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- The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace
The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace
A selection of excerpts from the works of President Daisaku Ikeda on the major themes of happiness, “human revolution” (inner transformation), and peace from the perspective of Nichiren Buddhism.
Preface
Part 1: Happiness
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Chapter 1: What Is True Happiness?
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Chapter 2: Developing a Life State of Happiness
- 2.1 Living with Optimism
- 2.2 The Key to Happiness Is Inner Transformation
- 2.3 The Life State of Practitioners of the Mystic Law
- 2.4 Our Happiness Is Determined by Our Inner Life Condition
- 2.5 Happiness Is Found Where We Are
- 2.6 Activating the Limitless Life Force of Buddhahood
- 2.7 Establishing the World of Buddhahood as Our Basic Life Tendency
- 2.8 You Are All Noble Buddhas
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Chapter 3: The Practice for Transforming Our State of Life
- 3.1 The Gohonzon—the Fundamental Object of Devotion
- 3.2 “Never Seek This Gohonzon outside Yourself”
- 3.3 The Gohonzon Is Found in Faith Alone
- 3.4 The Real Aspect and Power of the Gohonzon
- 3.5 The Gohonzon Is the “Mirror” That Reflects Our Lives
- 3.6 The Profound Meaning of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo
- 3.7 Embracing the Gohonzon Is in Itself Attaining Enlightenment
- 3.8 The Mystic Law Exists within Our Lives
- 3.9 A Practice Accessible to All
- 3.10 Chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo Is the Key to Victory in Life
- 3.11 The Lotus Sutra Is a Scripture of Cosmic Humanism
- 3.12 Gongyo Encompasses the Heart of the Lotus Sutra
- 3.13 Gongyo—A Ceremony in Which Our Lives Commune with the Universe
- 3.14 Polishing Our Lives through Chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo
- 3.15 Change Starts from Prayer
- 3.16 Chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo Freely
- 3.17 Chanting with Unwavering Conviction
- 3.18 Developing a Strong Inner Core
- 3.19 Faith Is a Lifelong Pursuit
- 3.20 The Universal Language of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas
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Chapter 4: “It Is the Heart That Is Important”
- 4.1 Living with an Awareness of the Importance of the Heart
- 4.2 Appreciation and Joy Multiply Our Good Fortune
- 4.3 Those Who Smile Are Strong
- 4.4 Polishing Our Hearts to Shine like Diamonds
- 4.5 Mastering Our Minds
- 4.6 Remaining True to One's Commitment in Faith
- 4.7 When Our Life State Changes, the World around Us Changes
- 4.8 Devoting Ourselves to Our Mission
- 4.9 Nothing Is Ever Wasted in Buddhism
- 4.10 Cultivating a Lofty Life State Imbued with the Four Virtues
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Chapter 5: Transforming Suffering into Joy
- 5.1 We Are the Protagonists of Our Own Lives
- 5.2 “Earthly Desires Lead to Enlightenment”
- 5.3 “Changing Poison into Medicine”
- 5.4 Creating the Future with the Buddhism of True Cause
- 5.5 Living with Joy throughout All
- 5.6 Both Suffering and Joy Are a Part of Life
- 5.7 Difficulties Are a Driving Force for Growth
- 5.8 Polishing Ourselves through Adversity
- 5.9 Winter Always Turns to Spring
- 5.10 The Principle of “Lessening Karmic Retribution”
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Chapter 6: The Principle of “Cherry, Plum, Peach, and Damson”
- 6.1 “Still I Will Bloom”
- 6.2 Bringing Out Our Positive Qualities
- 6.3 Live True to Yourself
- 6.4 Appreciating Your Uniqueness
- 6.5 Developing Your Own Individuality
- 6.6 Be a Shining Presence like the Sun
- 6.7 Advancing Freely and Steadily
- 6.8 Everyone Has a Noble Mission
- 6.9 Building a Harmonious World of Brilliant Diversity
- 6.10 The Wisdom for Fostering the Positive Potential in All People
