Hope Is a Decision: Selected Essays

For 43 years I have been practicing the engaged Buddhism that Daisaku Ikeda has spread throughout the world over the last 60 years. While you might suppose that indicates a bias on my part in writing this review. On the other hand, you might conclude that I know what wisdom he has. NOTE: this book is neither an introduction to Buddhism nor an appeal to practice it. Rather, it's about hope--how to regenerate it amidst life's obstacles or challenging circumstances.Even after so many years, one needs encouragement now and then. One needs words to share with others, words that provide hope in times of crisis. In the US and around the world we have been in a variety of crises--the worst pandemic in 100 years, poverty, political turmoil and more.This is a very inspirational book of essays, with comments on the wisdom of poets, writers and historians from throughout the world. It's easy enough to give in to despair, as Ikeda points out. At the same time, as the title says, hope is a decision that one can make. He spells it out in a series of essays written over decades. Here's a couple examples. Both are from page 14 an 15 of the Kindle edition.The moment we make a powerful resolve, every nerve and fiber in our being will immediately orient itself toward the fulfillment of this goal or desire. On the other hand, if we think, “This is never going to work out,” then every cell in our body will be deflated and give up the fight. Hope, in this sense, is a decision. It is the most important decision we can make. Hope changes everything, starting with our lives. Hope is the force that enables us to take action to make our dreams come true. It has the power to change winter into summer, barrenness to creativity, agony to joy. As long as we have hope, there is nothing we cannot achieve.There may be times when, confronted by cruel reality, we verge on losing all hope. If we cannot feel hope, it is time to create some. We can do this by digging deeper within, searching for even a small glimmer of light, for the possibility of a way to begin to break through the impasse before

Very encouraged by these essays! Philosophy and thought behind them are so inspiring.

This is the best book on finding hope when you think there is none. If you can't find it, you can certainly build it. Life gets difficult so many times where we can lose hope and think things will never get better. However, deep down inside there a well-spring even a glimmer of hope that can help us get to the next level by just taking a little step. Then taking the next step until we can find the confidence to continue to conquer our weaknesses.

The more I read the more empowered I felt! Every short essay in this book touched me personally and reminded me that I can choose to live a hope-filled life! I not only I feel better but I'm able to encourage others with a deep joy and honesty! Heartfelt and Inspiring!

This book is so encouraging particularly at this time when individuals are riddled with stress, fear and a sense of powerlessness. Mr. Ikeda's book provides a perspective that empowers the individual to move forward and create value despite the circumstances. The book is also a wonderful gift for friends and family.

I love DAISAKU IKEDA's book! I got encouragement from this book.I purchased few of them and give them as a gift! My husband was so impressed it.I really recommend it.Thank you for the seller. I may buy more!

A very personal account of a young man's journey through war-torn Japan and beyond to become one of the worlds most honored scholar and philosopher. Recommended for all.

Love this book. Great encouragement!

A very good book with inspiring stories

This book by Daisaku Ikeda is a hope filled series of essays on how to navigate life.

This book is truly life transforming. It isn’t easy being hopeful when going through a tough phase but as always, Sensei encourages us to stand right back up after falling down.

Awesome

荒れている現代社会と、どう接して行けばいいのか迷っているとき、この智慧と希望の宝庫の書籍に激励されました。生きて行くには、希望と勇気を持って行動をする大切さを教えてくれます。