discussion meetings—revitalizing our lives and inspiring ... · nichiren buddhism, and also allow...

The NSGI Times1

A statue of the renowned poet AlisherNavoi (also Ali Shir Nava’i; 1441–1501)from Uzbekistan—one of the countriesthrough which the ancient Silk Roadpassed—stands on the Soka Universitycampus. Navoi called out: “Have faith!As long as you have true friends who willaid you in difficulties, you can overcomeany misfortune,” and “When you aresurrounded by friends, rejoice from theheart.”

Through our great humanisticnetwork of the SGI, we have paved a“spiritual Silk Road,” where peopleencourage one another, triumph overobstacles together, and work to bringhumanity closer together. The Silk Roadof ancient times led through perilousdeserts, linking together oases where life-giving springs of fresh water flowed. Intoday’s society, which is like a vastspiritual desert filled with loneliness andanxiety, we of the SGI are advancingjoyfully while unceasingly creating the“oases of life” that are our discussionmeetings.

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Buddhism is a teaching characterized bydialogue. The “Introduction” (1st) chapterof the Lotus Sutra also begins with thewords: “This is what I heard” (LSOC1,35). The Buddhist sutras can be thoughtof as a colossal record of discussionmeetings led by Shakyamuni Buddha.

In a letter to a female follower[the lay nun Sennichi, the wife of Abutsu-

bo] who supported and engaged indialogue with many friends, NichirenDaishonin writes: “We know that allpeople who hear the [Lotus] sutra will,without a single exception, attainBuddhahood” (WND-1, 1042). He thengoes on to use the metaphor of birdsattaining a golden hue as they approachMount Sumeru to underscore thateveryone who forms a connection with therealm of the Mystic Law will be able tomake their innate Buddhahood shine forth(cf. WND-1, 1042).

In accord with this principle, SGIdiscussion meetings are “goldenassemblies” filled with hope and trust,revitalizing the lives of participants andinspiring them to win and attainunsurpassed happiness and to help othersdo the same.

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During World War II, TsunesaburoMakiguchi and Josei Toda, the first andsecond presidents of the Soka Gakkai,continued to hold discussion meetings,undeterred by the surveillance of theSpecial Higher Police, or so-calledthought police. The thing that they bothplaced the greatest importance on at thesemeetings was having members recounttheir personal experiences in faith.

As Nichiren Daishonin writes:“Even more valuable than reason anddocumentary proof is the proof of actualfact” (WND-1, 599).

At SGI discussion meetings

everywhere, members are joyfully sharingtheir experiences of gaining benefit throughpracticing the Daishonin’s Buddhism. Thisis indeed the best and most eloquent proofof the principles “Faith equals daily life”and “Buddhism is manifested in society.”

My mentor, Mr. Toda, alwaystook part in discussion meetings with thegreatest commitment and seriousness. Hesaid: “Discussion meetings are assembliesof Buddhas. At these noble gatherings,people gain the strength to overcome allforms of karma. Here, too, will appearcapable individuals—Bodhisattvas of theEarth—who will shoulder the future of ourmovement.”

Let us all once again express ourheartfelt appreciation to the graciousmembers who make their homes or otherfacilities available for discussion meetings.

SGI discussion meetings are nowbeing held in every corner of the globe. Incountries that have long been plagued byconflict, members are holding harmoniousdiscussion meetings embodying theirprofound commitment to peace.

Recently, SGI-PhilippinesGeneral Director Hisako Alcantarareported on a discussion meeting held inthe City of Ormoc in the province of Leyte,which was devastated by typhoon Haiyanlast year (in November 2013). More than10 guests attended the meeting, whichtook place at a house where power hadnot yet been restored. Witnessing thestaunch confidence of members who wereprepared to transform all poison intomedicine as they worked to rebuild their

community, several of the guests presentdecided to begin practicing theDaishonin’s Buddhism that day. “ThePhilippines will not be beaten!” Mrs.Alcantara declared.

We will never be defeated as longas we have discussion meetings. Let usdo our best to make each discussionmeeting thoroughly satisfying and fulfilling,so that everyone can set forth from themwith fresh energy and vitality, and continueadvancing in friendship and high spirits onthe path of value creation.

Illuminateyour communitywith inspiring discussion meetingslit with the happy, smiling facesof you, my indomitable friends!

(Translated from the March 2014 issueof the Daibyakurenge, the Soka Gakkaimonthly study journal)

Discussion Meetings—Revitalizing Our Lives and Inspiring Us to Win

SGI President Ikeda’s Editorial

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Brim with the Dauntless Spirit toShare Buddhism with Others

Strengthen your faith now more thanever. Anyone who teaches theprinciples of Buddhism to others isbound to incur hatred from men andwomen, priests and nuns [who rejectthe correct teaching]. Let them saywhat they will. Entrust yourself to thegolden teachings of the Lotus Sutra,Shakyamuni Buddha, T’ien-t’ai, Miao-lo, Dengyo, and Chang-an. This iswhat is signified by the expression,“practicing according to the Buddha’steachings.”From “The Embankments of Faith”(WND-1, 626).

“Let them say what they will”—takingthese words of encouragement ofNichiren Daishonin to heart, thepioneering members of our organizationhave proudly struggled for kosen-rufu,regarding the jeers and insults of othersas badges of honor. The Buddhas andheavenly deities are most certainlyapplauding the noble dramas of each ofthese admirable members who, sincethe early days of our movement, havebeen steadfastly “practicing accordingto the Buddha’s teachings.”

I call on all of you, who followin the footsteps of these dedicatedpioneers, to open the door to a new agewith this same dauntless spirit to shareBuddhism with others.

SGI President Ikeda’sEncouragementOpening a New Era ofKosenrufu TogetherThe Wise Will Rejoice While theFoolish Will Retreat,Faith Gives Usthe Power to Move Everything in a

Positive Direction

Peace on EarthAn Interview with DaisakuIkeda

The New Human RevolutionVigilant Safeguarding 23 - 33

BUDDHIST CONCEPTSAttachments and Liberation

SGI WORLDA Forum for Peace: Compilation of 30years of SGI President Ikeda’s PeaceProposals Launched at UN HQ,SGIJoins Second Conference onHumanitarian Impact of NuclearWeapons

TREASURE OF THEHEARTAn Old Man’s Victory ThroughFaith

A Boar and a Gold Mountain

The NSGI Times 2

In one of the Chinese classics, we find thewords: “If you renew yourself for one day,you can renew yourself daily, and continueto do so.”

No matter what our position, nomatter what our age, we have to keepchanging for the better every day. Tocontinue developing, growing, andchallenging ourselves day in and day out—this is the spirit of Nichiren Buddhism.

It’s time for us to launch into actionat the start of this important and significantyear, as we continue onward toward ourgreat objective of kosen-rufu.

I’m delighted that we have beenable to get the New Year off to such awonderful energetic and hope-filled startthanks to your united efforts.

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Our hearts are what move other people’shearts. Let’s chant for the happiness ofour friends and those around us, sharingin a very natural way the inspiration, joy,and deep conviction our Buddhist practicegives us.

When we sincerely engageanother person in dialogue, they will feelour genuine concern for their happinessand be touched.Such efforts giverise to trust and arecertain to lead towonderful, positiveresults in the future.

Sometimes peoplemay fail tounderstand orappreciate ourefforts or activities.Referring to thosewho encountered Nichiren Buddhismmany times but were still not persuaded

Nothing is more noble than the tieslinking people who support andencourage one another.

Helping a precious friendbecome happy; striving to impartcourage and hope to each person weencounter and to write an inspiringdrama of human revolution together withthem—such efforts will shine in our livesas a supreme badge of honor.

No amount of praise canpossibly do justice to your arduous,dedicated efforts for the sake of kosen-rufu. You have all created admirablerecords of achievement. Please continuedoing your bestand adorn yourlives withmagnificentvictory. Pleasepersevere in faithand shine asbrilliant protagonists of Soka on thestage of your chosen mission. I hopeyou will keep polishing your lives withdaimoku and proudly win each day.

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In a letter addressed to the Ikegamibrothers’ wives, who could be callednoble predecessors of today’s women’sdivision members, Nichiren Daishoninwrites: “You will follow the path of thedragon king’s daughter and become amodel for women attaining Buddhahoodin the evil latter age” (WND-1, 502).

