We don't love others when we find them beautiful, we find others beautiful when we love them.
Josei TodaPhilosophy must never be divorced from action. Unless it is put into practice, philosophy is nothing more than an intellectual game.
Josei TodaEnlightenment, or true happiness, is not a transcendental state. It is a condition of broad wisdom, boundless energy, and good fortune wherein we each shape our own destiny, find fulfillment in daily activities, and come to understand our ultimate purpose in life.
Josei TodaWhen we are upset, itโs easy to blame others. However, the true cause of our feelings is within us. For example, imagine yourself as a glass of water. Now, imagine past negative experiences as sediment at the bottom of your glass. Next, think of others as spoons. When one stirs, the sediment clouds your water. It may appear that the spoon caused the water to cloud โ but if there were no sediment, the water would remain clear no matter what. The key, then, is to identify our sediment and actively work to remove it.
Josei TodaThe fundamental goal of Buddhism is the realization of the peace and happiness of humankind.
Josei TodaDo not be angry with people who are weak. That is the mark of a coward. There are plenty of things to be angry about in the world--people wielding political or religious authority who have been blinded by money, for example! That is the kind of evil young people should direct their rage at. Be angry about that, and you'll never lose your temper about trifling matters.
Josei Toda