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Chapter 7: Happiness for Both Ourselves and Others
- 7.1 “‘Joy’ Means That Oneself and Others Together Experience Joy”
- 7.2 The Bodhisattva Way Enables Us to Benefit Both Ourselves and Others
- 7.3 The Path of Mutual Respect and Growth
- 7.4 Treasuring the People Right in Front of Us
- 7.5 We Are Enriched by Helping Others
- 7.6 The Bodhisattva Practice of Respecting All People
- 7.7 Accumulating Treasures of the Heart
- 7.8 The Supreme Path of Benefiting Others
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Chapter 8: Facing Illness
- 8.1 Struggling with Illness Can Forge Invincible Spiritual Strength
- 8.2 Transforming the Sufferings of Birth, Aging, Sickness, and Death
- 8.3 Chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo Is the Wellspring of Life Force
- 8.4 Turning Illness into an Impetus for Growth
- 8.5 Falling Ill Is Not a Sign of Defeat
- 8.6 The Buddhist View of Illness
- 8.7 “Faith” Means to Continue to Believe until the Very End
- 8.8 “Laugh Off the Devil of Illness”
- 8.9 Four Mottoes for Good Health
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Chapter 9: Creating a Brilliant Final Chapter in Life
- 9.1 Enjoying a Rewarding and Fulfilling “Third Stage of Life”
- 9.2 Striving to the End with a Spirit of Ceaseless Challenge
- 9.3 The Secret to a Vigorous Old Age
- 9.4 A Source of Hope and Inspiration for a Happy Aging Society
- 9.5 Building an “Eternal Palace” in Our Lives
- 9.6 There Is No Retirement from Faith
- 9.7 Changing Our Attitude toward Aging
- 9.8 Making an Art of Life
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Chapter 10: Joy in Both Life and Death
- 10.1 Consolidating the State of Buddhahood in This Lifetime
- 10.2 Death Gives Greater Meaning to Life
- 10.3 The Buddhist View of Life That Transcends the Suffering of Death
- 10.4 The Oneness of Life and Death
- 10.5 Savoring Joy in Both Life and Death
- 10.6 Advancing on the Path of Buddhahood in Both Life and Death
- 10.7 The Death of Someone Close to Us
- 10.8 Our Own Attainment of Buddhahood Enables the Deceased to Attain Buddhahood
- 10.9 Ties Based on the Mystic Law Are Eternal
- 10.10 Sudden and Untimely Deaths
- 10.11 Clear Proof of Attaining Buddhahood
- 10.12 Transforming the Sufferings of Birth and Death
Part 2: Human Revolution
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Chapter 11: What Is Human Revolution?
- 11.1 The Theme of The Human Revolution and The New Human Revolution
- 11.2 Establishing the Life State of Buddhahood
- 11.3 Human Revolution—A Concept of Key Importance for the 21st Century
- 11.4 Indicators of Human Revolution
- 11.5 The True Benefit of Faith Is Human Revolution
- 11.6 A Never-ending Effort to Transform Reality
- 11.7 Developing Inner Strength
- 11.8 A Process of Unending Inner Transformation and Self-Improvement
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Chapter 12: Transforming Karma into Mission
- 12.1 The Principle of “Voluntarily Assuming the Appropriate Karma”
- 12.2 Fulfilling Our Vow as Bodhisattvas of the Earth
- 12.3 The Great Drama of Human Revolution
- 12.4 All Karma Has Profound Meaning
- 12.5 Chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo Holds the Key to Changing Poison into Medicine
- 12.6 Our Personal Experiences of Changing Karma Give Hope to Others
- 12.7 A Triumphant Drama
- 12.8 Those Who Suffer the Most Can Attain Buddhahood without Fail
- 12.9 A New Guide for Humanity
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Chapter 13: “Faith for a Harmonious Family”
- 13.1 Our Own Human Revolution Is the Key to Achieving Family Harmony
- 13.2 The Miraculous Words “Thank You”
- 13.3 Showing Appreciation for Our Parents Is the Heart of Buddhism
- 13.4 Advice on Raising and Educating Children in the Home
- 13.5 Accepting Others for Who They Are
- 13.6 A Partnership of Deepening Love and Respect
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Chapter 14: “Be Good Citizens!”
