Life Potential
A life lived without purpose or value, the kind in which one doesn’t know the reason why one was born, is joyless and lackluster. To just live, eat and die without any real sense of purpose surely represents a life pervaded by animality. On the other hand, to do, create or contribute something that benefits others, society and ourselves and to dedicate ourselves as long as we live to that challenge—that is a life of true satisfaction, a life of value. It is a humanistic and lofty way to live.
[Speech at New York Representatives Meeting, New York, USA, Jun. 15, 1996]
A person fully awakened to the jewel-like dignity of their own life is capable of truly respecting that same treasure in others.
[Essay, “Planting seeds of hope in Japan’s youth,” in Embracing the Future]
Buddhism teaches that nothing happens by chance. Everything has meaning. Please be convinced that your inner life is already endowed with everything you need. No matter how difficult your situation may be, you are alive now, and there is no treasure more precious than life itself.
[Discussions on Youth]
Buddhism teaches the concept of “manifesting one’s true nature.” This means to reveal your genuine self, your true inherent potential and bring it to shine, illuminating all around you. It refers to your most refined individuality and uniqueness. When you hold fast to your beliefs and live true to yourself, your true value as a human being shines through.
[Discussions on Youth]
Each of us must seek to discover the particular theme or motif that will characterize our life. . . . An attitude of intense, undaunted seriousness toward each fleeting moment can open up a whole new life for us.
[Ikeda Daisaku Zenshu (The Complete Works of Daisaku Ikeda), Vol. 19]
Everything depends on what is in our hearts. . . . If we decide to ourselves that something is impossible, then, consistent with our minds in thinking so, even something that is possible for us will become impossible. On the other hand, if we have the confidence that we can definitely do something, then we are already one step closer to achieving it in reality.
[Learning from the Gosho: Eternal Teachings of Nichiren Daishonin]
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.
[Ikeda Daisaku Zenshu (The Complete Works of Daisaku Ikeda), Vol. 126]
Human potential is a curious thing. If you tell yourself that you're not smart, your mind really does start to shut down. Instead, if you say to yourself with conviction, "I’ve hardly begun to use my brain—it’s just asleep. If I just make some effort, I can do anything," that belief awakens your ability. Because, in fact, it’s true.
[Discussions on Youth]
If we are only concerned about ourselves, it will be hard to find a genuinely sustaining purpose or goal in life. But if we change our perspective and begin to think about what we can do for others and society, a path forward will open up.
[Interview series, “To My Young Friends—Leaders of a New Age,” Seikyo Shimbun, Mar. 28, 2012]
Life contains the capacity, like flames that reach toward the heavens, to transform suffering and pain into the energy of value-creation, the light that illuminates the dark. Like the wind traversing vast spaces unhindered, life has the power to uproot and overturn all obstacles and difficulties. Like clear flowing water, it can wash away all stains and impurities. And finally, life, like the great Earth that sustains plants and vegetation, impartially embraces all people with its compassionate, nurturing force.
[Ikeda Daisaku Zenshu (The Complete Works of Daisaku Ikeda), Vol. 53]
Life is filled with potential that is truly unfathomable. At last we are coming to see the enormous power it possesses. That is why we must never write anyone off. In particular, we mustn’t put boundaries on our own potential. In most cases, our so-called limitations are nothing more than our own decision to limit ourselves.
[The Wisdom of the Lotus Sutra]
Life’s natural tendency is toward the flowering of potential, toward limitless advance. . . . And the key to opening up our life potential and wisdom lies in a single word—faith.
[The Wisdom of the Lotus Sutra]
True optimism is synonymous with absolute faith in human possibilities, unbending belief in our ability to conquer all hardships, and the courage to strive continuously to improve ourselves and the world around us.
[The Inner Philosopher: Conversations on Philosophy's Transformative Power, with Lou Marinoff]
Unless we live fully, not “sometime” in the future, but right now, true fulfillment in life will forever elude us.
[Speech at Chubu and Hokuriku Representatives Conference, Aichi, May 18, 1995]
When you clearly envision the outcome of victory, engrave it upon your heart, and are firmly convinced that you will attain it, your brain makes every effort to realize the mental image you have created. And then, through your unceasing efforts, that victory is finally made a reality.
[Speech at an SGI-USA representatives conference, Miami, Mar. 9, 1993]
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