Born in Shimane Prefecture in 1970, Hisashi Ota graduated from Nagoya University's School of Science. His other works include Manga de wakaru bukkyo nyumon (Understanding through Comics: Introduction to Buddhism), which is forthcoming in English from Ichimannendo Publishing, Inc.
Chapter 1 The Crown Prince 1
If life is suffering...why should we go on?
Chapter 2 Marriage to a Great Beauty 17
Look at the stars in the sky!...
Our lives seem so small in comparison.
Chapter 3 The Four Gates: East Gate, South Gate 33
The troubles of sickness and old age are inevitable.
So is a long life really a blessing?
Chapter 4 The Four Gates: West Gate 49
Death comes without warning.
Whatever money or possessions, status or fame a person may attain, at the moment of death, they provide no solace.
Chapter 5 The Four Gates: North Gate 65
I want to be able to shout out with joy, "How wonderful it is to be alive!"
Chapter 6 The Birth of a Son 79
Now the royal line is safe!
The king is delighted that his son has an heir, but
Chapter 7 A Palace for Each Season 91
Fine wine and beautiful women bring no lasting peace.
The emptiness of life cannot be filled by pleasure.
Chapter 8 Three Wishes 105
Promise me freedom from old age, sickness, and death, and I will abandon my quest.
Chapter 9 Out of the Palace and into the Mountains 121
Why do we live? Finding the answer to this question is the key to lasting happiness.
Chapter 10 The Five Messengers 137
Why can't you understand?
Nothing in this world is permanent.
Chapter 11 Ascetic Practices 165
In search of enlightenment, pushed to the limit
Chapter 12 Enlightenment of Buddha 189
Under the bodhi tree:
"I will not rise from here without attaining supreme enlightenment!"
Chapter 13 The Wheel of Truth 203
I must tell all those who are suffering, not knowing the meaning of life, about true happiness.
Chapter 14 The Great Ship that Crosses the Sea of Life 217
Salvation is for one and all.
