40+ Daisaku Ikeda Quotes From The Japanese Buddhist Philosopher

Srija Chanda
Dec 12, 2023 By Srija Chanda
Originally Published on Mar 12, 2021
Edited by Jacob Fitzbright
Giant Buddha Statue in Tian Tan.
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Age: 0-99
Read time: 7.1 Min

Daisaku Ikeda is the current president of Soka Gakkai International (SGI).

Daisaku Ikeda is popularly known as a Japanese who is a Buddhist philosopher. He is also known as a nuclear disarmament advocate, author, and an educator.

Ikeda was born in a family that focused on seaweed farming for livelihood. Born in Tokyo, Ikeda is also known to survive the disaster caused in the WWII.

This small family born boy started following Nichiren Buddhism at the age of 19 and did not look back ever since.

He believed so much in the youth group named Soka Gakkai that he founded SGI in 1975, which is the world's largest Buddhist lay organization.

SGI believes so much in the pure heart and the power of humanity that it is defined as a "Borderless Buddhist humanism that emphasizes free thinking and personal development based on respect for all life", by Olivier Urbain. Daisaku Ikeda quotes are truly influential in the society especially, "When the skies are clear, the ground is illuminated.

Similarly, when one knows the Lotus Sutra, one understands the meaning of all worldly affairs", a quote from Nichiren Buddhism that's an inspiration for Ikeda himself is great. Another Daisaku Ikeda quote, "Sickness and death are unavoidable in life.

To experience illness is not itself misfortune, but to be defeated by illness is misfortune", is of great power.

Check the list below for more such Ikeda quotes. For more inspiration also check Arthur Schopenhauer quotes and Rousseau quotes.

Most Important Daisaku Ikeda Quotes

Novices monk vipassana meditation at front of Buddha statue

Happiness in life can be achieved through peace. This list of the Japanese born philosopher are great encouragement for any individual.

1. "Dialogue is an adventure, an adventure available to anyone. And sometimes it’s an adventure whose outcome can change history."

- Daisaku Ikeda.

2. "To discriminate against others in any way is to discriminate against your own life."

- Daisaku Ikeda.

3. "Take heart, and do not let the critical opinion of others stop you from moving forward. The true outcome of life is only apparent at the very end."

- Daisaku Ikeda.

4. "There is nothing more vulnerable, nothing more corruptible than the human mind; nor is there anything as powerful, steadfast and ennobled."

- Daisaku Ikeda.

5. "The mark of wisdom lies, more than anything else, in the ability to listen."

- Daisaku Ikeda.

6. "Everything passes. Both soaring joys and crushing sorrows fade away like a dream. However, the knowledge of having lived one’s life to the fullest never disappears."

- Daisaku Ikeda.

Inspirational Quotes By Daisaku Ikeda About Life

Reality of the world can bring the spirit of any human down. Let these quotes by the living legend be of a motivational value for each single human.

7. "Just when you despair and think it is impossible to go any further, will you become apathetic, or will you say it's not over and stand up with an unyielding spirit? The battle is decided by this single determination."

- Daisaku Ikeda.

8. "An awareness and understanding of death raises our state of life."

- Daisaku Ikeda.

9. "One's true worth as a human being is not a matter of outward appearance or title but derives from the breadth of one’s spirit."

- Daisaku Ikeda.

10. "Unless we live fully, not 'sometime' in the future, but right now, true fulfillment in life will forever elude us."

- Daisaku Ikeda.

11. "Life is a never-ending struggle to grow."

- Daisaku Ikeda.

12. "Running away from things you find unpleasant causes suffering. But facing and challenging such situations will enrich your life."

- Daisaku Ikeda.

13. "No matter what the state of society or the times, each of us can contribute to peace in our immediate environment."

- Daisaku Ikeda.

Daisaku Ikeda Quotes On Hope

Happy life is the spirit behind the hope that one keeps right from the moment they are born in this world. This quote list will help you build a stronger self if you believe.

14. "The course of our lives is determined by how we react― what we decide and what we do―at the darkest of times."

- Daisaku Ikeda.

15. "It is the younger generations who hold the key to creating peace."

- Daisaku Ikeda.

16. "People and societies that are open to dialogue do not stagnate but grow and develop."

- Daisaku Ikeda.

17. "Small things matter. What may look like a small act of courage is courage nevertheless. The important thing is to be willing to take a step forward."

- Daisaku Ikeda.

