Synopses & Reviews
This work is an intriguing study of the Soka Gakkai Buddhist movement--which was founded in 1930 in Japan, spread rapidly after WWII, and has since developed a worldwide following. It provides an overview of the historical importance of the movement as an educational reform society, its development into a sect of Nichiren Buddhism, its success among people living in urban industrial environments, and Soka Gakkai's response to the surrounding social and cultural environment. For example, it provides important details of Soka Gakkai's entry into Japanese politics, including up-to-date information on the relationship between the Komeito (the political party founded by the Soka Gakkai) and the Liberal Democratic Party (its historical opponent in Japanese politics and present partner in the ruling coalition). The book then documents the spread of Soka Gakkai Buddhism to North and South America, Europe, and other Asian countries.
Description
Includes bibliographical references (p. 431-433) and index.
Table of Contents
Foreword,
Phillip E. HammondIntroduction, Bryan Wilson and David Machacek
Part I: Origins and changes in Japan
Soka Gakkai in historical perspective, Noriyoshi Tamaru
The legacy of Tsunesaburo Makiguchi: Value-creating education and global citizenship, Dayle M. Bethel
A Buddhist reformation in the twentieth century: Causes and implications of the conflict between the Soka Gakkai and the Nichiren Shoshu priesthood, Jane Hurst
Soka Gakkai and Japanese politics, Hiroshi Aruga
The changing role of the Komeito in Japanese politics in the 1990s, Daniel Metraux
The role of women, Atsuko Usui
The movement and the Japanese media, Takesato Watanabe
Towards a pillar organization?, Karel Dobbelaere
Part II: International appearances
Immigrant Buddhists in America, David Machacek and Kerry Mitchell
Organizational isomorphism in SGI-USA, David Machacek
Socially inclusive Buddhists in America, David Chappell
Buddhist humanism and Catholic culture in Brazil, Peter Clarke
The British movement and its members, Bryan Wilson
Buddhism in action: Case studies from Italy, Maria Immacolata Macioti
The expansion of Soka Gakkai into Southeast Asia, Daniel Metraux