Books and magazines
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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 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 The new human revolution vol. 30
The autobiographical novel of Daisaku Ikeda, president of SGI. In this volume, which concludes The New Human Revolution, numerous highlights of the history of kosen rufu are described: from the events that took place in early 1979 when Shin'ichi Yamamoto, after resigning as president of the Soka Gakkai because of the treacherous plots hatched by the Nichiren Shoshu clergy, standing as an unshakable mountain in the face of those difficulties, initiated a grand new phase of the kosen rufu movement in the world, to his fifth visit to China in 1980 and to North America, South America and the Soviet Union the following year; from his trip to Italy in 1981, during which Shin'ichi Yamamoto devoted himself particularly to encouraging and nurturing young people, to his numerous activities in various areas of Japan. In the concluding chapter, entitled The Vow, we finally find described the events that led to the excommunication of the Soka Gakkai by the Nichiren Shoshu. November 28, 1991, the day of the excommunication, is described by Shin'ichi as "a historic date, the day of our spiritual independence." It is also the moment when the Soka Gakkai finally takes flight into the twenty-first century as a world religion. The chapter-and the entire novel-concludes with a description of the November 12, 2001, meeting of center leaders during which Shin'ichi makes a heartfelt appeal to the youth, the Bodhisattvas of the earth who live by the great vow of kosen rufu, entrusting them with the future of the Soka movement in the world. In his heart, Shin'ichi made an appeal to the youth, "Let us go forward together! Let us fight as long as we have life. Let us advance with confidence and vigor by ringing aloft the sound of the second set of the Seven Bells." Inside, Shin'ichi had a clear vision of the young Soka people who, like majestic young eagles, were soaring in the dawning light of the third millennium. He saw them flying high in an unbroken stream to the vast skies of the world.
€20,00
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Esperia The new human revolution vols. 17/18
The autobiographical novel of Daisaku Ikeda, president of SGI. 1973-1974: Young President Shin'ichi Yamamoto continues to infuse all his energies into the development of the Soka Gakkai by devoting himself especially to raising young people both through select groups and through the educational activities of Soka schools. His efforts are aimed at profoundly changing Japanese society and propagating the wave of a new culture throughout the world; his attention is also directed to the journalists of the Seikyo Shimbun, so that they understand more deeply the importance of their mission. "When we treat others with sincerity, our true selves shine through, and we can widen the circle of our friendships and trust. Buddhism teaches the way of compassion. Accordingly, another name for calling a Buddhist practitioner is sincere person."
€20,00
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Esperia To my dear friends in the Youth Group
Five lectures by Daisaku Ikeda from the "Buddhism of the Sun" series dedicated to members of the Soka Gakkai Youth Group. "I would like to dedicate the next few lessons to the members of the Youth Group, to whom I completely entrust the worldwide kosen rufu movement. I would like to share with them various passages from the Daishonin's writings that offer guidance for becoming humanity-rich leaders and living victorious youth." With these words Daisaku Ikeda introduces the five lessons in this volume, which, although aimed specifically at youth, offer important guidance for all Soka Gakkai members. Having courage, manifesting an invincible spirit, raising successors, adopting a humanistic philosophy, realizing kosen rufu: Ikeda delves into these topics from the words of Nichiren Daishonin, never failing to share his own personal experience of struggle shared with his teacher Josei Toda.
€6,00
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Esperia Discovering the Buddhism of the Soka Gakkai
All the answers to the most common questions of those beginning the Buddhist practice of the Soka Gakkai.Eight centuries ago - on April 28, 1253 - Nichiren Daishonin, a Japanese monk, first recited Nam myoho renge kyo, the teaching whose main purpose is to lead people to genuine happiness. His disciples constantly asked him questions, moved by a desire to clarify their beliefs and strengthen their faith. The Daishonin warmly encouraged such a spirit of inquiry; this tradition of questions and insights continues within the Soka Gakkai to this day. You, too, may have questions about the practice and its purpose, why we recite or why it is so important to attend meetings, and, crucially, what authentic and lasting happiness is. Soka Gakkai International President Daisaku Ikeda believes that the first steps in practice are crucial. In fact, he states, "If you can do things correctly from the beginning, you will be able to continue doing them." This small, practical book aims to provide answers to the most frequently asked questions, both of those who are about to begin their faith journey and those who are already on the path. "Each of us, regardless of the difficulties we encounter or the circumstances in which we find ourselves, has a noble and unique mission to fulfill. When we deeply realize this, everything changes. We are born into this world, in this time, to fulfill the great vow we made in the distant past. Our karma is our mission; it is the stage on which we perform the grand spectacle in which adversity is transformed into victory." - Daisaku Ikeda TOPICS COVERED: Nam myoho renge kyo Prayer The Gohonzon The practice Enlightenment and buddhahood Master and disciple The Soka Gakkai Mission and vow
€2,90
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Esperia Rich Sudatta
Rich Sudatta is a letter Nichiren sent to Nanjo Tokimitsu in 1280. During the previous year Atsuhara's persecution had reached its peak, with the arrest and subsequent sentencing to death of several peasants who believed in the Daishonin's teachings. It is thought that at the time the letter was written, the situation was quite tense. In this context, Nichiren praises the 20-year-old Nanjo for his courage, devotion, and thoughtfulness in sending him a kan of coins as an offering.Nichiren explains that it is when you provide a person with something he needs that the act of offering becomes meaningful. In his lecture, moreover, Daisaku Ikeda turns his attention to the importance of nurturing young people, allowing them to shine to their fullest, just as Nichiren did with young Nanjo, following and encouraging him throughout his journey.
