In this section we offer resources for Spain Soka Gakkai 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
“Why do we reach out to others?
It is to lead the person in front of us to happiness.
This has been the essential spirit of Buddhism since the time of Shakyamuni.
It is the fundamental wish of the Buddha that has flowed through Nichiren Daishonin, (…) and been inherited by us in the Soka Gakkai. (…)
What touches people’s heart is
not how skilled we are with rhetoric or flowery words.
What will really move our friend’s heart
is the urgent desire that wells forth from our being
for them to stand up.
Encouragement is the flame of inspiration we light in another
based on our burning determination.
We can advance on the path of transforming society in a true sense
to establish (…) the peace of the land,
only when each individual tackles the struggles they face
amidst the reality of their daily life.
Encouraging the person in front of us is the starting point
for opening the great path of human revolution.”[1]
LOCALLY
The members of this discussion group from Madrid seriously took the encouragement received at the start of the year to set goals and to chant with the determination for their fulfilment. One of them, which already existed previously as a wish, and which consists of more young people participating in the group, is being answered. In this way, their commitment with the future is shaping the present.
(Mailbox: prensa@ediciones-civilizacionglobal.com)
ADVANCING WITH THE GOSHO
Winter always turns to spring.
(In WND-1, 535).
“Having weathered the cold days of winter, we enter March, a month filled with the hope of spring. (…)
As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, I imagine that you, my dear young friends, have also had to face and persevere through many hardships over the past year. (…)
‘No education surpasses that of trials and hardships’—I hung this motto on the wall of my room and often repeated it to myself when I was 17 years old. That was during the turbulent period immediately following World War II.
Experiencing unprecedented misfortune or calamity first-hand can make you deeply aware of life’s preciousness, understand others’ pain and suffering, and ready to reach out to those in need. I therefore hope that you will grow to be fine leaders who work for people’s happiness, each of you shining brilliantly in the realm of your personal mission. (…)
In Buddhist scriptures, the Buddha is often likened to a lion king. A lion king has courage. (…) We need courage (…) for achieving our human revolution and changing our karma, and further, for transforming society and creating world peace.”[2]
PERSPECTIVE
In another recent encouragement, Daisaku Ikeda has also mentioned the passing from Winter into Spring, stating the following: “When confronted by hardships, whether in our personal lives or in society, if we decide it is impossible and give up, there is no way forward. However, when we resolve deeply and continually challenge ourselves to have a breakthrough, firmly believing that there is no hardship we cannot overcome, we can draw forth our potential more than ever before and create hope from where we are. Even though now you may be enduring a winter of hardship, never retreat in your heart. From the courage to take one step forward into the north wind, wells forth the strength to fight and remain undefeated. A springtime of victory has already begun to unfold in those who maintain such a spirit.”[3]
KEYWORDS
Spring of hope · Courageous determination · Encouraging the person in front of us
[1] ↑ IKEDA, Daisaku: “Leading the person in front of us to happiness,” Seikyo Shimbun, 30/1/2022.
[2] ↑ See the section “Estudio mensual.”
[3] ↑ IKEDA, Daisaku: “Towards the Spring of Hope with an Ever-Victorious Spirit,” Seikyo Shimbun, 6/2/2022.