Introduction to Soka Gakkai Buddhist practice. Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism is in every way a religion that transcends all boundaries and embraces a very diverse set of realities.It is concrete proof that by striving daily to awaken the Buddha nature inherent in our lives, or to achieve our human revolution to realize authentic inner happiness, it is truly possible to build a world of lasting peace.

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Encountering Nichiren Buddhism can change your life. This ancient philosophy, practiced today by millions of people worldwide, 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 journey. An ideal book to give to people attending their first discussion meeting, who have already received an introduction to Buddhism, but need to start discovering the fundamental principles, with a light and immediately applicable approach.

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In search of inner vital energy. An introduction to Soka Gakkai Buddhism.Buddhism has taught for three thousand years that every person is a Buddha, or an enlightened being, and as a result, the potential for deep and lasting happiness exists in their life. All we have to do is tap into the source of this powerful and dynamic force, which 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 everyone. Whether you read this book out of simple curiosity or because you feel the need to improve your life and circumstances, I nonetheless invite you to seriously put the practical advice it offers to the test." (From the Foreword by Herbie Hancock).

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All the answers to the most common questions from those starting the Soka Gakkai Buddhist practice.Eight centuries ago – on April 28, 1253 – Nichiren Daishonin, a Japanese monk, recited Nam Myoho Renge Kyo for the first time, an teaching whose main purpose is to lead people towards authentic happiness. His disciples constantly asked him questions, driven by the desire to clarify their convictions and strengthen their faith. The Daishonin warmly encouraged such a spirit of inquiry; this tradition of questions and insights continues today within the Soka Gakkai. You too may have questions about the practice and its purpose, about why we chant or why it is so important to attend meetings and, most importantly, what authentic and lasting happiness is. Soka Gakkai International President Daisaku Ikeda believes that the first steps in practice are crucial. He states: "If you can do things correctly from the beginning, you will be able to continue doing so." This small and practical book aims to provide answers to the most frequent questions, both for those who are about to begin their journey of faith and for those who are already on their way. «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 were born into this world, at 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 magnificent spectacle in which adversities are transformed into victories.» – Daisaku Ikeda TOPICS COVERED: Nam Myoho Renge Kyo Prayer The Gohonzon Practice Enlightenment and Buddhahood Mentor and disciple The Soka Gakkai Mission and vow

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The focal point of Nichiren’s teaching inspired by the Lotus Sutra is that the life condition of Buddhahood exists in every living being in a potential state. By expressing devotion to the Wonderful Law of the Lotus, through the recitation of Nam myoho renge kyo, each person can bring forth this life condition and manifest it in daily life. The Buddha and the human being are not two separate entities. What distinguishes them is having awakened to the universal law of life. An apparently simple teaching, but one that in reality is based on a philosophical tradition spanning more than a millennium. The text brings together two previous Esperia publications, The Ten Worlds and The Wonderful Law, which were extracts from the work now proposed in its entirety. In it, the author explores the core philosophical principles of Buddhist thought, offering many ideas for reflection connected to scientific knowledge and the vision of life that characterizes Western society.  

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

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Though originating over seven hundred years ago, Nichiren Buddhism offers a very effective antidote to the sense of powerlessness and despair that pervade society today. Destiny, of course, does not always unfold in accordance with our desires, but Buddhism, and especially Nichiren Buddhism, allows us to develop the power needed to transform it. Nichiren Buddhism sheds its light on all aspects of human life, penetrating to its core. Universally applicable to all humanity and in every circumstance, it is worthy of being studied and practiced throughout one's life.

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This volume contains various excerpts from President Ikeda's writings, selected from a vast array of sources covering many decades, including speeches, essays, lectures, and dialogues. Sharing his profound knowledge, enriched by his personal experience, Daisaku Ikeda outlines the distinctive features of Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism, a teaching that allows all people to manifest the inherent Buddha nature in their lives, leading them toward absolute happiness. Daisaku Ikeda also guides us to understand that individual happiness is closely linked to that of others and clarifies the importance of being happy in life as well as at the time of death.   «Even today, I vividly recall the conversation I had with my mentor, Josei Toda, on the day I met him for the first time: "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 and practice it with youthful energy, cultivating noble ideals. From that moment on, I have relentlessly pursued the path of mentor and disciple.» Daisaku Ikeda, from the Foreword.   Revised and updated edition of the book previously published under the title What is Happiness

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"What to do when we have lost hope? Is hope something to rediscover or to build? Can one person truly 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 not a simple thing, nor is it synonymous with passive acceptance of injustices. These essays invite us to open our eyes to the profound and courageous determination of those who make hope a decision, they invite us to an inner search that leads us to change the world around us. Having witnessed many difficult realities, he reiterates that life goes on and that the light of hope can emerge even from the darkest places.  The renowned Buddhist philosopher Daisaku Ikeda spent his life pondering such questions. In this collection of very personal essays, selected from his writings spanning approximately fifty years, he guides the reader on a journey that aims to rediscover the answers and hope needed to live in this challenging era.Raised as a child of war, Ikeda tells us about the experiences that led him to his tireless pursuit of peace: his home engulfed in flames during the bombing of Tokyo at the end of World War II, the death of his older brother on the Burmese front, the sight of an American airman who had parachuted from his damaged plane.Ikeda's precise reflections on terrorism, good and evil, aging, and death offer us new opportunities to view 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 moments.Each essay provides an opportunity for the reader to look within themselves for the strength, courage, and hope needed to fuel the collective desire for a just and peaceful society.   If we don't feel hope, it's time to create it. Daisaku Ikeda

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