In this section we offer resources for the SGI Spain discussion meetings; namely: a quote that sheds light on the relevance of the efforts that crystallise on these gatherings («Globally»), a presentation of one of the groups that sustain them («Locally»), a passage from the writings of Nichiren Daishonin commented by Daisaku Ikeda («Advancing with the Gosho»), a «Perspective» and some «Keywords».
GLOBALLY
“Shin’ichi urged them […] to work towards making the discussion meetings a great success, in order to establish a solid basis for the advance of kosen-rufu. He said:
—As you know, discussion meetings, together with the study of the Daishonin’s teachings, have traditionally been the heart of Gakkai activities. It is the central element of the Buddhist practice and the quintessence of the entire organization.
“I believe that the discussion meeting is of utmost importance. I want us to confirm, once again, that these encounters are the ‘battlefield’ of Soka Gakkai. […]
Shin’ichi was determined to take the lead of this task to strengthen and increase the number of discussion meetings, pillar of all Gakkai activities. Since the time of Mr. Makiguchi, the heart of Soka Gakkai could be found in these meetings. In fact, they had been the starting point of the popular movement of the organisation. There, you could study the Daishonin’s writings, share experiences without hesitation, and receive a clear guidance in faith by leaders. These meetings inspired the participants to have a new determination, thus becoming this way the driving force for the development of Soka Gakkai.”
(Translated from IKEDA, Daisaku: La nueva revolución humana, volumes 13-14, Rivas-Vaciamadrid: Ediciones Civilización Global, 2019, p. 94).
LOCALLY
On one occasion, Nichiren Daishonin wrote to a disciple: “You are like pure gold because you embrace the ‘gold’ of the Lotus Sutra” (WND-I, p. 217). The name of this SGI Spain discussion group, located in the Sant Martí district in Barcelona, has the background to be born with a new century, in 2000. To celebrate their 20th anniversary, all members shared their experiences at this meeting; guests shared their impressions; and one person received Gohonzon, in an atmosphere full of joy and new determinations for 2020.
(Mailbox: prensa@ediciones-civilizacionglobal.com)
AVDVANCING WITH THE GOSHO
A hundred years of practice in the Land of Perfect Bliss cannot compare to the benefit gained from one day’s practice in the impure world.
(Passage from On Repaying Debts of Gratitude, WND-I, p. 736).
In the days when I was supporting Mr. Toda in his business troubles,[1] there was a period when I was unable to participate in Soka Gakkai activities […]. But precisely because I was so busy, I was determined not to retreat a single step.
Earnestly making efforts to find time, to take action, and to meet with people is itself Buddhist practice. This is because the resolve underlying those actions leads to our human revolution and transforms our state of life. And by making such efforts amid our own busy schedules, we are able to empathize with others’ difficulties and inspire them with just a few simple encouraging words or a single visit.
Practicing Buddhism is an exercise of our right to be happy. It is not a duty or an obligation forced upon us. Depending on our attitude or mind-set, we can get the most out of the activities we are able to do and thereby fully recharge our life force. As a result, we can accumulate immeasurable benefit, as described by the Daishonin when he says: “A hundred years of practice in the Land of Perfect Bliss cannot compare to the benefit gained from one day’s practice in the impure world.”
(Excerpt from “The Men’s Division, Invincible Pillars of Kosen-rufu”).[2]
PERSPECTIVE
In another passage from the dissertation from which the previous comment has been drawn, Daisaku Ikeda recalls that, during his youth, he once asked his mentor Josei Toda how a person’s greatness was defined, and he responded without hesitation: “Greatness lies in the conviction”.[3] It is people of greatness who contribute to the development in their workplaces, fight for the happiness of their loved ones, work for the flourishing of their communities… Thanks to the conviction –or, in terms of Nichiren Buddhism, thanks to faith in the Gohonzon– we can commit to the reality in all its complexity, without limiting ourselves to the superficial ups and downs, and in this way, transform it thoroughly. As the Daishonin claimed in The selection of the time: “The shallow is easy to embrace, but […] seek the profound is the way of a person of courage.” [4]
KEY WORDS
Practice committed to reality · Perseverance · Conviction · Benefits
[1] ↑ In the difficult Japanese postwar period, the young Daisaku Ikeda supported Josei Toda –in his role as editor and entrepreneur– also as a dedicated employee.
[2] ↑ See this issue, p.29.
[3] ↑ Ib. p.29.
[4] ↑ WND-I, p. 555. It is a quote from Dengyo.