no matter what, strive in faith and be known as a votary of the Lotus Sutra, and remain my disciple for the rest of your life. If you are of the same mind as Nichiren, you must be a Bodhisattva of the Earth."
(The True Aspect of All Phenomena - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin,Vol.1, page 385)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

The sound of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is like the invincible roar of a lion or mentor and disciple in unison which leads to ceaseless victories. Brimming with strong life force, let's always take good care of our health, first and foremost, so that we can continually make great progress together. By chanting vibrant daimoku, let's rouse all the Buddhist gods*, the protective forces of the universe, into action!

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Be diligent in developing your faith until the last moment of your life. Otherwise you will have regrets."
(Letter to Niike - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 1027)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"New capable individuals are absolutely indispensable for opening the future of kosen-rufu."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"It is the heart that is important. No matter how earnestly Nichiren prays for you, if you lack faith, it will be like trying to set fire to wet tinder. 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 ----

The essential point of our Buddhist practice is to have person-to-person, one-on-one dialogue. Let's be proud of what we do and get involved on the forefront of activities. By chanting daimoku with strong faith and talking about this Buddhism and its humanism as much as we can, let's continue to advance cheerfully and confidently!

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Therefore, one should 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)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"The 'Emergence of the Treasure Tower' (11th) chapter of the Lotus Sutra states: 'If one can expound this sutra to even one person, that will be difficult indeed' (cf. LS11, 179). Genuine Buddhist practice lies in tirelessly reaching out to others in one-on-one dialogue; it is found in the effort to share the teachings of Buddhism with another person, to raise another in faith, and to make even one friend and ally. And there is no better place for carrying out these activities than in our groups and districts.

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"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

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"The renowned Australian nurse and physical therapist Elizabeth Kenny (1880-1952), who developed a groundbreaking treatment for the effects of polio, declared: 'It's better to be a lion for a day than a sheep all your life.'"

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Be diligent in developing your faith until the last moment of your life. Otherwise you will have regrets. For example, the journey from Kamakura to Kyoto takes twelve days. If you travel for eleven but stop with only one day remaining, how can you admire the moon over the capital?"
(Letter to Niike - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 1027)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"Kosen-rufu is the accumulation of countless small victories. Winning comes from steady and persistent efforts to take on immediate challenges. That is the way to establish a record of glorious victory."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"When I prayed for my mother, not only was her illness cured, but her life was prolonged by four years."
(On Prolonging One's Life Span - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 955)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"As the American author and social activist Helen Keller (1880-1968) wrote: 'When once we make up our minds to do this and set out fearlessly, all outward circumstances and limitations give way before us.'"

--- 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 sun rise 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

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"As the British essayist William Hazlitt (1778-1830) wrote: 'Hope is the best possession.' Buddhism is a source of hope."

--- 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 vibrant dynamism necessary for victory is born from our discussion meetings. Let's inspire each other with cheerful and powerful encouragement that gives people courage and confidence. Let's all stand up and strive together, and make the 80th anniversary of the Soka Gakkai's foundingthe greatest anniversary!

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Strengthen your faith day by day and month after month.Should you slacken in your resolve even a bit, devils willtake advantage."
(On Persecutions Befalling the Sage - The Writings ofNichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 997)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"The founder of the modern nursing profession, Florence Nightingale (1820-1910), remarked: 'Right is invariably well-being, or the road to it.' All of you are dedicating your lives to kosen-rufu, the path of the highest good. There is no life more admirable or happy. Nor is that happiness limited to this lifetime. You walk an indestructible path imbued with the four virtues of eternity, happiness, true self, and purity, a path of continual progress in rhythm with the Mystic Law, the ultimate law of the universe.
"Nightingale also noted: 'The world is what we have to mould, not to fly from.' We do not try to escape this world that is filled with sufferings, nor do we lament it. Through tirelessly challenging ourselves and taking positive action, we strive to build a new and better world day after day."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"But the rest of you should not be afraid. So long as you remain firm in heart, I am sure that the whole truth of the matter will become clear in the end."
(Reply to the Sages - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.2, page 831)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519) recorded the following fable in his notebooks. 'The cedar, arrogant by reason of its beauty, despising the plants which were round about it, caused them to be all removed from its presence, and then the wind, not meeting with any obstacle, tore it up by the roots and threw it on to the ground.' The moral of the story is that, like the cedar, the arrogant will come to ruin and those who isolate themselves from others will eventually fall. Working together with good friends is extremely important. Power is born from unity. And constructive action requires close interaction."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"A woman who embraces the lion king of the Lotus Sutra never fears any of the beasts of hell or of the realms of hungry spirits and animals."
(The Drum at the Gate of Thunder - The Writings ofNichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 949)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"Your situation at the outset is not what matters; hardship, in whatever form it takes, is just a springboard for triumph at the crucial stage of your life. To win with an invincible spirit that says, 'Watch what I do,' is truly the pride of Soka.
"Nichiren Daishonin praises his disciples Shijo Kingo and his wife Nichigen-nyo, who overcame harsh persecution and won brilliantly, telling them he was delighted to learn of their success (cf. WND-2, 730). Those who employ the strategy of the Lotus Sutra always triumph in the end."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Concerning the 'peaceful' practices of the Lotus Sutra of the Wonderful Law and the practices carried out by Nichiren and his followers now in the Latter Day of the Law, you should understand that, when one practises the Lotus Sutra under such circumstances, difficulties will arise, and these are to be looked on as 'peaceful' practices."
(Ongi kuden - Gosho Zenshu, page 750, The Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings, page 115)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"When things don't go as you expect, you must not let yourselves be defeated. Don't become discouraged. The struggles one goes through in one's youth are a precious treasure. It is only by taking on the challenges of the real world that you can build a deep, strong foundation for victory in life. Though you may stumble along the way, just pick yourself up again, plant your feet firmly on the ground, and make further powerful strides forward, aiming even higher than before. An ancient Chinese text says: 'It is like the case of a person who falls to the ground, but who then pushes himself up from the ground and rises to his feet again' (WND-1, 1108)."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"In the light of the above points, this shows, my followers, that you had better cut short your sleep by night and curtail your leisure by day, and ponder this! You must not spend your lives in vain and regret it for ten thousand years to come."
(The Problem to Be Pondered Night and Day - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 622)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

The essence of the Lotus Sutra is the spirit of' shakubuku' - sharing the philosophy of Nichiren Buddhism with others*. Let's muster up the courage to refute those beliefs and tenets that obviously misguide people to unhappiness and suffering, and speak out the truth confidently and with conviction! This is the great strength of the SGI.

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Rather than offering up ten thousand prayers for remedy, it would be better simply to outlaw this one evil."
(On Establishing the Correct Teaching for the Peace of the Land - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 15)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"History should serve as a guide to building a better future. And as the American civil rights activist Rosa Parks (1913-2005) once declared: 'The way we live now will affect the state of the world in the future.'"

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"A blue fly, if it clings to the tail of a thorough bred horse, 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

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"Beginnings are important. Everything is a learning opportunity. Please have the positive spirit to learn from each experience and advance energetically."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"It is the heart that is important."
(The Strategy of the Lotus Sutra - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 1030)