It is important for married couples, while giving full rein to their individual characteristics, to cooperate for the happiness of the children, the family and society.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Friday, May 10, 2013:

 

Children remember all their lives mothers who are always optimistic and generous toward society and the community and who live creatively. That kind of behavior provides the finest possible nourishment for learning how to build a happy home life. It is important for married couples, while giving full rein to their individual characteristics, to cooperate for the happiness of the children, the family and society.

Only while we are alive as human beings can we practice Buddhism.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Friday, May 10, 2013:

 

The state of mind with which we meet our death will greatly influence the course of our lives over eternity. Granted, if one is unconcerned by how one dies, or if one dismisses any connection between this existence and the next, then there probably isn't any need to practice the Daishonin's Buddhism. But the truth is that life is eternal, that our existence continues even after we die. Moreover, during the latent stage of death before rebirth, we cannot change the essence of our lives, we cannot carry out Buddhist practice. Only while we are alive as human beings can we practice Buddhism.

Iron shines when used, but rusts when not.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Thursday, May 9, 2013:

 

A Turkish proverb says, "Iron shines when used, but rusts when not." The capacities of people working hard and striving with all their might never get rusty; they are constantly being polished and forged.

Buddhism is concerned with the essential nature of humanity

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Thursday, May 9, 2013:

 

Buddhism is concerned with the essential nature of humanity. Buddhism is not found somewhere else separate from such beautiful expressions of humanity as appreciation toward one's mother and courtesy to others. As Nichiren Daishonin teaches in the Gosho, "behavior as a human being" that perfectly accord with reason is what constitutes the heart of Buddhism. Therefore, our world of faith must be a gathering that is full of affection and heartfelt consideration.

Wildflowers are neither vain nor haughty, neither jealous nor servile.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Wednesday, May 8, 2013:

 

Wildflowers are neither vain nor haughty, neither jealous nor servile. Living in accord with their unique mission, characterizing the Buddhist principle of the equality of cherry, peach, plum, and damson blossoms, they neither envy other flowers nor belittle themselves. They take pride in their individuality, knowing that each is a flower with a bloom like no other. Even the prettiest and most delicate wildflowers are by no means weak. They may seem fragile, but they are strong, unperturbed by rain or wind.

No one is more wonderful than a mother.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Wednesday, May 8, 2013:

 

No one is more wonderful than a mother. And there is nothing more noble than a mother's heart. I hope you will all treasure your mothers. Truly praiseworthy are those who have a sense of gratitude and appreciation toward their parents. The Buddhist sutras teach that the practice of Buddhism is the ultimate expression of devotion to one's parents, and the Buddha excels in such dedication and concern.

Suffer what there is to suffer, enjoy what there is to enjoy.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, May 7, 2013:

 

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? Strengthen your power of faith more than ever. -Nichiren

What makes life so interesting?

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, May 7, 2013:

 

Many things happen in life. There are joyous days and times of suffering. Sometimes unpleasant things occur. But that's what makes life so interesting. The dramas we encounter are part and parcel of being human. If we experienced no change or drama in our lives, if nothing unexpected ever happened, we would merely be like automatons, our lives unbearably monotonous and dull. Therefore, please develop a strong self so that you can enact the drama of your life with confidence and poise in the face of whatever vicissitudes you may encounter.

When we chant sonorously, the sun rises in our hearts.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Monday, May 6, 2013:

 

Chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is the foundation of Nichiren Buddhism. When we chant sonorously, the sun rises in our hearts. We are filled with power. Compassion wells forth. Our lives are lit with joy. Our wisdom shines. All Buddhas and protective forces throughout the universe go to work on our behalf. Life becomes exhilarating.

The thought, "I am still young and have a lot of time, so I can relax and take life easy" is a function of our own weakness.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Monday, May 6, 2013:

 

We have both a weak self and a strong self; the two are completely different. If we allow our weak side to dominate, we will be defeated. The thought, "I am still young and have a lot of time, so I can relax and take life easy" is a function of our own weakness.

When you encounter a wall, you should tell yourself, "Since there is a wall here, a wide, open expanse must lie on the other side."

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Sunday, May 5, 2013:

 

When you encounter a wall, you should tell yourself, "Since there is a wall here, a wide, open expanse must lie on the other side." Rather than becoming discouraged, know that encountering a wall is proof of the progress that you have made so far.

Live out your lives together with the SGI, an organization fulfilling the Buddha's decree

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Sunday, May 5, 2013:

 

This is what I would like to communicate to you, my young friends who are the heirs of the Soka legacy: Live out your lives together with the SGI, an organization fulfilling the Buddha's decree! Our activities in the organization of faith constitute our Buddhist practice, lead to the realization of kosen-rufu and enable us to carry out our human revolution. To think selfishly, "I'll just practice on my own and however I like" cannot be called correct faith. Such a person is a Buddhist in name only; they are not true practitioners.

Good Friends

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday, May 4, 2013:

 

What Buddhism terms good friends are sincere, honest people without a trace of deceit who guide others toward the correct path, toward good. It also refers to people who lend their assistance or support to us so that we can practice Buddhism with full assurance.

