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 Buddhist teachings commented by Daisaku Ikeda (“Advancing with the Gosho”), a “Perspective” and some “Keywords”.
GLOBALLY
“To engage in dialogue means
to learn from one another,
to get to know each other
and to show mutual respect.
The purpose of dialogue
is to make friends with the human race
and make the world our ally.
The starting point of our dialogue
is anguish and indignation towards society in turmoil.
It is the heart to empathise with people who are suffering.
When we stand on this common ground,
it is possible to engage in sincere dialogue (…).
(…) [T]here is no need
to feel small in front of anyone,
have confidence as you engage in vibrant dialogues
to open a way to create a better life and society.
Moreover, dialogue is like a drama with many acts.
There may be moments when the sparks fly
or moments of happiness playing a harmonious melody of empathy.
In spirited dialogues,
there is a sense of fulfilment and vitality.
Now, more than ever,
let us base ourselves on strong faith
and strive to engage in dialogue with a vibrant spirit!”[1]
LOCALLY
The discussion groups which make up SGI Spain’s La Palma district, decided, given the exceptional time they are going through on the island due to the eruption of the volcano, to celebrate together the second part of the 60th anniversary commemoration which took place on 17th October. Regional and National leaders joined them representing all the members of the organization whose prayers are infused with the determination that, together, we can surmount the current circumstances without being defeated.
(Mailbox: prensa@ediciones-civilizacionglobal.com)
ADVANCING WITH THE GOSHO
These people voluntarily relinquish the reward due them for their pure deeds and, in the time after I have passed into extinction, because they pity living beings, they are born in this evil world so they may broadly expound this sutra.
(“The Teacher of the Law” chapter, LSOC10, 200).
“Just as this principle explains, we have chosen, in accord with our vow as bodhisattvas, to be born into the evil age of the Latter Day of the Law with all sorts of destinies, or karma—illness, financial hardship, family discord, loneliness, low self-esteem, and the list goes on—to help guide others to enlightenment. But by chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, striving in our Buddhist practice for ourselves and others, and dedicating our lives to kosen-rufu, our vibrant life force as Bodhisattvas of the Earth and the expansive life state of Buddhahood well forth within us. Our lives will brim with the wisdom, courage, strength, hope, and joy to overcome every hardship and daunting obstacle that arises. As we bravely triumph over the onslaughts of karma, we demonstrate the validity of the teachings of Nichiren Buddhism and the tremendous benefit of our Buddhist practice, and further advance kosen-rufu. In fact, we have willingly taken on these hardships and sufferings in order to do just that.
Karma and mission are two sides of the same coin, and our karma directly becomes our unique and noble mission. That is why, when we dedicate our lives to kosen-rufu, there is no destiny that we cannot change.
We are all Bodhisattvas of the Earth and have a right to become happy. We are the lead players and stars in a glorious drama performed on the grand stage of life.”[2]
PERSPECTIVE
In the afterword of The New Human Revolution novel, from which we have extracted the quote and commentary found above these lines, Daisaku Ikeda observes that “the quintessential teaching of Nichiren Buddhism does not view life and its phenomena as fixed or static, but elucidates life’s dynamism, in which everything is changing and open to change, as is seen in such principles as ‘earthly desires are enlightenment,’ ‘the sufferings of birth and death are nirvana,’ and ‘changing poison into medicine.’ It also perceives the potential for Buddhahood in the depths of the life of each suffering human being, and teaches the way to awaken and manifest that life state—in other words, the supreme positive potential, creativity, and autonomy of human beings. This process of changing our lives, or inner transformation, we call human revolution.”[3]
KEYWORDS
Bodhisattvas of the Earth · Karma as mission · Happiness · Human Revolution
[1] ↑ IKEDA, Daisaku: “Let’s Make the World our Ally Through Dialogue”, Seikyo Shimbun, 26/9/2021.
[2] ↑ IKEDA, Daisaku: The New Human Revolution, Vol. 30, Afterword.
[3] ↑ Ib.