Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"As the Russian writer Leo Tolstoy (1828-1910) wrote: 'We live for ourselves only when we live for others.' True vibrancy and joy in life are found in interacting with others and in our activities for kosen-rufu."

--- 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, Vol. 1, page 622)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"As one's work schedule increases, it becomes even more important to find ways to get proper rest and nutrition and to make efforts to exercise and stay well. Each person is fully responsible for managing their own health."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"To give another analogy, plants and trees are withered and bare in autumn and winter, but when the sun of spring and summer shines on them, they put forth branches and leaves, and then flowers and fruit."
(The Daimoku of the Lotus Sutra - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 146)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"The thorny path of kosen-rufu can only be opened by fearless individuals willing to dedicate their lives and pour their hearts into the effort, no matter how severe the circumstances might be.... In the light of the Lotus Sutra and Nichiren Daishonin's writings, those who dedicate their lives to Buddhism will attain an eternally sublime life-state of absolute happiness. There is no sacrifice in Buddhism."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"... or one may simply chant the daimoku, Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, only once aday, or chant it only once in the course of a lifetime; or hear someone else chant it only once in a lifetime and rejoice in the hearing, or rejoice in hearing the voice of someone else rejoice in the hearing, and so on in this manner to the fiftieth hearer."
(The Recitation of the "Expedient Means" and "Life Span" Chapters - TheWritings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol. 1, page 68)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"As the French writer Victor Hugo (1802-85) observed: 'The rising generation is the future. You instruct it, so you prepare the future.' Fostering young people is the way to make the current of humanity and peace grow into a mighty river that will endure forever."

--- 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 ----

"Genuine trust is not gained because of one's rank or social position. It is won through character. Character has the power to bring people together."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"So long as one maintains firm faith, one is certain to receive the great protection of the gods. I say this for your sake. I know your faith has always been admirable, but now you must strengthen it more than ever."
(The Supremacy of the Law - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol. 1, page614)

Daily Guidance

--- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ---

March, the month of growth (Yayoi), has arrived. Brimming with a youthful and vibrant spirit, let's all initiate the action needed to develop new friendships with as many new people as we possibly can. The more people we help to make a connection with Buddhism and its philosophy, the more our own life condition will expand!

--- 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 ----

"Let me return to Zhuge Liang, the Chinese military strategist (181-234), who is portrayed in the Romance of the Three Kingdoms... He said: 'A strong fighter is never angry, and a victor is never afraid.' Expert fighters don't let their emotions run away with them. They value their allies, and face their opponents with resolve and courage. This is the key to victory."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"One accepts because of one's power of faith and continues because of one's power of constant thought."
(The Difficulty of Sustaining Faith - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin,Vol. 1, page 471)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"The Italian author Edmondo De Amicis (1846-1908), in his immensely popular children's novel Cuore (Heart), asserts that even the most illustrious individual is but 'a vile creature' if he brings grief to his mother. This is absolutely true. We must all treasure our mothers. No matter how high someone might rise as a leader, politician, or celebrity, if they don't treasure their mother, protect her, and make her proud of them, they are the lowest of the low."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Neither non-Buddhists nor the enemies of Buddhism can destroy the correct teaching of the Thus Come One, but the Buddha's disciples definitely can. Asa sutra says, only worms born of the lion's body feed on the lion."
(Letter from Sado - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol. 1, page 302)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"As President Toda used to say. 'Always be sure to praise those members who have fought with all their might.' To praise those who strive for kosen-rufu is to praise the emissaries of the Buddha."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"The aspiration for enlightenment in common mortals is often hindered by evil influences and easily swayed by circumstances; though many warriors don armour, few go without fear into battle."
(The Fourteen Slanders - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol. 1, page758)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"A Korean proverb says, 'Close neighbours are like cousins.' It is incredibly important, both in our local communities and in international society, to get along well with our neighbours. We need to make a sincere and open-hearted effort to really get to know each other, to truly talk to each other and forge ties of friendship. This friendship is the first step towards the goal of world peace."

--- 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 ofNichiren Daishonin, Vol. 1, page 64)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"I’d like to share with you some words of the great Chinese military strategist Zhuge Liang (181-234), who is portrayed in the Romance of the Three Kingdoms.
"'Though you may be treated with deference, never become conceited.' This is a lesson that top leaders, in particular, must reflect on every day.
"'Though you may be entrusted with authority, never become dictatorial.' In other words, you must always seek out the counsel and opinions of others, and not become autocratic and overbearing.
"'Never try to hide the help you receive from others.' And likewise, never forget to have appreciation for those who lend you their support and assistance.
"There have been many times when a single young women's or women's division member has protected the Soka Gakkai. I'll never forget the profound debt we owe to these precious individuals."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Thoughtful persons should therefore realise that I have met these trials for their sake. If they were people who understood their obligations or were capable of reason, then out of two blows that fall on me, they would receive one in my stead. But far from it -- rather, they arouse hatred towards me, which is something I cannot understand."
(Reply to Yasaburo - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol. 1, page 828)

Daily Guidance

--- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ---

Our "Mothers of Kosen-rufu" are the very pride of the SGI. It is because of their selfless dedication that the SGI has been able to develop so outstandingly. Let's make sure to show our utmost respect and appreciation to our Women's Division members whose spirit is to uphold justice and to encourage us all to work together in harmony.

--- 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 ----

"The first thing Mr. Makiguchi did on arriving at the meeting place was to greet the host family with a warm smile and sincerely thank them for opening their homes. When we're making use of someone's precious home, it's only natural that we show them the greatest courtesy. We must be sure to show our appreciation in tangible ways. Despite various personal circumstances and situations, these families are kindly allowing us to use their homes for meetings.... We need to behave with the utmost respect and courtesy so that members will be glad to welcome us into their homes. We should also offer to tidy up after the meeting, being more careful and particular than if it were at our own home."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"And even more valuable than reason and documentary proof is the proof of actual fact."
(Three Tripitaka Masters Pray for Rain - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin,Vol. 1, page 599)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"Mr. Toda declared: 'If you summon the immense power of faith and generate the tremendous power of practise in your chanting and efforts to share Buddhism with others, the supreme power of the Buddha and power of the Law cannot fail to appear.'"

