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 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
“If people strive to deeply understand each other
and form bonds of friendship,
a brake will be placed in people’s hearts against initiating war.
Behind any conflict or war is doubt and suspicion of each other.
This is why it is essential that people, on their own initiative,
strive in their efforts to open wide ‘the window of dialogue’.
A true dialogue starts with respecting and learning from others.
Mutual growth and joy are born from such dialogues.
‘There is no path that I cannot open with the power of dialogue!’
With this conviction, we should speak to others,
expressing our sincerity and compassion from the depths of our lives.
A ‘true dialogue’ is created when we speak to others with utmost sincerity,
firmly based on our prayer to resolutely believe in their Buddha nature.
Friendship is the foundation of Buddhism.
Practicing Buddhism is about expanding our circle of good friends.
Let us bring beautiful flowers of dialogue and friendship to bloom
in every corner of the world, for the sake of peace and happiness for all humanity!”[1]
LOCALLY
In many meetings and courses held this summer in SGEs that have been reported in the previous and current issues of this magazine, a video summary of the activities of the first half of the year was screened, in appreciation to all the people who made these activities possible. They were depicted by images of several meetings and —in an exciting ending— by a growing collage of photos formed by dozens of discussion groups.
(Mailbox: prensa@ediciones-civilizacionglobal.com)
ADVANCING WITH THE GOSHO
The first shi of the word shishi, or “lion” [which means “teacher”], is the Wonderful Law that is passed on by the teacher. The second shi [which means “child”] is the Wonderful Law as it is received by the disciples. The “roar” is the sound of the teacher and the disciples chanting in unison.
(OTT, p. 111).
“No matter what challenges they have faced, Soka Gakkai members, fellow Bodhisattvas of the Earth, have ‘summoned up the courage of a lion king’ and forged ahead in their efforts for kosen-rufu. Members all around the world have experienced unmistakable benefit from their Buddhist practice and demonstrated the indisputable power of the lion’s roar of Nichiren Buddhism.
Precisely because the times are so confusing and uncertain, let us, as Soka Gakkai members united by the bonds of mentor and disciple, ‘initiate’ a fresh lion’s roar and sow the seeds of the Mystic Law in the hearts of people everywhere, causing flowers of peace and happiness to bloom across the globe.”[2]
PERSPECTIVE
“In the phrase ‘to roar the lion’s roar’ (Jpn. sa shishi ku), the Daishonin interprets the verb sa [literally, ‘to make’ or ‘to issue’] as meaning to ‘initiate’ Nam-myoho-renge-kyo in the Latter Day of the Law. From the viewpoint of the disciple, we can take ‘initiate’ to mean standing up on one’s own initiative and working with the same spirit as one’s mentor to spread the Mystic Law for the happiness of others.”[3]
KEYWORDS
Oneness of mentor and disciple · Courage · Stand up · Spread the Mystic Law
[1] ↑ IKEDA, Daisaku: “On the 75th anniversary of the end of World War Ⅱ, let’s bring flowers of peace to bloom in the hearts of our friends!”, Seikyo Shimbun, 9th August 2020.
[2] ↑ See this issue, section «Especial».
[3] ↑ Civilización Global, n.º 163, November 2018, section “Estudio mensual”.