In 13th-century Japan, disease, famine, violence, and natural disasters plague society. Samurai lords, blinded by power, shirk any responsibility to protect the citizenry. Religious leaders care more about currying favor with the powerful than helping common people find hope and a positive way to deal with their suffering. But one unknown Buddhist monk dares to speak the truth to power: Nichiren remonstrates with the authorities. He insists that all human life is precious and that the government needs to change its ways and become of service to the people. He criticizes the established religions as being merely pawns of the state, who teach ideas that only further the people's sense of powerlessness. The true purpose of Buddhism, he asserts, is to teach people a way to empower themselves, challenge their destiny, and experience happiness in this life. Based on actual events, this exciting comic touches on major milestones in Nichiren's life interwoven with basic Buddhist principles. This real-life adventure story will captivate readers as it illustrates the life of one courageous human being who stopped at nothing to bring happiness to the people and peace to the land.

Author: Masahiko Murakami
Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: Middleway Press
Published: 08/01/2015
Pages: 288
Weight: 1.05lbs
Size: 8.90h x 5.90w x 0.70d
ISBN: 9780977924578


Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 08/15/2015 pg. 162
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 11/01/2015
School Library Journal 11/01/2015 pg. 125
Foreword 11/26/2015

About the Author

Masahiko Murakami is a well-known Japanese novelist and playwright. Ken Tanaka is an illustrator of several Japanese manga on Buddhist history.