Waking the Buddha: How the Most Dynamic and Empowering Buddhist Movement in History Is Changing Our Concept of Religion Paperback – May 1, 2014

Clark Strand is one of a growing band of eminent, independent experts intrigued by the rapid worldwide growth of the Soka Gakkai International Buddhist movement. In 'Waking the Buddha', he sets out to discover why SGI has become more successful than any other school of Buddhism in the contemporary world. Yet this book is much more than just a sociological or academic study. What draws you in and moves you most is not so much the author’s expertise, but his humanity and his concern for the planet. What impressed me was not just the rigour of his intellectual enquiry, but the warmth of his seeking spirit,Clark asserts that SGI has not settled back into the ‘predictable mediocrity of a successful religion.’ He says that 'what the SGI has discovered isn't just a new form of Buddhism. It's a new way of being religious.' He adds: ‘You might say that the Soka Gakkai is Buddhism taken as far as Buddhism - or for that matter, any religion - can go.’ And: ‘SGI is the next model of progress that the world is looking for.'These are bold claims but they are backed by academic rigour and spiritual insight. And Waking the Buddha will be an absorbing read not just for Buddhists but for anyone interested in sociology, religion, philosophy and the future of the planet. I expected to enjoy this book on an intellectual level, I expected to find it insightful and I expected to find it well informed. But Strand’s account of SGI is much more powerful than a mere academic study. It left me feeling grateful, hopeful, uplifted and invigorated. In fact, on a level I absolutely did not expect, I found it waking the Buddha, waking the Buddha in me. More here: [...]

This is one of the best books on the Soka Gakkai in USA and on Nichiren Buddhism out there today. as a 30+ year practitioner, I highly recommend it. The author thoroughly researched the subject and has presented an informed objective view that accurately portrays the largest and most diverse Buddhist lay organization on the planet. For Buddhism to be relevant to this day and age, to be truly contemporary and accessible to the widest and most diverse population is a matter of utmost importance to the survival of humanity and our wonderful home, planet Earth. Nichiren Buddhism has impacted the lives of over 12 million people around the world and transformed people at the very core revealing a way of life of unsurpassed happiness for those who practice it and their environments.This is the true purpose of the appearance of the historical Buddha, Shakyamuni and is based on the Lotus Sutra which he taught as the essence of Buddhism. I am eternally grateful to Mr. Strand, a practitioner of many spiritual paths, a former zen monk and a dedicated journalist for his courageous and very well written work. It is my greatest desire that this book finds it's way into the hands of countless people and exposes them to the Soka Gakkai, it's three founding presidents Makiguchi, Toda and Ikeda and the Buddhism of the Sun - Nichiren Buddhism. Nam Myoho Renge Kyo. Also recommended: Unlocking the Mysteries of Birth and Death by Daisaku Ikeda, The Buddha in Your Mirror by Ted Morino, Greg Martin and Woody Hochswender and The Buddha in Your Rearveiw Mirror by Woody Hochswender.

This book is a surprisingly rounded view of the SGI by a Buddhist scholar who is clearly an expert on religion in general and specifically on many schools of Buddhism. In fact, it is remarkable how much Mr. Strand has researched and clearly understands the basic doctrines of Nichiren's Buddhism, making comparisons to numerous historic figures in a number of Buddhist schools and other religions. This is not a superficial evaluation. The author states that he was given complete and unfettered access to anyone in the international organization that he wish to interview from the top leadership to any of the members. He was also free to attend any meetings he chose when and where he wished.I was impressed not only by his knowledge of Nichiren's life and writings, but also the fact that he appeared to have carefully read The Human Revolution, The six volumes of the Wisdom of the Lotus Sutra and numerous other books on Nichiren Buddhism that show the depth of his research. Among others that he interviewed, he shares parts of a three hour conversation that he had with SGI President Harada, and also talked to members who shared their own personal doubts about the practice. My take is that virtually anyone reading his book will feel comfortable that his appraisal of the philosophy, and the SGI organization his writings are well-founded and objective. A good read!John Glascock

An insightful discussion of the history of one of the rise of the lay Buddhist organization Soka Gakkai in Japan, from its roots in educational reform to its worldwide expansion as a group of dedicated followers of Nichiren, the 13th century Japanese Buddhist priest and Buddha of the Latter Day of the Law. This amazing story of dedication, loss, success in the face of great odds and unprecedented circumstances, is told from an outsider's sympathetic view. Strand admires the attitude and actions of the SG Buddhists and calls for more Buddhists (and relgious folks of any sort) to follow their lead in making religion relevant to contemporary life and social, global concerns. Strand had unprecedented access to practitioners young and old, from pioneer days to new American members. He does not shy away from various controversies the group has faced, including its severence from the priesthood in 1991. A must read for SGI Buddhists, religious scholars, activists, and people who have heard of the SG or SGI but have inaccurate or nonexisting information about it. Easy to read printing and short length makes it a quick & comfortable read.