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Mentor and Disciple Relationship
Mentor and Disciple Relationship (“Oneness of Mentor and Disciple”)
When we hear the term mentor and disciple , people tend to think of this concept as unnecessary to present day life, for it gives the impression of a relationship that existed in distant past.
However in the realm of arts, academics or sports, a mentor set examples and directs one on the right path to excel and it is an absolute necessity in order to gain the knowledge and technique needed to display one’s potential. In other words, one’s direction & development are greatly influenced by the mentor he chooses. For this reason, it is obvious that the mentor & disciple issue can not be neglected.
The influence of a mentor on his disciples is crucial in any field and specially so when it is related to the fundamentals of life, it is even more crucial as the course of one’s life, one’s character and happiness or unhappiness can be determined by the master he chooses to follow. This is why Buddhism places strong emphasis on the relationship between mentor and disciple.
The mentor disciple relationship is the very heart of Buddhism. The Lotus Sutra is the teaching of the way of Mentor and Disciple. Nichiren Daishonin’s Conduct , too is pervaded with the bonds of mentor and disciple. And Walking the great path of Mentor and disciple is also the fundamental spirit of Soka Gakkai, an organisation dedicated to realising the Buddha’s decree. Mentor and Disciple in Soka Gakkai share the mission to transform the karma or destiny of humankind based on the principles and ideals of Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism. As long as this spirit of Mentor and Disciple never changes the Soka Gakkai will continue to develop without end.
There is no more brilliant spiritual path than to lead a life dedicated to the way of Mentor and Disciple in pursuit of the noble cause of Kosen-Rufu.
If we fail to understand the all important Mentor and Disciple relationship, our lives may go well for a time, however we’ll eventually lose sight of our essential purpose and end up spiralling downwards . Whether or not we understand the mentor disciple relationship lies in a subtle difference in our inner attitude. The difference may be imperceptible but it’s consequences are huge.
When Mentor and Disciple spirit is absent from our faith or our lives, we easily succumb to selfishness and personal gratification, we lapse into egoism and self indulgence and stray from Buddhism, which embodies the fundamental law of universe.
We may come to a time when we think we understand everything about Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism. At this point we can stop making as much effort in our practice as we previously did. Then without being aware of it, we start to stagnate in our existing faith and stop seeing the positive changes in our life. In order to continue developing our self and speaking with sincerity to others about the teachings, it is vital for us to remain close to the heart of ND Buddhism. So that we are able to maintain a strong life-state .
In Buddhism , the mentor represents an exemplary role model for how we should live our life. To place our faith in a correct and good teacher means practising exactly as that person teaches. By doing so , we can break out of our narrow, self-limiting life state to live a more profound and expansive existence. The bond of the Mentor and Disciple in Buddhism is forged by a pledge or promise that continue over the three existences of past, present and the future i.e. an eternal bond.
This is because both Mentor and Disciple dedicate their lives to the original wish deep in their hearts to widely propagate the mystic law for the benefit of all people. This original wish is the great desire or vow of the Buddha, and it serves as the driving force behind the altruistic practice of the bodhisattvas . Mentor and Disciple in Buddhism are comrades in shared struggle who devote themselves to fulfilling their vow to guide all humanity to happiness. We consider ND our mentor because he provided us with a profound teaching. He first expounded NMRK and inscribed his enlightened life condition in the Gohonzon, which enables us to reveal our own inherent Buddha nature. His life is an inspiring example of the potential an ordinary human being has to single-mindedly achieve all their goals.
The Buddhist teachers set an example of personally battling and triumphing over devilish forces. Those who not only overcome devlish forces in their own lives, but also strive to teach and show all people how they can surmount such obstacles are true teachers in Buddhism. The three main qualities of correct and good teacher are : 1) A person of wisdom who sees through devilish nature 2) A person of courage whose life is dedicated to correct teachings of Buddhism and continues fighting against evil without being led astray by the devilish nature. 3) A person of compassion who is always concerned with relieving people’s suffering and imparting joy and actively works to realize happiness for oneself and others.
