Resources for the introduction of SGI-Spain’s discussion meetings
Now if we wish first of all to bring security to the nation and to pray for our present and future lives, then we must hasten to examine and consider the situation and take measures as soon as possible to remedy it.
↳ On Establishing the Correct Teaching for the Peace of the Land, in WND-1, pages 23-24. A treatise of remonstration that the Daishonin submitted to Hojo Tokiyori, the retired regent but still the most powerful figure in Japan’s ruling clan, on July 16, 1260. It takes the form of a dialogue between a host and a guest, regarded as representing Nichiren Daishonin and Hojo Tokiyori, respectively.
[My mentor Josei Toda] believed that whatever grand justifications might be made for them, nuclear weapons fundamentally threaten humanity’s right to exist and are an absolute evil. As such they must be rejected entirely. With keen foresight, he urged us to spread this thinking throughout the world and pave the way to ensuring that nuclear catastrophe will never happen. (…)
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Through our practice for ourselves and others, we are striving surely and steadily day after day to change the destiny of all humankind, working to create a world without nuclear weapons, where peace prevails. Kosen-rufu ultimately lies in such tenacious daily efforts..
Mr. Toda offered this guidance for advancing kosen-rufu: ‘Introducing Buddhism to others one-to-one is the unchanging formula for realizing kosen-rufu. It is also a formula that accords completely with democratic ideals. It may seem a painstaking course, but it is the surest way forward. One wave stirs another, eventually creating a thousand, then ten thousand waves. That’s how kosen-rufu is achieved.’ (…)
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Our dedicated members are earnestly persevering in sincere one-to-one dialogue to relieve the suffering of one person after another. Leading this humblest and noblest of efforts are our admirable women of Soka.
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Thanks to all our members’ efforts, a steady stream of capable people is emerging in regions and countries around the world in accord with the Daishonin’s teachings, awakened to their mission as Bodhisattvas of the Earth. Worldwide kosen-rufu has thus become a reality. This process will forever remain unchanged. We will always listen patiently to each suffering or struggling person and teach them how they can achieve absolute happiness.[1]
In the same lecture from which the above quote and comment have been taken from, Daisaku Ikeda mentions the following interesting remarks by the famous philosopher and writer Lou Marinoff:
Dr. Lou Marinoff, founding president of the American Philosophical Practitioners Association with whom I have published a dialogue, has remarked that the Soka mentor-disciple relationship represents a way of transmitting the art of living.
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The art of living, he observed, is the art of how to live life, the art of living with values and purpose. Contributing to the happiness of others and realizing that this is the way to achieve our own happiness are very important in this regard. And this is the SGI’s message to the world, he said. Leading a good life, he continued, is to connect with others and impart a positive message. That may seem a small thing, he added, but it is vitally important. When we inspire one person, that person goes on to exert a positive influence on someone else. This, Dr. Marinoff concluded, is how goodness spreads through a society.
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In other words, leading a good life with the aim of achieving happiness for both ourselves and others is the way to change society for the better.[2]
Nichiren Daishonin’s writing which was mentioned at the beginning of this section contains the expression “A friend in the orchid room”, which makes reference to someone who has the power to positively influence other people, in other words, what Buddhism calls a “good friend.” The fragrant name of this discussion group from Murcia also recalls this form of positive human bond which we can appreciate as well in the picture taken during this summer meeting!
Mailbox: prensa@ediciones-civilizacionglobal.com
[1] ↑ Extract from the section “Estudio” of this issue.
[2] ↑ Ib.