Most Popular Books by Daisaku Ikeda

After a war destroys their Japanese village and kills their father, Taichi and Yumiko find hope by nursing a cherry tree through a harsh winter and seeing it blossom into new life.

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.

Encouraged by the words of the Snow Country Prince, Mariko and Kazuo nurse an injured swan back to health during the long winter.

This introduction to Nichiren Buddhism explores the philosophical intricacies of life and reveals the wonder inherent in the phases of birth, aging, and death. Core concepts of Nichiren Buddhism, such as the 10 worlds and the nine consciousnesses, illustrate the profundity of human existence. This book provides Buddhists with the tools they need to fully appreciate the connectedness of all beings and to revolutionize their spiritual lives based on this insight. Also explored are how suffering can be transformed to contribute to personal fulfillment and the well-being of others and how modern scientific research accords with ancient Buddhist views. Ultimately, this is both a work of popular philosophy and a book of compelling, compassionate inspiration for Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike that fosters a greater understanding of Nichiren Buddhism.

Together, Daisaku Ikeda and Josef Derbulav explore a wide range of topics, starting with a discussion of the tension between tradition and modernization in Japan and elsewhere. They compare humanism in East and West, and Buddhism and Christianity. Focusing on the crucial topic of education, they consider the roles of ethics and religion, and zero in on concrete problems and issues: education and political authority, absenteeism, violence in schools, and juvenile delinquency.

Does prayer work? What does it mean to pray in Buddhism? In a world where problems, both personal and global, seem out of our control, Buddhist philosopher Daisaku Ikeda explains the power of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo: “ Daimoku is so powerful that there is nowhere in the universe it does not reach.” The Immeasurable Power of Prayer is a collection of essays where Daisaku Ikeda outlines the limitless power of prayer in Nichiren Buddhism. We learn that no matter how difficult our circumstances, through chanting, we develop the ability to take bold action, create value, and make positive changes.

Daisaku Ikeda restores heart to education. Envisioning education as a value-creative, peace-promoting process strongly rooted in a profound philosophical heritage, Ikeda''s practical prescription places students'' needs first, empowers teachers, and serves as a framework for global citizenship. --George David Miller, Lewis University In this collection of essays, Daisaku Ikeda once again demonstrates his commitment to the type of educational practice that honors innovation, discovery, and the creation of value. He demonstrates by example how the seeds of holistic and humanistic education can be nurtured, and how the flowers of peace, culture, and global citizenship can be cultivated. --Larry A. Hickman, Director, Center for Dewey Studies A worthwhile addition to academic and public libraries. -- Library Journal American teachers need not be Buddhists to find relevance in Soka education. . . . The Soka view is that education should not be a means to economic ends but something that is valued for its own sake. While some teachers may find this excessively idealistic, others will be attracted to Soka and Ikeda''s plea that educators bring heart and soul back to education. --Teach Magazine. From the Japanese word meaning to create value, this book presents a fresh perspective on the question of the ultimate purpose of education. Mixing American pragmatism and the Buddhist philosophy of respect for all life, the goal of Soka education is the lifelong happiness of the learner. Rather than offering practical classroom techniques, this book speaks to the emotional heart of both the teacher and the student. With input from philosophers and activists from several cultures, it advances the conviction that the true purpose of education is to create a peaceful world and to develop the individual character of each student in order to achieve that goal. This third edition contains 40 percent more material, including some of the authors own lectures to students of the Soka schools, designed to empower young people to make a difference in their communities and the world.

In This Book Two Lay Religious Leaders Engage In A Dialogue Which Has Many Levels: It Is A Conversation Between An Indian And A Japanese; Between A Hindu And A Buddhist; And Most Importantly Between Two Global Citizens Who Have Spent The Better Part Of Their Lives Advocating Peace, Harmony And Global Consciouness.

Austregesilo de Athayde, President of the Brazilian Academy of Letters for 34 years until his death in September 1993, is perhaps best remembered as one of the most prominent and effective South American champions of human rights. Athayde played a major role in drafting the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights which was adopted in December 1948. The dialogue begins with a discussion of some of the great modern espousers of human rights, including Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King and Nelson Mandela. Athayde then recounts how the UN declaration came into being and describes his role in the process. Ikeda, meanwhile, explores the Buddhist ideas of mercy, freedom and equality, and discusses their potential to enrich the human rights movement. "The Dialogue" as a whole represents a provocative and thoughtful introduction to the compassionate thought of two leading proponents of social justice.

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 one covers chapters 1 and 2 of the twenty-eight chapter sutra.

"How can this world be rid of misery? How can each person lead the happiest of lives? How can that happiness and good fortune be made eternally indestructible? Buddhism pursues these questions." (p. 75) In Learning From the Gosho, Daisaku Ikeda addresses fundamental issues that people face in everyday life and society. Through this series of twenty short lectures on the Gosho, or the writings of Nichiren Daishonin, Mr. Ikeda applies Nichiren''s teachings to improving relations with others, developing fortune, and standing up for justice. The author delves into key topics, including: The power of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo; Building inner conviction; Maintaining confidence in the face of personal difficulties; How to create lasting friendship and trust with those around us; The spirit of offerings in Buddhism. &u200b Through this work, we learn how to use Nichiren''s philosophy of Buddhist humanism to surmount our challenges, overcome negative influences, and help ourselves and others become absolutely happy.

