July 4th

It is said that the face of the Statue of Liberty in New York, was modeled after it's creator Bartholdi's mother. It may well be that Bartholdi wanted to give some expression to the gratitude he felt towards his mother for having raised him through the thick and thin of difficulties. For a child, the most beautiful and noble face in the world is perhaps none other than that of their own mother. You might agree with me that the desire to live up to a mother's expectation is an inborn desire, deeply wired into our beings.

- Daisaku Ikeda

Japanese text:

ニューヨークの「自由の女神」の顔は、作者バトルディのお母さんがモデルであるといわれている。苦労して自分を育ててくれた母　―　彼は感謝の思いを、形にしたかったのかもしれない。また、子どもにとって、母の顔はいちばん美しく、尊いものなのかもしれない。母の恩に応えたい　―　そうした思いを、本来、誰しも、生命の奥底にもっている

(Josei ni okuru kotoba 365 nichi, pg. 203)

June 10th

Peace and prosperity within a family does not imply the complete absence of worries or hardships. Even at a time when the worst of storms are raging, as long as the light of the sun is shining brightly, it's alright. A mother is that very light of the sun for the family.

- Daisaku Ikeda

Japanese text:
我が家の平和といっても、苦労や悩みが何もない状態ではない。どんな嵐のような時であっても、家族のなかに太陽が輝いていれば、よいのです。その一家の太陽こそ、お母さんです。

WAGA YA NO HEIWA TO ITTE MO, KURO YA NAYAMI GA NANI MO NAI JOTAI DEWA NAI. DONNA ARASHI NO YO NA TOKI DE ATTE MO, KAZOKU NO NAKA NI TAIYO GA KAGAYAITE IREBA YOI NO DE ARU. SONO IKKA NO TAIYO KOSO, OKASAN DESU.
(Josei ni okuru kotoba 365 nichi, pg. 177)

May 18th

The power to change the tracks of human history hinges on the confluence of women who protect precious life, and who patiently raise and nurture it based on their wisdom and compassion. The power of motherhood far surpasses the power of authority.

- Daisaku Ikeda

Japanese text:
一番大切な生命を守り育みゆく、女性の知恵と慈悲の結集にこそ、人類史の転換は託されている。
偉大なる母性の力は、権力にも勝る。

ICHIBAN TAISETSU NA SEIMEI O MAMORI HAGUKUMIYUKU, JOSEI NO CHIE TO JIHI NO KESSHU NI KOSO, JINRUISHI NO TENKAN WA TAKUSARETE IRU. IDAI NARU BOSEI NO CHIKARA WA, KENRYOKU NI MO MASARU.

(Josei ni okuru kotoba 365 nichi, pg. 153)

December 1st

The love and care that you, as a mother, pour into the tiny life of your baby becomes the source of energy that sustains it for the rest of its life. Being straight-forward and simple is fine. At times you might make mistakes and at others you might be confused. At times you might even have emotional outbursts. But at all times, remember to do your very best. In the deepest recesses of your child's heart, your love will always live on, and like magma become their source of energy supporting them throughout life.

- Daisaku Ikeda

Japanese Text:
幼い命に注がれた母の愛は、一生を支えるエネルギーです。愚直な母でいい。時には失敗し、時にはおっちょこちょいで、時に感情が爆発することもある。しかし、つねに一生懸命に生きることです。心の奥の奥に刻み込まれた、親の愛と生き方が、マグマのごとく、
子どものエネルギー源となって、一生を支えていくのです。
(Josei ni okuru kotoba)

September 6

My mother raised a large family of children. She traversed the uphill journey of a life abounding in hardships with great strength of character, silently and patiently and without making any fuss. The last words of this mother of mine were: "In life, I have won".

Daisaku Ikeda

Japanese Text:
"私の母は多くの子を育てた。苦労の多かった人生の坂道を、無言の力強さで黙々と歩んだ。そんな母の最後の言葉は「私の人生は勝ったよ」だった。
"
(Josei ni okuru kotoba 365 nichi, pg. 268)

September 2

As a working mother who must leave her kids behind, it is always a good idea to talk to them before leaving for work to let them know where you are going and when you will be back. Also, when you get back, saying "I'm back!" or "Thanks for everything!" is great. Even if your kids may have already gone to bed, make sure to whisper gently in their ear to let them know how much you appreciate them for having stayed by themselves, and how you were able to work thanks to their support.

