Abstract
A renowned philosopher, Buddhist leader, global peace builder, prolific author and poet, Daisaku Ikeda (1928-2023) attracts growing scholarly attention. This paper focuses on his engagement with the literary world from the perspective of a key term in his written corpus: that of a new renaissance, that is yet to be effectuated. The goal is to investigate the meanings this concept takes on from a cross-cultural perspective, given the broad circulation of Ikeda’s work in 52 languages. Exploring how literary forms advance trans-literary messages in this specific case will contribute to the fields of literary criticism, translation studies, literature pedagogy, and philosophy of education at large. Drawing from prose and poetry, and particularly two poems, the paper employs intertextual, comparative, and close reading. It maps two facets of Ikeda’s engagement with cultural traditions against the backdrop of his global culture of letters, as part of a broader scrutiny. Ikeda’s work breaks down norms and demystifies the ways in which professionals work with literature, including scholars and teachers. It transgresses the boundaries between literary genres, literary and non-literary endeavors, it plays with and re-invents literary forms. Characterizing Ikeda’s unique vision of renaissance as one of equality, interdependence, and shared humanity, the paper defines his involvement with the literary as one of the many avenues of his philosophy and action. Affirming the relevance of Ikeda’s literary work beyond the literary realm, this contribution prompts the scholarly community to rethink literary humanities as a space where beauty, tradition, and spirituality meet action.
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
New Renaissance, World Literature, Daisaku Ikeda, Transnational Literature, Action
