Waking the Buddha: How the Most Dynamic and Empowering Buddhist Movement in History Is Changing Our Concept of Religion

"Is there more to Buddhism than sitting in silent meditation? Is modern Buddhism relevant to the problems of daily life? Does it empower individuals to transform their lives? Or has Buddhism become too detached, so still and quiet that the Buddha has fallen asleep? Waking the Buddha tells the story of the Soka Gakkai International, the largest, most dynamic Buddhist movement in the world today--and one that is waking up and shaking up Buddhism so it can truly work in ordinary people's lives. Drawing on his long personal experience as a Buddhist teacher, journalist, and editor, Clark Strand offers broad insight into how and why the Soka Gakkai, with its commitment to social justice and its egalitarian approach, has become a role model, not only for other schools of Buddhism, but for other religions as well. Readers will be inspired by the struggles and triumphs of the Soka Gakkai's three founding presidents--individuals who staked their lives on the teachings of the Lotus Sutra and the extraordinary powerof those teachings to help people become happy"--
Offers insight into how and why the Buddhist movement of Soka Gakkai, with its commitment to social justice and egalitarian approach, has become successful in applying the religion to people's everyday lives.
Is modern Buddhism relevant to the problems of daily life? Or has Buddhism become too detached, so still and quiet that the Buddha has fallen asleep?Clark Strand's Waking the Buddha offers an absorbing, perceptive look at the often-misunderstood Soka Gakkai International movement and at how it is redefining not just the practice of Buddhism but religion itself. An eye-opening book, both fascinating and important. ---Dinty W. Moore, author of The Mindful Writer: Noble Truths of the Writing LifeA practical guide for anyone searching for the answer to the question: "How can I incorporate Buddhist principles in all aspects of my life?" If your practice is waking up, this book is for you. ---Koshin Paley Ellison, Co-Founder, New York Zen Center for Contemplative CareOne of the great challenges that religions face is translating timeless wisdom into timely action for this day and age. No Buddhist tradition has done this as successfully as the SGI, and this book examines the history and future of the movement. A must-read for anyone interested in Buddhism and its transmission. ---Varun Soni, Dean of Religious Life, University of Southern California