CONCEPT NOTE: 4 KEY ACTION POINTS TOWARDS THE 7TH BSG GENERAL MEETING

INTRODUCTION

What is the significance of the 7th BSG General Meeting Campaign?

A campaign in Gakkai is an opportunity that enables us to break out of our comfort zone and align our life with
the mentor. It serves as an encouragement for us to strive our hardest for the noble goal of kosen-rufu. As
Ikeda Sensei writes, “Even the grandest event or ceremony can be seen as what the sutra describes as a
‘phantom city’ — merely a mirage. Its real purpose lies in serving as a goal towards which each participant can
work, towards which people can challenge themselves and triumph, and build a real ‘city of life’ in the depths
of their heart.” [NHR 5, Victory, Pg. 176]

For a campaign to create an impact in our lives, it is crucial that we keep specific goals for our life, our districts,
our members, and our faith, practice and study. Only when we are joyfully and unitedly working towards the
actualisation of these goals and targets, do we feel a sense of fulfilment and value of participating in the
campaign.

In his message for the India-Japan Joint Youth Division General Meeting, Ikeda Sensei writes, “Though not
visible on the surface, it is the unremitting efforts and action taken by each ordinary person that creates a new
age.” He adds that it is “the Soka Gakkai’s grassroots movement for human revolution [that] is a world affair.”

Therefore, the 7th BSG General Meeting Campaign is centred specifically on the goal of creating a ‘New Age’
through first creating a ‘New Self’ & undergoing our own human revolution, more specifically, undergoing our
human revolution in the grassroot activities of faith.

What is the Soka Gakkai’s grassroot movement for human revolution?

The Soka Gakkai grassroot movement for human revolution is focused more particularly on the grassroot
activities of faith, that is, gongyo & daimoku, home-visits and one-on-one encouragement, dialogue &
shakubuku, and, study of the NHR. When we strive in these grassroot activities and also support other
members to do the same, we are able to open the surest path to victory in our own life, and thereby, transform
the age we live in as well.

The spirit with which we should participate in the 7th BSG GM campaign
Ikeda Sensei says, “The main point is to enable one member to stand up by imparting heartfelt assurance and
understanding. It is the explosion of faith in the microcosm of an individual that causes the macrocosm of the
organization--a gathering of many such individuals--to commence its revolution. This is how the doctrine of a
life-moment possesses three thousand realms applies to our practice.” [Win Today Calendar, 22 Oct]

Each one of us must strive with the heart that this is ‘My Campaign’, ‘My Organization’ and ‘My Members’!
When each member stands with such a determination, then this explosion of faith in the microcosm of each
individual will cause a noble revolution in the macrocosm of the organization as well, and thereby result in the
transformation of the age!

Why are these grassroot activities in faith crucial for reporting victory?
Learning from the writings of Ikeda Sensei in the New Human Revolution, let us understand each action point
towards the 7th BSG General Meeting campaign and take action based on these guidances of the mentor to
report absolute victory by 1st December 2019.

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1. I WILL CREATE A NEW AGE THROUGH MY HUMAN REVOLUTION IN DAIMOKU
Daimoku is the starting point of Nichiren Buddhism. Without daimoku, there can be no practice of faith. More
importantly, daimoku must be chanted with firm faith that this is the absolute Law that will transform all karma
and bring good fortune in our life. As Nichiren Daishonin says, “If you chant Myoho-renge-kyo with deep faith
in this principle, you are certain to attain Buddhahood in this lifetime.” [WND-1, Pg. 4]

Why should we chant daimoku?

“Nichiren Daishonin revealed the means by which we who live in the Latter Day of the Law can change our
karma. This means is none other than chanting daimoku to the Gohonzon and teaching others about the True
Law. This way of life represents the greatest possible good and accords with the law of life itself; it is the only
way to attain a state of eternal happiness and abiding joy.” [NHR 3, Westward Transmission, Pg. 59]

How much should we chant?

“Smiling warmly, Shin’ichi said: “I hope you will all live long and chant abundant daimoku throughout your
lives. In particular, I want to encourage those of you facing serious difficulties to pray to the Gohonzon
earnestly and diligently, chanting 500,000, 1 million or 2 million daimoku to overcome them. The Gohonzon
is the embodiment of the great fundamental law of the universe. There is no reason that our problem should
go unresolved. Life is full of difficulties. But if we let our problems get the better of us, it is because of our inner
weakness.”” [NHR 10, Winds of Happiness, Pg. 160]

With what attitude should we chant?

