-- Robert E. Morrell, Washington University

Contains two works by the founder of the Nichiren Shu school: Risshoankokuron and Kanjinhonzonsho."

A revised translation of the writings of Nichiren Shonin. Great care and scholarship was used to remove the centuries of Westernised idioms infused into the original asiatic languages. These idioms create mysticism where it does not belong or exist, creating great misunderstandings and contradictions where there are none. The Buddha's precious teachings were always based on observable phenomena and actions. The paradigms of Buddhist practice are Practice, Study, and developing a strong mind of determination and conviction. There is no faith required. "Faith" is a Western idiom of belief without substantiation or observable phenomena. This is totally antithetical and corruption of Buddha's teaching. You will find no such confusing language in our corrected translations. We continue to look for such errors and we are dedicated to the mission of correct translation of the Buddha's teaching and the lineage of scholarship that follows.

Carmen Blacker's writings on Japan focus on religion, myth and folklore.

How do we remain optimistic when the world seems to be falling apart around us? In these intimate essays, the author leads the reader on an inspirational journey to find answers and hope in troubled times. The book includes incisive commentaries on terrorism, good and evil, and aging and death that provide a new perspective on approaching the world with hope. The lyrical reflections on poetry and friendship highlight how such spiritual pursuits are the wellsprings of hope in dark times. Each essay suggests ways in which anyone can connect their personal search for strength, wisdom, and hope to the collective desire to bring about a just, humane, and caring society.

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.

This volume of the Collected Writings of Modern Western Scholars on Japan brings together the work of Carmen Blacker, who wrote extensively on religion, myth and folklore.