 

If you become close to a person who makes you feel "that person is always glowing and animated" or "When I'm with that person I feel strong and secure," then your faith will naturally deepen, and you will develop bountiful wisdom. In carrying out this Buddhist practice, encountering good friends is the key to obtaining Buddhahood.

Buddhism concerns itself with winning.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday, May 4, 2013:

 

Buddhism concerns itself with winning. When we battle a powerful enemy, either we will triumph or we will be defeated—there is no middle ground. Battling against life's negative functions is an indivisible part of Buddhism. It is by being victorious in this struggle that we become Buddhas. We have to win. Moreover, Buddhism ensures that we can definitely do so.

Wisdom isn't knowledge that causes suffering for others; it is enlightened insight for improving one's own life as well as the lives of others.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Friday, May 3, 2013:

 

The SGI is a gathering of ordinary people. We struggle to ensure that the people are not despised and exploited by the powerful. To help all people become strong and wise, we are developing a network of peace and culture and putting great effort into education. By nature, the people are strong, wise, cheerful and warm. Religious faith has the power to draw out those qualities. The purpose of faith is not to turn people into sheep; it is to make them wise. Wisdom isn't knowledge that causes suffering for others; it is enlightened insight for improving one's own life as well as the lives of others.

It is indisputable proof that the Soka Gakkai is the foremost organization in the entire world acting in accord with the Buddha's will and decree.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Friday, May 3, 2013:

 

As direct disciples of the Daishonin, we have summoned forth the three powerful enemies of Buddhism. And defeating their schemes and repelling their onslaughts, we have carved out a great path of kosen-rufu. This has been the unrivaled pride of Mr. Makiguchi, Mr. Toda and myself as Soka Gakkai presidents. It is indisputable proof that the Soka Gakkai is the foremost organization in the entire world acting in accord with the Buddha's will and decree.

Great people never forget what others have done for them.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Thursday, May 2, 2013:

 

Great people never forget what others have done for them. In fact, having a sense of appreciation makes a person worthy of respect.

No matter how healthy, intelligent or affluent we may be, if our minds are weak, then our happiness will also be frail and brittle.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Thursday, May 2, 2013:

 

No matter how healthy, intelligent or affluent we may be, if our minds are weak, then our happiness will also be frail and brittle. Our minds of faith, moreover, enable us to bring out the full potential in all things and situations, so it is crucial that we strive to forge our minds of faith.

Mugwort that grows in the midst of hemp, or a snake inside a tube [will as a matter of course become straight], and those who associate with people of good character will consequently become upright in heart, deed, and word.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Wednesday, May 1, 2013:

 

Nichiren states, "Mugwort that grows in the midst of hemp, or a snake inside a tube [will as a matter of course become straight], and those who associate with people of good character will consequently become upright in heart, deed, and word." If we apply this passage to various influences upon children, we may say that the environment surrounding children, particularly the behaviors of adults, has a great impact on children. Parents must set good examples before nagging them to do this or that. Parents must strive to become a good, upright influence for children like hemp for mugwort. It is also important for parents to bring their children closer to "people of good character" outside their own families so that children may advance in a more positive direction.

I would like you to possess such a poetic spirit.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Wednesday, May 1, 2013:

 

As you make your way home tonight, may you pause for a moment to gaze up at the night sky and let your heart communicate with the moon in wordless dialogue. Perhaps you might compose a poem and set it down in your journal entry for today. I would like you to possess such a poetic spirit.

A lion is a lion because he roars.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, April 30, 2013:

 

Nichiren wrote that wrath can be either good or bad. Self-centered anger generates evil, but wrath at social injustice becomes the driving force for reform. Strong language that censures and combats a great evil often awakens adverse reactions from society, but this must not intimidate those who believe they are right. A lion is a lion because he roars.

Nobel laureate Gabriela Mistral (1889-1957) of Chile, was well respected as a humanistic educator.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, April 30, 2013:

Nobel laureate Gabriela Mistral (1889-1957) of Chile, was well respected as a humanistic educator. Indicative of the great spirit of compassion and caring with which she interacted with her students is her "Teacher's Prayer": "Let me be more mother than the mother herself in my love and defense of the child who is not flesh of my flesh. Help me to make one of my children my most perfect poem and leave within him or her my most melodious melody from that day when my own lips no longer sing." With this same spirit, let us care for and nurture young people.

Socrates encourages his youthful disciples to train and strengthen themselves spiritually, to maintain hope and self-control, to advance courageously, choosing virtue over material wealth, truth over fame.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Monday, April 29, 2013:

 

Our efforts for the sake of dialogue, in order to be worthy of the term dialogue, must be carried through to the end. To refuse peaceful exchange and choose force is to compromise and give in to human weakness; it is to admit the defeat of the human spirit. Socrates encourages his youthful disciples to train and strengthen themselves spiritually, to maintain hope and self-control, to advance courageously, choosing virtue over material wealth, truth over fame.

What is success in life?

