Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"In... The Eternal City by the British author Hall Caine (1853–1931), a tale about the lives and struggles of a group of young revolutionaries...we find the words: 'A throne broad-based on the love of the people [is] strong and right.' The people are the most important. A great path forward can only be opened if they are the foundation.
Nothing is more important than the people."Here's another passage from the novel: 'Initiators are always martyrs.' This is true of anyone who starts some great endeavour, who takes the lead--it was true of Mr. Makiguchi; it was true of Mr. Toda; and it's true of me, as well. A martyr is someone who refuses to think of his own comfort but gives his all for a cause he believes in-- and then is abused and persecuted as a result. I realised every single one of Mr. Toda's dreams and goals without the slightest exception.
That's one thing I wish to make perfectly clear."Throughout history, anyone who has tried to do good has been envied and attacked. It's a great crime to stand by silently and watch this taking place without speaking out to denounce it.
"Rossi was a young man of the strongest convictions: 'What a power in martyrdom! [The ancient] Roman Emperors, Roman ladies, Imperial people -- what were they now? Only dust and ashes. But the martyrs were alive!' Who cares about those whose greatness is only superficial or fleeting? It is the martyr --the person who is true to his beliefs no matter what--who is truly noble.."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"When you shake your head, your hair sways; when your mind begins to work, your body moves. When a strong wind blows, the grass and trees can no longer remain still; when the earth shakes, the seas are atremble. Thus if one can move Shakyamuni Buddha, the lord of teachings, can the grass and trees fail to respond, can the waters remain calm?"
(Concerning the Statue of Shakyamuni Buddha Fashioned by Nichigen-nyo - TheWritings of Nichiren Daishonin, Volume 2, page 811)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"A Venezuelan proverb holds that one cannot cross the ocean without first jumping in. Similarly, we can't attain our goals without taking the first step. Action is vital. Take that brave first step. Progress is victory."
My mentor Josei Toda offered this stern but compassionate guidance: 'Faith is not a matter of formalities. It is living each moment to the fullest.' He also said: 'At each moment, what is your intention, what action do you take, what action do you not take? Whether or not one attains Buddhahood is determined by the accumulated balance of all of these various thoughts and actions.'
What we do right now, at this moment, is what counts. By making the most of each moment and each day, we set ourselves on course to enjoy unsurpassed victory, fulfilment, and value each day of the year."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"The first shi of the word shishi, or 'lion' [which means 'teacher'], is the Wonderful Law that is passed on by the teacher. The second shi [which means 'child'] is the Wonderful Law as it is received by the disciples. The 'roar' is the sound of the teacher and the disciples chanting in unison."
(Ongi kuden - Gosho Zenshu, page 748, The Record of the Orally TransmittedTeachings, page 111)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"Particularly in the cold winter months, elderly members and those struggling with their health should not unduly push themselves to attend Gakkai activities. It is important to live wisely and not put yourself at unnecessary risk. Our own homes, where the Gohonzon is enshrined, can beconsidered as Eagle Peak -- a tranquil and shining Buddha realm. Even if you are unable to go out, you can still communicate with others by phone and other methods. It's quite possible to propagate the Law to the best of your ability while remaining at home. I'd like to reconfirm this point with all of you today."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"There is definitely something extraordinary in the ebb and flow of the tide, the rising and setting of the moon, and the way in which summer, autumn, winter, and spring give way to each other. Something uncommon also occurs when an ordinary person attains Buddhahood. At such a time, the three obstacles and four devils will invariably appear, and the wise will rejoice while the foolish will retreat."
(The Three Obstacles and Four Devils - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin,page 637)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"The Daishonin states: 'Saha means a world in which one must exercise forbearance and learn to endure' (OTT, 169). In such a world, stress is an inescapable part of life. But the Lotus Sutra teaches that this world is also a place where 'living beings enjoy themselves at ease' (LS16, 230). In other words, when we manifest the life-state of Buddhahood, this world of endurance becomes a place of happiness and joy."
Referring to this passage of the Lotus Sutra, Mr. Toda used to say: 'Human beings were born in this world to enjoy life, not to suffer.' If we chant vigorous daimoku and bring forth powerful life-force and rich wisdom, we will never be deadlocked. We can overcome all of life's challenges joyfully, like a surfer riding a wave. We can establish an unshakable life-state and existence of eternity, happiness, true self, and purity. That's the purpose of faith."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Myo means to revive, that is, to return to life."
(The Daimoku of the Lotus Sutra - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page149)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"Nichiren Daishonin writes: 'Though we may suffer for a while, ultimately delight awaits us' (WND-2, 882). It is by surmounting our difficulties and challenges that we are able to sing a song of triumph."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"And if you want to understand what results will be manifested in the future, look at the causes that exist in the present."
(The Opening of the Eyes - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 279)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

It is through chanting daimoku with a strong determination that we can nurture our relationships with other people we meet. It is through having courageous conversations with others that we can build better trust between them and ourselves. Now, let's all create great big waves of friendship!

