Strength
Become like the sun. If you do so, all darkness will be dispelled. . . . No matter what happens, live confidently with the conviction that you, yourself are the “sun.” Of course, in life there are sunny days and cloudy days. But even on cloudy days, the sun is still the sun. Even when you are suffering, it is vital that you strive to keep the sun shining brightly in your heart.
[Discussions on Youth]
Day after day, steadily press ahead, one step at a time, with all your strength. The accumulation of such small actions, such small triumphs, will result in a historic victory.
[The New Human Revolution, Vol. 30, “Bells of Dawn” chapter]
Even if things don’t unfold the way you expected, don’t be disheartened or give up. One who continues to advance with a positive spirit will win in the end.
[Speech at Soka Junior and Senior High Schools Graduation Ceremony, Tokyo, Mar. 16, 2009]
Every hardship and adversity we face in life is an opportunity to strengthen ourselves. . . . People of genuine ability shine all the brighter when they are trained and tested by life’s challenges.
[Ikeda Daisaku Zenshu (The Complete Works of Daisaku Ikeda), Vol. 138]
Gold is gold, no matter how muddied it becomes. The truth always wins out in the end.
[The New Human Revolution, Vol. 19, “Rainbow of Hope” chapter]
Iron, when heated and pounded, becomes a fine sword. Likewise, Buddhism teaches that our true strength and potential cannot be forged without hardships.
[Speech at Divisional Representative Conference, Tokyo, Apr. 13, 2006]
Just being good-natured is not enough. If you are good-natured but fail to stand up to injustice, you cannot protect anyone. Instead, you will tend to be taken lightly, enabling those who perpetrate injustice to only grow stronger.
[Speech at Fukushima Prefecture Executive Conference, Fukushima, Jun. 20, 1995]
One cannot become a starring player in life if one is easily swayed by one’s emotions over every little thing. Strength of character lies in performing the drama of life with courage and confidence, practicing self-reflection and self-control in all circumstances.
[Speech at SGI-Brazil General Meeting, Rio de Janeiro, Feb. 13, 1993]
Only by overcoming life's problems and obstacles can we become truly strong. If everything always goes smoothly, we will grow complacent and be unable to build a solid foundation for our lives. Only by experiencing suffering ourselves can we understand the suffering of others and deepen our compassion.
[The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin and the Mentor-Disciple Relationship]
Resolving to take action is proof that you are progressing. Even if you have the tendency to make a determination but only stick to it for two or three days, just keep renewing that determination. Then you will become the kind of person who can persevere and reach their goals.
[Discussions on Youth]
The human spirit is the strongest force there is. . . . As long as our spirit remains unbroken, there is no defeat. In life, spiritual defeat always precedes actual defeat. Hence, we should guard against laziness, cowardice, carelessness, impatience, resignation and despair which corrode the human spirit and sow the seeds of defeat.
[The New Human Revolution, Vol. 20, “Path of Friendship” chapter]
The struggle of life is, and always will be, a struggle against your own weaknesses. Will you become cowardly and think, “I can’t do this. I’m certain to fail”? Or will you challenge the difficulties that lie ahead with the conviction, “I am strong. And I can become stronger still”? Your destiny in life will vary greatly depending on the spirit that you maintain.
[Speech at Soka Junior and Senior High Schools Graduation Ceremony, Tokyo, Mar. 16, 1995]
Truly strong people are not arrogant. Arrogance is born of cowardice. Those who lack true strength hide in the shadow of authority and power and use them to threaten others.
[Speech at Headquarters Leaders Meeting, Tokyo, Mar. 5, 1994]
What is easily done can be easily undone. To move steadily forward on one’s chosen path, step by step, whether or not others are watching—to meet difficulties with the quiet, relentless strength of flowing water. Such integrity and perseverance build an unshakable foundation leading to eternal glory.
[Essay series, “On Florence Niightingale,” Seikyo Shimbun, Feb. 2, 2002]
When we decide to live each instant fully, with all our might, to live true to ourselves and make the present moment shine, we discover and bring forth immense and unimagined strength.
[Lectures on the “Expedient Means” and “Life Span” Chapters of the Lotus Sutra]
Whether we regard difficulties in life as misfortunes or whether we view them as good fortune depends entirely on how much we have forged our inner determination. It all depends on our attitude. With a dauntless spirit, we can lead a cheerful and thoroughly enjoyable life. We can develop a “self” of such fortitude that we are able to look forward to life’s trials and tribulations with a sense of joy.
[Speech at Kansai Youth Division General Meeting, Kyoto, May 21, 1995]
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