The "oneness of mentor and disciple," or the spirit of a disciple is to inherit the will of , and share as an equal in the mentor's struggle to advance peace and the blossoming of human potential. In a letter to one of his followers, Nichiren wrote, "If lay believers and their teacher pray with differing minds, their prayer will be as futile as trying to kindle a fire on water," emphasizing the importance of both the mentor and disciple having the same heart and mind to achieve their goal of humanity's peace and happiness. In many of Nichiren Daishonin's writings, the principle of unity is stressed again and again.
If the Mentor and disciple are One in spirit they can tap limitless power and accomplish anything , this is the unchanging truth of Buddhism.
There are many examples in society of the relationship between a teacher and student, or a master and apprentice. Generally this relationship occurs when a mentor or teacher has some knowledge or skill which they want to pass on to someone else. In the case of Nichiren Buddhism it is the essence of the teachings that the mentor is communicating. Both mentor and disciple are therefore equal and united in their desire to become enlightened. A true mentor desires that the disciples will eventually surpass them in understanding whilst a true disciple shares the same sense of responsibility and commitment to the Law as the mentor.
Studying any of Daisaku Ikeda's guidance we can see how he has continually applied the principles of Nichiren Buddhism in order to achieve wonderful victories in all areas of his life. Yet he does not proclaim himself to be our 'mentor'. His great pride is to be the disciple of his predecessor second Soka Gakkai president Josei Toda (1900 - 1958), who in turn was the disciple of Tsunesaburo Makiguchi (1871 -1944).
The mentor-disciple relationship in Nichiren Buddhism depends upon the disciple or how the disciple responds. We choose the mentor, not the other way round. If we look at this from another angle, we can see that it is the activities and achievements of the disciple that validates the mentor. This concept is very different from a traditional understanding of the function of ther religious leaders,to give security and reassurance to their disciples.
President Ikeda clarifies this as follows:
The Daishonin urges his followers to practise 'just as Nichiren' and to 'spread the Lotus Sutra as he does'. Disciples who wait for the mentor to do something for them are disciples of the pre-Lotus Sutra teachings. True disciples of the Lotus Sutra are those who struggle just as the mentor does.
The oneness of mentor and disciple in Nichiren Buddhism is not a passive relationship, where the disciple waits for instructions from the mentor. It is an active two-way process based on a vow or pledge that both disciple and mentor make to continuously develop their characters for the sake of the happiness of other people.
Shakyamuni instructed his disciples just before his demise to make thelaw their teacher. Generally faith in an impersonal law, due to its very impersonality, makes it difficult for people to feel a sense of reverence towards the Law and often results in diminished religious Zeal. To overcome this difficulty to revere the law as the teacher, the need arises for a human teacher who can show people the law through their teaching and behavior. This allows individuals to sense the compassionate workings of the law as an indivisible part of the teacher’s life. In this way , respect for the Law as fundamental teacher begins to blossom in people’s hearts.
There is total equality in terms of religious dignity between mentor and disciple in Buddhism.
Let’s embody this oneness of Mentor and disciple by trying to understand the guidance in the Gosho and by Sensei , correctly in our lives and activities.
It is when the disciple stands up for Kosen-Rufu in accord with the mentor’s call and wins victory in life that the mentor and disciple become truly united and one. The lives of mentor and disciple resonate in harmony with one another and the power of the Buddha and the power of the law also pulsate in the life of the disciple. There is no path to attaining Buddha hood apart from the path of struggling for Kosen-Rufu together with one’s mentor.
Kosen-Rufu-Our Mission
The Daishonin warned : “ If teacher and disciple are of different minds, they will never accomplish anything “ . But if mentor and disciple are united, they can triumph, transforming even the most adverse circumstances into something positive in accord with the Buddhist principle of changing poison into medicine.