--- 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,page 997)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

Mr Toda offered the following words of encouragement... 'Nothing is stronger than trust. To gain people's trust, you need to have strong life-force. Please break through every problem with strong faith and powerful life-force.' A person with strong life-force is happy and can overcome any hardship or difficulty. The key to winning the trust and confidence of your community is, fundamentally, having strong life-force."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"But although the three inherent causes, or potentials, of the Buddha nature are possessed by all beings, if such beings do not encounter the right conditions by meeting a 'good friend' or teacher, then they will not become awakened, they will not understand, their Buddha nature will not manifest itself."
(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, Volume 2, page 861)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"Let me share some of Mr. Toda's guidance with you now. The first is a remark he made at the start of a new year-- in 1957, five decades ago: 'Let us plant our feet firmly on the ground and live with brilliant hope. At the same time, let us strive to help others gain an equally solid footing in life and enjoy lives of bright hope.'
"I always made a point of carefully recording and preserving the guidance of my mentor."
Speaking to women's division members, Mr. Toda said: 'Just keep chanting earnestly and wholeheartedly to the Gohonzon. Most people aren't aware of this simple principle. It may seem like the long way around, but actually it's the shortest and surest way forwards.' These words have the gravity of a final injunction."
Mr. Toda also said that people who have battled serious illness really understand the profundity of life. How true this is. And how much more this applies to us who uphold the Mystic Law. We who chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo are profound philosophers and great victors, no matter how challenging the circumstances we face. We can transform our karma without fail. The four sufferings of birth, aging, sickness, and death are an inescapable part of life. The crucial thing is not to be defeated by these."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"If teacher and disciple are of different minds, they will never accomplish anything."
(Flowering and Bearing Grain - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 909)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"To joyfully give one's own time and resources for the sake of kosen-rufu is the noble behaviour of a bodhisattva. That spirit of faith is certain to manifest itself as infinite good fortune and benefit."

--- 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 NichirenDaishonin, page 622)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"'It is the heart that is important' (WND-1, 1000), writes the Daishonin. What matters is the spirit or determination we apply to the challenges before us. In the final analysis, it all comes down to the strict question of whether or not we truly have faith."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"My wish is that my disciples will be cubs of the lion king, never to be laughed at by the pack of foxes. It is hard to encounter a master like Nichiren, who since distant kalpas in the past down to the present day has never begrudged his body or life in order to expose the faults of his powerful enemies!"
(In the Continent of Jambudvipa - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Volume2, page 1062)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"I'm counting on you. The Daishonin states: 'If devils did not arise, there would be no way of knowing that this is the correct teaching' (cf. WND-1,501). There are bound to be daunting challenges along the path of kosen-rufu. But no matter what happens, you need never be afraid. A true victor is someone who struggles to the very end and wins."

--- 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 NichirenDaishonin, page 4)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"Premier Zhou Enlai (1898-1976) once said: 'Never fear adversaries. By battling against opposition, one can strengthen and develop oneself.'"

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"There are not two lands, pure or impure in themselves. The difference lies solely in the good or evil of our minds."
(On Attaining Buddhahood in This Lifetime - The Writings of NichirenDaishonin, page 4)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"In one of his plays, the French author Romain Rolland (1866-1944) has one character say to a youth: 'Grapple boldly with life, leap into the fray,' and 'Do not wait.' This is the same as the Gakkai spirit. The approach and attitude of all truly first-rate people resonates with those of the Gakkai."

--- 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, page832)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"No prayer to the Gohonzon goes unanswered. All struggles begin with prayer. There is no greater strategy than the Lotus Sutra. Daimoku is the sharp sword that can defeat all devilish functions. And a consistent practice of gongyo provides the momentum for carrying out the five eternal guidelines of the Soka Gakkai:
(1) Faith for a harmonious family
(2) Faith for each person to become happy
(3) Faith for overcoming obstacles
(4) Faith for health and long life
(5) Faith for absolute victory"

