Daily Guidance

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"Allow me now to return to Guo Moruo and the benefit of song. He continued: 'Song can rally the strength of one's own forces, and ... it can deflate the morale of one's opponents." That's very true. This is why Mr. Toda always had members sing inspiring songs. Singing songs is a Gakkai tradition. Let's keep on doing so! Nothing can compare to the confident, dynamic, and optimistic momentum of our members united in spirited song.

--- 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

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"Though public opinion may seem a matter of great importance, it is something created by human beings. The Mystic Law, on the other hand, is the principle that governs the entire universe. It is of a totally different scale. When we understand this, we can attain the state of a Buddha. This is hard to fully grasp, however, which is why faith is crucial. It all comes down to having faith. The Daishonin cites the words [of T'ien-t'ai]: "Belief means to be without doubt" (OTT, 54). When we chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo without doubt in the Gohonzon and make steadfast efforts for kosen-rufu, we can realise eternal happiness in our lives.

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"The mighty sword of the Lotus Sutra must be wielded by one courageous in faith. Then one will be as strong as a demon armed with an iron staff."
(Reply to Kyo'o - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol. 1, page 412)

Daily Guidance

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"Guo Moruo (1892-1978) was a noted Chinese author. A colleague of Chinese premier Zhou Enlai (1898-1976), he also showed a warm and deep understanding of the Soka Gakkai.
"Guo wrote: 'Nothing moves the human heart like song.' Song has always played an important role in the Soka Gakkai's development and growth. Guo's words are very perceptive. Songs inspire and energise us. Mr. Toda was also well aware of this. In Japan, our advance has always begun with the singing of Gakkai songs. This is a wonderful path. Let's continue singing songs together.
"Guo also wrote: 'Song instantly unites people's hearts and minds, and spurs them to action.' Song has a wondrous power. People who make light of that and refuse to join in singing will not share the same energy and joy. Let's all sing together, for the sake of kosen-rufu, and to elevate our lives-- that's the purpose of Gakkai songs. Mr. Toda also loved singing.

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"My wish is that my disciples will be cubs of the lion king, never to be laughed at by the pack of foxes. It is hard to encounter a master like Nichiren, who since distant kalpas in the past down to the present day has never begrudged his body or life in order to expose the faults of his powerful enemies!"
(In the Continent of Jambudvipa - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.2, page 1062)

Daily Guidance

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"True courage-- this is none other than having compassion for others. Mr. Toda thoroughly taught me this, and I've always put it into action.
"From today, I would like all of you to remember that courage is ultimately compassion. Please uphold the jewelled sword of courage and compassion in your hearts. People lacking courage become cowardly and self-serving."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Myo means to revive, that is, to return to life."
(The Daimoku of the Lotus Sutra - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 149)

Daily Guidance

---- DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT ----

"Awakening to one's mission in life is to have a solid foundation as a human being. Such a person can rapidly develop their talents to the fullest degree.
"Marie Curie wrote: 'You cannot hope to build a better world without improving the individuals. To that end each of us must work for [our] own improvement, and at the same time share a general responsibility for all humanity, our particular duty being to aid those to whom we think we can be most useful.' She believed that each person should transform their own destiny, become aware of their responsibility to humanity as a whole, and extend a hand to assist those in suffering and need. This is a belief that resonates strongly with the Soka philosophy of human revolution."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Kyo'o's misfortune will change into fortune. 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 ----

"The Romance of the Three Kingdoms describes how the two emperors, Liu Bang(Gaozu) of the Former Han Dynasty and Liu Xiu (Guangwu) of the Later Han Dynasty, worked at securing strong bases of support. It says: 'They both put down deep roots, consolidated their position, and then gained command of the entire land.'
"One can achieve great things only by putting down deep roots and laying a solid foundation. This is a timeless and eternal truth. Put down deep roots in the place of your mission. Don't lose sight of yourself by envying or resenting others, or always being concerned with how others look."
"Your happiness, your success or failure in life, is up to you. People who have forged a solid foundation always win out in the end. Live with the spirit that you will definitely succeed in your endeavours. Don't be impatient, just advance with confidence and assurance."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Only by defeating a powerful enemy can one prove one's real strength."
(Letter from Sado - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol. 1, page 302)

