Essays
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Wisdom for creating happiness and peace - Happiness
This volume contains several excerpts from President Ikeda's writings, selected from an immense variety of sources spanning many decades and including speeches, essays, lectures and dialogues. Sharing with readers his deep knowledge, enriched by his own personal experience, Daisaku Ikeda outlines the distinctive features of Nichiren Daishonin Buddhism, a teaching that enables all people to manifest the inherent Buddha nature of their lives, leading them to absolute happiness. Daisaku Ikeda also guides us to understand that the happiness of the individual is closely linked to the happiness of others and makes clear how important it is to be happy in life as well as at the moment of death. "To this day I still vividly remember the conversation I had with my teacher Josei Toda on the day I first met him: 'There is something I would like you to explain to me,' [...] 'Of course, ask whatever you want. "Sir, what is the correct way to live?" With strong conviction he introduced me to Nichiren Daishonin's philosophy of life, encouraging me to study it and put it into practice with youthful energy by cultivating noble ideals. Since that time I have relentlessly walked the path of master and disciple." Daisaku Ikeda, from the Preface. Revised and updated edition of the book previously published under the title What is Happiness
€13,90
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Esperia The immense power of prayer
"To pray, in Nichiren Buddhism, is to make a vow to win absolutely," says Master Ikeda in one of the five lectures in this volume from the series "Sun Buddhism." Beginning with passages from Nichiren Daishonin's writings, the author addresses the topic of prayer, clarifying that prayer based on the Lotus Sutra is a prayer sure to be answered and that through the recitation of Nam myoho renders kyo we can turn everything that happens to us in a positive direction, with the confidence that even one daimoku brings immeasurable benefits. Daisaku Ikeda (1928-2023) was a Buddhist teacher, peacemaker, educator, author and poet. He was president of the international Buddhist lay association Soka Gakkai International (SGI), which has members in 192 countries and territories around the world. He was founder of the Institute of Eastern Philosophy and Soka University. In 1983 he was awarded the United Nations Peace Prize.
€7,90
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Esperia editions The Life of Master Ikeda
Daisaku Ikeda (1928-2023) exemplified boundless courage, compassion and wisdom based on Buddhist teachings and the noble spirit of non-duality of master and disciple. His figure is to be counted among the most eminent in the history of Buddhism, having spread the Buddhist philosophy of respect for the dignity of life throughout the world, expanding the Soka Gakkai peace movement to 192 countries and territories.The six essays in this book trace some of the major events in Ikeda's life and his impact in the history of world Buddhism, from the years of his youth and meeting with his teacher Josei Toda to his inauguration as the third president of the Soka Gakkai; from his shared struggles with fellow believers in Japan to the creation of a global movement for peace, culture and education; from his engagement in dialogue with personalities from the most diverse geographical and cultural backgrounds to his "struggle of the pen" as a prolific writer and poet, carried on tirelessly over the years. Until the final undertaking of his life, that of giving concrete form to the Soka educational system, a pedagogical framework that spans the entire school cycle, from preschools to Soka University. He also founded several institutions for the promotion and dissemination of culture and peace such as the Institute of Oriental Philosophy, the Tokyo Fuji Art Museum, and the Min On Concert Association. In 1983 he was awarded the United Nations Peace Prize.
€13,00
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Esperia editions Readings from my youth
Daisaku Ikeda's essays on literary masterpieces. Daisaku Ikeda's fervent passion for reading shines through the pages of this book. This tour of world literature-books, the author tells us, that helped form the "spiritual structure" of his life-will be inspiring. Throughout the chapters we meet heroes, revolutionaries and villains. We hear poets sing their praises to the human spirit and engage alongside philosophers who challenged the established order and illuminated a new way forward. Be moved by the author's words as you discover how great literature can enrich and strengthen Buddhist practice and help bring peace and justice to the world today.
€9,90
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Esperia Alarm bell for the 21st century
Rebuilding a healthy and harmonious relationship with Nature, addressing the issue of population growth, coming to terms with the problems of energy resources, and putting an end to conflicts that destroy entire peoples and ecosystems. These are topics that over the past thirty years have been addressed on several occasions from many points of view and have in Aurelio Peccei a true forerunner. Founder of the Club of Rome and promoter of the famous report entitled The Limits of Development, he tackled together with SGI President Daisaku Ikeda many issues that still impose themselves, even more urgently, on our attention today. The task the two authors took on was onerous, especially because of the obvious difficulty of "singing out of the choir," that is, trying to stimulate a major international debate on topics that few were willing to question. But it is precisely in this that one recognizes the caliber of the great protagonists, who become bearers of messages that transcend the present moment and urge us to build a clear vision of the future.
€16,00
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Esperia editions The light of learning
This new collection of texts on education-many of which were previously published in a volume entitled Soka Education-is the result of a selection of works written by Daisaku Ikeda, Buddhist philosopher and founder of the Soka school system, over the course of nearly five decades. The texts, which range from educational proposals and university lectures to personal essays, not only delve into the meaning of soka education (education for the creation of value), but offer a hope-filled view of the power of education to bring happiness to people and bring about world peace.
