Encountering the Dharma: Daisaku Ikeda, Soka Gakkai, and the Globalization of Buddhist Humanism

By Richard Hughes Seager

Book Overview

This engaging, deeply personal book, illuminating the search for meaning in today's world, offers a rare insider's look at Soka Gakkai Buddhism, one of Japan's most influential and controversial religious movements, and one that is experiencing explosive growth around the world. Unique for its multiethnic make-up, Gakkai Buddhists can be found in more than 100 countries from Japan to Brazil to the United States and Germany. In Encountering the Dharma , Richard Seager, an American professor of religion trying to come to terms with the death of his wife, travels to Japan in search of the spirit of the Soka Gakkai. This book tells of his journey toward understanding in a compelling narrative woven out of his observations, reflections, and interviews, including several rare one-on-one meetings with Soka Gakkai president Daisaku Ikeda. Along the way, Seager also explores broad-ranging controversies arising from the Soka Gakkai's efforts to rebuild post-war Japan, its struggles with an ancient priesthood, and its motives for propagating Buddhism around the world. One turning point in his understanding comes as Ikeda and the Soka Gakkai strike an authentically Buddhist response to the events of September 11, 2001.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0520245776
• ISBN13: 9780520245778
• Release Date: March 2006
• Publisher: University of California Press
• Length: 268 Pages
• Weight: 0.95 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

A Beautiful Book

I loved reading Richard Hughes Seager's book, he has a beautiful writing style, he gives lots of insight into himself as well as the subject matter, in this case Daisaku Ikeda and The Soka Gakkai. I thoroughly recommend this book to anyone. As a Soka Gakkai member I found Seager's work factual, thought provoking and he gave me a glimpse of Soka Gakkai that I haven't yet been able to explore myself, reading his book was like being in Japan with him. In my view this book would satisfy an academic as well as anyone interested in Buddhism and the truth. Read and enjoy!

Encountering the Dharma for sure!

As a Soka Gakkai member, after reading this book I was very inspired. It challenged me to look at my practice and feel proud to belong to such an amazing organization. I recommend this book to Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike.

Genuine Page Turner

Believe it or not, this is a book you might not want to put down --they don't come much better than this. It's a very engaging combination of scholarly inquiry and Mr. Seager's personal experience as he traveled to several countries and interviewed SG members at every level, including Daisaku Ikeda. Satisfying, moving, and highly recommended.

go on a journey with Dr. Seager

I found the style of this book to be unconventional and thereby uniquely engaging. This was not just Seager teaching you about Nichiren buddhism, soka gakkai, and Ikeda..but rather him taking you along as he leared about them more deeply himself. Having the opportunity to join a knowledgeable person as he himself derives conclusions and impressions from his experiences makes the book, or the story really, much more interesting and enjoyable to read.

A very insightful look at Buddhism

Professor Seager is maybe more Buddhist than many Buddhists. This book documents his journey into understanding Nichiren Buddhism. It is delightfully full of introspective and yet critical thoughts. I strongly recommend this to anybody interested in global humanism or Buddhism.