- 14.1 Buddhism Teaches How to Live as a Human Being
- 14.2 Be People Who Shine through Their Behavior
- 14.3 Being Responsible, Good Citizens
- 14.4 Kosen-rufu Starts from Actions in Daily Life
- 14.5 Buddhism Manifests Itself in Society
- 14.6 Leading a Contributive Life
- 14.7 The “Greater Self” of the Bodhisattva Way
- 14.8 The Qualities of Global Citizens
- 14.9 Leading Noble Lives as Global Citizens
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Chapter 15: “Faith for Overcoming Obstacles”
- 15.1 Adversity as a Source of Pride
- 15.2 Genuine Happiness Shines in the Hearts of Those Who Have Overcome Hardships
- 15.3 Do Not Succumb to the “Eight Winds”
- 15.4 There Is No Hardship We Cannot Surmount
- 15.5 Never Stop Practicing!
- 15.6 Human Revolution Takes Place amid Our Struggles with Difficulties
- 15.7 Obstacles Enable Us to Polish Our Lives
- 15.8 “An Impasse Is a Critical Turning Point”
- 15.9 The Stronger One’s Faith, the Greater One’s Joy
- 15.10 Not Giving In to Doubt When Difficulties Arise
- 15.11 Difficulties Are Opportunities for Transforming Our Karma
- 15.12 A Buddha Is One Who Continues Striving
- 15.13 President Makiguchi’s Noble Struggle
- 15.14 The Significance of Nichiren Daishonin’s “Casting Off the Transient and Revealing the True”
- 15.15 The Soka Gakkai’s “Casting Off the Transient and Revealing the True”
- 15.16 The Power to Change Poison into Medicine
- 15.17 Encouragement to Members Suffering Natural Disasters
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Chapter 16: Buddhism Is about Winning
- 16.1 Both Buddhism and Life Are a Struggle to Be Victorious
- 16.2 Human Revolution Is a Struggle with Ourselves
- 16.3 Buddhism Originates from Shakyamuni’s Triumph Over Inner Devilish Functions
- 16.4 Winning Over Ourselves Today
- 16.5 Challenge and Response
- 16.6 Stand Up with Faith Based on a Vow
- 16.7 Winning Means Refusing to Be Defeated
- 16.8 “Where There Is Unseen Virtue, There Will Be Visible Reward”
- 16.9 Living the Noblest Life Possible as a Human Being
- 16.10 Leading a Winning Life Based on the Mystic Law
- 16.11 “Summon Up the Courage of a Lion King”
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Chapter 17: Making the Most of Each Day
- 17.1 Leading Fulfilling Lives, Free of Regret
- 17.2 Examining the Causes and Effects That Exist in Our Lives in the Present
- 17.3 “Now Is the Last Moment of One’s Life”
- 17.4 Every Day Is “Time without Beginning”
- 17.5 How We Start the Day Is the Key to Victory in Life
- 17.6 “Strengthen Your Faith Day by Day and Month after Month”
- 17.7 “One Day of Life Is More Valuable Than All the Treasures of the Major World System”
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Chapter 18: Buddhism Is a Teaching of Dialogue
- 18.1 Dialogue Is the Essence of Buddhism
- 18.2 Engaging in Humanistic Dialogue
- 18.3 Buddhist Dialogue Shines with the Light of Human Revolution
- 18.4 Sharing Buddhism Begins with Our Prayers for Others’ Happiness
- 18.5 Perseverance and Compassion
- 18.6 The Key to Sharing Nichiren Buddhism
- 18.7 The Best Way to Benefit Others
- 18.8 The Ultimate Expression of Friendship
- 18.9 Sharing Buddhism Just as You Are
- 18.10 Confidently Sharing Our Convictions and Personal Experiences in Faith
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Chapter 19: Making the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Our Foundation
- 19.1 Three Key Reasons Why Buddhist Study Is Important
- 19.2 Buddhist Study to Deepen Understanding Based on Faith
- 19.3 A Shared Tradition of Studying the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
- 19.4 “Exert Yourself in the Two Ways of Practice and Study”
- 19.5 Engaging in Buddhist Study Is Itself a Victory
- 19.6 A People-Centered Study Movement
- 19.7 Basing Our Lives on the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
- 19.8 Make Study Your Foundation!
