Ikeda Sensei gave the following speech at a general meeting of Toshima, Taito, Sumida and Meguro Wards in Tokyo, Japan, Dec. 12, 1987. It can be found in The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 3, revised edition, chapter 24, installment 2, pp. 107–10.
In Buddhism, functions that direct people toward goodness and Buddhist practice are termed good friends. Ikeda Sensei says that the organization of the Soka Gakkai is a gathering of just such positive influences, or good friends.
The Soka Gakkai organization exists to advance kosen-rufu. It also exists to support and safeguard the path by which each member can grow in faith and attain Buddhahood. In that respect, the organization for kosen-rufu is a gathering of countless good friends.
In the opening of his letter “Three Tripitaka Masters Pray for Rain,” Nichiren Daishonin stresses the importance of good friends:
When a tree has been transplanted, though fierce winds may blow, it will not topple if it has a firm stake to hold it up. But even a tree that has grown up in place may fall over if its roots are weak. Even a feeble person will not stumble if those supporting him are strong, but a person of considerable strength, when alone, may fall down on an uneven path. (The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 598)
This makes perfect sense; surely, no one would deny it. It’s important to remember that the teachings of Nichiren Daishonin are always grounded in logic and reason that everyone can understand and accept.
The message of this passage is that, on the path to attaining Buddhahood, even if a person’s faith is weak at first, with the solid support of others they can forge ahead without stumbling. On the other hand, a person who takes pride in having strong faith may find it difficult to make their way alone when the road is rocky and buffeted by the fierce winds of the three obstacles and four devils. That’s why we need fellow members, why we need good friends and the organization, to support us in our faith and practice.
Of course, attaining Buddhahood depends on our own Buddhist practice and efforts. We must be resolved to keep walking the path of faith to the end with a self-reliant, stand-alone spirit. But the organization and our fellow members are important in encouraging and inspiring us in our individual practice. They play a supportive role in our personal attainment of Buddhahood—a role that is absolutely vital.
In the same letter, the Daishonin also writes: “Therefore, the best way to attain Buddhahood is to encounter a good friend. How far can our own wisdom take us? If we have even enough wisdom to distinguish hot from cold, we should seek out a good friend” (WND-1, 598).
The Buddha way is infinitely profound, and the Buddha’s wisdom, unfathomable. In comparison, no matter how smart human beings may seem, their wisdom is limited. That’s why, if we wish to attain Buddhahood, we should associate with true and good friends in faith. Their support enables us to advance unerringly along the path to enlightenment.
“How far can our own wisdom take us?” asks the Daishonin. Even the greatest scientists and physicians don’t possess the wisdom to grasp the real nature of their own lives or solve the fundamental problems of human existence. Being a powerful political leader or a billionaire doesn’t mean that one knows the path for attaining absolute happiness.
Nevertheless, we tend to rely on our meager wisdom and lose the humble spirit of seeking the way. This is the cause of unhappiness. Neither knowledge nor wealth guarantees happiness, nor does social status or celebrity. While this seems obvious, very few look seriously and closely at this stern reality. But this simple fact is the crucial reason why we must earnestly turn to Buddhism, which reveals the path for true human happiness.
Seeking Buddhism means, in concrete terms, seeking outstanding good friends. As the Daishonin declares, “The best way to attain Buddhahood is to encounter a good friend” (WND-1, 598).
You are reading {{ meterCount }} of {{ meterMax }} free premium articles