Lecture by Daisaku Ikeda on the writings of Nichiren Daishonin. Daisaku Ikeda examines in this lecture the central theme of Buddhist philosophy, namely, the meaning of life and death and the overcoming and transformation of suffering. This, according to the author's commentary, is the essential motive that animates the Buddha's compassion and drives him to face all kinds of difficulties in order to lead living beings to supreme enlightenment. In the Lotus Sutra this desire of the Buddha is referred to as the "one great reason" (ichidaiji). Through a thorough examination of the scripture, the author lays out the philosophical principles that Nichiren believed were essential for his disciples' attainment of Buddhahood.