President Ikeda says with gratitude, quote -
“In order to support my mentor, I gave up my studies at night school and my dream of attending university. But Mr.Toda, a superlative scholar, acted as my private tutor and unstintingly shared his vast knowledge with me. With an eye to the future, he took time out of his busy schedule to instruct me in a wide variety of subjects, with lessons taking place every morning. Monday through Saturday, and several hours on Sunday. I REMAIN TO THIS DAY DEEPLY GRATEFUL TO MY MENTOR, NOW APPRECIATING EVEN MORE KEENLY HIS GENEROSITY AND PROFOUND AFFECTION.” - unquote
Daily Self-Renewal- When my strength was sapped by ill health and by exhaustion, Mr. Toda said tome : “ You are waging a battle against the three obstacles and four evils. Take all your pain and suffering directly to the Gohanzon and fight to overcome every obstacle.” He also told me : “ Live your life and forge your faith in such a way that you can meet death with dignity and composure whenever it should come.’’ His voice, the voice of a strict yet loving father, pierced the very depths of my being. On another occasion, Mr. Toda said to me, “ I will give you my life! Live , in my stead, live long !” . With such life breathed into me by my mentor, I triumphed over my destiny .
The Eternal Path of the SGI –
Consequently, not seeking out a mentor who practice the law correctly and being intent only on getting others to obey and follow you in a relationship resembling something like that between a boss and his underlings is not the correct path of Buddhism. That is because practitioners of the mystic law work together in the unity of “many in body and one in mind” (itai doshin), and are all equal. And it is for this reason that Buddhism itself is A TEACHING OF MENTOR AND DISCIPLE, EXPOUNDING AS IT DOES THE ONENESS OF THE BUDDHA(MENTOR) AND LIVING BEINGS (DISCIPLES). The lotus sutra is a great path that provides the underpinning for the solemn principle of mentor and disciple- a path that, when this principle is faithfully followed, leads to our eternal development as human beings.
At times we feel that Sensei Ikeda is very far from us . And how do we connect with him? In the Gosho ND asserts “ It’s the heart that is important” – And our heart manifest in our actions. It is an expression of unchanging commitment to faith. What he indicates is _ “ Merely seeing each other’s face would in itself be insignificant – “ Faith is not determined by meeting face-to-face with the mentor. It means to have a mentor in our heart while standing on our own two feet.
Sensei Ikeda says with pride – “ President Toda resides in my heart. This is not something you speak out loud; it’s a matter of the heart. This is because unity is something that exists inside you”-
At all times, no matter where I am I constantly engage in dialogue with President Toda as I go about my activities. Our unity exists within me. The unity of mentor and disciple transcends distance and time. The heart of the mentor and disciple compose an eternal history of united struggle. Based on faith in the mystic law, our heart of faith can instantaneously cross any distance. We can be alongside our mentor in spirit.
Upholding the great philosophy of Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism that teaches that the heart is the most important, let us apply ourselves with even greater sincerity and dedication in our on-going efforts for Kosen-Rufu together with the eternal and everlasting bonds of mentor and disciple.
When we hear the term mentor and disciple , people tend to think of this concept as unnecessary to present day life, for it gives the impression of a relationship that existed in distant past.
However in the realm of arts, academics or sports, a mentor set examples and directs one on the right path to excel and it is an absolute necessity in order to gain the knowledge and technique needed to display one’s potential. In other words, one’s direction & development are greatly influenced by the mentor he chooses. For this reason, it is obvious that the mentor & disciple issue can not be neglected.
The influence of a mentor on his disciples is crucial in any field and specially so when it is related to the fundamentals of life, it is even more crucial as the course of one’s life, one’s character and happiness or unhappiness can be determined by the master he chooses to follow. This is why Buddhism places strong emphasis on the relationship between mentor and disciple.
