Reflecting on the Educational views of Daisaku Ikeda

It is a reflection on the educational views of Daisaku Ikeda. It discusses his views on peace education, promotion of global citizenship and value education. This presentation explores the educational implications of Daisaku Ikeda’s philosophy.

1. EDUCATIONAL VIEWS OF DAISAKU IKEDA PRESENTED BY ANIE KURIYAN M.Ed SPS MG UNIVERSITY

2. “Education is a process of stimulating and awakening people from the very core of their being, enabling them to unlock and develop the power within them to create happiness. For this, passion is key.” - Daisaku Ikeda

3. DAISAKU IKEDA Early Life: Born on January 2, 1928, in Japan, Ikeda grew up during World War II and experienced the devastation of war firsthand, which influenced his commitment to peace and education. Leadership of Soka Gakkai: Became a prominent leader within Soka Gakkai, a Buddhist movement focused on personal development, peace, and social contribution, eventually serving as its third president.

4. Global Activism: Dedicated his life to promoting peace, culture, and education worldwide, founding organizations such as Soka University, the Boston Research Center for the 21st Century, and the Toda Institute for Global Peace and Policy Research. Literary and Philosophical Contributions: Authored numerous books and essays on topics ranging from Buddhism and philosophy to peace and education, inspiring individuals globally with his humanistic vision and commitment to dialogue and understanding.

5. EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY Ikeda advocates for an education that prioritizes the holistic development of individuals, nurturing not only intellectual growth but also character, empathy, and compassion. Central to Ikeda's philosophy is the promotion of global citizenship through education, fostering understanding, cooperation, and peace among people of diverse cultures and backgrounds. Education should instill in students a sense of ethical responsibility and social justice, empowering them to address the challenges facing humanity with integrity and compassion.

6. Views education as a lifelong journey of growth and self-improvement, encouraging continuous learning, self-reflection, and personal development at every stage of life. Values dialogue and understanding as essential tools for promoting mutual respect, empathy, and cooperation among individuals and communities. Encourages the cultivation of creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills to address the complex challenges of the modern world. Emphasizes the importance of education that fosters the creation of value—both for oneself and for others—leading to personal fulfillment and societal benefit.

7. PEACE EDUCATION Daisaku Ikeda promotes peace education as a transformative force for fostering global harmony and understanding. Through his extensive writings, dialogues, and initiatives, Ikeda advocates for the cultivation of inner peace, empathy, and dialogue as essential foundations for building a culture of peace. He emphasizes the importance of education in nurturing individuals who are not only knowledgeable but also compassionate and socially responsible. Ikeda's vision of peace education extends beyond mere conflict resolution to encompass the promotion of human dignity, empowerment, and the realization of shared humanity.

8. Ikeda has also advocated for specific peace proposals and initiatives , including: Nuclear Disarmament: Ikeda has long been an advocate for nuclear disarmament and has proposed concrete steps towards achieving a world free of nuclear weapons. The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW): Ikeda has supported the TPNW, which aims to prohibit the development, testing, production, stockpiling, stationing, transfer, use, and threat of use of nuclear weapons. He sees it as a significant step towards achieving global nuclear disarmament. Dialogue and Diplomacy: Ikeda promotes dialogue and diplomacy as essential tools for resolving conflicts and fostering mutual understanding among nations. Humanitarian Aid and Assistance: He supports initiatives that provide humanitarian aid and assistance to communities affected by conflict, natural disasters, and other crises.

9. Promotion of Human Rights: Ikeda is committed to promoting human rights and dignity for all individuals, regardless of their background or circumstances. Environmental Sustainability: Recognizing the link between environmental degradation and conflict, Ikeda promotes environmental sustainability as a key component of peacebuilding efforts. Interfaith Dialogue: He encourages dialogue and cooperation among people of different faiths and beliefs as a means to promote peace and understanding. International Cooperation: Ikeda advocates for increased international cooperation and collaboration to address global challenges and promote peace and development worldwide. Empowerment of Youth: Ikeda believes in the power of youth to contribute to peacebuilding efforts and advocates for their empowerment through education and engagement in social and political processes.

