In these insightful discussions, Daisaku Ikeda explores from a variety of angles the life, times, and teachings of Nichiren Daishonin as described in his writings. We learn how Nichiren' s actions— from his vows at an early age to bring happiness to the people through his fearlessness in face of life-threatening persecutions— can become a model for us today. And the humanistic interpretations of key Buddhist concepts bring new clarity to ideas such as “ attaining Buddhahood in this lifetime” and “ establishing the correct teaching for the peace of the land.” More than just history and theory, the inspiration offered here aims to provide a deeper understanding of how to put into daily practice Nichiren's philosophy of hope and victory.

Nichiren Buddhism is a philosophy which was expounded by Nichiren Daishonin, nearly eight hundred years ago. This philosophy is based on the revelation that the Lotus Sutra is the most profound teaching of Shakyamuni Buddha and that each individual has the power to manifest their Buddha nature, which lies inherent within each of us. This book is a culmination of the profound effect that Nichiren Buddhism has had on the life of the author. His faith and belief and above all, proof of faith, has resulted in this easy to read introduction to the wonderful philosophy of Nichiren Daishonin. Nichiren Buddhism is easily identified and deeply rooted in today's world. Its teachings are effortless to grasp and understand and above all focuses on the creation of Value Addition in our lives.

-- Robert E. Morrell, Washington University

Where have we come from and where do we go? Why are human beings born? Are our lives just random events or do they have some greater purpose? What is the meaning of death? Nichiren Buddhism, based on the Lotus Sutra, is a teaching of hope that provides answers to these and other important questions for modern life. Ranked among the most important works in Mahayana Buddhism, Nichiren’s 13th-century writings were revolutionary. They sought to give people a deep sense of confidence and self-reliance in this lifetime by exploring the topics of death and eternal life. In his The Heritage of the Ultimate Law of Life, Nichiren explains the ultimate Buddhist view, which frees people from both their fear of death and their unhealthy attachment to self. Daisaku Ikeda’s simple and straightforward commentary brings alive this important writing for the modern world. Thoughtful people of all faiths will resonate with his compassionate insights on the universal teaching of happiness that is Nichiren Buddhism.

What constitutes a meaningful life? What is true happiness? Nichiren Buddhism, based on the Lotus Sutra, is a teaching of hope that provides answers to these and other important questions for modern life. Ranked among the most important works in Mahayana Buddhism, Nichiren's 13th-century writings were revolutionary. In On Attaining Buddhahood in This Lifetime, Nichiren turned prevailing Buddhist thought on its head. Attaining Buddhahood, or enlightenment, he argues, does not require embarking on some inconceivably long journey toward becoming some resplendent godlike Buddha, but rather it means accomplishing a transformation in the depths of one's being and revealing one's ultimate potential within. And Nichiren dedicated his life—braving all manner of persecution—to giving people a practical means for doing so. Daisaku Ikeda's simple and straightforward commentary brings alive this important writing for the modern world. Thoughtful people of all faiths will resonate with his compassionate insights on the universal teaching of happiness that is Nichiren Buddhism.

The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin is a written record of the philosophy and correct practice of Nichiren Buddhism. As important as that text is, however, understanding the words of a medieval Japanese priest and incorporating them into 21st century life can be a daunting task. Let's face it you can't apply what you can't understand. Enter Waking the Lion: a Study Guide to The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin written with the lay believer in mind. Each chapter of this book covers one gosho, or letter, of Nichiren's. Each includes a brief introduction, an overview of what Nichiren says in that gosho (including explanations of difficult terms) and most importantly how to apply Nichiren's words to your practice and your life. Like Nichiren's teachings, Waking the Lion is not meant to be simply read, but lived. Be forewarned: reading it may awaken the lion within. So take a healthy stretch, dear reader, and get ready to roar--.

Nichiren Daishonin's writings provide a practical formula forenabling all people to achieve victory in every aspect of their livesand attain an unshakable state of happiness.This volume of Learning from Nichiren's Writings: The Teachingsfor Victory contains SGI President Daisaku Ikeda's lectureson nine of Nichiren's letters:“On the Offering of a Mud Pie”“A Father Takes Faith”“How Those Initially Aspiring to the Way CanAttain Buddhahood through the Lotus Sutra”“Letter to the Lay Priest Nakaoki”“Letter to Konichi-bo”“The Good Medicine for All Ills”“The Four Debts of Gratitude”“On the Treasure Tower”“Letter from Teradomari”President Ikeda elucidates the importance of studying Nichiren's writingsas the foundation of Nichiren Buddhism as practiced by the Soka GakkaiInternational. His lectures bring Nichiren's immense wisdom, compassion,and courage into focus for the present age. In reading and studying theselectures, we learn how to apply in daily life Nichiren's profound philosophyfor inner transformation and victory for both ourselves and others.The Teachings for Victory will empower you to develop the strength andwisdom to bring forth your inherent potential.

Champions of Hope brings together five lectures that Daisaku Ikeda dedicates to the young people who will carry on the Soka Gakkai's mission for creating happiness and peace. He covers five key topics:COURAGEINVINCIBLE SPIRITSUCCESSORSHUMANISMKOSEN-RUFUUsing passages from Nichiren's writings, he offers lessons for humanistic leadership and guidelines to help young people become champions of life and hope.

In a spontaneously wide-ranging conversation one winter evening in Japan, sociologist of religion Bryan Wilson and Buddhist philosopher Daisaku Ikeda recognized the importance of explaining and learning about their respective worldviews. "Human Values in a Changing World" is the record of their further exchanges on how they see the religious response to the human condition. Their contrasting approaches - one, as an academic, and the other, as a lay Buddhist - allow for a constructive critique of preconceptions otherwise unexamined in their own cultural contexts."There is an intimate connection between faith and the fruits of commitment," Wilson says at one point. To which Ikeda responds that while the benefits of faith to momentary happiness are perhaps not the core value of a religion, they can inspire and lead people to become aware of that core value or fundamental truth. The two men's observations on the origins of religious sensibilities move from the spiritual and the moral to the politics of private and public life. Although published some years ago, "Human Values in a Changing World" addresses topics and issues which are of perennial importance to human flourishing, including: sexual morality, the limits of tolerance and religious freedom, the future of the family, the belief in an afterlife, and the idea of sin.