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.

From these touching personal essays, written some fifty years ago, wegain not only new insights into Daisaku Ikeda''s opposition to war, fascism, andall forces that diminish the value of life but a new appreciationfor this man from humble beginnings whose commitment to peaceremained unbending until his passing in 2023 at age ninety-five.

Faith, Practice, and Study is a compilation of Daisaku Ikeda''s lectures from the Buddhism of the Sun series about the pillars of Nichiren Buddhist practice: faith, practice, and study. In this book, we learn how to strengthen our faith in the dharma and as a result develop confidence in the power of our lives. In addition, we can further understand how to practice the principles of Nichiren Buddhism, leading lives of compassion and harmony with our environment. Finally, he explains that through Buddhist study, we can elevate our state of life and understand the meaning behind our current situation and how to make the more effective causes to lead a victorious life.

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.

"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.

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 two commemorative lectures (November 18 and January 26) by SGI President Daisaku Ikeda in addition to lectures on nine of Nichiren''s letters:“Early Desires Are Enlightenment”“The Daimoku of the Lotus Sutra”“Letter to Horen”“Encouragement to a Sick Person”“The Two Kinds of Faith”“The Gift of Rice”“On Rebuking Slander of the Law and Eradicating Sins”“The Great Battle”“On Establishing the Correct Teaching for the Peace of the Land”President Ikeda elucidates the importance of studying Nichiren''s writings as the foundation of Nichiren Buddhism as practiced by the Soka Gakkai International. His lectures bring Nichiren''s immense wisdom, compassion, and courage into focus for the present age. In reading and studying these lectures, we learn how to apply in daily life Nichiren''s profound philosophy for inner transformation and victory for both ourselves and others.The Teachings for Victory will empower you to develop the strength and wisdom to bring forth your inherent potential.

The Lotus Sutra, Shakyamuni Buddha''s highest teaching, explainsthat all people—regardless of gender, social status or education—canuncover the Buddha nature they inherently possess. Based on thisempowering and compassionate sutra, Nichiren Daishonin revealedthe supreme practice for the modern world.Now, in clear, down-to-earth terms, SGI President Ikeda and SokaGakkai Study Department leaders Katsuji Saito, Takanori Endo andHaruo Suda explore the profound meaning of the Lotus Sutra''stwenty -eight chapters. Basing themselves on Nichiren Daishonin''s lectureson the Lotus Sutra, The Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings,they explain the concepts that form the foundation of SGImembers'' Buddhist practice. Through their discussions, the ancienttext of the Lotus Sutra comes alive, brimming with profound significanceand practical advice for living in today''s world.Volume two covers chapter 3-10 of the twenty-chapter Lotus Sutra.

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 history has been marked by the great number of people born into conditions of war, violence, oppression and social exclusion. But at the same time, this history has been shaped by the long struggle for human rights and the people who have committed themselves to the practices of solidarity and nonviolence. The Power of Hope: Thoughts on Peace and Human Rights in the Third Millennium is a dialogue between two high-profile activists and thinkers who discuss the concrete ways we can shift to a world that prioritises justice and human dignity. Adolfo Pérez Esquivel - Argentinian human rights activist and winner of the 1980 Nobel Peace Prize - played a vital role in resisting military dictatorship and was arrested and tortured under the Argentine militarist government. Daisaku Ikeda is a peacebuilder, Buddhist philosopher, educator, author and poet as well as being the founding president of Soka Gakkai International (SGI), the world''s largest Buddhist lay organisation. Their dialogue intertwines their rich personal experiences in the struggle for human rights with wider reflections on how to make the Third Millennium the millennium of peace. The book combines rich accounts of Latin America under the brutality of the 1970s military regimes; insights from the Buddhist faith on the role of meditation for human rights activists; recognition of the crucial role of women in the practice of nonviolence; thoughts on international geopolitics and the legacies of Hiroshima; and discussion of the perilous role of globalisation in the loss of identities and ethical values.

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.

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 two commemorative lectures (November 18 and May 3) by SGI President Daisaku Ikeda in addition to lectures on seven of Nichiren''s letters:“False Official Documents”“The Eight Winds”“The Wealthy Man Sudatta”“New Year''s Gosho”“The Difficulty of Sustaining Faith”“Letter to the Sage Nichimyo”“The One-eyed Turtle and the Floating Log”President Ikeda elucidates the importance of studying Nichiren''s writings as the foundation of Nichiren Buddhism as practiced by the Soka Gakkai International. His lectures bring Nichiren''s immense wisdom, compassion, and courage into focus for the present age. In reading and studying these lectures, we learn how to apply in daily life Nichiren''s profound philosophy for inner transformation and victory for both ourselves and others.The Teachings for Victory will empower you to develop the strength and wisdom to bring forth your inherent potential.