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Monday, April 29, 2013:

 

What is success in life? Who are the truly successful? There are famous and powerful people who become pitiful figures in their old age. There are people who die alone, feeling empty and desolate inside. Just what is success? The English thinker Walter Pater (1839-94) wrote: "To burn always with this hard, gemlike flame, to maintain this ecstasy, is success in life." The person who lives life fully, glowing with life's energy, is the person who lives a successful life.

Arouse deep faith, and diligently polish your mirror day and night. How should you polish it? Only by chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. -Nichiren

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Sunday, April 28, 2013:

 

When deluded, one is called an ordinary being, but when enlightened, one is called a Buddha. This is similar to a tarnished mirror that will shine like a jewel when polished. A mind now clouded by the illusions of the innate darkness of life is like a tarnished mirror, but when polished, it is sure to become like a clear mirror, reflecting the essential nature of phenomena and the true aspect of reality. Arouse deep faith, and diligently polish your mirror day and night. How should you polish it? Only by chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. -Nichiren

There is no greater happiness for human beings than chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Sunday, April 28, 2013:

 

How incredible it is to chant this wonderful daimoku each day! Nichiren Daishonin writes, "There is no greater happiness for human beings than chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. The sutra [Lotus Sutra] says, 'The people there [in my land] are happy and at ease.'"(MW-1, 161). There is no joy, happiness and ease surpassing what we can attain through chanting daimoku. No matter how much you may pursue the things you love and skip gongyo to have a good time—all such fleeting, worldly pleasures pale beside the deep sense of satisfaction that comes from chanting daimoku.

How we really grow and cultivate our own beauty?

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday, April 27, 2013:

 

We all long for things of beauty—beauty of nature, of appearance, of life, a beautiful family and so on. But these cannot be gained if we are withdrawn and isolated, just looking at ourselves. We must create better relationships with other people and interact with our community and society with an open heart. We must be kind to nature. It is only through this process that we really grow and cultivate our own beauty.

There may be a retirement age at work, but there is no retirement age in life.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday, April 27, 2013:

 

Age is not an excuse for giving up. If you allow yourself to grow passive and draw back, it's a sign of personal defeat. There may be a retirement age at work, but there is no retirement age in life. How then could there be any "going into retirement" in the world of faith? The Buddhist Law is eternal, extending across the three existences of past, present and future, and one of the benefits of faith is perennial youth and eternal life.

Martin Luther King Jr. said, injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Friday, April 26, 2013:

 

As globalization proceeds, we enter an age in which everybody's actions strongly influence everybody else. When we realize this, we can then alter our mindset and strive to build a global society of mutual coexistence and mutual prosperity. This will be done by going beyond devotion to the interests of the nation-state and devoting ourselves to the interests of all humanity. As Martin Luther King Jr. said, injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. The key to the solution is the imagination to care for others. It is the empathizing heart or what Buddhists refer to when they talk about mercy.

What matters is winning in the end; the wins and losses along the way are of secondary significance.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Friday, April 26, 2013:

 

What matters is winning in the end; the wins and losses along the way are of secondary significance. It's final victory in life that counts and that is the reason for our Buddhist practice. No matter how powerful or famous or privileged a person might be, Nichiren Daishonin says, from a Buddhist point of view it is all nothing more than a dream, an illusory pleasure; true happiness can only be attained by revealing the state of Buddhahood within our own life.

Live each day to the fullest.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Thursday, April 25, 2013:

 

If you think about it, although we may not be destined to die five minutes from now, we are all, without exception, going to die at some point. We can count on it 100 percent. There is nothing surer than this. Victor Hugo says, "We are all under sentence of death, but with a sort of indefinite reprieve." Ideally, we should live every minute of our lives valuably, as if it were the last moment of our lives. Those who live aimlessly are left with a sense of emptiness at the end of their lives, but those who live all-out, striving right to the end, will die peacefully. Leonardo da Vinci says, "As a well-spent day brings happy sleep, so life well used brings happy death." One aware that death could come at any time will live each day to the fullest.

Adversity gives birth to greatness.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Thursday, April 25, 2013:

 

Adversity gives birth to greatness. The greater the challenges and difficulties we face, the greater opportunity we have to grow and develop as people. A life without adversity, a life of ease and comfort, produces nothing and leaves us with nothing. This is one of the indisputable facts of life.

The Lotus Sutra

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Wednesday, April 24, 2013:

 

The Buddhas, the World-Honored Ones, wish to open the door of Buddha wisdom to all living beings, to allow them to attain purity. That is why they appear in the world. They wish to show the Buddha wisdom to living beings, and therefore they appear in the world. They wish to cause living beings to awaken to the Buddha wisdom, and therefore they appear in the world. They wish to induce living beings to enter the path of Buddha wisdom, and therefore they appear in the world. -The Lotus Sutra

Youth will rise up to fulfill their ideals without calculation or self-interest.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Wednesday, April 24, 2013:

 

When youth are awakened to a sense of mission, their power is limitless. Ultimately, we have to entrust our hopes and visions for the future to the youth. This is a golden rule. Youth is pure. Youth will rise up to fulfill their ideals without calculation or self-interest. The fundamental spirit of a leader must be to reach out to such young people, work with them and bring out their capabilities and direct their youthful energies in a positive direction.

