Daisaku Ikeda Quotes & Sayings

Women are, in my view, natural peacemakers. As givers and nurturers of life, through their focus on human relationships and their engagement with the demanding work of raising children and protecting family life, they develop a deep sense of empathy that cuts through to underlying human realities. — Daisaku Ikeda

The idea of interdependence is central to Buddhism, which holds that all things come into being through the mutual interactions of various causes and conditions. — Daisaku Ikeda

Japan learned from the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki that the tragedy wrought by nuclear weapons must never be repeated and that humanity and nuclear weapons cannot coexist. — Daisaku Ikeda

Adversity gives birth to greatness. The greater the challenges and difficulties we face, the greater the 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. — Daisaku Ikeda

The problems of aging present an opportunity to rethink our social and personal lives in order to ensure the dignity and welfare of each individual. — Daisaku Ikeda

All people have a natural desire to be needed, to have their importance to others tangibly confirmed. — Daisaku Ikeda

Humanity's collective mission in the cosmos lies in the practice of compassion. — Daisaku Ikeda

Leave behind the passive dreaming of a rose-tinted future. The energy of happiness exists in living today with roots sunk firmly in reality's soil. — Daisaku Ikeda

Sometimes we complain without thinking much of it, but the frightening thing about complaining is that every time we do, a cloud descends over our heart, and our hope, appreciation and joy gradually wane. — Daisaku Ikeda

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. — Daisaku Ikeda

Creativity means to push open the heavy, groaning doorway to life. — Daisaku Ikeda

Happiness does not exist as an isolated quality, nor does it conform to a single fixed pattern. Happiness is something that breathes and lives in the relationships between one person and another. — Daisaku Ikeda

The human spirit is as expansive as the cosmos. This is why it is so tragic to belittle yourself or to question your worth. No matter what happens, continue to push back the boundaries of your inner life. The confidence to prevail over any problem, the strength to overcome adversity and unbounded hope - all reside within you. — Daisaku Ikeda

Strength is itself victory. — Daisaku Ikeda

People need to be made conscious of a very simple reality: we have no choice but to share this planet, this small blue sphere floating in the vast reaches of space, with all of our fellow 'passengers.' — Daisaku Ikeda

Divorced from the cosmos, from nature, from society and from each other, we have become fractured and fragmented. — Daisaku Ikeda

One thing is certain: The power of belief, the power of thought, will move reality in the direction of what we believe and conceive of it. If you really believe you can do something, you can. This is a fact. When you clearly envision a victorious outcome, engrave it in your heart and are firmly convinced that you will attain it, your brain makes every effort to realize the mental image you have created. And then, through your unceasing efforts, that victory is finally made a reality. — Daisaku Ikeda

When human beings live together, conflict is inevitable. War is not. — Daisaku Ikeda

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. — Daisaku Ikeda

Let us join our efforts toward building the unshakable foundations for a culture of peace. — Daisaku Ikeda

Faced with stress, too many people feel they have nowhere to turn to, that they don't have access to the kind of friendships or communities where they can easily and openly share their problems and worries. — Daisaku Ikeda

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

Hope transforms pessimism into optimism. Hope is invincible. — Daisaku Ikeda

The differences between people need not act as barriers that wound, harm and drive us apart. Rather, these very differences among cultures and civilizations should be valued as manifestations of the richness of our shared creativity. — Daisaku Ikeda

The crucial thing is to arouse the awareness that as a matter of human conscience we can never permit the people of any country to fall victim to nuclear weapons, and for each individual to express their refusal to continue living in the shadow of the threat they pose. — Daisaku Ikeda

Only when we connect to nature, engaged with nature, are we truly alive and vigorous. To really be alive, one must be under the sun, the moon, the shining stars and surrounded by the beautiful greenery and pure waters of the natural world. — Daisaku Ikeda

The economy is after all driven by people. No matter how dire the situation may be, as long as people are firm, a turnaround, revival and progress can be possible. — Daisaku Ikeda

