[Ikeda Forum] Engaging Difference in an Age of Division: The Power of Dialogue and Human Revolution in Restoring Our Shared Humanity

Join us for our 21st annual Ikeda Forum for Intercultural Dialogue on Friday, September 26, from 7:00 - 8:45 pm ET. Named after Center founder Daisaku Ikeda in honor of his untiring commitment to dialogue, this signature event brings scholars from diverse disciplines and backgrounds together to investigate the peacebuilding potential of key ideas drawn from Buddhist humanism. This year’s forum is titled, “Engaging Difference in an Age of Division: The Power of Dialogue and Human Revolution in Restoring Our Shared Humanity,” and features a panel discussion with four renowned scholars and peacebuilders: 

• Catia Confortini, Professor of Peace and Justice Studies, Wellesley College (moderator)
• Nadya Hajj, Associate Professor of Peace and Justice Studies, Wellesley College
• Anna Ikeda, Representative to the UN for Disarmament of Soka Gakkai International (SGI) and Program Coordinator for Disarmament at the SGI Office for UN Affairs
• James McCarty, Clinical Assistant Professor of Religion and Conflict Transformation; Director, Tom Porter Religion and Conflict Transformation Program, Boston University

In light of the deep divisions of our current moment, this year’s forum theme draws its inspiration from the following words of Mr. Ikeda: 

…transforming the course of human history will require of each individual a truly profound inner resolution, an existential determination to seek one’s fundamental, inherent humanity and to transform one’s entire being–an endeavor that we… call human revolution.

Crucial to this process is an awareness of the existence of others–to have what might be called an internalized other. It is only through intense spiritual interaction that humans grow and mature. An inner, spiritual dialogue is a necessary prerequisite for any attempt at external dialogue.

The forum will include a pre-event reception with food, icebreaker activities, small group discussions and reflections, and more.

Free admission. Pre-event reception with food begins at 6:30 pm. 

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