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Product Details
| ISBN-13: | 9781946635150 |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | Middleway Press |
| Publication date: | 02/01/2019 |
| Series: | The New Human Revolution |
| Sold by: | Barnes & Noble |
| Format: | eBook |
| Pages: | 352 |
| Sales rank: | 900,577 |
| File size: | 2 MB |
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Read an Excerpt
CHAPTER 1
Spring Storm
TO go among the people — from the human solidarity arising from this impassioned and enduring spirit unfolds a new page in history.
There is no greater force than the people, no foundation more solid. Nor is anything more fearsome than the people's cries for justice. When compared with the people, authority, riches, and fame are as insubstantial as smoke.
Shin'ichi Yamamoto returned to Japan from his tour of Asian countries on February 14, 1961. Two days later, on February 16, he attended the inaugural meeting of Hojo Chapter held in Toyohashi City in Aichi Prefecture. The local members had thought that President Yamamoto might not attend the meeting, scheduled as it was so soon after his trip; so when Shin'ichi appeared at the Toyohashi Civic Hall, there was a storm of cheers and thunderous applause.
That night, Shin'ichi stressed the importance of conducting oneself with sound common sense: "Buddhism constitutes the highest form of reason. Those of us who believe in this Buddhism should always strive to be courteous and circumspect in our behavior. When attending discussion meetings at someone's house, take care not to inconvenience the owners, who have so generously opened their homes. You mustn't take liberties or act as if you own the place.
"And when introducing others to Buddhism or giving guidance in faith, you must absolutely refrain from using coarse and abusive language or adopting a patronizing attitude. Rude and thoughtless words or actions can create great misunderstanding toward the Soka Gakkai. Unless we gain the reputation that Gakkai members are decent, well-mannered people, I don't think we can say that we are setting a proper example in faith."
Shin'ichi stated that the Gohonzon exists within the life of each individual and closed his speech by expressing the hope that all would unlock their inner "treasure towers" through faith and lead supremely happy lives.
His emphasis on common sense arose from his belief that by deepening their faith, people could perfect their character and develop outstanding wisdom and judgment — qualities that would win the trust and confidence of those around them. Another reason was that members in many parts of Japan were increasingly subject to incidents of ostracism and discrimination in their communities. Several of these could be traced to some small instance of careless speech or unseemly conduct by one or a few members, which had resulted in misunderstanding.
The real underlying cause of such ostracism and discrimination, however, was an emotional reaction arising from misunderstanding and prejudice toward the Soka Gakkai itself. Many of these incidents were incited by proponents of other religious groups who feared the Gakkai's dynamic efforts to awaken people to Nichiren Buddhism.
Since Shin'ichi's inauguration as president, the Soka Gakkai's propagation efforts had surged ahead like a raging wave.
"If [the devils] did not [arise], there would be no way of knowing that this is the correct teaching" (WND-1, 501). Just as this passage from Nichiren's writings states, it was natural that the Gakkai would encounter various kinds of persecution. Such trials were unavoidable; they would have to be endured.
Nevertheless, it would be extremely foolish if, through some thoughtless or unreasoned behavior, members were to cause misunderstanding toward the Gakkai and thus create needless friction within society. Buddhism, after all, is a teaching of the highest reason.
After the inaugural chapter meeting, Shin'ichi took time to chat with the local leaders. Congratulating them on the start of their new chapter, Shin'ichi said: "Your chapter's name, Hojo, means 'castle of abundance.' What a wonderful name it is! Please work together to build a castle that brims with abundant good fortune."
Shin'ichi then opened the floor to questions. Since he had just returned from overseas, many of the questions were about kosen-rufu throughout the world. One youth, who appeared to be a student, asked, "If worldwide kosen-rufu is accomplished, then considering President Toda's advocacy of global citizenship will we see the formation of something like a global federation of nations?"
It was an exceedingly abstract question, but Shin'ichi replied with a warm smile: "I'll leave it to you to decide what's best in that regard! Please think about it long and hard. And please study diligently so that you will become accomplished enough even to take on the presidency of such a federation yourself!
"In striving for a great future, however, your daily struggles are crucial. You should consolidate your foundation where you are right now. Life is filled with changing circumstances. The Soka Gakkai is also bound to encounter persecution in the future. But the important thing is never to retreat, never to run away, no matter what may happen. As long as you live, always take pride in being a Gakkai member. Be an active player committed to shouldering the responsibility for kosen-rufu, not just an idle spectator."
Shin'ichi was intent on establishing in Chubu a solid pillar for kosenrufu rivaling that in Kansai. He therefore put his utmost energy into fostering the youth.
The following day, February 17, Shin'ichi went to the head temple. The purpose of his visit was twofold: to hold briefings with the priesthood on future construction plans at the head temple and to visit Toda's grave to report on his return from overseas.
Standing before his mentor's tomb, Shin'ichi silently related that the door to Asian kosen-rufu had been opened. He renewed his vow to continue upon the path of the oneness of mentor and disciple.