- 19.9 Study of Nichiren Buddhism Is the Driving Force for Human Revolution
- 19.10 The Power of Engraving the Daishonin’s Words in Our Hearts
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Chapter 20: Encouragement for Youth
- 20.1 Courage, Conviction, and Hope
- 20.2 The Problems of Youth Are Themselves a Source of Light
- 20.3 You Are Each a Precious Individual with a Special Mission
- 20.4 Seeking Out Challenges for Self-Development in One’s Youth
- 20.5 Always Look to the Future
- 20.6 Keep Moving Forward
- 20.7 Live with an Invincible Spirit
- 20.8 To Young Women’s Division Members
- 20.9 True Happiness Is Having Good Friends
- 20.10 To Appreciate and Care for One’s Parents Is the Basis of Genuine Humanity
- 20.11 Trustworthiness Is the Greatest Asset for Youth
- 20.12 Our Workplace Is an Important Stage for Our Human Revolution
- 20.13 Work and Faith Are One and Inseparable
- 20.14 Those Who Are Strong Stand Alone
- 20.15 Personal Relationships
- 20.16 Love as a Source of Growth
- 20.17 Guidance on Marriage
- 20.18 “Learning Is Light, Ignorance Is Darkness”
- 20.19 Be Suns Illuminating a New World
- 20.20 Cherish High Ideals
- 20.21 Ushering in a New Dawn of Human Rights
- 20.22 Youth, I’m Counting on You!
Part 3: Kosen-rufu and World Peace
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Chapter 21: A Life Dedicated to Kosen-rufu
- 21.1 The Aim of Nichiren Buddhism Is Kosen-rufu
- 21.2 May Young Successors Follow on the Path of Kosen-rufu in Ever-Growing Numbers
- 21.3 Transforming the Destiny of Humanity
- 21.4 Working to Realize a Peaceful and Prosperous Society Is the Hallmark of a Living Religion
- 21.5 Kosen-rufu Is an Unending Flow
- 21.6 The Formula for Worldwide Kosen-rufu
- 21.7 Kosen-rufu Begins with One Person
- 21.8 The Soka Gakkai Is a Magnificent Realm of Inspiration and Empowerment
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Chapter 22: The Mission and Vow of the Bodhisattvas of the Earth
- 22.1 Realizing Our Identity as Bodhisattvas of the Earth
- 22.2 Soka Gakkai Members Are the True Bodhisattvas of the Earth
- 22.3 The Virtues of the Four Leaders of the Bodhisattvas of the Earth
- 22.4 Stand-Alone Faith Infused with a Vow for Kosen-rufu
- 22.5 “This Is My Vow, and I Will Never Forsake It!”
- 22.6 Action Is the Hallmark of Practitioners of Nichiren Buddhism
- 22.7 Awakening People to Their Mission as Bodhisattvas of the Earth
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Chapter 23: Valuing Each Individual
- 23.1 The Aim of Kosen-rufu Is the Happiness of Each Person
- 23.2 Everyone Has a Mission
- 23.3 Treasuring Each Individual Is the Spirit of the Buddha
- 23.4 Each Person’s Life Is a Treasure Tower As Vast As the Universe
- 23.5 All Are Supremely Worthy
- 23.6 Treasuring Those Striving Hard behind the Scenes
- 23.7 Empathy Is the Essence of the Soka Gakkai Spirit
- 23.8 Nichiren Buddhism Is a Teaching of Unparalleled Humanism
- 23.9 President Makiguchi Treasured Each Individual
- 23.10 Working among and with the People
- 23.11 President Toda’s Commitment to Personal Guidance
- 23.12 The Tradition of the Soka Gakkai
- 23.13 Important Points for Offering Personal Guidance
- 23.14 The Key to the Soka Gakkai’s Development
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Chapter 24: The Organization for Kosen-rufu
- 24.1 Advancing with Good Friends Is All of Buddhist Practice
- 24.2 The Soka Gakkai Is a Gathering of Good Friends
- 24.3 The Organization Exists for People’s Happiness
- 24.4 Expanding Our Life State
- 24.5 Creating a United Network of People Dedicated to Good
- 24.6 Discussion Meetings Are the Heart of the Soka Gakkai
- 24.7 Kosen-rufu Starts from Discussion Meetings
- 24.8 The Beautiful Realm of the Soka Family
- 24.9 What Is “Soka Gakkai Buddha”?
