"True happiness is not the absence of suffering: You cannot have day after day of clear skies. True happiness lies in building a self that stands dignified and indomitable. Happiness does not mean having a life free from difficulties but that whatever difficulties arise, without being shaken in the least, you can summon up the unflinching courage and conviction to fight and overcome them."
-Daisaku Ikeda
2007-01-24 11:29:38 · 15 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
The question was not whether the statement was meant to be followed or the speaker idolized, it was simply an inquiry on agreement. Almost rhetorical, really; just putting it out there for others to ponder.
2007-01-24 11:41:09 · update #1
Despite the differences between us, I find it interesting that both the religious and non-religous tend to agree with this...
2007-01-24 11:45:07 · update #2
When I wrote that faith doesn't matter, I was attempting to differentiate it from the "Christians only, please" type questions. This is for everyone, no matter your faith.
2007-01-24 11:46:57 · update #3
I totally agree.
It reminds me of what a Japanese student once told me: "Happiness is the absence of extreme happiness"
2007-01-24 11:52:42 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
yes and no. I do believe that happiness is not the absence of suffering, and that having happiness does not mean being free from difficulties. I dont like the whole fight and overcome your unhappiness though. I think that unhappiness is just as much a part of being human as happiness. They are human experiences that are equal, and I think to truly experience life we need to allow ourselves to experience both. Im not talking about getting stuck in depression after something bad happens, but I do think we should allow ourselves to feel sorrowful when adversity comes. It is useful. sorrow is just as important as bliss
2007-01-24 11:37:19 · answer #2 · answered by Lolly 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I actually think that happy person is more prone to suffering. A happy person is in most cases a person with close friends and family. The more close replationships one has to more death, injury, heartbreak, etc they are going to experience.
I think that statment better describes a personal courage than happiness....though courage is an important part of happiness. It would also be a good description of faith as well.
2007-01-24 11:36:23 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Luke 13:24 Exert yourself vigorously to get in through the narrow door because many I tell you will seek to get in but will not be able.
He had asked Jesus is those being saved were few. Jesus replied yes.
Matthew 7:13 go in through the narrow gate because broad and spacious is the road leading off into destruction and many are the ones going in through it.
So the majority of mankind is on the wrong road that isn't leading into life.
1 cor 6:9 tells that fornacators and evil persons will not inherit God's kingdom.
Yet, we are lied to and told everyone goes to heaven.
Matthew 26:52 who take the sword perish by the sword.
2007-01-24 11:42:27 · answer #4 · answered by Ruth 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Yes, I agree with that, for the most part. However, he goes overboard in saying "without being shaken in the least". Fear is also a part of life. Though, all experiences add to life, good and bad.
I would also add that you shouldn't look towards others to give your life meaning. The only real meaning to life is that which you give it yourself.
2007-01-24 11:33:17 · answer #5 · answered by nondescript 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I agree with what you wrote in the description but I don't understand how that relates to your question of "your faith doesn't matter".
Unless you are suggesting that the motivation for faith is mere happiness.
2007-01-24 11:37:27 · answer #6 · answered by sickblade 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes
2007-01-24 11:33:54 · answer #7 · answered by angelspirit1810 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
its the paradox or catch -22 of life. You can't have the good with out the bad. Sweet with out the sour. Difficult times build character. i think the point of life is to go though the heard times and try to never lose your hope.
2007-01-24 11:47:51 · answer #8 · answered by elman411 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't agree with the concept that my faith doesn't matter, because my faith acts as a support to help me overcome obstacles that arise and help me stay strong and sturdy when life tries to knock me down. Everyone needs help in some form or another.
2007-01-24 11:35:26 · answer #9 · answered by Alternative Chick 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
yes I do agree. I am a Christ-follower.
Romans 5:3
Not only so, but we[c] also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
2007-01-24 11:37:10 · answer #10 · answered by what's up? 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