Happiness is a matter of what you feel inside.

Ultimately, happiness rests on how you establish a solid sense of self or being. Happiness does not lie in outward appearances nor in vanity. It is a matter of what you feel inside; it is a deep resonance in your life. To be filled each day with a rewarding sense of exhilaration and purpose, a sense of tasks accomplished and deep fulfillment—people who feel this way are happy. Those who have this sense of satisfaction even if they are extremely busy are much happier than those who have time on their hands but feel empty inside.

For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 22/1

What is the root of true happiness?

To be fearless no matter what happens—that is the root of true happiness. To move forward resolutely regardless of what lies in store—that is the spirit, the resolve, that leads to human victory. But if we allow ourselves to be disturbed by petty criticism and slander, if we fear pressure and persecution, we will never advance nor create anything of lasting value.

For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 20/8

Happiness is born from such inner fortitude.

Our lives are our own. It is not for someone else to dictate to us how we should live them. All that awaits those who allow themselves to be continually swayed by what other people say or do is unhappiness. We simply need to have the self-belief to be able to say: "This is right. This is the path I will follow. I am content." Happiness is born from such inner fortitude. Moreover, those who earnestly devote themselves in accord with the Mystic Law cannot fail to realize lives of total fulfillment.

For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 24/7

What is happiness? Where is happiness?

Ultimately, happiness rests on how you establish a solid sense of self or being. Happiness does not lie in outward appearances nor in vanity. It is a matter of what you feel inside; it is a deep resonance in your life. To be filled each day with a rewarding sense of exhilaration and purpose, a sense of tasks accomplished and deep fulfillment—people who feel this way are happy. Those who have this sense of satisfaction even if they are extremely busy are much happier than those who have time on their hands but feel empty inside.

For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 22/1

Planting and nurturing the 'seed' of happiness

When we plant the seed of happiness that is faith and carefully tend its growth, it will produce fruit without fail. We have to bear in mind, however, that we cannot plant a seed today and expect it to bear fruit tomorrow. That's not reasonable and Buddhism is reason. If we persevere in the practice of "faith equals daily life" in accord with reason, then our prayers will definitely be answered. This is Nichiren Daishonin's promise to us. And his words are true beyond any doubt.


For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 7/1

Where is happiness found?

Even if you are born into the most affluent of circumstances or enjoy a spectacular marriage that is the envy of others, there is no guarantee that you will be happy. Happiness does not depend on wealth or personal appearance, nor does it hinge on fame or recognition. If your heart is empty, you cannot build genuine happiness.

There is an expansive life-state of profound, secure happiness that transcends any material or social advantage. It is called faith; it is called the life-state of Buddhahood.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 23/12

How to attain indestructible happiness?

There is an expansive life-state of profound, secure happiness that transcends any material or social advantage. It is called faith; it is called the life-state of Buddhahood. As Nichiren reminds us: "It is the heart that is important." It is in the heart of faith that Buddhahood resides and boundless and immeasurable happiness shines forth. Happiness is not something located far away. We must realize that it exists within our own lives. Nichiren Buddhism teaches this and shows us how to attain indestructible happiness.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 4/12

Have the faith in Buddhism to attain happiness

Suppose that a person is standing at the foot of a tall embankment and is unable to ascend. And suppose that there is someone on top of the embankment who lowers a rope and says, "If you take hold of this rope, I will pull you up to the top of the embankment." If the person at the bottom begins to doubt that the other has the strength to pull him up, or wonders if the rope is not too weak and therefore refuses to put forth his hand and grasp it, then how is he ever to get to the top of the embankment? But if he follows the instructions, puts out his hand, and takes hold of the rope, then he can climb up. -Nichiren

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 25/11

Happiness for Myself and Others

by Janaía Cristina Bandettini
Brazil
My parents divorced when I was 14 years old and, when my mother remarried, I went to live with my grandparents. It was during this time, in 1985, that my grandmother's neighbor introduced my mother and me to Nichiren Buddhism, assuring us that we could transform our situation and conquer our hopelessness and unhappiness.

Chanting infused me with enthusiasm and energy. I had always had lots of dreams and learned that it was up to me to make them happen.

From an early age I had to learn what it means to be responsible for others. I started my first job when I was 14. Just before I turned 16, I was hired by one of the largest insurance companies in Brazil with an excellent salary and benefits. Now, as the only provider for my family, I was able to offer my grandparents the comfort that they deserved. I also took on various responsibilities within SGI-Brazil (BSGI), particularly taking care of younger members.

In 2000, I ended a turbulent romantic relationship that I had been suffering in for over 10 years. I determined that I would become truly happy.

The following year, I participated in an SGI youth training course in Japan. This was one of the most remarkable experiences of my life. I was deeply moved by the care and warmth I experienced from everyone there, particularly from SGI President Ikeda. From his words and his actions, I felt his deep concern for each of us to lead happy lives, his desire for us to develop the strength and wisdom to be able to confront whatever difficulties we might encounter in our lives.

Nevertheless, back in Brazil, the accumulating stress of my various responsibilities and the ending of my long-term relationship was beginning to cause me emotional instability, which spiraled into serious depression. My responsible attitude had always made me appear strong, always with a smile on my face, but now I felt and looked fatigued and hopeless. I lost weight and my health worsened. I felt I had lost my grip on life.