The leader of the SGI Nichiren Buddhist movement herein conveys to young people a rare message of optimism about our common future. This Japanese Buddhist leader and peacebuilder challenges readers to examine stereotypes, overcome prejudices and keep open minds to the possibility of a world without violence or war. In intimate essays, the author introduces his personal friends to the reader--friends who have demonstrated that sincerity and perseverance can achieve dreams of peace. These friends range from household names such as Gandhi to obscure Japanese scholars and priests from El Salvador. He challenges young people to dare to believe that, like these individuals, they can live their ideals. The DVD, ""Another Way of Seeing Things,"" is a film about our common humanity. With historical footage and recreated images, it demonstrates that the exotic, mysterious, threatening "other" whom we regard from afar is simply a human being.

An intimate portrayal of one of history''s most important and obscure figures, the Buddha, this chronicle reveals him not as a mystic, but a warm and engaged human being that was very much the product of his turbulent times. This biographical account traces the path of Siddhartha Gautama as he walked away from the pleasure palace that had been his home and joined a growing force of wandering monks, ultimately making his way towards enlightenment beneath the bodhi tree, and spending the next 45 years sharing his insights along the banks of the Ganges. The Buddhist canon is expertly harvested to provide insight into the Buddha''s inner life and to grant a better understanding of how he came to play his pivotal role as founder of one of the world''s largest religions.

"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.

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.

Globalization has brought different civilizations and peoples into new and closer contact. But this novel intimacy has not always led to greater understanding. There is an urgent need to work towards a global civilization based on principles of peace, mutual respect and tolerance. It is precisely that goal which the participants attempt in this classic dialogue. Inspired by the encounters between Buddhism and Islam as they exchanged ideas and goods along the Silk Road, it brings together a Sufi Muslim from Iran and one of the world''s most influential lay Buddhist leaders to explore the vibrant areas of common ground between the Islamic and Buddhist traditions. Coloured by Sufi philosophy and by Buddhist thought and practice, and drawing on a diverse selection of thinkers - including Rumi and Hafez, Rabindranath Tagore, Jurgen Habermas and Antonio Gramsci - Reflections on the Global Civilization offers a profound meditation on conflict, loss and injustice, as well as the vitality of interfaith discussion. It shows that Islam and Buddhism have much to offer, not only to each other, but also to the world as a whole.

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.

In this wide-ranging and controversial series of conversations Daisaku Ikeda, Japanese leader of the world''s largest lay Buddhist organization, the Soka Gakkai, presses both science and mysticism into the service of the Human Revolution and the delineation of the way foreword. In animated discussion he explores the implication of recent astronomical and cosmological findings with the respected astronomer Masayoshi Kiguchi and journalist Eiichi Shimura, clarifying their meaning for the world in the light of Buddhist wisdom. Drawing on their pooled knowledge of philosophy, science and the history of mankind, the participants range over diverse topics as they explore how the external universe of matter mirrors the internal universe of spirit. This fascinating book provides much food for thought and a riveting, novel approach to the question of man''s place and function in the universe. -- From publisher''s description.

''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

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 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.

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.

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 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 six covers chapters 23-28 of the twenty-eight chapter Lotus Sutra.

Where have we come from and where do we go? Why are human beings born? Are our lives just random events or do they have some greater purpose? What is the meaning of death? Nichiren Buddhism, based on the Lotus Sutra, is a teaching of hope that provides answers to these and other important questions for modern life. Ranked among the most important works in Mahayana Buddhism, Nichiren’s 13th-century writings were revolutionary. They sought to give people a deep sense of confidence and self-reliance in this lifetime by exploring the topics of death and eternal life. In his The Heritage of the Ultimate Law of Life, Nichiren explains the ultimate Buddhist view, which frees people from both their fear of death and their unhealthy attachment to self. Daisaku Ikeda’s simple and straightforward commentary brings alive this important writing for the modern world. Thoughtful people of all faiths will resonate with his compassionate insights on the universal teaching of happiness that is Nichiren Buddhism.

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 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.

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 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.

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.

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 five covers chapters 17-22 of the twenty-eight chapter Lotus Sutra.

Ordinary people can and must guide their leaders to create a future free from a nuclear menace. This compelling dialogue between two prominent peace philosophers and activists -- one American, one Japanese -- will raise your awareness of the very real nuclear threat to our world and offer you new perspectives about what can be done about it. Choose Hope, a balance of Western and Eastern perspectives, shows that nuclear weapons need not be part of our future if we, the people, employ the power of human imagination and choose to eliminate them. Inspiring examples of individuals working for peace highlight the role everyday people can play in this quest. Book jacket.

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.