The aim of this crowdfunding project is to publish Sri M’s autobiography, 'Apprenticed to a Himalayan Master: A Yogi’s Autobiography', in Japanese.
If we get enough support through this crowdfunding project, we shall be able to get this book published in Japan. Readers who would appreciate this kind of book tend to stay away from social media and the buzz of the Internet, so there is no guarantee that these readers will come across our crowdfunding project at all. This project is almost akin to climbing up the Himalayan mountains in terms of its uncertainty and potential challenges. We humbly ask for your help to spread the word, so that this project can be brought to the eyes of many people.
This is the original crowdfunding page in Japanese (Timing 08/30/2019 - 10/31/2019):
We regret to inform you that the crowdfunding site does not accept credit cards issued outside of Japan. If you are based abroad and are interested in supporting the project, please send an email to the following email address:
rengesha@padmapublishing.jp
When it was first published, 'Apprenticed to a Himalayan Master' immediately became a national bestseller in India. Soon, many people outside of India also came to know of of it; subsequently, the reader base spread worldwide.
The book’s author, Sri M, belongs to one of the ancient lineages of yogis in Himalaya, Nath Pant. Not only a yogi but also a social reformer, Sri M undertook a large scale peace walk in 2015, with a mission to help people come together, regardless of religion, gender, race or ethnicity. “Walk of Hope” across the Indian subcontinent attracted more than ten million people, providing people with ample opportunity for interfaith and interracial dialogue and prayer.
'Apprenticed to a Himalayan Master' traces the footsteps of this elevated soul. His soul's journey, guided and protected by his master, is an absolutely absorbing and fascinating one. It has been translated into many languages, but not yet into Japanese.
This is an incredibly important book that needs to be brought to the attention of people in Japan. Japanese publishers, however, tend to shy away from publishing books in relatively minor genres as the industry isn’t particularly lucrative these days.
This book was initially to be published by a Japanese publisher. But, half way through the process, there was an unexpected change in the management structure of the firm, and the contract was abandoned. The prospect for publication of the Japanese translation appeared to be doomed then.
Thankfully with the persistence of the team and support from many people, the book eventually found its way into publication though this crowdfunding project. Also, the people’s support and encouragement pushed the team to found a brand new publishing firm, Padma Publishing, for the publication of this book. Once this project is a success, we hope to bring more books like this to Japanese people in the future.
'Apprenticed to a Himalayan Master' is a priceless record of a soul’s sojourn that opens up the horizon of life beyond what is normally known. We hope to bring this precious book to many readers in Japan. We humbly ask for your kind support to publish this book in Japan.
SriM interview for Japanese people:
■Team
■Project Director/Editor: Akiko Otsu
This book is not a fairy tale story about a saint aloof from the society. The author lives in this world with us. This book reminds us that each single one of us is on an important journey of life.
■Translator: Kotaro Aoki
Sri M, an authentic heir to the ancient lineage of yogis in India, takes the ideal of diversity and inclusion into action through transformation of the minds of individuals.
■Reviewer: Toshiyasu Takei (Director of Ganesha Ganga)
In this day and age, it is rare to come across a real sage even in books. I strongly believe that this book will bring a ray of light into today’s dark world.
Many supporters contributed words of encouragement and recommendation for this project. Please read below what leading yoga and spiritual teachers in Japan have to say about this book.
■Recommendations
◇Junko Tomonaga (Director of Tomonaga Yoga Institute)
Techniques and knowledge are important to attain a state of yoga; however, equally important is a strong yearning for the higher realm, the world that this book explores and represents.
◇Gandhari Matsumoto (Director of Nagomi Yoga Research Institute)
This book shall find the right people. Such is the power of this book. Let’s bring this book into the world.
◇Yumiko Terasaki (Director of Sivananda Yoga Vidya Kendram)
This book is a testament to the depth of a guru’s love, which even exceeds that of a mother.
◇Yoshio Yamasaka (Director of Mount Hill Yoga Studio)
This book has the power to purify and awaken the pure force within the reader.
◇Tomoko Hayano (Director of Tryambakam yoga center)
This autobiography will help bring the next generation of yoga practitioners into Japan.
■Reward
The crowdfunding website does not accept credit cards issued outside of Japan. If you would like to support the project, please contact us via email:
rengesha@padmapublishing.jp
<1> Make a pledge without a reward: ￥2000 ($20USD approx)〜
・All the funding goes to support the project. The minimum amount is ￥2000〜
・A thank you letter from the project members.
<2> Purchase a book: ￥4,800(plus 8％tax) ($50USD approx)
・Apprenticed to a Himalayan Master, in Japanese
※Extra cost for international shipment applies
<3> Your name in the book + Apprenticed to a Himalayan Master in Japanese: ￥20,000(plus tax) ($200USD approx)
・ As a sign of your contribution to the project, your name will be printed in the acknowledgement section of the book.
・ Apprenticed to a Himalayan Master, in Japanese, with your name in the acknowledgment section.
※Extra cost for international shipment applies
<4> Purchase a bundle of 5 books for a discount price: ￥22,500(plus 8％tax) ($220USD approx)
・Recommended for a group purchase. 7% special discount applies.
※Extra cost for international shipment applies
<5> Purchase a bundle of 10 books for a discount price: ￥40,000(plus 8％tax) ($400USD approx)
・Recommended for a group purchase. 7% special discount applies.
※Extra cost for international shipment applies
<6> Support Sri M’s visit to Japan in the future: ￥30,000(plus 8％tax) ($300USD approx)
・ Support Sri M’s visit to Japan in the future.
・ Early bird reservation option for Sri M’s visit to Japan (date to be announced).
※When the visit is announced in the future, supporters for this reward will receive additional benefits.
※This reward does not come with a book. Please choose the book reward separately if you wish to have a copy of it.
The tax rate'll increase to 10% from 01,October, 2019, but in this crowdfunding, the tax is 8％ fix rate.
