The Way of Youth

December 1, 2000
Gr. 6-12. Ikeda, whose sect of Buddhism emphasizes the Lotus Sutra (which stresses the universal accessibility of enlightenment), sets out to answer, from a Buddhist perspective, the questions most often asked of him by young people. His book, divided into sections dealing with such topics as friendship, love, and compassion, responds to issues ranging from abortion to karmic cause and effect. Teens with a passing knowledge of Buddhism may be surprised by some of Ikeda's conservative advice. His responses are, however, grounded firmly in a doctrine of universal compassion, and his deep empathy and understanding keep him from sounding condescending. Readers will learn something about Buddhist ethics here, but the aim of this book is providing advice--helpful advice first, specifically Buddhist advice second. Nonetheless, teens interested in Buddhism will find Ikeda's caring commitment both inspiring and attractive. (Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2000, American Library Association.)