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 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
“Everyone deserves to live in a peaceful society and to enjoy health and happiness. Everyone, including the sick and disabled, deserves to live with dignity and to be relieved of the anxiety and pain of illness. Everyone deserves to live free from the threats of harmful environments, hunger, and infectious diseases. In today’s world, along with peace, health is an essential element of fundamental human rights, and has become an issue impacting human dignity all the more.
One of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is ‘good health and well-being’ for all people […].
Since the pioneering days of our movement, the Soka Gakkai has earnestly turned its attention to the fundamental human problem of illness […].
We of the Soka Gakkai have striven alongside those who are suffering at the margins of society—always encouraging one another as we overcome life’s hardships and celebrate our victories together. This history is the pride of the members of Soka, who have forged ahead with a vow to stand forever on the side of the people.”[1]
LOCALLY
Holding online summer courses[2] allows a high participation. However, considering the value that Soka Gakkai places on dialogue, during the SGI Spain’s East Region’s course, in addition to the joint sessions, time for small group meetings was set aside, making it possible for each person to express themselves, true to oneself.
(Mailbox: prensa@ediciones-civilizacionglobal.com)
ADVANCING WITH THE GOSHO
Illness gives rise to the resolve to attain the way.
(Passage from WND-1, 937; “The Good Medicine for All Ills”)
“The problem with illness is not only physical symptoms, but the fact that it can even rob people of the hope to live, destroy their livelihood and sense of well-being, and put their future on hold.
A genuine ‘religion for the people’ fights head-on against this negative energy that Buddhism calls ‘the devil of illness,’ giving people the courage and strength to go on living while restoring their human dignity.[3] […]
The Daishonin is telling us that when we are unexpectedly confronted by the suffering of sickness, we should not regard it with abhorrence. Rather, we should view it as an integral part of the precious experience of being alive, and as an indispensable step in our journey to attain Buddhahood in this lifetime and to enjoy eternal happiness. By doing so, we will recognize […] as a ‘crucial moment’ for rousing stronger faith than ever. With this spirit, we can definitively overcome the trials of illness and gain a deeper appreciation of life while achieving enormous personal growth.
[…] Because we embrace the great teaching of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, there is no karmic suffering we cannot overcome. We have no need for worry or fear. What counts is how we face illness, our attitude in dealing with it. […]
In addition, our determination, strong faith, and prayers to battle our illness impart courage and hope to those around us. They demonstrate the nobility of the human spirit. Health and illness are one and inseparable. In Nichiren Buddhism, we can transform illness into mission.”[4]
PERSPECTIVE
Even if we theoretically know the difference between illness and what Buddhism calls—as above mentioned—the “devil of illness”, it may not be easy to distinguish between the two when personally confronting them. If the background in Buddhist study and experience helps a lot, chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo with the lion’s roar represents nothing less than “the only way to vanquish.”[5]. Having said that, sometimes, it is through the support of a comrade in faith—who “rolls up one’s sleeves” and devotes oneself to unconditionally assisting others—that we manage to extract the thread of vitality needed to stand up, to take the necessary action and begin experiencing the power of both.
KEYWORDS
Crucial moment · Stronger faith than ever · Nam-myoho-renge-kyo
[1] ↑ See this issue, «Quienes luchan contra la enfermedad lograrán la budeidad (1/3)».
[2] ↑ See this issue, «Abriendo vías».
[3] ↑ See this issue, «Quienes luchan contra la enfermedad lograrán la budeidad (1/3)».
[4] ↑ See this issue, «Quienes luchan contra la enfermedad lograrán la budeidad (2/3)».
[5] ↑ See this issue, «Quienes luchan contra la enfermedad lograrán la budeidad (3/3)».