On Jose Marti

Once called "the wellspring of the revolution" by Fidel Castro, Jose Marti (1853-1895) is revered as one of the greatest figures in the history of Cuba. Not only was he instrumental in the late 19th-century cause of securing Cuban independence from Spain. He is also considered one of Cuba's most brilliant writers, orators and formative intellectuals, who provided inspiration to the young Fidel, Che and their fellow revolutionaries by dedicating his whole life to the goal of national political emancipation. Jose Marti suffered persecution and early imprisonment for his convictions, and in consequence is often referred to as the "Cuban Apostle." In this wide-ranging discussion of Marti's life, work and influence, distinguished Cuban poet Cintio Vitier and prominent Buddhist leader Daisaku Ikeda explore their subject's understanding of non-violence; his nationalism that was also a profound openness to difference and dialogue; his spirituality; his poetical writings; and above all his fundamental dignity, humanity, and self-mastery.

Cintio Vitier, who died in 2009 aged 88, was a celebrated Cuban poet and essayist. His poetry books include Extraneza de Estar (The Wonder of Being), Visperas (Vespers), and Canto llano (Plain Song). Cintio Vitier won the National Prize for Literature in 1988, the 2002 Juan Rulfo Prize, and the medal of the Cuban Academy of Science. Daisaku Ikeda (1928-) is the President of Soka Gakkai International, a Buddhist network with some twelve million members in over 190 countries throughout the world. He is the author of over 100 books on Buddhist themes, and received the United Nations Peace Award in 1983.