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Esperia Peace, justice and poetry
Peace is not just the absence of war. Appeals are often made for the ideals of "peace and justice," but most of the time they end up as mere slogans. In the dialogue contained in this book, Stuart Rees and Daisaku Ikeda share their ideas and visions on how to create the conditions for peace through deep awareness, a commitment to nonviolence as a "law of life," and unwavering dedication. It is the authors' belief that it is in fact these concrete elements, and not an ideology or abstract thought, that make possible a society that cultivates the dignity of all people. Finally, Rees and Ikeda emphasize how the "poetic spirit" is an excellent creative tool for imagining and realizing a future in which peace and justice are one. Peace, Justice and Poetry offers a fascinating and compelling analysis of the ills that plague our society. It also points to a nonviolent path that leads to authentic peace and offers those seeking peace the encouragement and inspiration they need. Joseph Camilleri, professor emeritus of international relations, La Trobe University, Melbourne
€15,90
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Esperia Toward a century of health
Daisaku Ikeda addresses the topic of health from the perspective of Buddhism by sharing some important passages from Nichiren's writings. In the five lectures in this volume from the series "Sun Buddhism," SGI President Daisaku Ikeda addresses the topic of health by sharing some important passages from Nichiren Daishonin's writings from different perspectives. The author, starting from the desire of every person to be healthy and to be able to live long, shows how the compassionate light of Buddhism can illuminate the darkness resulting from the sufferings of birth, aging, illness and death and offer humanity the ability not to look at illness with aversion but to regard it as an integral part of the precious experience of being alive, an indispensable step in the journey toward happiness and the attainment of Buddhahood in this existence. In his lecture, Ikeda also makes it clear that medical science and faith in Nichiren Daishonin Buddhism are in no way contradictory. Because we embrace the great teaching of Nam myoho renge kyo there is no karmic suffering that we cannot overcome. There is no need to worry or fear illness; what matters is our attitude, the way we deal with it. Daisaku Ikeda When we regard illness as one of the sufferings inherent in life we can appreciate the true richness of the experience of living. Buddhism views illness as an innate part of life. When we become ill we understand how important and valuable it is to be healthy, and we appreciate our life and mission more. Moreover, facing illness with strong faith and tenacious prayer, thus developing a vast vital condition, instills courage and hope in the people around us. In this way, illness becomes our mission. Daisaku Ikeda
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Esperia The foundations of happiness
Selected passages from the writings of Nichiren Daishonin for young women with commentary by Daisaku Ikeda.This volume contains one hundred passages from the writings of Nichiren Daishonin, selected over the past several years by the young women of the Soka Gakkai. Each of the passages is accompanied by a commentary by Daisaku Ikeda-president of the International Soka Gakkai and leader of the Buddhist movement that draws on Nichiren Daishonin's teachings-relating to the topic covered, thus offering readers clear guidance on how to put the Daishonin's words into practice in their own lives, and an in-depth study by the young women of the International Soka Gakkai's Study Department."If you read and study Nichiren's writings, you will become wise and develop a truly wonderful heart," Daisaku Ikeda once said to a young woman.This is the spirit that animated the editors in compiling the selection in the book, which, while easy to read, offers a broad view of life-transforming Buddhist principles, becoming a lasting tool for inspiration and insight. "Make study your foundation!" This is an eternal guide for young women. Women who possess the bright mirror of Nichiren Buddhism in their hearts cannot be swayed by turbulent times nor defeated by adversity.Daisaku Ikeda
€15,90
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Esperia Toward a century of peace
A dialogue on the role of civil society in peacebuilding. In this book, Kevin P. Clements, one of the world's leading experts in conflict resolution studies, dialogues with philosopher and Buddhist leader Daisaku Ikeda on the topic of peace and the role of civil society in it. In their conversations, far from academic or theoretical, based on the concrete experiences of the two authors, who have dedicated their lives to peacebuilding, they provide a wealth of examples where it was the actions of ordinary people that transformed social and political situations. Unusual aspects of the peace-building process emerge that are within the reach not only of diplomats and statesmen but of every person. For example, the importance of "imagining" what the world we would like to live in would look like, or the importance of "conviviality," i.e., the pleasure of conversing with people in informal circumstances, such as over a nice lunch, which surprisingly has proved crucial to so many negotiations. It is an invitation to everyone and especially to young people to become empowered, because, as Daisaku Ikeda says, "lack of trust in government is observed in every country, but if young people lose interest in politics, society will have no future." And again addressed to young people, but not only, is the two authors' call to take the risk of stepping out of one's comfort zone and opening up to the diversity of others. The conviction of these two great thinkers is that the road to peace will open only when young people work together for a common purpose, united to solve problems across national borders. "Peace is not something abstract or separate from daily life. We can all do something for peace right where we are now." Daisaku Ikeda "Fear and distrust do not help change. The only way to create a just and peaceful world is to act with the confidence that we want a better future. "Kevin Clements "To sincerely listen to the problems of a single person, there where we are now, to encourage them and nurture the hope in their heart is a humble and tenacious effort; it may not be news that will go around the world, it may not go down in the annals of history, but every person who feels a new hope burning in their heart will find the strength to live again, and your action will have been valuable to their life. This is the basis of a solid peace movement firmly rooted in people's hearts. It is my fervent wish that young people first continue to build a network of people who spread joy and revitalization, thus creating a magnificent ray of light for the twenty-first century. "Daisaku Ikeda
