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».
“Life is full of difficulties and unexpected obstacles; it is a fight against stagnation and self-indulgence. The lion’s roar of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is the supreme way to overcome all problems. Those who continue chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, no matter what happens, will never be defeated.
In different regions of the world, Soka Gakkai members are taking new initiatives and inspiring challenges. For example, […] virtual meetings allow them to communicate frequently, exchanging ideas and encouraging each other. Such communication generates an inspirational and joyful rhythm for everyone. Members can create heart to heart connections in spite of the physical distances […].
We are in an increasingly accelerated process of change. It is more important than ever to vigorously pray every day in order to activate the “the wisdom of the truth that functions in accordance with changing circumstances”(OTT, p.10). Based on that wisdom, we can firmly respond to any challenges, depicting an encouraging saga of our human revolution and helping other people to do the same.”
(Excerpt from IKEDA, Daisaku: “Youthful Bodhisattvas of the Earth, Be the Light of Hope for Humanity,” adapted from Civilización Global, No. 141, January 2017, p. 5-6)
LOCALLY
In total harmony with the quote abovementioned, in light of the new scenario resulting from the suspension of physical meetings in the SGEs as a measure to prevent the transmission of COVID-19, the SGEs discussion groups have immediately taken “new initiatives” and “inspiring challenges,” to continue “connecting from heart to heart in spite of the physical distances.” In doing so, they have not forgotten the fact that the source of their creativity must be “the lion’s roar of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo,” and the ultimate purpose, to “depict an encouraging saga of our human revolution and helping other people to do the same.”
(Mailbox: prensa@ediciones-civilizacionglobal.com)
ADVANCING WITH THE GOSHO
One who listens to even a sentence or phrase of the sutra and cherishes it deep in one’s heart may be likened to a ship that crosses the sea of the sufferings of birth and death. The Great Teacher Miao-lo stated, “Even a single phrase cherished deep […] will without fail help one reach the opposite shore. To ponder one phrase and practice it is to exercise navigation.
(Passage from “Ship to Cross the Sea of Suffering”, WND-I, p. 33).
“The Soka Gakkai’s aim is that our grassroots movement will become a “pillar” supporting peace around the world; serve as “eyes” that keenly discern the future and are focused on creating hope; and be a “great ship” with the compassion to take on board all living beings, uniting the world, crossing the rough seas of our times, and opening a new page of happiness and peace for humankind…[1]a “great ship” with the compassion to take on board all living beings, uniting the world, crossing the rough seas of our times, and opening a new page of happiness and peace for humankind.
With the conviction that we are on “a sure course to historic achievement”,[2] our ship sets out eagerly on a hope-filled voyage to spread the Daishonin’s teachings across the globe, as “the mast of the one true teaching of the Middle Way [Nam-myoho-renge-kyo]”.[3]
This simile has profound meaning. If we can ride out the tempestuous seas, eventually the waters will grow calm once more. In the turbulent waves of history, we can see the dauntless ability of humanity to surmount all hardships. Even in the face of conflicts and natural disasters, we can robustly restore and rebuild our lives. Such is the resilience and fortitude of ordinary people. As long as “the mast of the one true teaching of the Middle Way” stands firm, we can keep sailing onward.”
(Excerpt from “La alegría del 3 de mayo: un orgulloso castillo de personas comunes…”)[4]
PERSPECTIVE
Reality is complex and, sometimes, hard, very hard… to the point of tempting the possibility of escaping. But, according to the teaching “A person of wisdom is not one who practices Buddhism apart from worldly affairs but, rather, one who thoroughly understands the principles by which the world is governed,”[5]. In the same dissertation from which the previous passage has been drawn, Daisaku Ikeda asserts: “We chant intently before the Gohonzon about the problems we face in our lives, striving hard and tapping all our ingenuity to solve them. When we carry out our Buddhist practice steadfastly within the harsh realities of society and dedicate our lives to kosen-rufu, the wisdom of the Buddha is guaranteed to arise within us.” [6]
KEYWORDS
Reality of society · Conviction · Middle Way · Resilience · Advance |
[1] ↑ The opening of the eyes, WND-I, pp. 280-281.
[2] ↑ A line from the Soka Gakkai song “Kofu ni Hashire” (Onward to Kosen-rufu).
[3] ↑ A Ship to Cross the Sea of Suffering, WND-I, p. 34.
[4] ↑ See this issue, “La alegría del 3 de mayo”.
[5] ↑ The Kalpa of Decrease, WND-I, p. 1121.
[6] ↑ See this issue “La alegría del 3 de mayo”.