A selection of quotes from Daisaku Ikeda’s published works on inspiration for daily living.
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
01 September
The lotus flower blooms fragrantly, unsullied by the muddy waters from which it draws sustenance. This illustrates that however deep the chaos and confusion of the times, we can refuse to let this overwhelm us, staying always true to ourselves.
02 September
To strive at each moment to face what we need to do and then to give our all to the task at hand—that is the key to accomplishing great things and enjoying great victory.
03 September
Never leave behind those struggling in difficult circumstances.
04 September
The future is created through the fresh abilities of youth. This is why it is so important to wholly dedicate our energies to fostering and empowering young people.
05 September
If we are strongly determined to do something, we can find any number of creative ways to achieve our aims. On the other hand, if we give up, we are quashing our creativity from the start.
06 September
Encouragement means to plant the seed of courage in the lives of others. It is an act of regeneration.
07 September
It is in the very process of challenging our problems that our lives pulse with joy and fulfillment and a great wellspring of happiness rises up within us.
08 September
Peace begins with tenacious dialogue, and perseverance is the driving force for all great achievements.
09 September
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.
10 September
Courage, strength and wisdom well up in those who consciously take on everything as the protagonist and person responsible for achieving their goals. Unlimited wisdom and ardent resolve arise from a sense of responsibility.
11 September
The “mud” of our suffering provides the building material from which we can erect a solid bulwark for the palace of happiness within. The deeper the mire of suffering, the more indomitable a palace we can establish.
12 September
People who can hold onto their original motivation are strong. As long as we don't forget this starting point, we will never lose sight of the path of our convictions.
13 September
People’s minds are always changing moment to moment. When we concentrate our determination into a single instant and give 100 percent of our effort, we are able to inspire empathy and hope in others and touch their hearts.
14 September
Action has the power to break down walls and to elevate our life condition. People of action don’t give up. Though they may seem deadlocked, they always manage to open a way forward.
15 September
Our future self does not exist in some far-off place; it exists in the heart and mind of our present self. That is why we must face and tackle the realities that confront us.
16 September
Culture is a flower that blossoms from the soil of our humanity. Creating new culture, constructing the future, transforming people’s destiny—all begin with the inner transformation of the individual.
17 September
If we suppose this lifetime to be the be-all and end-all of existence, we cannot lead a truly profound life. Belief in something eternal brings out our full humanity.
18 September
It is through our relationships with others that we develop and grow; learn from one another; help and support one another; and cultivate genuine humanity.
19 September
Genuine dialogue, rooted in sincere friendship, has the power to overcome differences in ethnicity, to transcend borders and interests, to bring down the walls of division.
20 September
“The heart is what is important.” There is nothing more vulnerable, nothing more corruptible than the human mind; nor is there anything as powerful, steadfast and ennobled.
21 September
Supporting, encouraging, and reinvigorating each suffering individual we encounter is the first sure step to realizing a society that respects the dignity of life; it is the starting point for building peace.
22 September
The future is created through our actions in the present moment. Unless we struggle with all our might now, we cannot expect to enjoy genuine success in the future.
23 September
Passion is also a requirement for happiness. Whether we are happy or unhappy in life is for the most part determined by our degree of passion.
24 September
The transformation from a self-centred way of life to one dedicated to the well-being of others is the process of “human revolution.” This is a revolution that can start here, now―in the heart of every one of us.
25 September
Blazing a new trail in one’s youth is a labor of indescribable difficulty. The struggles of one’s youth, however, become a precious treasure for the future.
26 September
All people essentially desire peace. It is not flowery rhetoric or pretence that draws forth that inner spirit from people’s lives, but only open, honest dialogue coming from genuine and sincere humanity.
27 September
Activity is another name for happiness. Give free, unfettered play to your unique talents, live with the full radiance of your being. This is what it means to be truly alive.
28 September
Dialogue is about demonstrating respect for another’s life, and being determined to learn when confronted with differences in personality and perspective.
29 September
Everything passes. Both soaring joys and crushing sorrows fade away like a dream. However, the knowledge of having lived one’s life to the fullest never disappears.
30 September
No matter what the circumstances, the person with firm resolve can overcome any challenge or difficulty.