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"In these circumstances, your letter was particularly welcome. It seemed almost like a message from Shakyamuni Buddha or from my departed parents, and I cannot tell you how grateful I was."
(The Actions of the Votary of the Lotus Sutra - The Writings of NichirenDaishonin, Vol. 1, page 779)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"As the Japanese entrepreneur and diplomat Eiichi Shibusawa (1840-1931) said: 'Treating others with sincerity and honesty has the miraculous abilityto inspire them.' Sincerity has the power to move people's hearts."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"When one comes to the end of one's good fortune, no strategy whatsoever avails. When one's karmic rewards are exhausted, even one's retainers no longer follow one."
(The Strategy of the Lotus Sutra - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 1000)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"Mr. Toda said: 'Kosen-rufu doesn't advance through organisational power, but through the power of individuals with strong faith.'"

--- 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. From the time you read this letter on, strive to accumulate the treasures of the heart!"
(The Three Kinds of Treasure - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol. 1,page 851)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"First Soka Gakkai President Tsunesaburo Makiguchi said of Buddhist faith :'Religion can only be understood through experience.' And: 'In order to learn to swim, you have to jump into the water. You can't learn to swim by paddling on the floor of your room, no matter how long you practise. You need to have the courage to actually try it out.'"

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"If you propagate it, devils will arise without fail. If they did not, there would be no way of knowing that this is the correct teaching."
(Letter to Brothers - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol. 1, page 501)

Daily Guidance

----- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"Encouraging others in faith requires an earnest, all-out effort. It entails a powerful interaction on the dimension of life itself, invoking the dynamics of the 'three thousand realms in a single life-moment' of each person. It is a dedicated challenge in which we polish our own lives so that we can consolidate our Buddhahood, while seeking to elevate the lives of our friends so they may do the same."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"One never in any way disobeys a parent; is always mindful of providing a parent with all manner of good things, and if this happens to be impossible, in the course of a day one at least smiles twice or thrice in their direction."
(The Four Virtues and the Four Debts of Gratitude - The Writings of NichirenDaishonin, Vol. 2, page 636)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"The Great Teacher Dengyo of Japan defined the true meaning of 'a treasureof the nation' at the start of his Regulations for Students of the Mountain School, a writing that he presented to the imperial court. The famous passage reads: 'What is the treasure of the nation? A mind that seeks the way is a treasure; those who possess this seeking mind are the treasure of the nation.'
"'Seeking mind' here means a seeking spirit towards the Buddha way, the Mahayana bodhisattva spirit of dedicating oneself to the welfare of all people. In other words, such things as the wealth, social position, or power a person possesses are not true treasures; the ultimate treasure is the spirit to take action for others out of a desire for their happiness."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"And I may add that, although parents may give birth to a child who is endowed with both sight and hearing, if there is no teacher to instruct that child, then its eyes and ears will be no better than those of an animal."
(An Outline of the "Entrustment" and Other Chapters - The Writings ofNichiren Daishonin, Vol. 1, page 914)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"Shinichi's feelings were perfectly reflected in the words of the French author Victor Hugo (1802-85): 'We who believe, what can we fear? There is no backward flow of ideas any more than of rivers.'"

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Aside from these people, there are also those who appeared to believe in me, but began doubting when they saw me persecuted. They not only have forsaken the Lotus Sutra, but also actually think themselves wise enough to instruct me."
(Letter from Sado - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol. 1, page 306)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"Believing in the Gohonzon means believing that the supremely noble state of life manifested by the Daishonin also exists within our own lives. This means persevering in faith and practise as a votary of the Lotus Sutra, just as the Daishonin did. Only by striving in faith with the same spirit that he teaches can we vanquish the ignorance or darkness that clouds our lives."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Those who uphold this sutra should be prepared to meet difficulties."
(The Difficulty of Sustaining Faith - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin,Vol. 1, page 471)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"Naturally, 'in one's present form' doesn't mean attaining Buddhahood while wallowing in suffering or surrendering to indolence. A struggle to transform the moment-to-moment focus of our minds is required. Nichiren Daishonin revealed the Gohonzon, the object of devotion, so that anyone can undertakethis struggle.
"The Daishonin gave expression to the supreme state of life he had attained, by inscribing it in the form of the Gohonzon. Those who chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo with faith in this Gohonzon can break through the darkness or ignorance that shrouds their lives and bring forth from within the state of Buddhahood that is one with the Mystic Law."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"There are three categories of people that all human beings should respect. They are the sovereign, the teacher, and the parent."
(The Opening of the Eyes - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol. 1, page220)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"...the important thing is faith. The more we deepen our faith, the more ourl ives will be dyed with the hues of Buddhahood. To illustrate this, the Daishonin cites the words of the Great Teacher T'ien-t'ai of China: 'From the indigo, an even deeper blue.'
"The leaves of the indigo plant are a green colour with a faint bluish tint. But if something is soaked many times in the dye extracted from these leaves, it will become a deep, vibrant blue. Our practise for attaining Buddhahood in this lifetime is the same. The Lotus Sutra that expounds this principle can be likened to the leaves of the indigo plant, while practising the Daishonin's Buddhism can be likened to being repeatedly soaked in the dye produced from these leaves. In other words, in the Daishonin's Buddhism, when we deepen our faith through hearing the teachings and strive ever harder in our Buddhist practise, we can manifest our Buddhahood in our actual lives and attain enlightenment in this existence.
"The purpose of studying the Daishonin's writings is not only to understand the Daishonin's spirit and deepen our own faith, but, by learning about the profound principles of Buddhism, to gain the solid conviction that hope and peace reside within our hearts, and to strive earnestly for the happiness of ourselves and others. It is also to summon the courage to challenge difficulties by learning from the example of the Daishonin who triumphed over enormous trials and obstacles. This is the key to practical Buddhist study -- study that we can apply to our daily lives. Let us always bear this deeply in mind."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Snow is the ultimate in whiteness; no dyeing will make it any other colour. Lacquer is the ultimate in blackness; it will never become white."
(Snow and Lacquer - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol. 2, page 675)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"Attaining Buddhahood in one's present form is not about acquiring some kind of special, super human qualities, but rather it means achieving as ordinary human beings an eternal and boundless state of life characterised by the virtues of eternity, happiness, true self, and purity.
"The benefits and blessings of the Mystic Law are immeasurable. All life --no matter in which of the Ten Worlds it may reside -- is originally an entity of the Mystic Law. Therefore, even if at present we are in a state of Hell, by changing our mind-set or focus at that moment, we can immediately manifest our pure and highest state of life as entities of the Mystic Law. This is what it means to attain Buddhahood in one's present form."

