Saved by the Light

Buddhist principles beautifully illustrated.


-Charles Mabbott



It is an intriguing story. It pulls you in and makes you want to read it.


-Simon Lopez, age 12



In Saved by the Light, Lela Ryterski tells the heart of Nichiren's enlightenment story in a straightforward, engaging narrative.


-Kate Rich



Saved by the Light is a story about the samurai warrior, Shijo Kingo, and the Buddhist monk, Nichiren Daishonin. Nichiren is a rebel. Shijo Kingo is quick-tempered and, like most of us, has an inherent sense of what's right and what's wrong. He becomes Nichiren's pupil and learns to chant a powerful invocation that can bring peace to the world. Because Nichiren refutes the main religions of his day and teaches the chant, he is almost killed and is exiled. However, the key to his victory lies in that very same chant. This is a true story of amazing events that saved Nichiren's life.


There are now more than 12 million practitioners of Nichiren Buddhism worldwide as a world peace movement. It is the fastest growing sect of Buddhism in modern times.

About the Author




Lela Ryterski encountered Nichiren Buddhism through the lay Buddhist organization, now called the SGI (Soka Gakkai International) in Brighton Beach, Brooklyn, New York, in 1985. Over the years she transformed her life from sad to happy because of the practice and overcame many challenges. She studied art from an early age and became a teacher and artist. She has previously illustrated a coloring book by Helga Wagenleiter and Chirpee the Squirrel by Alice Oates.


Lela practices chanting and yoga. She currently resides in a yurt in Homer, Alaska.