The mentor disciple relationship is the very heart of Buddhism. The Lotus Sutra is the teaching of the way of Mentor and Disciple. Nichiren Daishonin’s Conduct , too is pervaded with the bonds of mentor and disciple. And Walking the great path of Mentor and disciple is also the fundamental spirit of Soka Gakkai, an organisation dedicated to realising the Buddha’s decree. Mentor and Disciple in Soka Gakkai share the mission to transform the karma or destiny of humankind based on the principles and ideals of Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism. As long as this spirit of Mentor and Disciple never changes the Soka Gakkai will continue to develop without end.
There is no more brilliant spiritual path than to lead a life dedicated to the way of Mentor and Disciple in pursuit of the noble cause of Kosen-Rufu.
If we fail to understand the all important Mentor and Disciple relationship, our lives may go well for a time, however we’ll eventually lose sight of our essential purpose and end up spiralling downwards . Whether or not we understand the mentor disciple relationship lies in a subtle difference in our inner attitude. The difference may be imperceptible but it’s consequences are huge.
When Mentor and Disciple spirit is absent from our faith or our lives, we easily succumb to selfishness and personal gratification, we lapse into egoism and self indulgence and stray from Buddhism, which embodies the fundamental law of universe.
We may come to a time when we think we understand everything about Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism. At this point we can stop making as much effort in our practice as we previously did. Then without being aware of it, we start to stagnate in our existing faith and stop seeing the positive changes in our life. In order to continue developing our self and speaking with sincerity to others about the teachings, it is vital for us to remain close to the heart of ND Buddhism. So that we are able to maintain a strong life-state .
In Buddhism , the mentor represents an exemplary role model for how we should live our life. To place our faith in a correct and good teacher means practising exactly as that person teaches. By doing so , we can break out of our narrow, self-limiting life state to live a more profound and expansive existence. The bond of the Mentor and Disciple in Buddhism is forged by a pledge or promise that continue over the three existences of past, present and the future i.e. an eternal bond.
This is because both Mentor and Disciple dedicate their lives to the original wish deep in their hearts to widely propagate the mystic law for the benefit of all people. This original wish is the great desire or vow of the Buddha, and it serves as the driving force behind the altruistic practice of the bodhisattvas . Mentor and Disciple in Buddhism are comrades in shared struggle who devote themselves to fulfilling their vow to guide all humanity to happiness. We consider ND our mentor because he provided us with a profound teaching. He first expounded NMRK and inscribed his enlightened life condition in the Gohonzon, which enables us to reveal our own inherent Buddha nature. His life is an inspiring example of the potential an ordinary human being has to single-mindedly achieve all their goals.
The Buddhist teachers set an example of personally battling and triumphing over devilish forces. Those who not only overcome devlish forces in their own lives, but also strive to teach and show all people how they can surmount such obstacles are true teachers in Buddhism. The three main qualities of correct and good teacher are : 1) A person of wisdom who sees through devilish nature 2) A person of courage whose life is dedicated to correct teachings of Buddhism and continues fighting against evil without being led astray by the devilish nature. 3) A person of compassion who is always concerned with relieving people’s suffering and imparting joy and actively works to realize happiness for oneself and others.
The "oneness of mentor and disciple," or the spirit of a disciple is to inherit the will of , and share as an equal in the mentor's struggle to advance peace and the blossoming of human potential. In a letter to one of his followers, Nichiren wrote, "If lay believers and their teacher pray with differing minds, their prayer will be as futile as trying to kindle a fire on water," emphasizing the importance of both the mentor and disciple having the same heart and mind to achieve their goal of humanity's peace and happiness. In many of Nichiren Daishonin's writings, the principle of unity is stressed again and again.
If the Mentor and disciple are One in spirit they can tap limitless power and accomplish anything , this is the unchanging truth of Buddhism.
