New Releases by Daisaku Ikeda

By taking on Josei Toda' s vision as his own, Daisaku Ikeda Sensei tapped into his limitless potential. In Ikeda Sensei' s 95 Years, you' ll learn of his contributions to creating a harmonious world, fostering friendship among nations, spreading Nichiren Buddhism around the globe, and encouraging young people to stand up to fulll their unique missions. But even more important, you' ll be inspired to discover your own power to make a difference.

Gleaned from more than fifty years of Daisaku Ikeda' s works, thisrevised edition adds new selections that further provide a windowinto the SGI president' s thought and philosophy. His words are aboundless source of inspiration, hope, and courage for a worldincreasingly beset with sorrow and suffering.Chapters in this volume:“ A Life Dedicated to Kosen-rufu” “ The Mission and Vow of the Bodhisattvas of the Earth” “ Valuing Each Individual” “ The Organization for Kosen-rufu” “ The Unity of 'Many in Body, One in Mind'” “ Leaders Who Guide Others to Happiness” “ The Mentor-Disciple Relationship Is the Heart of the Soka Gakkai” “ The Three Founding Presidents and the Path of Mentor and Disciple” “ A Religion That Exists for People's Happiness” “ The Future Division— The Treasure of the Soka Gakkai” "The Great Path to World Peace" "Conclusion: Toward the Future"

In these fascinating personal essays, we can get a glimpse into the heart and mind of a great champion of peace as he reminisces about significant events in his life and some of the people he' s met. We not only will gain a new appreciation of President Ikeda' s wide-ranging efforts for peace, culture, and education as he traveled the world for sake of people' s happiness, but we will learn lessons we can apply as we, too, strive to be ambassadors of peace.

For Time magazine Toynbee was ’an international sage’ and certainly in the same bracket as ‘Einstein, Schweitzer or Bertrand Russell’. Daisaku Ikeda is a figure of global stature, the spiritual leader of a worldwide lay Buddhist organization devoted to the promotion of education, culture and peace. Between 1972 and 1974 Toynbee and Ikeda discussed many of the vital issues which confronted their societies in the early 1970s, all of which remain current and significant. Indeed, topics such as the problems of pollution, dwindling natural resources, conflict and war, the role of religion, and population growth, are even more pressing than they were thirty years ago. In this influential and inspiring volume, which records their wide-ranging conversations, the challenge issued by both men is framed as follows: will humankind choose to salvage its destiny by a revolution in thinking and morals? Or will disaster ensue if it pursues its present course towards self-destruction and the despoliation of the environment? While recognizing that our survival is threatened by the imbalance between human immaturity and technological achievement, the optimistic message of this classic dialogue is that man-made evils have a man-made cure.

For these troubled and confusing times, Buddhist philosopher Daisaku Ikeda offers advice on how to bring harmony, hope, and assurance to all people. These five brief lectures on Nichiren' s writings delve into key concepts such as respecting all people, showing through our own lives the power of Buddhist practice, and what it means to champion human dignity.

Through this novelized history of the Soka Gakkai— one of the most dynamic, diverse, and empowering movements in the world today— readers will discover the organization's goals and achievements even as they find inspiring and practical Buddhist wisdom for living happily and compassionately in today's world. The book recounts the stories of ordinary individuals who faced tremendous odds in transforming their lives through the practice of Nichiren Buddhism and in bringing Buddhism's humanistic teachings to the world. This inspiring narrative provides readers with the principles with which they can positively transform their own lives for the better and realize enduring happiness for themselves and others.

"The problem of illness," Buddhist philosopher and activist Daisaku Ikeda writes, "is not only physical symptoms but that it can rob people of the hope to live, destroy their livelihood and sense of well-being, and put their future on hold." Nichiren Buddhism has always fought against this negative energy and given people the spiritual strength and courage to go on living with dignity. These essays, based on the thirteenth-century Buddhist reformer Nichiren, delve into Buddhist wisdom that offers powerful insights to help us overcome the inevitable sufferings of illness and make this a century of health.

Few believed it could happen. Most dismissed it as fantasy. But when Josei Toda in 1951 revealed his grand vision to grow the Soka Gakkai in Japan from a membership of a mere three thousand to a membership 750,000 households strong, one young disciple vowed to make it happen. Daisaku Ikeda soon took the lead, and over the course of six years and six major campaigns he blazed the trail for the unprecedented growth of a people's movement for peace. He cared for and inspired each person he met along the way, and soon thousands united with him and his mentor, helping person after person overcome their struggles and find true happiness. These are not only inspiring stories from the past but lay out a formula so that we, in our present and future, can turn our impossibilities into possibilities.

