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Compassion

Altruism is the most effective means of self-realization and self-perfection. Doing good for others is the best way to develop one’s own character and find greater happiness for oneself.
[Ikeda Daisaku Zenshu (The Complete Works of Daisaku Ikeda), Vol. 9]

Compassion is the very soul of Buddhism. To pray for others, making their problems and anguish our own; to embrace those who are suffering, becoming their greatest ally; to continue giving them our support and encouragement until they become truly happy―it is in such humanistic actions that Buddhism lives and breathes.
[Speech at U.S.-Japan Executive Conference, Los Angeles, January 27, 1993]

Encouragement is a warm breeze imparting hope to others. . . . It plants the seed of courage in their lives. It is an action filled with the power of regeneration.
[The New Human Revolution, Vol. 14, “Mission” chapter]

Even when someone finds themselves in a vulnerable position, if they are surrounded by people who are prepared to share that challenge with them, it becomes possible to find a way forward. The way in which we experience even such conditions as poverty or illness can be profoundly transformed simply by the knowledge that we have the support of others. This is a core tenet of Buddhist philosophy.
[2020 Peace Proposal]

However difficult our situation or profound our anguish, we always retain the capacity to light the flame of encouragement. This light dispels not only the darkness of others’ suffering, but also that which envelops our own heart.
[2014 Peace Proposal]

It is often enough for a person in anguish simply to know that there is someone thinking of them, sharing in their pain and plight, even though that person may be unable to actually help.
[Speech at Women’s Division Representatives Conference, Tokyo, February 1, 2006]

Our true selves shine and the inherent strength of our lives wells forth when we exert ourselves for others. This is human nature. And this is the way of life Buddhism teaches.
[The Wisdom of the Lotus Sutra]

Sincerity knows no barriers of age or nationality. Words spoken out of genuine concern for others strike a powerful chord in people’s hearts.
[The New Human Revolution, Vol. 23, “The Future” chapter]

“So-and-so is sick. So-and-so is suffering financially. I must do my best to give them encouragement.” To think in this way, to offer prayers and take action for others’ happiness—this is the behavior of a true Buddhist.
[Speech at Commemorative Meeting for the opening of the SGI Headquarters Building in Santa Monica, USA, September 18, 1993]

Supporting, encouraging and reinvigorating each suffering individual we encounter is the first sure step to realizing a society that respects the dignity of life; it is the starting point for building peace.
[The New Human Revolution, Vol. 30, “Launching Out” chapter]

The altruism taught in Buddhism . . . is our refusal to accept any suffering as unrelated to us. It brings our humanity to its true luster.
[2016 Peace Proposal]

The fact is, when we support others, we ourselves are actually being supported; when we help others, we ourselves are actually being helped. This is the worldview of “dependent origination” taught in Buddhism.
[Interview series, “To My Young Friends—Leaders of a New Age,” Seikyo Shimbun, March 28, 2012]

The source of illumination needed to dispel the chaos and darkness of the age is to be found in actions that bring forth our own inner light through committed action on behalf of others.
[2010 Peace Proposal]

There are countless people in the world whose hearts have been wounded in some way. We need to extend a healing hand to such individuals. Through such efforts, we in fact heal ourselves.
[The Wisdom of the Lotus Sutra]

To “love people” or “love humanity” in the abstract is easy, whereas to feel compassion toward actual individuals is difficult.
[The Wisdom of the Lotus Sutra]

To have compassion means to feel the sufferings of others as one’s own. Because the Buddha has a deep desire to save others, he agonizes over what to do to achieve this. Such compassion gives rise to wisdom.
[The Wisdom of the Lotus Sutra]

We are often highly sensitive to our own sufferings but oblivious to the pain of others. . . . Buddhism teaches the importance of empathy, feeling the suffering of others as your own. A century based on respect for life will not be realized as long as this spirit is disregarded.
[Conversation series, “Discussions on Life and Death,” Seikyo Shimbun, December 10, 2005]

What our society today needs more than anything is the spirit of empathy—the ability to put ourselves in the shoes of those who are facing hardship and suffering, to understand and share what they are going through. . . . When the spirit of compassion becomes the bedrock of society, and is embodied by society’s leaders, the future will be bright with hope.
[Encouragement series, “On Our Shared Journey for Kosen-rufu,” Seikyo Shimbun, March 25, 2012]

When we care for others our own strength to live increases. When we help people expand their state of life, our lives also expand. . . . Actions to benefit others are not separate from actions to benefit oneself.
[The Wisdom of the Lotus Sutra]

Words of encouragement motivated by the wish for someone’s happiness can function as a source of revitalizing light, rousing courage and strength.
[The New Human Revolution, Vol. 30, “Awaiting the Time” chapter]

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