Books and magazines
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Esperia edizioni The life of Teacher Ikeda
Daisaku Ikeda (1928-2023) exemplified boundless courage, compassion, and wisdom, rooted in Buddhist teachings and the noble spirit of non-duality between mentor and disciple. He stands among the most eminent figures in Buddhist history, having spread the Buddhist philosophy of respect for the dignity of life worldwide, expanding the Soka Gakkai peace movement to 192 countries and territories.The six essays in this book trace some of the main events in Ikeda's life and his impact on the history of global Buddhism, from his youth and meeting with his mentor Josei Toda to his inauguration as the third president of the Soka Gakkai; from shared struggles with fellow practitioners in Japan to the creation of a global movement for peace, culture, and education; from his commitment to dialogue with personalities from the most diverse geographical and cultural backgrounds to his "battle of the pen" as a prolific writer and poet, tirelessly pursued over the years. Up to the final endeavor of his life, that of giving concrete form to the Soka educational system, a pedagogical framework that embraces 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 Award.
€13,00
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Esperia To our wonderful new members
In the five lectures in this volume, taken from the series "Buddhism of the Sun," SGI President Daisaku Ikeda addresses new members in particular, outlining the cornerstones of Soka Gakkai Buddhism. From the non-duality of mentor and disciple to the desire for happiness for oneself and others, from the spirit of standing up on one's own to the network of "good friends" found in the organization, Ikeda illustrates the Soka religious revolution, a light of humanism spreading across the planet, and explains how the sangha, a harmonious community of practitioners united with an open and egalitarian spirit, plays an irreplaceable role in helping people carry on their Buddhist practice.
€6,00
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Esperia The New Human Revolution, Vol. 30
The autobiographical novel by Daisaku Ikeda, president of the SGI. This volume, which concludes The New Human Revolution, describes numerous highlights in the history of kosen-rufu: from the events that took place in the early months of 1979 when Shin’ichi Yamamoto, after resigning from his position as Soka Gakkai president due to the treacherous schemes orchestrated by the Nichiren Shoshu priesthood, stood firm like an unshakeable mountain in the face of these difficulties, initiating a grand new phase of the kosen-rufu movement worldwide; 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 particularly dedicated himself to encouraging and nurturing young people, to numerous activities in various areas of Japan. In the concluding chapter, titled The Vow, we finally find a description of the events that led to the excommunication of the Soka Gakkai by Nichiren Shoshu. November 28, 1991, the day of the excommunication, is defined by Shin’ichi as “a historic date, the day of our spiritual independence.” It is also the moment when the Soka Gakkai definitively takes flight toward the twenty-first century as a world religion. The chapter – and the entire novel – concludes with a description of the center leaders' meeting on November 12, 2001, during which Shin’ichi made an impassioned appeal to young people, the Bodhisattvas of the Earth who live for the great vow of kosen-rufu, entrusting them with the future of the Soka movement worldwide. In his heart, Shin’ichi appealed to the youth: “Let’s move forward together! Let’s fight as long as we live. Let’s advance with confidence and vigor, making the sound of the second series of the Seven Bells resound loudly.” Within himself, Shin’ichi clearly envisioned the Soka youth, like majestic young eagles, soaring in the light of the dawn of the third millennium. He saw them flying high, in an uninterrupted flow, into the immense skies of the world.
€20,00
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Esperia A lantern in the darkness
Quotations from Nichiren Daishonin's writings on the themes of life. Nichiren Daishonin wrote with passion, courage, tenderness, and poetry, encouraging his disciples in both doctrinal matters and daily difficulties. His letters convey deep compassion and a clear message on how to lead a life of genuine happiness.A Lantern in the Darkness facilitates the search for famous passages from Nichiren's scriptures. The excerpts are organized by topics related to daily life, making it easy to find encouragement relevant to specific situations. The "Reflections," short extracts from Daisaku Ikeda's speeches, offer further insights to better understand and embrace the spirit of the Daishonin.
€13,90
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Esperia edizioni Readings from My Youth
Essays by Daisaku Ikeda on masterpieces of literature. 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 a source of inspiration. Throughout the chapters, we encounter 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 path forward. Allow yourself to 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 today's world.
€9,90
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Esperia Prayer and action
Ikeda dialogues with young people on the theme of prayer and action. What power is unleashed from chanting daimoku? Is it really true that if we address our prayers to the Gohonzon they will be fulfilled? Why does an organization like the Soka Gakkai exist? Daisaku Ikeda answers these questions posed by young people with concrete and immediately understandable examples. His words help readers understand some cornerstones of Buddhist faith, in both the aspects of personal practice and the commitment to supporting the kosen rufu movement.«President Toda – he states – used the expression "absolute faith" to describe the condition in which one experiences that life, in itself, is pure joy. If one progresses in faith without ever stopping, one will surely be able to experience such a condition.»