Returning to Tokyo after visiting the head temple, Shin'ichi was scheduled to depart almost immediately for the Tohoku region to attend inaugural meetings of six new chapters. The mound of paperwork that had piled up while he was overseas, however, now urgently required his attention. Unavoidably, he decided to ask the general director and some other top leaders to attend the joint inaugural meeting for Aizu and Taira Chapters on the eighteenth, while he would attend a kickoff for Semboku and Ishinomaki Chapters on the nineteeth.
But it was like a knife to his heart to think how disappointed the members in Aizu and Taira, both cities in Fukushima Prefecture, would be when he did not attend. More than the members he had the opportunity to meet, Shin'ichi was always thinking about those he could not meet; more than those who spoke joyfully about receiving benefit, he was concerned for those still burdened by suffering.
Shin'ichi left for Sendai in Miyagi Prefecture on the nineteenth according to schedule. As the train made its way through Fukushima Prefecture, he chanted Nam-myoho-renge-kyo silently to express his joy at the new start Fukushima had made the day before with the establishment of Aizu and Taira Chapters.
The inaugural meeting of Semboku and Ishinomaki Chapters got underway at the Sendai Civic Hall at six that evening. Miyagi Prefecture was home to Sendai Chapter, the first regional chapter to be established after Josei Toda's inauguration as second president. Now, two additional chapters would be formed.
The hall was awash with joy and excitement. Shin'ichi caught sight of the Ishinomaki chapter leader, Yasuji Yoshinari, among the leaders on the stage. Noticing that the chapter leader was moving his lips as if in a fervent whisper, Shin'ichi surmised he was chanting under his breath.
Yasuji, who had a sincere and honest character, was not very good at speaking in public. Whenever he had to speak in front of a group of people, he would get nervous, and he was probably doubly nervous this evening because he was scheduled to deliver his determination as chapter leader. When Shin'ichi took his place on the stage, he caught Yoshinari's eye and smiled at him reassuringly. Yoshinari smiled back, some of the tension appearing to leave him.
Yasuji Yoshinari was a pioneer of kosen-rufu in Ishinomaki. Back in 1942, during the war, his eldest brother, Taizo, who was living in Tokyo at the time, had taken faith in Nichiren Buddhism after attending a discussion meeting attended by the first Soka Gakkai president, Tsunesaburo Makiguchi. Yasuji, the third of six sons, had started to practice the following year, at his brother's persuasion. Two of his younger brothers embraced Nichiren Buddhism a short time later.
Right after that, the militarist government began to persecute the Soka Gakkai in earnest. Starting with President Makiguchi and Josei Toda, who was then the general director, all of the organization's top leaders were rounded up and thrown into prison.
Even in such forbiddingly bleak times, the brothers' faith did not waver. Though all were quiet, mild-mannered men, the Yoshinari brothers had inherited the tenacious Tohoku spirit; once they had decided on a course of action, they refused to retreat a single step.
After the war, the flames of their faith burned even brighter.
When Sendai Chapter was formed after the war, the Yoshinari brothers devoted themselves earnestly on the forefront of kosen-rufu activities.
After seeking personal guidance from Josei Toda, Taizo, the eldest brother, decided to take vows as a priest; he became the first Nichiren Shoshu priest to come from the Soka Gakkai membership.
In the fall of 1960, the year Shin'ichi became president, the third youngest brother, Nobumasa, joined the priesthood too. Later, the youngest brother, who had joined the Soka Gakkai after the war, also became a priest. In a rigidly authoritarian priesthood riddled with corruption, all three brothers devoted themselves to protecting the Gakkai and fighting courageously to uphold the integrity of the correct teachings of Nichiren Daishonin.
The time had come for Yasuji Yoshinari to express his resolution at the inaugural chapter meeting.
"Everyone, I've made a determination. I will build this chapter into a king of propagation. I will work to serve you with all my might. Please fight together with me. And let's share both our tears and the joys of receiving great benefit!"
His words were very simple, but it was a determination that clearly revealed his warm character and great conviction. The participants responded with a loud burst of applause.
At this meeting, too, Shin'ichi spoke about the importance of having common sense, citing the principle that "faith manifests itself in daily life" and "Buddhism manifests itself in society."
"Ultimately, we practice Buddhism so that we can manifest our faith in daily life. It is not an empty theory, nor is it simply for cultivating our minds. Buddhism is a teaching for daily life — this was the profound perspective of Mr. Makiguchi and Mr. Toda. Buddhism is a fundamental teaching for creating the greatest value in living.
"Nichiren Daishonin teaches, 'All phenomena are manifestations of the Buddhist Law' (WND-2, 843). In contemporary terms, we express this as faith manifests itself in daily life. That being so, our actions, as members of society and as human beings, have to be acceptable to others. Of vital importance here is common sense. If you display irresponsible or unseemly behavior and are criticized by others, if you operate under the delusion that you can do anything and behave any way you like just because you are practicing faith, then all you are doing is denigrating the Law.
