The World Tribune is publishing a brief study every month for the SGI-USA women’s division’s America Victory Daimoku Group and Sophia Group meetings.
In August 2020,Ikeda Sensei wrote about the deep significance of the decade leading to the 100th anniversary of the Soka Gakkai’s founding, saying in part:
The decade from the Soka Gakkai’s 90th anniversary to its centennial in 2030 will be crucial. We must be even more determined to show victorious proof of our own human revolution, to transform all great evil into great good and to effect a powerful change in the destiny of all humankind.[1]
In this issue, we reprint excerpts from a Living Buddhism interview with SGI-USA General Director Adin Strauss on living Sensei’s foundational guidance toward 2030.[2]
What does it mean to show victorious proof of our human revolution during this time?
Adin Strauss: Buddhism stresses the difference between the theoretical and the actual. Nichiren Daishonin’s brilliance lay in his ability to actualize something that was abstract. He took the notion that “we are all Buddhas” and made it something that we could manifest in daily life through chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo.
As described in volume 6 of The Wisdom of the Lotus Sutra, in the “Former Affairs of King Wonderful Adornment” chapter, Sensei talks about two sons who led their father to enlightenment by displaying their “supernatural powers.” Sensei explains that “supernatural powers” refers to the human revolution of both sons—the profound change in their behavior and actions that resulted from practicing Buddhism. Astonished by their transformation, the father decides to take faith.
For us, today, this is the moment when we must display our own “supernatural powers”—the astonishing power of practicing Buddhism—in our lives and show great proof of human revolution through our behavior as human beings. At a time when people are desperately searching for a beacon of hope, part of that human revolution is introducing others to Buddhism to increase the forces of good. When we are able to show such actual proof in our lives, we will feel a tremendous upsurge of joy and confidence, and call forth even more benefits.
How is our human revolution related to transforming “all great evil into great good” and changing the “destiny of all humankind”?
Adin: At the core, what enables us to “transform all great evil into great good” and “change the destiny of all humankind” is faith. Evil, in Buddhism, can be defined as anything that degrades or devalues life. We can transform evil by first chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo based on a vow to awaken those around us to their inherent potential. Changing the destiny of all humankind starts with changing ourselves. It starts by praying to the Gohonzon and manifesting supreme wisdom, courage and compassion to take the right action based on that inner transformation.
Some may find it difficult to create a long-term vision when the current reality is so challenging. How can we create a vision for ourselves, our local SGI organizations and communities?
Adin: The implication behind this question is that there is a separation between our long-term vision and what is in front of us. Every morning and evening, we recite gongyo and chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. The last line we recite from the “Expedient Means” chapter translates as “consistency from beginning to end.” This concept teaches us that our state of life permeates and is reflected in every aspect of our life. For example, if you are changing jobs, the way you finish one job will determine how you start your new one.
Nichiren Daishonin states: “If one cannot cross a moat ten feet wide, can one cross a moat that is twenty or thirty feet wide?”[3] In other words, by challenging and winning where we are right now, we can achieve our larger vision and dreams.
Sensei reminds us: “The expansive world lies not in some distant place; it exists right where you are. That is why you need to win where you are right now. Today’s victory is linked to your eternal victory.”[4]
It’s important to have big dreams. But rather than feel pressured, we should feel appreciation: Today is the day I get to fight for my dream. I really appreciate having this day. The accumulation of our daily efforts is what enables us to open the path to victory. Our victory is not linear. We don’t become a little bit happier and receive a little more benefit every day. Sometimes, our victory looks like, I’m stuck, I’m stuck, I’m stuck, and then we take a significant leap forward.
In Nichiren’s writing “The Great Battle,” he states: “It has been twenty or more years now since I found myself in that situation and began the great battle. Not once have I thought of retreat. Among my disciples and followers, however, those who are cowards have for the most part either given in or retreated at heart.”[5] Faith is determined by whether we can continue advancing even when it seems like our circumstances are not changing. Our victory is determined by our perseverance in faith.
How do you break down a large goal so that it is achievable, while staying on track?
Adin: The Soka Gakkai tradition is to first decide what your victory will be, resolve to achieve it and then to think about what steps need to be taken. In any case, it is important to enjoy the process. It would be a big mistake to think, we will suffer and endure the next 10 years, and then we’ll have a breakthrough and become happy come Nov. 18, 2030. The challenge and victory should both be regarded as great joys.
We should ask ourselves these questions: Are we defeated or controlled by the environment? Are we deploring our circumstances? Or are we people who keep our life force steady, seek our mentor and have confidence in what Nichiren and Sensei are saying? Is disrespect or absolute respect at the core of our lives? The way we stay on track is by walking the path of the oneness of mentor and disciple. If we stay on track with our mentor, we will win.
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