Peace – The Foundation for Lasting Human Happiness

Poem by Daisaku Ikeda

“To lead hope-filled lives, we need peace.

To lead happy lives, we must prevent war at all costs.

The purpose of life is to become happy.

The purpose of life is to fight against

and triumph over the darkness of misery.

Those who inflict pain and suffering on other

are wretched inside. Those who

win over themselves are happy.

I, too, advance with hope in my heart.

I advance with joy and vigor.

I will not be defeated!

I will not give up!

There is something vaster

than the wide open sky –

and that is, my life.

There is something deeper

than the fathomless sea –

and that is, your life.

There is something more precious

than all the treasures of the

universe –and that is, our lives.

That is why we must not condone

unscrupulous actions that harm

life;we must fight resolutely against

the devilish forces that seek

to destroy life.

Nothing is more barbarous than war

Nothing is more cruel.

How many tears

have mothers had to weep?

How many precious seasons of

youth have been ruined?

How much happy laughter of

children has been stifled?

Change history! Move the age!

Bring the world together!

If winter comes, can spring be far behind?

Now is the time to vigorously sing

a song of the springtime of peace.

The deeper the darkness,

the closer the dawn.

Now is the time to sound the bell

heralding the dawn of peace with all our might.

There is a path that birds follow

as they fly through the sky.

There is a path that fish follow

as they swim through the sea.

There is a path that the stars follow

as they travels the heavens.

And there is a path of principle

that human beings should follow.

This is none other than the path of peace.

Let’s begin with what we can do.

Let’s move forward, even if just an inch.

Let’s climb that mountain,

and cross this river!

Let’s dash over those fields

and traverse that hill!

Let’s race to that town

and talk with our friends!

We are ever filled with bring confidence

that wonderful like-minded friends

will someday follow in our footsteps!

If you have no hope, create some.

If the world around you is dark

be the sun that illuminates all.

Happiness is not something we attain

by chasing after it.

Happiness comes to those who live with

courage and tenacity.

Similarly, peace will come to human beings

when they lead lives

of wisdom and principle.

Peace is not something far away.

Peace is caring for and valuing

a single individual.

It is bringing joy, not suffering,

to our mother. It is reaching out

to those who are different from

us.It is having the wisdom

to reconcile after an argument.

And it is protecting our beautiful natural world.

It is fostering a rich culture.

It is refusing to build our happiness

on the misfortune of other.

It is sharing others’ joys and sufferings.

Those who can bring happiness to their friends

are experts in the art of happiness.

Those who can bring peace to their society

are emissaries of peace.

Refusing to tolerate bullying is part of the struggle for peace.

Refusing to tolerate discrimination

is part of the struggle for peace.

Refusing to tolerate lies and slanders

is part of the struggle for peace.

Refusing to tolerate the arrogance

of the powerful is part of the struggle for peace.

Absolutely and utterly refusing to

tolerate violence in any form –

that is the essence of the struggle for peace.

Do no remain silent.

Speak out courageously.

Peace spreads where voices resound in song.

Peace depends through friendly dialogue .

Peace endures when we are willing to learn

from each other. The struggle between happiness

and unhappiness is the story of human existence.

The struggle between peace and

war is the story of the human race.

And the power of truth and

justice for eternal victory

resides within us.

A wise person once said:

“When in doubt, choose the more challenging course!”

Hardships makes us strong.

Problems give birth to wisdom.

Sorrows cultivate compassion for others.

Those who suffering the most

can become the happiest.

The flowers are smiling.

Gentle breezes are singing.

The moon is watching over us.

The vibrant energy of a strong,

true spirit befriends the entire universe,

transforming everything into an ally.

Children of the world!

The world is one.

We are all brothers and sisters

in a single family; let’s live together

harmoniously and in peace.

Come, let’s make our way towards the future.

Let’s share the hand of the person

next to us. Let’s look into their eyes and share

honest dialogue. Let’s sing a joyous song together.

That’s the first great step towards

peace. Let’s build a land of peace.

Let’s connect with others

who love peace.

Peace

is the brilliant light that humanity seeks.

Peace is the sure path to a life of true humanity

and dignity.

Peace!

Peace! here we find the foundation

for lasting human happiness

and the joy of true human victory.”