Buddhism Day by Day

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, April 23, 2013:

 

When we are aware that each moment of each day, each gesture and step we take, is truly mystical and full of wonder, we will live our lives with greater thought and care. We will also have greater respect and appreciation for the lives of others.

For Today and Tomorrow

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, April 23, 2013:

 

Our fellow members are all family with whom we are linked by deep bonds. If we support and protect this family, they will act as protective forces in our environment, supporting and keeping us from harm in lifetime after lifetime. This is a profound principle of Buddhism.

Do not compare yourselves to others

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Monday, April 22, 2013:

 

Do not compare yourselves to others. Be true to who you are and continue to learn with all your might. Even if you are ridiculed, even if you suffer disappointments and setbacks, continue to advance and do not be defeated.

For Today and Tomorrow

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Monday, April 22, 2013:

 

I hope you will always have the spirit to learn with a lively curiosity and interest. When leaders are enthusiastic to keep on learning and growing, they inspire others. New ideas emerge and spread. Fresh energy to advance surges forth. Instead of pretending to know all the answers, assuming an air of wisdom, let us always strive for greater understanding and insight into all manner of things, so that we can continue learning together and spur one another to grow. This is the kind of spirit I want to cherish.

If we do not live joyfully and cheerfully in the company of those with whom we share this profound bond, what is life for?

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Sunday, April 21, 2013:

 

There are many people, many lives, on this planet, too numerous, in fact, to count. From this great multitude, we wondrously find ourselves together with those in our families—as parents and children, as brothers and sisters, as husbands and wives. If we do not live joyfully and cheerfully in the company of those with whom we share this profound bond, what is life for? Should the atmosphere at home be somber, you yourself can be the "sun." By being a shining presence, you can cast the light of hope on your father, mother and whole family.

This is the SGI's fundamental creed.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Sunday, April 21, 2013:

 

Buddhism is reason. It doesn't exist apart from society, apart from reality. That is why it is important for each of us to cultivate good judgment and common sense. We must respect and harmonize with society's ways. Respecting the life of each individual, we work among the people. This is the SGI's fundamental creed.

Human beings never fail to prosper when they make good causes.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday, April 20, 2013:

 

Just as flowers open up and bear fruit, just as the moon appears and invariably grows full, just as a lamp becomes brighter when oil is added, and just as plants and trees flourish with rain, so will human beings never fail to prosper when they make good causes. -Nichiren

To possess both wisdom and compassion is the heart of our human revolution.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday, April 20, 2013:

 

To possess both wisdom and compassion is the heart of our human revolution. If you have wisdom alone and lack compassion, it will be a cold, perverse wisdom. If you have compassion alone and lack wisdom, you cannot give happiness to others. You are even likely to lead them in the wrong direction, and you won't be able to achieve your own happiness.

The cycle of repaying gratitude will envelop one's whole existence.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Friday, April 19, 2013:

 

Grass and trees cannot grow without soil. The "soil" that fosters our growth includes our parents, teachers, seniors; or homeland, alma mater, community or company. In any case, everyone has some place where they grew up or someone who nurtured them. Human beings grow as a result of nurturing "soil" in which they express their ability and make the flowers of their lives blossom, just as the spirit of the rice plant returns to the soil and the stalk sprouts to flower and bear grain once again. We should repay our debts of gratitude to this soil in which we developed. This cycle of repaying gratitude will envelop one's whole existence. Your true humanity will never blossom if you seek only to develop yourself.

The famous, the well-connected, almost always have too much to lose, and they abandon the cause in order to protect themselves.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Friday, April 19, 2013:

 

At a crucial moment it is the strength and courage of ordinary people who have no name or position in society that save the day. The famous, the well-connected, almost always have too much to lose, and they abandon the cause in order to protect themselves.

The value of the sound of the human voice

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Thursday, April 18, 2013:

 

We live in the midst of a flood of soulless information. And, the more we rely on one-way communication, like radio or TV, or static and unmoving words in print, the more I feel the need to stress the value of the sound of the human voice: The simple but precious interaction of voice and voice, person and person; the exchange of life with life.

For Today and Tomorrow

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Thursday, April 18, 2013:

 

Those who advance together with this organization that is dedicated to kosen-rufu and pervaded by benefit will evolve the correct mind of faith that matches the time. With this mind of faith you can fill the canvas of your lives with portraits of happiness in which all your wishes are fulfilled.

The goal is not to eliminate desires; it is what one desires that is important.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Wednesday, April 17, 2013:

 

The goal is not to eliminate desires; it is what one desires that is important. Earthly desires are enlightenment. The desire for supreme enlightenment, the search for enlightenment, is enlightenment. Satisfaction with one's accomplishments might seem like humility, but to underestimate life's potential is actually great arrogance.

To be young is to possess a treasure of infinite worth, far greater than any person of power.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Wednesday, April 17, 2013:

 

Nothing can equal the splendor of youth. To be young is to possess a treasure of infinite worth, far greater than any person of power. This is all the more true of you who possess the eternal treasure of the Mystic Law. Those who live based on this supreme Law are bodhisattvas and Buddhas.

