This study series covers Soka Spirit topics to be presented by a youth or student division member at Soka 2030 meetings on the last Sunday of each month.
In a world plagued by war, conflict and a pervasive disrespect for others, practitioners of Nichiren Buddhism embrace a philosophy that confronts the root causes of these issues head-on. Nichiren Daishonin identifies these roots as the three poisons of greed, anger and foolishness. He teaches the way to overcome the violence stemming from these impulses through cultivating our innate wisdom, life force, courage and compassion. By nurturing these qualities, we can not only control these base instincts but channel them toward positive action.
Those who commit to this transformational journey naturally come to reject and oppose violence. This makes the SGI’s mission to foster a peaceful society, free from violence, a guiding principle and pillar of its movement. This commitment extends beyond mere avoidance of physical harm; it compels us to act with unwavering respect and compassion, enabling us to develop into individuals who consistently embody these values.
In The New Human Revolution, Shin’ichi Yamamoto, who represents Ikeda Sensei in the novel, asserts: “Destruction and violence are the methods of the inhumane who lack the ideals and philosophy that speak to the sensibility of others and can convince them. Nothing is more regrettable.” Sensei further emphasizes: “The aim defines the methods. The instant violence is used, even the noblest ideal is defiled. Any inhumanity or contradictions that arise in the pursuit of reform reflect the kind of society that will emerge after the struggle is done” (vol. 14, revised edition, p. 23).
The lives of renowned peace activists such as Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr. and Malala Yousafzai exemplify this ideal. Despite facing intense persecution, their steadfast commitment to peace, rooted in compassion and love for humanity, resonates with the Buddhist spirit of nonviolence.
‘Dependent Origination’: The Basis of Buddhist Thought
The Buddhist dedication to nonviolence is anchored in “dependent origination,” the profound understanding that all phenomena are interlinked. Sensei explains:
“The concept of dependent origination—the idea that all things and phenomena are connected and interdependent—underlies all of Buddhist thought. It is inconceivable for a Buddhist, therefore, to think of taking someone’s life, even that of the most reprehensible villain.
“The struggle of the Buddhist is always a nonviolent one, waged with words. Willingness to engage in discourse and dialogue proves we view others as human beings. It is a process of awakening people’s conscience and touching their lives; an undertaking requiring extreme patience and unflagging perseverance.” (NHR-3, revised edition, 115)
Recognizing our interconnectedness broadens our perception of the self, revealing that our lives are inextricably tied not only to our immediate surroundings but also to all people and the environment. This understanding of dependent origination inspires us to summon courage and compassion, urging us to transform ourselves in ways that positively influence those around us.
Dialogue—A Cornerstone of Nonviolence
As Sensei so insightfully observes, the most potent expression of nonviolence is dialogue, which requires the courage to be open and honest, even when faced with opposing viewpoints. He states:
Dialogue starts from the courageous willingness to know and be known by others. It is the painstaking and persistent effort to remove all obstacles that obscure our common humanity. (Sept. 28, 2007, World Tribune, p. 2)
More than just polite conversation, genuine dialogue seeks to identify and dismantle the barriers of discrimination and conflict born from our fundamental ignorance—the failure to recognize the dignity and intrinsic value of every life. Through sincere dialogue, we can uncover our shared humanity and uproot the causes of disrespect and violence from the depths of our hearts and minds and inspire others to do the same.
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