Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"French writer André Malraux (1901-76) said: 'Glory acquires its supreme brilliance through insult.' Champions of justice and humanity always face criticism and abuse. If they don't, they are not the genuine article; they are not true leaders. Authentic champions remain unperturbed by all slurs and defamations, fight on resolutely, and achieve victory. Mirroring Malraux's assertion, the magnificent glory of the Soka Gakkai lies in the fact that it continues to press forwards in the face of persecution and insult.

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

If Nichiren's compassion is truly great and encompassing, Nam-myoho-renge-kyo will spread for ten thousand years and more, for all eternity, for it has the beneficial power to open the blind eyes of every living being in the country of Japan, and it blocks off the road that leads to the hell of incessant suffering.
(On Repaying Debts of Gratitude , Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Page736)

Daily Guidance

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"In his 'Twenty-six Admonitions,' Nikko Shonin says: 'You should revere a teacher of the Law who engages in its propagation as a sacred priest, even though he may be your junior' (GZ, 1618). In other words, the spirit of Nichiren Buddhism is to accord the highest respect to those who strive to spread the Daishonin's teachings. The greatest champions are those who excel in propagation."

--- 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.
(Gosho: On Establishing the Correct Teaching for the Peace of the Land, The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Pg 17.)

Daily Guidance

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"As the Daishonin promises: 'Where there is unseen virtue, there will be visible reward' (WND-1, 907). The inconspicuous efforts of those striving earnestly for kosen-rufu are guaranteed to blossom into tremendous benefits. This accords with the strict law of cause and effect functioning in all life as taught in Buddhism."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"This is what I have taught my disciples morning and evening, and yet they begin to harbour doubts and abandon their faith. Foolish men are likely to forget the promises they have made when the crucial moment comes."
(The Opening of the Eyes - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol. 1, page 283)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"...you must never think that you are privileged in any way. People who succumb to that delusion always end up regressing in life and in faith.
"Instead of concerning yourselves with becoming successful or important, I hope you will strive your hardest behind the scenes and continue to exert yourselves fully for kosen-rufu. If you polish your abilities, you'll naturally come to shine. Mr. Toda did not ask us to become professional clergy. Rather, he called on youth to become leaders who are dedicated to working for the benefit of society. By that, he meant that we should become leading figures in various fields and not restrict ourselves to the realm of religion. The spirit of Buddhism is not narrow or restrictive; its aim is to establish peace and happiness for all humankind."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Because of karma accumulated in the past, we have been born in a land where the Buddhist Law is propagated."
(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 861)

Daily Guidance

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"It is essential that you all work together well. Throughout human history, this has been and will remain the key to victory.
"In the words of the South American liberator Simón Bolívar (1783-1830): 'United, we will be invincible.'"

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Arouse deep faith, and diligently polish your mirror day and night. How should you polish it? Only by chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo."
(On Attaining Buddhahood in This Lifetime - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol. 1, page 4)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"The Daishonin writes: 'An enemy will try to make you forget the danger so that he can attack' (WND-1, 952), and 'The protection of the gods depends on the strength of one's faith' (WND-1, 953). Precisely when we are moving forwards vigorously, we must be careful not to grow negligent or complacent. Arrogance and recklessness put us off guard. The Daishonin urges: 'Be millions of times more careful than ever' (WND-1, 839). That is his solemn advice.
"Faith is a struggle between the Buddha and devilish functions. If we let down our guard or are the least bit careless, we risk being overrun and defeated by negative forces. That's why it's crucial for us to have strong faith and keep working at strengthening it without cease. Acting with wisdom based on such faith is the key to victory."

--- 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, Vol. 1, page 412)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"The American writer and social activist Helen Keller (1880-1968) once wrote: '[Our] more enduring joys are born of an unselfish purpose to serve others and create new life in the world.'"

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Gold can be neither burned by fire nor corroded or swept away by water, but iron is vulnerable to both. A worthy person is like gold, a fool like iron."
(The Heritage of the Ultimate Law of Life - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol. 1, page 217)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"In his letter "The Strategy of the Lotus Sutra", the Daishonin lists three reasons why Kingo triumphed in his recent skirmish. The first is 'usual prudence.' In other words, staying alert, taking careful precautions, paying close attention to what's happening, and never slackening for a moment in any of those efforts. The second is 'courage.' Namely, the courage to deal calmly with any crisis, along with the wisdom that derives from such courage. And third is 'firm faith in the Lotus Sutra.' That is to say, the strong resolve to maintain steadfast faith in the Mystic Law, no matter what happens. This is the foundation for everything else. Because, ultimately, prudence and courage derive from faith.
"Of course, it is a mistake to think that everything will somehow work out okay just because we're practising the Daishonin's Buddhism. Indeed, precisely because we are practising the Daishonin's Buddhism, it is vital that we be strongly determined to prevent accidents at all costs and keep devilish forces from taking advantage."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"There are six causes of illness: (I) disharmony of the four elements; (2)improper eating or drinking; (3) inappropriate practise of seatedmeditation; (4) attack by demons; (5) the work of devils; and (6) theeffects of karma."
(On Curing Karmic Disease - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol. 1, page631)

Daily Guidance

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"The purpose of faith is to make our hearts strong and steadfast -- that is, to develop inner strength and conviction. Everything depends on our minds, our hearts. The ultimate conclusion of Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism is summed up in the words: 'It is the heart that is important' (WND-1, 1000).
"Buddhism is win or lose. It is a struggle between enlightenment and ignorance. Kosen-rufu is a battle between the Buddha and devilish functions. Our heart or mind is what decides our victory or defeat in all things. Spiritual victors can lead lives that are not defeated by anything. The secret to adorning our lives with brilliant victory is the 'strategy of the Lotus Sutra.'"