There are many examples in society of the relationship between a teacher and student, or a master and apprentice. Generally this relationship occurs when a mentor or teacher has some knowledge or skill which they want to pass on to someone else. In the case of Nichiren Buddhism it is the essence of the teachings that the mentor is communicating. Both mentor and disciple are therefore equal and united in their desire to become enlightened. A true mentor desires that the disciples will eventually surpass them in understanding whilst a true disciple shares the same sense of responsibility and commitment to the Law as the mentor.
Studying any of Daisaku Ikeda's guidance we can see how he has continually applied the principles of Nichiren Buddhism in order to achieve wonderful victories in all areas of his life. Yet he does not proclaim himself to be our 'mentor'. His great pride is to be the disciple of his predecessor second Soka Gakkai president Josei Toda (1900 - 1958), who in turn was the disciple of Tsunesaburo Makiguchi (1871 -1944).
The mentor-disciple relationship in Nichiren Buddhism depends upon the disciple or how the disciple responds. We choose the mentor, not the other way round. If we look at this from another angle, we can see that it is the activities and achievements of the disciple that validates the mentor. This concept is very different from a traditional understanding of the function of ther religious leaders,to give security and reassurance to their disciples.
President Ikeda clarifies this as follows:
The Daishonin urges his followers to practise 'just as Nichiren' and to 'spread the Lotus Sutra as he does'. Disciples who wait for the mentor to do something for them are disciples of the pre-Lotus Sutra teachings. True disciples of the Lotus Sutra are those who struggle just as the mentor does.
The oneness of mentor and disciple in Nichiren Buddhism is not a passive relationship, where the disciple waits for instructions from the mentor. It is an active two-way process based on a vow or pledge that both disciple and mentor make to continuously develop their characters for the sake of the happiness of other people.
Shakyamuni instructed his disciples just before his demise to make thelaw their teacher. Generally faith in an impersonal law, due to its very impersonality, makes it difficult for people to feel a sense of reverence towards the Law and often results in diminished religious Zeal. To overcome this difficulty to revere the law as the teacher, the need arises for a human teacher who can show people the law through their teaching and behavior. This allows individuals to sense the compassionate workings of the law as an indivisible part of the teacher’s life. In this way , respect for the Law as fundamental teacher begins to blossom in people’s hearts.
There is total equality in terms of religious dignity between mentor and disciple in Buddhism.
Let’s embody this oneness of Mentor and disciple by trying to understand the guidance in the Gosho and by Sensei , correctly in our lives and activities.
It is when the disciple stands up for Kosen-Rufu in accord with the mentor’s call and wins victory in life that the mentor and disciple become truly united and one. The lives of mentor and disciple resonate in harmony with one another and the power of the Buddha and the power of the law also pulsate in the life of the disciple. There is no path to attaining Buddha hood apart from the path of struggling for Kosen-Rufu together with one’s mentor.
Kosen-Rufu-Our Mission
The Daishonin warned : “ If teacher and disciple are of different minds, they will never accomplish anything “ . But if mentor and disciple are united, they can triumph, transforming even the most adverse circumstances into something positive in accord with the Buddhist principle of changing poison into medicine.
President Ikeda says with gratitude, quote -
“In order to support my mentor, I gave up my studies at night school and my dream of attending university. But Mr.Toda, a superlative scholar, acted as my private tutor and unstintingly shared his vast knowledge with me. With an eye to the future, he took time out of his busy schedule to instruct me in a wide variety of subjects, with lessons taking place every morning. Monday through Saturday, and several hours on Sunday. I REMAIN TO THIS DAY DEEPLY GRATEFUL TO MY MENTOR, NOW APPRECIATING EVEN MORE KEENLY HIS GENEROSITY AND PROFOUND AFFECTION.” - unquote
Daily Self-Renewal- When my strength was sapped by ill health and by exhaustion, Mr. Toda said tome : “ You are waging a battle against the three obstacles and four evils. Take all your pain and suffering directly to the Gohanzon and fight to overcome every obstacle.” He also told me : “ Live your life and forge your faith in such a way that you can meet death with dignity and composure whenever it should come.’’ His voice, the voice of a strict yet loving father, pierced the very depths of my being. On another occasion, Mr. Toda said to me, “ I will give you my life! Live , in my stead, live long !” . With such life breathed into me by my mentor, I triumphed over my destiny .
