Living here on Earth, we breathe the rhythms of a universe that extends infinitely above us. When resonant harmonies arise between this vast outer cosmos and the inner human cosmos, poetry is born. – Daisaku Ikeda
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? – Daisaku Ikeda
You must not for one instant give up the effort to build new lives for yourselves. Creativity means to push open the heavy, groaning doorway to life. – Daisaku Ikeda
I firmly believe that the mission of religion in the 21st century must be to contribute concretely to the peaceful coexistence of humankind. – Daisaku Ikeda
The effects of human rights education can be dramatic in awakening people to the value and power of their own lives, as shown in the following stories. – 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
The wisdom and experience of older people is a resource of inestimable worth. Recognizing and treasuring the contributions of older people is essential to the long-term flourishing of any society. – Daisaku Ikeda
Rather than turning away from the staggering scale and depth of misery caused by war, we must strive to develop our capacity to empathize and feel the sufferings of others. – 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
All people have a natural desire to be needed, to have their importance to others tangibly confirmed. – Daisaku Ikeda
A person, who no matter how desperate the situation, gives others hope, is a true leader. – 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
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. – 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
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
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
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. – 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
Men and women who know the brutal reality of war, who know that war strips people of their very humanity, must unite in a new global partnership for peace. – Daisaku Ikeda
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. – Daisaku Ikeda