18. "Hope begets a youthful spirit. As long as one has hope, one can remain eternally young."

- Daisaku Ikeda.

19. "Peace is a competition between despair and hope, between disempowerment and committed persistence."

- Daisaku Ikeda.

Most Popular Daisaku Ikeda Quotes On Love And Gratitude

Peace can come through hope and love in a society. These quotes of wisdom and love will prove to be essential for every single living individual on earth.

20. "If you are going to fall in love, try to make your relationship one that generates great spiritual creativity, one that is mutually enriching."

- Daisaku Ikeda.

21. "The more happiness we bring to others, the happier we ourselves become."

- Daisaku Ikeda.

22. "Gratitude makes a person modest. A sense of gratitude expands the heart."

- Daisaku Ikeda.

23. "Real love is not two people clinging to each other; it can only be fostered between two strong people secure in their individuality."

- Daisaku Ikeda.

24. "A truly beautiful person is one who is good at discovering beauty."

- Daisaku Ikeda.

25. "A smile is not only the result of happiness but can also be the cause of happiness."

- Daisaku Ikeda.

26. "True love should be transformative, a process that amplifies our capacity to cherish not just one person but all people."

- Daisaku Ikeda.

Daisaku Ikeda Book And Speech Quotes To Remember

Daisaku is an author that makes impossible turn into reality through his thoughts. These quotes from his books are inspirational.

27. "A sense of being part of the great all-inclusive life prompts us to reflect on our own place and on how we ought to live."

- Daisaku Ikeda, 'The Wisdom Of Lotus Sutra', 2000.

28. "Those who are aware of their mission are strong. Those who live for a mission are beautiful."

- Daisaku Ikeda, 'New Human Revolution', 1995.

29. "Lack of wisdom does not make a fool."

- Daisaku Ikeda, 'New Human Revolution', 2017.

30. "Do not compare yourselves to others. Be true to who you are, and continue to learn with all your might."

- Daisaku Ikeda, 'Discussions On Youth', 2009

31. "Instead of engaging in cutthroat competition, we should strive to create value."

- Daisaku Ikeda, 'For The Sake Of Peace', 2001.

32. "Everything will turn to defeat if all you do is worry about your karma and let it make you miserable."

- Daisaku Ikeda, 'New Human Revolution', 1995.

33. " Difficulties only truly become our destiny if we run away from them."

- Daisaku Ikeda, 'The Opening Of The Eyes', 2013.

34. "Human wisdom has advanced to the point where man can construct satellites."

- Daisaku Ikeda, 'Glass Children And Other Essays', 1979.

Daisaku Ikeda Quotes About Humanity

Born during World War II, Daisaku faced impossible situations in life. This quote list will help you value the strength of humanity against all odds in the world.

35. "Respect for other people is the essence of human rights."

- Daisaku Ikeda.

36. "Humanity has experienced many revolutionary changes over the course of history: revolutions in agriculture, in science, industrial production, as well as numerous political revolutions. But these have all been limited to the external aspects of our individual and collective lives."

- Daisaku Ikeda.

37. "Remaining silent in the face of injustice is the same as supporting it."

- Daisaku Ikeda.

38. "Key to dialogue is respect for the other person, a willingness to listen, and a readiness to learn from them."

- Daisaku Ikeda.

39. "One person inspiring another, transcending all differences—this is the basis of changing society at the most fundamental level."

- Daisaku Ikeda.

40. "Everyone can be engaged in education for peace."

- Daisaku Ikeda.

41. "If we suppose this lifetime to be the be-all and end-all of existence, we cannot lead a truly profound life. Belief in something eternal brings out our full humanity."

- Daisaku Ikeda.

42. "To have faith in the power of dialogue is to believe in the promise of humanity."

- Daisaku Ikeda.

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly quotes for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for Daisaku Ikeda quotes then why not take a look at Michel de Montaigne quotes, or [Meister Eckhart quotes].

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Written by Srija Chanda

Master of Arts specializing in Mass Communication/Media Studies

Srija Chanda picture

Srija ChandaMaster of Arts specializing in Mass Communication/Media Studies

An aspiring media professional, Srija is currently pursuing her Master's degree in Mass Communication at St. Xavier's University, Kolkata, after completing her degree in journalism. With experience in PR and social media, she has also honed her leadership skills through her participation in a youth parliament. Srija's interests include devouring books, watching movies, and exploring new places through travel.

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