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Daisaku Ikeda

Daisaku Ikeda Quotes

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Famous Daisaku Ikeda Quotes

“The profound unity of subjective existence and objective environment leads naturally to the idea that the life-force of one human being can affect other living beings and even the fundamental being of humankind as a whole. Furthermore, the minds of humankind fuse into one and exert a continuous influence, both physical and spiritual, on other living beings and on the whole of nature.”

MindHumansIdeasWholeSpiritualForceHuman BeingsExistenceEnvironmentInfluenceFundamentalsUnityProfoundObjectivesHumankindSubjectiveFuse
Book:Life: An Enigma, a Precious Jewel
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“History is filled with tragic examples of wars that result from diplomatic impasse. Whether in our local communities or in international relations, the skillful use of our communicative capacities to negotiate and resolve differences is the first evidence of human wisdom.”

FirstsHumansWarUseCommunityDifferencesResultsExampleEvidenceCapacityRelationFilledInternationalLocalsTragicResolveInternational RelationsSkillfulDiplomaticHuman WisdomLocal CommunityImpasseDiplomatic Relations
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“The institutions of human society treat us as parts of a machine. They assign us ranks and place considerable pressure upon us to fulfill defined roles. We need something to help us restore our lost and distorted humanity. Each of us has feelings that have been suppressed and have built up inside. There is a voiceless cry resting in the depths of our souls, waiting for expression. Art gives the soul's feelings voice and form.”

NeedsGivingHumansHas BeensArtSoulHelpingFeelingsFormHumanityLostPeaceWaitingVoiceRolesCryExpressionBuiltMachinesTreatsPressureInstitutionsDepthKarmaDefinedHuman SocietyVoicelessSelf Reformation
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“How aware are we of our own inner life, our spirituality-something so intangible yet so priceless? How much effort do we make to perceive that which is not obvious, which can neither be seen nor heard? I believe the exploration and enrichment of the human spirit is what determines our very humanity. Such enrichment provides an inner compass that can lead civilizations to greatness.”

BelieveHumansSpiritHumanitySpiritualityI BelieveEffortHeardGreatnessCivilizationDetermineObviousKarmaPerceiveExplorationHuman SpiritCompassPricelessInner LifeIntangibleEnrichmentSelf Reformation
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“The human spirit is as expansive as the cosmos. This is why it is so tragic to belittle yourself or to question your worth. No matter what happens, continue to push back the boundaries of your inner life. The confidence to prevail over any problem, the strength to overcome adversity and unbounded hope — all reside within you.”

HumansMatterProblemHappensSpiritOvercomingAdversityNo Matter WhatBoundariesCosmosTragicWithin YouHuman SpiritOvercoming AdversityInner LifeBelittle
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“Instead of engaging in cutthroat competition, we should strive to create value. In economic terms, this means a transition from a consumer economy - the mad rush for ownership and consumption - to a constructive economy where all human beings can participate in the act of creating lasting worth.”

ShouldHumansMeanValuesTermHuman BeingsEconomyEconomicCreatingMadCompetitionStriveConsumersLastingTransitionOwnershipConsumptionEngagingConstructive
Book:For the Sake of Peace: Seven Paths to Global Harmony, a Buddhist Perspective
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“If everything is smooth sailing right from the beginning, we cannot become people of substance and character. By surmounting paining setbacks and obstacles, we can create a brilliant history of triumph that will shine forever. That is what makes life so exciting and enjoyable. In any field of endeavour, those who overcome hardships and grow as human beings are advancing towards success and victory in life.”

PeopleIfsInspirationalHumansCharacterGrowsHuman BeingsForeverFieldsInspirational LifeVictoryOvercomingExcitingShiningObstaclesBrilliantTriumphSubstanceHardshipSmoothSailingEnjoyableSetbackAdvancingEndeavourTowards SuccessSmooth SailingVictory In Life
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“The power of growth, of improvement, the power to overcome all stagnation and break through every obstacle and transform a barren wasteland into a verdant field - that unstoppable power of hope resides right within your own heart. It wells up from the rich earth of your innermost being when you face the future without doubt or fear: "I can do more. I can grow. I can become a bigger and better human being."”

