Health & Illness
Don’t confuse good health with not being sick. A truly healthy life is one spent creating value—tackling the challenges thrown at us over a lifetime, striving to achieve something worthy and meaningful; constantly expanding the frontiers of our lives.
[Discussions on Health]
Health is not simply the absence of illness. . . . Real health is the will to overcome every form of adversity and use even the worst of circumstances as a springboard for new growth and development. Simply put, the essence of health is the constant renewal and rejuvenation of life.
[The New Human Revolution, Vol. 22, “The Treasure of Life” chapter]
It is painful to suffer illness, but the most painful thing of all is to feel abandoned by everyone—that no one cares about you. When the darkness of despair shrouds your heart, your life force gradually drains away. That is why it is so important not to abandon or forget those who are sick or in trouble. We need to continuously and gently communicate to them that we sincerely want them to get better.
[Essay series, “Wonderful Encounters,” Seikyo Shimbun, March 4, 2001]
It is precisely because we battle with sickness that we are able to experience firsthand the best and worst in life, allowing us to forge the strength within ourselves to never succumb. . . . That time of struggle enables one to empathize with the suffering of others who are ill.
[Discussions on Health]
Life is tenacious; it is endowed with the impulse to survive and the power to heal. . . . Ultimately, it is we ourselves who cure our illness, and the decision to undertake this battle arises from our inner resolve.
[The Hope-filled Writings of Nichiren Daishonin]
Though our body may be afflicted with illness, if our mind is strong, it can exert a positive influence on our physical condition. What matters most is the strength and soundness—the health—of our inner resolve. That is the key to lasting health of our life itself.
[Discussions on Health]
Through illness, human beings can gain insight into the meaning of life, understand its value and dignity, and strive to lead more fulfilling lives. . . . Illness is not something to feel ashamed of. It is not a sign of misfortune or defeat.
[“Discussions on Life and Death” series, Seikyo Shimbun, Nov. 26, 2005]
True health is to be found in having a positive attitude toward life and a strong self that refuses to be defeated by anything.
[Interview series, “To My Young Friends—Leaders of a New Age,” Seikyo Shimbun, Jul. 26, 2012]
True health shines in the lives of those who continue to ardently devote themselves to creating positive value for the happiness of others, the welfare of society, and a better, brighter future for the world.
[Interview series, “To My Young Friends—Leaders of a New Age,” Seikyo Shimbun, Jul. 25, 2012]
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