--- 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 ----

"'Strive even more earnestly in faith,' says the Daishonin to the lay nun Ueno. 'One who... makes even greater efforts in faith is a true seeker of the way' (WND-1, 457)."
The Daishonin explains such profound principles as 'attaining Buddhahood in one's present form' and 'hell is itself the Land of Tranquil Light' to help his disciples deepen their faith. Buddhism is not a game of words or concepts."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Many hear about and accept this sutra, but when great obstacles arise, just as they were told would happen, few remember it and bear it firmly in mind. To accept is easy; to continue is difficult. But Buddhahood lies in continuing faith."
(The Difficulty of Sustaining Faith - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin,Vol. 1, page 471)

Gong Xi Fa Cai!!!

Daily Guidance

--- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ---

It is not "someone else" that will do it!
It's up to us to open up a path.
It's up to us to raise and foster capable people.
Through chanting daimoku earnestly with a profound sense of responsibility, we will most certainly be able to find the great ability, wisdom and strength necessary to do such things.

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is like the roar of a lion. What sickness can therefore be an obstacle? It is written that those who embrace the daimoku of the Lotus Sutra will be protected by the Mother of Demon Children and by the ten demon daughters."
(Reply to Kyo'o- The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol. 1, page 412)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"Mr. Makiguchi stressed that the organisation must be driven from the bottom up. For the growth and progress of the Gakkai, people working on the frontlines should feel free to voice their opinions and share new ideas with those in leadership positions. This is going to be increasingly important in the future."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"When great evil occurs, great good follows.'"
(Great Evil and Great Good - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol. 1,page 1119)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"If we only have a half-hearted commitment, we cannot truly safeguard this noble citadel of the people. In that respect, I hope you will base yourselves on the spirit of mentor and disciple, and be on constant guard against arrogance and inertia taking root in your hearts. Please lead our organisation with a sense of solemn responsibility to firmly protect it."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"I am as concerned about the illness of your wife, the lay nun Toki, as though it were I myself who is ailing, and day and night I pray to the heavenly gods that she will recover.'"
(Prayer for the Lay Nun's Recovery - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin,Vol. 2, page 666)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"'In Reply to a Believer,' the Daishonin writes: 'Regard your service to your lord as the practise of the Lotus Sutra. This is what is meant by "No worldly affairs of life or work are ever contrary to the true reality"'(WND-1, 905). What this means in contemporary terms is that we should regard our work as our 'practice of the Lotus Sutra' and apply ourselves to it earnestly. This passage represents an eternal guideline.
"When the Daishonin wrote this letter, it appeared that he might be exiled for yet a third time, following his exiles to Izu and Sado. The Daishonin, however, viewed these persecutions as an honour, saying that they brought him 'a hundred, thousand, ten thousand, million times greater good fortune'(WND-1, 905). And he sought to impart the courage of a lion king to his disciples, urging them to consider the places where they worked as decisive spiritual battle grounds in their lives and to win certain victory there."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"The place where the person upholds and honours the Lotus Sutra is the'place of place' to which the person proceeds. It is not that he leaves his present place and goes to some other place."
(Ongi kuden - Gosho Zenshu, page 781, The Record of the Orally TransmittedTeachings, page 192)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"Shakyamuni Buddha said that the wise recognise as a sage one who leads and paves the way forwards. Be a pioneer. Take the initiative. That, the Buddha says, is the mark of a true sage."

--- 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 ----

"Wisdom is important. Especially key for us are faith and prayer, which enable us to draw forth the boundless Buddha wisdom from within our own lives. Nothing is more powerful. Wholehearted effort is also essential. It opens the way to victory. Let's do our best!"

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Buddhism is like the body, and society like the shadow. When the body bends, so does the shadow."
(A Comparison of the Lotus and Other Sutras - The Writings of NichirenDaishonin, Vol. 1, page 1039)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"'Those who believe in the Lotus Sutra are as if in winter, but winter always turns to spring' (WND-1, 536)....
"We practise the Mystic Law so that we will be undefeated by even the harshest winter of suffering and able to welcome spring in our lives."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"(Since I have realized that only the Lotus Sutra teaches the attainment of Buddhahood by women, and that only the Lotus is the sutra of true requital for repaying the kindness of our mother,) in order to repay my debt to my mother, I have vowed to enable all women to chant the daimoku of this sutra."
(The Sutra of True Requital - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol. 1,page 931)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"Mr. Toda said that the Soka Gakkai would be in peril if we didn't value the women's division. It would succumb to authoritarianism. But if we valued the women's division, he asserted, our organisation would remain peaceful and harmonious and advance cheerfully to victory.
"I call on all of you to speak out courageously against those forces that seek to destroy our lofty movement.
"Again, I ask the men's and young men's division members to develop strong integrity and to also do everything they can to support and assist the women's and young women's division members. I'd like them to win the appreciation and praise of women."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"(A woman known as the dragon king's daughter achieved Buddhahood through faith in the Lotus Sutra;) she therefore pledged to protect women who embrace this sutra in the latter age."
(The One-eyed Turtle and the Floating Log - The Writings of NichirenDaishonin, Vol. 1, page 960)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"I have triumphed in every struggle for kosen-rufu. Buddhism teaches the importance of being victorious. I have striven to bring joy to my mentor and made trailblazing efforts to realize his vision. This is a natural course for a true disciple."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Hence the storehouse of the eighty-four thousand teachings represents a day-to-day record of one's own existence. This storehouse of the eighty thousand teachings is embodied in and contained within one's own mind. To use the mind to suppose that the Buddha or the Law or the pure land exist somewhere other than in one's own self and to seek them elsewhere is a delusion. When the mind encounters good or bad causes, it creates and puts forth the aspects of good and bad."
(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 843)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"It was in 1969 that I received a very courteous letter from the great British historian Dr. Arnold J. Toynbee (1889-1975) inviting me to engage in a dialogue with him about the various challenges facing humanity.... The very first thing Dr. Toynbee said to me was, 'Let's talk!' I hope all of you will join me again this year in stirring up a whirlwind of dialogue across the globe."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"And could not this illness of your husband's be the Buddha's design, because the Vimalakirti and Nirvana sutras both teach that sick people will surely attain Buddhahood? Illness gives rise to the resolve to attain the way."
(The Good Medicine for All Ills - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 937)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"As the French writer Victor Hugo (1802-85) declared: 'We who believe, what can we fear?'... Those who live to achieve something great must be prepared to face difficulties. Nothing worthwhile can be accomplished without courage."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"The wise man who works to propagate the five characters of the Mystic Law, no matter how lowly his station, should be looked upon as a manifestation of Bodhisattva Superior Practices, or perhaps as an envoy of Shakyamuni Thus Come One."
(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 ----