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Therefore, wherever we dwell and practise the single vehicle, that place will be the Capital of Eternally Tranquil Light."
(Reply to Sairen-bo - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol. 1, page 313)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

Youth, use your enthusiasm and conviction to conquer all the obstacles that confront you, and courageously open up a new path to victory. That is the very mission that our youth must fulfil."We will definitely be victorious no matter how difficult the situation might be," having such a strong decisive spirit, be determined to assume the full responsibility for achieving kosen-rufu!

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Even when Jakusho and other priests set out from Japan to take some sutras to China, no one was found there who could embrace these sutras and teach them to others. It was as though there were only wooden or stone statues garbed in priests' robes and carrying begging bowls."
(On the Buddha's Prophecy - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol. 1, page401)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"No life is completely smooth sailing. In fact, life is a series of hardships. We surmount such difficulties by awakening to our true mission, and such awareness gives birth to hope."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

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

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"The most profound and wonderful teaching will remain incomprehensible if one presents it in obscure language. To do so is self-indulgent, arrogant, and lacking in compassion. It is an insult to one's audience. The essential spirit of Buddhism is to communicate in a way that everyone can understand. The Soka Gakkai has inherited this spirit and is continually striving to present the Daishonin's Buddhism in a clear and lucid form to people today.

"Making an effort to really reach others' hearts -- this is the manifestation of compassion and the epitome of wisdom. Such effort shines with warm humanity."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"And even those with profound faith do not reproach the enemies of the Lotus Sutra. However great the good causes one may make, or even if one reads and copies the entirety of the Lotus Sutra a thousand or ten thousand times, or attains the way of perceiving three thousand realms in a single moment of live, if one fails to denounce the enemies of the Lotus Sutra, it will be impossible to attain the way."
(Encouragement to a Sick Person - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 78)

Daily Guidance

--- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ---

Dedicating ourselves to activities for the sake of kosen-rufu, let's always take the very best possible care of our health. Let's try to head for home as early as possible (in the evenings) so that we can avoid getting too exhausted or overtired. Let's be good examples of people who live wisely by practicing the principle of "Faith Equals Daily life".

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Just as flowers open up and bear fruit, just as the moon appears and invariably grows full, just as a lamp becomes brighter when oil is added, and just as plants and trees flourish with rain, so will human beings never fail to prosper when they make good causes."
(The Third Day of the New Year - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol. 1,page 1013)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"The 18th-century English poet Robert Blair wrote: 'Those only are the brave that keep their ground, and keep it to the last.'"

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"You will grow younger."
(The Unity of Husband and Wife - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol. 1,page 464)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"The noted British historian Arnold J. Toynbee (1889-1975) was very fond of the words of the ancient Greek dramatist Aeschylus: 'Wisdom comes alone through suffering.' This is quite similar to the Buddhist principle of problems or sufferings leading to enlightenment. The more we sincerely chant and grapple with problems for the sake of Buddhism and the happiness of others, the greater the wisdom that will well forth in our lives."

--- 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 ----

"How can we overcome the endless succession of trials that beset us in life? Our existence in this world is an unceasing battle of wits against a stream of never-ending challenges.
"In The Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings, Nichiren Daishonin states: 'Wisdom is Nam-myoho-renge-kyo' (OTT, 54). As practitioners of the Mystic Law, we can limitlessly tap from within our lives the Buddha wisdom for overcoming all hardships and sufferings.
"My mentor, second Soka Gakkai president Josei Toda, declared: 'Faith in the Mystic Law is a treasure-house of wisdom. Our minds exist to be used for our success. The 'wisdom of the truth that functions in accordance with changing circumstances' (cf. OTT, 3) should flow forth without bound.'
'My friends,

boldly take on the raging,
crashing waves and
raise high the banner of wisdom.'"

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

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

Daily Guidance

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"A coward cannot engage in genuine dialogue. Dialogue requires courage. Dialogue is the glorious path chosen by champions."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"In the same way, to forget the original teacher who had brought one the water of wisdom from the great ocean of the Lotus Sutra and instead follow another would surely cause one to sink into the endless sufferings of birth and death."
(The Essentials for Attaining Buddhahood - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol. 1, page 747)

Daily Guidance

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"The Russian author Leo Tolstoy (1828-1910) observed insightfully: 'Wisdom is limitless, and the closer you approach it, the more important it becomes for your life. A person can always improve himself.' Life is an unending quest for truth and an unending journey of self-improvement. We always need to keep challenging ourselves afresh. That is why we must also always remember our original aspiration."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"In this age as well, it is not one's allies but one's powerful enemies who assist one's progress."
(The Actions of the Votary of the Lotus Sutra - The Writings of NichirenDaishonin, Vol. 1, page 770)

Daily Guidance

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"Tolstoy writes: 'A good person is more concerned about doing what he should do than about what will happen to him.' To be determined to fulfil one's responsibility, to do what needs to be done, no matter what the situation -- this is the spirit of leaders who are always victorious."

--- 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, page283)

Daily Guidance

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"In all times and places, ingratitude has been abhorred. This is a fact of history. The ancient Roman philosopher Seneca denounced ingratitude as the worst of all crimes. Things start falling apart when we forget our debts of gratitude. Ingratitude was at the heart of the actions of all those who abandoned their faith and betrayed the Soka Gakkai."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Each of you should summon up the courage of a lion king and never succumb to threats from anyone. The lion king fears no other beast, nor do its cubs."
(On Persecutions Befalling the Sage - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin,Vol. 1, page 997)