A sense of being part of the great all-inclusive life prompts us to reflect on our own place and on how we ought to live. Guarding others' lives, the ecology and the earth is the same as protecting one's own life. By like token, wounding them is the same thing as wounding oneself. Consequently, it is the duty of each of us to participate as members of the life community in the evolution of the universe. We can do this by guarding earth's ecological system. — Daisaku Ikeda

All right, let's get to work again!-This is the spirit of people of genuine substance. Those who avoid hard work or neglect the things they have to do, who just while away their time, eating, sleeping, playing, watching television-such individuals will never experience true happiness, satisfaction or joy. — Daisaku Ikeda

Come on obstacles! I've been expecting you! This is the chance that I've been waiting for! — Daisaku Ikeda

The experience of losing a loved one impels us toward a deeper understanding of life. Everyone fears and is saddened by death. That is natural. But by struggling to overcome the pain and sadness that accompanies death, we become sharply aware of the dignity and preciousness of life and develop the compassion to share the sufferings of others as our own. — Daisaku Ikeda

In life when we feel we have reached a limit, that is when the true battle begins. Just when you despair and think it is impossible to go any further, will you become apathetic, or will you say it's not over and stand up with an unyielding spirit? The battle is decided by this single determination. — Daisaku Ikeda

In most cases,our so-called limitations are nothing more than our own decision to limit ourselves. — Daisaku Ikeda

Youthfulness is not determined by age. It is determined by one's life force. One who possesses hope is forever young. One who continually advances is forever beautiful.
— Daisaku Ikeda

Human rights will be a powerful force for the transformation of reality when they are not simply understood as externally defined norms of behavior but are lived as the spontaneous manifestation of internalized values. — Daisaku Ikeda

Present effects are due to karmic causes from the past. However, future effects arise from the causes we make in the present. It is always the present that counts. — Daisaku Ikeda

To communicate the truths of history is an act of hope for the future. — Daisaku Ikeda

History is filled with tragic examples of wars that result from diplomatic impasse. Whether in our local communities or in international relations, the skillful use of our communicative capacities to negotiate and resolve differences is the first evidence of human wisdom. — Daisaku Ikeda

Rather than becoming discouraged, know that encountering a wall is proof of the progress that you have made so far. — Daisaku Ikeda

The determination to win is the better part of winning. — Daisaku Ikeda

If we look at the world with a love of life, the world will reveal its beauty to us. — Daisaku Ikeda

Those who give up dreams, do injury to their own hearts and cannot possibly enjoy a profound sense of fulfillment in the end. — Daisaku Ikeda

There are no greater treasures than the highest human qualities such as compassion, courage and hope. Not even tragic accident or disaster can destroy such treasures of the heart. — Daisaku Ikeda

Changing the destiny of one individual in the word today, it becomes possible to change the destiny of all mankind — Daisaku Ikeda

The willingness to challenge hardships taps the power within human beings to transform even a place of tragedy into a stage for fulfilling one's mission. — Daisaku Ikeda

People who cease to grow can't inspire others. Leadership begins with challenging
oneself. — Daisaku Ikeda

Great art is created only through diligent and painstaking effort to perfect and polish oneself. — Daisaku Ikeda

Human beings are inherently endowed with the power to bring out the best possible results from the worst possible circumstances. — Daisaku Ikeda

A great revolution in just one single individual will help achieve a change in the destiny of a society and, further, will enable a change in the destiny of humankind. — Daisaku Ikeda

What our world most requires now is the kind of education that foster love for humankind, that develops character-that provides an intellectual basis for realization of peace and empowers learners to contribute to and improve society. — Daisaku Ikeda

Often the biggest obstacle in meeting life's challenges is actually our own fear of failure. — Daisaku Ikeda

