Daisaku Ikeda, Buddhist philosopher and President of the Soka Gakkai International (SGI), passed away from natural causes at his residence in Shinjuku, Tokyo, on the evening of Nov. 15. He was 95.
Ikeda was born in Tokyo on Jan. 2, 1928. He was inaugurated as third president of the Soka Gakkai in 1960 and for almost two decades led the lay Buddhist movement in dynamic growth that also saw important international development. He became Soka Gakkai International (SGI) President in 1975 and Soka Gakkai Honorary President in 1979. He is survived by his wife, Kaneko, and his sons, Hiromasa and Takahiro.
For millions of people around the world, Daisaku Ikeda’s encouragement inspired them to become strong, wise and compassionate.
In Stand Up for Hope and Respect, Ikeda writes:
The Japanese word for mission means “to use one’s life.” For what purpose should you use your precious young lives? Every day that you chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo and use your lives to work for the welfare of others, your community and society, you proceed along the most positive path of life in rhythm with the universe. No matter what adversities may beset you, you can definitely change poison into medicine. … And by transforming your karma into mission, you will be able to encourage and help guide many others.
Stand Up for Hope and Respect, pp. 60-61