Human revolution--the inner transformation of the individual that produces actual change in their lives--is a defining concept of Nichiren Buddhism, practiced by millions worldwide. In this series of lectures, Daisaku Ikeda breaks down twelve key aspects of human revolution and provides inspiration and guidance for people to find peace and happiness for themselves and others.“Changing our heart is not a matter of doing something that will only temporarily lift our mood or make us feel better, without changing our reality,” he writes. “A true change in our heart is more profound; genuine inner change produces actual change in our lives. Deepening our 'heart'—our life state—is the true value of our religion of human revolution. When we speak of obtaining benefit through our Buddhist practice, we are ultimately referring to our inner transformation at the deepest level.”

Through this novelized history of the Soka Gakkai—one of the most dynamic, diverse, and empowering movements in the world today—readers will discover the organization's goals and achievements even as they find inspiring and practical Buddhist wisdom for living happily and compassionately in today's world. The book recounts the stories of ordinary individuals who faced tremendous odds in transforming their lives through the practice of Nichiren Buddhism and in bringing Buddhism's humanistic teachings to the world. This inspiring narrative provides readers with the principles with which they can positively transform their own lives for the better and realize enduring happiness for themselves and others.

Through this novelized history of the Soka Gakkai—one of the most dynamic, diverse, and empowering movements in the world today—readers will discover the organization's goals and achievements even as they find inspiring and practical Buddhist wisdom for living happily and compassionately in today's world. The book recounts the stories of ordinary individuals who faced tremendous odds in transforming their lives through the practice of Nichiren Buddhism and in bringing Buddhism's humanistic teachings to the world. This inspiring narrative provides readers with the principles with which they can positively transform their own lives for the better and realize enduring happiness for themselves and others.

Through this novelized history of the Soka Gakkai—one of the most dynamic, diverse, and empowering movements in the world today—readers will discover the organization's goals and achievements even as they find inspiring and practical Buddhist wisdom for living happily and compassionately in today's world. The book recounts the stories of ordinary individuals who faced tremendous odds in transforming their lives through the practice of Nichiren Buddhism and in bringing Buddhism's humanistic teachings to the world. This inspiring narrative provides readers with the principles with which they can positively transform their own lives for the better and realize enduring happiness for themselves and others.

Through this novelized history of the Soka Gakkai—one of the most dynamic, diverse, and empowering movements in the world today—readers will discover the organization's goals and achievements even as they find inspiring and practical Buddhist wisdom for living happily and compassionately in today's world. The book recounts the stories of ordinary individuals who faced tremendous odds in transforming their lives through the practice of Nichiren Buddhism and in bringing Buddhism's humanistic teachings to the world. This inspiring narrative provides readers with the principles with which they can positively transform their own lives for the better and realize enduring happiness for themselves and others.

Champions of Hope brings together five lectures that Daisaku Ikeda dedicates to the young people who will carry on the Soka Gakkai's mission for creating happiness and peace. He covers five key topics:COURAGEINVINCIBLE SPIRITSUCCESSORSHUMANISMKOSEN-RUFUUsing passages from Nichiren's writings, he offers lessons for humanistic leadership and guidelines to help young people become champions of life and hope.

Through this novelized history of the Soka Gakkai—one of the most dynamic, diverse, and empowering movements in the world today—readers will discover the organization's goals and achievements even as they find inspiring and practical Buddhist wisdom for living happily and compassionately in today's world. The book recounts the stories of ordinary individuals who faced tremendous odds in transforming their lives through the practice of Nichiren Buddhism and in bringing Buddhism's humanistic teachings to the world. This inspiring narrative provides readers with the principles with which they can positively transform their own lives for the better and realize enduring happiness for themselves and others.

Daisaku Ikeda's well-known passion for reading leaps from the pages of The Books of My Youth. This tour of world-class literature he read as a young man—books, he says, that helped form his life's “spiritual framework”—will delight and inspire.Here we meet heroes and heroines, revolutionaries and villains. We hear poets singing their praises of the human spirit. We engage with philosophers who challenge the status quo as they illuminate a new way forward.Come, thrill to the discovery of how great literature can inform and bolster our Buddhist practice to bring peace and justice to the world today.

Through this novelized history of the Soka Gakkai—one of the most dynamic, diverse, and empowering movements in the world today—readers will discover the organization's goals and achievements even as they find inspiring and practical Buddhist wisdom for living happily and compassionately in today's world. The book recounts the stories of ordinary individuals who faced tremendous odds in transforming their lives through the practice of Nichiren Buddhism and in bringing Buddhism's humanistic teachings to the world. This inspiring narrative provides readers with the principles with which they can positively transform their own lives for the better and realize enduring happiness for themselves and others.

