Unlocking the Mysteries of Birth & Death: . . . And Everything in Between, A Buddhist View Life [Paperback]

Daisaku Ikeda (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 2004

This introduction to Nichiren Buddhism explores the philosophical intricacies of life and reveals the wonder inherent in the phases of birth, aging, and death. Core concepts of Nichiren Buddhism, such as the ten worlds and the nine consciousnesses, illustrate the profundity of human existence. This book provides Buddhists with the tools they need to fully appreciate the connectedness of all beings and to revolutionise their spiritual lives based on this insight. Also explored are how suffering can be transformed to contribute to personal fulfilment and the well-being of others and how modern scientific research accords with ancient Buddhist views. Ultimately, this is both a work of popular philosophy and a book of compelling, compassionate inspiration for Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike that fosters a greater understanding of Nichiren Buddhism.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Daisaku Ikeda is the president of the Soka Gakkai International, a lay Buddhist association pursuing the values of peace, culture, and education. He is the author of "Choose Hope", "For the Sake of Peace", and "On Being Human".

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Middleway Press; 2nd edition (January 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0972326707
• ISBN-13: 978-0972326704
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #151,811 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Daisaku Ikeda is the president of the Soka Gakkai International and the founder of the Soka University of America. He is the author of For the Sake of Peace, Unlocking the Mysteries, and The Way of Youth.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

40 of 42 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A superb treatise on faith and the human condition, March 6, 2004

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Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Unlocking the Mysteries of Birth & Death: . . . And Everything in Between, A Buddhist View Life (Paperback)

Now in a newly published second edition, Unlocking The Mysteries Of Birth & Death... And Everything In Between, superbly written by Daisaku Ikeda (a spiritual leader, Nichiren Buddhist teacher, and president of the Soka Gakkai International), is a philosophical exploration of the mysteries of nature and deep pondering on innate questions such as "What is life?" "Where does it come from?" "Where does it go after death?" "How do we overcome the sufferings that lie in between?" An inspirational guide offering wisdom to cope with the terrible tragedies of life as well as the frustrations of daily minutiae, Unlocking The Mysteries Of Birth & Death... And Everything In Between is a superb treatise on faith and the human condition from a Buddhist perspective.

33 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book, March 12, 2004

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Expedient Being (Frisco, TX) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Unlocking the Mysteries of Birth & Death: . . . And Everything in Between, A Buddhist View Life (Paperback)

This is a good follow up book after The Buddha In Your Mirror. If you like to learn more about Buddhism this is the right book for you. No need to get all confused reading Zen books. This is it. Simple explanations about Buddhism and its view on life and death. It's a collector's item and A MUST HAVE.

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Unlocking the Mysteries of Birth & Death by Daisaku Ikeda, April 27, 2005

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Seeker "Debbie" (Portland, OR USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Unlocking the Mysteries of Birth & Death: . . . And Everything in Between, A Buddhist View Life (Paperback)

I just finished reading through/discussing this book with a small book club. We took about 6 months, meeting an average of twice a month. Although we, admittedly, went off topic as much as we stayed on topic, our discussions were an impetus to read and ponder the messages and teachings in this books. And our readings/ discussions led us to deeper understanding of life and how to view the various life challenges each of us is facing. I highly recommend this book to anyone at ANY level of understanding of Eastern wisdom...you will be awakened to many helpful concepts.