In this section we offer resources for the SGEs discussion meetings; namely: a special part centred around the commemoration of the Day of Mentor and Disciple for Europe (“Towards 6th June”), the presentation of a discussion group (“Locally”), a passage from the writings of Nichiren Daishonin commented by Daisaku Ikeda (“Advancing with the Gosho”), a “Perspective” and some “Keywords.”
TOWARDS 6TH JUNE
It was June 6th, 1981 that Daisaku Ikeda, during his visit to Europe, named that day as ‘The Day of Europe.’ Later, he agreed to rename it, ‘The Day of Mentor and Disciple for Europe.’
On June 6th this year, we are invited to join an unprecedented online celebration. It will not only be a commemoration of the 40th anniversary of that day as the determination is that, lived with a spirit of true oneness of mentor and disciple, it can also be the starting point of a historic gear change of the Kosen-rufu movement toward 2030 in this first and decisive year of the coming decade that leads up to the centennial.
Ikeda Sensei has encouraged us “to be even more determined to show victorious proof of our own human revolution, to transform all great evil into great good, and to effect a powerful change in the destiny of humanity.”
Starting from now and until June 6th, we have the opportunity to establish the foundation of this great turning point for European Kosen-rufu and to make sure that the event on that day can be the most joyful, fantastic, unforgettable and historical celebration.
(Adapted from https://www.6thjune.eu/)
LOCALLY
Two sentences that were published in past issues of this magazine were mentioned in the e-mail to which this image was attached to; namely: “this group is called like our ‘great mountain’” and “discussion meetings are places where smiles multiply.” The fact that these expressions, which are of an unshakable life state and an expansive joy, alluded to a discussion meeting that took place “thirty years after” in Zaragoza,[1] is an excellent actual proof.
(Mailbox: prensa@ediciones-civilizacionglobal.com)
ADVANCING WITH THE GOSHO
You should respect one another [as Buddhas do.]
(The Fourteen Slanders, WND-1, p. 757)
“Our Soka castle of capable people is bound together by the ties of mutual respect, perfectly reflecting the Daishonin’s words [mentioned above] (…) It is also defined by unparalleled unity in diversity based on the “great wisdom of equality” (LSOC11, 209–10). It is a realm where individuals freely reveal their unique capacities in accord with the principle of ‘cherry, plum, peach, and damson blossoms’ (cf. OTT, 200) while striving together in common purpose ‘with the spirit of many in body but one in mind, transcending all differences among themselves to become as inseparable as fish and the water in which they swim.’
That’s what makes our movement a model of spiritual solidarity that the world, today filled with growing division and isolation, is earnestly seeking.”[2]
PERSPECTIVE
This month we dedicate this section to echo recent lines that, together with the passage and commentary above, celebrate equality and unity in light of Buddhist teachings.
“The sun illuminates all people equally.
The light of the sun has the power to vanquish darkness.
In times of deep darkness, a religion that has the power
to unlock the limitless potential of human beings is needed
more than ever.
Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism is a religion of hope, that expounds
that all people without exception inherently possess a life of supreme dignity
and that each person can shine brilliantly like the sun.
Today’s world is earnestly yearning for a humanistic religion.
The Daishonin’s writings pulse with the indomitable fearless heart of a lion king
and the Buddha’s great compassion to resolutely lead all people to enlightenment (…)
Starting from today, once again, let us walk vibrantly
on this great path of ‘faith, practice and study’,
the fundamental Buddhist practice.”[3]
KEY WORDS
Mutual respect · Wisdom of equality · Solidarity unity · Fundamental practice
[1] ↑ See the section «Mi historia» in the March 2021 issue of Civilización Global.
[2] ↑ See the section «Punto de partida» in this issue.
[3] ↑ IKEDA, Daisaku: “The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin are the Wellspring of Hope and Victory”, Seikyo Shimbun, 14/02/2021.