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Il risveglio del Budda: Una nuova prospettiva per la religione
Clark Strand, ex monaco zen, giornalista e scrittore statunitense, ci guida alla scoperta della Soka Gakkai e del Buddismo di Nichiren da una prospettiva inedita: quella di un simpatizzante “non convertito”. Strand sottolinea che la forza della Soka Gakkai, che in pochi decenni è diventata un movimento globale, sta nel fondamentale strumento delle riunioni di discussione, basate sulla condivisione delle esperienze e sull’incoraggiamento reciproco. Nel suo viaggio all’interno di un movimento e di un insegnamento che hanno spesso generato malintesi e incomprensioni nelle altre scuole buddiste, Strand parte da Makiguchi, l’educatore che si oppose al militarismo, per poi ritrarre il suo discepolo Toda e la sua intuizione di chi o cosa fosse davvero il Budda, e arrivare alla visione globale di Ikeda e alla sua ridefinizione del ruolo di religione. Il quadro che ne esce rivela qualità e punti di forza di cui spesso nemmeno i membri dell’associazione sono consapevoli, e indica la Soka Gakkai come esempio di un movimento moderno e votato al bene del genere umano.
122 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2014
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June 29, 2014
Several weeks ago, I finished completely reading the book "Waking the Buddha" by Clark Strand. The book is an in-depth analysis of the Soka Gakkai International (SGI), its parent organization in Japan (Soka Gakkai), and its founders and leaders - Tsunesaburo Makiguchi, Josei Toda, and Daisaku Ikeda.
Very few writers and journalists outside the SGI have "gotten" what the SGI is all about, or understood the extent of the "religious revolution" that the SGI has brought about - not just making Buddhism accessible to people of all walks of life and not just those with monastic proclivities, but making spiritual practice answerable to the person's life rather than the other way around.
Before "Waking the Buddha", the best in-print analysis, IMO, of the Soka Gakkai and the SGI, was Professor Richard Hughes Seager's book "Encountering the Dharma" - which is still a great read. Clark Strand, however, has leapfrogged Prof. Seager's analysis by explaining in detail WHY the philosophy of Nichiren Buddhism as practiced by the SGI is relevant to the individual, makes sense in a conflicted world, and is life-enhancing - there are over twelve million SGI members in 192 countries and territories, and the experiences these members have had (myself included) changing their lives and overcoming hardships with the power of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo - what we in the SGI call "actual proof" - is nothing short of astonishing - and encouraging.
Considering that Clark Strand is not an SGI member, and that he sees quite clearly the full depth and breadth of the SGI, its practice, its philosophy, and its outlook, should not be a surprise: he has been involved with Buddhism for many years, including being a senior editor of Tricycle Magazine, a publication about Buddhism. And, to this day, he is also the only Western journalist that has interviewed SGI President Daisaku Ikeda at length - that interview is available for reading on Tricycle's web site at http://www.tricycle.com/interview/fai....
Anyone curious about the SGI - and SGI members themselves - will enjoy this book. Its a great read. SGI members can confidently recommend Waking the Buddha to their friends and say "This is what I'm into, and this is what I'm all about" in a way that SGI's own internal publications can't.
Bravo, Clark, on a superb book, and a superb analysis of the SGI.
Very few writers and journalists outside the SGI have "gotten" what the SGI is all about, or understood the extent of the "religious revolution" that the SGI has brought about - not just making Buddhism accessible to people of all walks of life and not just those with monastic proclivities, but making spiritual practice answerable to the person's life rather than the other way around.
Before "Waking the Buddha", the best in-print analysis, IMO, of the Soka Gakkai and the SGI, was Professor Richard Hughes Seager's book "Encountering the Dharma" - which is still a great read. Clark Strand, however, has leapfrogged Prof. Seager's analysis by explaining in detail WHY the philosophy of Nichiren Buddhism as practiced by the SGI is relevant to the individual, makes sense in a conflicted world, and is life-enhancing - there are over twelve million SGI members in 192 countries and territories, and the experiences these members have had (myself included) changing their lives and overcoming hardships with the power of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo - what we in the SGI call "actual proof" - is nothing short of astonishing - and encouraging.
