Learning to Hope

Martin Seligman

Once a self-professed pessimist, Martin Seligman, the framer of “positive psychology,” asserts that optimism—a deep confidence in the positive potential of human beings—can change our lives.                           NEW

Opening the Door to a World of Dreams, Hope and Magic

Brian Wildsmith

Through his illustrations of children’s books—likened to “sunlight streaming from the page”—Brian Wildsmith has long striven to awaken the creativity of young readers.

Refusing to Hate

Jose Abueva

Jose Abueva’s family was brutally murdered by Japanese soldiers. Yet the Filipino educator’s story is not one of hatred, but of forgiveness and hope for a harmonious future.

The Tenacity of Hope

Václav Havel

Václav Havel was a playwright, political dissident and president of the Czech Republic, whose service to freedom, democracy and human rights will always be remembered.

The Courage to Rebuild

Following the catastrophic earthquake and tsunami in Japan in March 2011, Ikeda applauds the hope, strength and resilience of those battling to rebuild their lives and communities.

The Spirit of Reverence for Life

Wangari Maathai

Wangari Maathai will be forever remembered for empowering women and protecting our planet. She also promoted the Japanese “mottainai” spirit—treasuring life and wasting nothing.

Another Way of Seeing Things

Arnold Toynbee

Historian Arnold Toynbee dared to challenge stereotypes of people and cultures—and was fired from London University as a result.

A Message of Hope

Hazel Henderson

In the 1960s, “ordinary housewife” Hazel Henderson fought successfully to secure the right for children to breathe clean air.

Lion of Freedom

Nelson Mandela

Despite being imprisoned for 10,000 days for his unwavering belief in human dignity, Mandela never gave in to despair.

The Writer's Path

Chingiz Aitmatov

Author of what has been called “the most beautiful love story in the world,” Chingiz Aitmatov underwent severe suffering in his youth.

What is Happiness?

Happiness remains the most cherished yet elusive of all human desires. Ikeda asserts that life can be complete with or without the usual requisites of happiness—family, wealth and recognition. The key, he says, lies within.

Coping with Loss

The pain of losing a loved one may never be healed by time alone. Ikeda stresses however, the bonds shared with those we love continue, and that it is possible to learn from tragedy and even lead a fuller life as a result.

Life and Death

Buddhism holds that life and death are indivisible, a dynamic continuum that eternally alternates from one state to the other. Discover a new appreciation for life through a redefinition of death.

A Piece of Mirror: Wartime Memories

Ikeda’s personal account of the suffering and sorrows of war experienced by his family that fueled his lifelong opposition to war and commitment to dialogue as a path to peace.

My Mother

In this touching portrayal of his mother, Ikeda describes the depths of her inner strength and hope in the face of poverty, war and personal loss, and her lasting impact on his life.

Facing Challenges

Whilst the stark truth is that hardship and difficulties are inevitable and inescapable, the definitive question may be whether we yield under their weight or use them as an opportunity to better ourselves.

Raising Children

What is the greatest gift a parent can bequeath to a child? Ikeda believes the ultimate goal of child-rearing lies in nurturing in children the fortitude to prevail over the tests of life and belief in their limitless potential.

The Teachers of My Childhood

Even as the storms of war darkened his childhood, Ikeda recalls those who helped brighten his life by planting the seeds of hope and courage.

Human Revolution

Revolutions have come and gone, but human revolution, a self-directed process of inner change for the better, is the most meaningful transformation there is. If Ikeda’s vision and values are defined by a single tenet, this is it.

To My Young Friends

Whatever your age, Ikeda proposes relishing all challenges and difficulties as opportunities for personal growth and fostering the ideals, dreams and compassion to create a better world for everyone.

Cause and Effect

An explanation of the ultimately positive and hopeful perspective of Buddhism on how cause and effect operate in our lives throughout the cycles of birth and death.

Valuing Diversity

If people are truly searching for ways to peacefully coexist in a world of diversity, the author urges that we first look inward. What we find may enable us to transcend our differences and reaffirm our common humanity.

The Power of Words

What is the most powerful tool for change and enrichment in the world? Ikeda maintains it is our ability to engage in dialogue, the exchange of ideas and ideals that is uniquely human.

Staying Young

Insights into staying youthful from an octogenarian who shouldn’t have lived beyond his thirties. Ikeda reminds us that our approach to aging and death will have a major impact on the quality of the final chapters of our lives.

The Creative Spirit

A vivid description of the challenges and rewards of living a creative and active life; the opening and expansion of one’s inner life that leads to a true sense of fulfillment.