La nuova rivoluzione umana 1/2

La nuova rivoluzione umana #1

by Daisaku Ikeda

Through this novelized history of the Soka Gakkai-one of the most dynamic, diverse, and empowering Buddhist movements in the world today-readers will discover the organization's goals and achievements even as they find inspiring and practical Buddhist wisdom for living happily and compassionately in today's world. The book recounts the stories of ordinary individuals who faced tremendous odds in transforming their lives through the practice of Nichiren Buddhism and in bringing Buddhism's humanistic teachings to the world. This 1st volume looks at events that occurred in 1960 when Soka Gakkai was first brought to North and South America from Japan. This inspiring narrative provides readers with the principles with which they can positively transform their own lives for the better and realize enduring happiness for themselves and others.

Genres: Buddhism, Nonfiction, Philosophy, Religion, Autobiography

292 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1995

About the author

Daisaku Ikeda was a Buddhist philosopher, peacebuilder, educator, author and poet. He was the third president of the Soka Gakkai lay Buddhist organization and the founding president of the Soka Gakkai International (SGI), which is today one of the world's largest and most diverse lay Buddhist organizations, promoting a philosophy of character development and social engagement for peace.

Ikeda was the founder of the Soka (value-creation) schools, a nondenominational school system based on an ideal of fostering each student's unique creative potential and cultivating an ethic of peace, social contribution and global consciousness. The school system runs from kindergarten through graduate study and includes a university in Tokyo, Japan, and another in California, U.S.A.

Ikeda was a staunch proponent of dialogue as the foundation of peace. Since the 1970s he has pursued dialogue with a wide range of individuals around the world in political, cultural, educational and academic fields. Over 50 of these have been published in book form, with people such as Mikhail Gorbachev, Elise Boulding, Joseph Rotblat and André Malraux. In furtherance of his vision of fostering dialogue and solidarity for peace, Ikeda has founded a number of independent, nonprofit research institutes that develop cross-cultural, interdisciplinary collaboration on diverse issues: the Boston Research Center for the 21st Century, the Toda Institute for Global Peace and Policy Research and the Institute of Oriental Philosophy. The Min-On Concert Association and the Tokyo Fuji Art Museum promote mutual understanding and friendship between different national cultures through the arts.

Ikeda was a prolific writer who has published more than 100 works, ranging from Buddhist philosophy to biographical essays, poetry, children's stories and photographic collections.

Reviews

[Corrado · Rating 2 out of 5]

I saw that my nephew was reading a book by this author, so I picked up the first one I could get my hands on.

Honestly, I found it really boring. I think the book my nephew was reading might be more interesting, so I’ll have to ask him about it. This one doesn’t say much about this type of Buddhism. Ikeda writes in the third person, referring to himself as “Shin’ichi Yamamoto,” a character who represents himself and his travels to spread Buddhist philosophy around the world.

This book, and I think the others in the series as well, describes travels, encounters, and anecdotes tied to the growth of the Soka Gakkai organization worldwide. It is part chronicle and part reflection on a spiritual mission, but I found it somewhat self-congratulatory, almost like propaganda.

Maybe other books by this author, perhaps less repetitive and not just descriptive, could be more interesting. I liked the historical context and the various people, places, and events of that time described in the book, but aside from that, it wasn’t engaging at all. Unless you are a devout follower of this religion, it is a book you can safely skip.

[Melissa Cabbage · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think it's hard for non-believers to get this book, so I guess I'll write this from a believer's point of view.

I always love Sensei's writing. I love the way he sees the beauty in nature and the potential in every human being, including non-believers. I particularly enjoy the lessons he added into the book, lessons that I think will be exceptionally helpful being a leader myself. I had initially thought the book was going to be boring, but I quickly realised how wrong I was. The storyline is nothing magnificent, yet it's so realistic and relatable, that I don't find it boring at all. It's like reading someone's testimonial, and you don't go, "gosh your life is boring". To know that Shinichi went through all these hardship with a never-die attitude, whether fictional or not, is inspiring. But what I feel inspired me the most, and it works for non-believers too, is Shinichi's way of dealing with people. Maybe it's fictional, as Sensei told us at the beginning, but being fiction does not mean that it cannot be real.