"Just as birds and fish proceed along their own instinctive paths, human beings, too, follow a path. The supreme path for human beings is Buddhism. Nichiren writes, 'The purpose of the appearance in this world of Shakyamuni Buddha, the lord of the teachings, lies in his behavior as a human being" (WND-1, 852). The Buddha's enlightenment, too, is ultimately manifested in his actions and behavior in the context of the realities of daily living. Another name by which the Buddha is known is 'hero of the world' (LSOC, 16). Practitioners of the Buddhist Law must therefore strive to be individuals of outstanding character and unparalleled common sense in society."
Shin'ichi spoke further, using examples that were close to the members' lives: "In the event of the funeral of a friend or relative, some of you may not wish to attend if the services accord with another religion. But not to attend would be socially inappropriate.
"We attend a funeral not to practice another religion but to pay our respects, as human beings, to our deceased friend or relative and to pray for that person's eternal happiness. Irrespective of the kind of funeral service, our going there to chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo in our hearts for the deceased is the greatest possible offering we can make. In all cases, if we have strong faith and are resolved to chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, then not only can we send our prayers to the deceased but we can also cause all those around us to form a connection with Nichiren Buddhism by our presence.
"Similarly, let's not become so carried away in our enthusiasm to introduce others to this practice that we end up visiting their homes late at night, just when they might be ready to go to bed, and then keep them up until eleven or midnight engaged in discussion. That would be irresponsible and thoughtless. Even with the best of intentions, as far as the other person is concerned, you'd be nothing but a nuisance. Not realizing this, however, some people may wonder in bewilderment, 'Why can't that person sincerely try this practice?' It's unreasonable to expect others to embrace faith under such circumstances. Of course, I'm sure there's no one like that here tonight."
Laughter rang throughout the hall. His words obviously struck a chord among quite a few. Some looked embarrassed.
"As Buddhists, it's natural that we care about the happiness of those we wish to introduce to the practice, but our actions must always be based on common sense. We have to use wisdom. If we behave irrationally, then no matter how wonderful what we have to say may be, we won't truly touch or convince others. Though logic may tell them that what we are saying is right, their dislike for the Soka Gakkai will overshadow this. This is human nature.
"That's why it's so important that we each hone our wisdom and let our character shine, becoming people of rich common sense who will be respected by all."
With this, Shin'ichi concluded. There was much more he wanted to say, but concerned for those who had traveled long distances to attend, he cut his speech short.
Besides those who filled the main hall, members had also gathered in three small conference rooms within the complex. Shin'ichi now went around to each room, wanting to meet and encourage them, too, even if only briefly.
The people in the other rooms had heard Shin'ichi speak via speakers connected to the PA system in the main auditorium. Shin'ichi didn't want them to feel left out. When he arrived at each room, he greeted everyone with a smile: "Thank you for attending tonight despite the cold weather. Take care not to catch cold, and please have a safe trip home."
There was a stir of excitement at Shin'ichi's unexpected appearance.
"To women, I ask you all to shine beautifully with rich personality in the radiant light of the Mystic Law, to always be gentle and warm to your husbands and children, and to always strive pure-heartedly in faith. I ask, however, that you fight firmly against erroneous teachings.
"But I want you to be absolutely sure not to get these two confused. Because if you are hard on your husbands and children," Shin'ichi said humorously, "behaving like asuras or if you begin to practice faith selfishly, then not only you but those around you will become miserable as well!"
The audience roared with laughter.
"As for the men, please work hard so that you can give your wives lives of comfort. Strive to develop a state of life where you can sometimes give them a little extra money and say, 'Here, why don't you go and spread this Buddhism in India for awhile' or 'Go ahead and encourage the members in America.'
"And one more thing for the men: please try to do gongyo of your own volition, without your wives having to tell you to do so."
There was another burst of laughter.
"In any event, please embrace the Gohonzon throughout your lives, dedicating yourselves to the cause of kosen-rufu along with the Soka Gakkai. That's all I want to say. If you remember that, then you can forget the rest. The very best to you all!"
Some of the members from the northern part of the prefecture had traveled three or four hours by bus to attend the meeting. If time had permitted, Shin'ichi would have liked to shake all of their hands and send them off with a personal word of encouragement.
Each participant was no doubt extremely heartened to be here surrounded by fellow members. Once back home, many were the sole Soka Gakkai members in their villages. Some had to bear the full brunt of anti-Gakkai criticism in an atmosphere of deeply rooted attachments to old ways and local religious traditions.
When Shin'ichi thought of the harsh circumstances many of them faced, he wanted at the very least to give them warm and cheerful encouragement and to imbue them with confidence and hope.
(Continues…)
Excerpted from "The New Human Revolution"
by .
Copyright © 2019 Soka Gakkai.
Excerpted by permission of World Tribune Press.
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Table of Contents
Editor's Note,
Chapter 1: Spring Storm,
Chapter 2: Triumph,
Chapter 3: Fresh Leaves,
Chapter 4: Establishing the Correct Teaching for the Peace of the Land,
Chapter 5: Great Light,