Revolution

" . . .Working for people's happiness is something everyone can do, regardless of circumstances. It requires no special titles or qualifications. In the end, it comes down to the effort to engage with and encourage others. But this encouragement is not something offered at arm's length, keeping oneself at a safe distance. Real encouragement is conveyed only in the process of sharing the reality of life's sufferings and challenges.

Making the effort to live this way amid the corruptions and humiliations of society, striving to offer the gifts of courage and hope, brings out the inner radiance of our lives. Encouraging others enables us to fully grasp the meaning of our lives and experience enduring happiness.

The transformation from a self-centered, self-involved way of life to one dedicated to the well-being of others is the process of "human revolution."

Even in the face of the severe crisis confronting humanity today, I cannot side with the advocates of apocalypse. Rather than the spurs and promptings of fear, we can best negotiate the challenges we face when guided by a vision of hope.

The inner transformation resulting from even a single person's human revolution holds just such a hope. This is a revolution open to all, one that does not demand the sacrifice of a single life.

When this process achieves a critical momentum--with waves of positive change spreading from one person to another--global society itself will be dramatically transformed.

This is a revolution that starts here, now--in the heart of every one of us.

-Daisaku Ikeda-
Excerpted from "Japan Times", April 12, 2007