[Rene Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful read! This series is one of my favorites. :)

[Ananya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sensei's first step towards his grand mission of world-wide Kosen-rufu is the ideal road map for all of us disciples.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful insight into the early days of the SGI (Soka Gakkai International).

[Ash · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting read. Gives an insight into the life of President Ikeda and his endeavour of kosen-rufu.

[A Rahul · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a book to understand Buddhism. Could not sustain interest in how Buddhism was being promoted in USA.

[Meghana · Rating 3 out of 5]

An excellent book for people like me, who're new members of the SGI (Soka Gakkai International). Employing simple, concise prose, the current SGI president details his early experiences with travelling the world and spreading the philosophy of Nichiren Buddhism.

I especially enjoyed Ikeda's insights and clever use of metaphor, detailed brilliantly in this book. An easy read that clears up many basic questions about the SGI and its history, while outlining important tenets and beliefs of Nichiren Buddhism.

[Marisela Villegas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Una lectura maravillosa, cargada de sabiduría, y amor compasivo, que te ofrece la visión budista de afrontar la vida y sobrellevar las distintas dificultades.
Una visión amplia del verdadero humanismo, que tanto budistas como no practicantes encontrarán enriquecedor.

[Brian Holly · Rating 1 out of 5]

Surely qualifies as the most tedious autohagiography ever.

[Ceo Incorp]

good

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Too much administrative detail, but good wisdom throughout.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely inspiring...it made me contemplate the purpose of faith and how it can be wielded. I feel that strong faith provides the answer to every problem, and this book presents the experiences of a person with lion-like, unwavering faith - Daisaku Ikeda. His actions are a clear reflection of someone whose selflessness is driven by the tremendous cause of world peace. Regardless of how ~accurate~ the book is of his actual experiences of thought, word, and action, I am tremendously moved by him.

Though I have been regularly building faith, I still find myself harboring doubts about my abilities, the SGI, and other people. This book has shown me the value of perseverance, determination, joy, and earnest dialogue. I am thoroughly motivated to take action and contribute to society more meaningfully than ever.

I'm grateful for this book and Daisaku Ikeda!

[Saj5 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very inspiring book. The journey of worldwide kosen rufu began with Sensei visiting the Americas. In spite of his I'll health , Sensei fulfilled his mission and his promise to his mentor. So much to learn from him!

[Fernanda Cassiano · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommended

Inspiring book! About Shinich journey in North and South America. Such an inspiration for all of us, SGI Members, and for the world! Amazing! Encouraging! Very easy to read and with lots of historical references

[Patricia Coloma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Convertir el karma en misión. Eso lo dice todo. El último capítulo es brillante. Un gran aliento y orientación del presidente dela Soka , que describe su primer viaje fuera de Japón.

[Cynthia McDonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the guidance that Ikeda wrote in this book! In some ways I felt her was speaking to me personally. I can't wait to get to volume 2!

[Kylie Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very detailed and interesting book about how Sensei took the sgi to North and south America.

[Virginia Angiolini]

L’inizio di una storia molto interessante. Il bello di questo libro è che c’è una continua comparazione tra la pratica e la vita che gira intorno ad essa. Leggendolo non mi sento solo arricchita da un punto di vista buddista, ma anche da uno più storico in quanto Ikeda non fa mancare al lettore una buona dose di racconti storici intorno agli eventi di cui parla.
Super consigliato a qualsiasi buddista

[Ling · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sensei knows how to give and deliver good encouragements in the right place, time and people.
He read the mood perfectly that comes from years of experience which I admire this aspect of him and strive to master it in my lifetime.

[Rashmi Raj · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book for people who starting to know more about the faith and Practice. Dr. Ikeda sensei is has written this book from this heart of every line. you can feel that immense effort making understanding people believe themselves to their highest potential in life. As I'm a beginner in this practice, this book is definitely a wonderful way to understand about the practice. I'd recommend everyone who likes to start to read NHR.
Thank you Sensei and NMRK.

[Rachel Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Faith, study, practice

Great opportunity to journey with Ikeda Sensei and learn about his efforts for worldwide kosen rufu. Enjoyable read full of encouragement.

[Felicity Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!