Daisaku Ikeda is a Buddhist philosopher, educator, and peace activist who has written extensively on a wide range of topics, including humanism, education, and world peace. His writings and speeches are a source of inspiration for many people around the world. In this guide, we’ll explore some of Daisaku Ikeda’s most inspiring quotes.
“Just as a spring breeze awakens tender new shoots of green, sincere encouragement can thaw a frozen heart and instill courage. It is the most powerful means to rejuvenate the human spirit.”
“Even if things don’t unfold the way you expected, don’t be disheartened or give up. One who continues to advance will win in the end.”
“It is impossible to build one’s own happiness on the unhappiness of others. This perspective is at the heart of Buddhist teachings.”
“Life is painful. It has thorns, like the stem of a rose. Culture and art are the roses that bloom on the stem. The flower is yourself, your humanity. Art is the liberation of the humanity inside yourself.”
“Strength is Happiness. Strength is itself victory. In weakness and cowardice, there is no happiness. When you wage a struggle, you might win or you might lose.”
Daisaku Ikeda Quotes on Friendship
“The most fundamental aggression to ourselves, the most fundamental harm we can do to ourselves, is to remain ignorant by not having the courage and the respect to look at ourselves honestly and gently.”
“The greatest tragedy in life is not to die, it’s to live as if dead, to let the life within us wither.”
“The only way to change the world is to change the consciousness of the individuals who inhabit it.”
“The purpose of education is to enable us to develop to the fullest that which is inside us.”
“The heart of dialogue is to really listen to the other person. Without listening, there is no communication.”
Daisaku Ikeda Quotes on Couarge
Buddhism teaches that the mind encompasses the entire universe. When we change our innermost state of mind, our whole being changes, and this affects the world in which we live…Everything starts with a strong determination.
Buddhism teaches that the heart is like a skilled painter. Both art and our lives are faithful expressions of what is in our hearts.
There’s no need to be swayed by other people’s opinions. Just press forwards cheerfully and confidently on the path of your own unique mission, in accord with the principle of ‘cherry, plum, peach and damson.’ Strive in a way that’s true to yourself
Transform sadness into courage. Transform karma into mission. Break through the darkness and make the morning sun rise in your hearts. Come, dancing forth like a reborn sun heralding the arrival of spring.
One cannot become a starring player in life if one is easily swayed by one’s emotions over every little thing. Strength of character lies in performing the drama of life with courage and confidence, practicing self-reflection and self-control under any circumstances.
Effort and hard work construct the bridge that connects your dreams to reality. Those who make steady efforts are full of hope. And hope, in turn, arises from steady efforts.
When we have a clear purpose in life we can overcome anything. Without a sense of purpose, even though we may possess everything else, our lives begin a slow decline
Humanity’s collective mission in the cosmos lies in the practice of compassion.
Small things matter. What may look like a small act of courage is courage nevertheless. The important thing is to be willing to take a step forward.
Daisaku Ikeda Quotes on Life
No matter how hopeless or bleak things appear, the moment always comes when suddenly our spirit revives, and hope is reborn. That is why we must never give up.
Happiness is not something far away. It is to be found neither in fame nor in popularity. When you live with integrity, your hearts begin to fill with a happiness as vast as the universe. It’s about being true to yourself and starting from where you are
Everything begins with the resolve to take the first step. From that action, wisdom arises and change begins. Without action, nothing changes.
Daisaku Ikeda Quotes on Hope
Small things matter. What may look like a small act of courage is courage nevertheless. The important thing is to be willing to take a step forward.
Countries around the world, including Japan, are making all-out efforts to contain the spread of the coronavirus. Let us chant the lion’s roar of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo even more powerfully, praying together in one heart for an early end to the outbreak and a return to normality.
The mark of wisdom lies, more than anything else, in the ability to listen.
Daisaku Ikeda Quotes on Faith
Life moves toward the direction our mind aims it in. A goal activates our minds and bodies; it stimulates wisdom and energy from within.
It takes courage to become happy—courage to remain true to one’s convictions, courage not to be defeated by one’s weaknesses and negativity, courage to take swift action to help those who are suffering.