Considering that Clark Strand is not an SGI member, and that he sees quite clearly the full depth and breadth of the SGI, its practice, its philosophy, and its outlook, should not be a surprise: he has been involved with Buddhism for many years, including being a senior editor of Tricycle Magazine, a publication about Buddhism. And, to this day, he is also the only Western journalist that has interviewed SGI President Daisaku Ikeda at length - that interview is available for reading on Tricycle's web site at http://www.tricycle.com/interview/fai....
Anyone curious about the SGI - and SGI members themselves - will enjoy this book. Its a great read. SGI members can confidently recommend Waking the Buddha to their friends and say "This is what I'm into, and this is what I'm all about" in a way that SGI's own internal publications can't.
Bravo, Clark, on a superb book, and a superb analysis of the SGI.
March 20, 2014
REVIEW OF WAKING THE BUDDHA
Buddhism has never touched my life before, but I have a deep interest in any movement, religious or otherwise, that encourages peace throughout the world and caring for life in all its forms. This book brings an ease of understanding about a religion that has much to offer.
The 12 million members of Soka Gakkai International, a lay Buddhist movement, embrace Nichiren Buddhism. They manifest inner resources of compassion, courage and wisdom and spread their belief from person to person, (from mentor to disciple) especially in Asia, rather than to a congregation. They contribute to the well being of others and promote peace, culture and education via human revolution.
The central pivot of this religion is LIFE in all its aspects. It encompasses everything that is a part of life, eg. human beings and all species on the planet. It is concerned with nuclear proliferation, global warming, and over population amongst other things.
Buddhism flourishes alongside other religions, Christianity, Judaism, Islam and I have been greatly impressed by this enlightenment.
Buddhism has never touched my life before, but I have a deep interest in any movement, religious or otherwise, that encourages peace throughout the world and caring for life in all its forms. This book brings an ease of understanding about a religion that has much to offer.
The 12 million members of Soka Gakkai International, a lay Buddhist movement, embrace Nichiren Buddhism. They manifest inner resources of compassion, courage and wisdom and spread their belief from person to person, (from mentor to disciple) especially in Asia, rather than to a congregation. They contribute to the well being of others and promote peace, culture and education via human revolution.
The central pivot of this religion is LIFE in all its aspects. It encompasses everything that is a part of life, eg. human beings and all species on the planet. It is concerned with nuclear proliferation, global warming, and over population amongst other things.
Buddhism flourishes alongside other religions, Christianity, Judaism, Islam and I have been greatly impressed by this enlightenment.
March 30, 2015
An accessible work of theological history traces how a Japanese Buddhist movement has spread its simple message of hope worldwide. With over twelve million members, Soka Gakkai International is one of the largest lay Buddhist groups. Teaching the equality of all, it is more of a populist, humanist movement than a religious sect. Strand, a former Zen Buddhist monk and (until the mid-1990s) senior editor of Tricycle: The Buddhist Review, gives a thorough, lively history of SGI, including brief biographies of its founding figures and an overview of its tenets.
(See my full review at Foreword.)
(See my full review at Foreword.)
July 12, 2014
A friend bought me this book at a talk given by the author, Clark Strand, the former executive editor for Tricycle Magazine. I was interested in what he had to say as he clearly did not identify himself as Buddhist, but spoke favorably about some of the teachings. I understand why people label themselves this or that, how it can be helpful, and that people need labels to organize their worlds, but when I hear people express themselves without such labels, it can be incredibly refreshing, especially in today's taxonomized humanity.
Basically, the man argues that Nichiren Buddhism, specifically that practiced by the lay organization, Soka Gakkai (Value Creation Society in English) International, is the most practical application of "Buddhist" principles in modern society, when active participation in social/political revolution is central to experiencing, and thus realizing, the totality of Buddhist teachings. He promotes the concept of "Life" as it is promoted by SGI as a central organizing idea for practice. By equating the idea of "Nirvana" to the "pie in the sky" promise of other religions, Strand encourages readers to see how SGI organizing principles have attracted a youthful, active, multicultural constituency that is growing on a scale like no other Buddhist group.
