Discussions on Youth - for the leaders of the future

In Discussions on Youth, a dialogue between Daisaku Ikeda, Soka Gakkai International president, and Soka Gakkai youth leaders, Ikeda responds to the myriad of anxieties and harsh realities that universally confront young people and encapsulates the dilemmas facing humanity today. He details practical ways for youth to overcome issues relating to bullying, relationships and insecurity by drawing on and tapping their "inexhaustible wellspring of infinite potential"--or Buddhahood--to forge a robust self and to create both individual happiness and a future of peace for all.



"Courage," says Ikeda "is the driving force" of our lives. Whether we have courage has a dramatic bearing on our accomplishments, the direction of our lives and happiness. Young people, and indeed each of us, must take action in our own lives and relationships. We must exhibit a "spirit of challenge," set our sights on the future and make continuous and vigorous efforts to work and study toward achieving clearly defined goals. Although difficulties and the suffering they cause are inevitable, Ikeda believes they can, with courage and perseverance, be turned into "energy for our happiness, into fuel for advancement." Failure is giving up on ourselves; success lies in using difficulties as a springboard for growth, renewing determination and taking the next step. "One step," believes Ikeda, "can lead to infinite growth."