- 24.10 Ensuring That the Soka Gakkai Endures
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Chapter 25: The Unity of “Many in Body, One in Mind”
- 25.1 The Unity of “Many in Body, One in Mind” Is the True Picture of Kosen-rufu
- 25.2 What Is the Meaning of “Many in Body, One in Mind”?
- 25.3 Showing One Another the Same Respect As We Would a Buddha
- 25.4 Unity That Embraces Diversity
- 25.5 The Treasure of Harmonious Unity
- 25.6 Unity of Purpose Is the Key to Achieving Our Goals
- 25.7 “One in Mind” Means Sharing an Unwavering Commitment in Faith
- 25.8 Self-Reliant Faith Is the Foundation of Unity
- 25.9 The Fundamental Spirit of the Soka Gakkai
- 25.10 The Power to Unite Humanity
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Chapter 26: Leaders Who Guide Others to Happiness
- 26.1 A Leadership Revolution
- 26.2 Have a Big Heart
- 26.3 Lead by Example
- 26.4 Winning People’s Trust through Compassion and Wisdom
- 26.5 The Organization Hinges on Its Leaders
- 26.6 The Significance of Soka Gakkai Leadership Positions
- 26.7 Living with Energy and Vigor
- 26.8 Finding and Fostering Capable Individuals
- 26.9 What Defines a Capable Person in the Soka Gakkai?
- 26.10 One Person of Passionate Commitment Is Stronger Than a Force of Untold Numbers
- 26.11 Leadership Positions in the Soka Gakkai Are Positions of Responsibility
- 26.12 The Foremost Message of the Buddha
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Chapter 27: The Mentor-Disciple Relationship Is the Heart of the Soka Gakkai
- 27.1 The Mentor-Disciple Relationship Is a Sublime Spiritual Relay
- 27.2 Mentor and Disciple Are Like a Needle and Thread
- 27.3 The 10 Major Disciples of Shakyamuni
- 27.4 The Mentor-Disciple Relationship Is the Cornerstone of Nichiren Buddhism
- 27.5 Walking the Path of a Disciple throughout One’s Life
- 27.6 What Defines a Good Teacher in Buddhism?
- 27.7 Having a Mentor in One’s Heart
- 27.8 The Disciples Are Key
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Chapter 28: The Three Founding Presidents and the Path of Mentor and Disciple
- 28.1 The Strength and Kindness of President Makiguchi
- 28.2 “An Indescribable Joy”
- 28.3 The Soka Gakkai’s Founding Spirit
- 28.4 The Soka Gakkai’s Founding and the Mentor-Disciple Spirit
- 28.5 President Makiguchi’s Lifelong Struggle
- 28.6 Raising High the Banner of Kosen-rufu
- 28.7 The Immortal Struggles of Presidents Makiguchi and Toda
- 28.8 Actualizing the Vision of the First and Second Presidents
- 28.9 Describing My Mentor, Josei Toda
- 28.10 My First Encounter with President Toda
- 28.11 My Training at “Toda University”
- 28.12 Opening the Way for Mr. Toda’s Presidency
- 28.13 The Oneness of Mentor and Disciple Is the Life of Nichiren Buddhism
- 28.14 Reporting Victory to One’s Mentor
- 28.15 Disciples Taking Full Responsibility for Kosen-rufu
- 28.16 July 3—A Solemn Day of Mentor and Disciple
- 28.17 An Indomitable Struggle for Human Rights
- 28.18 March 16—An Eternal Ceremony of Mentor and Disciple
- 28.19 April 2—Remembering My Mentor, Josei Toda
- 28.20 Becoming Third Soka Gakkai President
- 28.21 Taking the Lead in Kosen-rufu throughout Eternity
- 28.22 Writing The Human Revolution
- 28.23 A Chronicle of My Mentor’s Greatness
- 28.24 On the Completion of The New Human Revolution
- 28.25 Realizing My Mentor’s Vision