I would like you, our women’s

SGI President Ikeda’s Encouragement

“The Wise Will Rejoice While the FoolishWill Retreat”

Faith Gives Us the Power to MoveEverything in a Positive Direction

division members, to continue shining asmodels for women the world over intothe eternal future, through yourcourageous faith and solid unity.

Encouraging sincere, dedicatedmembers, second Soka Gakkaipresident Josei Toda once said: “Life inthis world is not easy. But no matterwhat happens, it’s important that youkeep chanting wholeheartedly andworking for kosen-rufu, just as theDaishonin teaches. If you do that, you’llbe able to succeed. Your problems arefuel for attaining Buddhahood.” Faith inthe Daishonin’s Buddhism gives us the

power to moveeverything in apositive direction.

Proudlyupholding this greatphilosophy ofsupreme hope,

please start by engaging in your localcommunity, helping as many people aspossible form a connection withNichiren Buddhism and spreading aglorious rainbow of victory into the newera of worldwide kosen-rufu.

I salute you, our women’sdivision members, the shining suns ofSoka!

(Translated from the January 19, 2014,issue of the Seikyo Shimbun, the SokaGakkai daily newspaper)

Faith in the Daishonin’sBuddhism gives us the powerto move everything in apositive direction.

When we sincerely engageanother person in dialogue,they will feel our genuineconcern for their happiness andbe touched. Such efforts giverise to trust and are certain tolead to wonderful, positiveresults in the future.

to start practicing themselves, secondSoka Gakkai president Josei Todadeclared: “It means they’re giving a lot ofpeople a great deal of benefit by allowingthem to repeatedly carry out the practiceof ‘sowing the seeds of Buddhahood byletting someone hear the teaching’!”

Our efforts to talk to others aboutour Buddhist beliefs and ideals, even ifthose individuals don’t start practicing right

away, contribute to expanding the numberof people who have a connection toNichiren Buddhism, and also allow us toaccumulate benefit.

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Nichiren Daishonin writes: “The wise willrejoice while the foolish will retreat”(WND-1, 637).

May all of you this year, burningwith the noble vow for kosen-rufu, furthercultivate a life-state overflowing with greatwisdom—deeper, stronger, and moreexpansive than ever before—and advancejoyfully to achieve victory in every area ofyour life.

Wisely take care of your health,and protect yourself against colds and flu.With an ever-youthful spirit, please strive

alongside me, andtogether let’screate brilliant“memories of ourpresent life in thishuman world” (cf.WND-1, 64).

(Translated fromthe January 11,2014, issue of theSeikyo Shimbun,the Soka Gakkai

daily newspaper)

The NSGI Times3

Question : In line with your com-ments in your 2013 peace proposalabout the dignity of life, what aspects ofhuman nature do you feel contribute topeace and what aspects undermine it?

Daisaku Ikeda : In my peaceproposal last year, I discussed ways tobuild a sustainable global society, avision currently being emphasised by theUnited Nations. I believe that theinviolable dignity of life should be thebasis for the challenge of constructingsuch a society.

As a human being, we may decide toplace priority on our family life or,conversely, we may wish to be per-ceived as a powerful individual. On thesurface, the former gives the impressionthat we are peace-loving and the lattercould seem somewhat belligerent. Theeffect of these commitments can becompletely reversed, however, depend-ing on the situation.

For example, when a conflict betweentwo groups is intensifying, the desire toprotect one’s loved ones can actually beone factor driving people to violence.On the other hand, a strong sense ofself can serve as a source of hope andcourage and inspire others to overcomeformidable blows of hatred and dis-crimination through the use of nonvio-lence. We see this in the examples ofMahatma Gandhi and Dr. Martin LutherKing, Jr.

It is clear that human nature is multi-faceted and is not in itself the essentialcause of war and violence. As theSeville Statement on Violence adoptedat the General Conference ofUNESCO in November 1989 madeclear, “It is scientifically incorrect to saythat war or any other violent behaviouris genetically programmed into ourhuman nature.”

I believe that our most urgent challengeis to foster a social ethos that can keeppeople from being swept up in collec-tive psychologies and violent agitation.The Spanish thinker José Ortega yGasset warned, “This is the epoch of‘currents’ and of ‘letting things slide.’Hardly anyone offers any resistance to

the superficial whirlwinds that arise inart, in ideas, in politics, or in socialusages.”

I believe that a spirit of empathy basedon our sense of the universal dignity oflife should be the foundation for such anethos.

To prevent the desire to protect one’sbeloved family from causing one to beswept toward war and violence, it iscrucial that we are able to perceive theheartfelt and equivalent desire of others- the members of other groups - toensure the survival of their own lovedones.

In the same way, it is crucial to remindourselves not to pursue our own happi-ness at the expense of the happiness ofothers, to prevent our own desire to beempowered and effective from threaten-ing the lives and dignity of others.

It was from this perspective of promot-ing the dignity of life that I suggestedthree guidelines for action in my pro-posal last year: the determination toshare the joys and sufferings of others;faith in the limitless possibilities of life;and the vow to defend and celebratediversity.

I used thesewords - determi-nation, faith andvow - because itis crucial for eachone of us tomaintain a deeplywilled commit-ment, rooted in anappreciation ofthe dignity of life,if we are to resistthe negativecurrents of societyand build enduring bastions of peaceand harmonious coexistence.

We of the SGI have been working topromote and encourage such an ap-proach to life, thereby helping to estab-lish at the grassroots level a culture ofpeace and human rights as promoted bythe United Nations.

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Question : In relation to SGI'sactivities aimed at empowering civilsociety, what is the role of individuals ineliminating passive violence? Whatimpact does their doing this have onsocietal resilience?

Daisaku Ikeda: Violence is gener-ally understood in terms of physicalviolence, the use of force to injure ortake the lives of others, ranging fromassault to murder and war.

We must not, however, overlook theprevalence of another form of violence:passive violence that threatens people’srights and harms their dignity throughdiscriminatory or oppressive words andattitudes but without resort to directphysical assault.

Passive violence not only causes painand suffering to others but also canserve, if left unabated, as the breedingground for physical violence againstminority groups at times of socialupheaval. It can contribute to an envi-ronment that encourages or toleratessuch behaviour.

We see an example of this in hate crimeand hate speech, which have been

visible in manysocieties in recentyears. While theymay not involvedirect assault, theystem from the sameroot as directviolence in that theyare intended toharm others andare based onhatred.

The “Pyramid ofHate” created by

the Anti-Defamation League and theSurvivors of the Shoah Visual HistoryFoundation categorises such hatred-based behaviours as follows: 1.Prejudiced attitudes, 2. Acts ofprejudice, 3. Discrimination, 4.Violence and 5. Genocide.According to this view, socialdivides and conflicts do nothappen suddenly. Whenthe kind of behavioursthat are charted on the

lower levels of the pyramid are treatedas acceptable, things may continue toescalate until they reach the level whereunspeakable atrocities take place.

It is important therefore to reject asunacceptable the behaviours on thelower levels of the pyramid and encour-age others to do so.

I am reminded of words spoken byArun Gandhi, nonviolence activist andgrandson of Mahatma Gandhi, duringour meeting in July 2000 in Tokyo. Mr.Gandhi explained that passive violenceis indirect and that people might findthemselves a party to such violencewithout even being consciously aware ofit. This might involve pressure, coercion,or various forms of oppression anddiscrimination. Since it is not physical, ittends to be overlooked. He said that hisgrandfather had taught him that tooverlook or pretend not to see evil wasitself a form of violence.

Founding Soka Gakkai presidentTsunesaburo Makiguchi (1871-1944)resisted Japan’s militarist regime duringWorld War II and died in prison,refusing to the end to recant his beliefs.He made a similar observation in theyear before his imprisonment:

“The root malady of contemporarysociety lies in not distinguishing failure todo good with doing good, viewing theformer as somehow different from doingevil and acceptable as long as one doesnot violate any law. This is why egotismand hypocrisy are running rampant.”

As heirs to Makiguchi’s conviction, weof the SGI have been striving to helpmove society toward peace and coex-

It was from this perspective ofpromoting the dignity of lifethat I suggested three guide-lines for action in my proposallast year: the determination toshare the joys and sufferings ofothers; faith in the limitless pos-sibilities of life; and the vow todefend and celebrate diver-sity.

An interview by Scoop co-founder Alastair Thompson with Soka Gakkai International (SGI) President Daisaku IkedaThe role of human dignity, passive violence, religious cooperation, the internet and the water hemisphere in the quest for global harmony

AlastairThompson

Daisaku Ikeda

The NSGI Times 4

istence at the grassroots level, in orderto prevent it from becoming engulfed inhatred and violence.

