Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"The Daishonin writes: 'It is the power of the Buddhist Law that enables the deities of the sun and moon to make their rounds of the four continents'(WND-1, 685). The entire universe moves in accord with the fundamental rhythm of the Mystic Law. By vibrantly chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo as we keep moving forwards and striving to surmount all hardships and problems that come our way, our lives fall in sync with the ultimate law of the universe.
"Just after being released from my unjust arrest in Osaka in 1957, I sent a letter to the members in Kansai, in which I wrote: 'Let's pledge to press ahead undaunted by any difficulty or setback. Life is a struggle to the very end.'
"Our times are growing more troubled day by day. Losing courage will only leave one at the mercy of ever-changing circumstances."

--- 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

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"In 'On Persecutions Befalling the Sage,' Nichiren Daishonin encourages his disciples, who were struggling amid the Atsuhara Persecution, not to be defeated by fear or terror in the face of the three obstacles and four devils. He urges them to be courageous in faith; otherwise, their lives will continue to be dominated by a state of Animality resembling that of 'a pheasant sighted by a hawk, or a mouse stalked by a cat' (WND-1, 998).
"The members of the Soka Gakkai, however, are a dauntless gathering of Buddhas. Uniting firmly with their mentor, they summon forth the courage of lion kings and forge ahead toward kosen-rufu. Not even the threats of the three powerful enemies can faze them."

--- 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' practise."
(Ongi kuden - Gosho Zenshu, page 790, The Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings, page 214)

Daily Guidance

--- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ---

What kind of results we will achieve in the future is determined by what causes we are making right now.* Let's take action now. Let's plant the seeds (for a successful future) now. This is the strategy for victory.
*"If you want to understand the causes that existed in the past, look at the results as they are manifested in the present. 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", WND-I, page 279

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"This is what the sutra means when it says, 'You should rise and greet him from afar, showing him the same respect you would a Buddha.' You should respect one another as Shakyamuni and Many Treasures did at the ceremony in the 'Treasure Tower' chapter."
(The Fourteen Slanders - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 757)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"My mentor Josei Toda explained the importance of courage in a way that was easy for all to understand: 'We ordinary mortals may find it difficult to be compassionate. But we can substitute courage for compassion -- the courage to help others, to do our human revolution, to advance kosen-rufu in Japan and around the world. That courage itself is equivalent to compassion.' Courage is the key to achieving any goal. No one can take our courage away from us."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"As practise progresses and understanding grows, the three obstacles and four devils emerge in confusing form, vying with one another to interfere... One should be neither influenced nor frightened by them."
(Letter to the Brothers - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 501)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"The section from the 'Expedient Means' (2nd) chapter of the Lotus Sutra that we recite during gongyo each morning and evening includes the phrase 'exerting oneself bravely and vigorously' (cf. LS2, 23). Shakyamuni uses this phrase in describing his practise in past lives to his disciple Shariputra. Later, in the 'Emergence of the Treasure Tower' (11th) chapter, Shakyamuni declares that all Buddhas will praise those who uphold and propagate the Lotus Sutra with 'valour' and 'diligence' amid great hardships in future ages after his passing (cf. LS11, 180-81).
"Exerting oneself bravely and vigorously -- with valour and diligence -- is the essence of Buddhist practise and the hallmark of the shared commitment of teacher and disciple."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Those who believe in the Lotus Sutra are as if in winter, but winter always turns to spring. Never, from ancient times on, has anyone heard or seen of winter turning back to autumn."
(Winter Always Turns to Spring - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 536)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"Live your life with prodigious courage and resolutely fulfil your personal mission.
"Alexander the Great (356-323 B.C.E.) firmly believed that there was' nothing impossible to true intrepidity.' A history of triumph begins from a courageous step forwards."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"When the skies are clear, the ground is illuminated. Similarly, when one knows the Lotus Sutra, one understands the meaning of all worldly affairs."
(The Object of Devotion for Observing the Mind Established in the Fifth Five-Hundred-Year Period after the Thus Come One's Passing - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 376)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"Expressions of gratitude can be looked upon as evidence of a person's way of life and philosophy. Those who do not allow themselves to become self-centred, who realise that every positive accomplishment is in part due to the support of others, naturally feel gratitude for the assistance they have received. In contrast, self-centred people who take the efforts of others for granted do not feel appreciative. They're always filled with complaints and dissatisfaction.
"Friendship is deepened by feeling grateful for another's support, expressing that feeling to others, and trying to reciprocate that support in some way."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"A hundred years of practise in the Land of Perfect Bliss cannot compare to the benefit gained from one day's practise in the impure world."
(On Repaying Debts of Gratitude - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 736)