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Esperia An economy for people
It is indisputable that economics plays a vital role in our lives, both on an individual and societal level. Yet, many people find the topic complex and difficult to deal with and tend to avoid dealing with it. In this dialogue, economist Lawrence J. Lau and Buddhist philosopher and president of the International Soka Gakkai Daisaku Ikeda approach the topic of the development of economics in modern society from a historical perspective, examining what lessons can be learned from the East Asian currency crises in 1997 and the global financial crisis in 2007-2009. Touching on various topics, the authors help readers understand the challenges that globalization has imposed on economies, the importance of government regulation of markets, and the delicate issue of combining a country's economic growth with the well-being of the population as a whole. These conversations, in which the economic aspects are not separated from people's daily lives, thus become small lessons in economics, in which, thanks to simple language within everyone's reach, we can begin to unravel the mystery of economics, a discipline that concerns the backbone of the world in which we are immersed, knowledge of which is often precluded by technical complexities and specialized terminology. "Economics," said economist John Kenneth Galbraith, "must serve for human happiness," and "the fundamental force that moves the economy is people." Daisaku Ikeda is president of the Soka Gakkai International (SGI) and leader of the Buddhist movement that draws on the teachings of Nichiren Daishonin. An activist, philosopher, educator and poet, for more than 70 years Ikeda has been dedicated to spreading Buddhist humanism around the world and building the foundation for a culture of peace. SGI, which has members in 192 countries and territories, encourages individuals to develop their inner potential and contribute as global citizens to overcome the collective challenges facing humankind. He is the founder of Soka University, which has branches in Japan and the United States, and many other institutions that are committed to finding solutions to the many crises of contemporary times. In 1983 he was awarded the United Nations Peace Prize. Lawrence J. Lau was Professor of Economics at Stanford University from 1976 to 2004, then became the sixth Vice Chancellor of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, holding that position for seven years. He is the author of numerous publications including The Chinese Economy in the Twenty-first Century: An Econometric Approach. The challenge for policy lies in balancing economic growth with improving people's quality of life and ensuring that this effort is stable and sustainable. The second president of the Soka Gakkai Josei Toda often told us that individual happiness should never be sacrificed on the altar of social prosperity but that the two must advance hand in hand. I believe there is a growing urgency for economic activity to focus not only on efficiency but also on the interest of the community. Daisaku Ikeda To overcome the current crisis, developed economies must focus on reviving the real economy by walking a sustainable growth path and not inventing more financial sleight of hand. We must not lose sight of the fact that the role of the financial sector is to support other sectors of the economy and that ultimately the financial sector must rely directly on the performance of the real economy. Lawrence J. Lau
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Esperia The Buddhist teacher of a Baptist pastor
When some students in his religion class at Morehouse College in Atlanta told him about Daisaku Ikeda and his commitment to peace, Edward Carter Sr - founding dean of the Martin Luther King International Chapel - had no idea who he was. He regretted that he himself, a disciple of Martin Luther King, a Baptist pastor devoted to the cause of creating peace through education and action, a social science graduate and professor of religion at Morehouse College which Dr. King's was alma mater, was unaware of the work of this Buddhist leader, president of the International Soka Gakkai, an organization with millions of adherents worldwide committed to a movement for peace, culture and education on a global scale. All of this was the starting point that prompted Carter to deepen his knowledge of Daisaku Ikeda, going so far as to entertain an important interfaith dialogue with the Buddhist leader, which was also achieved through a number of direct meetings in Tokyo. From that journey came the urgency of this book written by a Baptist pastor in gratitude for the work done for peace by a Buddhist teacher. The book's subtitle captures its essence: how my interfaith journey with Daisaku Ikeda made me a better Christian. "There are basically two ways for a practitioner-or at least that is the case in Christianity-to relate to practitioners of other religions who are as dedicated to their faith as Christians are to their own. One is to convert them; the other is to learn respectfully from them, not seeking uniformity but harmony." "In my opinion Daisaku Ikeda represents an example of what it means to be a 'global citizen.' He has dialogued with ambassadors, anthropologists, economists, educators, historians, journalists, jurists, linguists, politicians, scientists, social engineers, sociologists, theologians, and urban planners, and also with me, completely changing my life." The authorLawrence Edward Carter Sr is a Baptist pastor and dean of the Martin Luther King Chapel at Morehouse College in Atlanta, an institution at which he is also a professor of religion. Born in Dawson, Georgia, and raised in Columbus, Ohio, he graduated from Virginia's University of Lynchburg in social sciences and psychology, and then continued his academic career at Boston University, where he earned Master of Divinity degrees in theology and Master of Sacred Theology degrees in religious assistance, as well as a doctorate in pastoral psychology and counseling. He has one son, Carter, and lives in Stonecrest, Georgia, with his wife Marva.
€16,50
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