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Embracing the Oneness of
Mentor and Disciple
This timeless concept of the oneness of mentor and disciple is key
to the continued freshness and progress of the human spirit. Its
importance, in essence, is that the spirit of Buddhist humanism is
transmitted from generation to generation. Ultimately, the causal
Law of life, Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, itself is the mentor. The model
we can aspire to is a person who exemplifies living their life
based on this Law.
Nichiren Daishonin is the model of faith in the Law of
Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, spending his life in harsh circumstances,
constantly encouraging his followers through his writings and
finally bestowing the Gohonzon. We also have the benefit of living
at the same time as Daisaku Ikeda, whom we can determine as our
mentor. His devoted efforts show actual proof of the power of the
creative expression that emanates from the life of one who lives
and breathes the principles of Buddhist humanism.
Reading Nichiren Daishonin’s and SGI President Daisaku Ikeda’s
writings is encouraged so that each individual develops a deep
understanding and confidence in the profound teachings of Buddhism.
Appreciation of the benefit of practising Buddhism enables us to
recognise the courageous and selfless action of Nichiren Daishonin
and the three founding Presidents of Soka Gakkai (Tsunesaburo
Makiguchi, Josei Toda and Daisaku Ikeda). Members are encouraged to
understand the significance of and learn about the achievements of
these key figures who have struggled to reveal and revive Buddhist
humanism respectively. The original intention of Shakyamuni Buddha
was to enable ordinary people to reveal their enlightenment as they
are. As Buddhism spread this essential message became lost over
time. Significantly, Nichiren Daishonin embodied in the Gohonzon
the original essence and spirit of Buddhism as a practice for
ordinary people. The Soka Gakkai Presidents inherited this spirit
and made it available to all people through the SGI.
Crucially, we choose our mentor and it is nothing to do with
hero worship or treating someone like a god. The disciple chooses
the mentor and actively seeks to reveal their full potential by
enacting the mentor’s attitudes in their daily life. The guidance
from the mentor is an expression of compassion and conveys a desire
for the disciple to become truly happy. In Nichiren Buddhism, the
mentor is someone who has mastered the art of living, has embodied
the teachings of Buddhism and consistently expresses this
enlightenment through the proof of their behaviour. The mentor
leads the disciple to the Law. Challenging to enact the mentor’s
guidance in daily life is the response of the disciple, enabling
the compassionate and humanistic spirit of the mentor to open the
unique expression of the disciple’s life. The spirit underlying the
oneness of the relationship is that the disciple, learning from the
mentor and drawing on their own creative life-force, can apply the
life affirming philosophy of Buddhism to their unique circumstances
and be a driving force of harmony in their environment. The shared
goal of the mentor and disciple is kosen-rufu.
SGIA members are encouraged to write directly to President
Ikeda. Doing so expresses appreciation and is a determination to
live a life of value and contribution.
Please be aware President Ikeda receives a large volume of
correspondence each day, and many of these letters need to be
translated into Japanese. Please try to be as concise as possible,
and please understand that you may not always receive a reply. |