Daily Guidance

--- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ---

All of our victories start by firstly winning over ourselves. That is what we practise this faith for, and that is why we set our minds on the spirit of' Oneness of Mentor and Disciple.' Let's all stand up now and strive to take courageous action!

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Single-mindedly chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo and urge others to do the same; that will remain as the only memory of your present life in this human world."
(Questions and Answers about Embracing the Lotus Sutra - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 64)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"The Danish philosopher Søren Kierkegaard (1813-55) wrote: 'Joy is infectious, and therefore no one is more capable of giving instruction on the subject of joy than he who himself is joyous.' If you brim with joy, it will be contagious. The joy of our Buddhist practise spreads out widely in great ripples."

--- 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 - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.2, page 811)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"Education will decide the future of humankind. Only education enables us to live properly, in a fully human way. Without sound education, evil will run rampant, the law of the jungle will prevail, and our society will become shallow and superficial, its values skewed by the pursuit of empty fame and popularity. This will lead to turmoil, suffering, and deadlock. In every age, sound education is absolutely crucial for the sake of society, the world, and people's happiness. Education is the springboard to happiness, to justice, and to peace.

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"This sutra is superior to all other sutras. It is like the lion king."
(The Sutra of True Requital - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 929)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"The Italian author Giovanni Boccaccio (1313-75) wrote: 'Among the virtues gratitude is in my judgment most especially to be commended, and ingratitude in equal measure to be censured.' I hope you will never become individuals who lack gratitude and appreciation. Nothing is more deplorable than ingratitude."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"If teacher and disciple are of different minds, they will never accomplish anything."
(Flowering and Bearing Grain - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 909)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"The German composer Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827) wrote this line that was his creed later in life: 'Out of suffering, joy.' These are very inspiring words. Everyone has problems. The important thing is not to allow problems to defeat us, but to use them instead as a springboard to help us forge a more expansive life-state.
"The Buddhism of Nichiren Daishonin teaches the principles that the sufferings of birth and death are none other than nirvana and that earthly desires are none other than enlightenment. Precisely because we experience sufferings, we can bring forth the life-state of Buddhahood."

--- 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, Vol.1, page 681)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"As the Chilean poet Gabriela Mistral (1889-1957) once wrote: 'Let us proclaim peace each day, wherever we are and wherever we go, until we can generate a movement towards creating peace.'"

