Download MD April 2011 Study Material - Sgi-Usa

SGI-USA Men’s Division Monthly Suggested Study Material for April 2011
In 2011, the men’s division will continue studying “The New Human Revolution,” challenging
ourselves to study one volume each month. In April 2011, we are studying Volume 16. The
excerpts below are provided to support the men’s division study and can be used at men’s
division meetings. Every man is encouraged to have his own copy of each volume of “The New
Human Revolution” which is available at your local SGI-USA bookstore or through the mail
order service on the SGI-USA website. Page numbers may vary depending on the edition.
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Heart and Soul
“…Whenever Shinichi thought of his mentor, he felt tremendous courage and energy well within him,
and he knew he could withstand any hardship.
No matter how determined we are to live according to the highest ideals, it is easy to become defeated by
the fear or doubt, complacence or arrogance arising in our minds. That is why the Daishonin admonishes
us, ‘Become the master of your mind rather than let your mind master you.’(WND-1, 486). As long as we
are able to keep the example of our mentor alive in our hearts, we can triumph over our personal
weaknesses.” Page 6
Shin‟ichi always racked his brains to find ways to offer members inspiring goals that would spur dynamic
and joyous advancement. As the ancient Greek historian Thucydides declared, “Where there is the
greatest hope there is also the greatest ardor for action.”
...Victory in both life and kosen rufu starts with courage: the courage to take a step forward, the courage
to not give up, the courage to not be defeated by your own weaknesses. Courage is what breaks down
every barrier. Possessing such courage, I hope that you, the young men, will rise to action with the
following determinations: (1) to protect the Gohonzon, (2) to protect the Soka Gakkai, (3) to protect your
families and (4) to protect you communities. Page 57
Dialogue
“As people dedicated to kosen-rufu, you are all equally the children of Nichiren Daishonin, whatever your
ethnic background or nationality. Kosen-rufu is a sacred undertaking to bring happiness to people around
the world through the light of Buddhist compassion. I hope each of you will awaken to the solemn fact
that advancing this cause is the reason you were born. It is through your efforts in this regard that you will
carry out your human revolution and build a life-condition of indestructible happiness for yourself and
others.
“Why are we here? What is the meaning of life? The failure to answer these questions and experience a
genuine sense of purpose and direction is the fundamental source of the confusion and unhappiness that
afflicts contemporary society. Wherever you live and whatever you situation, I hope you will confidently
and boldly walk the path of your mission, aware and confident as the children of the Daishonin. The
important thing is to have the courage and the will to fulfill your mission.” Pages 123-124
Soaring
“But precisely because we have the mission and responsibility to enable everyone to become happy, we
can’t throw in the towel no matter how hard it is. The fact that we have taken on this challenge is noble
and respect worthy in and of itself. It is through such effort that the brilliant life-states of Bodhisattva and
Buddhahood come to shine.” Page 194
“If you think the law is outside yourself, you are embracing not the Mystic Law but an inferior teaching”
(WND-I, 3) The path to attaining Buddhahood in this life, he concluded, is to polish our lives. “How
should you polish it? Only by chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo” (WND-I, 4). Chanting for ourselves
and others – that is, doing activities for kosen-rufu – is the way to polish our lives and achieve a state of
absolute happiness. This is the Daishonin’s teaching.
“Through their efforts to practice in accord with the Daishonin’s words, Soka Gakkai members have
developed firm confidence that, though unseen, their sincere endeavors are definitely being observed by
the Buddhas and bodhisattvas throughout the entire universe. They also have strong conviction in the
passage: “Where there is unseen virtue, there will be visible reward” (WND-I, 907). Page 195
“…the unified effort of a large number of people could produce formerly inconceivable results. Indeed,
unity enables us to display our potential to the full. In contrast, of those working together on a project
focus only on their own area of expertise and fail to coordinate sufficiently with each other, nothing great
can be achieved, no matter how talented the individuals involved may be. Page 236
Buddhism teaches that all people inherently possess the life-state of Buddhahood, are children of the
Buddha and are treasure towers. Buddhist practice thus means to value and appreciate each individual,
and for that reason Buddhist leaders need to be people of profound consideration and thoughtfulness.
Page 268
...on November 7, 1991, the priesthood unilaterally issued and order of dissolution titled “Remonstration
to the Soka Gakkai to Disband.” On November 28, the priesthood further sent the organization a
“Notification of the Excommunication of the Soka Gakkai from Nichiren Shoshu.” In declaring the Soka
Gakkai, which had protected the correct teaching and advanced kosen-rufu so remarkably,
“excommunicated,” the priesthood committed the greatest and most heinous crime of attempting to
destroy Buddhism.
Foolishly the priesthood assumed that this would deal a fatal blow to the Soka Gakkai and the majority of
its members would side with the priesthood. Its assumption was base on its profound scorn for ordinary
people, who it presumed would blindly follow the authority of the cloth. But, of course, truehearted Soka
Gakkai members were never going to follow the corrupt and slanderous priesthood that so scorned the
laity. Though pained and angered by this vile, despicable act on the part of the priesthood, the members
clearly perceived its real motivation.
The priesthood tried to make the high priest a figure of absolute authority, asserting that Nichiren
Daishonin, the Buddha of the Latter Day of the Law, the Dai-Gohonzon of the sanctuary of the essential
teaching, and the successive high priests were all essentially one inseparable object of worship. They tried
to force lay believers into a subservient role and appropriate as their private property the Dai-Gohonzon,
which was bestowed on all humanity. The priesthood also rejected other cultures and traditions, and
attempted to close the door on worldwide kosen-rufu. Pages 287-288
Questions for Discussion
1. “…Whenever Shinichi thought of his mentor, he felt tremendous courage and energy well
within him, and he knew he could withstand any hardship…” How can we apply this spirit to
ourselves?
2. What does it mean to “boldly walk the path of your mission?”
3. “Buddhism teaches that all people inherently possess the life-state of Buddhahood,
are children of the Buddha and are treasure towers.” Please share your thoughts on
how this basic teaching of Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism contrasts with the
priesthood’s viewpoint on the value of people’s lives.