This series highlights how Buddhism can enhance daily living. As Nichiren Daishonin says: “When the skies are clear, the ground is illuminated. Similarly, when one knows the Lotus Sutra, one understands the meaning of all worldly affairs.”[1]
“I always place high value on personal initiative. Spontaneity underlies the spirit of autonomy and independence; conversely, taking action only because one is told to amounts to slavery of the spirit.”[2]—Ikeda Sensei
A familiar sight at many SGI-USA activities is the behind-the-scenes groups—Byakuren, Soka Group and Gajokai members—and their warm countenance and bright smiles. These youth division members are often the first to arrive at an activity, chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo for the safety and happiness of the participants. After the activity concludes, they’re often the last to leave, having cleaned and tidied the venue.
How did these groups get their start? With young people taking the initiative.
For example, in 1958, young women who were part of a behind-the-scenes group formed by Ikeda Sensei in May 1957, proactively sought out opportunities to support the expanding Soka Gakkai activities. Sensei lauded their spirit, writing, “Taking the initiative in activities for kosen-rufu is the spirit of Bodhisattvas of the Earth, and it fills one’s life with great joy.”[3]
Youth division members of these behind-the-scenes groups made countless efforts out of the limelight with a sincere wish to spread Buddhism and support their fellow members and guests.
In response to their spirit to take initiative, Sensei officially established Byakuren in 1966, Gajokai in 1971 and Soka Group in 1976—training groups that continue to foster capable people to this day.
Acting With Volition vs. Out of Obligation
Our joy is relative to our initiative or lack thereof. As Sensei noted, the spirit to work for others’ happiness of our own volition connects us to our Buddhahood, enabling us to experience supreme fulfillment. Taking the initiative is vastly different from doing something out of obligation.
A leader, who accompanied Sensei on his visits throughout Japan and was impressed by his endurance and energy despite his jam-packed schedule, once asked him, “How can you work so hard and still be so filled with energy?”
Sensei replied:
That’s the wondrous thing about our Soka Gakkai activities. …
Praising and encouraging the children of the Buddha who spread the Mystic Law—the act of speaking about Buddhism—causes joy to well forth from the depths of our lives and gives us strength. At such times, the strong life force of a bodhisattva or Buddha fills our entire beings.
That’s why the harder I exert myself in Soka Gakkai activities, the more energetic I feel. Working for kosen-rufu is my secret to health.
Of course, I am only human, and sometimes I get tired. Buddhism is reason. We mustn’t overlook the need for rest. But the tiredness that comes from giving your all to Soka Gakkai activities is a satisfying kind of tiredness, one that you recover from quickly.
On the other hand, some seem to be exerting themselves in Soka Gakkai activities but always end up absolutely exhausted. This is because they are participating passively. As long as you feel somewhere in your heart that you have to do activities because you’ve been told to or are expected to, then you won’t feel any real joy. Nor are you likely to have much energy and enthusiasm.
To feel that energy, it’s important to boldly take initiative in your activities. Set concrete personal goals and then strive to realize them. When you exert your utmost toward a goal and then achieve it, you will experience great joy.[4]
Taking action of our own accord and with a sense of responsibility enables us to immediately replace feelings of pessimism or complaint with hope and appreciation. Self-initiative can be decisive in improving our relationships, winning at work and advancing in all areas of life.
Should we ever feel passive or unmotivated, as Nichiren Buddhists, we can access our Buddhahood at any time by chanting and working for the happiness of others. Through engaging in our Buddhist practice for self and others, we can unleash immense vitality from within to tackle any challenge with passion and joy.
—Prepared by the SGI-USA Study Department
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