“Though we may be chanting daimoku, if our prayer is unfocused or we harbour doubts about the Gohonzon
we won’t be able to overcome illness. It is crucial to pray with a strong conviction that we will absolutely
conquer whatever ails us. And we must pray sincerely to apologize for and eradicate our past offenses with
a deep sense of gratitude to the Gohonzon for enabling us to expiate our negative karma.” [NHR 10, Crown
Champions, Pg. 266]

“The point is to continue chanting every day, no matter what, because daimoku is the fundamental power of
the universe. Our voices when we chant in the morning and evening should be vibrant and refreshing, like
the sound of mythical white horses galloping through the heavens.” [NHR 11, Pioneering New Frontiers, Pg.
120]

“Though you may chant, if your fundamental conviction is weak and your daimoku unfocussed, neither joy nor
strength will well forth from your life. It’s important to chant to the Gohonzon with a profound vow to realize
kosen-rufu.”
“Please pray with clear goals for the success of your Gakkai activities, for your work situation, and for your
family, desiring to help your fellow members stand up in faith and to share Buddhism with others. By so
doing, you will tap your potential, have your prayers answered and your objectives achieved, and thus
experience tremendous joy in your life.” [NHR 13, Guiding Star, Pg. 171]

“Daimoku based on vow and wish to achieve kosen-rufu by showing people the way to attain absolute
happiness is the same type of daimoku chanted by all the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas of the Earth. When you
pray like this, the Buddha nature within your life will open up and raise your life condition to such a degree
that you can even move the universe. For us, the foundation of prayer is always kosen-rufu. And daimoku that
originates in the determination to contribute to kosen-rufu produces immeasurable and unlimited benefits.”
[NHR 21, Resonance, Pg. 261]

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2. I WILL CREATE A NEW AGE THROUGH MY HUMAN REVOLUTION IN HOME-VISITS & ONE-ON-ONE
ENCOURAGEMENT
The concept of ‘practicing Nichiren Buddhism’ contains 2 elements - ‘practice for oneself’, and, ‘practice for
others’. Without practice for others, our efforts to change our karma and earn good fortune remain
incomplete. As we set into 2020 - the ‘Year of Advancement and Capable People’ - the way to raise and develop
capable individuals is through one-on-one encouragement. Through our efforts to home-visit and offer one-
on-one encouragement and personal guidance to the last member in our district, we will be able to bring about
a home-visit revolution and build invincible districts and invincible lives.

Why should we home-visit members?

“In terms of the way we live our lives, to practice only for our own enlightenment is selfish. To look silently
on while those around us are unhappy and suffering is to lack compassion.” [NHR 9, Brilliant Light, Pg. 228]

“By visiting people at their homes, we can form a better understanding or their life-styles, their
circumstances and the challenges they are facing. Such visits are an important means for deepening our
understanding of others. Moreover, in the task of developing capable individuals, it is valuable to visit
people at their homes and speak with them one-to-one. It is impossible to provide others inspiration or
sympathy if our communication is merely limited to sending activity schedules or other organisational
information. [NHR 21, Resonance, Pg. 259-260]

“Only by personally visiting and encouraging each member in our area can we solidify our organisation. This
will lead to the Soka Gakkai’s growth and development and in turn to the advancement of kosen-rufu.
Gakkai activities without personal guidance are like a masterpiece without the finishing touches.” [NHR 8,
Jewelled Sword, Pg. 96]

“When leaders and members are linked together through personal guidance, strong bonds are established.
If their relationship is based only on guidance delivered at large meetings, or if people are just connected
through the organization, their bonds will be weak because there is no opportunity to build genuine ties of
trust and real human relationships…. In my estimation, at present, the ratio of guidance at meetings to
personal guidance is about 8:2. But if you make it your goal to reverse that ratio, making it 2:8, you’ll be able
to foster many more capable individuals and develop a stronger organization. Above all, you yourselves will
be able to grow as leaders.” [NHR 26, Valiant Leader, Pg. 222-223]

Home-visits & Discussion Meeting

“Shin'ichi further spoke of the importance of visiting members at their homes in the period before and after
discussion meetings and of offering personal guidance. The discussion meeting actually begins with the
central figure or main organiser offering members encouragement and guidance so that they will attend their
local meetings. Such one-on-one interaction enables leaders to hear the members' wishes and opinions. They
can also get to know the members' strengths and interests, as well as learn about their problems and the
benefits they have received through faith. Putting this information to use and planning discussion meetings
and getting members involved in them serves to make such activities fulfilling and rewarding for all.” [NHR 18,
Dynamic Strides, Pg. 270-71]

What should we focus on in the home-visit?

