Linda Johnson, SGI-USA Women’s Leader
discusses the means to fulfill our dreams and develop the life-condition to overcome anything.
Nichiren Buddhism holds the key to helping people build an indestructible palace of happiness within their lives. We must share this key with others, and we must learn to utilize it to the maximum within our own lives.
I find that when we judge our ability to accomplish our goals through intellectual analysis rather than faith, we concede to defeat even though we practice this great teaching. If we fail to employ the “strategy of the Lotus Sutra” as the Daishonin instructs us, we tend to perceive that our goals are unattainable and do not even bother to challenge them through faith, thus making our mistaken perception a reality. Nichiren Daishonin tells us, however: “If you only chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, then what offense could fail to be eradicated? What blessing could fail to come? This is the truth, and it is of great profundity. You should believe and accept it” (The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, p. 130).
Now is the time to make these words a reality in our lives. We must experience how transforming the power of faith is by mustering our courage to challenge the impossible. After all, as Nichiren warns us in “Reply to Kyo’o”: “A coward cannot have any of his prayers answered,” and, “The mighty sword of the Lotus Sutra must be wielded by one courageous in faith” (WND, 412).
Women and young women compose nearly two-thirds of our organization. Our ability to help one another apply Nichiren Buddhism to our daily lives and transform our destinies will create ripples of change throughout the SGI-USA and our society as a whole.
Nichiren Buddhism explains that everything is interconnected. A change in the life of one person, because it is inseparable from the environment, produces ripple effects in others.
But how many of us really believe this? Many of us think we are just insignificant individuals who cannot have an impact upon others. What’s needed to change this is for each of us to experience the interconnectedness of life, as nothing is really separate.
Therefore, our theme of making the impossible possible embraces two objectives: first, it is for every woman to challenge her own limitations daily; and second, for every woman to wholeheartedly apply her time and effort toward helping others win over their challenges.
“If we exert ourselves for Buddhism and the happiness of others,” says SGI President Ikeda, “we ourselves and everything around us will shine brightly. In contrast, self-centered actions often inflict only suffering on others. If we behave that way, we ultimately stand to lose. Buddhism teaches us to work for the welfare of others.
Everything we do for others returns as our own benefit. No effort for kosen-rufu is ever wasted” (Oct. 22, 2004, World Tribune, p. 3).
Consequently, in preparation for the February meetings, I suggest that each woman list all the things you would really like to accomplish but fear impossible. Then place this list on your altar as a reminder of what you will courageously challenge yourself to accomplish, every day, no matter what. Going for the impossible is the first part of the Myoho Sisterhood pledge (see Dec. 3, 2004, World Tribune, p. 6).
It is also important that we support one another until everyone achieves a victory. This is why we are doing the hour of united prayer every day in which we are praying for every person to experience the limitless potential of his or her life through faith, every person to awaken to his or her mission to spread Nichiren Buddhism, and for an undeniable, tangible victory in Soka Spirit. This prayer, significantly, includes everyone, not just women. We want everyone to achieve a life-condition of indestructible happiness, and for all of our friends still practicing with the Nichiren Shoshu priesthood to come home to the SGI-USA. Every day, I receive amazing reports from members doing this prayer. They are achieving great breakthroughs in their own personal lives as well as seeing change in the lives of others. I want everyone to have this experience.
Of course, in addition to prayer, it is vital that we visit other members, call and inspire them to go for their dreams, to use faith to challenge the impossible and to never, ever give up. We must also commit ourselves to sharing Nichiren Buddhism with others. Toward the February meetings, I suggest that all the women and young women challenge themselves to introduce one new person who will take faith by May 3, 2005. Expanding our membership is integral to our pledge to help others win in their lives, because Nichiren Buddhism holds the key to each person unlocking his or her limitless potential from within.
As for the actual commemorative meetings, I strongly urge that they be women’s meetings that include the young women. These are women’s commemorative meetings that are held only once a year. Of course, this does not mean that the men and young men cannot support or that male guests cannot attend the meeting if the women so choose. But this activity should be separate from the district meeting for the month. The purpose of the women’s meetings is to share the greatness of Nichiren Buddhism with the guests and with each other, as sisters in faith. Therefore, it is recommended that these women’s meetings be small to allow everyone to participate.
And while I hope those preparing the meetings feel free to apply their vast resources of creativity, please keep in mind that the meetings should clearly and convincingly make the point that absolutely nothing is impossible with faith.
Today people are yearning for hope, to know that they can lead a fulfilled daily existence while making this world a better place. Nichiren Buddhism has the key to make this possible. Let’s each of us use the time before our women’s meetings as an opportunity to deepen our understanding of the power of faith. Let’s go for the impossible and help others to do the same. Let’s make this a year of joyfully experiencing the limitlessness of our possibilities. Together, we can do it.
Recent Comments