"The dawn has broken": these were the words young Daisaku Ikeda, on his way to Kansai to confront the authorities in what later became known as the "Osaka Incident," addressed to a woman who asked for his message to the members. It was July 3, 1957. A victim of false accusations, Ikeda was imprisoned for about two weeks. When he was finally released, he rejoined his fellow believers in Osaka, declaring with conviction that victory invariably awaits those who uphold the correct Buddhist teaching, in the spirit of the non-duality of mentor and disciple. This, ultimately, is the subject of the essays included in this volume, written between 2016 and 2017, in which Daisaku Ikeda indicates the path to follow as disciples to build together a great, unassailable, and even more solid Soka citadel, and to expand an increasingly diverse network of solidarity among capable people, the Bodhisattvas of the Earth, who courageously face great struggles, based on the principle "Buddhism is inseparable from society." Some essays are particularly addressed to the Men's, Women's, and Youth Divisions, always emphasizing the strength that springs from the Soka family when it advances in unity, and the importance of nurturing the members of the Future Division, the torchbearers of justice.
Peace, culture, and education are the three founding elements of the activities promoted by Soka Gakkai International worldwide. In this volume, Daisaku Ikeda examines the strengths of the pedagogical thought of Tsunesaburo Makiguchi, a pioneer of creative education, and develops the theme of fostering global consciousness in young people. Dialogue and exchange represent valuable opportunities for enrichment for every person, but these must be earned through an effort of spiritual growth. In this sense, creative education and global citizenship constitute solid reference points for the harmonious development of each individual's personality.
This book is rooted in the need to delve deeper into the historical events that led the Soka Gakkai to emancipate itself from the Nichiren Shoshu priesthood and what its intentions are as a lay religious association that concretely promotes peace, culture, and education worldwide. The first part of the volume offers an overview of the history of Buddhism, Nichiren Shoshu, and its patriarchs up to the present day, with particular regard to the narration of the events that recently led to the separation. The second part, on the other hand, deals with doctrinal aspects, specifically: the Gohonzon as an object of worship for the happiness of all humanity; the Gongyo ceremony, the meaning of daily practice; the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, their composition and translations. The topics covered, also developed based on sources external to the Soka Gakkai, aim to make this text a valuable consultation tool not only for those who wish to have an exhaustive overview of the events with Nichiren Shoshu, but also for those who need to find philosophical-religious information.
