This new collection of texts on education-many of which were previously published in a volume entitled Soka Education-is the result of a selection of works written by Daisaku Ikeda, Buddhist philosopher and founder of the Soka school system, over the course of nearly five decades. The texts, which range from educational proposals and university lectures to personal essays, not only delve into the meaning of soka education (education for the creation of value), but offer a hope-filled view of the power of education to bring happiness to people and bring about world peace.

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Peace is not just the absence of war. Appeals are often made for the ideals of "peace and justice," but most of the time they end up as mere slogans. In the dialogue contained in this book, Stuart Rees and Daisaku Ikeda share their ideas and visions on how to create the conditions for peace through deep awareness, a commitment to nonviolence as a "law of life," and unwavering dedication. It is the authors' belief that it is in fact these concrete elements, and not an ideology or abstract thought, that make possible a society that cultivates the dignity of all people. Finally, Rees and Ikeda emphasize how the "poetic spirit" is an excellent creative tool for imagining and realizing a future in which peace and justice are one. Peace, Justice and Poetry offers a fascinating and compelling analysis of the ills that plague our society. It also points to a nonviolent path that leads to authentic peace and offers those seeking peace the encouragement and inspiration they need. Joseph Camilleri, professor emeritus of international relations, La Trobe University, Melbourne

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It is indisputable that economics plays a vital role in our lives, both on an individual and societal level. Yet, many people find the topic complex and difficult to deal with and tend to avoid dealing with it. In this dialogue, economist Lawrence J. Lau and Buddhist philosopher and president of the International Soka Gakkai Daisaku Ikeda approach the topic of the development of economics in modern society from a historical perspective, examining what lessons can be learned from the East Asian currency crises in 1997 and the global financial crisis in 2007-2009. Touching on various topics, the authors help readers understand the challenges that globalization has imposed on economies, the importance of government regulation of markets, and the delicate issue of combining a country's economic growth with the well-being of the population as a whole. These conversations, in which the economic aspects are not separated from people's daily lives, thus become small lessons in economics, in which, thanks to simple language within everyone's reach, we can begin to unravel the mystery of economics, a discipline that concerns the backbone of the world in which we are immersed, knowledge of which is often precluded by technical complexities and specialized terminology. "Economics," said economist John Kenneth Galbraith, "must serve for human happiness," and "the fundamental force that moves the economy is people." Daisaku Ikeda is president of the Soka Gakkai International (SGI) and leader of the Buddhist movement that draws on the teachings of Nichiren Daishonin. An activist, philosopher, educator and poet, for more than 70 years Ikeda has been dedicated to spreading Buddhist humanism around the world and building the foundation for a culture of peace. SGI, which has members in 192 countries and territories, encourages individuals to develop their inner potential and contribute as global citizens to overcome the collective challenges facing humankind. He is the founder of Soka University, which has branches in Japan and the United States, and many other institutions that are committed to finding solutions to the many crises of contemporary times. In 1983 he was awarded the United Nations Peace Prize. Lawrence J. Lau was Professor of Economics at Stanford University from 1976 to 2004, then became the sixth Vice Chancellor of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, holding that position for seven years. He is the author of numerous publications including The Chinese Economy in the Twenty-first Century: An Econometric Approach. The challenge for policy lies in balancing economic growth with improving people's quality of life and ensuring that this effort is stable and sustainable. The second president of the Soka Gakkai Josei Toda often told us that individual happiness should never be sacrificed on the altar of social prosperity but that the two must advance hand in hand. I believe there is a growing urgency for economic activity to focus not only on efficiency but also on the interest of the community. Daisaku Ikeda To overcome the current crisis, developed economies must focus on reviving the real economy by walking a sustainable growth path and not inventing more financial sleight of hand. We must not lose sight of the fact that the role of the financial sector is to support other sectors of the economy and that ultimately the financial sector must rely directly on the performance of the real economy. Lawrence J. Lau

