Daisaku Ikeda and Hope and Joy in Education

• In Event: Hope and Joy in Curriculum Studies: Engaging With Daisaku Ikeda's Thought

Abstract

This paper introduces the session and outlines Ikeda’s core educational philosophy and commitments. Ikeda’s approach to education stems from his Buddhist worldview and is a secular manifestation of it. Ikeda calls his educational philosophy and practice ningen kyōiku, or “human education.” For him, “human education and Buddhism are two aspects of the same reality” (Ikeda et al., 2000–2003, Vol. 1, p. 133). Both seek to enhance our humanity, our being and becoming. To enact such transformative human education, Ikeda advocates for the four interlocking commitments and ideals: dialogue, global citizenship, value creation, and creative coexistence (Ikeda, 1991-2015). Using a bilingual discourse analysis, this panelist explicates these commitments and the unique Eastern philosophies underpinning them.

Author

• Jason Goulah, DePaul University