Buddhism Day by Day

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, April 16, 2013:

 

Unless acted on, even the ideal of reverence for life can end up being a mere slogan without the power to transform reality. It must, therefore, be established as a genuine philosophy in our hearts and in the hearts of others. We must put this philosophy into practice through concrete actions for peace, working one step at a time toward its realization.

For Today and Tomorrow

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, April 16, 2013:

 

Spending our time doing what we please may bring momentary pleasure, but it will not bring us true and lasting joy. We cannot become great artists or great actors of life-we cannot become great human beings. Literature, music and drama are all to be found in our activities for faith-in our prayers, our challenges to develop ourselves through SGI activities and our efforts to educate others. All value is encompassed in these activities. This is the profound realm of Buddhism.

Bringing our lives to a wonderful, satisfying close guarantees us the path to happiness throughout eternity.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Monday, April 15, 2013:

 

Life and death are one, and the entity of our existence is eternal, persisting throughout past, present and future. The setting sun, radiant with joy, gives proof of its undiminished power and at the same time offers a promise of a bright tomorrow. Bringing our lives to a wonderful, satisfying close guarantees us the path to happiness throughout eternity.

What are millionaires rich in life force ?

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Monday, April 15, 2013:

 

Material possessions cannot be enjoyed after death. But millionaires rich in life force are able to freely make use of the treasures of the universe in lifetime after lifetime and enjoy a journey of eternal happiness. That is what constitutes proof of true victory in life.

Happiness cannot be found somewhere else—it is found within us.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Sunday, April 14, 2013:

 

The tendency of human beings is to try and escape challenges and seek an easy and peaceful environment. But happiness cannot be found somewhere else—it is found within us. A genuine way of life consists of transforming where we are right now into a supreme paradise.

Nothing must be postponed.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Sunday, April 14, 2013:

 

Thoreau, a renowned American Renaissance thinker, wrote in his journal: "Nothing must be postponed. Take time by the forelock. Now or never! You must live in the present, launch yourself on every wave, find your eternity in each moment." We shouldn't put anything off but seize the moment, living with all our being in the present. If we do that, he says, each moment will become eternity.

A great work of art is one that truly moves and inspires you.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday, April 13, 2013:

 

A great work of art is one that truly moves and inspires you. You yourself must be moved. Don't look at art with others' eyes. Don't listen to music with others' ears. You must react to art with your own feelings, your own heart and mind. If you allow yourself to be swayed by the opinions of others—" It must be good because everyone else likes it," "It must be bad, because no one else likes it"—your feelings, your sensibility, which should be the very core of the artistic experience, will wither and die. To enjoy art to the fullest, you must abandon all preconceived notions, leaving a blank slate. Then confront the work directly, with your entire being. If you are deeply moved, then that work is, for you, a great work of art.

For Today and Tomorrow

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday, April 13, 2013:

 

Quite simply, there can be no true democracy unless the citizens of a country realize that they are sovereign, that they are the main protagonists, and then with wisdom and a strong sense of responsibility take action based on that realization. Democracy cannot be successful in its mission unless the people rouse themselves to become more informed and involved, unless they unite, unless they establish an unshakable force for justice and keep a strict eye on the activities of the powerful.

It's important to remember that your prayers always reflect your state of life.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Friday, April 12, 2013:

 

It's important to remember that your prayers always reflect your state of life. In that respect, prayer is a solemn means to raise your life-condition. And to get exactly the results that you're praying for, it is crucial to make determined, single-minded efforts toward that goal. That is the true path of manifesting faith in daily life. Those of you who proceed along this path day after day, year after year, will without fail develop—just like saplings into mighty trees—becoming people of outstanding strength and character.

Young people are the leaders of the 21st century.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Friday, April 12, 2013:

 

Young people are the leaders of the 21st century. For that reason it is important that you have an understanding of history, that you can see through to the heart of things. A penetrating view of history is essential. A superficial one won't suffice.

Worthy persons deserve to be called so because they are not carried away by the eight winds: prosperity, decline, disgrace, honor, praise, censure, suffering, and pleasure.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Thursday, April 11, 2013:

 

Worthy persons deserve to be called so because they are not carried away by the eight winds: prosperity, decline, disgrace, honor, praise, censure, suffering, and pleasure. They are neither elated by prosperity nor grieved by decline. -Nichiren

As long as our mind of faith is connected to the Gohonzon, our benefits will never disappear.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Thursday, April 11, 2013:

 

As long as our mind of faith is connected to the Gohonzon, our benefits will never disappear. That's why it is vital for us to persevere in our Buddhist practice throughout our lives no matter what, even if on some days our physical condition or other circumstances prevent us from doing gongyo and chanting daimoku to our full satisfaction. Those who continue to challenge themselves to the end savor ultimate victory.

