Faith in life and in the human spirit

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 2/3


The important thing is not whether we are optimistic or pessimistic but rather that, while keeping a careful eye on reality, we are neither overwhelmed by it nor content with the status quo. We must keep the lamps of our ideals alight while being ready to pioneer uncharted paths. Faith in life and in the human spirit is the necessary foundation for this approach.

Overcoming problems and suffering

Because we live in the human realm, we of course experience problems and suffering. Life is filled with contradictions. But if we refuse to be defeated by them and presist in our faith, we are certain to advance along the path towards happiness and victory. This is essential power of Buddhism.

Advancement of Human

Just as a diamond can only be polished by another diamond, it is only through intense human interaction engaging the entire personality that people can forge themselves, raising themselves up to ever-greater heights.

Human Rights

Everyone has a right to flower, to reveal his or her full potential as a human being, to fulfil his or her mission in this world. You have this right, and so does everyone else. This is the meaning of human rights. To scorn, violate and abuse people's human rights destroys the natural order of things. Prizing human rights and respecting others are among our most important tasks.

Overcoming failure

There is a saying that the earth upon we fall is the same ground which enables us to push ourselves up again. There's another which maintains that barley grows better after it has been trampled on. Human relationships are sometimes painful, but there is no such pain from which we cannot recover. It is up to us to decide to live a life free from self-doubt and despair in spite of our failures. Indeed we should show greatest poise and grace. Then the dignity of our lives will truly shine.