We have been striving to extend amultilayered network of friendshipamong individuals deep into society,based on one-on-one dialogue acrossethnic and cultural differences. Suchefforts can help to reinforce socialresilience and robustness in the face ofincitement to racism, and to preventpeople from being swept away by thegroup psychology of xenophobia anddiscrimination.

We have consistently promoted educa-tional and cultural exchange, even intimes of rising political and economictensions between nations. Through suchefforts, the door of dialogue and mutualunderstanding between people canalways be kept open.

We have focused particularly on ex-panding exchange and communicationamong the members of the youngergeneration. Efforts for peace andfriendship should not stop at a singlegeneration. We must work to pass onthe spirit of amity from one generation tothe next and transmit lessons learnedabout the value of peaceful coexistence- and wisdom gained - on into thefuture.

Our commitment to reaching out tothose who are suffering and empoweringthem is of course shared by other non-governmental organisations and civilsociety groups. We will continue towork with like-minded individuals andgroups to enhance social resiliencethrough the solidarity of ordinary citi-zens.

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Question : Is cooperation betweendifferent religions possible in the effort tobuild peace? And how can we bestfoster this cooperation?

Daisaku Ikeda : I believe thatsuch cooperation is possible. But weneed to make earnest efforts to foster it.

As a Buddhist, I have engaged indialogue with leaders and experts withdifferent religious backgrounds fromthroughout the world for over fourdecades. My goal has been to fosterheart-to-heart connections amongpeople in order to build a peacefulworld.

I can conclude from my experience that,despite our differences in faiths, doctri-nal interpretations or religious ideolo-gies, we all share a common humanity -the desire for peace, concern overglobal problems and earnest hope forthe future of humankind.

In the discussions we shared, formerIndonesian president and leader of thelargest Islamic group in Indonesia,Abdurrahman Wahid (1940-2009) ,expressed his hope that young peoplewould not be driven purely by self-interest but be able to act for the benefitof society at large and for a world ofpeaceful coexistence. People of con-science, regardless of their religioustradition, embrace the same sentiments.

In terms of how best to foster coopera-tion between different religions, I thinkthat a problem-solving approach is mosteffective. Different religions can engagein dialogue, discussing specific themesrelated to such global problems asconflict, environmental destruction,poverty and disaster response. They canclarify what actions need to be takenand what kind of wisdom and spiritualitytheir tradition has to offer the world.They can exchange ideas and explorespecific ways to work together.

Throughout history, there have beenwars and violence caused by religiousconflict. As humankind confrontscommon challenges - global threats ofincreasing urgency that afflict peopleregardless of religious differences - therole and potential contributions ofreligions are being reevaluated in a morepositive light: it is now acknowledgedthat religion and spirituality can bepowerful, benign socio-cultural forcesfor motivation, inclusiveness, participa-tion and sustainability.

The contribution of religion is drawingmore attention today within the interna-

tional community. As one example ofthis, a session entitled “StrengtheningHumanitarian Protection Efforts: theRole of Faith-Based Organizations inComplex and Insecure OperatingEnvironments” was held at the UNHCRAnnual Consultations with NGOs heldin Geneva in June 2011, just a fewmonths after the Great East JapanEarthquake, and SGI representativeswere invited to take part.

We have entered an era where differentreligious traditions need to work to-gether, with the United Nations servingas a platform for cooperation. They canstrive to awaken the goodness in peoplethat seeks construction and solidarityrather than destruction and division, andstrive with one another to make theirown unique contribution to the solutionof global problems. The humanitarianspirit of the world’s religions would beenriched through such efforts, furtherdeepening the cooperation among them.

I am here reminded of these words byFormer Czech president Václav Havel:“The only meaningful objective forEurope in the next century is to be its‘best self,’ that is, to revitalise its bestintellectual traditions and therebycontribute creatively to a new form ofglobal community of living.”

If “Europe” here is replaced with “eachreligious tradition,” the role of religion inthe world in the 21st century can bemore clearly understood.

There are many admirable institutionsand initiatives promoting interfaithcooperation and dialogue. The threeresearch institutions I founded, theInstitute of Oriental Philosophy, theToda Institute for Global Peace andPolicy Research and the Ikeda Centerfor Peace, Learning, and Dialogue, havealso made efforts to promote dialogue

among faiths and civilizations.

The larger purpose for such efforts liesin encouraging each faith and civilizationto explore, through dialogue, its own“best self,” as well as ways to transcenddifferences and work together to solveglobal problems.

Currently, discussions are under way inforums associated with the UnitedNations on how to formulate a globaldevelopment agenda beyond 2015 asthe successor of the Millennium Devel-opment Goals (MDGs) which are aimedat alleviating the suffering caused bypoverty and hunger.

Viewing this as an unprecedentedendeavour for humanity, I urge that full-fledged dialogue and cooperationamong religions be initiated throughefforts to achieve the new globally-agreed set of common goals that willemerge from this process.

“The only meaningful objective forEurope [… or each religious tradition] in the next century is to be its ‘bestself,’ that is, to revitalize its bestintellectual traditions and therebycontribute creatively to a new form ofglobal community of living.”Former Czech president Václav Havel

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Tsunesaburo Makiguchi (1871-1944)

Question : How do you see the roleof the internet and technology in anever-changing world? You mention inyour 2013 peace proposal the harm thatcan be caused by speed. In a world inwhich the speed of change is over-whelming nearly all of us, what can wedo as individuals to protect ourselvesand help ourselves manage?

Daisaku Ikeda : The rapid devel-opment of information and communica-tion technology - -as seen in the internet,which spread quickly after the end ofthe Cold War, following the standardiza-tion of the internet protocol suite in1982 - is rightly known as the informa-tion revolution. Its enormous impact on

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Efforts for peace and friend-ship should not stop at asingle generation. We mustwork to pass on the spirit ofamity from one generationto the next and transmitlessons learned about thevalue of peaceful coexistence- and wisdom gained - oninto the future.

The NSGI Times5

Vigilant Safeguarding 23

When the New Year’s Gongyo Meetingwas over, Shin’ichi stepped out into theforecourt of the Soka GakkaiHeadquarters and stood in front of astone marker commemorating “Song of

Human Revolution,” which had beenunveiled two days earlier on December30.

The sky was clear, but the windwas chilly.

A series of commemorativephotographs were taken, in which

Shin’ichi invited groups ofmeeting participants and on-duty event staff to join him.When the Soka Groupmembers, clad in blue blazers,assembled, he spoke to themin an energetic voice: “Thankyou! Your general meeting willbe held on January 6. Thisreorganization from the TrafficControl Group to the SokaGroup represents your genuinedeparture into the essentialphase.

“What is the essentialphase? It’s when the Buddha’strue identity is revealed. Fromour perspective, it’s when we,as Bodhisattvas of the Earthand successors of Soka, takeour places on the true stage ofkosen-rufu and shoulder fullresponsibility for ourmovement.

“The essential phase isalso the progression from theory to reality.Instead of remaining in the realm ofabstract theory, we do our best to achievesomething in reality. It’s the switch from aphase of speaking about our determinationand vow to the phase when we

demonstrate actual proof of victory.“By the way, how old are you

now?”They called out various answers,

ranging from 24 to 32.“Let me see, . . . I was 24 when

I took the lead in the February Campaignas an advisor to Kamata Chapter. Thatwas when I made the initial breakthroughthat paved the way to eventually achievingMr. Toda’s cherished lifetime goal of750,000 member households.

“When I was 26, I wasappointed youth division chief of staff. Itwas the year that, bearing fullresponsibility for all Gakkai planning andpolicy, through my own example Iestablished the tradition of young peoplepropelling our kosen-rufu movement.

“When I was 28, I was entrustedwith the responsibility to lead the OsakaCampaign, in which we achieved anunprecedented expansion of membershipand built the indestructible model of Ever-victorious Kansai.

“When I was 32, as you allknow, I became the third president of theSoka Gakkai. I hope you will be just asdecisive and committed. That’s the keyto tapping your inherent strength.”


Shin’ichi continued speaking with theyoung men of the Soka Group after their

commemorative photograph was taken:“To grow as youth, it’s vital to overcomethe tendency to feel dependent towardothers. If you think for even a moment thatyou might pass your responsibilities on tothe men’s division, or that it’s okay to

neglect Gakkai activities bytelling yourselves that you’retoo busy at work, you won’tbe able to train yourselves.