Through this novelized history of the Soka Gakkai—one of the most dynamic, diverse, and empowering movements in the world today—readers will discover the organization's goals and achievements even as they find inspiring and practical Buddhist wisdom for living happily and compassionately in today's world. The book recounts the stories of ordinary individuals who faced tremendous odds in transforming their lives through the practice of Nichiren Buddhism and in bringing Buddhism's humanistic teachings to the world. This inspiring narrative provides readers with the principles with which they can positively transform their own lives for the better and realize enduring happiness for themselves and others.

Through this novelized history of the Soka Gakkai—one of the most dynamic, diverse, and empowering movements in the world today—readers will discover the organization's goals and achievements even as they find inspiring and practical Buddhist wisdom for living happily and compassionately in today's world. The book recounts the stories of ordinary individuals who faced tremendous odds in transforming their lives through the practice of Nichiren Buddhism and in bringing Buddhism's humanistic teachings to the world. This inspiring narrative provides readers with the principles with which they can positively transform their own lives for the better and realize enduring happiness for themselves and others.

Through this novelized history of the Soka Gakkai-one of the most dynamic, diverse, and empowering Buddhist movements in the world today-readers will discover the organization's goals and achievements even as they find inspiring and practical Buddhist wisdom for living happily and compassionately in today's world. The book recounts the stories of ordinary individuals who faced tremendous odds in transforming their lives through the practice of Nichiren Buddhism and in bringing Buddhism's humanistic teachings to the world. This inspiring narrative provides readers with the principles with which they can positively transform their own lives for the better and realize enduring happiness for themselves and others.

Peace studies pioneer Kevin Clements and Buddhist peacebuilder Daisaku Ikeda engage in dialogue on topics such as conflict resolution, the refugee problem, nuclear disarmament, building a culture of peace and human rights, and the path to recovery and reconstruction following natural disasters. While articulating their personal religious beliefs, their unique perspectives underlying their actions for peace and their problem-solving methodologies, they present a message based on unlimited trust in the transformative power for change residing within each individual.

Addressing questions such as What constitutes a meaningful life? and What is true happiness?, this guide to Nichiren Buddhism presents the spiritual practice as a teaching of hope that can answer these and other important questions of modern life. Buddhist teacher Daisaku Ikeda offers insights into The Opening of the Eyes, a longer treatise written by Nichiren that calls for individuals to base themselves on a spirit of compassion and to fight for the happiness of others, regardless of the circumstances. Ikeda's simple and straightforward commentary brings this integral writing to life for a contemporary readership. Through the text and the accompanying commentary, readers will not will discover a philosophy of inner transformation that will help them find deep and lasting happiness for themselves and for others.

Through this novelized history of the Soka Gakkai-one of the most dynamic, diverse, and empowering Buddhist movements in the world today-readers will discover the organization's goals and achievements even as they find inspiring and practical Buddhist wisdom for living happily and compassionately in today's world. The book recounts the stories of ordinary individuals who faced tremendous odds in transforming their lives through the practice of Nichiren Buddhism and in bringing Buddhism's humanistic teachings to the world. This 23rd volume looks at events that occurred in 1976, including the founding of a new Soka kindergarten and the Division of Correspondence Education at Soka University, as well as many of the heart-warming stories of correspondence students from all walks of life. This inspiring narrative provides readers with the principles with which they can positively transform their own lives for the better and realize enduring happiness for themselves and others.

Gleaned from more than fifty years of SGI President Ikeda's works, The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace provides a window into the SGI president's thought and philosophy. His works are a boundless source of inspiration. They embody a universal message of hope and courage for a world increasingly beset with sorrow and suffering.

These are some of the urgent questions posed by this stimulating and wide-ranging new colloquy. Bringing together a wealth of wisdom and experience in medical science and in Buddhist thought and ethics, the discussants together address issues of vital current concern. They ask, for example, to what degree science and religion, as well as other fields of learning, may find common ground. They examine the pitfalls, as well as the opportunities, posed by genetic engineering. They examine the need for science to develop a proper ethical dimension, particularly in relation to weapons of war, if it is to realize its true potential. Exhibiting everywhere a sensitive humanity, as well as a deep respect for their different backgrounds, the participants exemplify in these civilized exchanges a mutual passion for developing dialogue as a profound and practical way of cultivating both toleration and peace.

