Resources for the introduction of Spain Soka Gakkai’s discussion meetings
Therefore, you must quickly reform the tenents that you hold in your heart and embrace the one true vehicle, the single good doctrine [of the Lotus Sutra]. If you do so, then the threefold world will become the Buddha land, and how could a Buddha land ever decline?
↳ Passage from On Establishing the Correct Teaching for the Peace of the Land in WND-1, page 25. This treatise (more about it can be read in the section «Este mes»,) is an admonishment that Nichiren Daishonin addressed on the 16th July 1260 to Hojo Tokiyori who was living in retirement but was still the most influential member of the governing clan in Japan. In the text, the Daishonin predicted that if the teachings contained in The Lotus Sutra were not followed, Japan would suffer in the near future from the calamities of invasion from foreign lands and of revolt within one’s own domain, which, amongst the evils known in Buddhism as «the three calamities and seven disasters», were the only two which had not yet befallen upon the nation.
What we have faith in indicates what we hold most precious, what values we cherish. It establishes our fundamental purpose and direction in life. […].
The focus is on the transformation of our minds, our hearts, our values. It is the human revolution in a single individual. Without that, «establishing the correct teaching for the peace of the land» cannot be achieved.
Establishing the correct teaching, first of all, depends upon […] an inner transformation at the individual level. It requires awakening to the fundamental good within us, establishing in our hearts the principles of respect for human dignity and life that are taught in the Lotus Sutra, and making them the core of our life philosophy. Only through the actions of such awakened individuals can [this principle of respect for human dignity and life] […] be established as the underlying and guiding principles of society.
[…] When one individual takes action to apply this principle in real life, they can reorient those around them in the direction of good and peace. «Establishing the correct teaching» ultimately comes down to producing a steady stream of courageous individuals committed to this mission.1
The focus is on […] the human revolution in a single individual. Without that, «establishing the correct teaching for the peace of the land» cannot be achieved.
The essence of the thesis that is the backbone of «On Establishing the Correct Teaching for the Peace of the Land» is the need to open the eyes of those who have placed their trust on philosophies that encourage to escape from reality. In Japan, there used to be a time where teachings that promised a better life after death had taken root. In spite of the apparent differences, even today ideologies and beliefs that undermine the possibilities to build happy lives as well as a prosperous and peaceful society in this existence are extended all over the globe.
The challenge that the Daishonin faced was one of human dignity. It was a challenge that should be faced in first instance in the human heart. In this age, this challenge has been inherited by Soka Gakkai, whose members undergo their human revolution while encouraging others to do so too. True enlightenment drives us to act for the happiness of other people as well. This is the basis for true friendship and shakubuku.
In words of Daisaku Ikeda:
[O]ur dialogues on Buddhism should envelop others with the sweet fragrance of compassion.
Sharing Buddhism, […] means venerating each person’s inherent Buddhahood, it is an act of the highest respect.
Mr [Josei] Toda often said: «Deep empathy is the essence of shakubuku.» Compassion is the foundation.2
Buzón: prensa@ediciones-civilizacionglobal.com
- Passages from IKEDA, Daisaku: instalment of the series «Learning from the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin: The Teachings for Victory», Daibyakurenge, April 2015. ↩︎
- Please see Sharing Buddhism Begins with Our Prayers for Others’ Happiness. ↩︎