Material for Discussion Meetings

Passage

All disciples and lay supporters of Nichiren should chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo with the spirit of many in body but one in mind, transcending all differences among themselves to become as inseparable as fish and the water in which they swim. This spiritual bond is the basis for the universal transmission of the ultimate Law of life and death. Herein lies the true goal of Nichiren’s propagation. 

—“The Heritage of the Ultimate Law of Life,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 217

Background

Nichiren Daishonin declares in this passage from “The Heritage of the Ultimate Law of Life” that his disciples can inherit the heritage of the ultimate Law of life and death only by chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo and creating a unity that transcends “all differences among themselves” and leads to becoming “as inseparable as fish and the water in which they swim” (WND-1, 217). 

This heritage of faith, he teaches, flows in the lives of those who harmoniously work together in efforts for kosen-rufu to enable all people to realize absolute happiness. 

Nichiren wrote this writing in February 1272 in response to a question from Sairen-bo. Little is known about Sairen-bo, except that he was a learned Tendai school priest from Kyoto who encountered Nichiren when both were exiled to Sado Island. 

The phrase “transcending all differences” means not to judge people for being different from ourselves or for what they may think or possess. It also indicates not harboring ill feelings toward others. And “becoming as inseparable as fish and the water in which they swim” underscores the importance of creating unity based on goodwill toward and camaraderie with others. 

Nichiren clearly states in this passage that “the true goal of Nichiren’s propagation” is to create this kind of harmonious unity in our personal lives as well as in society. 

Ikeda Sensei’s Encouragement

‘Faith Is a Struggle With Our Own Self-Centeredness’

Let us first look at the term differences in the passage “transcending all differences among themselves.” What Nichiren Daishonin specifically means here are feelings of antagonism, discrimination and selfishness that arise from the tendency to see self and others, or diverse phenomena or events, as separate and disconnected—a tendency that obstructs empathy and understanding. The heritage of the Buddha will not exist in such a negative, ego-driven mindset.

It’s too easy for the human heart to succumb to egoism and self-interest when one is tempted by power, prestige or personal profit; strongly attached to status and position; or obsessed with fame and fortune. Faith is ultimately a struggle with our own self-centeredness. No matter how high a leadership position or what fine-sounding things people may say, if they have lost their faith and are motivated by self-serving ends, they will find it impossible to remain in the pure and harmonious community of practitioners who share the great vow or desire for kosen-rufu. 

Indeed, in this writing, Nichiren refers to those practitioners who disrupt the unity of “many in body but one in mind” as being “like warriors who destroy their own castle from within” (WND-1, 217). In other words, they are like “worms within the lion’s body,” destroying the kosen-rufu movement from the inside. Hence, he instructs his followers on the importance of “transcending all differences among themselves.”

Vibrant Bonds of ‘Camaraderie and Inspiration’

In addition, Nichiren Daishonin says that his followers should “become as inseparable as fish and the water in which they swim” (WND-1, 217). This indicates a spirit of harmony and unity. It also implies a spirit of mutual respect, understanding, support and caring regardless of superficial differences in circumstances or position. Simply put, it means getting along together. …

When we embrace the great vow of the Buddha as our own, chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo and undertaking the Buddha’s work for the happiness of humanity and the realization of kosen-rufu, we can come to appreciate that all our fellow members are people worthy of the greatest respect who, like us, are leading lives of supreme mission. This forms the basis of a vibrant relationship of camaraderie and inspiration that is above antagonism or discrimination. (The Heritage of the Ultimate Law of Life: SGI President Ikeda’s Study Lecture Series, pp. 72–73)

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Tips on Being Emcee

In volume 25 of The New Human Revolution, Ikeda Sensei offers the following points regarding the crucial role an emcee plays in determining a meeting’s success.

1. The emcee’s voice should be stirring, powerful and brimming with life force. “Emcees must have the determination to bear full responsibility for the meeting and use their voices to transform the atmosphere into a place of joy in seeking the Law, a true Buddhist assembly.” (NHR-25, 187)

2. Pay special attention to timing during the meeting and be able to respond quickly. “There are times when you need to jump right in and speak to keep the tempo upbeat, and times when you need to take a breath and pause. If you lack that crucial sense of timing, you can possibly ruin the meeting’s mood.” (p. 191)

3. Chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo prior to the meeting. “It is vital that you chant with strong determination to make the meeting you’re moderating a success. The purpose of Soka Gakkai meetings is to advance kosen-rufu, and they are the contemporary versions of the assembly of the Lotus Sutra. As such, serving as an emcee is to carry out the noble work of the Buddha.” (p. 192)

From the November 2024 Living Buddhism