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Writings by SGI President Ikeda
A selection of excerpts from the writings of SGI President Daisaku Ikeda on the history of Buddhism, Buddhist practice and philosophy.
1. On Shakyamuni
Ikeda discusses the early life of Shakyamuni and his quest for enlightenment. This excerpt is taken from The New Human Revolution, a series of books in which Ikeda presents the story of the Soka Gakkai International in novelized form.
2. The Wisdom of the Lotus Sutra
This excerpt is taken from the comments made by Ikeda during a discussion with members of the Soka Gakkai's study department. The excerpt is a translation of the February 1995 issue of the Daibyakurenge, the Soka Gakkai study journal.
3. On Nichiren
In this excerpt from The New Human Revolution, Ikeda discusses Nichiren's major work, "Rissho Ankoku Ron" (On Establishing the Correct Teaching for the Peace of the Land).
4. On Attaining Buddhahood in This Lifetime
The first in a series of lectures on Nichiren's writing "On Attaining Buddhahood in This Lifetime." The excerpt is a translation of the January 2006 issue of the Daibyakurenge, the Soka Gakkai study journal.
5. The Bodhisattva Ideal and Human Rights Culture
Ikeda discusses the concept of the bodhisattva spirit and its functions in the modern world. This is taken from the 1998 Peace Proposal, which Ikeda issues on January 26 every year to mark the anniversary of the establishment of the SGI in 1975.
6. Human Revolution
"Human Revolution" is a term that refers to the inner transformation of the individual that enables people to reveal their full potential. This excerpt is taken from a dialogue with young people published as Discussions on Youth.
7. Kosen-rufu
The phrase kosen-rufu refers to the broad application of Buddhism around the world, and is often taken to mean "world peace." In this excerpt from Discussions on Youth, Ikeda explains the concept to young people.
8. On Practice
In this excerpt from Discussions on Youth, Ikeda talks about approaches to the practice of Buddhism in modern society.
9. Gongyo and Daimoku
In this lecture, Ikeda talks about the significance of the daily practice of Buddhism, gongyo (the recitation of sections of the Lotus Sutra) and daimoku (chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo).
10. The Flowering of Creative Life Force
An excerpt from a speech delivered by Ikeda on April 18, 1974, at Soka University's fourth entrance ceremony, published in To the Youthful Pioneers of Soka (Soka University Student Union, 2006).
11. Someone to Trust
In an essay originally published in the SGI Quarterly, Ikeda writes about his mentor in life, Josei Toda.
12. A Grand Declaration of Gender Equality
Ikeda explores the Lotus Sutra's assertion that women and men are equally capable of attaining Buddhahood, in a discussion with members of the Soka Gakkai's study department. This excerpt is a translation of the September 1996 issue of the Daibyakurenge, the Soka Gakkai study journal.
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