Abstract

This book is co-authored by Sister Hideko Suzuki, a Catholic sister and Japanese literature researcher, and Zen monk Hojo Noguchi, who practices prostrating worship (Gothaitochi) and advocates and guides "Zen fasting." The theme of this book is to clarify the nature of "prayer" that transcends differences in religion and sects. After his religious journey, Mr. Noguchi, who practiced strict training (prostrating worship), realized, through his encounter with Ms. Suzuki, that "training is to wish for the happiness of others = to pray" . This book highlights the concept of "prayer" in the sense of "wishing for the happiness of others" through the discussions of Ms. Suzuki and Mr. Noguchi. As each section is written separately, not as a dialogue, readers can follow the arguments of both authors at their own pace.

Author’s Information

Hideko Suzuki
Born in Shizuoka Prefecture in 1932. A researcher of modern Japanese literature and a sister of the Catholic Sacred Heart Society. She graduated from Sacred Heart Women's University and completed the doctoral program in the Graduate School of Humanities at the University of Tokyo. She holds a Ph.D. in Literature. After serving as a professor at Sacred Heart Women's University, she is currently a researcher at the Sacred Heart Women's University Institute for Christian Culture. She has written numerous books, including "Time to Realize Happiness" (2007) published by our company.

Houzou Noguchi
Born in Ishikawa Prefecture in 1959. He graduated from Chiyoda Institute of Technology and Art. After working for a newspaper company, he became a monk at a Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Northern India. After a period of training in Sri Lanka and India, he returned to Japan and became a monk of the Rinzai sect Myoshinji school. He practices the Five Body Prostrations (a worship act) and presides over Zen fasting meetings. He has written numerous books, including "The Truth of Tibetan Buddhism" (2009) published by our company.