Nichiren

by Masahiko Murakami, Ken Tanaka (Illustrator)

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780977924578
Publisher:	Middleway Press
Publication date:	08/01/2015
Pages:	288
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.70(d)

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.

Editorial Reviews

"Nichiren's life is compelling and smartly interpreted by Tanaka with black-and-white manga-style illustrations. An intriguing imagining that is both edifying and enlightening and that makes an ancient figure easily accessible to a modern audience." —Kirkus Reviews


"Philosophical teachings pair with plenty of action in this drama-filled retelling of actual historical events. With plenty of samurais, assassins, conspiracies, and humor, this is an entertaining way to learn about Nichiren and the Lotus Sutra." —Allyce Amidon, Foreword Reviews

From the Publisher

11/01/2015
Gr 8 Up—In 13th-century Japan, a time of great turmoil and corruption, a Buddhist monk attempts to guide his people toward the teachings of the Lotus Sutra, hoping to improve their lives. This stand-alone graphic novel reimagines the historical tale of the monk Nichiren. He remains notoriously steadfast in his teaching when faced with threats from all angles. With a clear narrative of good vs. evil, Murakami's action-filled writing will engage readers in a graphic tale about a rarely discussed subject matter. While the story may not branch beyond a snapshot of a monk's life, the plot provides an interesting take on one aspect of Buddhist history. Illustrator Tanaka's landscapes and expressive characters will delight those who enjoy classic art styles of manga like "Lupin the Third" and "Detective Conan." However, this title may not be popular beyond a niche manga aficionado audience. VERDICT A resource for collections where historical graphic novels and manga are popular.—DeHanza Kwong, Wahiawa Public Library, Hawaii

School Library Journal

2015-07-23
A graphic-novel treatment of the life and Buddhist teachings of Nichiren, a real-life 13th-century Japanese priest. In ancient Japan, the inhabitants suffer greatly; alongside natural disasters such as drought and earthquakes, corruption runs rampant. The peaceful priest Nichiren, however, is unafraid to speak his mind against abuses of power and to help the people find hope in an otherwise difficult time. He is revered by the masses but hated by those in power. Other priests and officials continually plot his exile and demise, but Nichiren, with his wisdom and patience, always manages to prevail and garner more followers. Though fictionalized, Murakami and Tanaka's Nichiren is a fascinating figure; unfortunately, readers are given little background information or supplemental sources for further investigation, save for one website (the publisher's). His mantra, "Nam-myoho-renge-kyo," is repeated often but inadequately explained, offering little to readers at a valuable moment when their attention is rapt. However, Nichiren's life is compelling nonetheless and smartly interpreted by Tanaka with black-and-white manga-style illustrations, which should easily draw an audience to material that they may have otherwise overlooked. Readers unfamiliar with Buddhism who give this a try will be pleasantly surprised—and hopefully piqued enough to do some of their own research into this provocative teacher. An intriguing imagining that is both edifying and enlightening and that makes an ancient figure easily accessible to a modern audience . (Graphic historical fiction. 13 & up)

Kirkus Reviews