Daisaku Ikeda is a prolific writer, poet, and peace activist, recognized as one of the leading interpreters of Buddhism. He is the President of the Soka Gakkai International (SGI), a lay Buddhist association pursuing the values of peace, culture, and education, and committed to fostering within individuals a sense of responsibility for the shared global community. Most of the daily quotations in this paperback were written by Ikeda; there are also some excerpts from the writings of Nichiren, a thirteenth-century monk, and from the Lotus Sutra. Here is a sampler of quotations from this work:
Reverence
• "The essential teaching of Buddhism is that the life of the Buddha resides in every plant and tree, even in the smallest dust mote. It's a philosophy founded on a profound reverence for life."
The Slow Unfolding of Peace
• "Mahatma Gandhi said, 'Good travels at a snail's pace.' The peace movement cannot accomplish things radically and all at once. Often, it can only advance by gradual and protracted means. Gradualism does not, however, imply negative compromise or merely passing time. It means truly reforming our times by sowing seeds of peace in individual minds through sincere dialogue and, in this way, cultivating consensus."
People Need People
• "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."
Wonder
• "When we are aware that each moment of each day, each gesture and step we take, is truly mystical and full of wonder, we will live our lives with greater thought and care. We will also have greater respect and appreciation for the lives of others."
Obstacles
• "When you encounter a wall, you should tell yourself, 'Since there is a wall here, a wide, open expanse must lie on the other side.' Rather than becoming discouraged, know that encountering a wall is proof of the progress that you have made so far."
Work Hard
• "A Turkish proverb says, 'Iron shines when used, but rusts when not.' The capacities of people working hard and striving with all their might never get rusty; they are constantly being polished and forged."
Be True to Yourself
• "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."