“In order to raise people it is important to offer encouragement and guidance tailored to the individual. To
illustrate not all plants and trees will necessarily grow simply because the sun is shining. Some may be in the
shade, shut off from the light, or be assailed by harmful insects. Only when they are given proper appropriate
care to address their specific circumstances and needs are plants able to grow. The same is true in the world
of faith. If we compare the announcement of activity guidelines or encouragement given to members at
meetings to the light of sun, then visiting members at their home or giving personal guidance can be likened
to caring for the specific needs of each plant or tree.” [NHR 4, Triumph, Pg. 80-81]

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3. I WILL CREATE A NEW AGE THROUGH MY HUMAN REVOLUTION IN DIALOGUE & SHAKUBUKU
Dialogue refers to the effort to talk about Nichiren Buddhism with others, with the heart to introduce them to
Ikeda Sensei’s world, and shakubuku refers to introducing someone to Nichiren Buddhism, with the heart to
relieve them of their suffering and to empower them. The spirit behind both dialogue and shakubuku is
compassion. Sensei says that “there is no difference between the spirit of shakubuku… and true friendship. The
spirit of compassion is fundamental to both.” [NHR 1, Light of Compassion, Pg. 245] In our effort to engage in
dialogue with others and to shakubuku others, we are able to undergo our greatest human revolution.
Therefore, it can be said that the easiest way to polish our life and strengthen our daimoku and study is to
engage in the compassionate practice of dialogue and shakubuku.

Why should we engage in dialogue and shakubuku?

“The Daishonin promises that if we teach the True Law to others, we can change our destiny and attain
Buddhahood. We, therefore, undertake propagation activities to transform our own destiny and become
happy. Such efforts also contribute to our friends' happiness and to a peaceful and prosperous society. No
task is more sublime or sacred. [NHR 2, Banner of the People, Pg. 263]

"Worldwide kosen-rufu begins with dialogue." [NHR 3, India, Pg. 90]

“Introducing others to the Daishonin’s teachings – enabling others to resolve their sufferings on the most
fundamental level and showing them the means for attaining a state of indestructible happiness – is also a
practice of supreme compassion. It is the noblest thing we can do for the benefit of others and the highest
good. It forges ties of true friendship and eternal bonds of familial love.” [NHR 25, Light of Happiness, Pg. 20]

“If seeds are not planted, nothing will grow. That is why, for the sake of the future, seeds of hope must be
sown through dialogue now. It is only through our endeavours today that the fruits of tomorrow are born.”
[NHR 12, Fresh Hope, Pg. 44-45]

“Talking to people is the first step to opening their hearts. From there, dialogue begins and the seed of
friendship sprouts. Such a flowering of hope-filled dialogue will eventually enrich society.” [NHR 16, Dialogue,
Pg. 56]

How to shakubuku?
“What is the key to enabling others to practice? It is determination. As long as you are firmly resolved, you
can transform any situation. You can share this practice no matter where you are. President Toda grasped the
ultimate truth of the Lotus Sutra while he was incarcerated and told the prison guards about Buddhism.”
“First, it is important to pray wholeheartedly to the gohonzon to be able to share the Daishonin’s teachings
with others. When you do so, people who are seeking Buddhism will appear in your environment. It’s also
crucial that you speak with as many people as possible about the practice. Of course, there is no guarantee
that any of them will take up faith right away. But what matters is that you continue to tenaciously deepen
your bonds of friendship with them, praying every day for their happiness while engaging them in a dialogue.
If you plant seeds and nurture them with care, they will definitely bloom one day and bear fruit. There’s no
need to be impatient. In addition, even if your friends haven’t joined the Soka Gakkai, you can still bring them
to meetings and study and chant together with them. It’s important to let things happen naturally. At any
rate, all your efforts to share the Daishonin’s Buddhism will come back to you as good fortune. Whether or
not the other person starts to practice, you are still creating causes for your own attainment of
Buddhahood.”
Shin‘ichi continued: “And when someone you’ve been trying to introduce to the practice does decide to
become member, it is truly the most wonderful. joyous feeling. The act of spreading the Daishonin’s teachings
— of striving to help each person change their life on a fundamental level—is an act of supreme good that
guarantees a future of eternal happiness. It is an act of compassion millions of times greater than donating
to charity.” [NHR 13, Guiding Star, Pg. 174-175]

