Highlighting Literary Engagement

by Mitch Bogen
Special to the Tribune 

In May, the academic publisher Routledge released Daisaku Ikeda, Transnationalism, and American Literature: Dialogues of the Heart. Edited by Anita Patterson, professor of English at Boston University, and developed in association with the Ikeda Center for Peace, Learning, and Dialogue, the multiauthor volume features nine scholars exploring how American literature and transnationalism were integral to the development of Mr. Ikeda’s Buddhist philosophy and his practices in peacebuilding and education. 

Additionally, throughout the volume, many of the authors engage with the meaning and power of Ikeda’s poetry, the art form that perhaps best demonstrates his commitment to dialogues of the heart—both with his readers and with authors especially treasured by Mr. Ikeda throughout his eventful life.

The contributing authors are Ronald A. Bosco of the University at Albany, State University of New York; J. Ashley Foster of California State University, Fresno; Jim Garrison of Virginia Tech University; Jason Goulah of DePaul University; Ikea Johnson of Salve Regina University; Masumi H. Odari of the University of Nairobi, Kenya; Giulia Pellizzato of Depaul University; Ken Price of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln; and Sarah Wider of Colgate University.

In her introduction to the volume, Dr. Patterson explained that “in these chaotic and divisive times there is a need to clarify the importance of the humanities as a resource to deepen international understanding and foster conflict resolution.” Seen in this light, said Patterson, Mr. Ikeda’s writings demonstrate the transformative power of literature and philosophy” and provide “clear instances of literature’s potential to advance the cause of greater human flourishing.”