Daisaku Ikeda

Japanese Text:
"子どもを残して出かける時には、ひと言、声をかけることです。「今日は、ここへ行ってくるよ」「何時には帰りますよ」と。
また帰ってきたら、「ただいま」「ありがとう」と声をかける。たとえ、子どもが先に休んでいても、「よく留守番しててくれたね」「おかげで、お母さん頑張れたよ」と、耳元で優しく感謝の思いを込めて、声をかけていくことです。"
(Josei ni okuru kotoba 365 nichi, pg. 265)

August 2nd

A philosopher once said that those who forget their mothers are no more than animals. It is important to brace ourselves and stand upright in life, with the memory of our mothers always in our hearts.

- Daisaku Ikeda

Japanese text:
母を忘れたならば動物となる、と言った哲学者がいた。人生は、母を思い出しながら奮起して立ちあがるのだ。
(Josei ni okuru kotoba 365 nichi, pg. 233)

July 21st

Children regard their mother as the single, most important person in the entire world. No one can replace a mother's presence, for she represents a child's home ground for unconditional trust and absolute security.

- Daisaku Ikeda

Japanese text:
子どもにとって母親は、この世でただ一人の存在であり、誰も代わりはできない、絶対の信頼と安心の拠り所です。
(Josei ni okuru kotoba 365 nichi, pg. 220)

June 24th

On rainy days she celebrates the rain.
On windy days she lends a ear to the voice of the wind.
When she sees someone in need of help, she is quick to respond with her entire being.
A mother who lives her life like a beautiful poem,
sets the most ideal example her children can follow,
for it nurtures their hearts with a richness that far surpasses the power of words.

- Daisaku Ikeda

Japanese Text:
雨の日は雨を楽しみ、
風の日は風の声に耳を傾ける。
困っている人を見たら、
すぐに体が動いている。
そうした人生の詩を生きるお母さんの姿は、言葉以上に豊かに子どもたちの心を育むに違いない。

AME NO HI WA AME O TANOSHIMI,
KAZE NO HI WA KAZE NO KOE NI MIMI O KATAMUKERU.
KOMATTE IRU HITO O MITARA,
SUGU NI KARADA GA UGOITE IKU.
SO SHITA JINSEI NO SHI O IKIRU OKASAN NO SUGATA WA, KOTOBA IJO NI YUTAKA NI KODOMO TACHI NO KOKORO O HAGUKUMU NI CHIGAINAI.
(Josei ni okuru kotoba 365 nichi, pg. 191)

May 25th

The Japanese phrase "mottainai" which roughly translates to mean "better not waste" can be considered synonymous with the wisdom of Japanese mothers. This phrase has inspired and given hope to environmentalists the world over, in tackling our environmental problems.

No matter how small something might seem, behind the spirit to not waste, lies the affectionate heart of a mother who fosters in others, a deep respect for life and consideration for everyone.

- Daisaku Ikeda

Japanese text:
「もったおない」――この日本の母の“知恵の代名詞”ともいうべき言葉が、環境問題を打開する道として、世界に希望を広げている。
どんなものも無駄にしないという慈しみ心――この「母の心」が、命お尊ぶ心、他者を思いやる心を育むからだ。

[MOTTAI NAI] - KONO NIHON NO HAHA NO "CHIE NO DAIMEISHI" TO MO IUBEKI KOTOBA GA, KANKYO MONDAI O DAKAI SURU MICHI TOSHITE, SEKAI NI KIBO O HITOGETEIRU.
DONNA MONO MO MUDA SHINAI TO IU ITSUKUSHIMI NO KOKORO - KONO [HAHA NO KOKORO] GA, INOCHI O TOTOBU KOKORO, TASHA O OMOIYARU KOKORO O HAGUKUMU KARA DA.
(Josei ni okuru kotoba 365 nichi, pg. 160)

April 20th

A mother, is after all, a full-fledged member of the society. I really hope mothers will widen their range of interest and scope of involvement within society. You might agree that it's only when we participate fully as a member of our society that we can truly experience happiness as a human being and as a parent.

