# Daisaku Ikeda

> Japanese Buddhist leader (1928–2023)

**Wikidata**: [Q467395](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q467395)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daisaku_Ikeda)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/daisaku-ikeda

## Summary
Daisaku Ikeda was a Japanese Buddhist leader (1928–2023) who founded the Sōka Gakkai, a Buddhist organization that promotes peace, social welfare, and education. He is best known for establishing Sōka University in Tokyo and Soka University of America in California, which became influential institutions in Buddhist education and social activism.

## Biography
- Born: January 2, 1928, Tokyo, Japan
- Nationality: Japanese
- Education: Studied at the University of Tokyo and the University of Kyoto
- Known for: Founding the Sōka Gakkai and promoting Buddhist socialism
- Employer(s): Sōka Gakkai, Sōka University, Soka University of America
- Field(s): Buddhism, education, social activism

## Contributions
Daisaku Ikeda founded the Sōka Gakkai in 1930, which later evolved into a global Buddhist organization with branches in over 190 countries. He established Sōka University in Tokyo in 1971 and Soka University of America in Aliso Viejo, California, in 2001. Ikeda authored numerous books and lectures on Buddhism, peace, and social welfare, including *The Art of Happiness* and *The Art of Living*. He also initiated the Sōka Gakkai International Foundation for Culture and Education, which supports educational and cultural projects worldwide.

## FAQs
### Q: What was Daisaku Ikeda's primary contribution to Buddhism?
A: Daisaku Ikeda founded the Sōka Gakkai, a Buddhist organization that promotes peace, social welfare, and education, and established Sōka University and Soka University of America as key institutions in Buddhist education.

### Q: Where did Daisaku Ikeda study?
A: Daisaku Ikeda studied at the University of Tokyo and the University of Kyoto, where he developed his philosophical and religious teachings.

### Q: What is Buddhist socialism, and how did Daisaku Ikeda promote it?
A: Buddhist socialism is a form of socialism that aligns with the Five Precepts of Buddhism. Daisaku Ikeda promoted it through the Sōka Gakkai, advocating for social justice, peace, and ethical living.

### Q: What awards did Daisaku Ikeda receive?
A: Daisaku Ikeda received numerous awards, including the Order of Friendship from Russia, the Order of Francisco de Miranda from Venezuela, and honorary doctorates from universities in Canada, Peru, Italy, Spain, China, Australia, and the United States.

### Q: What is Daisaku Ikeda's legacy in education?
A: Daisaku Ikeda's legacy in education includes the founding of Sōka University in Tokyo and Soka University of America, which have become influential centers for Buddhist education and social activism.

## Why They Matter
Daisaku Ikeda's work had a profound impact on Buddhism and global social movements. His teachings on Buddhist socialism and peace influenced millions, and his institutions, Sōka University and Soka University of America, have become leading centers for Buddhist education and activism. His emphasis on ethical living and social welfare has inspired generations of followers and continues to shape Buddhist thought and practice worldwide.

## Notable For
- Founder of the Sōka Gakkai, a global Buddhist organization
- Establishment of Sōka University in Tokyo and Soka University of America in California
- Author of influential books on Buddhism, peace, and social welfare
- Recipient of prestigious awards, including the Order of Friendship from Russia
- Promotion of Buddhist socialism and ethical living

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Daisaku Ikeda was born on January 2, 1928, in Tokyo, Japan. He studied at the University of Tokyo and the University of Kyoto, where he developed his philosophical and religious teachings. His early experiences shaped his commitment to Buddhism and social activism.

### Founding of the Sōka Gakkai
In 1930, Daisaku Ikeda founded the Sōka Gakkai, a Buddhist organization that promotes peace, social welfare, and education. The organization grew to include branches in over 190 countries, making it one of the largest Buddhist movements in the world.

### Establishment of Sōka University
In 1971, Ikeda established Sōka University in Tokyo, which became a key institution in Buddhist education and social activism. The university offers programs in various fields, including humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.

### Soka University of America
In 2001, Daisaku Ikeda founded Soka University of America in Aliso Viejo, California. The university provides educational opportunities for students interested in Buddhist studies and social activism.

### Publications and Lectures
Daisaku Ikeda authored numerous books and lectures on Buddhism, peace, and social welfare. His works, including *The Art of Happiness* and *The Art of Living*, have been widely read and studied. He also delivered lectures and speeches on global issues, promoting his teachings on ethical living and social justice.

### Awards and Recognition
Daisaku Ikeda received numerous awards and honors, including the Order of Friendship from Russia, the Order of Francisco de Miranda from Venezuela, and honorary doctorates from universities in Canada, Peru, Italy, Spain, China, Australia, and the United States. His contributions to Buddhism and social activism were widely recognized.

### Legacy and Influence
Daisaku Ikeda's legacy includes the founding of the Sōka Gakkai and the establishment of Sōka University and Soka University of America. His teachings on Buddhist socialism and ethical living have influenced millions of people worldwide. His work continues to shape Buddhist thought and practice, inspiring generations of followers and activists.

## References

1. [池田大作名誉会長逝去](https://www.sokagakkai.jp/news/2528823.html)
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12. [創価学会の池田大作名誉会長が死去、95歳　教勢を飛躍的に伸ばす. Asahi Shimbun](https://www.asahi.com/sp/articles/ASRCL524QRCLUTIL00M.html)
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16. [Japan's Daisaku Ikeda, longtime leader lay Buddhist Soka Gakkai, dies at 95 - media. Reuters](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/japans-daisaku-ikeda-longtime-leader-lay-buddhist-soka-gakkai-dies-95-media-2023-11-18/)
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