This volume, an updated edition of the book previously published under the title "What is Human Revolution," contains several excerpts from Master Ikeda's writings, selected from an immense variety of sources spanning many decades and including speeches, essays, lectures and dialogues. The book explores the principles of Nichiren Daishonin Buddhism and their practical application in daily life, with a special focus on the concept of "human revolution," that inner transformation that is the key to realizing genuine happiness and thus contributing to the building of a peaceful and harmonious society. As Master Ikeda explains, "To accomplish one's human revolution means to open one's eyes wide and look beyond one's narrow everyday world, to strive to devote one's actions to something higher, deeper and greater."

Read More Less

This volume contains several excerpts from President Ikeda's writings, selected from an immense variety of sources spanning many decades and including speeches, essays, lectures and dialogues. Sharing with readers his deep knowledge, enriched by his own personal experience, Daisaku Ikeda outlines the distinctive features of Nichiren Daishonin Buddhism, a teaching that enables all people to manifest the inherent Buddha nature of their lives, leading them to absolute happiness. Daisaku Ikeda also guides us to understand that the happiness of the individual is closely linked to the happiness of others and makes clear how important it is to be happy in life as well as at the moment of death. "To this day I still vividly remember the conversation I had with my teacher Josei Toda on the day I first met him: 'There is something I would like you to explain to me,' [...] 'Of course, ask whatever you want. "Sir, what is the correct way to live?" With strong conviction he introduced me to Nichiren Daishonin's philosophy of life, encouraging me to study it and put it into practice with youthful energy by cultivating noble ideals. Since that time I have relentlessly walked the path of master and disciple." Daisaku Ikeda, from the Preface. Revised and updated edition of the book previously published under the title What is Happiness

Read More Less

Encountering Nichiren Buddhism can change your life. This age-old philosophy, practiced today by millions of people around the world, can help you see your problems from new perspectives, manifest wisdom and courage, and discover the potential inherent in your life. These twenty simple yet profound principles will help you embark on this path. An ideal book to give as a gift to people attending their first discussion meeting, who have already received an introduction to Buddhism, but need to begin to discover the basic principles, with a light-hearted approach and immediate application.

Read More Less

All the answers to the most common questions of those beginning the Buddhist practice of the Soka Gakkai.Eight centuries ago - on April 28, 1253 - Nichiren Daishonin, a Japanese monk, first recited Nam myoho renge kyo, the teaching whose main purpose is to lead people to genuine happiness. His disciples constantly asked him questions, moved by a desire to clarify their beliefs and strengthen their faith. The Daishonin warmly encouraged such a spirit of inquiry; this tradition of questions and insights continues within the Soka Gakkai to this day. You, too, may have questions about the practice and its purpose, why we recite or why it is so important to attend meetings, and, crucially, what authentic and lasting happiness is. Soka Gakkai International President Daisaku Ikeda believes that the first steps in practice are crucial. In fact, he states, "If you can do things correctly from the beginning, you will be able to continue doing them." This small, practical book aims to provide answers to the most frequently asked questions, both of those who are about to begin their faith journey and those who are already on the path. "Each of us, regardless of the difficulties we encounter or the circumstances in which we find ourselves, has a noble and unique mission to fulfill. When we deeply realize this, everything changes. We are born into this world, in this time, to fulfill the great vow we made in the distant past. Our karma is our mission; it is the stage on which we perform the grand spectacle in which adversity is transformed into victory." - Daisaku Ikeda TOPICS COVERED: Nam myoho renge kyo Prayer The Gohonzon The practice Enlightenment and buddhahood Master and disciple The Soka Gakkai Mission and vow