"Pleasant, smiling dialogue binds hearts even closer together."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Winter always turns to spring."
(Winter Always Turns to Spring - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol. 1,page 536)

Daily Guidance

--- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ---

The Daishonin states,"When one knows the Lotus Sutra, one understands the meaning of all worldly affairs."
*Buddhism manifests itself in society. Let's make every possible effort to be successful in our workplace, our local community, (and wherever we are right now,) so that we will all be able to gain people's trust.

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"To discard the shallow and seek the profound is the way of a person of courage."
(On the Buddha's Prophecy - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol. 1, page402)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"The Swiss philosopher Carl Hilty (1833-1909) said that one must never in any instance make material wealth a basis for one's evaluations of a person or their circumstances. A person's greatness is determined by their actions. The most important thing is what one has done for others and for society."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"When a lion roars all the other beasts are silenced."
(The One-eyed Turtle and the Floating Log - The Writings of NichirenDaishonin, Vol. 1, page 959)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"The Russian author Leo Tolstoy (1828-1910) declared: 'When I say, "I can't do that," I don't express myself correctly, I should say, "I haven't been able to do it yet." I definitely know that every minute I can do what I want.' The future, what we do from now on, is what counts. Let's all make this a year in which we break through our limitations and create a record of new achievements."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"(The eighth volume of Great Concentration and Insight states: 'Just as the petty devils will respect and avoid entering the hall of the god Shakra, so if the gods who protect the place of Buddhist practise are powerful, then evil forces will have no way to break in and cause trouble.) Likewise, if the ruler of a walled city is unbending, then those who guard the city will remain firm."
(How the Gods Protect the Place of Practice - The Writings of NichirenDaishonin, Vol. 2, page 668)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"The Indian poet Rabindranath Tagore (1861-1941), with his unbounded faith in human beings, once wrote: 'It is man's true function to make the impossible into the possible by dint of his own powers.'... People shine when they strive to live up to great ideals."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"How gratifying! You have associated with a friend in the orchid room and have become as straight as mugwort growing among hemp."
(On Establishing the Correct Teaching for the Peace of the Land - TheWritings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol. 1, page 23)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"I believe that the path for transforming mistrust into trust is dialogue, as well as cultural exchange and personal interaction. I pledge to continue to do everything I can as a private citizen to open the way for dialogue and exchange."

--- 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 ---

Let's hold cheerful discussion meetingsto celebrate the opening of a new era.Let's try to hold vibrant meetings whereeveryone feels really youthful and is filled with hopeso that we can all advance with a youthful spirit(towards achieving new victories).

--- 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, page501)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"The path of a disciple is a great path of unflagging seeking spirit and unceasing gratitude. Walking this path throughout one's life is the essence of human existence as taught in Buddhism. To deviate from it can lead one to fall into a misguided path of arrogance and ingratitude."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"If the embankments around a moat do not leak, then the water will never escape from the moat. And if the mind of faith is perfect, then the water of wisdom, the great impartial wisdom, will never dry up."
(Letter to Akimoto - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol. 1, page 1015)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"Great things are achieved through the steady accumulation of many inconspicuous small actions."

--- 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 ----

"Kosen-rufu is the realisation of the happiness of humanity and peace in the world. As a Buddhist, I will continue to work wholeheartedly to achieve that. It doesn't matter to me whether or not people notice, or what society thinks. History will be the judge, eventually."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"There should be no discrimination among those who propagate the five characters of Myoho-renge-kyo in the Latter Day of the Law, be they men or women."
(The True Aspect of All Phenomena - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 385)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"The path of following one's principles is always blocked by daunting obstacles. A new path can only be opened up by overcoming those impediments."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"In battles soldiers regard the general as their soul. If the general were to lose heart, his soldiers would become cowards."
(The Supremacy of the Law - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol. 1, page613)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"The future is created through the fresh power of youth, which is why it is so important to dedicate all one's energies to fostering young people."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"This passage is saying that, 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 TransmittedTeachings, page 214)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"Perfunctory greetings can only lead to artificial, formal relations. Inorder to enjoy genuine interaction with others, we should strive to understand them as best we can and speak from our hearts."

--- 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 ofNichiren Daishonin, Vol. 1, page 444)

Daily Guidance

--- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ---

It is said that "those who make the first move gain the advantage."
Speedy response and action to things is the key to determining whether we win or not. Let's take the initiative! With our fresh new momentum, let's launch a vibrant opening to a victorious year

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"And could not this illness of your husband's be the Buddha's design, because the Vimalakirti and Nirvana sutras both teach that sick people will surely attain Buddhahood? Illness gives rise to the resolve to attain the way."
(The Good Medicine for All Ills - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 937)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"The great Uzbek poet Alisher Navoi (also Ali Shir Nava'i ; 1441-1501)wrote:"
'Be a person who illuminates the land like the sun!
Be fair and impartial like the eternal spring!
Be like lightning to the wicked!'

"Let us strive with this same spirit. We must take a firm stand against the corrupt and unjust. In particular, we must not condone anyone seeking to destroy our harmonious community of practitioners from within. If we allow such individuals to go unchecked, we will face terrible consequences. No matter what their positions in our organisation or in society, they must be stopped. Speak out resolutely against thankless individuals who, though owing so much to the Soka Gakkai, betray and inflict harm on their fellow members. For the sake of the future, I want to reconfirm this with you today."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Bring forth the great power of faith, and be spoken of by all the people of Kamakura, both high and low, or by all the people of Japan, as 'Shijo Kingo, Shijo Kingo of the Lotus school!'"
(Earthly Desires Are Enlightenment - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin,Vol. 1, page 319)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"Mr. Toda used to say that one of the qualities of a capable person for kosen-rufu is having a challenging spirit. He declared: 'A fighter is a person who burns with a fierce passion and fighting spirit to completely vanquish any evil that inflicts suffering on the people.'"

