Clark Strand is a spiritual writer and former Zen Buddhist monk who serves as a contributing editor of Tricycle: The Buddhist Review. In this paperback, he claims that Soka Gakkai International (GGI) has discovered both a new form of Buddhism and a new way of being religious.

Daisaku Ikeda is the present-day leader of this lay Buddhist association that pursues the values of peace, culture, and education. His philosophy is organized around the spiritual practice of putting life first. Another principle is the belief that personal transformation comes through group discussion. A third is an awareness of the dignity of human life which calls for the abolition of capital punishment and nuclear war.

Strand likes SGI's emphasis on community over buildings, its social and racial diversity, and its rejection of a hierarchical priesthood. He also resonates with this organization's accent on creating a Human Revolution driven by mentors and a positive attitude toward life.