Daisaku Ikeda

Daisaku Ikeda is the current honorary president of the SGI. He is a writer, scholar, poet and activist for peace whom many SGI members are proud to consider a mentor. The mentor-and-disciple relationship is key to Buddhism. In Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism, it is considered to be a relationship of equals.

President Ikeda was second Soka Gakkai President Toda’s leading disciple. He was inaugurated as the third president of the Soka Gakkai in 1960 at age 32. He held this post until 1979, when he became honorary president of the Soka Gakkai in Japan. He became president of the Soka Gakkai International, formed in 1975 as an association linking the many national organizations around the world, and continues to serve in that capacity, communicating the spirit and practice of Nichiren Buddhism in modern terms.

Two notable trends have marked the era of Ikeda’s leadership. The first is the continued growth of the organization, which currently numbers approximately 12 million individuals, with more than a million practicing in countries other than Japan.

The second notable trend under Ikeda’s leadership has been the “opening up” of the organization – the development of working relationships worldwide with individuals and organizations on issues of global concern. This cooperation falls into three broad, overlapping categories: peace, culture and education.

President Ikeda plays a central role for SGI as guide, ambassador and friend to many members. His numerous writings explain Buddhism in a modern context, and provide much encouragement and wisdom for daily life.

His life’s work and achievements are detailed at this website: Daisaku Ikeda: Buddhist Philosopher, Peacebuilder, Educator

– some text from SGI-USA Resource Guide