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"The wonderful means of truly putting an end to the physical and spiritual obstacles of all living beings is none other than Nam-myoho-renge-kyo."
(The Wonderful Means of Surmounting Obstacles - The Writings of NichirenDaishonin, Vol. 1, page 842)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"'I don't need anything else -- all I hope for are capable people!' This was the constant cry of my mentor Josei Toda in his final years. I share exactly the same sentiments. The foundation of worldwide kosen-rufu has been firmly established. The rest depends on able individuals.
"Nichiren Daishonin writes: 'The correct teaching can be propagated only by a person of wisdom' (WND-1, 752). Whether in a country, a society, or an organisation, it's people who count, who make the difference. Groups that develop a solid corps of capable individuals are the ones that succeed."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Little streams come together to form the great ocean, and tiny particles of dust accumulate to form Mount Sumeru. When I, Nichiren, first took faith in the Lotus Sutra, I was like a single drop of water or a single particle of dust in all the country of Japan. But later, when two people, three people, ten people, and eventually a hundred, a thousand, ten thousand, and a million people come to recite the Lotus Sutra and transmit it to others, then they will form a Mount Sumeru of perfect enlightenment, and an ocean of great nirvana. Seek no other path by which to attain Buddhahood!"
(The Selection of the Time - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 579)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"The Year of Capable People and Development has begun. In a letter to thel ay nun Ueno, the mother of Nanjo Tokimitsu, the Daishonin writes"
"'After hearing it [this teaching of the Lotus Sutra]' strive even more earnestly in faith. One who, on hearing the teachings of the Lotus Sutra, makes even greater efforts in faith is a true seeker of the way. (WND-1,457)
The Daishonin constantly urges us to exert ourselves 'even more,' 'more and more,' and 'more than ever.' It is important that we strive for kosen-rufu with the strong and determined spirit to make even greater efforts with every passing year of our Buddhist practise. When we advance with faith based on this spirit of “true cause'--the spirit of always moving forwards from this moment on--capable people will appear and grow, and kosen-rufu will develop exponentially."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Secret means strict [or without a single exception]. The three thousand worlds, every single one of them, exist [in one's life]."
(Ongi kuden - Gosho Zenshu, page 714, The Record of the Orally TransmittedTeachings, page 22)

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Happy New Year!! Let us strive together for kosen-rufu with the strong and determined spirit to make even greater efforts with every passing year of our Buddhist practise.

In this Year of Capable People & Development - Three Steps Forward II, let us all in District 1 pray earnestly for :-

1) The success of our year end general meeting;

2) Accomplished successfully our target of 4 gohonzon recipents in our district.

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"Capable people are not defined by social position or impressive titles, but by their hearts, their sincerity in faith. In his 'Letter from Sado,' the Daishonin writes: 'Since my heart believes in the Lotus Sutra, I do not fear even [the heavenly deities] Brahma or Shakra' (WND-1, 303). Having decided to take up the challenge of working for kosen-rufu, we have nothing to fear from anyone. We just need to speak about the true nature of our great movement and our ideals."

Dear Friends,

Thank you for taking your time to view our webpage, we'll try our very best to update all the latest events. Please feel free to give us your comments & do come back for more updated events!!!

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"Those who have experienced the tragedy of war have a mission to speak out for peace. The Russian writer Leo Tolstoy (1828-1910) said: 'People are born into this world with a mission. Instead of putting it off, we should devote our every moment to achieving it. That's the only way to true happiness.'[1]
[1] Translated from Russian. L. N. Tolstoi, Polnoe sobranie sochinenii (Complete Works) (Moscow: Terra, 1992), vol. 45, p. 338."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"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,Vol.1, page 637)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"Protopopov called strongly for working together to build a world free of war. Yegorov declared that education was the area that could make the greatest contribution to the development of Soviet-Japan relations, and proposed a toast to future exchange between Moscow State University and Soka University.
"Eventually, Shin'ichi stood up to say a few words. Stating that educational and cultural exchange was the way toward building enduring friendship, he extended an invitation to Khokhlov and his wife to visit Soka University. He also introduced the profound wish of his mentor second Soka Gakkai president Josei Toda to eliminate all misery and suffering from the world, adding that, as Toda's disciple, he was determined to do everything he could in his capacity as a private citizen to realize his mentor's dream of world peace."
The achievement of world peace is indeed the shared desire of mentor and disciple in the Soka Gakkai; it is the very spirit of kosen-rufu."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"In light of this, it is clear that those who now believe in the Lotus Sutra will gather fortune from ten thousand miles away."
(New Year's Gosho - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 1137)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"When I joined the Soka Gakkai, there were only some 500 or 600 active members. It was a small and totally unknown organization. Over the last six decades, it has overcome every obstacle and spread to 190 countries and territories, becoming the strong and solid organization it is today, shining as the hope of all humanity."
In 'On Practicing the Buddha's Teachings,' Nichiren Daishonin writes: 'What is more, once you become a disciple or lay supporter of the votary who practices the true Lotus Sutra in accord with the Buddha's teachings, you are bound to face the three types of enemies' (WND-1, 391). With that clear awareness, my wife and I have fought against these formidable enemies of Buddhism. We protected our mentor Mr. Toda with our lives."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"This I will state. Let the gods forsake me. Let all persecutions assail me. Still I will give my life for the sake of the Law."
(The Blessings of the Lotus Sutra - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin,Vol.1, page 280)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"People around the world are beginning to earnestly search for a philosophy of life in which they can put their complete and wholehearted trust. Let us confidently tell others about the ideals and principles of Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism, which teaches that the ultimate goal to which we should aspire is the attainment of Buddhahood."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"My disciples, form your ranks and follow me, and surpass even Mahakashyapa or Ananda, T'ien-t'ai or Dengyo!"
(The Actions of the Votary of the Lotus Sutra - The Writings of NichirenDaishonin, Vol. 1, page 765)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"In the realm of faith, the most admirable are those who strive wholeheartedly for kosen-rufu and concretely contritube to its expansion."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Whatever trouble occurs, regard it as no more than a dream, and think only of the Lotus Sutra."
(Letter to the Brothers - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol. 1, page502)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"New challenges lie before us. Let's win in our struggles and attain brilliant victory. Please plan well and take action to realise your goals."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Life is limited; we must not begrudge it. What we should ultimately aspire to is the Buddha land."
(Aspiration for the Buddha Land - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 214)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----
"...the most important thing in life is to continue challenging our struggles with courage while heading in the direction of hope."

