Essays
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Esperia Young Citizens of the World
Ikeda engages with young people on the topic of global citizenship. What does it mean for a young person to find happiness? Can this ideal be achieved solely by seeking fulfillment in one’s work and in a network of friendships and personal connections? The book addresses issues of global significance that, while seemingly distant from everyday reality, have repercussions for those navigating their youth in an increasingly complex world. Daisaku Ikeda explores the theme of human rights and explains what it means to him to be a citizen of the world. He emphasizes the importance of cultivating noble ideals and of participating in the society in which one lives. The book includes a dialogue on the topic of volunteerism that has never before been published in Italy.
€6,00
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Esperia Nichiren Vol. 1 - Manga
A comic book about the life of Nichiren Daishonin. 272 pages of illustrations depicting the struggles of Nichiren Daishonin and his disciples, from the Great Shoka Earthquake (1257) to his exile on Sado Island. The story, written by Masahiko Murakami and illustrated by Ken Tanaka, has so far been published only in the United States. Studying Nichiren’s life will now be both an enjoyable experience and a way to deepen one’s faith.
€9,90
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Esperia The Power of a Smile
A Portrait of Kaneko, Wife of Daisaku Ikeda. For many years, Kaneko Ikeda—wife and inseparable companion of the Soka Gakkai president—spoke almost exclusively through her smile. Now she has decided to share her “half of the sky,” offering us a different perspective on the mission she shares with Daisaku Ikeda. Through Kaneko’s memories, prompted by an interviewer’s questions, readers have a rare opportunity to gain an insider’s view of some of the key figures in the Kosen Rufu movement: memories of youth, friendships, the master-disciple relationship, adolescence and marriage, the wisdom and courage required to raise children, manage the household, and overcome life’s trials, and the fundamental contribution of women to society. A face-to-face encounter with the Ikeda family, offering a glimpse into the simplest, everyday aspects, as well as the challenges and triumphs of a family that has made the cause of human happiness its own.
€10,00
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Esperia The pride of being golden pillars of Kosen Rufu
Dedicated to the men of the Soka family. Japan’s ginkgo trees originated in China. In Japanese, they are also referred to using certain Chinese characters that literally mean “grandfather-grandson tree,” because if someone plants a ginkgo tree today, its fruits will be harvested by their grandchildren. I read this explanation a long time ago, and I still remember it. To me, this name seems to mean: “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 turn to the people of previous generations who planted it and cared for it.
€13,00
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Esperia Culture, Art, and Nature
The text addresses the themes of respect for nature, understanding artistic phenomena, and the importance of reading, which is true nourishment for the mind. Reading is a dialogue with characters, intellectuals, and masters of thought who are distant in time or space, and even with cultures of the past. The author does not merely offer food for thought, but also provides practical advice on how to improve one’s reading skills. Speaking of the vision of nature, he introduces the Buddhist concept of “dependent origination,” reiterating that we are all connected to one another, as well as to every other phenomenon in the universe: “Life is a chain. Everything is connected. When one link in the chain deteriorates, all the others will be affected as well. We should regard the environment as our mother, Mother Earth.”
€6,00
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Esperia School and Work
Ikeda speaks with young people about the themes of study and work. “Youth is the battlefield where suffering and hope clash. Who will win? Hope must absolutely prevail. No matter how much you are suffering right now, always remember that you were born to win. Because if you don’t give up, you can be sure that dawn will surely break. Never forget that you possess the invincible sword capable of cutting through any suffering.” These are the words with which the author addresses readers in the epilogue of a book that explores the themes of study and career choices. These are particularly pressing issues, regarding which everyone is called upon to give their all. In fact, as Daisaku Ikeda emphasizes, at the root of every achievement there is always a vigorous challenge, fueled by a deep hope for the future.
€6,00
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Esperia Value Creation
The life of Tsunesaburo Makiguchi, the first president and founder of Soka Gakkai, is chronicled in an essay that highlights his talents as a teacher, educator, and religious leader. His works reveal the depth of his cultural knowledge and his profound compassion for others, which he upheld until his death in a culturally backward environment and under a repressive political climate.
€15,90
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Esperia The Awakening of the Buddha
Clark Strand, a former Zen monk, journalist, and American writer, guides us on a journey to discover Soka Gakkai and Nichiren Buddhism from a unique perspective: that of a “non-converted” sympathizer. Strand emphasizes that the strength of the Soka Gakkai, which in just a few decades has become a global movement, lies in the fundamental tool of discussion meetings, based on the sharing of experiences and mutual encouragement. In his journey through a movement and a teaching that have often generated misunderstandings and misinterpretations among other Buddhist schools, Strand begins with Makiguchi, the educator who opposed militarism, then portrays his disciple Toda and his insight into who or what the Buddha truly was, and finally arrives at Ikeda’s global vision and his redefinition of the role of religion. The picture that emerges reveals qualities and strengths of which even members of the association are often unaware, and points to the Soka Gakkai as an example of a modern movement dedicated to the good of humanity.