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Hence, although the people might 'take sticks of wood or tiles and stones and beat and pelt him' (chapter twenty), he nevertheless persisted in his effort, 'preaching to them forcefully, though it angered them (Words and Phrases, volume ten), an action that arose from his feelings of pity and compassion. Since we are taught that the Buddha mind is a mind of great pity and compassion, a bow of obeisance is made in acknowledgement of this pity and compassion."
(Ongi kuden - Gosho Zenshu, page 769, The Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings, page 164)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"Life is a struggle. We must win, and win utterly and decisively, summoning our last ounce of strength for victory! We won't be able to keep on winning if we grow self-important and seek to leave all the hard work to others. Nor will we be able to achieve final victory in life if we forget our sense of gratitude and appreciation to others, lose sight of kosen-rufu and are defeated by the devilish functions of our inner negativity."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Is not a person of wisdom one who admonishes the ruler when the country is endangered or corrects others' mistaken views?"
(The Letter of Petition from Yorimoto - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 807)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"Since my youth, I have engraved in my heart countless meaningful passages that I have come across in my readings. I have deepened my real-life learning by earnestly pondering works of literature and world events. It is important to read good books and learn from wise and insightful individuals. Such efforts are vital if we are to truly fulfil our mission amid the often harsh realities of society.
"The Japanese novelist Shugoro Yamamoto (pen name of Satomu Shimizu,1903-67) wrote: 'A battle is a living thing, and victory or defeat is not known until the decisive moment. Being confident of victory is what decides victory. Those who are convinced they will triumph, do.' In the old days, everyone memorized famous passages like this that offer important lessons, even political leaders and educators would cite them."

--- 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 ----

"The great champion of Indian independence Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948) said: 'Your noble aspirations will assuredly be fulfilled. One who strives for good aims never strives in vain.' With a powerful resolve, we can open the way to realising our dreams. Moreover, we have the power of prayer. We can definitely succeed."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"But the ultimate teaching tells us that form and mind are not two things."
(Ongi kuden - Gosho Zenshu, page 708, The Record of Orally Transmitted Teachings, page 3)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"As John Dewey once wrote: 'Success means succeeding, getting forward, moving in advance. It is an active process, not a passive outcome.' This is identical to the spirit of the SGI. Though one may seem to have attained success for the moment, one will start to regress the instant one becomes careless and ceases making effort, beginning a slide towards defeat. As we all know, not advancing is retreating. Those who are continually pressing ahead are genuinely successful. Success, victory, and happiness are all to be found in moving forwards. Let's keep advancing with firm determination.

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Not once have I thought of retreat."
(The Great Battle - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin,Vol.2, page 465)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"An important reason why fighting against evil in Buddhism is a part of our Buddhist practise is that if we fail to do so, we become accomplices to evil. In relation to this frightening reality, the Daishonin cites the Great Teacher Nan-yüeh, who says that those who turn a blind eye to evil will fall into hell along with those people who actually commit that evil (WND-1,747). 'Failing to do good is the same as doing evil'-- this is the undying credo of Tsunesaburo Makiguchi, the founding president of the Soka Gakkai.
"Evil friends function to intensify others' ignorance or darkness-- that is, heighten the workings of the three poisons of greed, anger, and foolishness in their lives. That is the fearful nature of such negative influences. Allowing evil to go unchallenged, therefore, ultimately spells suffering and pain for many people. As long as Buddhism is a philosophy that teaches the inherent dignity of human life, it is crucial that its practitioners fight resolutely against those tendencies that promote disrespect for human life, discrimination, and the destruction of life."

--- 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 ----

"Although it may seem difficult to break away from conditions determined in history, people living today have absolutely no responsibility to burden themselves with the animosities of their forebears. When one person recognises the humanity of another, walls that may have been separating them crumble..."
"It is vital to look towards the future together with our fellow human beings instead of allowing ourselves to be held back by the past."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Life is the foremost of all treasures. It is expounded that even the treasures of the entire major world system cannot equal the value of one's body and life. Even the treasures that fill the major world system are no substitute for life."
(The Gift of Rice - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin,Vol.1, page 1125)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"With the Gohonzon that embodies the life of Nichiren Daishonin as our'reality' and faith in Nam-myoho-renge-kyo based on the Gohonzon as our 'wisdom' (in accordance with the principle of 'substituting faith for wisdom'), we can achieve the same state of fusion of reality and wisdom (or enlightenment) as the Buddha. All that we require is the strong faith to withstand and repel obstacles and devilish functions that are a manifestation of darkness or ignorance. All that we require is persistent faith that never wavers under any circumstances.
"Mr. Toda said: 'The Gohonzon [Nam-myoho-renge-kyo] is the fundamentalentity of life that powers change in the universe. By achieving the fusion of reality and wisdom in our lives [by chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo with faith in the Gohonzon], we can change our lives and bring forth benefit.'The beneficial power of the Gohonzon is infinitely profound and immeasurable. The Buddhist Law is eternal, boundless, and untrammelled. By chanting to the Gohonzon and taking action based on faith in the Mystic Law, we can bring this inexhaustible wisdom to well forth in our lives. Thus, there is no way that we can ever be truly deadlocked in life."

