In this section we offer resources for Spain Soka Gakkai 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
“Mr. Makiguchi placed great importance on members’ experiences in faith. He cited the experience of a woman who overcame family and work difficulties to triumphantly create a happy, harmonious family applauded by all her neighbors; and also that of a man who, through his Buddhist practice, was able to inject new life into his printing business that had been operating at a loss for over a decade. Mr. Makiguchi described such inspirational dramas of renewal as (…) ‘actual proof of a life of great good’ and ‘evidence of attaining Buddhahood in this lifetime.’
Mr. Toda also taught us that through our efforts to put faith into practice in daily life while grappling with all kinds of problems, we can establish a state of absolute happiness in which being alive itself is a joy. Nothing pleased him more than hearing the experiences of fellow members advancing in their human revolution and changing their karma.
The Daishonin states: ‘When one who is able to show clearly visible proof in the present expounds the Lotus Sutra, there also will be persons who will [come to] believe [in the sutra]’ (WND-1, 512). Mr. Makiguchi noted that one of the unique things about the faith experiences of Soka Gakkai members is that members not only strive to accumulate experiences of the benefit of faith themselves, but actively seek to tell as many people as possible about them. The truth is powerful.”[1]
LOCALLY
The bright smiles of the people who make up this SGEs discussion group comes, just as they have let us know, from the challenges they take on based upon Buddhist practice and study. Going back to education to study, preparing a public examination when it seemed unthinkable, being parents… These are just but a few examples of how they are addressing the principle that “faith equals daily life.”
(Mailbox: prensa@ediciones-civilizacionglobal.com)
ADVANCING WITH THE GOSHO
The Lotus Sutra states, “[The doctrines that they (teachers of the Law who accept and uphold the sutra after the Buddha’s passing) preach . . .] will never be contrary to the true reality.” T’ien-t’ai commented on this, saying that “no worldly affairs of life or work are ever contrary to the true reality.” 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.
(The Kalpa of Decrease, WND-1, 1121).
“The heart of our Buddhist practice, therefore, is showing actual proof of the principles that ‘faith equals daily life’ and ‘Buddhism is manifested in society.’ (…)
All around the world, Soka Gakkai members, starting with prayers infused with their vow for kosen-rufu, chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo for the happiness of themselves and others. They summon their courage and wisdom to win in their own day-to-day challenges and to compassionately spread the Mystic Law.
As a result, the Soka Gakkai brims with the inspiring experiences of members who are showing solid proof of the benefit of faith and leading winning lives of hope and joy. I am convinced that by doing so, they are giving expression to the spirit of the Lotus Sutra and embodying the true way of practice in Nichiren Buddhism.”[2]
PERSPECTIVE
In the lecture from which the above quote and commentary have been extracted, Daisaku Ikeda observes that “‘faith equals daily life’ also means that daily life equals faith. In other words, that every aspect of our lives constitutes Buddhist practice. The Daishonin warmly instructs one of his dedicated lay disciples: ‘If you continue living as you are now [diligently carrying out your duties at work], there can be no doubt that you will be practicing the Lotus Sutra twenty-four hours a day. Regard your service to your lord as the practice of the Lotus Sutra.’ (…) The Daishonin urges us to live in such a way that we win the praise of those around us. By doing so, (…) our virtues naturally emanate from our lives and bring the benefit of protection from without. To have others speak in our praise is a sign of the trust and respect of the people around us and in our communities.”[3]
KEYWORDS
Faith equals daily life · Buddhism is manifested in society
[1] ↑ See the section “Estudio mensual” in this issue