Most Popular Books by Daisaku Ikeda

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.

''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

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

"Global Civilization" emerged from a series of conversations between two peace advocates of Japanese and Iranian origin. It covers the encounters between Buddhist and Islamic civilizations from the 7th century to the present. For all their cultural differences, Buddhism and Islam share a surprising number of intrinsic similarities. The topics discussed include such diverse subjects as the nature of religious faith today, global ideological terrorism, religious fanatacism and universal human rights. Ikeda and Tehranian, two important representatives of their respective faiths, propose dialogue as the most effective method of conflict resolution at interpersonal, intra-national and international levels. It is a call for tolerance, for dialogue and for 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.

Once called ''the wellspring of the revolution'' by Fidel Castro, Jose Marti (1853-1895) is revered as one of the greatest figures in the history of Cuba. Not only was he instrumental in the late nineteenth-century cause of securing Cuban independence from Spain. He is also considered one of Cuba''s most brilliant writers, orators and formative intellectuals, who provided inspiration to the young Fidel, Che and their fellow revolutionaries by dedicating his whole life to the goal of national political emancipation. Jose Marti suffered persecution and early imprisonment for his convictions, and in consequence is often referred to as the ''Cuban Apostle''. In this wide-ranging discussion of Marti''s life, work and influence, distinguished Cuban poet Cintio Vitier and prominent Buddhist leader Daisaku Ikeda explore their subject''s understanding of non-violence; his nationalism that was also a profound openness to difference and dialogue; his spirituality; his poetical writings; and most of all his fundamental dignity, humanity and self-mastery. The book explores above all the nature of sacrifice, and the cost of relinquishing personal happiness for the sake of a great cause. The discussants examine Marti''s family life, including his difficult relationships with his wife - Carmen Zayas Bazan - and his parents, who distanced themselves from his revolutionary fervour. Comparisons are drawn between Marti''s ideals and Nichiren Buddhism as a source of unfailing hope and courage. As Daisaku Ikeda, follower of Nichiren, says at one point in the dialogue: ''Self-mastery is the hardest thing of all. But to have a spiritual nature worthy of the name, a person must overcome himself, a task that only a true optimist can accomplish. Marti''s perspicacity is revealed in his conviction that final victory in life is assured by such optimists.'' Marti, like Nichiren, had the unerring ability to turn enemies into friends. And as Cintio Vitier and Daisaku Ikeda reveal, what set Marti apart was not his thought or ideas alone but what emanated from his words and found embodiment in his actions. It was thus that a follower at the time could say of him: we don''t understand him, but we are ready to die for him.

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.

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 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.

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.

''Life is a drama of encounters'', writes Daisaku Ikeda at the beginning of this dialogue: ''Beautiful encounters. Momentary encounters. Each person''s drama is unique.'' This particular encounter, between a celebrated Chinese novelist and prominent Japanese religious leader, illustrates the truth of that reflection. For in the discussion that stemmed from their meetings, Jin Yong (who is sometimes called ''the Asian Dumas'') and Daisaku Ikeda were able to find remarkable common ground - what they refer to as a ''karmic bond'' - resulting from the particularity of their experiences in wartime and mutual resistance to adversity. Ranging across a variety of engaging themes, the interlocutors explore such topics as the nature of friendship; theories of civilization; world literatures that have inspired them; the importance of free speech; Buddhist perspectives on life and death; and the spiritual search for truth. There is sustained reflection on the horrors of war, and a plea for the importance of memory: Daisaku Ikeda emphasises that ''peace is a battle against forgetfulness'', while Jin Yong echoes this in his observation that ''most important is to strive to avoid war, whether it is between countries and whether it be domestic, and thus to enable people to build and improve their lives in a peaceful environment.'' Cultural differences between the peoples of China and Japan are explored, sometimes amusingly, with the Japanese propensity for discipline and rules contrasted with the Chinese spirit of creative individualism. But the authors are focused above all on serious issues of meaning and identity, and they reveal the mutual solace both have found - in the face of personal loss and bereavement - in the Buddhist scriptures, especially the Lotus Sutra. Demonstrating a remarkable capacity for empathy throughout, they incarnate in their lives and work an intelligent and sympathetic compassion that represents a beacon of hope to the future direction of Sino-Japanese relations.

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.