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.

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 second volume focuses on the establishment of many new chapters throughout Japan in 1960 as the Soka Gakkai helps hundreds of thousands of new members find new hope. 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.

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.

Beginning with the events immediately following the dark days after the death of Shakyamuni and continuing over a period of 1,000 years, this dynamic tome covers a vast and complex series of events and developments in the history of Buddhism. Through a thorough examination of its early development in India, a new light is cast on little-known aspects of Buddhist history and its relevance to the understanding of Buddhism today. Topics include the formation of the Buddhist canon, the cultural exchange between the East and West, and the spirit of the Lotus Sutra.

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 24th volume looks at events that occurred between 1976 and 1988, including the progress of several Soka Gakkai groups designed to help people develop their potential and contribute positively to their communities and workplaces. 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 1st volume looks at events that occurred in 1960 when Soka Gakkai was first brought to North and South America from Japan. 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.

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 nine of Nichiren''s letters:“On the Real Aspect of the Gohonzon”“The Four Virtues and the Four Debts of Gratitude”“A Ship to Cross the Sea of Suffering”“Flowering and Bearing Grain”“General Stone Tiger”“Reply to Niiama”“The Workings of Brahma and Shakra”“Reply to Yasaburo”“The Three Obstacles and Four Devils”President Ikeda elucidates the importance of studying Nichiren''s writings as the foundation of Nichiren Buddhism as practiced by the Soka Gakkai International. His lectures bring Nichiren''s immense wisdom, compassion, and courage into focus for the present age. In reading and studying these lectures, we learn how to apply in daily life Nichiren''s profound philosophy for inner transformation and victory for both ourselves and others. The Teachings for Victory will empower you to develop the strength and wisdom to bring forth your inherent potential.

Young people are the hope of the future. Their passion and power can usher in an age of hope and respect for all people. Over many years, Daisaku Ikeda--president of the Soka Gakkai International Buddhist association and spiritual leader for millions--has often shared with youth the lessons of life and faith that he himself has learned.The universal messages in You Were Born to Win will inspire youth of all ages and all faiths to find fulfillment and happiness and lead a life of purpose.

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.

Life throws a lot at you. . . . Your grades aren''t the best, your friend just turned her back on you, your parents are always on your case, your teachers don''t understand what you''re going through, the world is falling apart, and you don''t know what to do about it. Whatever is freaking you out, you have what it takes to handle it. Not only handle it but thrive because of it, becoming stronger than ever. For decades, SGI President Ikeda has dedicated his life to young people, showing millions how Buddhist wisdom can help them through their struggles. His belief in your intelligence, talent, and passion is boundless, as he knows you hold the keys to humanity''s future. The Victorious Teen pulls together hundreds of gems of wisdom that will move you, inspire you, and challenge you. This one-of-a-kind survival guide will provide the tools for you to begin building the life you want. When you''re ready to take control of your life, find new ways to face your problems, and emerge victorious, this book is for you.

''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.

Whether through lyrical celebrations of the wonders of nature; paeans to the steadfastness of women; or salutations to the world leaders who have in their various ways provided inspiration to his lifelong devotion to the causes of peace, justice and education, Daisaku Ikeda in his poems expresses unwavering commitment to the development of a humanistic global culture. These translations, the first of a three-volume collection and based on the Japanese Complete Works of Daisaku Ikeda (Ikeda Daisaku zenshu), cover the years 1945-2007, and explore the many subjects to which the leader of the Soka Gakkai International has devoted his ''poetic heart and mind.'' The translators have sought to reproduce the rhythms and timbres of a voice, which- though influenced by the likes of Whitman, Defoe, Dumas, Ibsen, Emerson and Shelley- is yet distinctive and unique. Sometimes the poet adopts a simple vernacular note; at other times the compression associated with Japanese poeic forms haiku and waka. But at all times the poetry maintains a stately rhythm that reflects the dignity of ordinary language and expression. This collection will delight readers familiar with the prose writings of the author as well as those coming to his work for the first time. The poems within it speak, with freedom and feeling, of a world where genuine poetry reigns supreme- and of a world where poetic perception becomes a perception of interconnectedness; between friends. between humanity and nature, or between humanity and the cosmos.