“Young peopleshould be enterprising andwholehearted, voluntarilyshouldering full responsibilityand ready to take on any task.No matter how busy you areat work, it’s vital that youchallenge yourselves toparticipate in Gakkaiactivities. If you ignore this orgive up trying, saying you justcan’t find the time, you arepassing up an opportunity todo your human revolution andfully develop your lives.

“In your youth,you’re often called upon todo the grunt work at your joband you frequently bear thebrunt of the burden. Youprobably have very little free

time for yourselves. But it’s important toexercise your ingenuity and create time,make a genuine effort, and applyyourselves fully in your Buddhist faith andpractice.

“Over time, those experiences willtrain you and foster the strength that is theunderlying toughness you need to face allof life’s challenges. This will eventuallybecome your good fortune. That’s whystruggles are actually life’s greatesttreasure.

“If you become accustomed totrying to avoid effort and difficulty, you’llend up unhappy.”

Then Shin’ichi pointed to the“Song of Human Revolution” monument.

“It says here, ‘pressing on throughblizzards, we boldly advance.’ I hope youwill make this your spirit throughout yourlives. I’m counting on you to take care ofthe Soka Gakkai. I’m counting on you toachieve kosen-rufu. I’m entrusting the 21stcentury to you.”

As the Brazilian author José deAlencar (1829–77) wrote: “People canovercome any adversity if they possess avibrant spirit and persevere to achieve theirgoals.”

The NSGI Times 6


Shin’ichi Yamamoto also posed for several photographswith members of the Byakuren Group. The ByakurenGroup’s origins can be traced to May 1957, when agroup of Young Women Division members was

established to take charge of behind-the-scenes movements and operations atYoung Women Division leaders meetingsand other events. This step was suggestedby Shin’ichi, the youth division chief ofstaff at the time, as a means to providepractical hands-on training that wouldfoster capable young women.

In March 1958, upon the completionof Josei Toda’s cherished wish for theconstruction of the Daikodo (GrandLecture Hall) at the head temple,commemorative pilgrimages by SokaGakkai members began and somemembers of this newly formed YoungWomen Division group asked if there wasanything they could do to assist.

Taking the initiative in activities forkosen-rufu is the spirit of Bodhisattvas of the Earth andit fills one’s life with great joy.

Shin’ichi was grateful and delighted that the YoungWomen Division members wanted to volunteer for thesake of Buddhism and the members. He conferred withthose involved in the planning and arranged for them to

take responsibility for cleaning the head temple facilitiesand supporting activities there.

From the time Shin’ichi was inaugurated as president,this group of Young Women Division members came tobe known as the “head temple staff”.

Witnessing the admirable sight of these groupmembers cheerfully working hard at cleaning and otheractivities, Shin’ichi couldn’t help but be moved by theirpure spirit. On one occasion, he said to them: “You areall beautiful flowers of Soka, so please conduct yourselvesas uncrowned queens, with dignity, self-confidence andstrength.”

In 1966, Shin’ichi bestowed the name “ByakurenGroup” on the Young Women Division head temple staff.July 8, the day that he announced the new name, cameto be known as Byakuren Group Day.

“Byakuren” means “white lotus flower”. The LotusSutra likens the lotus flower to the Bodhisattvas of theEarth, with the phrase, “Unsoiled by worldly things/ likethe lotus flower in the water” (LSOC15, 263). Just asthe beautiful white lotus blossoms from a muddy pond,the Bodhisattvas of the Earth, though they live in thecorrupt and polluted world of the Latter Day of the Law,remain pure and unsullied by their surroundings.


As they clean, their actions shine with Buddhahood.

On observing the members of theByakuren Group happily engaged inkeeping the head temple clean, Shin’ichisent that poem to them. Supporting fellowmembers dedicated to kosen-rufu isconduct worthy of a Buddha.

As the years passed, the ByakurenGroup grew and developed as anorganisation and assumed broaderresponsibilities, coordinating behind- the-scenes support of various meetings andgradually evolving into a significant groupfor fostering capable individuals within theYoung Women Division.

In August 1976, a new lavenderByakuren Group uniform was introduced.Shin’ichi had suggested the colour, becausehe thought it conveyed a feeling of grace

and elegance that aptly symbolised the Byakuren Group.Following the New Year’s Gongyo Meeting of

January 1977, Shin’ichi said while taking acommemorative photograph with Byakuren Groupmembers: “Your lavender uniforms suit you. It’s chilly

today, so please don’t catch cold.” He looked carefullyat each member, intent on memorising all of their faces.

“Who is the Byakuren Group leader here today?”“It’s me, Kayo Aoyagi,” announced one of the

members, stepping forward.Shin’ichi replied, “I know you! You’re the young

women Junior High School Division leader and a viceYoung Women Division leader. When you were in theHigh School Division, you participated in my Gosholectures as a member of the Hosu (Young Phoenix)Group, didn’t you?”

“YesSeeing that President Yamamoto had remembered

her from back in her high school days, Aoyagi wasovercome with emotion.

Looking in Aoyagi’s eyes, Shin’ichi said: “I’veestablished various groups to train people and striven soenergetically to support them out of my hope to fosterSoka Gakkai youth into leaders who will protect andserve the members. Please never forget that as long asyou live.”


Shin’ichi continued: “The members of the ByakurenGroup are the ‘faces’ of the Gakkai and the ‘flowers’ ofSoka.

“Young women dedicating themselves tokosen-rufuand their fellow members are incredibly admirable and

noble. All of your efforts and hard workwill adorn your lives in the form of greatbenefits and good fortune. This accordswith the workings of the rigorous Buddhistlaw of cause and effect.

“Therefore, as a Buddhist, you needto be committed to advancing along yourchosen path.

“The only pathway to true happinessis to act based on your own convictions,deriving from the teachings of Buddhismand not worry about how others may judgeyou.”

Shin’ichi wanted to assure each ofthem that although their sincere efforts mayseem to go unnoticed by others, theBuddhas and bodhisattvas throughout theuniverse observe all.

Buddhism teaches about the workings of karma. Badcauses produce negative effects and good causesproduce positive effects. Moreover, this law appliesthroughout past, present and future. One’s thoughts,words and deeds in the past are causes that produceeffects in one’s present and one’s conducts in the presentwill result in effects in the future.

As Nichiren Daishonin writes: “One who slightsanother will in turn be despised.” (WND-1, 305)Everything is up to the individual. Both positive andnegative effects in one’s life are the results of one’s ownactions. The way to transform the negative karma formedand create the most effects possible is through practisingthe true teachings of Buddhism dedicating oneself tokosen-rufu. This is the great pathway to certainunshakeable happiness. Buddhist practitioners shouldstrive to live out their lives with an understanding thatBuddhas and bodhisattvas throughout the universe areaware of their actions, based on the causality of life.

The shining examples offered by members of theGajokai, the Soka Group and the Byakuren Group brimwith that spirit.

The Buddha is watching over all our efforts. Thecourageous actions engraved in our lives will becomethe power to open a brilliant future. The difficult road ofadversity will become a golden path leading to the summitof victory.

The NSGI Times7


Many think that happiness is taking it easy, never workinghard and enjoying wealth and social status, recognitionand success without any special effort. Some flatter andcosy up to the rich and powerful in hopes of achievingthese things. Others adopt a policy of expedience and

will do anything to get ahead. Still others envyresent resent those who have establishedthemselves in the world and scheme to bringabout the downfall of those whom theyperceive to be more successful than they are.All of these patterns of behaviour are basedon the delusion that happiness resides in theexternal world, outside of us.

Nichiren Daishonin states: ‘If you seekenlightenment outside yourself, then yourperforming even ten thousand practices andten thousand good deeds will be in vain. It islike the case of a poor man who spends nightand day counting his neighbour’s wealth butgains not even half a coin.” (WND-1, 3)

The path to happiness and attainingBuddhahood in this lifetime lies, fundamentally,

in polishing one’s character and manifesting the life-condition of the Buddha and bodhisattva from within.It’s vital to build a strong, stalwart, unshakeable self, likea towering mountain.