Believe Rreligion With Reasons.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Wednesday, April 10, 2013:

 

Many today regard any kind of belief—and religious faith, in particular—as somehow in opposition to reason or at the very least as a sort of paralysis of the faculty of reason. There are, indeed, fanatical religions in which faith opposes reason. But it is an erroneous leap of logic to assume on this basis, and without any evidence, that all religions are so. That itself is irrational and can be characterized as a kind of blind faith in its own right.

For Today and Tomorrow

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Wednesday, April 10, 2013:

 

The Daishonin's words are guiding principles that have universal, eternal relevance. It is important to study his writings. And it is especially crucial that the members of the youth division gain a solid grounding in Buddhist study. The two ways of practice and study are important. A halfhearted attitude will not allow you to complete these two paths. That would be a truly sad thing.

Illusion about the true nature of existence is literally illusion about the nature of one's own life.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, April 9, 2013:

 

Illusion about the true nature of existence is literally illusion about the nature of one's own life. This is the fundamental source of all illusions. If we are ignorant about the nature of our own existence, then we will be ignorant about the nature of other people's lives, too. On the other hand, when our lives are free of illusion, we can perceive the treasure tower that shines resplendent in all people, in all beings.

Nothing is wasted in faith.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, April 9, 2013:

 

Nothing is wasted in faith. One never loses out. Please be confident that all your efforts to help others and promote Buddhism are accumulating immense treasures of good fortune in your life. This is what is meant by inconspicuous benefit.

If you light a lantern for another, it will also brighten your own way."

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Monday, April 8, 2013:

 

Nichiren writes, "If you light a lantern for another, it will also brighten your own way." Please be confident that the higher your flame of altruistic action burns, the more its light will suffuse your life with happiness. Those who possess an altruistic spirit are the happiest people of all.

Great individuals fight abuses of authority.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Monday, April 8, 2013:

 

Great individuals fight abuses of authority. The truly strong do not lord it over the weak. People of genuine strength and courage battle against the powerful, the arrogant, the authoritarian, the evil and corrupt-all who look down on the people with contempt.

A change in one's outlook or intention triggers a change in the self and radiates outward to effect society-wide revolutions.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Sunday, April 7, 2013:

 

The Buddhist teaching of the inseparability of evil and good means that everything can be made one or the other in an instant, according to what we harbor in our hearts. Everything begins with the self. A change in one's outlook or intention triggers a change in the self and radiates outward to effect society-wide revolutions. This idea is what we in the SGI refer to as "human revolution."

Strength is the source of happiness.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Sunday, April 7, 2013:

 

Strength is the source of happiness. We mustn't shy away from life's challenges. We mustn't be defeated. Refusing to be defeated equals victory. A person who perseveres to the end is a winner. In the course of promoting our movement, the Soka Gakkai has never pulled back in the face of any hindrance. We have kept moving forward. And that is the key to our success. Never to retreat a single step, no matter what-that is the Soka Gakkai spirit. Those who embrace this spirit can achieve unlimited victory.

Pure and committed practice of Nichiren Buddhism entirely changes the meaning of hardships in our lives.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday, April 6, 2013:

 

Pure and committed practice of Nichiren Buddhism entirely changes the meaning of hardships in our lives. We no longer view challenges and trials as negatives to be avoided but as things which, when overcome, bring us closer to our attainment of Buddhahood.

Sincere faith never ages.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday, April 6, 2013:

 

There is no retirement age in faith. Sincere faith never ages. Those who exert themselves for the sake of the Law are ever young. Our heart is what matters most. Let us strive to the end of our days for kosen-rufu.

The sun will definitely rise.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Friday, April 5, 2013:

 

Even places that have been shrouded in darkness for billions of years can be illuminated. Even a stone from the bottom of a river can be used to produce fire. Our present sufferings, no matter how dark, have certainly not continued for billions of years—nor will they linger forever. The sun will definitely rise. In fact, its ascent has already begun.

Ultimate triumph belongs to those who can forbear.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Friday, April 5, 2013:

 

In all things patience is the key to victory. Those who cannot endure cannot hope to win. Ultimate triumph belongs to those who can forbear.

The purpose of religion is to help each person become happy.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Thursday, April 4, 2013:

 

The flower of the Law blooms within the human being. It shines through our character. The Lotus Sutra is wholly a teaching for human beings. The purpose of religion is to help each person become happy. But even a teaching whose original intent was to promote human happiness may start to restrict people. Even the Lotus Sutra could be used incorrectly to justify discrimination. What is necessary to prevent the danger of such distortion from occurring? It is the disciple's inheritance of the resolute spirit and faith of the mentor to lead people to happiness.

Faith is the most "open" state of mind of all.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Thursday, April 4, 2013:

 

There is no means other than faith by which to open our lives and our inner state of Buddhahood. Faith is the most "open" state of mind of all. Infinite clusters of good fortune spill forth from this unbarred treasure house of life.

Live life with a purpose.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Wednesday, April 3, 2013:

 

A life lived without purpose or value, the kind in which one doesn't know the reason why one was born, is joyless and lackluster. To just live, eat and die without any real sense of purpose surely represents a life pervaded by the life-state of animals. On the other hand, to do, create or contribute something that benefits others, society and ourselves and to dedicate ourselves as long as we live up to that challenge—that is a life of true satisfaction, a life of value. It is a humanistic and lofty way to live.

