Product Description

This introduction to Nichiren Buddhism explores the philosophical intricacies of life and reveals the wonder inherent in the phases of birth, aging, and death. Core concepts of Nichiren Buddhism, such as the ten worlds and the nine consciousnesses, illustrate the profundity of human existence. This book provides Buddhists with the tools they need to fully appreciate the connectedness of all beings and to revolutionise their spiritual lives based on this insight. Also explored are how suffering can be transformed to contribute to personal fulfilment and the well-being of others and how modern scientific research accords with ancient Buddhist views. Ultimately, this is both a work of popular philosophy and a book of compelling, compassionate inspiration for Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike that fosters a greater understanding of Nichiren Buddhism.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #83695 in Books
• Published on: 2004-01-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 224 pages

About the Author
Daisaku Ikeda is the president of the Soka Gakkai International, a lay Buddhist association pursuing the values of peace, culture, and education. He is the author of "Choose Hope", "For the Sake of Peace", and "On Being Human".

Customer Reviews

Unlocking your true potential
This is truly a wonderful book, written by one of the wisest and most compassionate human being, Mr. Daisaku Ikeda, whom I consider a source of inspiration through my life.
I have been practising Nichiren Daishonin Buddhism for 18 years and this practice has completely changed my life,greatly improved my health, not to mention resolving my past fears of death. Materialism is a fact of this life because we are also made of matter. So, earthly desires are in the end a source for enlightement because thanks to these we chant. Like the Lotus Flower stems from the mud of a pond, so our life can really blossom and open from the mud of sufferings (problems).
Through the act of chanting we can actually really open our life and reveal our Buddha Nature and so make our decisions about daily life based on our highest life state, great energy and being in rythm with ourselves and our environment. "The Buddha is you", please believe that you can overcome anything, you have that wisdom.

One of my favourite books
This book is perhaps my favourite book about Buddhism. I have been practicing this form of Buddhism for 23 years or so and I produce a podcast called A Buddhist Podcast, this book is a resource that I constantly refer to. I keep thinking I should by more copies so that I have enough to see me through the rest of my life (laughing). It is the beginners book that explains complex Buddhist concepts in a great way. Like most things profound, just reading the text once may not be enough, you may need to read parts of it several times before the enormity of the concept begins to play with your thoughts on life and how it works.
This is not a dummies guide, but a powerful book that explains the basic points of Buddhism as taught by Nichiren Daishonin. I recommend this book wholeheartedly.

Fantastic book about life from the Buddhist perspective
This book is an eye opener. Daisaku Ikeda has profound insights and knowledge and it shows. This book is for everyone who would like to establish a clear life philosophy and start living a more fulfilled life. Ikeda manages to explain Buddhist concepts and beliefs in such a way that it is easy for a western mind to understand how profound and healing the old wisdom of Buddhism is. For me reading every page of this book was like drinking pure water after months of drought. This book is beautiful, simple but deep and has the capacity to change your life if you let it guide you. I did so and I don't have regrets.