Books and magazines

Esperia The mysteries of birth and death

Although over seven hundred years old, Nichiren Buddhism offers a very valid prescription for the sense of helplessness and despair that pervades society today. Fate, of course, does not always turn out to be in accord with our desires, but Buddhism, and especially Nichiren Buddhism, enables us to develop the power needed to transform it. Nichiren Buddhism casts its light on all aspects of human life by penetrating its core. Universally applicable to all humanity and in all circumstances, it is worthy of lifelong study and practice.

Esperia Alexander's choice

A novel by Daisaku Ikeda on the theme of friendship.333 BC. Alexander the Great, aiming to conquer the East, contracts a serious illness. None among the wise men in his retinue can find a cure that can snatch him from death. But in the nocturnal quiet of the camp, as the disease slowly consumes his body, a tormenting doubt tears at his soul. Is the potion prepared for him by Philip, the faithful childhood friend and personal physician, a medicine or a poison? Quick as the wind, sent by one of his generals, a messenger on horseback arrives to deliver to him the letter on which the answer is inscribed: Philip is a traitor. The young and invincible king will then find himself wondering whether to heed the messenger and disown his lifelong friend, or to bring the cup to his lips and risk his life. The classical world meets Buddhist teaching and offers Master Ikeda an opportunity to celebrate, in a compelling and valuable book, the value of loyalty and friendship. True friendship is not based on calculation. Gold and wealth cannot buy it. It makes us better: it brings out our qualities, helps us make each other happy and, as we strive to do so, gives us joy. Therefore, the friend is like a second self; in friendship two people become one, and such a bond we can call it life.

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.