July 2nd

In my younger days, I was doing a full time job and at the same time attending night school. I firmly believe that learning acquired amidst the tough reality of hardships is what really stays with us.

It is only when we strive harder than other people, that we really come to appreciate the pain of others. Those who have never suffered any hardships in life cannot understand the hearts of other people. Such people can never truly become leaders in society.

- Daisaku Ikeda

Japanese text:
私も若い頃、働きながら夜学で学んだ。
苦労して学んだことしか血肉にならない。
人一倍の苦労をすればこそ、
人の痛みがわかる人間になれる。
何の苦労もせず、人の心がわからないままで、
社会の本物のリーダーになることなどできない。

(Josei ni okuru kotoba 365 nichi, pg. 201)

July 1st

Smile through the noisy hustle and bustle of our present day human world, and take each task you have at hand to completion, one after another.

- Daisaku Ikeda

Japanese text:
今日も、荒れ狂う喧騒の人間世界の現実のなかで、
笑みを浮かべて、あなたの課題をひとつまたひとつと仕上げていくことだ！

(Josei ni okuru kotoba 365 nichi, pg. 200)

June 11th

As people approach the final years of their lives, their faces can no longer hide who they really are. The growth rings of life, deeply etched on their faces have no way to be concealed. Especially the eyes, speak volumes of the life they have lived.

- Daisaku Ikeda

Japanese text:
晩年の顔は、ごまかしができない。人生の年輪が刻まれ、隠しようがない。なかでも目は、雄弁にその人を語る。

BANNEN NO KAO WA, GOMAKASHI GA KIKANAI. JINSEI NO NENRIN GA KIZAMARE, KAKUSHIYO GA NAI. NAKADEMO ME WA, YUBEN NI SONO HITO O KATARU.
(Josei ni okuru kotoba 365 nichi, pg. 178)

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)

June 8th

Our health is something that we build through our own efforts. What kind of food we eat, what kind of lifestyle we live - these are things that we must decide for ourselves. Making a point to cure any sickness that does occur, or taking ample precautions to avoid falling sick in the first place, are the best ways to enjoy a healthy existence.

- Daisaku Ikeda

Japanese text:
健康は勝ち取っていくものです。何を食べ、どんな生活を送るのか。決めるのは自分自身です。病気を治すなり、病気を防ぐことが第一の健康法なのです。

KENKO WA KACHITOTTE IKU MONO DESU. NANI O TABE, DONNA SEIKATSU O OKURUNOKA. KIMERU NO WA JIBUN JISHIN DESU. BYOKI O NAOSU KOTO NARI, BYOKI O FUSEGU KOTO GA DAI ICHI NO KENKOHO NANO DESU.
(Josei ni okuru kotoba 365 nichi, pg. 175)