- 28.26 Carrying the Founding Spirit into the Future
- 28.27 The Eternal Story of Soka Mentors and Disciples
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Chapter 29: A Religion That Exists for People’s Happiness
- 29.1 The Soka Gakkai Is a Humanistic Movement
- 29.2 The Soka Gakkai’s Spiritual Independence—A Fresh Start toward Worldwide Kosen-rufu
- 29.3 The Dawn of a Religious Revolution
- 29.4 The Spirit of Working for the Happiness of the People
- 29.5 At the Forefront of Religious Reform
- 29.6 Responding Wisely to the Times
- 29.7 Embracing Others in Friendship with a Big, Magnanimous Heart
- 29.8 Buddhism Teaches a Path of Life and Humanity
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Chapter 30: The Future Division—The Treasure of the Soka Gakkai
- 30.1 Aiming toward the Soka Gakkai’s Centennial with the Future Division
- 30.2 Treasuring the “Emissaries from the Future”
- 30.3 What Should We Pass On to the Future Division?
- 30.4 Be Good Friends to the Future Division Members
- 30.5 The Seven Guidelines for the Future Division
- 30.6 Life Itself Is a Treasure
- 30.7 Passing On Faith to the Next Generation
- 30.8 Children Are Our Treasures
- 30.9 Fostering Successors Who Will Surpass Us
- 30.10 The Growth of Future Division Members Holds the Key to Victory
- 30.11 Toward the Soka Gakkai’s 200th Anniversary
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Chapter 31: The Great Path to World Peace
- 31.1 Pioneers in a Grand Experiment
- 31.2 Treasure Towers of Respect for the Dignity of Life
- 31.3 Creating a World without War
- 31.4 A New Humanism
- 31.5 The Century of Life
- 31.6 Placing the Focus on Human Beings
- 31.7 Respecting the Dignity of All People
- 31.8 A Realm of Boundless Inspiration
- 31.9 A University without Walls
- 31.10 Education: The Foundation for Peace
- 31.11 Our Legacy to Humanity
- 31.12 Kosen-rufu Is a Great Cultural Movement
- 31.13 The Power of Art to Bring People Together
- 31.14 Restoring the Poetic Spirit
- 31.15 Photography Is a Universal Language
- 31.16 Reviving the Culture of the Written Word
- 31.17 A Humanistic Newspaper—the Seikyo Shimbun
- 31.18 Making Art Available to All
- 31.19 Bringing the World Together through Culture
- 31.20 The Epitome of Human Harmony
- 31.21 Nothing Is More Barbarous Than War
- 31.22 The Starting Point of the Soka Gakkai’s Peace Activities—The Declaration Calling for the Abolition of Nuclear Weapons
- 31.23 Inner Transformation Is the Key
- 31.24 Conflict Arises from the Anger in Our Hearts
- 31.25 The Power to Overcome the Threat of Nuclear Weapons
- 31.26 Dialogue Is the Sure and Certain Path to Peace
- 31.27 Choosing Dialogue
- 31.28 The Wisdom for Interfaith Dialogue
- 31.29 An Age of Humanitarian Competition
- 31.30 The 21st Century Is the Century of Africa
- 31.31 Building a Culture of Peace through the Power of Women
- 31.32 Toward a Sustainable Global Society
Conclusion
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Conclusion: Toward the Future
- 1 A New Series of Seven Bells toward the Year 2050
- 2 Determinations for the Future into the 23rd Century
- 3 Making Respect for the Dignity of Life the Spirit of the 21st Century
- 4 Standing Always on the Side of the People
- 5 The Soka Gakkai Will Always Open a Way Forward
- 6 Forever Connected by Our Great Vow for Kosen-rufu
- 7 Make Your Life a Beacon