Human Revolution
A great human revolution in just a single individual will help achieve a change in the destiny of a nation and, further, will enable a change in the destiny of all humankind.
[The Human Revolution, Vol. 1, Preface]
Changing one's view of things is the first step in revolutionizing the self and transforming one's environment.
[The Inner Philosopher: Conversations on Philosophy's Transformative Power, with Lou Marinoff]
Human revolution cannot be pinned down to one specific thing. It is any action that leads to positive change or improvement in the inner realm of a person’s life. . . . It is an ongoing process. The important question to ask yourself is whether you are on a path of continuous personal growth.
[Discussions on Youth]
Human revolution means turning our lives in a positive direction, from unhappiness to happiness. It is the transformation of the tendency to allow ourselves to be swept along by force of habit or to feel ourselves at the mercy of the whims of destiny. The incredible power to do this already exists inside us.
[Ikeda Daisaku Zenshu (The Complete Works of Daisaku Ikeda), Vol. 143]
Nothing can match the strength of those whose lives have been shaped and forged through challenging and overcoming hardships. Such people fear nothing. The purpose of our Buddhist practice is to develop such strength and fortitude. To cultivate such an invincible core is in itself a victory.
[Speech at Headquarters Leaders Meeting, Tokyo, August 29, 1996]
The times when we experience the most intense suffering, unbearable agony and seemingly insurmountable deadlock are actually brilliant opportunities for doing our human revolution.
[Discussions on Youth]
The transformation from a self-centered way of life to one dedicated to the well-being of others is the process of “human revolution.” . . . This is a revolution that can start here, now―in the heart of every one of us.
[Essay, “Transforming our way of living,” in Embracing the Future]
There are all sorts of revolutions: political, economic, scientific, artistic. . . . Each has its own significance and, often, necessity. But no matter what one changes, the world will never get any better as long as people themselves―the guiding force and impetus behind all endeavors―remain selfish and lacking in compassion. In that respect, human revolution is the most fundamental of all revolutions, and at the same time, the most necessary revolution for humankind.
[Discussions on Youth]
When we change, the world changes. The key to all change is in our inner transformation―a change of our hearts and minds. This is human revolution. We all have the power to change. When we realize this truth, we can bring forth that power anywhere, anytime and in any situation.
[Lectures on “On Attaining Buddhahood in This Lifetime”]
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