Best Selling Books by Daisaku Ikeda

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.

These are some of the urgent questions posed by this stimulating and wide-ranging new colloquy. Bringing together a wealth of wisdom and experience in medical science and in Buddhist thought and ethics, the discussants together address issues of vital current concern. They ask, for example, to what degree science and religion, as well as other fields of learning, may find common ground. They examine the pitfalls, as well as the opportunities, posed by genetic engineering. They examine the need for science to develop a proper ethical dimension, particularly in relation to weapons of war, if it is to realize its true potential. Exhibiting everywhere a sensitive humanity, as well as a deep respect for their different backgrounds, the participants exemplify in these civilized exchanges a mutual passion for developing dialogue as a profound and practical way of cultivating both toleration and peace.

''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.

Peace studies pioneer Kevin Clements and Buddhist peacebuilder Daisaku Ikeda engage in dialogue on topics such as conflict resolution, the refugee problem, nuclear disarmament, building a culture of peace and human rights, and the path to recovery and reconstruction following natural disasters. While articulating their personal religious beliefs, their unique perspectives underlying their actions for peace and their problem-solving methodologies, they present a message based on unlimited trust in the transformative power for change residing within each individual.

Beginning with the introduction of the religion into China, this chronicle depicts the evolution of Buddhism. The career and achievements of the great Kumarajiva are investigated, exploring the famed philosophical treatises that form the core of East Asian Buddhist literature. Providing a useful and accessible introduction to the influential Tien-t’ai school of Buddhism in Japan as well as the teachings of the 13th-century monk Nichiren, this examination places special emphasis on the faith of the Lotus Sutra and the major works of masters such as Hui-su, Chih-i, and Chanjan. From the early translations of the Buddhist scriptures to the persecution of the T''ang dynasty, this exploration illuminates the role of Buddhism in Chinese society, and by extension, in humanity in general.

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.

Daisaku Ikeda, president of the worldwide Soka Gakkai International, 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 Hope-Filled Teachings of Nichiren will empower you to find hope and 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.

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.

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 three covers chapter 11-15 of the twenty-eight chapter Lotus Sutra.

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 third volume focuses on the initial stages of the Soka Gakkai movement in India and southeast Asia in 1961, with an in-depth retelling of the life of the Buddha. 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.

For many years Daisaku Ikeda has used poetry to express his innermost observations and sensations. He has given poetic voice to feelings that have emerged from real life, and from the activities of an internationally known champion of peace and education and the leader of a worldwide lay Buddhist movement. With a vigour and simplicity that derive from a style rooted in classical rather than colloquial traditions, his poems celebrate the themes of youth and of progress, and the mysteries of the natural world: whether a wind that sighs ''with its melancholy chant to the traveller'', or a ''great sky with its transcendent beauty and stillness'', or a moon that shines with the light of the ''silver monarch''. These are poignant meditations above all on time, transience and the eternal - rendered visible through a palette of diverse poetic colour, and framed within a universe where all people are called to strive for a better world. Such a world is characterized not by division, but by peace and love. In that sense, these are verses expressive of the author''s deepest hopes and sentiments: not merely poems, but keenly felt songs from his heart.

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.

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.

What are the keys to raising happy and healthy children? First andforemost are the life force, wisdom, and love of the parents.Happy Parents, Happy Kids will give all parents essential guidance todevelop themselves as they face the challenges and worries of raisingthe next generation. The SGI president’s warm and broad-mindedadvice will serve as reliable guideposts as mothers and fathers seekto build happy families.Topics include:* Respecting each child’s individuality* Dealing with delinquency* The importance of parents changing themselves first* How best to discipline* School and studies* Contributing to society

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.

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.

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.

Always concerned about the most basic problems confrontinghumanity, SGI President Ikeda here once again exploresthe four universal sufferings of birth, aging, sickness, anddeath. In conversation with doctors and nurses, the SGIleader skillfully weaves Buddhist insights with the practicalknowledge and personal experiences of his dialoguepartners.??What can we learn from our illnesses???How is the patient''s attitude crucial to healing???How do parents affect their children''s health???How much are our lives determined by our genes? Whatare constructive ways to approach aging???What are keys for effective health care???What roles do faith and SGI activities play in a long andfulfilling life?The answers to these and other questions in On Health andLong Life provide valuable perspectives to caring for themost valuable of treasures: our lives themselves.

The culture of peace and non-violence is essential to human existence, development and progress. In 1999, the United Nations General Assembly adopted by consensus the norm-setting, forward-looking “Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace”. Governments, institutions, NGOs, other civil society entities and, in particular, individuals – all are encouraged therein to contribute to the global movement for the culture of peace. Related to this vision, this rich and varied dialogue discusses how the culture of peace can be achieved in the world. Based on the extensive personal and professional experiences of two high-profile thinkers and activists, they analyse the challenges unfolding at local, national and global levels and how these relate to humanity''s quest for peace, human security and happiness. Although coming from very different positions – one a Buddhist philosopher, educator and leader; the other a UN diplomat renowned for his international work in peace, development and human rights – these interlocutors are united in their search for justice and better quality of life for all and their conviction that women and young people are the most effective means to achieving positive change in the world. The dialogue provides ideas on the key challenges that face our planet: poverty and deprivation, war and violence, nuclear weapons and small arms, climate change and environmental degradation, weak governance and financial crises, marginalization of women and alienation of youth and the relentless drive for materialism. They also invite us to consider how the culture of peace can be practically achieved through an individual, collective and institutional transformation. Recognizing that global citizenship, multilateralism, women''s equality and value-creating education are central and inter-linked themes, this dialogue also underscores the inherent strength of spirituality, compassion, empathy, forgiveness, respect for diversity and empowerment that comes from the trials and tribulations of life.

What constitutes a meaningful life? What is true happiness? 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. In On Attaining Buddhahood in This Lifetime, Nichiren turned prevailing Buddhist thought on its head. Attaining Buddhahood, or enlightenment, he argues, does not require embarking on some inconceivably long journey toward becoming some resplendent godlike Buddha, but rather it means accomplishing a transformation in the depths of one''s being and revealing one''s ultimate potential within. And Nichiren dedicated his life—braving all manner of persecution—to giving people a practical means for doing so. 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.

Prominent among the topics addressed are economics, the environment, the power of dialogue, the proper role of religion, the compassionate spirit of the bodhisattva, the importance of culture, the role of the United Nations, disarmament, the sovereignty of the people and the importance of global citizenship."--BOOK JACKET.