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

by Richard Hughes Seager

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.

Genres: Buddhism

272 pages, Paperback

First published February 14, 2006

Reviews

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I found it helped me to find answers and conclusions to some difficult questions about the SGI. It also helped me understand the great changes that have already taken place in the SGI and how much I play a part in the "Ruiho-bini" and "Kosen-rufu" to come. It was uplifting, touching and well written and was truly a breath of fresh air to read. The book was a much-needed frank, open and fair-minded discussion and account of the SGI from an outsider’s view. I thoroughly recommend this book to other SGI members and anyone with questions about the organisation.

[Garrett · Rating 3 out of 5]

I expected something more academic, but this take on the Soka Gakkai is more personal and more readable than any other volume I've picked up. Personally, I would have preferred more scholarly analysis (since the author is keen on mentioning his "over educated" perspective) and more mention of the Komeito, but I can't dictate the content of the book. Instead, this book follows the author into the trenches of the Soka Gakkai, meeting with members and leaders, including the controversial Daisaku Ikeda. This book will teach you a lot about the basic tenets and history of Soka Gakkai, but feels more like a smattering of experiences than a thorough history of explanation. Take it for what it is - a spiritual journey by a professor that happens to be studying Soka Gakkai at the same time.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fantastic book that I thoroughly enjoyed reading. Having been brought up in the SGI, I have for most of my life taken its history for granted and never really made any effort to learn more about it. So Seager's book was a great intro. to the SGI and a wonderful review of the impact that President Ikeda and the SGI on the whole has made on the world. It has definitely made me even more proud to be an SGI member now knowing in depth its history.

[Chi Pham · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book started off great, but the last 2-3 chapters worn me out. Perhaps because I do not care too much about Soka Gakkai International as much as I care about its Japanese headquarter, I found myself skimming the last 2-3 chapters. However, overall, the book is a good read, a great introduction to Soka Gakkai and its overseas legacy.

[Fenixbird SandS]

PRESIDENT DAISAKU IKEDA DRAWS FROM HIS RICH EXPERIENCES IN 80 YEARS....