The Daishonin also writes: “Arouse deep faith, anddiligently polish your mirror day and night. How shouldyou polish it? Only by chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo”

(WND-1, 4). Chanting daimoku is the path to attainingBuddhahood in this lifetime. It is attained by practisingfor oneself and others based on daimoku. This meansnot only chanting for ourselves, but also dedicatingourselves to kosenrufu. Whether we can establish a trulyindestructible life-state of happiness depends upon howearnestly we chant daimoku and exert ourselves for thesake of kosen-rufu.

It may be possible to deceive other people, but it’simpossible to deceive the Buddhist law. We can build amagnificent state of life to the degree we pray for kosen-rufu, devote ourselves and strive tirelessly. From theperspective of the Buddhist law of cause and effect, thereis no path to victory other than being earnest,hardworking and sincere.


The Soka Gakkai’s Year of Study got into full swingwith the 1st Soka Group General Meeting, held onThursday evening, January 6, 1977.

The young men braved the chill outsideto make their way to the gathering at the SokaGakkai Headquarters in Shinanomachi,Tokyo. Their cheeks were flushed and theireyes shone with determination. The mainGohonzon room on the fifth floor of the SokaCulture Center, adjacent to the headquartersbuilding, filled up with Soka Group memberswearing their distinctive blue uniforms. The startof the meeting was announced at 6:30 p.m.

That afternoon, Shin’ichi Yamamoto hada meeting in Tokyo’s Minato Ward. Hebrought the meeting to an early close andrushed to the Soka Group General Meeting.

He had asked the Soka Gakkai’sgeneral director and several of its vicepresidents to attend the Soka Group meeting.He thought this would be a good way for the

Soka Gakkai to celebrate the group’s fresh start.Shin’ichi firmly believed that the highest praise

and support should be extended to those working behindthe scenes, such as the members of the Soka Group, theGajokai, the Byakuren Group, and the uncrowned heroeswho deliver the Seikyo Shimbun newspaper. Soka

Group members leave their jobs early and rush to SokaGakkai facilities to stand out in the cold and directparking. Gajokai members safeguard those facilities bypatrolling them through the late hours. With warm smiles,Byakuren Group members greet those who attendactivities at Gakkai culture and community centers. Allof these young people are carrying out their noblemissions while coping with their own daily challengesand difficulties. Regarding these young people, Shin’ichisaw in them the conduct of bodhisattvas and felt thecompassionate heart of Buddhas. That was why hewanted many top Gakkai leaders to attend the SokaGroup general meeting, so they would be able to expresstheir wholehearted gratitude to the group members, andpraise and encourage them.

When Shin’ichi arrived at 7:50 p.m., he waswelcomed with thunderous applause. “I rushed to betogether with all of you today as you make this freshstart here at the Soka Gakkai Headquarters. I am veryhappy to see you holding such a festive first generalmeeting. Congratulations!”

Shin’ichi began his speech by praising thesechampions of kosen-rufu.


On the occasion of this fresh start by the Soka Group,Shin’ichi wanted to explicitly reconfirm the basics of thefaith and practice of Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism. Bydoing that, the path ahead would naturally become clear.

“Kosen-rufu is the wish of Nichiren Daishonin.If we lose sight of that, Nichiren Buddhism loses its

meaning. Therefore, I hope you’ll remainfaithful to his teaching of kosen-rufu andtransmit the essence of Buddhism among thepeople, within your communities, and insociety as a whole.

“The full mission of the Soka Group isto be the driving force for the advance ofkosen-rufu, and to make the entire SokaGakkai strong so that it will endure into thefar-distant future.”

Nichiren Daishonin writes: “Those whobecome Nichiren’s disciples and lay believersshould realize the profound karmicrelationship they share with him and spreadthe Lotus Sutra as he does” (WND-1, 994).Kosen-rufu is the great wish of the Daishonin,and carrying it out is a fundamental

requirement of discipleship. As such, the practice ofNichiren Buddhism is practice for oneself and others, ofwhich sharing this teaching is an indispensable part. Asthe Daishonin’s successor Nikko Shonin declares: “Untilkosen-rufu is achieved, propagate the Law to the fullextent of your ability without begrudging your life” (GZ,1618). Those who dedicate their lives to kosen-rufu aregenuine disciples of the Daishonin and successors to histeachings.

No matter how loudly one claims to be a followerof the Daishonin and brandishes that as a badge ofauthority, without taking action for kosen-rufu, such aperson lacks the Daishonin’s spirit. That is nothing but afossilized, dead religion.

The vast spirit of the Daishonin and the life-stateof the Bodhisattvas of the Earth pulse within the actionsof those who recognize their mission to achieve kosen-rufu by helping others achieve happiness and propagatingthe Daishonin’s teachings.

Shin’ichi went on to speak of the significance inBuddhism of the time. He expressed his hope that themembers of the Soka Group would cultivate a firm graspof the nature of the time, and exert leadership in a waybest suited to it. He also pointed out that herein lies thesignificance of the fresh start for the Soka Group.

From the perspective of theBuddhist law of cause andeffect, there is no path to victoryother than being earnest,hardworking and sincere.

“The full mission of the SokaGroup is to be the driving forcefor the advance of kosen-rufu,

and to make the entire SokaGakkai strong so that it willendure into the far-distant

future.”

The NSGI Times 8


Shin’ichi referred to current events, noting the corruptionand degeneracy prevalent in society, characteristicsassociated with the Latter Day of the Law.

In February 1976, news broke of the Lockheed

bribery scandal, in which officials fromLockheed, a U.S. corporation, bribed topJapanese political and business leaders topurchase aircraft manufactured by them. Itbecame clear that numerous Japanesepoliticians had taken huge bribes, leading tothe arrest of former prime minister KakueiTanaka (1918–93) in July 1976. Thisincident sent shock waves throughout theJapanese political and business worlds, andpublic distrust of the government intensified.

Shin’ichi asserted: “Today, people’svision of the differences between right andwrong has become blurred and they havelost sight of the proper path to take. Thefuture appears dark. Society has lost hopeand there seems to be nothing positive lyingahead of us. Against that backdrop, the Soka

Gakkai stands as a golden beacon showing the peopleof the world the way forward, and its role will continueto grow in importance.

“The Soka Group is the Soka Gakkai’s lightof hope and value creation. I want you to remember

that you are the light source of the beacon of the SokaGakkai.

“In a confused and turbulent age, the SokaGakkai has held aloft the banner of truth and justiceand striven selflessly for the happiness of the people. Ihope you will all courageously follow the path of missionthat you have chosen, convinced that protecting theSoka Gakkai is the greatest good!”

Shin’ichi closed by saying: “Please establish anoutstanding record as the first class of the Soka Group,working together with your fellow members in firmsolidarity, each in your own individual way. Follow thenoble path of the Soka Group, without being swayedby either favorable or unfavorable occurrences insociety. By the time you reach your forties and fifties,become successes in every aspect of your lives andkeep advancing toward victory.”

The room was filled with enthusiastic applauseexpressing the members’ determination to do just that.


The Soka Group rose up with firm determination. Thegears of the Soka Gakkai’s advance began to shiftthrough the vigor of youth.

Based on the guidance that Shin’ichi hadgiven them at their first general meeting, the topleaders of the Soka Group began an earnestdiscussion. What should they do to embody thespirit imparted to them by President Yamamotoand make the Soka Group into an ideal groupfor fostering capable individuals brimming withthe Gakkai spirit?

“While President Yamamoto’s guidanceto us Soka Group members is to protect theSoka Gakkai, he’s always been teaching usabout the spirit to vigilantly safeguard theorganization since our days as the TrafficControl Group (TCG). And he has investedtremendous energy in educating and training usso that we can embody that spirit. We mustpass this on to the next generation.”

“I agree. ‘Training’ sounds old-fashioned, but theonly way to really master things is to actually do them, topractice them physically. Such training will beindispensable from now on, too.”

“That’s right. And each of us should take the

lessons we learned through education and training in theSoka Group and put them into practice in our daily lives,demonstrating our full potential in society. In other words,through the Soka Group’s activities, we need to establisha foundation of educating, training and motivatingourselves.”

Nichiren Daishonin writes: “Put into flames, arock simply turns to ashes, but gold becomes pure gold”(WND-1, 497). Without training, capable individualscannot become great leaders. Training is a requirementfor great growth.

From the time they were the TCG, the membershad trained rigorously together to be on time, earnestlysafeguard the Soka Gakkai members, and ensure thesafety of all those traveling on pilgrimages. If the TCGmembers had been late when they were supposed to beon duty, it could’ve led to a major accident. In addition,in order to take time off of work to fulfill TCG duties onpilgrimages, they had to earn the trust of their employers,so each day at work was also a struggle.


