A Sketch on Daisaku Ikeda as a Jamesian Psychologist of Religion

This essay examines whether Daisaku Ikeda can be considered a Jamesian psychologist of religion. It first identifies a shared concern between William James's psychology of religion as a distinct movement and Ikeda's view of religion in a secular world. It then articulates Ikeda's notion of self and the role of mediating symbols in religion, discourse, and the arts, relating these to James's psychology of religion. Finally, it raises critical questions for further development of the thesis.

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Abstract

This essay attempts to determine whether Daisaku Ikeda can be seen as a Jamesian psychologist of religion. Concerning the development of this essay, it first focuses on a common concern that exists if we look at the work of William James and the Psychology of Religion in terms of how it exists as a distinct movement and how it is related to Ikeda’s perception of religion within a secular world. Next, this essay articulates his notion of self and the role of mediating symbols as this exists, especially in religion, in discourse, and in the arts in correspondence and relation to James’ Psychology of Religion. Finally, this essay critically raises questions that point to further developments as regards the thesis of this article.