The Eternal Path of the SGI –
Consequently, not seeking out a mentor who practice the law correctly and being intent only on getting others to obey and follow you in a relationship resembling something like that between a boss and his underlings is not the correct path of Buddhism. That is because practitioners of the mystic law work together in the unity of “many in body and one in mind” (itai doshin), and are all equal. And it is for this reason that Buddhism itself is A TEACHING OF MENTOR AND DISCIPLE, EXPOUNDING AS IT DOES THE ONENESS OF THE BUDDHA(MENTOR) AND LIVING BEINGS (DISCIPLES). The lotus sutra is a great path that provides the underpinning for the solemn principle of mentor and disciple- a path that, when this principle is faithfully followed, leads to our eternal development as human beings.
At times we feel that Sensei Ikeda is very far from us . And how do we connect with him? In the Gosho ND asserts “ It’s the heart that is important” – And our heart manifest in our actions. It is an expression of unchanging commitment to faith. What he indicates is _ “ Merely seeing each other’s face would in itself be insignificant – “ Faith is not determined by meeting face-to-face with the mentor. It means to have a mentor in our heart while standing on our own two feet.
Sensei Ikeda says with pride – “ President Toda resides in my heart. This is not something you speak out loud; it’s a matter of the heart. This is because unity is something that exists inside you”-
At all times, no matter where I am I constantly engage in dialogue with President Toda as I go about my activities. Our unity exists within me. The unity of mentor and disciple transcends distance and time. The heart of the mentor and disciple compose an eternal history of united struggle. Based on faith in the mystic law, our heart of faith can instantaneously cross any distance. We can be alongside our mentor in spirit.
Upholding the great philosophy of Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism that teaches that the heart is the most important, let us apply ourselves with even greater sincerity and dedication in our on-going efforts for Kosen-Rufu together with the eternal and everlasting bonds of mentor and disciple.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Bob Mann on -
Dear Sona, I am always willing to learn new things about Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism. I assume you are the author of this post since no source was listed. Possibly not. May I direct some concerns/questions to you or sould I just comment in general if you are not the author? Thank you so much.
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Permalink Reply by Sona on -
Hey Bob,
Yes I'm the author , however it has been compiled taking guidance from Sensei's writings and encouragements. The source of this information on the concept "Mentor and Disciple Relationship has been taken from books like "Faith into Action", Kosen-rufu -Our mission , Value Creation (monthly magazine of Bharat Soka Gakkai) and the "Wisdom of the Lotus Sutra".
This was presented yesterday at the zadankai -discussion meeting and was very well received by the members. It is so important to connect to Sensei and i'm glad we were able to convey that through this concept. I'm happy to share this in the forum for all the members. Please feel free to give ur inputs. Thanks !
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Permalink Reply by Jason on
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Hi Sona,
I really enjoyed your post. I was just skimming over the internet when I happened to bump into this great post. I was looking for some information on the mentor and disciple relationship and I couldn't find anything that made sense or that was easy to understand for the layman. Do you mind if I share this at my next meeting? Because this is just great!
Thank you,
Jason
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Permalink Reply by Sona on
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Jason, I'm glad the article was a source of inspiration for you . Please go ahead and share it at the meeting . We practice for ourselves and others . Take Care ! Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo :)
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Permalink Reply by Becky Wedlake on
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This is a fabulous article. We were discussing the same in our meeting this morning, and like Jason, I thought I would come online to find some more information in layman's terms and this is the only article I could find that fits! I hope you don't mind if I share this too?