--- 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, page681)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"In this limited lifetime of ours, we should strive to work together for the happiness and peace of humankind. That's our mission as people who live in such a turbulent age."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Buddhism is reason."
(The Hero of the World - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol. 1, page839)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"Wholeheartedly practicing faith day after day and month after month, and continuing to do so throughout our life, assures us of attaining Buddhahood in this lifetime."

--- 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."
(The True Aspect of All Phenomena - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 385)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"The American philosopher and essayist Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-82) wrote insightfully: 'Discourse, when it rises highest and searches deepest, when it lifts us into that mood out of which thoughts come that remain as stars in our firmament, is between two.' Nothing is more powerful than dialogue between two people.
"...One-to-one dialogue leads to real understanding, and that life-to-life interaction helps each person bring out their enormous potential."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Now if you disobey the words of a parent, one who is easy to come by, and follow a friend of the Lotus Sutra, one who can rarely be encountered, you will not only be able to attain Buddhahood, but will also be able to lead to enlightenment the parent whom you disobeyed.'"
(The Three Obstacles and Four Devils - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin,Vol. 1, page 638)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"When attacked by the three powerful enemies or the workings of the devil king, let us fiercely fight back."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"In this chapter Shakyamuni Buddha revealed the foremost point he wished to convey to us. The Buddha preached the Lotus Sutra over a period of eight years, and eight characters sum up the message that he has left behind for living beings in this later age, the Latter Day of the Law. It is in the passage that reads, 'Therefore, Universal Worthy, if you see a person who accepts and upholds this sutra, you should rise and greet him from afar, showing him the same respect you would a Buddha.'"
(Ongi kuden - Gosho Zenshu, page 781, The Record of the Orally TransmittedTeachings, page 192)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"'If one is not to stagnate, one must be constantly changing, regenerating oneself, growing young again,' said Goethe, one of my favourite writers, at the age of 80. What is it that makes us young? Our spirit. Though our body inevitably ages with the passage of time, we mustn't allow our spirit to grow old and withered."

Nichiren Daishonin writes: 'You will grow younger, and your good fortune will accumulate' (WND-1, 464). To work earnestly to fulfil our great and noble mission in this existence, growing ever more youthful, savouring ever greater good fortune, and shining with sublime dignity and serenity--this is the Soka journey, a life pervaded by the four virtues of eternity, happiness, true self, and purity.

"When we dedicate our lives to the lofty cause of kosen-rufu, there is no chance for spiritual old age or decrepitude to creep up on us."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"This sutra is superior to all other sutras. It is like the lion king, the monarch of all the creatures that run on the ground, and like the eagle, the king of all the creatures that fly in the sky."

(The Sutra of True Requital - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 929)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"Every individual deserves respect. Every individual must be valued and appreciated. This is the Gakkai spirit. The wisdom of Buddhism is the very foundation of genuine democracy."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Speaking of the chapter as a whole, the idea of gradually overcoming illusions is not the ultimate meaning of the 'Life Span' chapter. You should understand that the ultimate meaning of this chapter is that ordinary mortals, just as they are in their original state of being, are Buddhas."
(Ongi kuden - Gosho Zenshu, page 752, The Record of the Orally TransmittedTeachings, page 124)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"Don’t be cold, distant, or haughty. Be warm and genuine and sincerely devote yourself to everyone’s welfare. Be so considerate and thoughtful that you impress and delight all with whom you come into contact."

--- 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 ----

"..those who practice the Daishonin's Buddhism must have the awareness and confidence that they can definitely change their lives on a profound level. The reason the Daishonin says, 'Never seek any other way [than this] to inherit the ultimate Law of life and death, and manifest it in your life,' is that the heritage of the Law does not exist apart from faith in the Buddhism of true cause, which enables each person to transform themselves inside and attain Buddhahood in this lifetime based on chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo."

--- 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 ----

"In the closing passage of 'The Heritage of the Ultimate Law of Life,' the Daishonin seems to be calling out to us: 'Awaken to the vast power you possess!' 'Chant daimoku with the firm belief that you will achieve a wonderful life of great fulfilment!'

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Let others hate you if they will. What have you to complain of, if you are cherished by Shakyamuni Buddha, Many Treasures Buddha, and the Buddhas of the ten directions, as well as by Brahma, Shakra, and the gods of the sun and moon? As long as you are praised by the Lotus Sutra, what cause have you for discontent?"
(The Unity of Husband and Wife - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol. 1,page 464)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"Nichiren Daishonin writes: 'If one can move Shakyamuni Buddha, the lord of teachings, can the grass and trees fail to respond, can the waters remain calm?' (WND-2, 811). In other words, as long as we base ourselves on the Mystic Law, the foundation of all existence, we can change anything."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Little streams come together to form the great ocean"
(The Selection of the Time - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol. 1,page 579)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"The Mystic Law is the fundamental means for drawing forth the limitless power we inherently possess. This power enables us to change earthly desires, or deluded impulses, into wisdom -- just as a fire burns firewood to produce light. We can also transform a life that has been filled with the sufferings of birth and death into one pervaded by a vibrant and unbounded joy -- just as spring sunshine can melt ice and snow to create a flowing stream."
Self-transformation -- this is the main theme of Buddhism. The Buddhism of Nichiren Daishonin is a teaching for actually transforming our own lives. Everything starts with ourselves, with our own human revolution. This forms the basic underpinning of the Daishonin's Buddhism and the activities of the Soka Gakkai."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Many of the practitioners from Sado Province have made the long journey all the way to this place, and that is why I have expounded for them the teaching that I am propagating now, which will become the seed of Buddhahood in their future lives as well."
(Reply to the Lay Priest Misawa - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol. 2, page 534)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"When we bring forth from within us the great joy that comes from realising that we are entities of the Mystic Law, we can change even the most intractable problems and sufferings into wisdom, and freely use them as a force for value-creation. We inherently possess within us the fundamental power to overcome any seemingly impossible situation or deadlock. When we believe with unshakable certainty in our innate power to 'change poison into medicine' -- the power to turn any hardship or suffering into a springboard to absolute happiness -- we have nothing to fear."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"It is not that he leaves his present place and goes to some other place."
(Ongi kuden - Gosho Zenshu, page 781, The Record of the Orally TransmittedTeachings, 192)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"Kosen-rufu is a ceaseless struggle waged with words. It entails communicating to others the greatness of Buddhism and the Gakkai's commitment to truth and justice. It also involves exposing the erroneous ideas and philosophies that bring misfortune on people."

