-- Robert E. Morrell, Washington University

The Odaimoku, which literally means "the title" is used in Japanese Buddhism to refer to the repeated recitation of a mantra. The Odaimoku of Namu Myoho Renge Kyo is derived from the Lotus Sutra, the essential mantra of Nichiren Shu. In this book is also explained the meaning of each single word composing the Odaimoku, so that one might have a deeper understanding of Namu Myoho Renge Kyo and its implications on one's life and enlightenment.

This volume constitutes all eighteen writings of Buddhist reformer Nichiren Shonin (1222-1282) included in the Nichiren Shonin Zenshu (Complete Writings of Nichiren Shonin). Volume 1: Theology 1, published in Tokyo in 1992. The Nichiren Shonin Zenshu is a modern Japanese version of Nichiren's original writings, translated and edited with annotations by modern scholars of Nichiren Buddhism.

A revised translation of the writings of Nichiren Shonin. Great care and scholarship was used to remove the centuries of Westernised idioms infused into the original asiatic languages. These idioms create mysticism where it does not belong or exist, creating great misunderstandings and contradictions where there are none. The Buddha's precious teachings were always based on observable phenomena and actions. The paradigms of Buddhist practice are Practice, Study, and developing a strong mind of determination and conviction. There is no faith required. "Faith" is a Western idiom of belief without substantiation or observable phenomena. This is totally antithetical and corruption of Buddha's teaching. You will find no such confusing language in our corrected translations. We continue to look for such errors and we are dedicated to the mission of correct translation of the Buddha's teaching and the lineage of scholarship that follows.

Gleaned from more than fifty years of SGI President Ikeda's works, The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace provides a window into the SGI president's thought and philosophy. His works are a boundless source of inspiration. They embody a universal message of hope and courage for a world increasingly beset with sorrow and suffering.