Courageously Reaching Out to Others in Dialogue (Part 2)

The influence of the telephone is truly immense. Buddhism teaches that “The voice does the Buddha’s work” (see The Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings, p. 4). The telephone makes the immediate transmission of our voices possible.

Mr. Toda also believed that the telephone and the development of other communications media would help significantly propel the kosen-rufu movement forward.

Throughout his life, Bell tenaciously conducted research and experiments in the fields of communication and devoted himself to education.

He was also a staunch friend and supporter of Helen Keller (1880–1968), who though blind and deaf went on to become a noted social activist, and her teacher Anne Sullivan Macy (1866–1936).

Some lines of verse adorned the wall of Bell’s laboratory. His wife Mabel had found them in a newspaper, typed them up and placed them there. She, too, was deaf and had valiantly overcome many challenges. The lines read:

If things seem a little blue,
Keep on fighting.
Stay it out and see it through,
Keep on fighting.^[2]

This little jingle served to inspire and unite Bell and his colleagues whenever they felt deadlocked in their work.

Bell was also a firm supporter of women’s suffrage. Depriving people of the right to vote, he declared, was tantamount to taking away their right to protect themselves.^[3] Therefore, he added, “I believe in universal suffrage, without qualification of education, sex, color or property.”^[4]

We mustn’t let anyone trample on our rights as citizens and as human beings. We need to keep speaking out resolutely to defend those rights. Democracy itself is based on dialogue, on communication.

Hans Henningsen, former principal of Denmark’s renowned Askov Folk High School, with whom I have met and spoken, said: “Though their opinions may differ completely, the parties in the dialogue must not give up. Dialogue has meaning precisely when opinions, views and personalities are entirely different.”^[5]

Vibrantly adorn
the century of women
with the jeweled crown
of justice 
and happiness.

Kosen-rufu is the vow of Soka mentors and disciples.

Keiko Arashi, a young women’s division leader in Hokkaido, Japan, in the early days of our movement, is a Soka “Joan of Arc” whom my wife and I will never forget. Ms. Arashi and her fellow members would often sit down together with a map of Hokkaido and discuss their dreams for kosen-rufu on that northern island. On one occasion, Ms. Arashi used matchsticks to make little flags that she placed on various cities and towns on the map. “Let’s establish a young women’s group here!” she would say. “Let’s build a stage here, too, for young women to play an active role!”

Striving in one’s youth to create a model organization that resonates with one’s mentor’s vision—such efforts brim with a sense of adventure, hope and fulfillment, as well as the pride of a youth dedicated to the noblest of missions.

Recently, in addition to Japan, the young women’s divisions of SGI organizations around the world have each launched their own Ikeda Kayo-kai^[6] of the second act of kosen-rufu. Wherever there is even one Ikeda Kayo-kai member, a gateway to victory for kosen-rufu will open infinitely into the future.

Offering words of encouragement to one of his disciples, Nichiren Daishonin writes:

As a woman you have inherited the life of the Lotus Sutra. In fact, you have inherited the life of the parents of Shakyamuni, Many Treasures, and the Buddhas of the ten directions. Is there anyone else in the entire land of Jambudvipa [the world] who possesses such good fortune? (“The ‘Entrustment’ and Other Chapters,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 916)

Young women of such immense good fortune and mission are now energetically expanding a magnificent alliance across the globe. This is indeed a great movement of justice and happiness unlike any the world has ever seen.

I walk
along this path,
challenging myself,
enjoying the drama
of becoming a Buddha.

Teisuke Akiyama (1868–1950), a Japanese journalist and lawmaker, wrote: “Opportunities arise through creating and cherishing human relationships. In other words, relationships open the way. By seizing opportunities, we produce results and succeed in our efforts.”^[7]

I remember our discussing Akiyama’s life and writings once at a young men’s division Suiko-kai^[8] gathering in my youth.

He also said: “Those who disregard such human connections are unlikely to be able to accomplish anything in their lives. Those who think lightly of their debt to their nation and their parents, as well as of their relationships with their friends and even their casual acquaintances, have few opportunities.”^[9]

Those who place little value on their relationships tend to be arrogant people who have no gratitude for the support others give them. Such people end up leading shallow and meaningless lives.

In a letter to a lay follower, the Daishonin writes, “I entrust you with the propagation of Buddhism in your province” (“Letter to Akimoto,” WND-1, 1117). He then goes on to cite a passage from the Lotus Sutra: “The seeds of Buddhahood sprout as a result of conditions, and for this reason they [the Buddhas] preach the single vehicle [the Wonderful Law]” [see The Lotus Sutra and Its Opening and Closing Sutras, p. 75]. “Conditions” here in this context points to connections or relations with others. It is important, therefore, that we reach out to as many people as possible and tell them about the lofty principles of Nichiren Buddhism. In this way, we will increase the number of people who have formed a connection with Buddhism and help the seeds of Buddhahood sprout. 

This Dec. 10 [2008] will mark the 60th anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

I published a dialogue with one of the contributory drafters of the declaration, Austregésilo de Athayde (1898–1993), who served as president of the Brazilian Academy of Letters. Former American first lady Eleanor Roosevelt (1884–1962), who was also actively involved in this drafting process, wrote to Mr. Athayde once, asserting that democracy cannot endure without the pure and noble ideals of passionately dedicated individuals. Quoting these words, Mr. Athayde paid us this tribute: “I see the noblest example of these ‘passionately dedicated individuals’ in the activities and ideals of the SGI.”

In the spirit of the historic human rights declaration, let us continue doing our utmost to protect the freedom of belief and secure the dignity of all people.

May the Soka Gakkai always advance proudly, forever true to itself, serving as a beacon of hope for all humanity—into the vast ocean of dialogue with the world, for the sake of the brilliant victory of the people. 

Courageous
and noble 
members of Soka,
let your voices of truth resound
even more powerfully in the world. 

January 10, 2025 World Tribune, pp. 2–3