Daisaku Ikeda Book order

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" -- Provided by publisher

Focusing on the evolution of Buddhism over a millennium, the book delves into the period following Shakyamuni's death, revealing lesser-known historical developments. It explores the formation of the Buddhist canon and the significant cultural exchanges between East and West. Additionally, the text emphasizes the enduring influence of the Lotus Sutra, shedding light on its relevance to contemporary Buddhist practice and understanding. This comprehensive examination offers valuable insights into the rich tapestry of Buddhist history.

Focusing on Siddhartha Gautama's journey, this biography presents a nuanced view of the Buddha as a relatable human shaped by his era. It chronicles his departure from a life of luxury to join wandering monks, culminating in his quest for enlightenment under the bodhi tree. Over 45 years, he shares profound insights along the Ganges, with the text drawing from the Buddhist canon to illuminate his inner life and the significant impact he had as the founder of a major world religion.

Exploring the commonalities between Buddhism and Islam, the book delves into the potential for cultural exchange between Buddhist Japan and Muslim Indonesia. It highlights the contributions of notable figures like Beethoven, Goethe, and Akira Kurosawa, emphasizing how meaningful dialogue can emerge from personal interactions. Through this lens, the work advocates for understanding and collaboration between diverse religious and cultural perspectives, showcasing the positive characteristics each tradition can offer to the other.

These translations, the first of a three-volume collection and based on the complete works of Daisaku Ikeda (Ikeda Daisaku zenshu), cover the years 1945-2007, and explore the many subjects to which the leader of Soka Gakkai International has devoted his attention through the inspiration and imagination that flow from his poetic heart and mind.

Focusing on the life and legacy of Jose Marti, this book delves into his pivotal role in Cuba's fight for independence and his profound influence on revolutionary figures like Fidel Castro and Che Guevara. It examines Marti's commitment to non-violence, nationalism, and spirituality, highlighting his poetic contributions and the dignity he embodied. Through discussions by Cintio Vitier and Daisaku Ikeda, the narrative explores themes of sacrifice and the personal costs associated with dedicating oneself to a greater cause, painting a portrait of a revered national figure.

The dialogue between a renowned Chinese novelist and a prominent Japanese religious leader reveals the profound connections shaped by their wartime experiences and shared resilience. Exploring themes like friendship, civilization, and the significance of free speech, they delve into the inspiration drawn from world literatures and discuss Buddhist views on life and death. This encounter highlights the unique perspectives and spiritual journeys of both individuals, showcasing the beauty of their karmic bond and the depth of their philosophical insights.

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.