In order to carry out their duties as members of the TrafficControl Group, members had to make sure they were ingood physical condition. It was decided that they shouldhave neat haircuts and wear clean, white shirts while onduty. Because they were the face of the Soka Gakkai, itwas important that their appearance be neat and tidy.

Another of their essential duties was toconvey such information as transfer and arrivaltimes to the members making the pilgrimage tothe head temple, so their voices had to be loudand clear enough to carry throughout the traincar. Therefore, some TCG members practisedmaking these announcements aloud to traintheir voices. They were expected tocommunicate quickly and error-free, soeveryone diligently practised how to pass onnecessary information accurately. If their graspof the number of members making pilgrimageswas off by even one person, it would affectnot only travel plans but also bedding and mealsarrangements at places of lodging.

Accuracy is the foundation for everything.Inaccurate information can cause all sorts of

problems. As the Italian thinker Giuseppe Mazzini(1805—72) observed: “The common victory dependson the exactness with which the different operations arecarried out.”

TCG members had to memorise the names andlocations of all the buildings at the head temple, masteringthe entire map of the grounds. They even memorised thenumber of steps leading up to the various buildings. Ifthere were a fire or other emergency and it was necessary

to evacuate while it was dark, knowing the number ofsteps could be helpful in preventing accidents.

Also, for each lodging temple they had to learn thelayout, size, and capacity of the rooms, the locations offire extinguishing and cleaning equipment, the emergencyexits and corridors, and how many pairs of shoes wouldfit in the shoe storage shelves.

To truly take full responsibility for the safety ofmembers making pilgrimages to the head temple, theyhad to consider every possible occurrence and beprepared for every situation. The young men of the TrafficControl Group did a fine job of that.

In light of the growing number of overseas memberswho made pilgrimages to the head temple during SokaGakkai summer training courses, some TCG memberseven took the initiative to study foreign languages so asto be of greater assistance.

(To be continued)

The NSGI Times9

BUDDHIST CONCEPTS

"It is impossible to live in the world without attachments, or indeed to eradicate them. Our affections forothers, the desire to succeed in our endeavors, our interests and passions, our love of life itself--all of theseare attachments and potential sources of disappointment or suffering, but they are the substance of ourhumanity and the elements of engaged and fulfilled lives."

Attachments and Liberation

ciety. The true nature of our lives at thismoment is one of expansive freedom andpossibility.

This dramatic reorientation effected by theLotus Sutra is distilled in the key andseemingly paradoxical concepts ofNichiren Buddhism that "earthly desiresare enlightenment" and "the sufferings ofbirth and death are nirvana." The imageof the pure lotus flower blossoming in themuddy swamp is a metaphor that encap-

Buddhism is a teaching of liberation, aimed at freeingpeople from the inevitablesufferings of life. To thisend, early Buddhist teach-

ings focused on the impermanence of allthings. The Buddha realized that nothingin this world stays the same; everything isin a constant state of change. Pleasurableconditions, favorable circumstances, ourrelationships with those we hold dear, ourhealth and well-being--any sense of com-fort and security we derive from thesethings is continually threatened by life's fluxand uncertainty, and ultimately by death,the most profound change of all.

The Buddha saw that people's ignoranceof the nature of change was the cause ofsuffering. We desire to hold on to whatwe value, and we suffer when life's inevi-table process of change separates us fromthose things. Liberation from sufferingcomes, he taught, when we are able tosever our attachments to the transientthings of this world.

Buddhist practice, in this perspective, isoriented away from the world: life is suf-fering, the world is a place of uncertainty;liberation lies in freeing oneself from at-tachment to worldly things and concerns,attaining a transcendent enlightenment.

The Lotus Sutra, upon which NichirenBuddhism is based, is revolutionary in thatit reverses this orientation, overturning thebasic premises of the Buddha's earlierteachings and focusing people's attentioninstead on the infinite possibilities of lifeand the joy of living in the world.

Where other teachings had regarded en-lightenment, or the final liberation of Bud-dhahood, as a goal to be attained at somefuture point in time, in the teachings of theLotus Sutra each person is inherently andoriginally a Buddha. Through Buddhistpractice we develop our enlightened quali-ties and exercise them in the world hereand now for the sake of others and forthe purpose of positively transforming so-

tential sources of disappointment or suf-fering, but they are the substance of ourhumanity and the elements of engaged andfulfilled lives.

The challenge is not to rid oneself of at-tachments but, in the words of Nichiren,to become enlightened concerning them.The teachings of Nichiren thus stress thetransformation, rather than the elimination,of desire. Desires and attachments fuel thequest for enlightenment. As he wrote:"Now Nichiren and others who chantNam-myoho-renge-kyo . . . burn the fire-wood of earthly desires and behold thefire of enlightened wisdom..."

In their proper perspective--when we cansee them clearly and master them ratherthan being mastered by them--desires andattachments enable us to lead interestingand significant lives. As SGI PresidentDaisaku Ikeda says, "Our Buddhist prac-tice enables us to discern their true natureand utilize them as the driving force tobecome happy."

It is our small ego, our "lesser self," thatmakes us slaves to our desires and causesus to suffer. Buddhist practice enables usto break out of the shell of our lesser selfand awaken to the "greater self" of ourinherent Buddha nature.

This expanded sense of self is based on aclear awareness of the interconnected fab-ric of life which we are part of and whichsustains us. When awakened to the real-ity of our relatedness to all life, we canovercome the fear of change and experi-ence the deeper continuities beyond andbeneath the ceaseless flow of change.

The basic character of our greater self iscompassion. Ultimate freedom is experi-enced when we develop the ability tochannel the full energy of our attachmentsinto compassionate concern and action onbehalf of others.

[Courtesy July 2011 SGI Quarterly]

sulates this perspective--freedom, libera-tion, enlightenment are forged and ex-pressed in the very midst of the murkyswamp of life with its problems, pains andcontradictions.

It is impossible to live in the world with-out attachments, or indeed to eradicatethem. Our affections for others, the de-sire to succeed in our endeavors, our in-terests and passions, our love of life it-self--all of these are attachments and po-

“In their proper perspective,desires and attachmentsbecome a source of happiness.”

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The NSGI Times 10

the world is indeed equivalent to that ofthe 18th century Industrial Revolution.

Global diffusion of information nowenables us to learn instantly about whatis taking place in another part of theworld. Moreover, free and flexibleforums of communication can be cre-ated online, something that would havebeen beyond our wildest imaginationduring the Cold War. Communicationtechnology is rapidly bringing downgeographical and physical barriers thathave hindered exchange among peoplewho live far away from each other.

Above all, the significance of the infor-mation revolution is that it preventsknowledge and information from beingmonopolised by a handful of people orgroups, enabling many people to share itin a more democratic fashion.

Access to information has long beenone-sided, provided unilaterally by thepress and mass media. It is extremelysignificant that independent internetnews websites such as Scoop nowprovide a forum for taking up issuesfrom different perspectives. Such onlinesources can enlighten people aboutissues and diverse points of view thatthey were previously unaware of,supporting the development of moresound, democratic foundations forsociety.

To share some of our own effortsrelated to grassroots peacebuilding, afew years ago, the SGI launched anonline media project, Toward a NuclearFree World, (http://www.nuclearabolition.info/ ) aimed atpromoting awareness about efforts fornuclear abolition from the perspective ofcivil society. This site is a collaborationwith Inter Press Service (IPS), a newsagency that has long been committed toamplifying the voices of the developingworld.

In June 2012, we co-organised aninterdisciplinary roundtable on the roleof education and learning toward asustainable future as a side event at theUnited Nations Conference on Sustain-able Development (Rio+20). On thatoccasion, Regional Director of InterPress Service for Latin America JoaquinCostanzo stressed that raising aware-ness of social issues and encouragingpeople to participate in decision-makingprocesses is a key mission of the massmedia. In this respect, I think thatinternet news websites will play anincreasingly important role.

Unfortunately, it is also clear that inno-vations in information technology havecreated more negative possibilities:cyberspace can used to instigate con-flict, hatred and discrimination. Publicopinion can be manipulated through thepresentation of distorted information andthe spread of stereotyped images.

The internet is undoubtedly useful, in

that we can instantly access informationonline. But some of what is availableonline is of a dubious nature, and certaininformation is obviously intended tomislead the audience.