--- 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 ---

Just as the sun shines today again, let's also try to shine, doing our very best to achieve today's goals. Our earnest struggle and wholehearted effort to win in every single challenge that we take on will most definitely create a positive influence on others to also be victorious, with unstoppable momentum.

--- 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 ----

"To live in accord with this path of mentor and disciple is to lead an unsurpassed life committed to opening the way to peace and happiness for all humanity.
"To bring the 'nourishment of wisdom' and the 'moisture of compassion' to the 'parched fields' of people's lives that have been devitalised by greed, anger, and ignorance and restore them to 'lush green fields'--this is the vow of mentor and disciple in Buddhism. And in one respect, improving the human condition in this way could be called a fervent wish of all humankind."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Likewise, without tribulation there would be no votary of the Lotus Sutra."
(A Ship to Cross the Sea of Suffering - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 33)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"The most profound life is one that is dedicated to pursuing a shared ideal with one's mentor. The loftier the ideal, the more valuable and enduring a legacy such a life can create and leave behind.
"To realise happiness for oneself and others--this is the eternal ideal of all humankind. It represents the ultimate wisdom waiting to be found in the depths of each person's life. It is the genuine yearning that underlies all of life's workings. At the same time, there is no goal that is more difficult to achieve. This is because the dark clouds of ignorance and greed blanket our lives and obscure the sun of wisdom and idealism.
"The Buddhism of Nichiren Daishonin provides us with the philosophy and practise for realising genuine happiness for ourselves and others. Its driving spirit is to undertake this difficult challenge and never give up trying to achieve it. And the mentor-disciple relationship lies at the very heart of the human network and the united efforts that are so vital to succeeding in this endeavour."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"It is the heart that is important."
(The Strategy of the Lotus Sutra - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 1000)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"The 28th and final chapter of the Lotus Sutra is titled 'Encouragements of the Bodhisattva Universal Worthy' (Jpn. Fugen Bosatsu Kambotsu Hon). Here, the expression 'encouragements' (kambotsu) is written with two Chinese characters meaning 'to recommend' and 'to inspire.' We can interpret this to refer to recommending the Mystic Law to others and inspiring them to take faith in it. The Lotus Sutra thus concludes with encouragement.
"Encouragement is the starting point of our Soka movement. That is why our movement is so positive and upbeat. Encouragement based on the Mystic Law is the driving force for ongoing victory."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"You must be firmly resolved. Do not begrudge your fief; do not think of your wife and children. And do not depend on others. You must simply make up your mind."
(Reply to Yasaburo - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin,Vol.1, page 829)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"Our lives are 'treasure towers' of supreme and inviolable dignity. Whatever tribulations we face, we can turn everything negative into something positive and emerge triumphant, thereby changing poison into medicine. And by encouraging and supporting each other as friends in faith, we can speed our progress towards growth and victory."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Food has three virtues. First, it sustains life. Second, it enlivens the complexion. Third, it nourishes strength."
(On the Three Virtues of Food - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.2, page 1060)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

The Daishonin states,"Only by defeating a powerful enemy can one prove one's real strength."* Positively and courageously,l et's all advance together towards achieving victory, always remembering to be as bright and cheerful as we can.
* "Letter from Sado" - WND-I, page 302

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Nichiren's disciples, like Nichiren himself, should invariably practise the correct principles."
(On the Eighteen Perfections - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.2, page 909)