The following list chronicles Ikeda Sensei’s study lectures published after the Soka Gakkai’s spiritual independence from the Nichiren Shoshu priesthood on November 28, 1991. These lectures on Nichiren Daishonin’s writings appeared in the Soka Gakkai’s daily newspaper, Seikyo Shimbun, and monthly study journal, Daibyakurenge. They showcase Sensei’s wide-ranging efforts and his vast compendium of works that express his ideals for establishing the principles of a new humanism for all people that will illuminate the path to happiness for humankind far into the future.
The Heart of the Lotus Sutra
This work provides a line-by-line explanation of the portions of the Lotus Sutra’s “Expedient Means” (2nd) and “The Life Span of the Thus Come One” (16th) chapters that we recite in our daily practice of gongyo. Beyond the literal meaning of the text, Sensei offers a “living interpretation” for putting the sutra’s teachings into practice.
• Series start in Seikyo Shimbun: May 1995
• In World Tribune: May 1995 (titled then “Lectures on the ‘Expedient Means’ and ‘Life Span’ Chapters of the Lotus Sutra”)
• Total installments: 45
• Published in English in a one-volume book
Learning From the Gosho: The Eternal Teachings of Nichiren Daishonin
Focusing on strengthening the foundation of Buddhist practice and study, Sensei examines select writings by Nichiren Daishonin, clarifying the humanistic philosophy of Buddhism.
• Series start in Seikyo Shimbun: March 1996
• In Living Buddhism: December 1997
• Total installments: 20
• Available in English in a one-volume book; reprint coming soon
The Wisdom of the Lotus Sutra
In this dialogue series, Sensei discusses with Soka Gakkai study department leaders key points from each of the Lotus Sutra’s 28 chapters and how to apply them to our lives today.
• Series start in Daibyakurenge: February 1995
• In Living Buddhism: April 1995 issue of Seikyo Times (now Living Buddhism)
• Total installments: 53
• Published in English in six volumes
The World of Nichiren’s Writings
With Nichiren’s writings as its centerpiece, Sensei discusses the times, life and teachings of the Daishonin.
• Series start in Daibyakurenge: January 2002
• In Living Buddhism: April 2002
• Total installments: 27
• Published in English in four volumes. Revised edition of part 1 published in 2023.
The Opening of the Eyes: SGI President Ikeda’s Lecture Series
Sensei lectures on this key writing by the Daishonin, exploring the essence of Nichiren Buddhism and the SGI’s unwavering commitment to enable all people to achieve peace and happiness.
• Series start in Daibyakurenge: May 2004
• In Living Buddhism: November 2004
• Total installments: 20
• Available in English in a one-volume book
On Attaining Buddhahood in This Lifetime: SGI President Ikeda’s Lecture Series
Sensei offers insights on Nichiren’s letter “On Attaining Buddhahood in This Lifetime,” elucidating the basic theory and practice of Nichiren Buddhism.
• Series start in Daibyakurenge: January 2006
• In Living Buddhism: September 2006
• Total installments: 7
• Available in English in a one-volume book
The Heritage of the Ultimate Law of Life: SGI President Ikeda’s Lecture Series
Focusing on key passages of this writing by Nichiren, Sensei outlines Nichiren Buddhism’s hope-filled view of life and death and how ordinary people can carry on the heritage of faith through working together for the happiness of others with the same spirit as their mentor.
• Series start in Daibyakurenge: August 2006
• In Living Buddhism: May 2007
• Total installments: 13
• Available in English in a one-volume book
Learning From the Writings: The Hope-filled Teachings of Nichiren Daishonin
Highlighting letters Nichiren Daishonin wrote to individual followers, Sensei elucidates the limitless hope we can find in these writings to break through all hardships.
• Series start in Daibyakurenge: September 2007
• In Living Buddhism: July 2008
• Total installments: 15
• Available in English in a one-volume book
“The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin and the Mentor-Disciple Relationship”
In each installment, Sensei lectures on a key passage from the Daishonin’s writings and expounds how the mentor-disciple spirit is conveyed in that passage.
• Series start in Seikyo Shimbun: September 2007
• In World Tribune: April 2009 (installments 1–13 were translated into English and published in World Tribune; the remaining installments have not yet been translated)
• Total installments: 31
Youth and the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Sensei discusses with Soka Gakkai youth leaders essential points for living a victorious youth based on Nichiren’s writings.
• Series start in Seikyo Shimbun: January 2010
• In World Tribune: February 2010
• Total installments: 18
• Available in English as a one-volume book
Learning From Nichiren’s Writings: The Teachings for Victory
Through these lectures on selected letters by Nichiren, Sensei encourages SGI members to forge ahead in advancing kosen-rufu with an ever-victorious spirit.
• Series start in Daibyakurenge: January 2009
• In Living Buddhism: November 2009
• Total installments: 71
• Available in English in seven volumes
The Buddhism of the Sun—Illuminating the World
At times using sub-series to address certain themes or activity groups, Sensei lectures on select passages from Nichiren’s writings conveying in various ways that the time has come for the “sun” of Buddhist humanism to illuminate the world.
• Series start in Daibyakurenge: May 2015
• In Living Buddhism: February 2016
• Total installments: 104
• Various sub-series have been published in book form in English
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