Journey of Life – Selected Poems of Dr. Daisaku Ikeda, while valuing courage, inspires the reasoning that peace and understanding are the vital factors to build a prospering world.

The collection of verse remains original in style, sharing the reflections coming from Whitman, Emerson and Shelly. The poems are like a rich glade of thoughts which have also influenced Dr. Daisaku Ikeda's followers to understand their mentor.

These translations are the first of a three-volume collection and based on the Japanese Complete Works of Dr. Daisaku Ikeda – spanning from 1945-2007.

As a teenager, Dr. Ikeda saw the tumultuous time of World War II. The period impacted his life in a major way. He became a crusader of peace, a man to relish the true essence of spirituality. He teaches us the way to walk – shoulder to shoulder by speaking the language of universal love.

He says, "The poetic mind is the source of human imagination and creativity. It imparts hope of our life… gives us dreams, and infuses us with courage. It makes possible harmony and unity and gives us the power… to transform our inner world from utter desolation to richness and creativity".

An accomplished poet, and the author of over one hundred books, Dr. Ikeda received the United Nations Peace Award in 1983.

He is the President of the Soka Gakkai International. He is also a versatile photographer.

Geeta Chhabra