Daisaku Ikeda Quotes

A collection of quotes by Daisaku Ikeda.

Daisaku Ikeda is a prominent Japanese Buddhist philosopher, educator, and peace activist. He was born on January 2, 1928, in Tokyo, Japan. Ikeda is the third president of the lay Buddhist organization called Soka Gakkai International (SGI) and has been a central figure in promoting peace, nuclear disarmament, and dialogue among cultures and religions.

During his early years, Ikeda became deeply engaged with the Soka Gakkai movement, which emphasizes the transformative power of Buddhism in daily life. He played a crucial role in expanding the organization's global presence, leading to the establishment of SGI in 1975, spanning over 190 countries and territories.

Ikeda has authored numerous books on topics including Buddhism, education, and peace. His writings emphasize the importance of individual empowerment, dialogue, and compassion as essential elements in creating a peaceful society.

Recognized for his dedication to peacebuilding, Daisaku Ikeda has been awarded several honorary doctorates and prestigious international prizes, such as the United Nations Peace Award and the Rosa Parks Humanitarian Award. He has engaged in dialogue and friendship with numerous world leaders, thinkers, and cultural figures to promote mutual understanding and the pursuit of global harmony.

As a lifelong advocate for peace and education, Daisaku Ikeda continues to inspire and encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds to work towards a more peaceful and equitable world.

Ultimately, all human activities have as their goal the real

Ultimately, all human activities have as their goal the realization of happiness. Why, then, have we ended up producing the opposite result? Could the underlying cause be our failure to correctly understand the true nature of happiness?

Dialogue and education for peace can help free our hearts fr

Dialogue and education for peace can help free our hearts from the impulse toward intolerance and the rejection of others.

Women are, in my view, natural peacemakers. As givers and nu

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.

It is only through such real-life daily struggles and challe

It is only through such real-life daily struggles and challenges that a genuine sensitivity to human rights can be inculcated. This is a truth that is not limited to school education: it applies to all of us.

Where there is an absence of international political leaders

Where there is an absence of international political leadership, civil society should step in to fill the gap, providing the energy and vision needed to move the world in a new and better direction.

Life is painful. It has thorns, like the stem of a rose. Cul

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.

Happiness Peace Inspirational Destiny Humanism Buddhism Karma Self Reformation

it is impossible to build one's own happiness on the unhappi

it is impossible to build one's own happiness on the unhappiness of others. This perspective is at the heart of Buddhist teachings.

Happiness Peace Inspirational Destiny Humanism Buddhism Karma Self Reformation

Leave behind the passive dreaming of a rose-tinted future. T

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.

Happiness Peace Inspirational Destiny Humanism Buddhism Karma Self Reformation

How aware are we of our own inner life, our spirituality-som

How aware are we of our own inner life, our spirituality-something so intangible yet so priceless? How much effort do we make to perceive that which is not obvious, which can neither be seen nor heard? I believe the exploration and enrichment of the human spirit is what determines our very humanity. Such enrichment provides an inner compass that can lead civilizations to greatness.

Happiness Peace Inspirational Destiny Humanism Buddhism Karma Self Reformation

The determination to win is the better part of winning.

The determination to win is the better part of winning.

Determination Doingyourbest Inspire Humanism Winning Buddhism

Divorced from the cosmos, from nature, from society and from

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

Society

The institutions of human society treat us as parts of a mac

The institutions of human society treat us as parts of a machine. They assign us ranks and place considerable pressure upon us to fulfill defined roles. We need something to help us restore our lost and distorted humanity. Each of us has feelings that have been suppressed and have built up inside. There is a voiceless cry resting in the depths of our souls, waiting for expression. Art gives the soul's feelings voice and form.

Happiness Peace Inspirational Destiny Humanism Buddhism Karma Self Reformation

Likewise, education can direct people toward good or evil en

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

Education

There are no greater treasures than the highest human qualit

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.

Courage

No one can live entirely on their own, nor can any country o

No one can live entirely on their own, nor can any country or society exist in isolation.

Society

Leadership that exploits and sacrifices young people on the

Leadership that exploits and sacrifices young people on the altar of its goals is nothing more than raw, demonic power. Genuine leadership is found in ceaseless efforts to foster young people, to pave the way forward for them.

Leadership

In the past, human society provided encouragement and opport

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

Society

Humanity has experienced many revolutionary changes over the

Humanity has experienced many revolutionary changes over the course of history: revolutions in agriculture, in science, industrial production, as well as numerous political revolutions. But these have all been limited to the external aspects of our individual and collective lives.

History

We are not merely passive pawns of historical forces nor are

We are not merely passive pawns of historical forces nor are we victims of the past. We can shape and direct history.

History

A person, who no matter how desperate the situation, gives o

A person, who no matter how desperate the situation, gives others hope, is a true leader.

Hope