HumansWellsHeartI CanEarthFacesGrowsGrowthCan DoHuman BeingsBreakRichDoubtFieldsOvercomingBiggerObstaclesImprovementHopefulBarrenBreak ThroughStagnationUnstoppableWastelandBigger And Better
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“The challenge of preventing any further proliferation of nuclear weapons is just such a trial in the quest for world peace, one that cannot be achieved if we are defeated by a sense of helplessness. The crucial element is to ensure that any struggle against evil is rooted firmly in a consciousness of the unity of the human family, something only gained through the mastery of our own inner contradictions.”

IfsWorldHumansEvilChallengesConsciousnessStruggleElementsWeaponsUnityNuclearTrialsContradictionCrucialMasteryRootedQuestsNuclear WeaponsDefeatedHelplessnessPreventingProliferationHuman Family
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“Many things happen in life. There are joyous days and times of suffering. Sometimes unpleasant things occur. But that's what makes life so interesting. The dramas we encounter are part and parcel of being human. If we experienced no change or drama in our lives, if nothing unexpected ever happened, we would merely be like automatons, our lives unbearably monotonous and dull. Therefore, please develop a strong self so that you can enact the drama of your life with confidence and poise in the face of whatever vicissitudes you may encounter.”

IfsHumansMaySelfSometimesHappensFacesSufferingStrongInterestingOur LivesHappenedPleaseDramaThings HappenEncountersDullUnexpectedBeing HumanJoyousMonotonousPoiseParcelVicissitudesStrong Self
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“Creating harmony amidst diversity is a fundamental issue of the twenty-first century. While celebrating the unique characteristics of different peoples and cultures, we have to create solidarity on the level of our common humanity, our common life. Without such solidarity, there will be no future for the human race. Diversity should not beget conflict in the world, but richness.”

WorldShouldFirstsHumansDifferentHumanityCultureLevelsCommonRaceIssuesCenturyConflictDiversityCreatingUniqueTwentiesHarmonyFundamentalsCelebrateHuman RaceCharacteristicsSolidarityDifferent PeoplesRichnessBegetsCommon HumanityCommon LifeUnique Characteristics
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“So long as human history continues, we will face the perennial challenge of realizing, maintaining and strengthening peace through dialogue, of making dialogue the sure and certain path to peace. We must uphold and proclaim this conviction without cease, whatever coldly knowing smiles or cynical critiques may greet us.”

HumansMayLongFacesCertainRealizingChallengesKnowingPathConvictionCeaseDialogueCynicalMaintainingHuman HistoryCritiqueStrengthening
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“Our voice resonates with life. Because this is so, it can touch the lives of others. The caring and compassion imbued in your voice finds passage to the listener's soul, striking his or her heart and causing it to sing out; the human voice summons something profound from deep within, and can even compel a person into action.”

HumansHeartPersonsSoulActionVoiceCompassionProfoundCaringPassagesListenersLives Of OthersDeep WithinHuman VoiceCaring And Compassion
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“Life isn't always smooth. If it were, we would never grow & develop as human beings. If we succeed, we are envied; if we fail, we are ridiculed & attacked. Sadly, this is how people are. Unexpected grief & suffering may lie ahead of you. But it is precisely when you encounter such trying times that you must not be defeated. NEVER GIVE UP! NEVER RETREAT!”

PeopleIfsGivingTryingHumansMayLyingSufferingGrowsHuman BeingsGriefFailingSucceedGiving UpEncountersUnexpectedDefeatedSmoothRetreatNever Giving UpEnviedTrying Times
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“Music speaks directly to the heart. This response, this echo within the heart, is proof that human hearts can transcend the barriers of time and space and nationality. Exchanges in the field of culture can play an important role in enabling people to overcome mistrust and prejudice and build peace.”

PeopleHumansHeartImportantPlayCultureSpeakSpaceRolesFieldsOvercomingPrejudiceResponseProofBarriersEchoesHuman HeartTime And SpaceNationalityMistrustEnablingMusic Speaks
Author:Daisaku Ikeda
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