Resources for the introduction of SGI-Spain’s discussion meetings
Now when Nichiren chants Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, he is enabling all living beings to attain Buddhahood in the ten thousand years of the Latter Day of the Law.
↳ OTT, page 41. The Orally Transmitted Teachings are a compilation of Nichiren Daishonin’s oral teachings of The Lotus Sutra, expounded during his years in mount Minobu. This is where he established himself in May 1274 until 8 September 1282, a few weeks before his death. These teachings were registered and collected in two volumes by Nikko Shonin, his disciple and successor.
Nichiren Daishonin exerted himself unsparingly and endured great persecutions to establish and spread the fundamental Law for the enlightenment of all humanity into the eternal future of the Latter Day of the Law.
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The day he proclaimed his teaching signals the starting point of these efforts. On April 28, 1253, the Daishonin first publicly chanted Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, burning with his great vow to free all people from suffering. (…) The sun of the Mystic Law dawned to illuminate the darkness of fundamental ignorance shrouding humanity. (…)
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The Daishonin’s Buddhism (…) is a magnificent, enduring philosophy that transcends differences such as race and culture. It enables each person to shine with supreme dignity and work with others to create a world of true security and peace. It is a people-centered religion, a human religion, that is open to all. (…)
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The spirit behind the Daishonin’s proclamation of his teaching was his determined vow to guide all humanity to happiness. This vow of the Buddha of the Latter Day pulses vibrantly in the hearts of Soka Gakkai members—united by the bonds of mentor and disciple—who are actualizing the widespread propagation of his teaching throughout the world today.[1]
In the same lecture from which the above quote and commentary have been taken from, Daisaku Ikeda states the following:
Harvard Divinity School professor emeritus Harvey Cox expressed his hopes for our movement, saying: “The great role of religion today is to reform the bonds that connect people. Accomplishing this is one of the areas in which my hopes for SGI are very high.”
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In these times when divisive forces are on the rise, the ongoing efforts of Soka Gakkai members around the world, striving with the same spirit as Nichiren Daishonin to support and encourage people, are a great beacon of hope.
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We think of others, wondering how they’re feeling and how they’re doing. And with courage, we reach out and talk with them. Using our voices to do the Buddha’s work, we help one person after another (…) embracing them with our heartfelt care.
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Encouragement has the power to revitalize those crushed by suffering.
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Encouragement has the power to awaken the Buddha nature in all people.
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Worldwide kosen-rufu starts with forging bonds of encouragement with those around us.[2]
When the discussion meeting of this group from Barcelona ended, the vitality that had emerged from the participants lead them to spontaneously take “a photograph for Civilización Global.” By the way, it is not a meeting that took place in November or May when it is usual that more Future Division members participate due to the significance of these months in SGI Spain. According to what we have been told, the presence of children is constant, and they even have an active role.
Mailbox: prensa@ediciones-civilizacionglobal.com