In his promotion of SGI, Strand does speak very critically of "the meditators". I respect his criticism of this group, as he lived as a Zen Monk for more than a decade. However, I think he belittles the potential benefits of sitting meditation by reducing the list down to "lowering blood pressure and helping people to relax". He is accurate when he claims that many people can use the practice of sitting meditation as an escape and a way to anesthetize oneself from actively engaging in correcting the most troubling social problems of our times.
Strand argues that the monaticism, meditation, and heiracharchical clergy structure of the most common budhist traditions needs to go and be replaced with the supposed more egalitarian, socailly/politically conscious/active, youthful, multicultural SGI approach, where organization is done through discussion groups in a bottom-up structure.
The role Strand has assumed is the "friend" of SGI. It appears that the two will compliment each other well as the book has sold more copies than any other book by the author. Strand, in his role, reminds me of a Reza Aslam quote, "Religion is always political". In this view, Strand is building his own stature by promoting the cause of a group that he sees as the most promising political element within today's Buddhism.
Basically, the man argues that Nichiren Buddhism, specifically that practiced by the lay organization, Soka Gakkai (Value Creation Society in English) International, is the most practical application of "Buddhist" principles in modern society, when active participation in social/political revolution is central to experiencing, and thus realizing, the totality of Buddhist teachings. He promotes the concept of "Life" as it is promoted by SGI as a central organizing idea for practice. By equating the idea of "Nirvana" to the "pie in the sky" promise of other religions, Strand encourages readers to see how SGI organizing principles have attracted a youthful, active, multicultural constituency that is growing on a scale like no other Buddhist group.
In his promotion of SGI, Strand does speak very critically of "the meditators". I respect his criticism of this group, as he lived as a Zen Monk for more than a decade. However, I think he belittles the potential benefits of sitting meditation by reducing the list down to "lowering blood pressure and helping people to relax". He is accurate when he claims that many people can use the practice of sitting meditation as an escape and a way to anesthetize oneself from actively engaging in correcting the most troubling social problems of our times.
Strand argues that the monaticism, meditation, and heiracharchical clergy structure of the most common budhist traditions needs to go and be replaced with the supposed more egalitarian, socailly/politically conscious/active, youthful, multicultural SGI approach, where organization is done through discussion groups in a bottom-up structure.
The role Strand has assumed is the "friend" of SGI. It appears that the two will compliment each other well as the book has sold more copies than any other book by the author. Strand, in his role, reminds me of a Reza Aslam quote, "Religion is always political". In this view, Strand is building his own stature by promoting the cause of a group that he sees as the most promising political element within today's Buddhism.
August 2, 2014
Clark Strand has been a Zen monk and a senior editor at Tricycle magazine (devoted to multiple sects of Buddhism). Several years ago he noted that Tricycle had given relatively short shrift to the Buddhism of the Soka Gakkai International, a lay Buddhist organization. This despite the fact that the group has 12 million members in 192 countries and territories. The popularity of the SGI is not what struck Strand, it is the fact that his research showed that it is unique among the various Buddhist sects and practitioners in enabling the latter to realize direct benefit in their daily lives in terms of overcoming obstacles to happiness, success and well being. Strand spent many hours, days and weeks researching the history of the SGI, attending its discussion meetings and interviewing its members. The result is this very lucid, exceptionally well-written and accessible book that could be accurately described as extolling the virtues of practicing the Nichiren Buddhism that the SGI espouses and assists people in practicing. It should be noted, however, that while Strand sees enormous value in this Buddhist practice, he has NOT joined the SGI or abandoned his own beliefs. Whether that satisfies anyone who might be concerned about Strand's objectivity or not, is not for me to say, but he came to this book as an outsider and remains one.
August 27, 2014
The author has down an excellent job conveying the message of the teachings of Nichiren Buddhism and the Soka Gakkai International (SGI) and I highly recommend this book. I wholeheartedly believe that regardless of your Religion or Spiritual Philosophy of Life, there is something in this book everyone can relate to and apply it to their everyday lives. “You might say that the Soka Gakkai is Buddhism taken as far as Buddhism—or, for that matter, any religion—can go.”(Awaking The Buddha, Clark Strand)
My Full Review: http://myohosisters.webs.com/apps/blo...-
My Full Review: http://myohosisters.webs.com/apps/blo...-
November 7, 2018
A very clear and jargon free history of the Soka Gokkai - the lay organisation of Nichiren Buddhism. It explains the practice in very simple terms and how the S. G. I. has travelled from a small Japanese group outlawed by the state to a global movement enpowering people to become the buddha within themselves in everyday life.
