Johan Galtung, founder of the International Peace Research Institute, and Daisaku Ikeda, president of the lay Buddhist association Soka Gakkai International, explore the interface between Buddhism and nonviolent solutions to global conflict.
The two men have in common bitter personal memories of World War II. During the German occupation of Norway, Galtung's father was imprisoned in a concentration camp for his resistance activities. Ikeda's older brother died in combat, adding to the devastation he and his family experienced during the war. They share aspirations, informed by these tragedies, for global peace.
Far from abstract, their quest inspires concrete proposals for not only the world of politics but also religion. The two look, for example, with a critical eye at the merits and demerits of Buddhism as a source of social transformation. In the course of their discussion, they outline the requirements of a Buddhism relevant to and sufficient for the 21st century.
Galtung and Ikeda probe the viability of nonviolence in discussing the institution and status of universal human rights. The death penalty, nationalism, fundamentalism, arms proliferation, and social and environmental degradation are among the many issues considered. The roles of civil society and international governance are also specifically examined.
Galtung and Ikeda identify the structural, psychological and spiritual as well as physical sources of violence and unrest. Within the context of these complex realities, their dialogue addresses the role of Buddhism in formulating peaceful solutions.
ISBN 0-7453-1040-0
Daisaku Ikeda - Johan Galtung
Engelsk/Dialog