Daisaku Ikeda (1928-2023) exemplified boundless courage, compassion, and wisdom, rooted in Buddhist teachings and the noble spirit of non-duality between mentor and disciple. He stands among the most eminent figures in Buddhist history, having spread the Buddhist philosophy of respect for the dignity of life worldwide, expanding the Soka Gakkai peace movement to 192 countries and territories.
The six essays in this book trace some of the main events in Ikeda's life and his impact on the history of global Buddhism, from his youth and meeting with his mentor Josei Toda to his inauguration as the third president of the Soka Gakkai; from shared struggles with fellow practitioners in Japan to the creation of a global movement for peace, culture, and education; from his commitment to dialogue with personalities from the most diverse geographical and cultural backgrounds to his "battle of the pen" as a prolific writer and poet, tirelessly pursued over the years. Up to the final endeavor of his life, that of giving concrete form to the Soka educational system, a pedagogical framework that embraces the entire school cycle, from preschools to Soka University. He also founded several institutions for the promotion and dissemination of culture and peace, such as the Institute of Oriental Philosophy, the Tokyo Fuji Art Museum, and the Min-On Concert Association. In 1983, he was awarded the United Nations Peace Award.