€2,00
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Esperia The New Human Revolution vols. 25/26
The autobiographical novel of Daisaku Ikeda, president of SGI. Beginning in early 1977 Shin'ichi Yamamoto made a series of trips to various prefectures in Japan: in each place, meeting with local leaders became an opportunity to offer guidance and advice on various aspects of the work such as unity and the attitude of leaders, but also practical guidance on such topics as, for example, how to organize meetings, how to be a moderator during meetings, or how to transmit communications. In September of the same year, the Cemetery Park dedicated to him, the first example of a cemetery created by the Soka Gakkai, was inaugurated in the village of Atsuta, Josei Toda's hometown. President Yamamoto attends the inauguration and expounds on Nichiren Daishonin's profound vision of life and death in Buddhism. The year 1978, the "Year of Study," is marked by a change in the organizational structure of the Soka Gakkai: from the "vertical" system, in which each member belonged to the area to which the person who introduced him or her to Buddhism belonged, to the new chapter-centered, geographic-area-based structure, with the intention of enabling people to take root in the local reality and engage in Buddhist dialogue with people in their own community. Also, that year Shin'ichi pledged to pave the way for the study of Buddhism as a driving force for kosen rufu, giving a strong impetus to the Gakkai's study activities.
€20,00
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Esperia The New Human Revolution vols. 15/16
The autobiographical novel of Daisaku Ikeda, president of SGI. The early 1970s are decisive for the development of the Soka Gakkai in Japan and around the world. Shin'ichi Yamamoto intensifies his activities abroad, aimed at raising awareness of Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhist teaching and the humanistic philosophy behind it. The Soka Gakkai president engages in an in-depth dialogue with one of the greatest historians of the 20th century, Britain's Arnold Toynbee. For the first time in history Nichiren's doctrine of Buddhism can confront the insights and profound vision of civilization of a distinguished Western thinker. It was a dialogue that would take on enormous significance in the years to come. At the same time, the Soka Gakkai, with the moral and economic contribution of as many as eight million believers from around the world, undertakes and completes the grandiose project of building the Sho Hondo, the Great Shrine of Original Teaching whose construction Nichiren had entrusted to his disciples. When completed, the temple will be admired as one of the major works of religious architecture of the 20th century. In the concluding part of Volume XVI, the author also describes the events that led to the destruction of Sho Hondo at the behest of Patriarch Nikken and the Nichiren Shoshu clergy.
€20,00
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Esperia Master and disciple
The Gosho and the non-duality of master and disciple. Nichiren explains several times in the Gosho that we can fully fi orm our humanity only through a master. Even in European culture, a well-known aphorism goes that we are "dwarfs on the shoulders of giants," meaning that however limited we may be, we can always see a little further because of the achievements of those who have lived before us. But in Nichiren Daishonin Buddhism, the master-disciple relationship is much more than this: there is no master without disciple, and vice versa. And this relationship, which is more accurately called non-duality of master and disciple, aims to transform frightened cubs into lion kings; to bring out of the disciple's life the Buddha's vital state, which is free from fear. Our master, Daisaku Ikeda, never tires of reminding us of the function and importance of the figure of Josei Toda in his life and the equally important figure of Makiguchi in Toda's life. " I still remember when I met, about forty years ago, a famous Japanese critic and intellectual. He introduced himself rather pompously, boasting about his illustrious birth and the elitist education he had received. When it was my turn I simply said, "I am the direct disciple of Josei Toda, and I consider him my greatest pride and honor." - Daisaku Ikeda
€13,00
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Esperia I am Shinichi Yamamoto
A beautiful illustrated desk calendar with selected passages from the New Human Revolution. Desk product containing fifty-two passages, one for each week of the year, accompanied by beautiful illustrations by Giuliana Gusmini. The selection spans the entire work and offers members a delightful opportunity to discover the encouragements found in The New Human Revolution, providing a cue for further study of the novel.
€8,50
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Esperia The New Human Revolution vols. 11/12
The autobiographical novel by Daisaku Ikeda, president of SGI. Shin'ichi Yamamoto's world travels continue, aimed at publicizing Nichiren Daishonin's teaching and spreading the Middle Way, the philosophy of the absolute dignity of human life.It is 1966 and Shin'ichi visits several countries in South America where practitioners are facing severe difficulties due to living conditions and opposition from the authorities. For this reason The president misses no opportunity to try to make people understand the humanitarian goals of the movement he leads.A little over a year later also the Tokyo Soka High Schools are opened, representing the first step taken by Shin'ichi Yamamoto to give concrete form to the system of creative education promoted by Tsunesaburo Makiguchi and Josei Toda. "Our organization and movement are sustained by individuals. When people transform their inner attitude at the root, they awaken to their life's mission and can manifest their highest potential, thus succeeding in changing anything. The constant effort to encourage individuals is the lifeblood of the kosen rufu movement."
€20,00
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