Returning to the Heart of Soka

With the suspension of all in-person organizational activities, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a surge in SGI-USA Zoom videoconferences.

While technology can bring people together, it cannot replace the heart of Soka, which is to connect one to one.

SGI President Ikeda emphasizes this point using the analogy of cells in a human body: “When each [cell] is healthy and vital, the whole person is healthy and vital. In the same way, individual members sustain and support the Soka Gakkai. When each member is joyful and energetic, we can undertake dynamic activities to revitalize society as a whole. That is why personal guidance, focusing on each individual, is the most important of all our activities” (The New Human Revolution, vol. 6, revised edition, p. 74).

President Ikeda also writes: “I estimate that, now, four times as much guidance is given at meetings than is given to individuals personally. But if you make it your goal to reverse that ratio, you’ll be able to foster many more capable individuals and develop a stronger organization” (NHR-26, 199).

Based on our mentor’s guidance, let’s each take on the following challenge: For every one Zoom meeting we’re on, let’s give personal encouragement to four people (SGI members, friends, family and guests). This is the key to revitalizing our society.