Part 2: Human Revolution Chapter 18: Buddhism Is a Teaching of Dialogue [18.7] | Soka Gakkai (global)
21/04/2025, 16:07
Part 2: Human Revolution
Chapter 18: Buddhism Is a Teaching of Dialogue [18.7]
18.7 The Best Way to Benefit Others
President Ikeda recalls a conversation with a student division member who was
struggling to introduce others to Buddhism and shares his own youthful memories of
teaching friends about faith in the Mystic Law.
When I visited Soka University last autumn [in 1997], I had an opportunity to talk at
length with some of our student division members. One of them said to me: “I am
having a hard time introducing Buddhism to my friends.” This deeply troubled him,
and his seriousness impressed me. Here he was, worrying about how he could teach
Buddhism to his friends and thereby plant the seed of happiness in their lives. What
a fine, noble thing to be concerned about!
With the greatest respect, I encouraged him with all my heart: “Everything is hard in
the beginning. This is only truer of propagating Buddhism, which the Daishonin’s
writings describe as the most di!cult of all undertakings.
“When I was young, my e"orts were just trial and error, but they became the
foundation for future success. The important thing is to be determined, positive,
and optimistic, and never stop challenging ourselves, no matter the circumstances.
Let’s be invincible optimists!”
I will never forget his face as he nodded with a smile.
Five months later, he joyfully reported that he had successfully had a friend take up
faith. I was so happy to hear that; I was happy because of his sincerity.
Looking back, the first person to practice Buddhism through my introduction was an
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Part 2: Human Revolution Chapter 18: Buddhism Is a Teaching of Dialogue [18.7] | Soka Gakkai (global)
21/04/2025, 16:07
elementary school teacher who lived in my hometown, Ota. It happened shortly
after I began working at Mr. Toda’s company. Up to then, I had spoken about
Buddhism with quite a few of my friends. Mr. Toda had even kindly met and talked
with some of them. But so far, none had taken faith and begun to practice.
Feeling incapable, I studied and practiced hard to develop my ability to speak about
Buddhism. I chanted with all my heart and continued talking about Buddhism,
driven by the wish to reach one more person, to connect with one more person. I
can’t begin to measure how much that helped me develop myself.
How delighted I was when I finally convinced someone to embrace Nichiren
Buddhism! I could never describe my elation. I decided that I would thoroughly look
after them and make sure that they triumphed in life. I invited them to my
apartment before work in the morning, and we did gongyo and read the Daishonin’s
writings. I also remember how I used to stop by their place after work and teach
them gongyo.
The development of kosen-rufu lies in repeating such patient, painstaking e"orts to
awaken one friend after another to faith. That is true Buddhist practice.
When Mr. Toda became second Soka Gakkai president and made his vow to attain a
membership of 750,000 households, I pledged: “Mr. Toda is a great teacher of
propagation. As his disciple, I vow to become a champion of propagation!” And
having made that pledge, I threw myself wholeheartedly into the challenge, creating
a groundswell for unprecedented propagation in Kamata, in Bunkyo, in Osaka, and
in Yamaguchi.
I remember one discussion meeting where all of the seven or eight young men
attending as guests decided to join the Soka Gakkai. I told them that practicing
Nichiren Buddhism was the key to absolute happiness, and I assured them that all I
wanted was for each of them to have the best life possible.
Such conviction and sincerity will open our friends’ hearts and make them receptive
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Part 2: Human Revolution Chapter 18: Buddhism Is a Teaching of Dialogue [18.7] | Soka Gakkai (global)
21/04/2025, 16:07
to our message.
Propagation must always be a process of deepening friendship and earning trust. In
today’s world, superficial conversations abound, but genuine dialogue is rare.
Sharing Nichiren Buddhism, however, is genuine dialogue—a stimulating exchange
based on deep consideration for our friends as we invite them to walk with us on
the path of true and complete happiness.
In genuine Buddhist dialogue, we discuss such crucial matters as what is a valuable
way to live and what constitutes right and wrong, at times speaking of our daily lives
or personal experiences. Pursuing such dialogue is the noble path of humanity. It is
the very heart of spreading the Mystic Law. At the same time, sharing Buddhism
involves teaching others the fundamental solution to su"ering; it is the ultimate act
of altruism. And it is the direct path by which we can achieve our human revolution
and break out of the shell of our ego.
Those who spread the Mystic Law are true disciples of the Daishonin who carry on
his spirit. Nikko Shonin [the Daishonin’s direct disciple and successor] praised all
who courageously propagated the Daishonin’s teachings, declaring to the e"ect that
we should revere as respected seniors in faith those teachers of the Law who
engage in propagation, regardless of whether they are junior in years of Buddhist
practice (cf. GZ, 1618).*1 And the benefits those who propagate the Law attain are
boundless and immeasurable.
Out of our concern for others’ happiness and our desire for world peace, we have
held high the banner of kosen-rufu and continued to shed the compassionate light
of Buddhism throughout the world, undeterred by slander or abuse. This is the Soka
Gakkai’s proud and noble history.
From an essay series “Thoughts on The New Human Revolution,” published in Japanese
in the Seikyo Shimbun, October 7, 1998.
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Part 2: Human Revolution Chapter 18: Buddhism Is a Teaching of Dialogue [18.7] | Soka Gakkai (global)
21/04/2025, 16:07
The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace brings together selections from
President Ikeda’s works on key themes.
*1 Article 15 of “The Twenty-Six Admonitions of Nikko.” Nichiren Daishonin’s designated successor, Nikko Shonin, wrote
the “Twenty-Six Admonitions” in 1333 for the sake of practitioners of future generations to maintain the purity of the
Daishonin’s teachings. It outlines the fundamental spirit of faith, practice, and study.
Part 2: Human Revolution
Chapter 18: Buddhism Is a Teaching of
Dialogue [18.6]
Part 2: Human Revolution
Chapter 18: Buddhism Is a Teaching of
Dialogue [18.8]
Digital flyer introducing our o!cial online platforms. Explore and share.
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