The Light of Learning: Selected Writings on Education

Daisaku Ikeda restores heart to education. Envisioning education as a value-creative, peace-promoting process strongly rooted in a profound philosophical heritage, Ikeda's practical prescription places students' needs first, empowers teachers, and serves as a framework for global citizenship. --George David Miller, Lewis University In this collection of essays, Daisaku Ikeda once again demonstrates his commitment to the type of educational practice that honors innovation, discovery, and the creation of value. He demonstrates by example how the seeds of holistic and humanistic education can be nurtured, and how the flowers of peace, culture, and global citizenship can be cultivated. --Larry A. Hickman, Director, Center for Dewey Studies A worthwhile addition to academic and public libraries. -- Library Journal American teachers need not be Buddhists to find relevance in Soka education. . . . The Soka view is that education should not be a means to economic ends but something that is valued for its own sake. While some teachers may find this excessively idealistic, others will be attracted to Soka and Ikeda's plea that educators bring heart and soul back to education. --Teach Magazine. From the Japanese word meaning to create value, this book presents a fresh perspective on the question of the ultimate purpose of education. Mixing American pragmatism and the Buddhist philosophy of respect for all life, the goal of Soka education is the lifelong happiness of the learner. Rather than offering practical classroom techniques, this book speaks to the emotional heart of both the teacher and the student. With input from philosophers and activists from several cultures, it advances the conviction that the true purpose of education is to create a peaceful world and to develop the individual character of each student in order to achieve that goal. This third edition contains 40 percent more material, including some of the authors own lectures to students of the Soka schools, designed to empower young people to make a difference in their communities and the world.