10 Inspirational Quotes from Daisaku Ikeda

Daisaku Ikeda is the president of Soka Gakkai International (SGI), a lay Buddhist organization based on the teaching of Nichiren Buddhism.

Mr. Ikeda realizes the vision of his mentor, Josei Toda, to propagate Nichiren Buddhism throughout the globe for the happiness of humanity. Thus, in the context of SGI, the spirit of Mentor and Disciple becomes instrumental in the worldwide peace movement.

Here are 10 inspirational quotes extracted from Daisaku Ikeda’s book “Faith into Action” to guide your life toward the sun of happiness:

Quote #1 – Faith

“What is the purpose of faith? It is so that each of us can become truly happy and enable others to become happy. Faith is the driving force that lets us apply what we gain from our studies to truly serving people.” – Daisaku Ikeda

Quote #2 – Goals

“When you devote your life to achieving your goal, you will not be bothered by shallow criticism. In fact, nothing important can be accomplished if you allow yourself to be swayed by some trifling matter, always looking over your shoulder and wondering what others are saying or thinking. The key to achievement is to move forward along your chosen path with deep determination.” – Daisaku Ikeda

Quote #3 – Broad-mindedness

“It’s much more valuable to look for the strengths in others. You gain nothing by criticizing people’s imperfection. To develop a bigger heart, please try chanting, even a little at a time, for the happiness of your friends. Gradually, you will cultivate tolerance and broad-mindedness.” – Daisaku Ikeda

Quote #4 – Prayer

“Prayer is the sun of hope. To chant daimoku each time we face a problem, overcoming it and elevating our life-condition as a result – this is the path of ‘changing earthly desires into enlightenment’ taught in Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism.” – Daisaku Ikeda

 Quote #5 – Diversity

“In the multitude of human personalities, we see the Buddhist principle of cherry, plum, peach, and damson blossom at work. Just as each blossom is beautiful in its own way, each person is endowed with special qualities. Being introverted doesn’t make someone incapable, just as being quick-tempered doesn’t make a person useless. The fundamental aim of Buddhism is to live in a way that is true to ourselves.” – Daisaku Ikeda

Quote #6 – Effort

“I call to each of you: Strive for prosperity! Strive for development! Strive for victory! Life is about striving all out to achieve our aims. It is about hard work and effort. Regardless of how smart you may be, intelligence alone cannot guarantee your future.” – Daisaku Ikeda

Quote #7 – Happiness

“Happiness is not something that someone else, like a lover, can give to us. We have to achieve it for ourselves. And the only way to do so is by developing our character and capacity as human beings by fully maximizing our potential. If we sacrifice our growth and talent for love, we absolutely will not find happiness. True happiness is obtained through fully realizing our potential.” – Daisaku Ikeda

Quote #8 – Wisdom 

“Faith manifests itself as wisdom. The purpose of our faith is to become wise, so that we can live wisely.” – Daisaku Ikeda

Quote #9 – Conviction

“To lead a life in which we are inspired and can inspire others, our hearts have to be alive; they have to be filled with passion and enthusiasm. To achieve that, as President Toda said, we need the courage to “live true to ourselves.” And to live true to ourselves, we need the strength of mind not to be swayed by our environment or be obsessed with superficial appearances. Rather than borrowing from or imitating others, we need the conviction to be able to think for ourselves and to take action out of our sense of responsibility.” – Daisaku Ikeda

Quote #10 – Compassion

“Compassion is the very soul of Buddhism. To pray for others, making their problems and anguish our own; to embrace those who are suffering, becoming their greatest ally; to continue giving them our support and encouragement until they become truly happy – it is in such humanistic actions that the Daishonin’s Buddhism lives and breathes.” – Daisaku Ikeda