Daily Guidance

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"This path is found where we are right now, not somewhere far removed from our daily lives."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

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

Daily Guidance

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"Everything depends on whether one can persevere in efforts to establish the correct teaching for the peace of the land and continue to uphold the banner of this noble cause. To practice in a spirit of oneness with the mentor means to carry on the essence of the mentor’s actions."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Even a feeble person will not stumble if those supporting him are strong, but a person of considerable strength, when alone, may fall down on an uneven path."
(Three Tripitaka Masters Pray for Rain - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin,Vol. 1, page 598)

Daily Guidance

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"In my youth, as a student of 'Toda University,' I studied the Romance of the Three Kingdoms, in Japanese novelist Eiji Yoshikawa's retelling of the classic Chinese tale. Zhuge Liang (Chuko K'ung-ming, 181-234), one of its leading characters, left an indelible impression on my mind. On friendship, he once said; 'It is difficult to sustain associations motivated by ambition for power or profit. When men of true integrity get to know and understand each other, their friendship endures without fading throughout the four seasons, neither blooming extravagantly in the warmth nor dropping its leaves in the cold.... It becomes stronger with each passing period of fortune or adversity.' Let's strive to forge these kind of lasting friendships.
"Second Soka Gakkai president Josei Toda stressed to me the importance of extending a hand of friendship to people when they experience hard or challenging times, and of warmly supporting and encouraging them, standing by them with unchanging sincerity and goodwill. Please remember that this is the Soka spirit of friendship."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Although I and my disciples may encounter various difficulties, if we do not harbour doubts in our hearts, we will as a matter of course attain Buddhahood. Do not have doubts simply because heaven does not lend you protection. Do not be discouraged because you do not enjoy an easy and secure existence in this life."
(The Opening of the Eyes - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol. 1, page 283)

Daily Guidance

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"I’d like to share with you some more words of Mr. Toda. During the war, many top Gakkai leaders quaked at the thought of persecution by the militarist authorities. For all their brave speeches, they were utterly terrified. Mr. Toda described this clearly in his novel The Human Revolution (under the pen name Myo Goku): 'They make bold pronouncements, but at a crucial moment, what happens?... I've seen it all too well. When the authorities appear, they shrivel up like slugs that have been sprinkled with salt.' Please strive your hardest, so that no one can ever say that of you. I'm counting on you.
"One's actions at a crucial moment are what matter. That's when a person's true worth is revealed. Don't be faint hearted. The stronger the opposition, the more powerfully, boldly, cheerfully we should speak out. This is the Gakkai spirit, it is the spirit that lives in the hearts of Soka mentors and disciples."

--- 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

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"British prime minister Winston Churchill (1874-1965) was a great leader who fought successfully against the Nazi on slaught. When the Nazi forces were bombing England, he looked up into the sky and encouraged his fellow citizens. And in one of his speeches, he declared: 'You must not weaken in any way in your alert and vigilant frame of mind.' It was his belief that defeat would only come from a weakening of vigilance; that one's own attitude -- and not what the other side did -- was the key to one's victory or defeat. We in the Gakkai also need to have this spirit."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"A wise person, while dwelling in security, anticipates danger; a perverse one, while dwelling amid danger, takes security for granted."
(The Problem to Be Pondered Night and Day - The Writings of NichirenDaishonin, Vol. 1, page 621)

Daily Guidance

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July, the month of youth is here! Let's all be like lions, and at the same time let's raise many!Determinedly and decisively, let's create a triumphant history of 'Mentor and Disciple'!

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

“Now, when Nichiren and his followers chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, they are revealing that the phantomcity is none other than the treasure land. These mountain valleys and broad plains where we live are all, every one of them, the treasure land of the Eternally Tranquil Light."
(Ongi kuden – Gosho Zenshu, page 734, The Record of the OrallyTransmitted Teachings, page 77)

Daily Guidance

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"As Ba Jin (1904-2005), author of such novels as The Family and Cold Nights, ranked as one of modern China's most renowned writers declared: 'In a struggle for survival, you must have a powerful life force.' One's life force determines everything. With a strong life force, we will never be defeated. For us, the source of our invincible life force is chanting the daimoku of the Mystic Law, Nam-myoho-renge-kyo."