In this sense, whether technology will beused for good or evil purposes entirelydepends on individuals.

I applaud the development of medialiteracy education such as that nowoffered in New Zealand and Australia,and feel that this should be madeavailable on a global basis in order tohelp people navigate this ocean ofinformation.

My mentor, educator Josei Toda (1900-58), second president of the SokaGakkai, observed: “The confusion ofknowledge with wisdom is one of thegreat misfortunes of our times... Knowl-edge and wisdom are not the samething. While knowledge may be a doorthat opens the path to wisdom, it is not,in itself, wisdom.”

The availability of enormous amounts ofinformation is of no worth if we allow itto undermine our ability to think forourselves or become affected byintentional misinformation. We need tofoster wisdom in order to truly benefitfrom knowledge, as we are living in anage where access to knowledge iseasier and open to more people thanever.

Ultimately, I believe that such wisdomcan be found in having a clear sense ofpurpose upon which one bases one’slife. Alongside efforts to enhance medialiteracy, the kind of humanistic educationthat is focused on cultivating a solidsense of purpose in life can be a keyelement here.

*******

Question : What is the role of thewater hemisphere and spirituality in theglobal quest for peace?

Daisaku Ikeda : Soka Gakkaifounding president TsunesaburoMakiguchi was an educator whoprioritised the happiness of children inprewar Japan, at a time the foremostobjective of education was to fosterobedient servants of the state.

He was also a geographer. In his 1903book The Geography of Human Life, hepresented an idea quite different fromthe conventional way of seeing the Earth- two-dimensional maps divided intonational territories. Instead, he said wecould divide the globe into a “landhemisphere” and a “water hemisphere.”He illustrated this using two circular-shaped maps, with London serving asthe pole of the land hemisphere andNew Zealand as the pole of the waterhemisphere.

Seeing the oceans as thoroughfaresconnecting countries instead of assomething that divides them, Makiguchiemphasised the importance of fosteringan ethos that could open up paths ofpeace, friendship and harmoniouscoexistence.

I think it is extremely significant evenfrom a contemporary standpoint thatNew Zealand is at the centre of thiswater hemisphere composed of oceansfilled with infinite possibilities.

During the two world wars of thetwentieth century, the Atlantic Oceanbecame a battlefield. The Pacific Ocean,which both our countries face, also sawmany fierce battles during World War II.Based on the lessons of history, theworld now needs a culture that cel-ebrates diversity such as that fostered inNew Zealand over many decades. Theadamant will to never repeat the atroci-ties of war is also indispensable, as seenin New Zealand’s unambiguous stanceagainst nuclear weapons and efforts todevelop the South Pacific Nuclear FreeZone Treaty (the Treaty of Rarotonga).

The first nation in the world to grantwomen suffrage, New Zealand has also

consistently been known for its empha-sis on the guarantee of human rights anda strong social welfare system. Uphold-ing human rights and humanitarianism asnational priorities, New Zealand hasprovided an example that should beemulated by nations around the world.

In The Geography of Human Life,Makiguchi called for a transformation inthe modes of competition amongnations: from military, political andeconomic competition that pursue one’sown interests at the expense of others toa “humanitarian competition” that seeksto bring out the best of each nation’squalities through efforts to contribute tothe well-being of other countries and theworld.

I believe that New Zealand’s strongtraditions of fairness and concern for thevulnerable can help lead the world in thedirection of humanitarian competition inthe 21st century. Nothing can justify thecontinuation of the current state of theworld where so many people suffer in acruel zero-sum game in which the strongprey upon the weak.

Through humanitarian competition aimedat pursuing peace and happiness forboth oneself and others, we can build awin-win world that allows the dignity ofall people to shine. It is my earnest hopethat Japan and many other countries willfollow in the footsteps of New Zealandin order to create such a truly humanisticglobal society.

“I believe that New Zealand’s strongtraditions of fairness and concern forthe vulnerable can help lead theworld in the direction of humanitar-ian competition in the 21st century.Nothing can justify the continuationof the current state of the worldwhere so many people suffer in acruel zero-sum game in which thestrong prey upon the weak.”

- Soka Gakkai International PresidentDaisaku Ikeda( © Seikyo Newspaper )

***** Interview Ends *****

Educator Josei Toda (1900-58), secondpresident of the Soka Gakkai.

(© Seikyo Newspaper )

Alastair Thompson is the co-founder of Scoop. He is of Scot-tish and Irish extraction and from Wellington, New Zealand.Alastair has 24 years experience in the media, at the Domin-ion, National Business Review, North & South magazine,Straight Furrow newspaper and online since 1997. He is thewinner of several journalism awards for business and investi-gative work.

The NSGI Times11

On February 20, A Forum for Peace:Daisaku Ikeda's Proposals to the UN, acollection of key excerpts from 30 yearsof peace proposals by SGI PresidentDaisaku Ikeda, was launched in a highprofile event held at the UN Headquar-ters in New York.

A Forum for Peace brings together for thefirst time excerpts from Mr. Ikeda's an-nual peace proposals, issued every yearsince 1983 on January 26 to commemo-rate the founding of the SGI. Recommen-dations for global change in areas such ashuman security, women's empowerment,nuclear disarmament and the centrality ofdialogue, are informed by him firm beliefin the positive potential of the UN, hisexperience of the cruelty of war and Bud-dhist philosophy.

Experts from the fields of education, dis-armament and diplomacy joined the booklaunch and ensuing panel discussion on"Global Citizenship and the Future of theUN" chaired by former United NationsUnder-Secretary-General and High Rep-resentative Ambassador Anwarul K.Chowdhury, who contributed the Fore-word to the book.

At the launch, Ambassador Chowdhurystated, "No human being in world historyhas written so consistently, so substantivelyabout the work of the United Nations andthe way to reform it as SGI PresidentIkeda." Many of Mr. Ikeda's proposalsover the years have subsequently beenreflected in the work of the United Na-tions, he added.

conferenct in BrazilSponsor of the event was the Alliance ofCivilizations, a United Nations initiative tobuild bridges across religious, cultural andother divides, and organizers were SGI,Inter Press Service and the Toda Institutefor Global Peace and Policy Research.

In his opening address, Alliance of Civili-zations High Representative H.E. NassirAdulaziz Al-Nasser spoke of the valuesof global citizenship emphasized in thebook as being vital to the mission of theUN.

John Ashe, President of the UN GeneralAssembly, sent a message through hisChef de Cabinet, Ambassador PauletteBethel, saying that building a peacefulworld is a monumental task that cannotrest in the hands of the UN alone, under-scoring the key role of civil society.

Tariq Hassan, Chair of the Board of SGI-USA, read excerpts from SGI PresidentIkeda's message to the event. Mr. Ikedanoted that in his annual peace proposals

he stressesthe impor-tance of fos-tering anawarenessof our roleand respon-sibility asglobal citi-zens, tocounter theimpulse to-ward con-flict and di-v i s i o n .

"Building solidarity of global citizens is thesource of hope for the future of the UnitedNations," he said.

Dr. Olivier Urbain, editor of A Forum forPeace and Director of the Toda Institutefor Global Peace and Policy Research,introduced the book and its four mainchapters: A UN Living up to its Mission;A UN to Eliminate Misery from the Earth,A UN for a World Without War; andEmpowerment for Future Change.

As editor, he said he was surprised to findafter working on the book that he gained"a tremendous sense of hope" that "as longas we have a space for personal creativ-ity and solidarity there is nothing that hu-man beings cannot overcome."

In her keynote address, Nobel PeacePrize laureate Betty Williams praised Mr.Ikeda's consistent emphasis on the powerof women. The United Nations, she alsosaid, while not perfect, is "all that we havein our world to try and make it better."

Other speakers included William Gaudelli,Associate Professor of Social Studies andEducation at Teachers College, Colum-bia University, and Monte Joffee, Found-ing Principal of the Renaissance CharterSchool in New York's Jackson Heights.

A Forum for Peace: Daisaku Ikeda's Pro-posals to the UN is published by I.B.Tauris. For the complete texts of the last15 years of SGI President Daisaku Ikeda'sproposals, see http://www.sgi.org/sgi-president/proposals/.