€9,00
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Esperia Peace, justice, and poetry
Peace is not merely the absence of war. Calls for the ideals of “peace and justice” are often made, but more often than not 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 self-awareness, a commitment to nonviolence as a “law of life,” and unwavering dedication. The authors are convinced that it is indeed 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 a creative tool par excellence for imagining and realizing a future in which peace and justice are one and the same. Peace, Justice, and Poetry offers a fascinating and compelling analysis of the ills afflicting our society. It also points to a nonviolent path leading 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 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, engages in a dialogue with philosopher and Buddhist leader Daisaku Ikeda on the theme of peace and the role of civil society in this context. In their conversations—far from being academic or theoretical, and grounded in the concrete experiences of the two authors, who have dedicated their lives to peacebuilding—they provide a wealth of examples where the actions of ordinary people have transformed social and political situations. Unusual aspects of the peacebuilding process emerge, aspects 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”—that is, the pleasure of conversing with people in informal settings, such as over a nice meal—which has surprisingly proven crucial in so many negotiations. It is an invitation to everyone, and in particular to young people, to become aware of their own power, because, as Daisaku Ikeda states, “a lack of trust in government is observed in every country, but if young people lose interest in politics, society will have no future.” And it is to young people—though not exclusively—that the two authors appeal to take the risk of stepping outside their comfort zones to open themselves up to the diversity of others. The conviction of these two great thinkers is that the path to peace will open only when young people work together toward a common goal, united to solve problems beyond 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 mistrust do not help bring about 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 “Sincerely listening to the problems of a single person, right where we are now, encouraging them, and nurturing hope in their heart is a humble and tenacious effort; perhaps it will not make headlines around the world, perhaps it will not go down in the annals of history, but every person who feels a new hope burning in their heart will rediscover the strength to live, and your action will have been precious to their life. This is the foundation of a solid peace movement deeply rooted in people’s hearts. It is my fervent hope that young people, first and foremost, will continue to build a network of people who spread joy and revitalization, thereby creating a magnificent ray of light for the twenty-first century.” Daisaku Ikeda
€15,90
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Esperia A Baptist pastor’s Buddhist teacher
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.—the founding dean of the Martin Luther King International Chapel—had no idea who he was. He regretted that he—a disciple of Martin Luther King, a Baptist pastor devoted to the cause of creating peace through education and action, a graduate in social sciences, and a professor of religion at Morehouse College, Dr. King’s alma mater—was unaware of the work of this Buddhist leader, president of Soka Gakkai International, an organization with millions of members worldwide engaged in a global movement for peace, culture, and education. All of this served as the starting point that prompted Carter to deepen his understanding of Daisaku Ikeda, eventually engaging in a significant interfaith dialogue with the Buddhist leader, which also took place through several face-to-face meetings in Tokyo. From that journey arose the urgency of this book, written by a Baptist pastor in recognition of the work for peace carried out 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 fundamentally two ways for a believer—or at least this is the case in Christianity—to relate to practitioners of other religions who are as devoted to their faith as Christians are to their own. One is to convert them; the other, however, is to learn respectfully from them, seeking not uniformity but harmony.” “In my view, Daisaku Ikeda exemplifies what it means to be a ‘global citizen.’ He has engaged in dialogue with ambassadors, anthropologists, economists, educators, historians, journalists, jurists, linguists, politicians, scientists, social engineers, sociologists, theologians, and urban planners—and with me as well—completely transforming my life.” The author, Lawrence Edward Carter Sr., is a Baptist pastor and dean of the Martin Luther King Chapel at Morehouse College in Atlanta, where he is also a professor of religion. Born in Dawson, Georgia, and raised in Columbus, Ohio, he graduated from Lynchburg University in Virginia with degrees in social sciences and psychology, then continued his academic career at Boston University, where he earned a Master of Divinity in theology and a Master of Sacred Theology in pastoral care, as well as a doctorate in pastoral psychology and counseling. He has a son, Carter, and lives in Stonecrest, Georgia, with his wife Marva.
€16,50
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Esperia Soaring through the skies of hope
Making friends, singing songs, reading good books, saying “thank you,” nurturing big dreams, smiling. In this collection of essays dedicated to boys and girls, SGI President Daisaku Ikeda describes these and other key elements for living a happy life. Boys and girls—the “treasures of the future”—will enjoy these simple messages written with passion just for them.
€12,00
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