It is written by an American who is a former Zen Buddhist monk and who writes on many spiritual matters. So he writes as an academic / journolist might in style.
With that in mind, a little knowledge of the S.G.I. might help.
Toast
It is written by an American who is a former Zen Buddhist monk and who writes on many spiritual matters. So he writes as an academic / journolist might in style.
With that in mind, a little knowledge of the S.G.I. might help.
Toast
April 27, 2014
I think this quote sums up my thoughts about this book:
"What remains when the formality and convention of religious worship have been dispensed with? I believe the answer is really very simple: a concern for basic human values—core life values such as peace, happiness, and security; good friends, good food, and good water—that are common to any and all religious traditions of every country around the globe. Perhaps for that reason, to the average person they sometimes don't feel religious anymore. There is nothing about such values that marks them as uniquely Jewish or Christian, Muslim or Buddhist, and nothing that roots them exclusively in the soil of any particular land. They simply reflect what every human being wants and needs. That an ordinary, educated person would think religious worship was something other than meeting to share such basic human concerns, to discuss how best to address them in ordinary daily life, and to offer one another encouragement in actually doing so, probably says more about the limits of religious education than it does about the Soka Gakkai." (59)
The author reiterates this a number of times throughout the book: the focus of Buddhism should be on one's daily life, mundane problems, and becoming happy.
So often we get caught up in what Strand calls "tribal" distinctions, divides we artificially create based on race, gender, or stupid superficial nonsense like profession or favorite bands (the "us verses them" mentality). The point of Buddhism is to transcend these divides our "lesser selves" create, and root ourselves in "a concern for basic human values". Strand effectively chronicles how the Soka Gakkai movement does this.
"What remains when the formality and convention of religious worship have been dispensed with? I believe the answer is really very simple: a concern for basic human values—core life values such as peace, happiness, and security; good friends, good food, and good water—that are common to any and all religious traditions of every country around the globe. Perhaps for that reason, to the average person they sometimes don't feel religious anymore. There is nothing about such values that marks them as uniquely Jewish or Christian, Muslim or Buddhist, and nothing that roots them exclusively in the soil of any particular land. They simply reflect what every human being wants and needs. That an ordinary, educated person would think religious worship was something other than meeting to share such basic human concerns, to discuss how best to address them in ordinary daily life, and to offer one another encouragement in actually doing so, probably says more about the limits of religious education than it does about the Soka Gakkai." (59)
The author reiterates this a number of times throughout the book: the focus of Buddhism should be on one's daily life, mundane problems, and becoming happy.
So often we get caught up in what Strand calls "tribal" distinctions, divides we artificially create based on race, gender, or stupid superficial nonsense like profession or favorite bands (the "us verses them" mentality). The point of Buddhism is to transcend these divides our "lesser selves" create, and root ourselves in "a concern for basic human values". Strand effectively chronicles how the Soka Gakkai movement does this.
March 9, 2015
Interesting to read an outside perspective of the Buddhism I practise. Definitely, this was a positive (if not glowing), account of the SGI and its founders, by Clarke Strand. He appears to be someone who has explored many types and aspects of religion, and, (more recently), has had a strong involvement as a Zen teacher. This gives to my mind, even greater strength to his assertions. I believe they contain a greater objectivity, than someone who was already a practitioner. So to say that the SGI, with its one-to-one dialogue; mentor /disciple relationship; personal empowerment; and global perspective principles, has begun a fresh paradigm in religion, is remarkable, and, (I believe), one we practitioners should rightly be proud of.