On top of this I felt ashamed to be in such despair; I thought that as a leader within BSGI I should not be experiencing this. Not long thereafter, I endured three major crises and needed to be taken to a psychiatric first-aid clinic. I could no longer do my work as an independent insurance broker and began accumulating debt.

I was still trying to maintain my responsibilities in BSGI's young women's division. Around that time we determined that we would each exert ourselves in talking to others about Buddhist philosophy. I, however, felt at the end of my tether and was even questioning my faith.

Through the encouragement of a fellow member, I decided not to give up and to pursue this goal. The purpose, she reminded me, was to help other people who were suffering.

As I began to talk with others about my Buddhist practice and the innate potential we each possess to transform our lives, a change started to occur. By encouraging others and giving them hope, I began to feel hopeful and energetic myself. The more effort I made for other people's happiness, the happier I felt.

In a very natural way, my depression became a thing of the past. I was able to return to work and began to relate to people as I had in the past. I completed a postgraduate business degree and, in 2006, opened my own company.

I feel now that the suffering that I endured has given me a deeper understanding of life. Because of these difficulties, I can more effectively help young people to overcome their own problems. I want to help raise young people who radiate the splendor of life, able to transform adversities into happiness. Because of my sufferings, I can appreciate that much more the sweet taste of victory in my life.

[Adapted from SGI Quarterly, October 2007]

The joy of sharing happiness

To be concerned only with one's own happiness is egoism. To claim you care only about the happiness of others is hypocrisy. Genuine happiness is becoming happy together with others. Josei Toda said: "Just becoming happy oneself—there's nothing difficult to that. It's easy. Helping others become happy is the foundation of our faith."

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 19/11

Where does happines come from?

If you want to build a happy life, you have to give careful thought to the foundations. Happiness certainly cannot be secured on appearances or affectation. Happiness comes down to the inner state of our life at a given moment.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 18/11

Do the things that you want and be happy

Our lives are our own. It is not for someone else to dictate to us how we should live them. All that awaits those who allow themselves to be continually swayed by what other people say or do is unhappiness. We simply need to have the self-belief to be able to say: "This is right. This is the path I will follow. I am content." Happiness is born from such inner fortitude.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 10/11

If we attain absolute happiness, then nothing—no matter where we go or what we may encounter in life—can undermine or destroy our happiness.

Such things as money, fame, and material possessions offer a fleeting satisfaction, something that can be called relative happiness. However, when we transform our lives internally, when we develop within ourselves a brilliant inner palace, then we can be said to have established absolute happiness. If we develop a state of mind as vast and resplendent as a magnificent palace, then nothing—no matter where we go or what we may encounter in life—can undermine or destroy our happiness.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 18/10

Filled each day with a rewarding sense of exhilaration and purpose, a sense of tasks accomplished and deep fulfillment - to be happy

Ultimately, happiness rests on how you establish a solid sense of self or being. Happiness does not lie in outward appearances nor in vanity. It is a matter of what you feel inside; it is a deep resonance in your life. To be filled each day with a rewarding sense of exhilaration and purpose, a sense of tasks accomplished and deep fulfillment—people who feel this way are happy. Those who have this sense of satisfaction even if they are extremely busy are much happier than those who have time on their hands but feel empty inside.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 2/9

Everything hinges on how many capable leaders we can produce who are willing to fight wholeheartedly for the world's future and the happiness of human

The world is growing increasingly interrelated and interdependent. We have reached a point where, in order to deal with not only environmental problems but every other issue confronting humankind, leaders with a broad, global perspective are indispensable. Everything hinges on how many capable leaders we can produce who are willing to fight wholeheartedly for the world's future and the happiness of humanity.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 15/8

What is the purpose of life?

What is the purpose of life? It is happiness. But there are two kinds of happiness: relative and absolute. Relative happiness comes in a wide variety of forms. The purpose of Buddhism is to attain Buddhahood. In modern terms, this could be explained as realizing absolute happiness—a state of happiness that can never be destroyed or defeated.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 31/7

"History teaches that man without effort is sure to deteriorate; man cannot progress without effort, and man cannot be happy without effort."

In one of his writings, renowned microbiologist René Dubos, stated. "History teaches that man without effort is sure to deteriorate; man cannot progress without effort, and man cannot be happy without effort." This is indisputable. You may be experiencing various hardships now, but because you continue to make efforts in the midst of those challenges, no matter how painful they are, you will definitely become happy. Effort and happiness are indivisible

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 30/6

Happiness is to be found in the vibrant dynamism of your own life as you struggle to challenge and overcome one obstacle after another

Happiness doesn't exist on the far side of distant mountains. It is within you, yourself. Not you, however, sitting in idle passivity. It is to be found in the vibrant dynamism of your own life as you struggle to challenge and overcome one obstacle after another, as you clamber up a perilous ridge in pursuit of that which lies beyond.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 18/3

Happiness is something we must create for ourselves. No one else can give it to us

We each move forward secure on our own earth, not the earth of others. Happiness is something we must create for ourselves. No one else can give it to us.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 27/2

Peace built on the unhappiness and sacrifice of others is a meaningless sham

The peace we seek cannot be brought about through a struggle for dominance in military or economic power. It can be won only through peaceful means. Peace built on the unhappiness and sacrifice of others is a meaningless sham. What's needed is to create a world in which people of all races and nations can enjoy peace and happiness.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 9/1