Resources for the introduction of SGI-Spain’s discussion meetings
When one lights a torch for someone at night, one brings light not only to another person but to oneself as well. Likewise, when one livens other people’s complexions, one livens one’s own too, when one gives them strength, one gives oneself strength too, when one prolongs their lives, one prolongs one’s own life as well.
Passage from On Clothing and Food, in WND-2, page 1066. Addressed to a lay nun who embraced the Daishonin’s teachings but whose identity and location are unknown. The letter is thought to have been composed after the Daishonin moved to Mount Minobu, but the exact date is not known. After expressing his gratitude for the gift of coins he has received from the lay nun, the Daishonin describes how vital food and clothing are for our lives and explains the benefit that accrues to one who makes offerings of such items.
Suppose someone is standing anxiously by the side of a dark road at night. Many see them but pass by without offering to help. One person, however, raises a lantern to illuminate the stranger, saying, ‘You must have been frightened, but you’re safe now. Let’s walk together!’ and then accompanies them on the road.
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This scenario portrays the spirit and actions of a bodhisattva.
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There is nothing special about such behavior. It is simply responding with sympathy and heartfelt concern for those we encounter who are suffering, reaching out spontaneously to try to do whatever we can to help. It is listening to people’s problems and wholeheartedly encouraging them. Such richly human behavior is the very essence of a bodhisattva . . .
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The essential message of Buddhism is that when we recognize the infinitely noble Buddha nature in each person and forge bonds based on a wish to benefit ourselves and others, unsurpassed wisdom for creating happiness and peace will emerge limitlessly within us . . .
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Our mission is to start where we are and confidently bring the great light of hope of the Buddhism of the Sun to our families, friends, and loved ones, to our neighbors and everyone in our environment. That light can give them courage to live their lives fully. It can provide them with boundless energy, increase their life force, and serve as a source of wisdom and strength to overcome any crisis . . .
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Worldwide kosen-rufu is actually a global grassroots movement of dialogue and encouragement.
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Encouragement is also empowerment. How bright the future of humanity will be when people the world over encourage each other and awaken to their own great mission and latent potential![1].
In the lecture from which the above passage and paragraphs have been extracted, Daisaku Ikeda deepens in the meaning of the fusion which Buddhism explains between benefiting our lives and benefiting the lives of others. He states:
The Daishonin’s declaration that “when one gives them strength, one gives oneself strength too” brilliantly describes how benefiting oneself and benefiting others are one and the same. With these simple words, he illustrates for us the unrivaled way of life in which benefiting oneself and benefiting others are seamlessly and naturally merged.
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Here we find no egoism concerned solely with one’s own welfare while disregarding others; no narrow, self-absorbed mindset that places rigid boundaries between self and others. Duty or social propriety are not the motivators. It is a way of life that embodies compassion, the spontaneous desire to help others.
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A one-sided focus on benefiting or helping others, however, can easily turn into condescension or self-sacrifice. Precisely because acting for the benefit of others also benefits ourselves, it brings us appreciation and joy.
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Without seeking to escape from this suffering-filled saha world, those who strive with sincerity and wisdom, just as they are, for the welfare and happiness of others as well as themselves are living as genuine bodhisattvas.[2]
How positive it is to start a new year, and a new phase in Civilización Global, with an image of people who are celebrating “new challenges”! This discussion group, which is part of SGI-Spain’s Manresa district, concluded 2022 with a “joyful meeting full of experiences and a dialogue in high spirits.” With an inclusive hybrid format and a high participation, those who have been working for kosen-rufu for a longer period in Bages, region of Barcelona, especially celebrated the appearance of members of the four divisions of Soka. Congratulations!
Mailbox: prensa@ediciones-civilizacionglobal.com
[1] ↑ Extracted from the lecture published in the section “Estudio” in this issue.
[2] ↑ Ib.