I will never forget my mentor Josei Toda's impassioned cry: 'Pray to be able to win for the sake of kosen-rufu. Chant resounding daimoku. Now, let's do gongyo together!' Gongyo is a lion's roar that signifies the voices of mentor and disciple chanting in unison. As such, when I am doing gongyo, my two great predecessors in kosen-rufu, President Makiguchi and PresidentToda, are right there with me. Every day, I invoke the resonant sound of daimoku, embracing each of my fellow members in my heart."
Let's embark joyously on the Year of Advancement and Victory, making a fresh start with a renewed attitude towards gongyo."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"If lay believers and their teacher pray with differing minds, their prayers will be as futile as trying to kindle a fire on water."
(The Eight Winds - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 795)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"In the Lotus Sutra, the bodhisattvas who are disciples of Shakyamuni Buddha pledge before him in a mighty lion’s roar to courageously 'travel here and there, back and forth through the worlds in the ten directions' (LS13, 193) in order to spread the Law in the evil age after his passing. Those who walk the correct path of mentor and disciple throughout their lives will know no impasse or stagnation. This is the essence of genuine victors in life -- people of profound spiritual depth, strength, and nobility."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"It has been twenty or more years now since I found myself in that situation and began the great battle. Not once have I thought of retreat."
(The Great Battle - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Volume 2, page 465)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"The sun of the New Year
rises undauntedlyin your hearts,
a symbol of your certain victory
in the coming year."
Admiring the sun rising on the first day of the New Year, a prayer blooms spontaneously in the heart -- this is surely an experience that has naturally emerged from the inner most depths of people's lives since time immemorial. Prayer is a sublime act unique to human beings. The great Russian author LeoTolstoy {1828-1910} said: 'Prayer is the act of instilling ourselves with goodness.'"
"Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism gives prayer a concrete form in the way of gongyo, a practice that is accessible to all people. Based on the ultimate and most profound law of life, it is a dynamic practice that is in no way separate from our daily reality."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"The place where the person upholds and honours the Lotus Sutra is the 'place of practice' to which the person proceeds. It is not that he leaves his present place and goes to some other place."
* The sole purpose of Buddhism, the sole purpose of the SGI, is to save people from suffering. The SGI is doing its utmost to bring happiness to humanity. It has no other reason for existing.
How praise worthy are the lives of those who strive toward that goal with the SGI! How noble
From the perspective of the true entity of all phenomena, the here and now is our true and eternal sphere of activity. It is the actual stage on which we perform our missions. "There is no need," the Daishonin writes, "to leave this place and go elsewhere" (Gosho Zenshu, 781).
Even difficult situations, the kind we can only ascribe to our negative karma, are precious, never-to-be-repeated opportunities to fulfil our original mission.
In that respect, those who understand the wisdom of the true entity of all phenomena can transform any kind of karma into a radiantly brilliant mission. When you are absolutely confident of this, you will be filled with hope. Every person and every experience you encounter will become a precious and unique treasure.
(The Wisdom of the Lotus Sutra, Volume 1, page 190)
(Ongi kuden - Gosho Zenshu, page 781, The Record of the Orally TransmittedTeachings, page 192)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"Ideally, we should begin New Year's Day by offering warm wishes to our loved ones at home, promising to support each other and pray for the health and welfare of the household. That's a good way to start the year, don't you think? If, on the other hand, you begin New Year's morning by saying, 'Get up, you're oversleeping! Do you intend to skip gongyo this morning and just get by with chanting three daimoku?!' It's likely to lead to a quarrel. Of course, life's a drama, so maybe it's better to have some excitement at home every now and then! Anyway, let's all advance in high spirits in 2007."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"It is the heart that is important."
(The Strategy of the Lotus Sutra - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page1000)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"The ancient Chinese philosopher Hsün-tzu (or Xunzi), who lived during the intellectual and political tumult of the Warring States period, emphasized the importance of effort, asserting that through persistent effort, we can elevate ourselves to an unlimited degree."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Though I may be a person of little ability, I have reverently given myself to the study of the Mahayana. 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 - TheWritings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 17)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"Some people, while they may at one point have exerted themselves in faith wholeheartedly, end up defeated by persecution or succumbing to selfishness and arrogance and giving up completely. Nichiren Daishonin writes: 'To accept is easy; to continue is difficult. But Buddhahood lies in continuing faith' (WND-1, 471).
Perseverance is crucial in faith. It's the source of real strength and the key to achieving our great objective."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Therefore, you must summon up the great power of faith more than ever. Do not blame the heavenly gods if you exhaust your good fortune and lose their protection.."
(The Strategy of the Lotus Sutra - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page1000)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"The daimoku we chant is not just simply for our own security and protection, but daimoku for achieving kosen-rufu -- the true peace and happiness for all people -- and for combating evil and injustice. Ultimately, no matter how much daimoku we may chant, unless we take concrete action -- actively fighting against the three obstacles and four devils and refuting slander and abuse directed at us as votaries of the Lotus Sutra -- wewill not be able to gain enlightenment. As the Daishonin says: 'To hope to attain Buddhahood without speaking out against slander is as futile as trying to find water in the midst of fire or fire in the midst of water' (WND-1, 747)."

--- 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, page 681)