Second Soka Gakkai president Josei Toda said: “If we were too perfect to begin with, others would find it hard to relate to us. That’s why we specifically chose to be born as ordinary people, experiencing sickness and poverty, so that we could widely spread Buddhism in society…Life is like playing a part in a drama.”
From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 2, revised edition, pp. 57
Daisaku Ikeda
Sometimes advancing together with others is frustrating and difficult. Acting alone, just as one pleases, is undoubtedly much easier. But that can lead to becoming self-centered, which prevents us from practicing Buddhism properly. Before we know it, we’ll have strayed from the correct path. Ultimately, we’ll find ourselves in a lonely, sad, and miserable state of life. Mutual development and true Buddhist practice lie in joining together with many different kinds of individuals and sharing various challenges and efforts with them as we encourage one another to advance and grow.
From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 3, revised edition, pp. 106-107
Daisaku Ikeda
The way to happiness is not complicated. Those who chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo consistently in the realm of kosen-rufu triumph in the end. They are certain to attain a state of absolute happiness—in other words, the life state of Buddhahood. If you remember this single important point, your life will always be solid and secure.
From The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 2, revised edition, pp. 50-51
Daisaku Ikeda