For the Sake of Peace: A Buddhist Perspective for the 21st Century

by Daisaku Ikeda

Book Overview

Based on 20 years of university lectures and proposals to the United Nations, this book addresses the issue of peace from the Buddhist perspective of compassion, interconnectedness of all life, and... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0967469724
• ISBN13: 9780967469720
• Release Date: January 2001
• Publisher: Middleway Press
• Length: 272 Pages
• Weight: 1.15 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 6.3" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

For a Peaceful realm

Sir Ikeda mentioned numerous intellectuals Gabriel Marcel "Abstract Spirit" Leonardo Da Vinci his relentless pursuit of machine through nature etc. Needs an open mind to understand words in these book Sir Ikeda enlighten me in this era

Humanism Altruism and Righteous Compassion is the Way to Go

SGI President Ikeda's clean-cut and relatively important perspective on Peace is greatly emphasized in this book. His humanistic ideals which he incorporates from Nichiren Buddhism greatly reflect both his hope AND action toward a peaceful world. I particularly admired his propositions to make and enhance a more positive environment among our racially, socially and spiritually diversed society---given all for the sake of eveyrone's happiness and the achievement of peace. President Ikeda truly understands the formula needed to lead everyone to their own content and happiness and how can human beings create a more beneficial environment for themselves. His ideas on humanism, altruism and peace are realistic and something that is truly relevant in our disturbed society. A very good scholarly work worth every penny. You'll not regret reading this one.

What we need today

Daisaku Ikeda outlines steps towards a peaceful planet.Quoting philosophers, historians, heroes, he sets out a guide to making peace possible. "If you want peace, prepare for peace." In this time of war, war and more war, to know there are people actively working towards a peaceful planet and future is very encouraging. Ikeda explains how we each have to start with ourselves, our family, our community. Through dialogue, and a commitment to truly desire peace. For those who believe we do not have to go to war to make a peaceful world.

A refreshing change from the usual esoteric Buddhist fare

This excellent and well informed book will be of great interest to anyone interested in the historic and philosophic dynamics of our changing world. Ikeda is a wonderful writer whose understanding of Buddhism, Christianity and other world religions helps us to see current world conditions more clearly. His ability to incorporate the teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha and Nichiren into a discussion of world history and contemporary discourse will be welcomed by those who have felt confused by the esoteric approach of other Buddhist writings. As an avid reader and writer, Ikeda has cultivated great skill in presenting complex intellectual ideas in a way that makes them relevant to the everyday lives of individuals. Addressing such approaches to history and culture as relativism, universalism, orientalism, concepts of time and war cultures he makes a convincing presentation of peace and global harmony as attainable goals. The structure of this book is clear and easy to reference, making it an excellent text for teachers and activists. For a reader who has found so much of contemporary Buddhist writings alienating and unrealistic this book is a refreshing and exciting addition to social dialogue on how to create a better world. Highly recommended.

Enthusiastically recommended reading for peace activists

For The Sake Of Peace: Seven Paths To Global Harmony, A Buddhist Perspective is the result of more than 25 years of UN Peace prize recipient, spiritual leader, educator, and philosopher Daisaku Ikeda's proposals to the United Nations and lectures at universities around the world. With his vision for achieving peace in the new century based upon the life- affirming teachings of Nichiren (13th century Japanese Buddhist teacher and reformer) as well as great world thinkers and philosophers ranging from Confucius, Plato, and Aristotle, to Tolstoy, Gandhi, and Toynbee, Ikeda reveals the issue of peace from the Buddhist perspective of compassion, the interconnectedness of all life, and an absolute respect for human life. For The Sake Of Peace offers "seven paths" ranging from self-mastery and dialogue to global awareness and disarmament that if taken will show humanity the way to live happily together on our finite planet. For The Sake Of Peace is enthusiastically recommended reading for peace activists, students of Buddhist philosophy, and those who have followed and appreciated Daisaku Ikeda's work and thought for the past three decades.