Power of the Heart
As the Buddhist teacher Nichiren states: “More valuable than treasures in a storehouse are the treasures of the body, and the treasures of the heart are the most valuable of all.” “Treasures of the storehouse” refer to money and other forms of material wealth. “Treasures of the body” are skills and abilities, as well as physical health. “Treasures of the heart” are the riches that we build within our lives. This indicates the kind of inner strength that cannot be defeated by any tribulation. It refers to the power to live out our lives in a creative way, with constant joy, fulfillment and vitality.
[The New Human Revolution, Vol. 21, “People’s Diplomacy” chapter]
Buddhism teaches that the mind encompasses the entire universe. When we change our innermost state of mind, our whole being changes, and this affects the world in which we live. This is the teaching of the oneness of life and its environment, and the principle of a single life-moment possessing three thousand realms. . . . Everything starts with a strong determination.
[The New Human Revolution, Vol. 8, “Securing the Foundation” chapter]
Buddhism teaches that when we change the “single element of mind”―our fundamental way of thinking―we transform ourselves and our environment changes.
[The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin and the Mentor-Disciple Relationship]
My mentor would often tell me, “You can tell a lot about a person from their voice.” We should treasure our voice. A voice that is strong and clear—one that gives courage and reassurance to others. That is why we must strengthen and refine the heart from which our voice emanates.
[Kibou no tsubasa (tentative translation: Wings of Hope)]
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. Everything comes down to faith and conviction. It is what is in one’s heart and the substance of one’s actions that count.
[Speech at Headquarters Leaders Meeting, Tokyo, Aug. 29, 1996]
Our hearts, our minds, are wellsprings of happiness. A wise, thoughtful mind can create hope and spread unity. A strong heart and mind can overcome obstacles.
[Words of Encouragement, “Engraving the Daishonin’s Writings in Our Hearts,” Seikyo Shimbun, Feb. 18, 2020]
“The heart is what is important.” There is nothing more vulnerable, nothing more corruptible than the human mind; nor is there anything as powerful, steadfast and ennobled.
[Discussions on Youth]
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.
[Kibou no tsubasa (tentative translation: Wings of Hope)]
To lead a life in which we are inspired and can inspire others, our hearts have to be alive; we have to be filled with passion and enthusiasm. To achieve that, . . . we need the courage to live true to ourselves. . . . Rather than borrowing from or imitating others, we need the conviction to be able to think for ourselves and to take action out of our own sense of responsibility.
[Speech at Chubu and Hoku-riku Representatives Meeting, Aichi, May 18, 1995]
What kind of future do I envision for myself? What kind of self am I trying to develop? What do I want to accomplish in my life? The thing is to paint this vision of your life in your heart as specifically as possible. That “painting” itself becomes the design of your future. The power of the heart enables us to actually create with our lives a wonderful masterpiece in accordance with that design.
[Learning from the Gosho: Eternal Teachings of Nichiren Daishonin]
Whatever your circumstances, whatever your past, the forces that determine your future are nowhere but within your own heart and mind. It is here that the star of your destiny shines.
[Ikeda Daisaku Zenshu (The Complete Works of Daisaku Ikeda), Vol. 18]
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