The Evolving Buddha: New Perspectives and Dynamic Change in Nichiren Buddhism

by J.D. Gilbert

“I do not think I have ever read anything that has impressed and inspired me more.” José Cavilla Is Buddhism dynamically changing to meet the challenges of the 21st Century and empower humanity? Nichiren Buddhists of the Soka Gakkai tradition would likely say, yes. “So many people say that if they were to take up a religion, it would be Buddhism. For them, and for the thousands of existing practitioners, here is a beautifully written book… Consistently asking the questions the reader wants answered, it promotes a questioning approach consistent with freedom of thought.” Jim Cowan, author, The Britain Potential and editor, Buddhism of the Sun In this book, J.D. Gilbert challenges the preconceptions around this ancient religion by showing how Buddhism has been and remains a dynamic and evolving framework for universal truths and personal transformation. Focussing on the world's largest lay Buddhist movement, Soka Gakkai International (SGI), practitioners of Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism, Gilbert relays wide-ranging research demonstrating that much of what we hold as ‘absolute’ has undergone its own evolutionary journey. In so doing, the meaning and structures of Buddhism are given a refreshing and renewed perspective. Taking six key aspects of SGI Buddhism, Gilbert validates the universality and inclusiveness of this great faith by revealing the human stories that created modern Buddhism whilst interweaving his own personal experiences. “J.D. Gilbert has found a path of heartfelt engagement within Soka Gakkai while retaining a sharp and penetrating gaze on its deeper message. I highly recommend the book for seekers of all stripes who are open to a new or better understanding of a life-changing modern iteration of the Buddha's teachings.” J.M. Walsh, author, Dial Soka Buddhism on the Religious Spectrum The six key themes examined -The Lotus Sutra – Where did it come from and what is its significance? -Nichiren – Who was this spiritual innovator and what is his identity? -Nam-myoho-renge-kyo – How does chanting actually work and can science tell us? -The Gohonzon – What is the true nature of this devotional object? -The Soka Gakkai and SGI – Why do we need an organisation to practise Buddhism? -Daisaku Ikeda – How did Ikeda’s philosophy develop and why is he regarded as a mentor?

Genres: Buddhism

311 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 5, 2021

Reviews

[Tim Janakos · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the greatest books I've read lately on the SGI and Nichiren Buddhism. I've read almost every book that JD Gilbert quotes in the book. However, he covers even areas that I have yet to research on the subject (Thought I knew everything?!). If I were going to recommend one book to someone who might be interested in the SGI or in chanting Nam Myo-ho Ren-ge Kyo, I would recommend this book because it gives so much more of the history and of questions someone might have who is new to this philosophy and practice. JD Gilbert also intersperses the book with his own personal history and his own challenges with the practice and the organization and how he was able to resolve his doubts and his challenges. As a life long chanter of Nam Myo-ho Ren-ge Kyo and member of SGI, this book was a very refreshing read, as Gilbert touches on sensitive issues that others inside the organization and outside the organization may be hesitant to try to tackle. A side note: Gilbert mentions in the book that he tried to get into a meeting in 2007 with Daisaku Ikeda in Hachiogi, Japan and he mentions in the book that a group of SUA graduates took all the extra seats. I was a little sad to hear this, because I was one of those graduates who got into that meeting in Tokyo in 2007 and I was invited at the last minute. If I knew and would have been able to give me seat up to Gilbert, I would have, because I've been fortunate enough to have been in a couple meetings with Daisaku Ikeda in Japan (2004, 2007) and a few in Los Angeles and Hawaii in the 90s and 80s. The SGI is the greatest organization I've ever been in and I'm so proud of Gilbert and others who clearly see the truth about this incredible group and it's incredible life philosophy. AAO! Washoi!

[Ed · Rating 5 out of 5]

In ‘The Evolving Buddha’, J.D Gilbert has done an excellent job in analysing, deconstructing and explaining the essence of Nichiren Buddhism and the Soka Gakkai movement. He at times draws upon his own experiences, as well as the research of academics, to convey the greatness of this philosophy and why many choose to practice it.

Ultimately, this book provides a fresh take on a revolutionary and empowering teaching of Buddhism, that has and always will be evolving.

[Joseph Wickland · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a good read but one gets the obvious impression that the author is not particularly experienced in terms of depth of Buddhist insight. Valuable perspective from a lay person despite my gripes with the book in the first place. Not too many works out there by nicheren Buddhists

[Dan N. · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.1 stars.