Nichiren Daishonin's writings provide a practical formula forenabling all people to achieve victory in every aspect of their livesand attain an unshakable state of happiness.This volume of Learning from Nichiren's Writings: The Teachingsfor Victory contains SGI President Daisaku Ikeda's lectureson nine of Nichiren's letters:“On the Offering of a Mud Pie”“A Father Takes Faith”“How Those Initially Aspiring to the Way CanAttain Buddhahood through the Lotus Sutra”“Letter to the Lay Priest Nakaoki”“Letter to Konichi-bo”“The Good Medicine for All Ills”“The Four Debts of Gratitude”“On the Treasure Tower”“Letter from Teradomari”President Ikeda elucidates the importance of studying Nichiren's writingsas the foundation of Nichiren Buddhism as practiced by the Soka GakkaiInternational. His lectures bring Nichiren's immense wisdom, compassion,and courage into focus for the present age. In reading and studying theselectures, we learn how to apply in daily life Nichiren's profound philosophyfor inner transformation and victory for both ourselves and others.The Teachings for Victory will empower you to develop the strength andwisdom to bring forth your inherent potential.

In Reaching Beyond, Buddhist thinker and activist Daisaku Ikeda explores the origins, development,and international influence of jazz with legendary artists Herbie Hancockand Wayne Shorter.Reflecting on their lives and careers, Mr. Hancock and Mr. Shorter sharethe lessons they have learned from their musical mentors, including MilesDavis and Art Blakey, and how the Buddhist philosophy they’ve learnedfrom President Ikeda over the past forty years deeply resonates with theemancipatory spirit of jazz.These wide-ranging conversations include such thought-provoking topics as:• Music’s mission for peace in a time of discord• The importance of the artist’s spiritual growth• The Buddhist concept of changing poison into medicine• Ways to make the “ideal America” a reality for everyoneReaching Beyond offers positive new ideasfor musicians and nonmusicians alike.

Nichiren Daishonin's writings provide a practical formula for enabling all people to achieve victory in every aspect of their lives and attain an unshakable state of happiness. This volume of Learning from Nichiren's Writings: The Teachings for Victory contains SGI President Daisaku Ikeda's lectures on seven of Nichiren's letters: "On Practicing the Buddha's Teachings"; "The Proof of the Lotus Sutra"; "The Hero of the World"; "The Blessings of the Lotus Sutra"; "The Sutra of True Requital"; "King Rinda"; and "The Kalpa of Decrease."

'I have a dream' declared Martin Luther King in 1967. Those words, which echoed round the world, soon became immortal. King gave his life in the cause of eradicating racism, eliminating poverty and resolutely opposing all forms of war and violence. This dialogue brings together two figures who likewise have striven in all their activities to promote peace and fight discrimination: one a Christian theologian, historian and nonviolent activist who knew King personally and who moved in 1958 from Chicago to the American South to participate in the nascent struggle for civil rights; the other a foremost Buddhist leader who has been inspired in his own thinking by King's example. Vincent Harding and Daisaku Ikeda here bring the wisdom of their respective traditions and experiences to reflect on the personal cost of fighting for justice, and the courage that that entails. Their conversations range widely, across issues which include war and violence, the continuing blight in America of institutionalized racism, the need to overcome global disparities of wealth and the consequent dangers of materialism and consumerism

What do Buddhism and Islam have in common? And what positive characteristics might Buddhist Japan and Muslim Indonesia be able to offer one another? In this thoughtful and wide-ranging discussion which draws on creative artists and thinkers as diverse as Beethoven, Goethe, Tolstoy, Thomas Jefferson and Akira Kurosawa distinguished representatives from each country demonstrate that meaningful dialogue between religions and cultures begins with a one-to-one conversation between individuals. Addressing the similarities of their nations as island peoples, with a shared history of trade and cultural exchange, Abdurrahman Wahid and Daisaku Ikeda agree that the aim of dialogue, like that of Buddhism and Islam alike, is fundamentally the goal of peace. A pivotal moment in the conversation comes when reference is made to the Indonesian story of the Bamboo Princess, from the Chronicle of the Kings of Pasai; this is seen to bear close resemblance to the Japanese Taketori Monogatari, or 'Tale of the Bamboo Cutter'. Such narrative interrelationship which can be discerned even in the midst of religious and cultural distinctiveness emerges as a powerful symbol of the common humanity not just of Indonesia and Japan but of all cultures. Both thinkers continue to draw on their respective traditions, on their personal experiences of war and adversity, and especially on the lives of the Buddha and the Prophet Mohammed, to show that harmony springs from an attitude of tolerance and nonviolence which is where true courage resides. Whether masterfully expounding the teachings of Nichiren, or indicating that a proper understanding of jihad is not about religious conflict but about communicating the truth of Allah, the discussants mutually transform our understandings of value, pluralism, and amity.