Books and magazines
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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
€7,90
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Esperia A Youthful Diary
One man's journey from the beginning of faith to worldwide leadership for peace.
€21,90
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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 To our wonderful new members
In the five lectures in this volume, taken from the "Buddhism of the Sun" series, SGI President Daisaku Ikeda addresses new members in particular, outlining the cornerstones of Soka Gakkai Buddhism. From the non-duality of master and disciple to the desire for happiness for self and others, from the spirit of standing up on one's own to the network of "good friends" we find in the organization, Ikeda illustrates the Soka religious revolution, a light of humanism that spreads across the planet, and explains how the samgha, a harmonious community of practitioners united with an open and egalitarian spirit, plays an irreplaceable role in helping people pursue their Buddhist practice.
€6,00
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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 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
€15,90
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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
€15,90
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Esperia Selection of the writings of Nichiren Daishonin
This edition contains the most up-to-date translations of a selection of 45 of Nichiren Daishonin's writings selected from the best known and best loved. Millions of people have made their lives shine by studying these texts. A glossary of terms related to Buddhist doctrine has been added for better understanding of the texts. A book that you can take with you anywhere, also suitable for those who are just approaching Nichiren Daishonin Buddhism. Texts contained in the volume: The attainment of Buddhahood in this existence A ship to cross the sea of suffering The Persecution of Tatsunokuchi Alleviating karmic retribution The legacy of the Basic Law of Life The precious tower Letter from Sado Illusions and desires are enlightenment The true aspect of all phenomena The practice of the Buddha's teaching On the prophecy of the Buddha Reply to Kyo'o The swords of good and evil The difficulty of keeping the faith Letter to the brothers Winter always turns into spring Different bodies, same mind The levees of faith The cure for karmic diseases The three obstacles and the four demons Happiness in this world The essentials for attaining Buddhahood The fourteen offenses The actions of the Lotus Sutra devotee The eight winds Admonition against attachment to one's own fiefdom The real appearance of the Gohonzon The three kinds of treasures Letter to Misawa The two kinds of faith Invisible virtue and visible reward Flowers and fruits The one essential sentence The receipt of new fiefs General Stone Tiger The extension of life Letter to Jakunichi-bo The persecutions that befall the saint The strategy of the Lotus Sutra The Dragon Gate Letter to Niiike The Person and the Law Great evil and great good The rice offering New Year's Gosho
€14,00
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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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Esperia The religion of human revolution
In the twelve lectures in this volume, taken from the series "The Buddhism of the Sun" and collected under the significant title The Religion of Human Revolution, SGI President Daisaku Ikeda outlines the contours of a genuinely humanistic religion, capable of enabling each person to revolutionize his or her own life condition and contribute to positive change in society, influencing the destiny of all humanity. Master Ikeda addresses several cardinal tenets of Buddhism and, again starting with the Daishonin's writings, explains what it means to practice Nichiren Buddhism in modern times and how the Soka Gakkai has embraced the Buddha's mandate to carry out a wide propagation of the Mystic Law, awakening numerous Bodhisattvas of Earth to their great vow. These are valuable directions from the master aimed at ensuring the eternal development of the kosen rufu movement. "In any country or society, the presence of even one member of the Soka Gakkai is the starting point for creating an era of people's victory." Daisaku Ikeda
€10,00
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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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