Only culture is a force strong enough to lead humanity in the direction of peace

For Today and Tomorrow Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda Friday, December 23, 2011 Leo Tolstoy concluded that the only way to bring about a fundamental change in society is to realize a change in public opinion, a change in people's minds. Then how can we change public opinion? Tolstoy asserted: "It is only necessary for people to say what they really think or at least to refrain from saying what they do not think." It is vital, in other words, not to be swayed by others' opinions or past ways of thinking or doing. Instead each of us must become wise, possessing our own firm convictions.       Buddhism Day by Day Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda Friday, December 23, 2011 Peace and culture are one. A genuinely cultured nation is a peaceful nation, and vice versa. When conflicts multiply, culture wanes and nations fall into a hellish existence. The history of the human race is a contrast between culture and barbarity. Only culture is a force strong enough to put an end to conflict and lead humanity in the direction of peace.     Daily Wisdom From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Friday, December 23, 2011 In view of all this, your sincerity in sending a gift of five strings of blue-duck coins whenever the opportunity arises truly entitles you to be known as one who propagates the daimoku of the Lotus Sutra in Japan. As first one person, then two persons, then a thousand, ten thousand, a hundred thousand and then all the people throughout the country come to chant the daimoku, before you know it their blessings will accrue to you. The Blessings of the Lotus Sutra Written to Myomitsu in March 5, 1276