Daisaku Ikeda faced the challenges of post-war Japan and these experiences greatly influenced his later pursuits, have a look at his cause of death and funeral details
Daisaku Ikeda who was the former leader of one of the biggest Japanese Buddhist organisations in the world, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 95 at his Tokyo residence. He passed away due to age-related ailments.
Daisaku Ikeda leader of Soka Gakkai cause of death, funeral, bio, age, family, wife, education, net worth
A funeral has already been held with members of his immediate family and the time and date of commemorative services will be announced shortly.
Truly an end of an Era! 🙏🙏
Thank you for all the support, strength and learnings Sensei 🙏#nammyohorengekyo #daisakuikeda #foreversensei pic.twitter.com/IV3nstEJLJ
— reachdebjani (@reachdebjani) November 18, 2023
The world has lot a wonderful man. Most of you won't know who he is but Daisaku Ikeda worked tirelessly for peace in the world. He spoke to many leading figures for decades and wrote peace proposals every year which he sent to the United Nations. Thanks Sensei and rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/AGaTsJX1k5
— cathia akin (@CathiaAkin974) November 18, 2023
He passed away at the age of 95 from natural causes.
Daisaku Ikeda, a prominent figure in Japanese Buddhism was born on January 2, 1928.
Ikeda’s educational journey began at Taisei Junior High School where he joined a group studying Nichiren Buddhism. This marked the beginning of his deep engagement with Buddhist philosophy. He continued his studies at Taisei Gakuin High School and it was during this time that he encountered Tsunesaburo Makiguchi, the founder of Soka Gakkai.
After high school, Ikeda enrolled in the night courses at Toho Gakuen, where he studied literature. However, his academic pursuits were interrupted by World War II, during which he served in the military. The war’s end brought significant changes to Japan, and Ikeda returned to his studies, graduating from Toho Gakuen in 1947.
Daisaku Ikeda lived in Tokyo with his wife, Kaneko Ikeda, whom he married on May 3, 1952. They had three sons, Hiromasa (vice president of Soka Gakkai), Shirohisa (who passed away in 1984), and Takahiro.
Daisaku Ikeda career
Post-graduation, Daisaku Ikeda got involved with Soka Gakkai, eventually taking on leadership roles. In 1960, he assumed the presidency of Soka Gakkai, contributing to its growth and establishing it as a major force in Japanese Buddhism.
Under his leadership, the organization expanded globally, leading to the creation of the Soka Gakkai International (SGI) in 1975 with Ikeda as its founding president.
Ikeda’s career extended beyond religious leadership. He became a prolific author, writing extensively on Buddhism, peace, and philosophy. His commitment to nuclear disarmament led to various initiatives, including dialogues with world leaders and the establishment of the Soka Gakkai-affiliated peace organization, the Institute of Oriental Philosophy.
Ikeda’s initiatives in the realm of education were particularly noteworthy. In 1975, he founded the Soka University in Japan, with a vision to nurture individuals who contribute to society. The university later expanded with the establishment of Soka University of America in California.
As an advocate for peace, Ikeda engaged in dialogues with influential figures such as Mikhail Gorbachev, Nelson Mandela, and Linus Pauling. These dialogues, compiled into books, sought to explore solutions to global issues and promote understanding among diverse cultures.
Daisaku Ikeda’s legacy extends beyond his passing on November 15, 2023. His impact on Buddhism, education, and peace initiatives reflects a life dedicated to fostering positive change in the world.
Daisaku Ikeda’s net worth
Ikeda, the president of Soka Gakkai International, the sect’s global umbrella, had amassed an empire that was put at $100 billion by a Japanese parliamentarian a decade ago as per Forbes back in 2004. His current net worth isn’t known.