Faith into Action *DEMOCRACY* January 24 When viewed over the short-term, Gandhis advocacy of nonviolent resistance to the Nazis might seem idealistic to the point of being unrealistic. From the longer perspective, looking back over the history of the postwar period, I think that we must acknowledge the truth of this voice in the wilderness --- the truth that he continued to assert even during war --- that nonviolence represents the only means by which true liberty and democracy are realized. The mistrust and pessimism that beset our age make even more urgent the need for Gandhis brand of optimism, for this kind of proudly declared faith in humanity. (2/11/92) Nichiren Daishonins Buddhism is the great Law that enables all people to develop their inherent Buddha nature and attain Buddhahood. It is the supreme teaching, which elucidates individual freedom and equality and the dignity of life in a logical and realistic manner, enabling people to bring out these qualities in their daily lives and in society. This is what prompts Nichijun Shonin, the sixty-fifth high priest, to state unequivocally that the Daishonins Buddhism is the world religion that will form the foundation for realizing true democracy. He also points out that irrational teachings keep the people in ignorance, obstruct the development of individual potential and are enemies to democracy. (9/23/91) Obviously, it is essential that people awaken and develop strength and discerning powers of criticism and judgement. My mentor, President Toda, encouraged us to remain engaged in public affairs, and this is the basis for out ongoing grass-roots endeavors to raise peoples awareness. ( 1999 PP) In society, it is vital that people develop solid characters and possess sound judgement, wisdom and clear values so as to be able to monitor and check developments in all spheres of society, including economics and government affairs, to lead society forward. They must have the ability to keenly discern the meaning behind various movements and whether leaders are truly working in the interests of the people. Based on the principle of the inner transformation of human life, the SGI movement is creating a fundamental path of stability, progress and humanism throughout the world toward the twenty-first century. (Dialogue 1, 19994) Quite simply, there can be no true democracy unless the citizens of a country realize that they are sovereign, that they are the main protagonists, and then with wisdom and a strong sense of responsibility take action based on that realization. Democracy cannot be successful in its mission unless the people rouse themselves to become more informed and involved, unless they unite, unless they establish and unshakable force for justice and keep a strict eye on the activities of the powerful. (5/26/98) Discussing all things openly as siblings or members of a family , please proceed hand in hand , step by step, toward construction and growth. In this sense, the world of Buddhism must be a model for democracy. (2/19/90) When citizens lose the vibrant desire to cause something to happen for the betterment of their society, democracy is reduced to an empty shell. As members of the SGI, a movement that fosters peace, culture and education, we, too, are always trying to make things happen. That is what makes us strong and why we are never defeated. (2/25/96) *PP. Refers to the peace proposal of that year* *Dialogue. Refers to the World Tribune series called Dialogues from late 1994 to early 1995.* Thoughts on Selected Topics by Daisaku Ikeda
Posted on: Sat, 24 Jan 2015 21:08:13 +0000
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