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)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"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

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"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

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

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

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

""...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

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"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

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"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

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"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

--- 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 ENCOURAGEMENT ----

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

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"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

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"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

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"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

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"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

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"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

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"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)