Knowledge itself is a neutral tool that can be used for good or evil. Wisdom, in contrast, always directs us toward happiness. The task of education must be to stimulate and unleash the wisdom that lies dormant in the lives of all young people. This is not a forced process, like pressing something into a preformed mold, but rather drawing out the potential which exists within. — Daisaku Ikeda

But I think we need to remember that democracy everywhere is by its nature incomplete, a work in progress. — Daisaku Ikeda

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. — Daisaku Ikeda

The challenge of preventing any further proliferation of nuclear weapons is just such a trial in the quest for world peace, one that cannot be achieved if we are defeated by a sense of helplessness. The crucial element is to ensure that any struggle against evil is rooted firmly in a consciousness of the unity of the human family, something only gained through the mastery of our own inner contradictions. — Daisaku Ikeda

One's true worth as a human being is not a matter of outward appearance or title, but derives rather from the breadth of one's spirit. Everything comes down to faith and conviction. It is what is in one's heart, and the substance of one's actions that count. — Daisaku Ikeda

In the past, human society provided encouragement and opportunity for people to extend support to each other, especially in highly stressful situations. — Daisaku Ikeda

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 — Daisaku Ikeda

What is defeat in life? It is not merely making a mistake; defeat means giving up on yourself in the midst of difficulty. What is true success in life? True success means winning in your battle with yourself. Those who persist in the pursuit of their dreams, no matter what the hurdles, are winners in life, for they have won over their weaknesses. — Daisaku Ikeda

Why doesn't constant trampling defeat the dandelion? The key to its strength is its long and sturdy root, which extends deep into the earth. The same priciple applies to people. The true victors in life are those who, enduring repeated challenges and setbacks, have sent the roots of their being to such a depth that nothing can shake them. — Daisaku Ikeda

Everything begins with the resolve to take the first step. From that action, wisdom arises and change begins. Without action, nothing changes. — Daisaku Ikeda

The eyes of a poet discover in each person a unique and irreplaceable humanity. While arrogant intellect seeks to control and manipulate the world, the poetic spirit bows with reverence before its mysteries. — Daisaku Ikeda

Likewise, education can direct people toward good or evil ends. When education is based on a fundamentally distorted worldview, the results are horrific. — Daisaku Ikeda

Do something! Start something! As you make consistent efforts, you will begin to see your goals come into focus. You will discover your mission
the one only you can fulfill. — Daisaku Ikeda

There is no true joy in a life lived closed up in the little shell of the self. When you take one step to reach out to people, when you meet with others and share their thoughts and sufferings, infinite compassion and wisdom well up within your heart. Your life is transformed. — Daisaku Ikeda

We are responsible for our own destiny. What matters is how we improve ourselves from this moment forward. — Daisaku Ikeda

Creating harmony amidst diversity is a fundamental issue of the twenty-first century. While celebrating the unique characteristics of different peoples and cultures, we have to create solidarity on the level of our common humanity, our common life. Without such solidarity, there will be no future for the human race. Diversity should not beget conflict in the world, but richness. — Daisaku Ikeda

Just as a diamond can only be polished by another diamond, it is only through genuine, all-out engagement with others that people can polish their character, and help each other to reach greater heights. — Daisaku Ikeda

Music speaks directly to the heart. This response, this echo within the heart, is proof that human hearts can transcend the barriers of time and space and nationality. Exchanges in the field of culture can play an important role in enabling people to overcome mistrust and prejudice and build peace. — Daisaku Ikeda

A person fully awakened to the jewel-like dignity of their own life is capable of truly respecting that same treasure in others. — Daisaku Ikeda

A healthy vision of the future is not possible without an accurate knowledge of the past. — Daisaku Ikeda

An attitude of compassion does not mean looking down on someone, pitying them in their misery. Compassion is based on respect. We discuss life as equals, learn from each other and strive together to improve our lives. — Daisaku Ikeda

Dialogue starts from the courageous willingness to know and be known by others. It is the painstaking and persistent effort to remove all obstacles that obscure our common humanity. — Daisaku Ikeda

