From now through August, the SGI-USA’s Summer of Shakubuku is here! It’s a time for each of us to take on the challenge of introducing others to Buddhism freely, spontaneously and joyfully! The following are excerpts from Ikeda Sensei’s guidance on the compassionate spirit of propagation.
My Life is Nam-myoho-renge-kyo!
Josei Toda declared: “Propagating the Mystic Law in the Latter Day of the Law simply means deciding ‘My life is none other than Nam-myoho-renge-kyo!’”
We are ordinary people inundated by all manner of problems and striving earnestly to navigate our way through the turbulence of society. But when we make Nichiren Daishonin’s wish for the compassionate propagation of the Mystic Law our personal mission, we unlock a powerful life force that can overcome even the fiercest
onslaughts of karma. The life state of Buddhahood flows forth moment by moment. (November 2020 Living Buddhism, p. 58)
Spreading Waves of Joy
The Soka Gakkai is the only organization advancing worldwide kosen-rufu. It is the organization actively dedicated to spreading the Mystic Law.
Spreading the Mystic Law, sharing it with others, spreads waves of joy.
Josei Toda said: “Sharing Buddhism shouldn’t be something painful or unpleasant. It should be done with joy.” Altruistic bodhisattva practice always brims with the joy of creating value based on our vow for kosen-rufu. (July 2017 Living Buddhism, pp. 47–48)
Toward 2030!
In the seven years leading to our centennial [in 2030], let us tap even greater wisdom to help people form a connection with Nichiren Buddhism. Let us awaken even greater numbers of people around the world to their Buddha nature. And let us joyfully and courageously bring many new friends to join us in the castle of happiness, where we can together shine with wisdom and compassion! (Nov. 18, 2023, World Tribune, p. 3)
Shakubuku Transforms Our Life State
Sharing Buddhism is not about debating or defeating others in argument. It is encouraging and urging another person to awaken to the fact that we are all supremely respectworthy beings who possess the Buddha nature. This is precisely what Bodhisattva Never Disparaging did. It is also a struggle to break down the icy walls of darkness or ignorance in our own lives, which take the form of apathy, passivity and other negative emotions.
When we talk with others about Buddhism, we are actually grappling with our own ignorance and earthly desires. That’s why it gives us the strength to surmount our own problems, enabling us to solidly transform our state of life and change our karma.
In that sense, sharing Buddhism comes down to overcoming our own cowardice, laziness and delusion, thus enabling us to dispel the darkness or ignorance in our own lives and in the lives of others. (June 2019 Living Buddhism, p. 53)
Propagation—the Direct Path to Transforming Our Destiny
“With regard to propagation, introducing others to Nichiren Buddhism is a noble act of compassion. It is to share with others, based on a sincere prayer for their happiness, the supreme teaching, the supreme way of life that we embrace. Consequently, when we properly carry out propagation, genuine friendship and trust are born. Moreover, our Buddhist practice and human revolution lie in propagation. That’s because propagation begins with the inner struggle to defeat one’s cowardice or inner weakness.”
Shin’ichi urged the participants to redouble their efforts to spread Nichiren Buddhism in society.
“When we wholeheartedly talk to friends about Buddhism,” he continued, “joy wells forth, and our state of life expands. This is because the moment that we engage in Buddhist dialogue, the immense life of a Bodhisattva of the Earth pulses within our being.
“Through our practice of propagation, we can carry out our human revolution. Propagation is the direct path to transforming our destiny and that of society, and to establishing lasting peace and happiness. I therefore appeal to you: Unfurl the great banner of propagation of the Law here in Hawaii!”
Spirits soared as the members listened to Shin’ichi. His guidance filled them with the desire to devote themselves to their noble mission as Bodhisattvas of the Earth. (The New Human Revolution, vol. 7, revised edition, pp. 110–11; Ikeda Sensei
appears in the novel as Shin’ichi Yamamoto.)
Planting Roots of Good Fortune in Your Life
Warmly encouraging members who were finding it hard to introduce others to the practice, [Josei Toda] said, “Don’t worry. The benefit you gain when you talk to someone about Buddhism, whether they start practicing right away or not, is the same. The time will come when your efforts will bear fruit, so keep on sowing seeds.” …
Though your attempts to share Buddhism may meet with criticism stemming from people’s lack of understanding, the fact that you took action will plant roots of good fortune in your life. The key is to maintain an open heart and continue doing your best, praying that your sincerity will reach others and that you can fulfill your mission in this world as an envoy of the Buddha. All your efforts enable others to forge a connection with Buddhism. All you need to do is joyfully share your faith.
Both the person sharing Buddhism and the person hearing about it will receive benefit. Please remember that “the voice carries out the work of the Buddha.” (November 2020 Living Buddhism, p. 57)
Building Trust Through Sharing Buddhism
How to relieve the suffering of others is the concern of a Buddha, the noblest concern of all. Based on the principle that earthly desires lead to enlightenment, our concern for others enables us to forge and polish our lives, accumulate causes for attaining Buddhahood and enjoy immeasurable good fortune.
Mr. Toda also said, “When you share Nichiren Buddhism with someone [even if they do not take faith], trust remains.” Through our patient and tireless efforts to chant and tell others about Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, we vanquish fundamental ignorance and attain a state of absolute happiness guided by our enlightened nature. In this way, we can sow the seeds of happiness and hope in the hearts of others. (November 2020 Living Buddhism, p. 61)
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