Ikeda Sensei composed poems throughout his life in diverse styles, expressing his thoughts, examining Buddhist concepts and encouraging readers across the world. In July 1981, he was named a poet laureate by the World Academy of Arts and Culture. This section of Living Buddhism highlights poems from Journey of Life: Selected Poems of Daisaku Ikeda, a collection of his poetry about the beauty and struggles of life.
Morigasaki Beach
This poem was written in August 1947, when the author was 19, around the time of his first meeting with Josei Toda. Morigasaki Beach is located on Tokyo Bay near the author’s home in Ota Ward, Tokyo. The poem has been set to music and has become a well-loved song within the Soka Gakkai.
On the shore at Morigasaki, together with a friend.
The smell of the ocean; waves striking and retreating.
Time passes. Two 19-year-olds,
uncertain of their paths, discuss philosophy.
My friend is troubled, beset by poverty.
He declares he will follow the Christian way.
His eyes gleam intensely in the moonlight.
Waves beat the shore to that strong pulse.
Grasses grow thick on the collapsed embankment.
Not knowing the name of the insects that sing,
I suggest we compose poetry this evening,
the music around us like ancient court times…
But my friend is silent—How should I live
so that my soul may ascend to the moon
that shines above these impenetrable gardens?
He wipes his tears and sighs.
My friend lost in solitary sadness.
I have vowed, I say, to live for limitless aspirations,
however painful that pursuit.
My friend smiles—I’ll do that too.
Although different from the far-off world
my friend seeks, I have my own way and path.
Watched over by the moon, let us weave
verses without end, ’til hair turns white.
May you find happiness, my friend!
Who knows when we will meet again?
Without a word, we take our separate ways.
Undulating silver waves—Morigasaki.
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