Health is not simply the absence of illness. Real health is the will to overcome every form of adversity and use even the worst of circumstances as a springboard for new growth and development. Simply put, the essence of health is the constant renewal and rejuvenation of life. — Daisaku Ikeda

When we have a genuine sense that,
no matter how difficult our present
circumstances, we are not alone-that
we are vitally connected with others
and with the world-we will, without
fail, rise up to the challenge of living
again. — Daisaku Ikeda

Ultimately, the only way to make good friends is to become a good friend yourself. Good people gather around other good people. — Daisaku Ikeda

Genuine happiness can only be achieved when we transform our way of life from the unthinking pursuit of pleasure to one committed to enriching our inner lives, when we focus on 'being more' rather than simply having more. — Daisaku Ikeda

A truley heroic way of life lies in squarely confronting and courageously overcoming the pounding vicissitudes that life always throws in our paths — Daisaku Ikeda

Genuine sincerity opens people's hearts, while manipulation causes them to close. — Daisaku Ikeda

I believe that we must maintain pride in the knowledge that the actions we take, based on our own decisions and choices as individuals, link directly to the magnificent challenge of transforming human history. — Daisaku Ikeda

One thing is certain: That is that the power of belief, the power of thought, will move reality in the direction of what we believe and conceive of it. If you really believe you can do something, you can. That is a fact. — Daisaku Ikeda

Every war, when viewed from the undistorted perspective of life's sanctity, is a "civil war" waged by humanity against itself. — Daisaku Ikeda

Speak out tirelessly with conviction. — Daisaku Ikeda

When we change, the world changes. The key to all change is in our inner transformation- a change of our hearts and minds. This is human revolution. We all have the power to change. When we realize this truth, we can bring forth that power anywhere, anytime, and in any situation. — Daisaku Ikeda

I believe that a culture of peace must be the essential foundation of our efforts for peace. — Daisaku Ikeda

We must take steps to prevent further nuclear weapons development or modernization. — Daisaku Ikeda

While it is important to win, it's even more important to remain undefeated no matter what happens. — Daisaku Ikeda

No one should be left to suffer alone. — Daisaku Ikeda

Just as cherry, plum, peach and damson blossoms all possess their own unique qualities, each person is unique. We cannot become someone else. The important thing is that we live true to ourselves and cause the great flower of our lives to blossom. — Daisaku Ikeda

Embrace your dreams and advance as far as they can take you. — Daisaku Ikeda

If you lose today, win tomorrow. In this never-ending spirit of challenge is found the heart of a victor. — Daisaku Ikeda

It is natural for us, as human beings, to look forward. Our eyes naturally look ahead. In this sense, we are made for moving toward a goal. — Daisaku Ikeda

We should all develop the mind to rejoice in, praise and share in the gift of those who have artistic talents and a richness of heart, whether they achieve wide recognition or not. Cultivating such a beautiful mind is a very worthy effort. Culture and art are not just decorations. They are not just accessories. What matters is whether culture enriches the essential substance of our lives. — Daisaku Ikeda

Before comparing yourself with others, win the battle with yourself. Strive to be better today than yesterday, and better tomorrow than today. — Daisaku Ikeda

Hope is life's greatest treasure. If you have no hope, create some! — Daisaku Ikeda

Victory lies in not getting defeated. — Daisaku Ikeda

A person's true nature is revealed at times of the greatest adversity. — Daisaku Ikeda

No matter what kind of difficult situation one may find oneself in, some opening, some opportunity to fight one's way out, can always be found. What's most important is to hold fast to Hope, to face the future with courage. — Daisaku Ikeda

Envying another's beauty will diminish your own. But when you praise beauty in others your own beauty deepens. — Daisaku Ikeda

Within the heart of every person exists the flame of wisdom that transforms all suffering into kindling for the fire of creative energy. — Daisaku Ikeda