★ Supervisor Kondo Gyokan is a monk of the Koyasan Shingon sect and a Denpo Daiajari (one of the highest-ranking transmitters of Esoteric Buddhism). He has served as vice-head of education for Koyasan Shingon Buddhism and part-time lecturer at Koyasan University. After graduating from Koyasan University, he walked the Shikoku pilgrimage, toured Buddhist sites in India, and fully experienced Kukai’s journey to Tang China as a member of the “Kukai: Road to Chang’an” group.
★ Kukai is the founder of the Shingon sect of Japanese Buddhism and is revered as “Kobo Daishi.” He abandoned the path of worldly success, chose a life of severe training, and after studying the teachings in Tang China, founded the Shingon sect. This book carefully selects 80 of his jewel-like words, accompanied by gentle ink illustrations.
★ Six chapters: words to cut through confusion, words to lighten the heart, words to become kinder to others, words to bring forth confidence, words to free yourself from attachment, and words to open your life. Each chapter matches a mental scene; you can start from any page.
★ Written for anyone seeking direction in confusion or quiet in the midst of busyness.

Kukai, who abandoned the path of worldly success and chose a life of severe training in the Heian period. Based on the teachings he studied in Tang China, he founded the Shingon sect and is a great monk. This book carefully selects his jewel-like words, accompanied by gentle ink illustrations.

Kukai, widely known as “Kobo Daishi” and founder of the Shingon sect. With vivid illustrations, touch those gentle teachings. The answer is within your own heart. 80 words for living without being swept away.

Kondo Gyokan (近藤堯寛)
Born in 1946 in Nagoya. After graduating from Koyasan University, he walked the Shikoku pilgrimage and toured Buddhist sites in India. As a member of the “Kukai: Road to Chang’an” group, he fully experienced Kobo Daishi’s journey to Tang China. He has served as head priest of Kinryu-ji and Sakuraike-in, researcher at the Koyasan Propagation Research Institute, vice-head of education for Koyasan Shingon Buddhism, part-time lecturer at Koyasan University, prison chaplain at Nagoya Detention Center, PTA president of Mikeng Elementary School, probation officer, and juvenile guidance counselor. Currently he is head priest of Kosho-ji, Koyasan head temple propagator, and Denpo Daiajari. He is the author of “Walking with Kobo Daishi” (Takarajimasha Shinsho) and supervisor of “Kukai: Words to Read Again and Again.”