--- 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 Nichiren Daishonin, Vol. 1, page 842)

Daily Guidance

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"Live to the fullest, aiming to excel in everything you do. That's what life is all about.
"Don't be swayed by those around you, don't be timid or hesitant -- act without reservation. Strive to surpass your predecessors, gaining capability and strength. This will lead to your development."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Foolish men are likely to forget the promises they have made when the crucial moment comes."
(The Opening of the Eyes - The Writings of NichirenDaishonin, Vol. 1, page 283)

Daily Guidance

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"When a fellow member, be they junior or senior, receives an award or honour, our life-state is clearly evident in whether or not we are able to sincerely rejoice as if we ourselves were the ones receiving the accolade. Those who share in such joys are genuine comrades who possess a broad, elevated life-state and are able to practise faith in a spirit of unity with their fellow members. On the other hand, those who instead feel envy or jealousy on such occasions are exhibiting a low, narrow life-state controlled by desires for personal acclaim. This typifies someone whose belief is coloured by discord.
"For us, unity means to share in the joys and sorrows of our fellow members. Human revolution enables us to overcome our petty self-centred tendencies and to wholeheartedly rejoice for others' happiness."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Great events never have minor omens. When great evil occurs, great good follows."
(Great Evil and Great Good - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol. 1,page 1119)

Daily Guidance

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"The German writer Friedrich von Schiller (1759-1805) wrote these lines for a leading character in one of his plays.
"'The unconquered spirit drives me o'er life's billows; My planks still firm, my canvas swelling proudly. Hope is my goddess still, and Youth my inmate.'
"The Soka Gakkai is a youthful organisation. Even our older members need to demonstrate the courage of youth. Up to the end of his days, Mr. Makiguchi used to address members, saying: 'We youth.' Let's always advance with a youthful spirit!"

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"But now you must build your reputation on the Lotus Sutra and give yourself up to it."
(The True Aspect of All Phenomena - The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Vol.1, page 385)

Daily Guidance

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"Takasugi Shinsaku (1839-67) was a pivotal figure who helped usher in Japan's modern era, he wrote these lines of verse while in captivity: 'Though I might be confined in a cage like a bird, my heart is free like a flowing river.' No authority can shackle the human spirit. Whatever challenges may arise, simply look to the future and advance with a serene, undaunted spirit."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"Belief means to be without doubt."
(Ongi kuden - Gosho Zenshu, pg 725, The Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings, pg 54)

Daily Guidance

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"The great French author Victor Hugo (1802-85) noted that faith is forged amid the pains of hardship and suffering. Don't be afraid of hardship or suffering, instead of running away from them, confront them head-on. Always resolve to take full responsibility yourself."

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

"And now the place where Nichiren and his followers chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, 'whether ... in mountain valleys or the wide wilderness' (chapter twenty-one, Supernatural Powers), these places are all the Land of Eternally Tranquil Light."
(Ongi kuden - Gosho Zenshu, page 781, The Record of the Orally TransmittedTeachings, page 192)

Daily Guidance

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"I hope that all of you will become wise and conscientious individuals who enjoy the trust and respect of those around you. That's the power of kosen-rufu. To make that happen, you need to chant abundant daimoku and polish yourselves. Master the teachings of Buddhism and cultivate an outlook on life that will enable you to prevail over any hardship."

--- 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

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"In general, without constructive interactions with others, human beings tend to take the easiest path and drift in a negative direction, ceasing to challenge themselves. To break through these tendencies, we need to maintain an active seeking spirit and learn from a mentor. Mentors provide the inspiration we need to resist stagnation and elevate ourselves. Nothing could be more unfortunate than to lack that kind of inspiration..
"As the Chinese writer Lu Xun (1881-1936) warned: 'A heart closed to inspiration shrivels or atrophies.'"

--- DAILY GOSHO ---

It must be ties of karma from the distant past that have destined you to become my disciple at a time like this. Shakyamuni and Many Treasures certainly realized this truth. The sutra's statement, "Those persons who had heard the Law dwelled here and there in various Buddha lands, constantly reborn in company with their teachers,"13 cannot be false in any way.
(Gosho: The Heritage of the Ultimate Law of Life, Writings of NichirenDaishonin, Vol 1, Page 217)