[Adapted from a report from the SGI Office ofPublic Information; Photos courtesy ofUNAOC/Aaron Fineman and SGI-OPI]

A Forum for Peace: Compilation of 30years of SGI President Ikeda’s Peace Pro-

posals Launched at UN HQ

From February 13-14, SGI delegatesparticipated in the Second Conferenceon the Humanitarian Impact of NuclearWeapons, hosted by the MexicanGovernment and held in Nuevo Vallartain the state of Nayarit. Chaired by JuanManuel Gómez Robledo, Mexico's ViceMinister for Multilateral Affairs andHuman Rights, the conference wasattended by delegations representing146 governments, the United Nations,the International Committee of the RedCross and Red Crescent movement andover 120 representatives of civil society.Executive Director for Peace AffairsHirotsugu Terasaki and Program Direc-tor for Peace Affairs Kimiaki Kawaiattended on SGI's behalf.

The Nayarit conference was a follow-upto the first international conference onthe humanitarian impact of nuclearweapons that took place in Oslo,Norway, in March 2013, where partici-pants concluded that no type of prepa-ration and capacity in the world couldprotect the population of any city fromthe humanitarian catastrophe of anuclear explosion.

Building upon the conclusions reached atOslo, the Nayarit Conference sawpresentations from UN agencies,academics, former military officials andcivil society organizations demonstratingthe harmful and lethal effects of anynuclear weapon detonation, deliberate

or accidental, in areas such as publichealth, climate change, food security,development, economic growth and thedisplacement of people. Hibakusha,survivors of the Hiroshima and NagasakiA-bomb attacks, also shared testimo-nies of the long term physical, psycho-logical and social impacts of the explo-sion of a nuclear weapon. The evidencepresented substantiated the fact that thecontinued existence, possession anddeployment of nuclear weapons pose an

existential threat to humanity and theplanet.

In his summary of the meeting, ViceMinister Robledo stated that now is thetime to start a diplomatic process with aspecific timeframe for governments andcivil society to develop new internationalstandards and norms for nuclear weap-ons through a legally binding instrument."It is time to take action. The 70thanniversary of the Hiroshima andNagasaki attacks [in 2015] is theappropriate milestone to achieve ourgoal," he concluded. "Nayarit is a pointof no return."

It was also announced that the ThirdConference will be held in Vienna,Austria, within this year to reaffirmconclusions made at Oslo and Nayarit,deepen momentum within the interna-tional community and take concretesteps toward the abolition of nuclearweapons.

In conjunction with the official confer-ence, the International Campaign toAbolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN)hosted a two-day campaigners meetingbefore the conference, and a debriefingafterwards, for civil society activists toexplore steps they can take in supportof a treaty banning nuclear weapons inthe build-up towards Vienna. Over 120participants, including the SGI represen-tatives, attended these meetings. Theanti-nuclear weapons exhibition "Every-thing You Treasure: For a World FreeFrom Nuclear Weapons," jointly cre-ated by ICAN and SGI, was also ondisplay during the conference.

[Adapted from a report from SGI Office ofPublic Information (SGI-OPI) and an articlefrom the February 18, 2014, issue of SeikyoShimbun, Soka Gakkai, Japan; photoscourtesy of Ministry of Foreign Affairs,Mexico, and SGI-OPI]

SGI Joins Second Conference onHumanitarian Impact of Nuclear Weapons

Vice Minister Robledo giving the chair'ssummary

The EYT exhibition

The NSGI Times 12

A song has a mystical quality thatenables human hearts tocommunicate with each other.

Since my adolescence, I have taken everypossible opportunity to become more acquaintedwith all kinds of music. These days I am given toexpressing the way I have been feeling through poetry— and putting it to music, as I’m often asked to do.

Of course I know I am just a layman as far asmusic is concerned. But when, together with myfriends, I sing a song which moves me or when Iplay the piano to convey my emotions through music,I feel the musical instruments in our hearts resoundingof themselves. More than anything else, I treasurethose times when I can enjoy the humanisticresonance and communion between human hearts.

A few years ago, if I remember correctly, oneof my acquaintances asked me what my favouritesong is, and I answered, ‘Kusaki wa Moyuru’(Trees and Plants That Flourish). I founded the SokaGakuen School, and this tune is its dormitory song.One of the first students in the school composed thewords and a music teacher set them to music:

In the field of Musashino

Where trees and plants flourish,

Young phoenixes play and mature

As they breathe the scent of flowers.

For what purpose

Do you cultivate your intelligence?

In order to shoulder the years to come,

Take flight towards the future courageously.

This is the first verse of the song; there are fiveverses in all. A rather tranquil melody in a minor key,this song describes majestically the soaring of youngphoenixes towards the future. The melody itself ismoving, but the fifth line in each verse, whichreconfirms the purpose of each endeavour, is quitemeaningful indeed. The questions posed in eachverse are, respectively: “for what purpose do youdevelop your passion?” “for what purpose do youlove and cherish other people?” “For what purposedo you pursue glory?” and “For what purpose doyou go in pursuit of peace?”

Whenever I attend the entrance andcommencement ceremonies of the Soka GakuenSchool and watch the boys sing this song withsparkling eyes, I pray from the bottom of my heartthat they will never lose the spirit to pursue thesequestions throughout their lives. At the same time, Ido not think that they should ever forget thenameless masses even while they are in a favourable

educational environment. But every time I listen to this song, I vividlyenvision these respectworthy young people who, after graduatingfrom this school, will staunchly survive the realities of life as childrenof the common people.

There was once a stupid old man called Tokuhan among thedisciples of Shakyamuni Buddha. Shakyamuni, knowing Tokuhanwas sincere by nature even though he had little intelligence, ordered500 arhats to educate him every day in the hope that he wouldbecome a respectworthy monk. In three years, however, Tokuhancould not learn by heart even a single phrase of a sutra.

The people throughout the country scorned Tokuhan for hisstupidity, but Shakyamuni, out of pity for him, taught him a versehimself: “Those who exercise control of their words, thoughts andactions will never fail to attain enlightenment.”

Shakyamuni taught him this single verse over and over again.Moved by the Buddha’s compassion, Tokuhan desperately tried tocommit it to memory and managed to learn it by heart. ThenShakyamuni Buddha said to him: As old as you are, you were barelyable to learn this one verse by heart. I will tell you the meaning ofthis rather ordinary verse: Man has three evil acts of the body: killing,stealing and lewd conduct. He has four evil acts of the mouth: lying,being two-faced, name-calling and pretentiousness. Man also hasthree evil acts of the mind: greed, anger and stupidity. Altogetherthese vices are called the ten karmas (evil deeds). When one isswayed by any of them, one is plunged into the deluded worldwhere human beings alternate only between the sufferings of lifeand death. When you overcome them, you can extricate yourselffrom all kinds of desires and attain enlightenment. That is why youwill never fail to attain enlightenment if you continue to exerciseself-control verbally, mentally and in your actions.

Thus, feeble and old as Tokuhan was, he continued his practice,strictly following Shakyamuni’s compassionate teaching and finallyattaining enlightenment. Shakyamuni, greatly pleased with the oldman’s achievement, praised Tokuhan’s sincere practice, saying:“Learning does not necessarily require quantity; being able to put itinto practice deserves the highest praise.”

All rights reserved. No parts of this newsletter may be reproduced or transmitted by any electronic or mechanical means, or otherwise, or by any information storage and retrieval system withoutprior written permission from the publisher. Tel: 4038582. Website: www.nepalsgi.org . Email: [email protected] . Printer: Graphics, Baphal, Kathmandu .

An Old Man’s Victory through FaithThis story is related in the Hokku Hiyu Sutra,

but I believe that it contains a relevant messagefor those of us who live in this modem world.

William James, a noted Americanphilosopher and psychologist (1842-1910),ascribes one of the most impressive philosophicalremarks he ever heard during his lifetime to anuneducated carpenter among his acquaintanceswho came to his house to do some repair work.He said: “There is very little difference betweenone man and another; but what little there is, isvery important.” This is a remark which trulymeans a great deal. Indeed, a seemingly offhandremark of a person who has weathered the stormsof difficulty in actual life sometimes carries fargreater weight than that of a philosopher. I knowmany “philosophers” among the common peopleand it is my greatest joy to spend each day talkingwith them and sharing the joys and sorrows oflife with them.

10 karmas(EVIL DEEDS)

3 Evil acts of the body:

1. Killing

2. Stealing and

3. Lewd conduct

4 Evil acts of the mouth:

1. Lying

2. Being two-faced

3. Name-calling and

4. Pretentiousness

3Evil acts of the mind:

1. Greed

2. Anger and

3. Stupidity.

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