In this section we offer resources for the 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
“[Nichiren Daishonin’s treatise On Establishing the Correct Teaching for the Peace of the Land] thus ends with the guest vibrantly expressing his determination [thanks to the encouragement received though a dialogue with the host]. What we can learn from this is that the end of one dialogue serves as a starting point for another.
Buddhism affirms the power of dialogue.
Though our discussions may not seem to have an immediate effect, they activate the Buddha nature in the person we are talking with. (…)
While courageously challenging our own human revolution, let us create a groundswell of dialogue, reaching out to talk with one person after another, to change society and bring peace and happiness to all people (…) for world peace.
Let us continue to expand our network for good through the peaceful means of dialogue.
Our dialogues are a struggle to revive the power of human beings.
Our dialogues change society, unite the world, and shape the future.
Our dialogues impart hope.
They have the power to revitalize others and awaken them to their inner potential, and are imbued with courage, conviction and the cause for victory (…), through the power of faith in the human being.”[1]
LOCALLY
One of the many reasons that make this discussion group from the neighbourhoods of Sants and Hostafrancs in Barcelona so beautiful is the broad range of people of all ages that participate in it. Another reason is the mutual support that they provide each other, for instance, committed youth who, amongst other things, help with new technologies; or seniors who inspire conviction in faith through their life experiences; children who convey freshness, joy and hope…
(Mailbox: prensa@ediciones-civilizacionglobal.com)
ADVANCING WITH THE GOSHO
The Great Teacher Dengyō says: “Shakyamuni taught that the shallow is easy to embrace, but the profound is difficult. To discard the shallow and seek the profound is the way of a person of courage (…).”
(On the Buddha’s Prophecy, WND-1, p. 402).
“‘To discard the shallow and seek the profound is the way [or heart] of a person of courage.’” This is the essence of the Soka Gakkai spirit. (…)
What is the common trait of all great people who have lived truly noble and meaningful lives, whether celebrated or unheralded? It is the quality of courage, of the spirit that dares to take on difficulties, that seeks, chooses, and is committed to leading a more profound life.
Faith is the ultimate form of courage.
Nichiren Buddhism, faith in the Mystic Law, is the most profound philosophy of respect for the dignity of life. Our vow for kosen-rufu means making the most profound contribution to peace and the welfare of humanity. And the unity of the Soka Gakkai is built on the most profound bonds of trust among fellow human beings. (…)
In tune with this wondrous time for the compassionate propagation of the Mystic Law, let us continue our efforts for the sake of people’s happiness, for a safe, secure society, and for peace for all humankind, revealing the true brilliance of our lives from time without beginning that are one with Nichiren Daishonin. Let’s pledge to make the glorious sun of eternal victory rise again and shine majestically through our invincible unity of purpose!”[2]
PERSPECTIVE
The times we are living are truly wondrous. The accumulation of unprecedented events and situations that we are hit with can either make us feel defeated or else, through a diligent and tenacious development of courage, truly motivate us to transform great evil into great good.[3] This concurrence of vulnerability and resilience occurs with special intensity in the younger generations. In the same text from which the above passage was extracted, Daisaku Ikeda encourages each Soka youth member to “have ‘the heart of a person of courage,’ regarding hardships as an honor and embodying the spirit of oneness of mentor and disciple. I hope you will enjoy a wonderful youth of great joy and victory, and that you will pool your wisdom and strength as youthful Bodhisattvas of the Earth so that you can lead the way with optimism and resilience to a new decade of fresh value creation for the global family of humankind.”[4] Let us, the predecessor generations, support them!
KEYWORDS
Courage · Seek the profound · Achievement of kosen-rufu · Unity of purpose
[1] ↑ IKEDA, Daisaku: «Lecture on On Establishing the Correct Teaching for the Peace of the Land”, from the April 2015 issue of the Daibyakurenge.
[2] ↑ See the section “Punto de partida” in this issue.
[3] ↑ See Great Evil and Great Good in WND-1, p.1119.
[4] ↑ See the section “Punto de partida” in this issue.