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4. I WILL CREATE A NEW AGE THROUGH MY HUMAN REVOLUTION BY STUDYING THE NHR
Everything we read in the NHR are the words and life of Ikeda Sensei. Therefore, we must study the
NHR with the heart to apply it in the depth of our life and with the determination to strengthen
our relationship with our mentor. Ikeda Sensei once wrote, “There is ... a genuine aspect of the Soka
Gakkai’s history of which only I am aware.” [NHR 1, Introduction, Pg. 4] Ikeda Sensei started writing
The New Human Revolution (NHR) at the age of 65, on August 6, 1993 to convey to all disciples the
journey of worldwide kosen-rufu. Sensei said, “I have taken writing The New Human Revolution as
my life’s work. In it, I am determined to continue to record, to the limits of my ability, the diamond-
like, genuine path of mentor and disciple, and depict the grand portrait of glory created by the precious
children of the Buddha as they have advanced with the dream of worldwide kosen-rufu, just as
Nichiren Daishonin taught.” [ibid.] With this determination, Sensei waged an intense “battle of the
pen” and wrote 6469 instalments of the novel within a period of just 25 years [Sensei completed the
last instalment of the NHR on August 6, 2018]. Ikeda Sensei poured every ounce of his being in writing
the novel. Determined to impart courage to his fellow members, he persevered and pushed himself
beyond his limits to write every day, despite poor health, hectic schedule, overseas travels, and many
other challenges. Everything we need to know is contained in the NHR. Studying the NHR on a daily
basis will provide us the strength and conviction to chant daimoku every day with faith, to do home-
visits with joy, to engage in dialogue & shakubuku with courage and pride, and the formula and
method to change karma and report victory.

Why studying Buddhism is important?

“The human heart is easily swayed. Even joy that was once vibrant and alive grows cold with the passing of
time. It is the sad way of the world that once persecutions arise, people begin to harbor doubts about faith.
During the great oppression suffered by the Soka Gakkai during World War II, almost all of Makiguchi’s
disciples, except for Mr. Toda, abandoned their faith. They couldn’t understand why they should have to
endure such suffering when they had embraced faith to become happy. However, in the Gosho, the Daishonin
clearly states that obstacles will arise one after another. In the final analysis, those who discarded their faith
during the war did so because they hadn’t studied the Daishonin’s teachings. Study illuminates the path of
faith on which we should advance as Buddhist disciples.” [NHR 2, Vanguard, Pg. 28]

“When travelling by ship, he would voraciously read Gakkai publications and the Gosho. He would express his
attitude towards study as follows : “I only attended elementary school, and I’m not very smart, so unless I
study very hard I can’t keep up with other people. When you are working to propagate Buddhism, you need
to have the ability to convince others. To get that ability, I have to study twice as much as anyone else.””
[NHR 8, ‘Securing The Foundation’, Pg. 66]

With what spirit should we study?

“When we read the Gosho, we should do so with the profound conviction that what we are reading is the
truth, the absolute truth - that this is exactly how it is. In other words, we should read with faith, seek with
faith, and understand with faith.”
“Western philosophy may begin from doubt, but when we are studying Buddhism, we must begin with faith.
Even Shariputra, who was said to be foremost in wisdom among Shakyamuni’s disciples, attained
enlightenment not through his knowledge or intellectual powers but through faith… if we seek to understand
it deeply, we should first read it aloud again and again in a clear, strong voice - to the point where we have
practically memorised it.”
“Also, we should read the Gosho in action, word and thought. This means resolving to live our lives according
to the Gosho, sharing the philosophy of the Gosho with others and practicing its teachings ourselves. Our
actions must match our convictions. That is the attitude with which to approach the study of Buddhism, and
is also a basic premise of Eastern philosophy.” [NHR 6, Young Eagles, Pg. 303-304]

***

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