A: The word organization probably conjures certain images for some people, but the fact is, everything in this world involves some sort of organization. The human body itself is made up of more than sixty trillion cells, all working in concert. That’s an amazingly efficient organization. …
It’s the same with human society, as well. Countries, cities, towns, villages, businesses and schools—all are organizations. This is because close teamwork and interaction are necessary for them to function most effectively. …
It is only natural, therefore, when we seek to achieve a great objective or to develop ourselves so that we can make great accomplishments, that some sort of organization is essential.
The Soka Gakkai is an organization working to realize the great objective of kosen-rufu—of achieving peace and happiness for all humanity based on the principles and philosophy of Nichiren Buddhism. Such an objective cannot be accomplished through the efforts of one person alone. It becomes possible only when people in various spheres of society come together, organize themselves into a cohesive force and work to achieve that goal. …
The organization is a means. The end, meanwhile, is for people to become happy. …
Organizations that deprive people of their freedom and identity definitely do exist. They exploit people to achieve their own objectives. This is a negative aspect that organizations can have.
However, though you may dislike organizations, is remaining alone really a sign of freedom? Can you guarantee that you won’t lose sight of yourself anyway? That’s hard to say. …
Being on your own without having to see or think about others may seem very comfortable and hassle-free, but you’ll find yourself locked in a world that is terribly small and limited. By avoiding belonging to any group or organization, you deprive yourself of contact with many people and, in the end, you are left wondering about the meaning of your existence. …
Developing personal relationships with people you can trust is important. Though we use the term organization, it is actually a collection of bonds among individuals. And this is the reason that the Soka Gakkai has cherished and supported each member unstintingly and continues to do so. (Discussions on Youth, pp. 237–44)
July 7, 2023, World Tribune, p. 11
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