A: First of all, it’s critical that you observe all the medical guidance by 1) staying at home as much as possible, 2) wearing a mask when you have contact with anyone out- side your household, 3) washing your hands frequently and 4) maintaining social distancing.
The ABC Campaign[1]—Abundant chanting, Buddhist study and Connect life-to-life—is ideally suited to this challenging time.
We can find time to chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo every day, hopefully more than usual since we are reducing the need to travel outside our homes. Some members struggle to chant alone, and the time lag in voice transmission over the phone or electronic communications makes it difficult to chant in rhythm with someone else. We can schedule with a friend to chant at the same time, then get together remotely to share some encouragement with each other from The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, the World Tribune, Living Buddhism, The New Human Revolution or other sources of encouragement from Ikeda Sensei.
That contact after chanting simultaneously with someone else can be part of our Buddhist study in addition to regular study activities (by phone or videoconference) at the district or other organizational levels.
Sensei tells us:
The great life philosophy of Buddhism and the spirit of Soka never change. But the times change radically, making it necessary to constantly reconsider the nature of activities and the way meetings and training sessions are held. Then we may come up with effective and productive methods that are in line with the times. …
My greatest wish is that you will all continue the correct rhythm of putting your Buddhist faith into practice in your everyday lives so that you may become healthier and happier and lead long lives filled with great good fortune. I want you to adorn the final chapters of your lives with brilliant triumph. I am determined to dedicate myself completely to opening the way and giving my all so that you can do just that. (The New Human Revolution, vol. 25, p. 95)
In terms of our connections with others, we are reminded by Sensei:
An organization is a network of human relationships. We need to create bonds with individual members within our organization. If the relationships are only between leaders and members, our organization will be weak. When we really care about everyone we come into contact with as fellow siblings, our organization will be truly humane.
The way to make our organization strong is to strive to forge ties of trust linking ourselves to everyone else. Become the kind of person whom everyone appreciates for helping them overcome their problems, for encouraging them and giving them hope. That’s what I’ve always done. (NHR-22, 273)
Sensei also calls out to us: “It’s vital to continue advancing and encouraging others as long as you live, whether you’re in your 80s or 90s. Please live your life with an eternally youthful spirit” (NHR-25, 38).
References
- In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the SGI-USA initiated the ABC Campaign: A: Abundant chanting; B: Buddhist study; C: Connect life-to-life with members, guests and family (by phone or videoconferencing). ↩︎
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