--- 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. How could this be anything other than the boundless joy of the Law?"
(Happiness in This World - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Volume 1,page 681)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"Buddhism teaches the spirit of not begrudging one's life. It demands an all-out effort."
In the Soka Gakkai, no one is above others. Respectworthy are those who strive for kosen-rufu and support their fellow members. This is the starting point and end point of our organisation."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Some may wonder where the spirit of the late Abutsu-bo may be at this moment. But by using the clear mirror of the Lotus Sutra to reflect his image, I, Nichiren, can see him among the assembly on Eagle Peak, seated within the treasure tower of Many Treasures Buddha and facing toward the east."
(The Treasure of a Filial Child - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Volume1, page 1042)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

One of the proudest events of my mentor Josei Toda's youth was attending a lecture by the great physicist Albert Einstein (1879-1955), together with his mentor Soka Gakkai founding president Tsunesaburo Makiguchi. This took place in Tokyo in November 1922, and Mr. Toda, also an accomplished mathematician, was then a young teacher of 22. Einstein, he later reminisced, gave a brilliant lecture on the theory of relativity lasting some five hours with intermission. Mr. Toda often spoke of this memory to me when he was personally tutoring me at what I fondly call "Toda University."
Both Mr. Makiguchi and Mr. Toda retained a passionate spirit of learning and intellectual self-improvement throughout their lives. The first two presidents of the Soka Gakkai are themselves wonderful examples for [everyone.]

--- 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 ----

Roman philosopher Seneca said: "I have looked upon every day as if it were my last."[1]
This is very similar to the Daishonin's teaching of living with the spirit that now is the last moment of one's life.
[1] Seneca, Ad Lucilium, Epistulae Morales, translated by Richard M. Gummere (London: William Heinemann Ltd., 1962)

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"I, Nichiren, am the foremost votary of the Lotus Sutra in the entire land of Jambudvipa. Therefore, people who ally themselves with those who slander me or treat me with malice deserve to meet with the greatest difficulties in Jambudvipa"
(The Selection of the Time - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol. 1, page 552)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

Victory can take many forms, but there is surely no greater victory than breaking through the darkness of innate ignorance, bringing forth the life-state of Buddhahood, and producing an infinite number of successors who can carry on the noble cause of kosen-rufu.

--- 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 ----

The Daishonin observes: "Just as all the different kinds of plants and trees come forth from the earth, so all the various teachings of the Buddha are spread by persons" (WND-1, 61). In the Daishonin's Buddhism, the mentor is the elemental earth. That is why I firmly vowed in my heart: "Protecting Mr. Toda, whose presence is crucial to kosen-rufu, is the same as protecting the Soka Gakkai and the great teaching of Buddhism. And realising all of Mr. Toda's plans and ideas is equivalent to realising kosen-rufu." It is an everlasting source of pride and satisfaction to me that I devoted my entire youth to fulfilling this pledge.

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"If even a good monk sees someone destroying the teaching and disregards him, failing to reproach him to oust him, or to punish him for his offense, then you should realise that that monk is betraying the Buddha's teaching. But if he ousts the destroyer of the Law, reproaches him, or punishes him, then he is my disciple and a true voice-hearer."
(On Establishing the Correct Teaching for the Peace of the Land - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol. 1, page 17)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

Nichiren Daishonin states that we living beings have eight million four thousand thoughts in the course of one day and one night that can be causes for negative karma (cf. GZ, 823). Our minds are easily swayed by external influences, and change with dizzying rapidity. Nothing is less reliable. That's why it's so important to make a pledge to accomplish a goal. Those who cherish a pledge and strive to fulfill it are strong, genuine, and true, and they are able to achieve lives of profound satisfaction and fulfillment.

--- 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 ----

Everything doesn't always go according to plan. Life is, in fact, a constant series of unexpected developments. The important thing is not to become fazed by such changes, but to use our wisdom to create the most positive outcome. Such flexibility and adaptability are a sign of genuine strength as a human being.

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"... but winter always turns to spring."
(Winter Always Turns to Spring - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol. 1, page 536)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

Passion inspires passion, and sincerity summons forth sincerity. Genuine dialogue is just this sort of profound life-to-life interaction.

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"If you quail before the threats of the ruler of this little island country [and abandon your faith], how will you face the even more terrible anger of Yama, the lord of hell? If, while calling yourselves the Buddha's messengers, you give way to fear, you will be the most despicable of persons!"
(The Actions of the Votary of the Lotus Sutra - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol. 1, page 765)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

Mr. Toda said that we must build a citadel of capable individuals who would work for the happiness of the people. Countries and organizations ultimately come down to the people who comprise them. Everything depends upon how many committed, bright, courageous, and sincere people can be fostered and united into a common force for good. That’s why I am pouring my energies into education, for the sake of the 21st century.

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"I will be the pillar of Japan. I will be the eyes of Japan. I will be the great ship of Japan. This is my vow, and I will never forsake it!"
(The Opening of the Eyes - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol. 1, page 280)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

Mr. Toda was very fond of the saying from The Analects of Confucius: "One should regard the young with awe."[1] He used to gaze at us with intense hope and say: "It is the job of disciples to achieve success. When a mentor is praised as great, it's because his successors, his disciples, have achieved great things. The greatness of a mentor depends upon his disciples."
[1] The Master said: "One should regard the young with awe: how do you know that the next generation will not equal the present one?" Confucius, The Analects of Confucius, translated by Simon Leys (New York: W. W. Norton & Company, 1997), chap. 9, no. 23, p. 42.

