A selection of quotes from Daisaku Ikeda’s published works on inspiration for daily living.
2024-12-21
Month
01
02
03
04
05
06
07
08
09
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
01 December
Human beings aren’t defeated by adversity. They are defeated by themselves, by giving up and abandoning their own convictions.
02 December
Our happiness lies in encouraging others and helping them become happy.
03 December
The brave and enthusiastic actions of a single individual can have a powerful impact, inspiring many others in a ripple effect and opening new horizons.
04 December
The energy of creativity is like a fire that transforms all kinds of obstacles into opportunities for dynamic new growth and advancement.
05 December
Dialogue is a life-to-life exchange that can open another’s heart and mind; it is the music of life’s inner realm that creates a resonance of conscience.
06 December
To lose hope is to lose the light of life. Faith is what ignites hope in one’s heart and causes joy to burn brightly.
07 December
No matter how old you are, your spirit will wither if you don’t continue to struggle. The point is to seek out and take on challenges, for the sake of your own happiness and fulfillment. You need to create a magnificent drama of unceasing endeavor.
08 December
Life is a struggle against the relentless winds of karma that assail us. Only by developing our spiritual strength to completely overcome such onslaughts can we attain absolute happiness.
09 December
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. Embrace your dreams and advance as far as they can take you.
10 December
Our ability to respect others is the true mark of our humanity. Respect for other people is the essence of human rights.
11 December
Trust is built on promises kept. The most important thing in gaining the trust of others is to keep our promises. By keeping our promises, even if those to whom we’ve made them have forgotten, we come to establish our own path, creed, and character.
12 December
Human revolution starts from recognizing one’s own weaknesses and taking the first step to overcome them.
13 December
When people’s hearts change and they arouse great courage, their voice, expression, behavior, and spirit also change, and they can transform every aspect of their lives and environment.
14 December
Life is full of twists and turns. There are also times when it is an uphill struggle, and we just have to keep pushing forward. However, when we bravely face and challenge such trials, we can develop and train ourselves, our lives growing stronger and more expansive.
15 December
Since life is eternal, old age is not simply a period of waiting for the end. It is the time for us to put the finishing touches on this life and to prepare for our next life.
16 December
If religion turns its back on the sufferings of others and on the welfare of society, it would be abandoning its original mission.
17 December
A smile can put people at ease and open the door to friendly discussion. It is the blossoming of an expansive life condition.
18 December
Youth are the protagonists of a new age. The future depends entirely on the aims they cherish, how hard they study, how bravely they act, and how seriously they work to develop themselves.
19 December
The role of religion should be to help us understand death. And that understanding should provide us with a perspective on how we can best live our lives.
20 December
Learning is the individual's inalienable right. As human beings, it is not only our right but also our duty. Please never lose the desire to continue learning throughout your lives!
21 December
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 in all circumstances.
22 December
There are always windows of opportunity that may lead us to victory. Those who can make good use of such opportunities, whenever they may arise, are those who are ceaselessly striving and exerting themselves.
23 December
The most effective way to persuade others is through showing the seriousness of our commitment. Heartfelt words have the power to break through even the most impenetrable of situations.
24 December
Even a single word of encouragement can stir a person to action. The voice is a fresh breeze rousing courage.
25 December
Conflict and tension do not in themselves render dialogue impossible; what builds the walls between us is our willingness to remain ignorant of others. This is why it is crucial to be the one to initiate dialogue. Everything starts from there.
26 December
The infinite future is contained within the present instant. Our momentary decisions and actions are what will shape history. To ensure that we do not let crucial moments slip by, we must constantly put our all into what we are doing.
27 December
Because we have suffered ourselves, we can genuinely encourage others. Struggles cultivate and deepen our humanity.
28 December
Life’s trials are actually our great treasures that hone and strengthen us. If we can sincerely look at them that way, we’ll achieve immense growth.
29 December
An unflagging commitment to self-improvement and a spirit of challenge make life exciting and fulfilling.
30 December
The more you walk, the more you create a path. The more you talk, the more you plant seeds of hope.
31 December
A peaceful life does not mean a life free of toil and suffering, rather it means living without being swayed no matter what happens. This is a state of true peace and happiness.
