Kendrick Lamar: Influential People – Akihisa Ikeda

In his critically acclaimed album, 'To Pimp a Butterfly,' Kendrick Lamar pays homage to Akihisa Ikeda, a Japanese Buddhist philosopher and peace activist. Ikeda's teachings on compassion, non-violence, and social justice have deeply influenced Lamar's music and activism.

Kendrick Lamar (Influential People)

by Akihisa Ikeda

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	37642 KB
Print length	:	33 pages

FREE

Ikeda's Philosophy

Akihisa Ikeda was born in Tokyo, Japan, in 1928. He studied philosophy at Tokyo University and later became a Buddhist monk. In 1960, he founded the Soka Gakkai International (SGI),a lay Buddhist organization that promotes peace, culture, and education.

Ikeda's philosophy is based on the teachings of Nichiren, a 13th-century Japanese Buddhist monk. Nichiren taught that all people have the potential to achieve enlightenment and that the best way to do this is to chant the mantra "Nam-myoho-renge-kyo." Ikeda believes that this mantra has the power to transform individual lives and create a more peaceful world.

Lamar's Music

Kendrick Lamar first encountered Ikeda's teachings in 2012, when he was given a copy of Ikeda's book, 'The Wisdom of the Lotus Sutra.' Lamar was deeply impressed by Ikeda's message of hope and compassion, and he began to incorporate Ikeda's teachings into his music.

On 'To Pimp a Butterfly,' Lamar references Ikeda several times. In the song "u," Lamar raps about how Ikeda's teachings have helped him to overcome his own struggles and to find peace in a world of violence and injustice.

Lamar's Activism

In addition to his music, Lamar has also been outspoken in his support of Ikeda's teachings and the SGI. In 2015, Lamar spoke at an SGI peace conference in Los Angeles, where he called for an end to violence and injustice.

Lamar's activism is inspired by Ikeda's belief that all people have the potential to make a difference in the world. Lamar believes that by using his voice and his platform, he can help to create a more just and compassionate world.

Akihisa Ikeda has had a profound impact on Kendrick Lamar's music and activism. Ikeda's teachings on compassion, non-violence, and social justice have helped Lamar to find peace in a world of violence and injustice, and to use his voice to make a difference in the world.

Kendrick Lamar (Influential People)

by Akihisa Ikeda

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	37642 KB
Print length	:	33 pages

FREE