Impressed other people by the sonorous and invigorating sound of your voices when doing gongyo and daimoku.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Wednesday, April 3, 2013:

 

From one perspective, gongyo and daimoku are lyrics and songs. They are an ode to life. I hope, therefore, that your gongyo and daimoku will be such that even people who are not practicing will be favorably impressed by the sonorous and invigorating sound of your voices. That too will contribute to the spread of kosen-rufu.

What is the secret to continual success?

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, April 2, 2013:

 

Promptness is crucial in leading a victorious life. How we start each morning determines that day's victory or defeat. It's important that we resolve to win in the morning and begin our work with an energetic, refreshed spirit. We mustn't forget that this is the secret to continual success. We live in a tumultuous age, and in such times, swift action is the key to success.

Why faith in the Daishonin's Buddhism?

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, April 2, 2013:

 

Why are human beings born? This question has posed a great challenge. President Toda lucidly set forward his conclusion. Namely, that this world is a place for people to, as the Lotus Sutra states, "enjoy themselves at ease." We were born here in order to thoroughly savor the joys of life. Faith in the Daishonin's Buddhism is what enables us to bring forth the great life force we need to lead such an existence.

How can I cause living beings to gain entry into the unsurpassed way and quickly acquire the body of a Buddha?-The Lotus Sutra

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Monday, April 1, 2013:

 

At all times I think to myself: How can I cause living beings to gain entry into the unsurpassed way and quickly acquire the body of a Buddha?-The Lotus Sutra

Let us strive to advance still more brightly and cheerfully.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Monday, April 1, 2013:

 

Emerson writes: "And so of cheerfulness, or a good temper, the more it is spent, the more of it remains." Cheerfulness is not the same as frivolousness. Cheerfulness is born of a fighting spirit. Frivolousness is the reverse side of cowardly escape. Emerson also said that "power dwells with cheerfulness; hope puts us in a working mood." Without cheerfulness there is no strength. Let us strive to advance still more brightly and cheerfully.

What to read?

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Sunday, March 31, 2013:

 

Reading is dialogue with oneself; it is self-reflection, which cultivates profound humanity. Reading is therefore essential to our development. It expands and enriches the personality like a seed that germinates after a long time and sends forth many blossom-laden branches.

 

People who can say of a book "this changed my life" truly understand the meaning of happiness. Reading that sparks inner revolution is desperately needed to escape drowning in the rapidly advancing information society. Reading is more than intellectual ornamentation; it is a battle for the establishment of the self, a ceaseless challenge that keeps us young and vigorous.

What is a life of true victory?

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Sunday, March 31, 2013:

 

Position and appearances are irrelevant. The important thing is to carry out our personal duty, our commitment, no matter what anyone else may say. This is a life of true victory, a life of unsurpassed nobility and fulfillment.

By continuing to pray, you can reflect on yourself with unflinching honesty and begin to move your life in a positive direction on the path of earnest, steady effort.

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday, March 30, 2013:

There are many elements involved in a prayer being answered, but the important thing is to keep praying until it is. By continuing to pray, you can reflect on yourself with unflinching honesty and begin to move your life in a positive direction on the path of earnest, steady effort. Even if your prayer doesn't produce concrete results immediately, your continual prayer will at some time manifest itself in a form greater than you had ever hoped.

Important to develop your character

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday, March 30, 2013:

 

It is important to develop your character to be as powerful as a mighty river. Continue to advance bravely in the face of every challenge, paying no heed to the obstacles in your way. Become a great river of bottomless compassion and wisdom, overflowing with boundless invincibility and passion.

Giving Courage to others

 

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Friday, March 29, 2013:

 

Molly Brown was on board the Titanic when it tragically sunk in 1912. Although she knew the ship was taking on water, she shouted to a panic-stricken fellow passenger: "There's no danger. It simply can't go down, because I'm on it and I'm unsinkable." Her bantering words, which rang out with the determination never to be defeated and never to give in to despair are said to have given courage to her fellow passengers. Those who stand up at a crucial moment demonstrate genuine greatness.

 

Nichiren spoke of earthly desires being used as fuel for the flame of wisdom.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Friday, March 29, 2013:

 

Nichiren spoke of earthly desires being used as fuel for the flame of wisdom. Buddhism teaches the converting of personal ambitions and desires, even base ones, into good traits like wisdom through altruistic living. A Buddhist doctrine that earthly desires are enlightenment indicates that greed, anger (violence) and egocentricism can be transformed into altruistic traits like compassion, trust and nonviolence. The underlying delusions that drive our desires—including the desire for the development of science and civilizations—can be essentially transformed in a way that changes selfishness into altruism, violence into nonviolence and suspicion into trust.

What is a Buddha?

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Thursday, March 28, 2013:

 

A Buddha is definitely not an absolute being living a static existence. A Buddha shares the sufferings of others and, sensing the condition of the time, earnestly ponders how to transform that condition. A Buddha vows to struggle in order to lead the people and the age to enlightenment. The strength of this vow causes the Buddha's enlightenment to mature into rich wisdom.