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"If the spirit of many in body but one in mind prevails among the people, they will achieve all their goals"
(Many in Body, One in Mind - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 618)

Daily Guidance

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In one of his popular works, Einstein wrote: "What is the meaning of human life, or of organic life altogether? To answer this question at all implies a religion. Is there any sense then you ask, in putting it? I answer, the man who regards his own life and that of his fellow creatures as meaningless is not merely unfortunate but almost disqualified for life."[1]
A society lacking in humanistic religious and spiritual values is an unfortunate society that lacks reverence for life.
[1] Albert Einstein, The World As I See It, translated by Alan Harris (London: Citadel Press, 1984), p. 1.

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"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

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"An important point for avoiding becoming bureaucratic is for leaders, whether of an organisation or country, to exchange frank opinions and engage in open conversation and dialogue with the people they are meant to serve."

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"I entrust you with the propagation of Buddhism in your province."
(The Properties of Rice - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol. 1, page1117)

Daily Guidance

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"The epilogue to War and Peace highlights the hopes of the main characters as they seek to live well and build happy families and a healthy society following the Russian victory over Napoleon's invasion.

How to build a happy family and society is a question of first and last importance. I found this passage to be especially meaningful: 'My idea is just that if vicious people unite together into a power, then honest folk must do the same.' This call for honest people to come together to fight injustice may seem obvious enough, but it is very important.

Another passage from the novel states:'Let those who love what is right join hands, and let us have but one banner -- the banner of action and virtue.'

I hope you will all advance withthe pride and confidence that our Soka network is a united gathering ofgood--hearted people like that which Tolstoy wished and longed for."

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"This mind that is beyond comprehension constitutes the core teaching of thesutras and treatises. And one who is awake to and understands this mind is called a Thus Come One."
(The Unanimous Declaration by the Buddhas of the Three Existences regardingthe Classification of the Teachings and Which Are to Be Abandoned and Which Upheld - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol. 2, page 844)

Daily Guidance

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"I'd like to quote the Swiss educational philosopher Carl Hilty (1833-1909),who wrote such works as Happiness and For Sleepless Nights. Hilty was aneminent jurist as well as a university professor and political leader. In For Sleepless Nights, he says: 'The worst qualities a person can have are envy and vanity.' When we view the pages of history, we see innumerable cases of good and upright individuals who have been persecuted, discredited, and caused tremendous suffering because of others' hideous envy or the pride and vanity of the mighty and powerful.
"Unfortunately, far too many people have looked on passively or snickered scornfully while such persecution was taking place. We must bring an end to the age of such injustice. We must build a new age in which right and justice are recognized and respected. I wish to take the lead in that endeavour."

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"Whether or not your prayer is answered will depend on your faith; [if it is not] I will in no way be to blame."
(Reply to the Lay Nun Nichigon - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol. 1,page 1079)

Daily Guidance

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"The American philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-82) wrote: 'Without [action], thought can never ripen into truth.'
"A determination is only meaningful if it is put into action and produces results. Determination without action is nothing but wishful thinking."

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"Since childhood, I, Nichiren, have never prayed for the secular things of this life but have single-mindedly sought to become a Buddha. Of late, however, I have been ceaselessly praying for your sake to the Lotus Sutra, Shakyamuni Buddha, and the god of the sun, for I am convinced that you are a person who can inherit the soul of the Lotus Sutra."
(The Hero of the World - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol. 1, page839)

Daily Guidance

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"To leave behind a brilliant record of achievement requires striving with all one's might each day, each moment, towards a lofty goal."

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"This will determine whether you win honour or disgrace your name. ... You should pray intently that Shakyamuni, Many Treasures, and the Buddhas of the ten directions will all gather and enter into your body to assist you."
(Reply to Yasaburo - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol. 1, page 829)

Daily Guidance

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"The human spirit is the strongest force there is. It is the source of boundless wisdom and creative innovation. As long as our spirit remains unbroken, we will never be defeated, no matter how dire the situation. In life, and in the struggle to change society, spiritual defeat always precedes actual defeat.
"Laziness, cowardice, carelessness, impatience, resignation, despair -- all of these can corrode the spirit and lead to defeat. That's why we must forge and strengthen our inner fortitude. That's the purpose of philosophy."

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"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 ofNichiren Daishonin, Vol. 1, page 444)

Daily Guidance

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"Mr. Toda said: 'In order to improve the Gakkai -- it doesn't matter in what sphere -- don't hesitate to speak up courageously to those in leadership positions. And those of you in leadership positions, pay close heed to such valid and constructive opinions!... People who can convince leaders to take wholehearted action are to be commended; they have real ability.' I hope all of you will become people who possess that ability."

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"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."
(The True Aspect of All Phenomena - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 385)

Daily Guidance

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"The Indian poet Rabindranath Tagore (1861-1941) said: 'A country is the creation of man. A country is not all land but all soul. It is only when its people are expressive that a country is fully expressed.' Gakkai activities enable people to shine, to express themselves fully."

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"The greater the hardships befalling him, the greater the delight he feels"
(A Ship to Cross the Sea of Suffering - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin,Vol. 1, page 33)

Daily Guidance

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"The realm of faith operates according to an uncompromising principle: those who strive earnestly are certain to win in the end. Our path is the path of kosen-rufu and human revolution. No life is nobler than this. The important thing is to live with a positive, vibrant spirit and act with integrity and sincerity."

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"Let us make all haste to appeal to the authorities, make haste to meet face-to-face before them, and to put an end to these erroneous views!"
(Reply to a Communication from Gonin - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin,Vol. 2, page 610)

Daily Guidance

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"Working selflessly for the sake of the people and society is the spirit of bodhisattvas, of the Buddha; it is the heart of Buddhist practitioners. There is no true Buddhism without action."

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"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, Vol. 2, page 811)

Daily Guidance

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"Dig beneath your feet," for there you will discover the wellspring for victory. Let's cherish our neighbours and take good care of our local community. By having sincere and inspiring conversations that really move people's hearts, let's make irrepressible development in our relations with others.

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"Therefore, when you chant myoho and recite renge, you must summon up deep faith that Myoho-renge-kyo is your life itself."
(On Attaining Buddhahood in This Lifetime - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Volume 1, page 3)

Daily Guidance

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Buddhism is a win-or-lose struggle. So is life. And our challenge to establish the correct teaching for the peace of the land is also such a crucial struggle. That is why we must win without fail."

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"This is what I mean when I emphatically urge you to give up even your body, and never begrudge even your life for the sake of the Lotus Sutra."
(Letter to Gijo-bo - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Volume 1, page 390)