On a different note, I was particularly interested in a point that Strand makes, (three quarters of the way through the book), that indeed there may be many variations of the Lotus Sutra. He quotes three: Shakymuni’s; Tien Tai’s, and Nichiren’s. The mode is different, but the essential message is the same. I had read this before, but I found Strand’s description easier to comprehend. So, from the description of Josei Toda’s enlightenment in prison, (that the Buddha is life itself), to the revelation that the Lotus Sutra is always there in the Universe, waiting to be discovered, this book provides a fascinating read, and one that I hope will inspire many others to discover for themselves, the wonderful humanistic movement that is the Soka Gakkai.
On a different note, I was particularly interested in a point that Strand makes, (three quarters of the way through the book), that indeed there may be many variations of the Lotus Sutra. He quotes three: Shakymuni’s; Tien Tai’s, and Nichiren’s. The mode is different, but the essential message is the same. I had read this before, but I found Strand’s description easier to comprehend. So, from the description of Josei Toda’s enlightenment in prison, (that the Buddha is life itself), to the revelation that the Lotus Sutra is always there in the Universe, waiting to be discovered, this book provides a fascinating read, and one that I hope will inspire many others to discover for themselves, the wonderful humanistic movement that is the Soka Gakkai.
Read
May 3, 2024More a history than a blueprint for a way of life, Strand's book follows the movement of Buddhism, its belief in peace and the call for social justice to insure that peace is embraced by all.
For someone looking for more of a historical look at Buddhism this book is a good start, but go in a different direction if you're looking for books on meditating, right living, or calming the mind.
For someone looking for more of a historical look at Buddhism this book is a good start, but go in a different direction if you're looking for books on meditating, right living, or calming the mind.
January 4, 2016
As a mostly historical and somewhat philosophical look into the SGI sect of Buddhism, I found this book highly informative and the anecdotes interesting as well. But I also felt the writing was a bit wordy and even pretentious at times, although the perspective was so clearly intentionally humble and objective.
March 3, 2014
I DNF this one.
I found it difficult to read and to follow. I got to about half and then gave up
I found it difficult to read and to follow. I got to about half and then gave up
May 8, 2014
"What is Buddhism but being awake to one’s own needs and the needs of others, creating an economy of happiness that allows everyone to be happy?"
July 16, 2014
I am amazed at how a non SGI member has so eloquently and thoroughly captured the history and significance of the SGI movement in today's age. He takes so many themes and shows application in broad, global ways, as well as bringing it down to the individual level. I am very impressed at how much I learned, how many stories I had never heard of, even though I have been practicing in CA for 4 and 1/2 years with a lot of folks who have been in this organization for 20-30-40+ years. This book has inspired me to deepen my connection with the founding Presidents and has caused me to renew my faith and determination to work harder for the sake of others. This is a book that is not just for those within the SGI organization, either! It outlines the importance of ALL religion turning their priorities from creating a space of "life serving religion" to instead "religion serving life." This is a book that I recommend to anyone who is interested in theology/spirituality, anyone who is looking to find a deeper meaning of life.
January 13, 2019
This was recommended by a friend, so maybe I came at it from the wrong perspective, but I really disliked this book. Only because I was looking for a deeper guide on Buddhism and this was recommended by a practitioner of Soka Gakkai Buddhism. Instead of finding a book on the practice, or even a thorough retelling of the history, what I got was a puff piece extolling the virtues of Soka Gakkai without explaining any of the details.
It reminded me a lot of the circular logic Tom Cruise made about Scientology when he was on Oprah’s show way back when: “Our [thing] is the best because of how much people love it! And people love it so much because of how good it is! If only you were a part of us, you would know how good [our thing] is. And [our thing] is so good because people love it so much because it’s so good!”
Never explaining how, or why, just telling us it is and you’re a fool if you don’t agree.
It reminded me a lot of the circular logic Tom Cruise made about Scientology when he was on Oprah’s show way back when: “Our [thing] is the best because of how much people love it! And people love it so much because of how good it is! If only you were a part of us, you would know how good [our thing] is. And [our thing] is so good because people love it so much because it’s so good!”
Never explaining how, or why, just telling us it is and you’re a fool if you don’t agree.