What should be the spirit of youth?

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Thursday, March 28, 2013:

 

Youth must have the spirit to attack injustice, the spirit to refute that which is wrong, the spirit to spread the Daishonin's teaching. Just giving an appearance of promoting kosen-rufu and going with the flow, afraid of making waves, are the actions of self-serving youth, who are spiritually old and decrepit.

To turn even sorrow into a source of creativity—this is the way of life of a Buddhist.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Wednesday, March 27, 2013:

 

By changing our inner state of mind, we can change any suffering or hardship into a source of joy, regarding it as a means for forging and developing our lives. To turn even sorrow into a source of creativity—this is the way of life of a Buddhist.

Understanding the subtle workings of one's mind is the key to faith and attaining Buddhahood in this lifetime.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Wednesday, March 27, 2013:

 

While controlling your mind, which is at once both extremely subtle and solemnly profound, you should strive to elevate your faith with freshness and vigor. When you do so, both your life and your surroundings will open wide before you and every action you take will become a source of benefit. Understanding the subtle workings of one's mind is the key to faith and attaining Buddhahood in this lifetime.

How To Win in life?

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, March 26, 2013:

 

When experiencing failures and disappointments, frustrations or illness, people tend to lose confidence and let fear overtake them. At such times, however, we need to make a conscious effort to move forward with strength and courage. When you say to yourself, "Next time I'll succeed!" or "I'm going to get better and make it through this!" you have already won.

What is a hindrance to people's happiness?

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Tuesday, March 26, 2013:

 

Of foremost importance are the people—not celebrities, the powerful, the rich, scholars or others whom society deems great or praiseworthy. The purpose of all things must be the happiness of the people. Everything else should be but a means to that end. Those who fail to recognize this fundamental point and look down on the people and exploit them are thoroughly vile and contemptible; they are a hindrance to people's happiness.

What is the spirit, the sense of responsibility and the leadership in the SGI activities?

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Monday, March 25, 2013:

 

We are no longer in an age when one person can shoulder everything. Of course, for the day-to-day running of the organization someone will still be officially designated as president, but ultimately our future development hinges on every member having the commitment required of a Soka Gakkai president. With this spirit, this sense of responsibility, this leadership in your activities, may you always work for kosen-rufu and for the victory of the people. May you also build a Soka Gakkai where everyone can advance joyfully, a Soka Gakkai of undying progress.

How human beings derive maximum meaning from their lives?

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Monday, March 25, 2013:

 

The significance of Buddhism lies both in the discovery of the Buddha nature in all beings and in the establishment of a practical method for bringing it out, so that human beings can derive maximum meaning from their lives. This reformation of the inner human world—what we in the Soka Gakkai call human revolution—is especially relevant to modern civilization, which has long been trapped in a sort of spiritual quicksand. We can escape the quicksand by calling forth the supreme human potential available to each of us.

If we were to immediately get everything we prayed for, we would become spoiled and decadent.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Sunday, March 24, 2013:

 

The struggle we go through to have our prayers answered makes us stronger. If we were to immediately get everything we prayed for, we would become spoiled and decadent. We would lead indolent lives, devoid of any hard work or struggle. As a result, we would become shallow human beings. What, then, would be the point of faith?

What happens when we practice gongyo and chant daimoku before the Gohonzon?

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Sunday, March 24, 2013:

 

When we practice gongyo and chant daimoku before the Gohonzon, the good and evil capacities of our lives begin to function as the exalted form of fundamental existence. Lives that are full of the pain of Hell, lives that are in the state of Hunger, lives warped by the state of Anger—such lives too begin to move in the direction of creating their own personal happiness and value. Lives being pulled toward misfortune and unhappiness are redirected and pulled in the opposite direction, toward good, when they make the Mystic Law their base.

From The Lotus Sutra

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday, March 23, 2013:

 

I am the father of living beings and I should rescue them from their sufferings and give them the joy of the measureless and boundless Buddha wisdom so that they may find their enjoyment in that. -The Lotus Sutra

Let Us Hope

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Saturday, March 23, 2013:

 

Let us all set our sights on leading great lives dedicated always to truth and move toward that goal in good health, brimming with hope. Let us live our lives boldly, without regret, advancing with patience, enthusiasm and a genuine spirit of friendship and camaraderie.

Struggling against great difficulty enables us to develop ourselves tremendously.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Friday, March 22, 2013:

 

Life is full of unexpected suffering. Even so, as Eleanor Roosevelt said: "If you can live through that [a difficult situation] you can live through anything. You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, "I lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along." That's exactly right. Struggling against great difficulty enables us to develop ourselves tremendously. We can call forth and manifest those abilities lying dormant within us. Difficulty can be a source of dynamic growth and positive progress.

Life is about striving all out to achieve our aims; it is about hard work and effort.

For Today and Tomorrow

Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Friday, March 22, 2013:

 

I call to each of you: Strive for prosperity! Strive for development! Strive for victory! Life is about striving all out to achieve our aims; it is about hard work and effort. Regardless of how smart you may be, intelligence alone cannot guarantee your future.