Read More Less

"What to do when we have lost hope? Is hope something to be rediscovered or built? Can one person really make a difference? How do we maintain our optimism when the world seems to be falling apart around us?" Ikeda reminds us that hope is neither a simple thing nor synonymous with passive acceptance of injustice. These essays invite us to open our eyes to the deep and courageous determination of one who makes hope a decision, invites us on an inner quest to change the world around us. Having known many difficult realities, he reaffirms that life goes on and that the light of hope can emerge from even the darkest places. The renowned Buddhist philosopher Daisaku Ikeda has spent his life pondering such questions. In this collection of highly personal essays, selected from his writings spanning some fifty years, he guides the reader on a journey that aspires to find the answers and hope needed to live in this difficult age.Growing up as a child of war, Ikeda tells us about the experiences that led to his tireless search for peace: his house on fire during the Tokyo bombings at the end of World War II, the death of his older brother on the Burmese front, the vision of an American airman who had parachuted out of the stricken plane.Ikeda's precise reflections on terrorism, good and evil, aging and death offer us new opportunities to look at the world with hope. His emotionally charged words tell us about the poetic spirit and friendship, which can be sources of hope in the darkest of times.Each essay is an opportunity for the reader to go back and look within himself for the strength, courage and hope needed to fuel the collective desire for a just and peaceful society. If we do not feel hope, it is time to create it. Daisaku Ikeda

Read More Less

Introduction to the Buddhist practice of the Soka Gakkai. Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism is in every way a religion that crosses all boundaries and embraces a very diverse set of realities.It is concrete proof that by striving every day to awaken the inherent Buddha nature in our lives, that is, to carry out our own human revolution to achieve genuine inner happiness, it is indeed possible to build a world of lasting peace. For purchases over 5 copies, a 20% discount will be applied Discount cannot be combined with other active offers.

Read More Less

An introduction to Nam myoho renge kyo, the Mystic Law.Why recite Nam myoho renge kyo? The text seeks to clarify some essential points of a Buddhist teaching that dates back many centuries and highlights the enormous potential inherent in human beings to tap into the universal life force. By encountering and appreciating the wonderful law of the lotus, each person will feel empowered to give new and deeper meaning to his or her life. Pocket series-an invitation to learn about the principles and practice of Buddhism

Read More Less

Introduction to the object of worshipAn introduction to the meaning of the Gohonzon, the object of worship. "I, Nichiren, have inscribed my life in sumi ink, so believe deeply in the Gohonzon." These words of the master explain that when we welcome the Gohonzon into our homes we should think that the Buddha himself is among us. In this nimble summary some essential insights into a deeper understanding of the meaning of the object of worship. Pocket Series - an invitation to learn about the principles and practice of Buddhism

Read More Less

The focal point of Nichiren's teaching inspired by the Lotus Sutra is that the vital condition of Buddhahood exists in every living being in its potential state. By expressing devotion to the wonderful Lotus Law through the recitation of Nam myoho renge kyo, each person can bring out this vital condition and manifest it in daily life. The Buddha and the human being are not two separate entities. What distinguishes them is that they have awakened to the universal law of life. A seemingly simple teaching, but one that is actually based on a philosophical tradition more than a thousand years old. The text brings together two previous publications by Esperia, The Ten Worlds and The Wonderful Law, which constituted excerpts from the work now offered in its entirety. In it, the author explores the pivotal philosophical principles of Buddhist thought, offering many insights related to scientific knowledge and the view of life that characterizes Western society.  

Read More Less

In search of inner life energy. An Introduction to Buddhism by the Soka Gakkai.Buddhism has taught for three thousand years that every person is a Buddha, or an enlightened being, and consequently the potential exists in his or her life to achieve deep and lasting happiness. All we have to do is tap into the source of this powerful and dynamic force that will manifest in the most incredible ways in all aspects of our lives. "The Buddha in the Mirror" makes Nichiren's profound thought easily accessible to all. Whether you read this book out of simple curiosity or because you feel the need to improve your life and circumstances, I still urge you to give the practical advice it offers a serious try." (From the Foreword by Herbie Hanckok).

Read More Less

Although over seven hundred years old, Nichiren Buddhism offers a very valid prescription for the sense of helplessness and despair that pervades society today. Fate, of course, does not always turn out to be in accord with our desires, but Buddhism, and especially Nichiren Buddhism, enables us to develop the power needed to transform it. Nichiren Buddhism casts its light on all aspects of human life by penetrating its core. Universally applicable to all humanity and in all circumstances, it is worthy of lifelong study and practice.

Read More Less