€6,00
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Esperia Master and Disciple
The Gosho and the Non-Duality of Mentor and Disciple. Nichiren explains multiple times in the Gosho that we can fully blossom our humanity only thanks to a mentor. Even in European culture, a well-known aphorism states that we are "dwarfs on the shoulders of giants," meaning that however limited we may be, we can always see a little further thanks to the achievements of those who lived before us. But in Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism, the mentor-disciple relationship is much more than this: there is no mentor without a disciple, and vice versa. And this relationship, which is more precisely called the non-duality of mentor and disciple, aims to transform frightened cubs into lion kings; to bring forth from the disciple's life the life state of the Buddha, which is free from fear. Our mentor, Daisaku Ikeda, never tires of reminding us of the function and importance that Josei Toda had in his life and the equally important role of Makiguchi in Toda's life. «I still remember when, about forty years ago, I met a famous Japanese critic and intellectual. He introduced himself rather pompously, boasting about his illustrious birth and the elite education he had received. When it was my turn, I simply said: “I am Josei Toda’s direct disciple, and I consider it my greatest pride and honor.” – Daisaku Ikeda
€13,00
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Esperia The New Human Revolution vols. 11/12
The autobiographical novel by Daisaku Ikeda, SGI President. Shin’ichi Yamamoto’s travels around the world continue, aimed at making Nichiren Daishonin’s teachings known and spreading the Middle Way, the philosophy of the absolute dignity of human life.It is 1966, and Shin’ichi visits several South American countries where practitioners are facing severe difficulties due to living conditions and opposition from authorities. For this reason, the president never misses an opportunity to try to make the humanitarian goals of the movement he leads understood.Just over a year later, the Soka High Schools in Tokyo were also opened, representing Shin’ichi Yamamoto’s first step in giving concrete form to the system of creative education promoted by Tsunesaburo Makiguchi and Josei Toda. "Our organization and our movement are sustained by individuals. When people fundamentally transform their inner attitude, awaken to their life's mission, and can manifest their highest potential, they succeed in changing everything. The constant commitment to encouraging individuals is the lifeblood of the kosen-rufu movement."
€20,00
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Esperia Attaining Buddhahood in This Lifetime
Daisaku Ikeda's lecture on Nichiren Daishonin's writing. What constitutes a truly meaningful existence? What is true happiness? Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism is a teaching full of hope that allows us to forge a state of supreme happiness. Daisaku Ikeda's lecture on this very important writing of the Daishonin is a milestone, an essential text for understanding the scope of Buddhism.
€7,00
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Esperia The New Human Revolution, vols. 13/14
Daisaku Ikeda's, SGI President, autobiographical novel. The years 1968 and 1969, whose events are recounted in these two volumes, are decisive for the development of the Soka Gakkai, because they see its president Shin'ichi Yamamoto take on a very delicate and important task. At the invitation of some exponents of the Chinese government, Shin'ichi takes charge of initiating the process that over several years will lead to the reopening of diplomatic relations between China and Japan. The initiative naturally causes many repercussions, given that the action of the Soka Gakkai president affects foreign policy issues on which the Japanese government has taken a very cautious stance. But Shin'ichi Yamamoto is certain that the people of the two nations desire peace and mutual friendship above all else and is ready to face any difficulty to achieve his great goal. "My friends, look straight at the endless chain of calamities and miseries that afflict the world! Do not turn away from the vortex of suffering that constitutes reality! We must speak courageously and constantly for the happiness and peace of humanity. We must offer the world wise and penetrating words. And we must act. To live means to fight. This is the mission and the great path of Buddhist practitioners."
€20,00
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Esperia The New Human Revolution Vols. 23/24
Daisaku Ikeda, the SGI president's autobiographical novel. 1976 was a year of great importance for the development of educational activities promoted by the Soka Gakkai. Driven by Shin'ichi Yamamoto's desire to fulfill the mandate of founder Makiguchi and his mentor Josei Toda, the organization devoted great care to expanding the Soka educational system: the goal was to create an educational offering ranging from preschool to university, also seeking to meet the needs of the many people active in the world of work.The author also recounts the period when Josei Toda decided to take on the work necessary to reorganize and finally publish the work of his mentor Tsunesaburo Makiguchi, Creative Education.But the second half of the year also saw a particularly sad moment for President Yamamoto's family. His mother Sachi, who had been a widow for many years, suffered a deterioration in her health and died in September. The novel recalls some very touching moments of her life, always lived with joy and a challenging spirit, despite numerous difficulties.1977 was designated by the Soka Gakkai as the Year of Study, and President Yamamoto dedicated all his energies to explaining the fundamental principles of Buddhist faith, in order to instill in all members the spirit of rising alone in the face of any difficulties they might encounter.
€20,00
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Esperia The treasures of the future: happy parents, happy children
What are the fundamental points for raising happy and serene children? The most important are the life force, wisdom, and love of the parents. I tesori del futuro (Treasures of the Future) offers all parents an essential guide to developing themselves while facing the challenges and concerns that accompany raising children. The warm advice of SGI President Daisaku Ikeda, based on a broad vision of life, provides solid guidelines for building happy families. Raising children is the oldest human activity, never ceasing since the dawn of time; at the same time, for each individual, it is always the first time. I therefore believe that if predecessors were to frankly recount their experiences, they would naturally form a chorus of support for the young and help them develop courage, wisdom, and confidence. This is the reflection from which this book originated, the fruit of a series of dialogues held with some mothers who are also leaders of the Soka Gakkai. — Daisaku Ikeda
€7,00
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