The following are SGI President Ikeda’s quotes from The Third Stage of Life.
Though our bodies may age, by participating in SGI activities our hearts and minds remain as bright and shining as the sun. We are youthful as long as we live. Those who work for others’ happiness and for Buddhism remain vigorous and full of energy. (pp. 2–3)
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Beethoven himself declared: “I shall seize Fate by the throat, it shall never wholly subdue me. Oh, it is good to live one’s life a thousand times!” A person who triumphs over fate lives a life ten, a hundred, a thousand times more satisfying than one who succumbs to fate without a struggle. Such an individual grows more youthful and vigorous with each passing year. (p. 39)
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If you continue to advance on the path of kosen-rufu, life force will naturally well up from the depths of your being. As the years pass, you will grow younger and younger and live to the end of your days filled with vitality. That is what Buddhism teaches us, and that is what so many of our worthy seniors and comrades in faith have shown us through the example of their lives. (pp. 99–100)
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There is a saying, “Laughter makes young; anger makes old.” Laughter and a sense of humor play an important part in staying in good health. If you look on the bright side of things and act positively, you’ll have a cheerful and happy life. And a happy life is a healthy life. (p. 73)
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All of the leading figures I have met seemed to grow younger as they aged, and they were able to throw themselves more energetically into their work in their later years. This is the mark of genuine greatness. It is important to maintain a vibrant, progressive spirit. (p. 19)
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