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When some students in his religion class at Morehouse College in Atlanta told him about Daisaku Ikeda and his commitment to peace, Edward Carter Sr - founding dean of the Martin Luther King International Chapel - had no idea who he was. He regretted that he himself, a disciple of Martin Luther King, a Baptist pastor devoted to the cause of creating peace through education and action, a social science graduate and professor of religion at Morehouse College which Dr. King's was alma mater, was unaware of the work of this Buddhist leader, president of the International Soka Gakkai, an organization with millions of adherents worldwide committed to a movement for peace, culture and education on a global scale. All of this was the starting point that prompted Carter to deepen his knowledge of Daisaku Ikeda, going so far as to entertain an important interfaith dialogue with the Buddhist leader, which was also achieved through a number of direct meetings in Tokyo. From that journey came the urgency of this book written by a Baptist pastor in gratitude for the work done for peace by a Buddhist teacher. The book's subtitle captures its essence: how my interfaith journey with Daisaku Ikeda made me a better Christian. "There are basically two ways for a practitioner-or at least that is the case in Christianity-to relate to practitioners of other religions who are as dedicated to their faith as Christians are to their own. One is to convert them; the other is to learn respectfully from them, not seeking uniformity but harmony." "In my opinion Daisaku Ikeda represents an example of what it means to be a 'global citizen.' He has dialogued with ambassadors, anthropologists, economists, educators, historians, journalists, jurists, linguists, politicians, scientists, social engineers, sociologists, theologians, and urban planners, and also with me, completely changing my life." The authorLawrence Edward Carter Sr is a Baptist pastor and dean of the Martin Luther King Chapel at Morehouse College in Atlanta, an institution at which he is also a professor of religion. Born in Dawson, Georgia, and raised in Columbus, Ohio, he graduated from Virginia's University of Lynchburg in social sciences and psychology, and then continued his academic career at Boston University, where he earned Master of Divinity degrees in theology and Master of Sacred Theology degrees in religious assistance, as well as a doctorate in pastoral psychology and counseling. He has one son, Carter, and lives in Stonecrest, Georgia, with his wife Marva.

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What are the key points for raising happy and peaceful children? The most important are the life force, wisdom and love of parents. Treasures of the Future offers all parents essential guidance for developing themselves as they face the challenges and concerns that accompany raising children. SGI President Daisaku Ikeda's warm suggestions, based on a broad outlook on life, are solid guidelines for building happy families. Raising children is the oldest activity for humankind, since the dawn of time it has never stopped; at the same time, for each person it is always the first time. Therefore, I believe that if predecessors told their experiences frankly, they would naturally form a supportive chorus for young people and help them develop courage, wisdom and confidence. This is the reflection from which this book, which is the result of a series of dialogues held with a number of mothers who are also leaders of the Soka Gakkai, was born. - Daisaku Ikeda

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A great geographical and cultural distance separates Japan from Argentina. However, Daisaku Ikeda, president of the International Soka Gakkai, and Adolfo Pérez Esquivel, Nobel Peace Prize laureate, have managed to build a deep friendship, based on common affinities and values, in defense of human rights without borders or discrimination of any kind. Ikeda and Pérez Esquivel engage in dialogue on topics such as solidarity, the wisdom of peoples and women, resistance to totalitarianism, the search for effective action and the appreciation of different cultures, with the aim of finding a way to peace. The authors, through words and life examples, seek to convey to young people the value of energetic and passionate commitment to peace, hope and justice for their peoples and for all peoples on Earth.

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Collection of lectures by D. Ikeda at renowned universities around the world.This volume collects the lectures that Daisaku Ikeda gave at leading universities around the world from 1975 to 1995: fragments of Buddhist wisdom that propose a society with a more humane face, one that values the individual and his or her infinite potential in a world now without borders. Always striving to grasp the commonalities between different cultures while at the same time exalting the peculiar characteristics each people, the author seeks to create bonds, bridges of friendship and understanding in a constant effort to overcome the distrust that divides West from East, one nation from another. He does so not by insisting on his own position, but by exploring the heritage bequeathed to humankind by great thinkers. Borrowing the words of the likes of Tolstoy, Gandhi, Leonardo da Vinci, Pascal or the sages of ancient China, Ikeda is able to speak the same language as disparate listeners, a language common to the human heart.

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A Japanese Buddhist leader, Daisaku Ikeda, and a British sociologist, Brian Wilson, discuss the role of religion and its connections to the major ethical and social problems of our time. their dialogue focuses on the role and importance of religion and religious feeling for both the individual and society as a whole. The positive potential of religious doctrines for the inner development of human beings and the proper functioning of society emerges. However, the authors do not fail to point out the risks associated with the institutionalization of religious movements and the use of religion as an instrument of control and power.

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The figure of Tsunesaburo Makiguchi, the first president and founder of the Soka Gakkai, is evoked in an essay that highlights his gifts as a teacher, educator and religious leader. His works reveal the depth of his cultural background and great compassion for others, defended to the death in a culturally retrogressive environment and within a repressive political climate.

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