What is the purpose of religion?

Religious strife must be avoided at all cost; under no circumstance should it be allowed. People may hold different religious beliefs, but the bottom line is that we are all human beings. We all seek happiness and desire peace. Religion should bring people together. It should unite the potential for good in people's hearts toward benefiting society and humanity and creating a better future.

For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 18/2

Religion must always be for the people. People do not exist for the sake of religion.

Depending on the use to which it is put, religion can be a demonic force. Religion should bring us together, but it is exploited by some to create greater schisms among us. Nothing could be more unfortunate. Religion must always be for the people. People do not exist for the sake of religion. This must be the fundamental guideline of religion in the twenty-first century.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 8/8

Religion not only deals with spirituality but also has a significant impact—positive or negative—upon people's daily lives and their society.

When individuals practice a teaching as intended, the expected result becomes manifest in their lives as well as in their environment. Religion not only deals with spirituality but also has a significant impact—positive or negative—upon people's daily lives and their society. The nature and extent of a particular religion's impact becomes the standard for evaluating its validity.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 27/6

The purpose of religion is to help each person become happy.

The flower of the Law blooms within the human being. It shines through our character. The Lotus Sutra is wholly a teaching for human beings. The purpose of religion is to help each person become happy. But even a teaching whose original intent was to promote human happiness may start to restrict people. Even the Lotus Sutra could be used incorrectly to justify discrimination. What is necessary to prevent the danger of such distortion from occurring? It is the disciple's inheritance of the resolute spirit and faith of the mentor to lead people to happiness.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 4/4

Fostering people, building character and spirituality of religion— this is absolutely fundamental for creating a bright future.

The Indian philosopher Swami Vivekananda declared: "It is religion, maker of men, that we need. It is education, maker of men that we need." Fostering people, building character— this is absolutely fundamental for creating a bright future. Toward this end, both the profound spirituality of religion and the intellectual illumination of education are essential.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 11/3