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
“During my second address at Harvard University (in 1993), I stated my belief that a religion that can bring about a human renaissance, in other words, enable people to become stronger, better, and wiser, will serve as a source for creating a truly humanistic culture in the 21st century.
Our discussion meetings are joyous gatherings from which we can set forth once again energized and refreshed as protagonists of human revolution. The invincible power of the Buddha to surmount even the harshest karma surges anew within us.
Discussion meetings are also gatherings of family from time without beginning, where we transcend all differences, believe in each other’s positive potential, and inspire and encourage one another. They are models of tolerance and harmony for which humanity longs.
Not least, discussion meetings are a training ground for learning and practicing the supreme philosophy of respect for the dignity of life.
They are places where young and old alike vibrantly study and discuss the principles of Nichiren Buddhism, to cultivate and bring forth the wisdom for creating value.”
(IKEDA, Daisaku: «Our Hope-Filled Soka Discussion Meetings», Daibyakurenge, November 2019, translation available in www.sgi-es.org/publicaciones/editorial/noviembre-2019/).
LOCALLY
The name of this pioneering discussion group, whose bright Soka Victory General Meeting last December is featured here, reminds us that Nichiren Buddhism is the “Buddhism of the sun,” and encourages us to a daily renewal. Al Alba, meaning ‘at dawn,’ also evokes the land where the group meets: Valencia, one of the first regions to welcome in the day that we later share.
(Mailbox: prensa@ediciones-civilizacionglobal.com)
ADVANCING WITH THE GOSHO
Though one might point at the earth and miss it, though one might bind up the sky, though the tides might cease to ebb and flow and the sun rise in the west, it could never come about that the prayers of the practitioner of the Lotus Sutra would go unanswered.
(Passage from “On Prayer,” WND-1, p. 345.).
«As the Daishonin indicates in a passage that first Soka Gakkai president Tsunesaburo Makiguchi treasured: “The stronger one’s faith, the greater the protection of the gods.”[1]
In another of his writings [“The Royal Palace”], the Daishonin asserts: “The fact that her [Nichigen-nyo’s] prayers have gone unanswered is like a strong bow with a weak bowstring, or a fine sword in the hands of a coward. It is in no sense the fault of the Lotus Sutra”.[2] The Daishonin consistently stresses that strong faith is the essential factor in having our prayers answered.
The Daishonin himself, while being led to the place of execution during the Tatsunokuchi Persecution, remonstrated with the heavenly deities and rebuked the Great Bodhisattva Hachiman for not fulfilling his oath to protect the practitioners of the Lotus Sutra (cf. WND-1, pp. 766–67).
Ultimately, faith is not asking the heavenly deities for their support, but rather activating their protective functions within our own lives, which embody the Mystic Law.
The Daishonin cites a passage [from the Great Teacher Miao-lo of China]: “One’s body and mind at a single moment pervade the entire realm of phenomena.”[3] Indeed, our mind, our lives, can pervade the entire universe. In other words, we can make everything in the universe, even the most negative and hostile forces, our allies. Such is the infinite power of the Mystic Law.
(Excerpt from “The Women’s Division–Suns of Hope Illuminating the Century of Women”).[4]
PERSPECTIVE
In the same dissertation from which the previous comment has been drawn, Daisaku Ikeda states: “The universe is […] always in motion. The ultimate Law governing that ceaseless activity is Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, the essence of the Lotus Sutra. As the Daishonin writes: ‘It is the power of the Buddhist Law that enables the deities of the sun and moon to make their rounds of the four continents.’[5] Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is the fundamental Law that gives form to all things in the universe. Prayer is the way the microcosm of our lives communes with the macrocosm of the universe. Through prayers based on the Mystic Law, we bring forth the supreme power, wisdom, and compassion of the universe in our own lives.”[6]
KEYWORDS
Prayer · Faith · Protection of the gods
[1] WND-1, p. 614.
[2] Ib., p. 489.
[3] Ib., p. 366.
[4] See this issue, «El Departamento de Mujeres (2/3)».
[5] WND-1, p. 685.
[6] See this issue, «El Departamento de Mujeres (2/3)».