May 23, 2014
I really appreciate the author's "from the outside looking in" approach. The book was well written and very descriptive. Although the author is not a member of the SGI, he has a clear perspective of the organization and its mission. A great read for anyone who is seeking or who is curious or not found the courage to approach Buddhism. The book highlights a stand on religion never taken, not just Buddhism, practiced in a practical non-traditional form without any attachment to secular form or ascetic practices. It clearly reinforces the fact that Nichiren Buddhism (true Buddhism) is "life" itself and that its mission of peace, happiness, compassion and culture connect all humans on a global scale. I am a proud member of the SGI-USA and consider this work a must read for all beginners and seniors in faith alike. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
nam myoho renge kyo
nam myoho renge kyo
May 11, 2015
I'd recommend this book to anyone curious about the SGI, also to any current members who may have questions. Clark Strand seems to really understand and respect the SGI, I appreciated his thoughtful and honest account. Being a part of the SGI community has seen me through so many tough times and allowed me to find my greater self, the sincere friendship, wisdom, courage and support that I've encountered has been invaluable to me and unlike anything I've ever experienced before. After any meeting or event I feel my faith in humanity restored and a great sense of purpose in my life. Chanting has changed my life and has enabled me to draw out great wisdom and strength from within. It's also made me more mindful of my behaviours and habits. I think there are many who misunderstand the SGI, I think this book will help bring a new perspective for any critics or doubters out there.
April 25, 2015
I was delighted to read this book. Clark Strand's exploration into this "dynamic and empowering Buddhist movement" was much like my own. I am a practicing member of the SGI-USA and have been for nearly 20 years. I continue to understand and know more of this deeply powerful practice. It is, as Mr. Strand acknowledges, an ACTIVE practice that I use in daily life simply with the understanding that if I am unhappy with my life or my present situation that the only place I need to go in order to change it is inside of me. I am the change that I seek.
August 12, 2014
Strand gives a certain insight into The Soka Gakkai International. As a former Zen monk with a knowledge of Japanese and a journalist he was given access to many of the Japanese pioneers of the SG and the early days of the movement. His essay gives a very good view of what this school of the Lotus Sutra is trying to do. Empower people.
I always think of Maslow's hierarchy of needs which at the peak has self-actualization. This is the spirit of the Lotus Sutra and the SGI. The Nichiren school is more focused on the here and now (the teaching for this time).
I always think of Maslow's hierarchy of needs which at the peak has self-actualization. This is the spirit of the Lotus Sutra and the SGI. The Nichiren school is more focused on the here and now (the teaching for this time).
June 9, 2014
Brave, honest and enthralling! A must read for anyone who is not afraid to question the purpose of religion and how it connects to everyday life. Clark Strand brilliantly tells the story of the Soka Gakkai International, the largest and most dynamic Buddhist movement in the world and how it has become a role model not only for other Buddhist schools, but other religions as well.
September 8, 2014
Waking the Buddha was an interesting, thought-provoking book.
It was slow at times--probably because it felt like a very long newspaper article. Other times, it felt like I was reading an advertisement for Soka Gakkai International and Nichiren Buddhism.
Over-all, I learned something new and I was introduced to a new way of thinking. So I am satisfied.
It was slow at times--probably because it felt like a very long newspaper article. Other times, it felt like I was reading an advertisement for Soka Gakkai International and Nichiren Buddhism.
Over-all, I learned something new and I was introduced to a new way of thinking. So I am satisfied.
May 15, 2014
Great book on the Soka Gakkai and Soka Gakkai International. Strand discusses the evolution and growth of the SGI on an international level as well as the influence and effects on American Buddhism.
July 19, 2020
Not what was advertised in the description. This was more a history of Soka Gakkai Buddhism. It was also extremely positive in its portrayal. I would like to study it more but this book did not give me what I would like. But hey, you might enjoy it.
Read
July 2, 2015Bias
Propaganda for SGI, not a bad thing but just so you are aware. Great title but I was hopping for something different.
Propaganda for SGI, not a bad thing but just so you are aware. Great title but I was hopping for something different.
June 14, 2017
Interesting read. I am investigating Nichiren Buddhism, myself, and a friend, herself a Nichiren Buddhist, sent me this book to convince me.
I'm not sure it convinced me.