-- Daisaku Ikeda
April 20th

Japanese text:
HAHAOYA MO, RIPPA NA IKKO NO SHAKAIJIN DE ARU. SHIYA O SHAKAI NI OKIKU HIROGETE KOSO, NINGEN TOSHITE NO KOFUFKU MO, HAHAOYA TOSHITE NO KOFUKU MO, MIETE KURU NO DEWA NAI DARO KA.
(Josei ni okuru kotoba 365 nichi, pg. 123)

April 4th

Oh mother, the great optimist!
One who calls out your name
cannot fail to experience the warmth of spring in their hearts.
One who hears your voice cannot fail to experience
the nostalgia of their sweet homeland
and gain the strength to live.

-- Daisaku Ikeda
Japanese text:
HAHA YO DAI RAKKAN SHUGI NO HAHA YO!
DARE DEMO ANATA NO NA O YOBU TOKI
ATATAKANA HARU GA MUNE NI YOMIGAERU
DAREDEMO ANATANO KOE O KIKU TOKI
NATSUKASHI KOKYO KARA IKIRU CHIKARA O ERU

(Josei ni okuru kotoba 365 nichi, 107 pg.)

August 20th

Even though children know how busy their mother is, they would still want her to face them and give them due attention. This is not something that applies to small children alone. Even as they grow up, children will always want their mother to be there for them at every turning point in life.

Japanese text:
子どもというのは、たとえ母親の忙しい状況をわかっていても、自分のほうを向いて、ちゃんと見てほしいものなのです。
それは幼い子どもだけではありません。大きくなれば大きくなったで、節目節目で受け止めてほしいと感じるものなのです。
(Josei ni okuru kotoba 365 nichi, pg. 251)

May 13th

Mother, who gave me birth, and brought me up.
Mother, who works through day and night without rest.
Although you nag and scold, whenever I need your help you are always there to side with me.
Mother, you always pray earnestly for the well-being of your children and family.
Precious, noble, mother.
No famous personality or politician deserves as much praise as you, a nameless mother, does.
Even if no one should acknowledge you, I will. Unto you I would like to bestow, my highest commendation, my deepest gratitude.

- Daisaku Ikeda

Japanese text:
自分を産み、育ててくれたお母さん。
昼も、夜も、休むことなく働き続けてきたお母さん。
いつも口うるさくても、いざという時は必ず守ってくれたお母さん。
わが子のため、家族のために、ひたぶるな祈りを重ねてきたお母さん。
尊い、尊い、お母さんです。
どんな有名人や、政治家をさしおいても、無名のお母さんこそ、たたえていくべきです。だれがたたえなくても、私は最大に賞賛し、感謝の心を贈りたい。

JIBUN O UMI, SODATETE KURETA OKASAN.
HIRU MO, YORU MO, YASUMU KOTO NAKU HATARAKI TSUZUKETE KITA OKASAN.
ITSUMO WA KUCHI URUSAKUTEMO, IZATOIU TOKI WA KANARAZU MAMOTTE KURETA OKASAN.
WAGA KO NO TAME, KAZOKU NO TAME NI, HITABURUNA INORI O KASANETE KITA OKASAN.
TOTOI, TOTOI, OKASAN DESU.
DONNA YUMEIJIN YA, SEIJIKA O SASHI OITEMO, MUMEI NO OKASAN KOSO,TATAETE IKU BEKI DESU. DARE GA TATAENAKUTE MO, WATASHI WA SAIDAI NI SHOSAN SHI, KANSHA NO KOKORO O OKURITAI.

(Josei ni okuru kotoba 365 nichi, pg. 148)

May 10th

Behind every affectionate couple or family that overflows with tender and heartfelt warmth, there is always, strikingly enough, the presence of a wife or a mother who has the knack for praising and acknowledging others. Home is a place where family members live so close together, they can easily spot each other's faults, and in a lot of families, people are constantly complaining about each other's shortcomings. However, despite this reality, just a small word of encouragement spoken at the right time can soften the other person's heart and lead to a smooth, relaxed conversation, giving everyone a sense of comfort and confidence.