10. Education for Global Citizenship: He emphasizes the importance of education for global citizenship as a means to promote peace, understanding, and cooperation among people from diverse backgrounds. International Cooperation: Ikeda advocates for increased international cooperation and collaboration to address global challenges and promote peace and development worldwide. Empowerment of Youth: Ikeda believes in the power of youth to contribute to peacebuilding efforts and advocates for their empowerment through education and engagement in social and political processes.

11. CONTRIBUTION OF DAISAKU IKEDA Soka University : Founded Soka University in Japan, promoting peace, human rights, and global citizenship. Boston Research Center for the 21st Century (BRC): Established BRC for dialogue and research on peace, education, and culture. Toda Institute for Global Peace and Policy Research : Founded Toda Institute to address global issues through research and dialogue. Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW): Advocated for and supported the TPNW, contributing to nuclear disarmament efforts. Interfaith Dialogue : Engages in interfaith dialogue to foster understanding among diverse religious and cultural groups.

12. Educational Initiatives : Promotes humanistic education, leadership development, and global citizenship through various educational programs. Literary Works : Author of numerous books and essays on peace, Buddhism, and philosophy, inspiring individuals worldwide.eg: The wisdom of Lotus Sutra: A Discussion, The living Buddha: An Interpretive Biography, Discussions on youth, The new human revolution. Humanitarian Efforts : Supports humanitarian initiatives through organizations like Soka Gakkai International, providing aid to communities in need. Cultural Exchange : Facilitates cultural exchange programs to promote appreciation of diverse cultures and perspectives. Advocacy for Human Rights : Champions human rights and dignity, working to combat discrimination, poverty, and inequality globally.

13. EDUCATIONAL IMPLICATIONS AIMS OF EDUCATION The primary aim of education, according to Ikeda, is the holistic development of individuals who are empowered to realize their fullest potential and contribute to the well-being of humanity. Education should cultivate not only intellectual growth but also the development of character, empathy, and ethical values. E ducation should foster a sense of global citizenship, promoting understanding, cooperation, and peace among people of diverse cultures and backgrounds.

14. CURRICULUM Ikeda advocates for a curriculum that is comprehensive, interdisciplinary, and culturally relevant. The curriculum should provide students with a well-rounded education that encompasses academic knowledge, practical skills, and moral and ethical principles. T he curriculum should reflect the interconnectedness of all fields of study and emphasize the importance of interdisciplinary learning in addressing complex real-world problems. Ikeda emphasizes the inclusion of peace education and global awareness in the curriculum, preparing students to be responsible and compassionate citizens of the world.

15. PEDAGOGY Ikeda advocates for an interactive and student-centered approach to teaching that engages students actively in the learning process. Teachers should employ a variety of instructional strategies that cater to diverse learning styles and promote critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration. Ikeda emphasizes the importance of incorporating values education into the curriculum, integrating moral and ethical principles into all aspects of teaching and learning.

16. ROLE OF TEACHER Ikeda emphasizes that teachers play a crucial role in creating learning environments that foster the holistic development of students. Teachers should serve as mentors and guides, not only imparting knowledge but also nurturing the character, empathy, and compassion of their students. Teacher should inspire students to recognize their inherent dignity and potential, encouraging them to strive for excellence and contribute positively to society.

17. ROLE OF LEARNER In Ikeda's educational philosophy, students are viewed as active participants in their own learning journey. Students are encouraged to take ownership of their education, set meaningful goals, and pursue their passions with enthusiasm and perseverance. Ikeda emphasizes the importance of nurturing students' sense of social responsibility and global citizenship, empowering them to contribute positively to their communities and the world at large.

18. DISCIPLINE According to Ikeda, discipline should be approached as a means of fostering self-awareness, self-control, and personal responsibility. Rather than being imposed through authoritarian methods. D iscipline should be cultivated through: meaningful dialogue mutual respect shared commitment to the principles of integrity and ethical conduct.

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