SOMETHINGYOUFORGOTALONGTHEWAY.COM

Book Review — India Powell, Editorial Director, Best Self Atlanta Magazine

2009-11-13T13:30:00Z

The teachings in this book resonate with the spirit and transcend the barriers of culture and time. The short, concise passages and stories allow for rapid reconnection with what’s really important in life: Life’s basic truths, too quickly forgotten in the shuffle and struggles of our everyday lives. Just opening the book to any page brings a refreshing reminder of the wisdom we all seek—until remember we had it all along.

— India Powell, Editorial Director, Best Self Atlanta Magazine

Stories of Simple Wisdom Changing the Lives of Hundreds of Thousands in Japan and now released in the US

2009-11-01T14:40:00Z

Torrance, CA, October 31, 2009 – If we woke up each day not knowing how much longer we would have our home or possessions, we would undoubtedly appreciate them more. When applied to friends and family, the obvious wisdom and simplicity of the fact that ‘what we have is not ours forever’ should ensure we cherish every moment with them. Something You Forgot … Along the Way: Stories of Wisdom and Learning (Ichimannendo Publishing), by Kentetsu Takamori, is a compilation of some of the most beautiful stories about loss, change, and human nature that has ever been put together.

There are a total of sixty-five short stories in this incredibly meaningful book that help bring Takamori’s philosophy to life. He learned through experience that ‘once the reality of nothing being permanent sinks in, we cannot help but treasure each moment of our association.’ As the stories guide us to see deeper into life they focus on the importance of honor and perseverance, emphasizing that success only comes through the fruit of our efforts. Anyone struggling with the results of a poor economy, lost job or lost housing or business, will surely find positive answers to believe in with Something You Forgot…Along the Way. Once we accept the inevitability of change – we have taken the first step towards a brighter future.

Takamori’s writing style is without a doubt, a fit-for-all. The lesson in each story is honesty, the frankness unforgettable, drawing readers to its direct and unapologetic message (please see sample story below). Each page radiates sincerity and goodness, inciting the reader to want to be a better person. If this could be required reading for the whole world, one can only contemplate what peaceful outcome might occur.

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Example Story:

A family that was always at loggerheads lived side-by-side with a family that was as peaceful as could be. A, the head of the quarrelsome family, was mystified by how well everyone got along next door. Finally one day he called on B and said in desperation, “Our family is always quarreling, as I’m sure you can tell, and I don’t know what to do about it. I see that everyone in your family gets along beautifully. Please tell me what your secret is?”
B replied “There’s no secret in particular. It’s probably because everyone in your family is always in the right. Over here, all of us are always in the wrong, so there’s no quarreling. That’s all there is to it.”
Certain that he was being ridiculed, A was about to explode in anger when a loud crash sounded from inside the house. It sounded as if a piece of crockery had fallen to the floor. The voice of a young woman said penitently, “Mother, I’m so sorry. All because I didn’t look where I was going, I went and broke that dish that meant so much to you. It’s my fault. Please forgive me.”
“Nonsense,” said the voice of her mother-in-law. “It’s not your fault at all. I kept meaning to put the dish away, and never got around to it. I never should have left it there in the first place. I’m the one who has to apologize.”
Then it dawned on A: “I get it. Everyone in this family is always in the wrong, and says so. That’s why there’s no quarreling.”

Reviews:

Virginia Esteban of Hoyen Delaware: “Takamori’s book is a jewel.”

Keith Lorenz: “It is small enough to put in your pocket but large enough to change your life.”

Midwest Book Review: “The stories carry much in philosophy and are heavily Buddhist inspired.”

Bonnie Neely of RealTravelAdventures.com: “I highly recommend this book.”

Duane Benjamin of Urbanology Magazine: “Warm and profound stories.”

Jerry Groebner, Lake Region Times: “Why did I forget these simple things?”

Karen Hinson, Machias Valley News Observer: “It provides valid daily lessons in humility and understanding.”

