Daisaku Ikeda (1928-2023) exemplified boundless courage, compassion and wisdom based on Buddhist teachings and the noble spirit of non-duality of master and disciple. His figure is to be counted among the most eminent in the history of Buddhism, having spread the Buddhist philosophy of respect for the dignity of life throughout the world, expanding the Soka Gakkai peace movement to 192 countries and territories.
The six essays in this book trace some of the major events in Ikeda's life and his impact in the history of world Buddhism, from the years of his youth and meeting with his teacher Josei Toda to his inauguration as the third president of the Soka Gakkai; from his shared struggles with fellow believers in Japan to the creation of a global movement for peace, culture and education; from his engagement in dialogue with personalities from the most diverse geographical and cultural backgrounds to his "struggle of the pen" as a prolific writer and poet, carried on tirelessly over the years. Until the final undertaking of his life, that of giving concrete form to the Soka educational system, a pedagogical framework spanning 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 Prize.