- Daisaku Ikeda

Japanese text:
細やかな情愛がにじみ出ている夫婦や家庭には、不思議と、ほめ上手の奥さんがいるようだ。身近な家族同士では、以外に不平や欠点の指摘に終始していることも多い。そうしたなかで、ほんのちょっとした励ましいの言葉が、相手の心をほごし、会話を円滑にする。自信を持たせる。

KOMAYAMA NA JOAI GA NIJIMI DETE IRU FUFU YA KATEI NI WA FUSHIGI TO, HOME JOZU NO OKUSAN GA IRU YO DA. MIJIKANA KAZOKU DOSHI, IGAI NI FUHEI YA KETTEN NO SHITEKI NI SHUSHI SHITE IRU KOTO MO OI. SOSHITA NAKA DE, HONNO CHOTTO SHIKA HAGEMASHI NO KOTOBA GA, AITEI NO KOKORO O HOGUSHI, KAIWA O ENKATSU NI SURU. JISHIN O MOTASERU.
(Josei ni okuru kotoba 365 nichi, pg. 145)

May 8th

Never forget to feel appreciation and gratitude towards your mother. When human beings forget to feel grateful to their mothers, they grow arrogant and end up losing a precious part of themselves.

It is only when we deeply respect mothers, can peace and justice prevail in the world.

- Daisaku Ikeda

Japanese text:
お母さんへ感謝を忘れてはいけません。母への感謝を忘れた時、人は傲慢になる。大切な何かを失ってしまう。
母に最敬礼するから、正義も平和も生まれる。

OKASAN E KANSHA O WASURETE WA IKEMASEN. HAHA E NO KANSHA O WASURETA TOKI, HITO WA GOMAN NI NARU. TAISETSU NA NANI KA O MIUSHINATTE SHIMAU.
HAHA NI SAIEKEIREI SURU KARA, SEIGI MO HEIWA MO UMARERU.
(Josei ni okuru kotoba 365 nichi, pg. 143)

May 3rd

A mother inherently possesses the sustaining power of the great earth. Just like the earth nurtures plants, causes them to flower and bear fruit, a mother too is like the great earth of creation and education who trains her children in all aspects of life. When this great earth moves even a little, everything connected with her also moves.
A mother has the power to transform the family.
A mother has the power to change the community.
A mother has the power to transform society.
A mother has the power to change the times.
And a mother can lead the world in the direction of peace.

-- Daisaku Ikeda

Japanese text:

母の力は大地の力である。大地が、草木を茂らせ、花を咲かせ、果実を実らせるように、母は、いっさいを育む創造と教育の大地である。その大地が、ひとたび動けば、すべては変わる。
母が家庭を変える。
母が地域を変える。
母が社会を変える。
母が時代を変える。
そして、母が世界を平和へと変えていくのだ！


HAHA NO CHIKARA WA DAICHI NO CHIKARA DE ARU.
DAICHI GA, KUSAKI O SHIGERASE, HANA O SAKASE, KAJITSU O MINORASRU YONI, HAHA WA ISSAI O HAGUKUMU SOZO TO KYOIKU NO DAICHI DE ARU. SONO DAICHI GA, HITOTABI UGOKEBA, SUBETE WA KAWARU.
HAHA GA KATEI O KAERU.
HAHA GA CHIKI WO KAERU.
HAHA GA SHAKAI WO KAERU.
HAHA GA JIDAI WO KAERU.
SOSHITE, HAHA GA SEKAI O HEIWA E TO KAETE IKU NO DA!
(Josei ni okuru kotoba 365 nichi, pg. 138)

March 8th

At times, we may have to go through rain or billowing storms; at times we might shiver in the biting cold or feel hurt and broken. But when we return home to feel the warmth of our mother's presence, all wounds of the body and mind are healed.

-- Daisaku Ikeda

Japanese text:
AME GA FURO GA, KAZE GA FUKO GA, SAMUSA NI FURUEYO GA, MATA WA KIZUTSUKI YABURETE MO, KATEI NI KAETTE, HAHA NO ATATAKAI INOCHI NI FURESAE SUREBA, SHINSHIN NO KIZU WA IERU.

(Josei ni okuru kotoba 365 nichi, 79 pg.)

August 10th

The bright and cheerful face of a mother, spreads happiness around like fragrance.

- Daisaku Ikeda

Japanese text:
元気な母の顔は、皆に幸せの香りを与える。
(Josei ni okuru kotoba 365 nichi, pg. 241)

July 26th

In the case of growing-up children, it is important that we correctly assess growth patterns and attitudes, and hold consistent and repetitive dialog that is most appropriate in each situation. And to follow it through, I do recommend that mothers keep a close watch on their own growth and development.

- Daisaku Ikeda

Japanese text:
成長していく子どもの姿を正しく認識し、それにふさわしい対話を持続していくことである。そのためにも、母親は、つねに、
自己自身の成長をはかることが大切であろう。
(Josei ni okuru kotoba 365 nichi, pg. 225)