For More Information Contact:

Lisa McEntyre
Ascot Media Group, Inc.
Post Office Box 133032
The Woodlands, TX 77393
Lisa@ascotmedia.com
Office: (281) 333-3507
www.ascotmedia.com

Something You Forgot Along the Way By Kentetsu Takamori - A MUST READ!

2009-09-28T02:26:00Z

What we have is not ours forever – that sounds like simple and obvious wisdom during economic times when so many have lost so much. But Kentetsu Takamori wants everyone to know the message is far more important when it comes to human nature. In his new book, Something You Forgot…Along the Way, Takamori relates 65 short stories that bring his philosophy to life. He cautions us that nothing is permanent.

An amazing book - when you read it you will be buying additional copies for family and friends. Just heartwarming!

Something You Forgot…Along the Way By Kentetsu Takamori is a translation of a best-selling book which has sold over 650,000 copies to date in Japan. Through fictional and non-fictional tales, guiding its readers towards insight and self-reflection is the goal of these sixty-five short stories. These tender and inspiring tales encourage us to sincerely reflect on our day-to-day life. In the tradition of Aesop’s Fables, each story concludes with a moral lesson. In these lessons we are given a perspective on people and events that is rare, unexpected and wise, from an author with a profound understanding of the human condition. People of any age, children to adults, can share in the wisdom of Something You Forgot…Along the Way.

Available now in the US at:

Book Reviews for Something You Forgot Along the Way By Kentetsu Takamori!

2009-09-25T19:38:00Z

"Something You Forgot... boasts a collection of thought provoking, warm and profound stories, teaching life lessons relevant to all ages and all walks of life" - Duane Benjamin , Urbanology Magazine

This lovely book by Buddhist teacher Kentetsu Takamori gives readers 65 different opportunities to ponder the kind of simple truths that have the power to change their lives for the better. In a world where shift happens, Takamori’s insightful perspective provides invaluable guidance. - Katy Koontz, Freelance Writer and Editor

"Something You Forgot.... Along the Way" is a wonderful collection of ancient stories told with a fresh and modern voice. The messages in each story are short and sweet; thoughtful and refreshing reminders of ways to find the good and best in life. Pick it up and read one story every day - take your time and savor, as the author says, "It is wise to make haste slowly."

I truly enjoyed the book and will take my own advice to re-read many times. - Norma Vela, Publisher Today's Horse Trader Magazine

"The child is father of the man," best-selling Japanese author Kentetsu Takamori reminds us in the simple wisdom of a child and the reasoned understanding that comes with the broad experience of a man.

The author of "Something You Forgot Along the Way" does not preach but exhorts in the spare but rich languages of metaphor, parable and axiom.

Takamori's 65 short lessons chip away at the self and seek "to open the eyes of the soul." - Robert Serra, Publisher, Pacific Publishing

Book Review from Amazon.com

2009-09-01T03:45:00Z

In his new book, Something You Forgot...Along the Way, Buddhist teacher Kentetsu Takamori relates 65 short stories that bring his philosophy, what we have is not ours forever, to life. He cautions us that nothing is permanent."Once this reality sinks in," Takamori says, "we cannot help treasuring each moment of our association."The stories focus on such basics as the importance of perseverance, the real meaning of honor, and how success is not gained by chance, but by the fruit of our efforts. The stories aim to give guidance and help the reader see deeper into life.The depth of his thought is belied by the simplicity of his prose. He writes with a clarity that is accessible to children but profound enough to stir adults. Just as the title suggests, as I was reading, I felt as if I was receiving one bouquet of flowers after another. I also felt that the book gave me increased confidence about going forward in my life in a positive way.

