Buddhism is the wellspring of wisdom for bringing harmony and happiness to our families, local communities

We live in an age where opportunities for profound life-to-life inspiration are all but nonexistent. Idle amusements bring only fleeting pleasure. They produce neither profound inspiration nor growth for one's life. By contrast, Buddhism exists to enable people to realize personal growth and to improve their lives. Buddhism is always rooted in the reality of life. It is the wellspring of wisdom for bringing harmony and happiness to our families, local communities and society at large.

For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 25/6

When we chant sonorous daimoku, the sun rises in our hearts.

Chanting daimoku is the foundation of the Daishonin's Buddhism. When we chant sonorous daimoku, the sun rises in our hearts. We are filled with power. Compassion wells forth. Our lives are lit with joy. Our wisdom shines. All Buddhas and Buddhist gods throughout the universe go to work on our behalf. Life becomes exhilarating.

For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 14/6

Why should we proud of our work?

The main thing is to be proud of the work you do, to live true to yourself. Activity is another name for happiness. What's important is that you give free, unfettered play to your unique talents, that you live with the full radiance of your being. This is what it means to be truly alive.

Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 1/12

Happiness and joy arise from within us and not from outside forces.

There is no one lonelier or more unhappy than a person who does not know the pure joy of creating a life for himself or herself. To be human is not merely to stand erect and manifest intelligence or knowledge. To be human in the full sense of the word is to lead a creative life.

The struggle to create new life from within is a truly wonderful thing. There is found the brilliant wisdom that guides and directs the workings of reason; the light of insight that penetrates the farthest reaches of the universe; the undaunted will to see justice done that meets and challenges all the assaults of evil; the spirit of unbounded care that embraces all who suffer. When these are fused with that energy of compassion that pours forth from the deepest sources of cosmic life, an ecstatic rhythm arises to color the lives of all people.

Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 24/11

How do we overcome misfortune?

Nichiren writes, "None of you who declare yourselves to be my disciples should ever give way to cowardice." When the crucial moment comes, it is important to battle through it with the ferocity of a charging lion. This is the key to creating a record of lasting brilliance. As the ancient Greek poet and playwright Euripides inscribed, "Courage is very powerful against misfortune."

Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 13/11

How to be true winners?

Those who say "I'll do it," who are willing to take on a challenge even if they are alone, are true winners. The determination, the commitment to take action yourself, is the force that leads to victory. As Buddhism teaches in the principle of a life-moment possesses three thousand realms, our mind or attitude can change everything.

Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 9/10

Where does the expansive world lay?

The expansive world lies not in some distant place; it exists right where you are. That is why you need to win where you are right now. Today's victory is linked to your eternal victory.

Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 4/10

What is the influence on the children if a mother has strong faith?

A mother's beliefs have a powerful influence on her children. In the realm of Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism, too, the children of families where the mother's faith is strong invariably develop into admirable adults.

For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 1/9

What is the correct way to chant daimoku?

The Daishonin states, "The voice does the Buddha's work" (Gosho Zenshu, p. 708). To chant the Mystic Law is to praise the Gohonzon. Hearing the sound of our daimoku, the heavenly deities will be set into motion and work to protect us. A weak and unclear voice will not move the heavenly deities. That is why it is important for us to chant daimoku with voices that are clear, strong and brimming with joy.

For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 30/8

What happens when we begin to pray and chant daimoku?

The first thing is to pray. From the moment we begin to pray, things start moving. The darker the night, the closer the dawn. From the moment we chant daimoku with a deep and powerful resolve, the sun begins to rise in our hearts. Hope—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.

For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 15/8

Why and what we should do?

Youth, and indeed life itself, flashes by in the blink of an eye. That is why it is important for you to ask yourselves what you can do for those who are suffering, what you can do to resolve the mournful contradictions that plague society, and boldly take on these great challenges without shunning the problems and difficulties you will inevitably face.

For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 6/8

How to accomplish your goals?

The resolve to accomplish your goals is what counts. If you earnestly put your mind to something, your brain, your body, your environment—everything—will start working toward achieving that end.

For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 4/8

What is Buddhism about?

Buddhism is, in a sense, an eternal struggle between the Buddha and demons; in other words, a contest between positive and negative forces. If we are never assailed by negative influences, we cannot be said to be truly practicing Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism. Buddhist practice lies in bravely facing and overcoming adversity.

For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 25/7

What will lasts forever?

Governments come and go, economies rise and fall and society constantly changes. Only the good fortune that we accumulate during our lives lasts forever. The true victors are those who cultivate the tree of Buddhahood in the vast earth of their lives, while achieving success both in society and their personal lives through true faith and a true way of living.

For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 14/7

The winning power in Buddhism

Buddhism concerns itself with winning. When we battle a powerful enemy, either we will triumph or we will be defeated—there is no middle ground. Battling against life's negative functions is an indivisible part of Buddhism. It is by being victorious in this struggle that we become Buddhas. We have to win. Moreover, Buddhism ensures that we can definitely do so.

For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 4/5

James Thomas

To be a great leader and so always master of the situation, one must of necessity have been a great thinker in action. An eagle was never yet hatched from a goose's egg.
James Thomas

The key to winning in life.

People's hearts are growing more complex, more confused and harder to understand. The same is true for human institutions. The darkness of this complicated and disturbed age may grow even deeper. This is why there is an even greater need for the brilliant inner light of culture, for education that polishes people's wisdom and character. This is the key to winning in life.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 10/7

When we develop a broad state of life, then even our partner's ranting and raving will sound like the sweet song of a bird.

Having the energy to argue is a sign of good health! When the two people in a relationship share similar conditions, it is only natural that they will lock horns from time to time. On the other hand, if one party begins to outgrow the other, then the two will probably not have serious confrontations, because their states of life are so different.

It would be great if we could live cheerfully, enjoying life to the extent that we regard our partner's nagging as a sign of his or her good health and proof that he or she is still alive and kicking. When we develop a broad state of life, then even our partner's ranting and raving will sound like the sweet song of a bird.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 5/7

To live without regret, we must have a concrete purpose, continually setting goals and challenges for ourselves.

This lifetime will never come again; it is precious and irreplaceable. To live without regret, we must have a concrete purpose, continually setting goals and challenges for ourselves. And we need to keep moving toward those specific targets steadily and tenaciously, one step at a time.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 26/6

Children are mirrors that reflect adult society

All children are gems, full of precious potential. There is hope in every child since life itself is full of hope. Should the hopes of children be stifled or broken, that would be our responsibility as adults. It pains my heart to see what goes on in today's society. I do not want to see the eyes of children darkened with fear and clouded with tears of sorrow. Society must be absolutely transformed. Children are mirrors that reflect adult society. When adults are ailing and their vision clouded, children will also suffer. Let us wipe away the tears of sorrow from the face of each child! We must protect children and give them courage, strength and vitality. It is parents who nurture children, the hope of humanity. How noble parents are! What a great mission and responsibility they fulfill.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 30/5