Daisaku Ikeda Books

Based on the tenets of the Japanese monk Nichiren, these guides provide insight and advice on injecting Buddhist philosophies into one’s relationships and spirituality. Drawing on ancient themes of compassion and happiness, these compilations distill the essence of Buddhist scripture. These instructions for applying the readings to modern life will also teach about the many facets of love, determination, courage, and prayer. The concise, easy-to-follow entries are ideal for anyone looking to discover and cultivate a more spiritual life.

With brief, easily absorbed wisdom from the precepts of Nichiren, a 13th-century Buddhist priest, this collection of day-to-day musings can be enjoyed by casual readers and devoted followers alike. Covering a wide span of topics—from life and death to courage and winning—the practical information and encouragement are ideal for those seeking to find a deeper understanding of this ancient philosophy.

"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."

Based on the tenets of the Japanese monk Nichiren, these guides provide insight and advice on injecting Buddhist philosophies into one’s relationships and spirituality. Drawing on ancient themes of compassion and happiness, these compilations distill the essence of Buddhist scripture. These instructions for applying the readings to modern life will also teach about the many facets of love, determination, courage, and prayer. The concise, easy-to-follow entries are ideal for anyone looking to discover and cultivate a more spiritual life.

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 revised edition contains four new chapters that further elaborate on how to unlock self-motivated learning and how to empower the learner to make a difference in their communities and the world.

Based on the tenets of the Japanese monk Nichiren, these guides provide insight and advice on injecting Buddhist philosophies into one’s relationships and spirituality. Drawing on ancient themes of compassion and happiness, these compilations distill the essence of Buddhist scripture. These instructions for applying the readings to modern life will also teach about the many facets of love, determination, courage, and prayer. The concise, easy-to-follow entries are ideal for anyone looking to discover and cultivate a more spiritual life.

This exploration of what it means to be healthy from a physical, mental, and spiritual standpoint discusses Western humanism, Japanese Buddhism, and modern science from three divergent, yet expert, perspectives. Seeking common ground through dialogue, this ambitious work broaches questions about issues that face today’s society, such as cancer, AIDS, death with dignity, in vitro fertilization, biomedical ethics, and more. The discussions cut through linguistic and cultural barriers to present a vision of the potential—and the inherent challenges—of being human. Avoiding scientific jargon, the book begins with a medical discussion of cancer and AIDS, as well as the problem of social discrimination against those infected. Questions about the fundamental nature of a harmonious existence are considered, as are specific issues such as the nature of brain death and ethical problems relating to fertility and childbirth. The origins of life, evolution, and the birth of humanity are also discussed.