ALISO VIEJO, Calif.— “Why do you do what you do?”
For two uninterrupted minutes, one person spoke while the other simply listened.
The interactive exercise sparked meaningful connections and transformed theory into practice during the Soka University of America (SUA) event themed “The Art of Connection—Part 1: Wisdom,” held March 28 on the university campus.
The three-part series explores the university’s foundational principles of wisdom, courage and compassion as articulated by its founder Daisaku Ikeda.
This student-facilitated event focused specifically on wisdom, the kind described by the founder as “the wisdom to perceive the interconnectedness of all life and living.”[1]
The program created a unique space for meaningful exchange by exploring the philosophical connections between Brazilian educator Paulo Freire and Daisaku Ikeda, emphasizing their shared commitment to dialogue as a path to deeper understanding and human connection.
Participants began by sharing their personal definitions of dialogue before presenters illuminated the concept through the lenses of both men. Two powerful quotes anchored the discussion—Freire’s assertion that “dialogue requires an intense faith in humankind, faith in their power to make and remake, to create and re-create, faith in their vocation to be more fully human (which is not the privilege of an elite, but the birthright of all)”[2] and the SUA founder’s reflection that “dialogue is not some simplistic assertion of one’s own position, nor is it necessarily about persuading others to one’s point of view. Dialogue is about demonstrating respect for another’s life and being determined to learn when confronted with differences in personality and perspective.”[3]
In practicing dialogue, the two had embodied wisdom and recognized that connections can be formed in short periods of time when we really listen.
Many expressed appreciation for the rare opportunity to engage with community members they don’t often have the chance to meet. As one attendee shared, “This actually led to new relationships forming, with participants scheduling time to meet beyond the event.”
In the coming weeks, the Art of Connection will continue with explorations of courage and compassion, and with a challenge to connect not only on SUA’s campus but beyond it, too.
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