What I did like about the way the book presents this particular style of Buddhism is that it presents Nichiren Buddhism as something that isn't just for rich white people--I have to admit, prior to reading that, I'd never thought about it, but yeah, all my Buddhist friends were affluent and white. It was interesting to notice.
Strand argues that Nichiren Buddhism is also the only religion that is post-tribal (which I dispute) and that it is the first religion that actually supports engagement in the world, and that should create results in the world. I think, politely, some of my other spiritual friends (especially my Mormon friends) would disagree, but the general point is taken if you are thinking, like he is, of the stereotype of Middle America Christianity.
It does, as others have said, read strongly like an advertisement, and his writing style is curiously bland--very much, in fact, like the World Tribune (the SGI newspaper). I'm not claiming he's inauthentic but it's interesting to note, and also interesting to note that he NEVER addresses this--he's Buddhist himself and he tells us how amazeballs Nichiren Buddhism is....but he's not Nichiren himself. Why?
I'm not sure it convinced me.
What I did like about the way the book presents this particular style of Buddhism is that it presents Nichiren Buddhism as something that isn't just for rich white people--I have to admit, prior to reading that, I'd never thought about it, but yeah, all my Buddhist friends were affluent and white. It was interesting to notice.
Strand argues that Nichiren Buddhism is also the only religion that is post-tribal (which I dispute) and that it is the first religion that actually supports engagement in the world, and that should create results in the world. I think, politely, some of my other spiritual friends (especially my Mormon friends) would disagree, but the general point is taken if you are thinking, like he is, of the stereotype of Middle America Christianity.
It does, as others have said, read strongly like an advertisement, and his writing style is curiously bland--very much, in fact, like the World Tribune (the SGI newspaper). I'm not claiming he's inauthentic but it's interesting to note, and also interesting to note that he NEVER addresses this--he's Buddhist himself and he tells us how amazeballs Nichiren Buddhism is....but he's not Nichiren himself. Why?
Read
June 9, 2019"A Japanese Soka Gakkai member once explained to me how important it was to remember details about others' lives. President Ikeda had once told her that there was no form of compassion that rivaled this kind of 'active remembering.' Recalling things about another person not only let them feel known and appreciated, it actually strengthened the bond of human relationships, and that bond provided a network for positive change throughout a community, a society, even throughout the world. At the time it didn't occur to me to apply that same logic to the earth and the diversity of its species. Applied to the environment, 'active remembering' becomes quite literally a lifeline to the planet, because it strengthens the bonds of life that are common to us all, providing the basis for positive change—and ultimately for a sustainable human presence on the planet."
December 4, 2017
There is some interesting information about the Soka Gakkai movement, however, the author uses language that indicates he is not objective about the subject. Multiple times he uses the word "exactly" or "perfect" in ways that seem inflated. As in, it was exactly x years after the first significant event happened that another significant event happened. I understand that coincidences happen, however, his writing transitions from believable journalist to fawning acolyte. Unfortunately, this was my experience when I was introduced to the Soka Gakkai in Japan. I believe the foundation of their Buddhist beliefs but their cult-like devotion to the sect makes me suspicious that they have subjugated their rational mind.
January 23, 2019
If you've been introduced to the Soka Gakkai International (SGI) Buddhist organization and want to know more about the group, this is a great book to begin your search for information. It provides historical context on the organization's foundation and recounts the history of its three presidents Tsunesabura Makiguchi, Josei Toda and Daisaku Ikeda. The book is written by an unbiased non-member and is a very interesting read which lends credibility to the SGI. However, the book is purely historical and doesn't touch on the philosophy or the practices of the SGI.
June 5, 2020
I wish the focus had expanded more on the philosophy and practice. The history is a good contrast, but I think more could have been presented around the SGI practice compared to other practices to better highlight what was different or how this difference is driving our concept of religion. This was left towards the latter part of the book and not given as much time. I would have like to see more comparison and understanding the contract with Quakerism, in which the practice seems more closely aligned to SGI then other religious practice.
October 5, 2022
I still don't know why I should care. Another account of a group who believes in magical thinking. Certainly, prayer, meditation, and mantra practice are wonderful things. Its not a question of finding the correct words and, Abra Cadabra everything changes, however. That's nothing more than magical thinking at its worst, and that is this book.
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