Judith ( aka - Florida Reader)

Available now at Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/Something-You-Forgot-Along-Kentetsu-Takamori/dp/0979047110

Something You Forgot…Along the Way – By Kentetsu Takamori

2009-08-03T22:22:00Z

Something You Forgot…Along the Way By Kentetsu Takamori is a translation of a best-selling book which has sold over 650,000 copies to date in Japan. Through fictional and non-fictional tales, guiding its readers towards insight and self-reflection is the goal of these sixty-five short stories. These tender and inspiring tales encourage us to sincerely reflect on our day-to-day life. In the tradition of Aesop’s Fables, each story concludes with a moral lesson. In these lessons we are given a perspective on people and events that is rare, unexpected and wise, from an author with a profound understanding of the human condition. People of any age, children to adults, can share in the wisdom of Something You Forgot…Along the Way.

The author, KENTETSU TAKAMORI, is a Pure Land Buddhist teacher from Japan who has been teaching Buddhism worldwide for more than fifty years. He is the author of five best-selling books in his country.

Available at

Japanese Voices - Book Reviews & Testimonials - Translated from Japanese

2009-08-03T08:16:00Z

This is a great book, filled with valuable insights.

I think it’s a very important book for people to read today, when human life is often devalued, people’s sense of duty and humanity is being lost, and materialism and gluttony are everywhere.

When I finished it I made my husband read it, and now our kids are reading it as well.

(Female, age 65)

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Helped me rediscover a sense of joy

Just as the title suggests, as I was reading, I felt as if I was receiving one bouquet of flowers after another. I also felt that the book gave me increased confidence about going forward in my life in a positive way.

Since my divorce, I had been feeling like a failure in life—that is, until I read this book and rediscovered my sense of joy in life and the strength to face life’s challenges. Thank you.

(Female, age 29)

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Like an encyclopedia of human experience

One day my dad brought this book home for me. At first I thought it looked like something only adults would read, but eventually I got into it, and I learned a lot.

It seemed to me that it’s like an encyclopedia of human experience. I haven’t experienced much myself yet, so I’m glad that I found this book. I think it’s useful for me to read and think about. Maybe it can help me avoid making big mistakes in my life.

(Female, age 13)

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Birthday present from my mom

My mother got me the book for my birthday. I’m reading it for the third time now. I would like to be able to think about things in the same way that the people in this book do. I feel like it has already changed my way of thinking a little bit. Thanks for such a good book!!

(Female, age 15)

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Thank you for reminding me of important truths

I needed this book. It has helped me reevaluate the way I live. I would have liked to have read it sooner. My life probably appears satisfying to others, but for a long time I have felt that something essential is missing. It’s my children who have suffered as a result. This book made me see that more clearly.

(Female, 58)

All of the stories in this book are quite simple, and yet they are all things that I had gradually forgotten. Reading it, I almost felt ashamed of the way I had overlooked these things until now. I plan to reread it regularly. Once a month might be too ambitious, but I will definitely manage to read it once a year from this point. I hope that by doing that I can inscribe these truths on my heart.

(Osaka, female, age 27)

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From a teenaged reader

I read this book and started to think for the first time about the way I live and my actions. Until now I really only thought about myself and didn’t worry too much about anyone else, but now I have started to try to think about other people’s feelings or points of view. This is the first book I actually paid for and read all the way to the end. It’s really helped me.

(Female, age 19)

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When work and human relationships get to be too much …

This book makes you feel like you have energy to face the future. When I read it, I realized that all the things I’d been worried about were actually quite simple—what a relief! I was able to change my way of thinking, and I think I’ve been able to respond more warmly to the people around me.

(Female, age 35)

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A book for the whole family

The second time I read this book, my eight-year-old read it with me. The book really affected me, because it reminded me of things I had almost forgotten. I’ve given it friends who have kids, because I think any parent would benefit from reading this book. I feel almost like it was written just for me.

(Female, age 36)

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I’m reading this book for the second time.

I also am having my daughter, who’s getting married next year, read it, because I hope it will help her get a good start in life. I’m going to make her boyfriend read it too!

(Male, age 57)

About the Author: Kentetsu Takamori

2009-08-01T19:48:21Z

Kentetsu Takamori has lectured throughout Japan and worldwide on Buddhism. He is the author of several bestselling titles in Japanese and the chair of the Buddhist organization Jodo Shinshu Shinrankai. ...