President Toda first articulated the three guidelines in December 1957. He arrived at these guidelines after long reflection, while battling serious health problems. He was trying to clarify what faith members should aspire to so that each of them, without exception, would achieve happiness. Several years later, in 2003, two more guidelines were added to the three guidelines formulated by the master, by his disciple Daisaku Ikeda. The Soka Gakkai's five eternal guidelines are immutable principles for deepening our faith. They show us the direction for achieving Buddhahood and for the realization of kosen rufu.  “A symbol of boundless hope and infinite passion, the sun never stops and embraces everything with its compassionate rays. Nichiren Buddhism is the Buddhism of the sun.” - Daisaku Ikeda

Read more less

"Praying, in Nichiren Buddhism, means making a vow to win absolutely," says Master Ikeda in one of the five lectures in this volume, taken from the series "The Buddhism of the Sun." Starting from passages from the writings of Nichiren Daishonin, the author addresses the theme of prayer, clarifying that prayer based on the Lotus Sutra is certain to be answered and that through the recitation of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo we can turn everything that happens to us in a positive direction, with the certainty that even a single daimoku brings immeasurable benefits. Daisaku Ikeda (1928-2023) was a Buddhist master, peace builder, educator, author, and poet. He was president of the international lay Buddhist association Soka Gakkai International (SGI), which has members in 192 countries and territories worldwide. He was the founder of the Institute of Oriental Philosophy and Soka University. In 1983, he was awarded the United Nations Peace Prize.

Read more less

The book's main topic is the principle of the non-duality of mentor and disciple in Nichiren Buddhism, highlighting the importance for kosen-rufu of transmitting this bond through the generations. Daisaku Ikeda retraces his journey to realize the vision of his mentor, the second president of the Soka Gakkai Josei Toda, emphasizing the value of perseverance, courage, compassion, and trust in youth.

Read more less

The book explores some concepts of Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism, with particular emphasis on the importance of respect for the dignity of every human being, compassion, and active commitment to one's own and others' happiness. Through an analysis of the figure of Bodhisattva Never Disparaging and the kosen rufu movement as a whole, Master Ikeda invites us to transform challenges into opportunities, to contribute to building a peaceful and just society, and to cultivate a solid and unshakeable faith. "Nichiren Buddhism exists for the well-being of all people. That is why we should behave like Bodhisattva Never Disparaging, respecting each one of them and wishing for them to shine to their fullest. One's happiness is not built upon the misfortunes of others." Daisaku Ikeda

Read more less

  In the five lectures in this volume, taken from the series "Buddhism of the Sun," SGI President Daisaku Ikeda addresses new members in particular, outlining the cornerstones of Soka Gakkai Buddhism. From the non-duality of mentor and disciple to the desire for happiness for oneself and others, from the spirit of standing up on one's own to the network of "good friends" found in the organization, Ikeda illustrates the Soka religious revolution, a light of humanism spreading across the planet, and explains how the sangha, a harmonious community of practitioners united with an open and egalitarian spirit, plays an irreplaceable role in helping people carry on their Buddhist practice.

Read more less

The book explores some concepts of Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism, with particular emphasis on the importance of respect for the dignity of every human being, compassion, and active commitment to one's own and others' happiness. Through an analysis of the figure of Bodhisattva Never Disparaging and the kosen rufu movement as a whole, Master Ikeda invites us to transform challenges into opportunities, to contribute to building a peaceful and just society, and to cultivate a solid and unshakeable faith. "Nichiren Buddhism exists for the well-being of all people. That is why we should behave like Bodhisattva Never Disparaging, respecting each one of them and wishing for them to shine to their fullest. One's happiness is not built upon the misfortunes of others." Daisaku Ikeda

Read more less

Daisaku Ikeda addresses the topic of health from a Buddhist perspective, sharing some important passages from Nichiren's writings. In the five lessons presented in this volume, taken from the series "Buddhism of the Sun," SGI President Daisaku Ikeda addresses the topic of health, sharing important passages from Nichiren Daishonin's writings from various perspectives. The author, starting from every person's desire to be healthy and live a long life, shows how the compassionate light of Buddhism can illuminate the darkness stemming from the sufferings of birth, aging, sickness, and death, and offer humanity the ability not to view illness with aversion but to consider it an integral part of the precious experience of being alive, an indispensable step on the journey toward happiness and the attainment of Buddhahood in this existence. In his lesson, Ikeda also clarifies that medical science and faith in Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism are in no way contradictory. Because we embrace the great teaching of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, there are no karmic sufferings that we cannot overcome. There is no need to worry or fear illness; what matters is our attitude, the way we face it. Daisaku Ikeda When we consider illness as one of the sufferings inherent in life, we can appreciate the true richness of the experience of living. Buddhism considers illness an innate part of life. When we fall ill, we understand how important and precious it is to be healthy, and we appreciate our life and our mission more. Furthermore, facing illness with strong faith and tenacious prayer, thereby developing a vast life-condition, instills courage and hope in those around us. In this way, illness becomes our mission. Daisaku Ikeda

Read more less

Five lessons by Daisaku Ikeda from "The Buddhism of the Sun" series, dedicated to Soka Gakkai youth members. "I would like to dedicate the next lessons to the youth group members, to whom I fully entrust the worldwide kosen-rufu movement. I wish to share with them various passages from the Daishonin's writings that offer guidance on how to become responsible individuals rich in humanity and to live a victorious youth." With these words, Daisaku Ikeda introduces the five lessons in this volume which, although primarily aimed at young people, offer important guidance for all Soka Gakkai members. Having courage, demonstrating an indomitable spirit, raising successors, adopting a humanistic philosophy, achieving kosen-rufu: Ikeda explores these topics starting from the words of Nichiren Daishonin, never failing to share his personal experience of struggle shared with his mentor Josei Toda.

Read more less

In the twelve lectures in this volume, taken from “The Buddhism of the Sun” series and collected under the significant title The Religion of Human Revolution, SGI President Daisaku Ikeda outlines an authentically humanistic religion, capable of enabling each person to revolutionize their vital condition and contribute to a positive change in society, influencing the destiny of all humanity. Master Ikeda addresses several core principles of Buddhism and, always starting from the Daishonin's writings, explains what it means to practice Nichiren Buddhism in the modern era and how the Soka Gakkai has embraced the Buddha's mandate to widely propagate the Mystic Law, awakening numerous Bodhisattvas of the Earth to their great vow. These are precious indications from the master, aimed at ensuring the eternal development of the kosen-rufu movement.   “In every country or society, the presence of even a single Soka Gakkai member is the starting point for creating an era of victory for the people.” Daisaku Ikeda

Read more less