Insights

Esperia The pride of being golden pillars of kosen rufu

Dedicated to the men of the Soka family. Japan's ginkgo trees come from China. In the Japanese language they are also designated by some Chinese characters that literally mean "grandfather-grandchild tree," because if someone plants a ginkgo now, the fruit will be harvested by grandchildren. I read this explanation a long time ago and still cherish the memory of it. It seems to me that this name means, "I do not live for myself, but for the sake of the generations that will come after me. I will gather all my life force and accomplish great things!" When I look at a tall ginkgo tree, my thoughts go to the people of previous generations who planted it and cared for it.

Esperia People's Buddhism

This book is rooted in the need to want to delve into the historical events that led the Soka Gakkai to emancipate itself from the clergy of the Nichiren Shoshu and what its intentions are as a secular religious association that concretely promotes peace, culture, and education throughout the world. The first part of the volume provides an overview of the history of Buddhism, Nichiren Shoshu and its patriarchs up to the present day, with special emphasis on the narrative of the events that led to the separation in recent times. The second part, on the other hand, deals with doctrinal aspects, specifically: the Gohonzon as an object of worship for the happiness of all mankind; the Gongyo ceremony; the significance of daily practice; and Nichiren Daishonin's Writings, writing and translations. The topics covered, also developed on the basis of sources outside the Soka Gakkai, aim to make this text an agile reference tool not only for those who wish to have a comprehensive overview of the events with the Nichiren Shoshu, but also for those who need to find philosophical-religious information.

Esperia Awakening of the Buddha

Clark Strand, a former Zen monk, journalist and writer from the United States, guides us to discover the Soka Gakkai and Nichiren Buddhism from a novel perspective: that of an "unconverted" sympathizer. Strand points out that the strength of the Soka Gakkai, which has become a global movement in just a few decades, lies in the fundamental tool of discussion meetings, based on sharing experiences and encouraging one another. In his journey within a movement and teaching that have often generated misunderstandings and misconceptions in other Buddhist schools, Strand starts with Makiguchi, the educator who opposed militarism, then portrays his disciple Toda and his insight into who or what the Buddha really was, and arrives at Ikeda's global vision and his redefinition of the role of religion. The resulting picture reveals qualities and strengths that often not even members of the association are aware of, and points to the Soka Gakkai as an example of a modern movement dedicated to the good of humankind.