Becky :o)
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Permalink Reply by Prashant on
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Thanks Sona for your wonderful insight ... I do sort of understand the unity,oneness of mentor disciple relationship and “ It’s the heart that is important” concept but I have a question and probably i am not sure if this has been asked earlier in this forum .. do let me know if thats the case . But point I am making here is from the beginning Nichiren chose his direct successor in Nikko Shonin , our first President of SGI Makiguchi handed the responsibility to his successor Sesei Toda who inturn chose Sensei Ikeda at such a young age of 25 yrs ..my question is all this while there were many followers of this practise bit it was evident that there was oneness and eternal and everlasting bond between the mentor and disciple..I feel sensei ikeda wants all of us i.e youth to carry the second act of kosen rufu ( Which is understandable ) BUT why is he hesistant to nominate his true disciple or lets say someone we can see a role model and continue the faith and practise .. I know its all about the heart but this concept confuses me and makes me ponder more... anyone has any thoughts ..?Sorry but this question was in my heart and i wanted to take it out .. I do not want to offend anyone ... as I am new to this practise ... so may be you can call my ignorance.
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Permalink Reply by Dan (site assistant) on -
...That's because Sensei is talking about ME. (Yes, I have my delusions of grandeur ;-D)
Or that young man in New Orleans, or this one in Firenze, or this one walking the streets of Rio. How about YOU? Would you like to step up?
To be honest, we can't be too caught up with a 'who' inherits the baton of leader in the Soka Gakkai or even worry about the 'nominee'. As we learned through our own experience with the temple issue and from the life of Nichiren Daishonin, the lifeblood of faith is not necessarily passed on through direct contact. President Ikeda has done his best to strive to make sure that the inheritor(s) of his own stamp of legacy in responding to his mentor, Josei Toda; through his numerous messages, books and lectures he has ensured that it should not hinge on one person from the country of Japan. It hinges upon the 'shared struggle of spreading the Law."
Or specifically, quoting from Sona's posting:
"This is because both Mentor and Disciple dedicate their lives to the original wish deep in their hearts to widely propagate the mystic law for the benefit of all people. This original wish is the great desire or vow of the Buddha, and it serves as the driving force behind the altruistic practice of the bodhisattvas . Mentor and Disciple in Buddhism are comrades in shared struggle who devote themselves to fulfilling their vow to guide all humanity to happiness. We consider ND our mentor because he provided us with a profound teaching. He first expounded NMRK and inscribed his enlightened life condition in the Gohonzon, which enables us to reveal our own inherent Buddha nature. His life is an inspiring example of the potential an ordinary human being has to single-mindedly achieve all their goals."
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Permalink Reply by Dan (site assistant) on
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The next person who 'steps up' has to be ready for the world stage. President Ikeda has opened the 'curtain' of that stage for us. I would be a bit envious if not very discerning about who that person is. Human nature I guess, and perhaps shows the wisdom of Pres. Ikeda NOT to name one person or 'nominee.'
For instance, my personal take on it would be that I would want that person to be young, perhaps female, inspirational, a great communicator (this is from pres. Ikeda's specific wish from one of his writings I read long ago,) - specifically a person of greath depth of humanity, faith, and humility; and has to be ready for the stalking media/paparazzi and the discerning and critical hairy eyeballs of world leaders of political, cultural and religious ilk. At the same time, he/she has to represent the hopes and aspirations of millions of Soka Gakkai believers the world over and the future of kosen-rufu in the distant future. Pres. Ikeda has laid the stage and I don't believe it hinges on or should be shouldered by just ONE person.
...so! You ready? (grin grin)
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Permalink Reply by Dave Streater on -
(quote: Pres. Ikeda has laid the stage and I don't believe it hinges on or should be shouldered by just ONE person.)
Yes, perhaps I agree. The reason for this, though, is NOT because "nobody can be as good as president Ikeda.". It is because we have entered a truly international period. Just as it makes no sense to have a "president of the world", we can have "presidents" for organisations in each country, and we MUST work together, on an international level, with no one country being "above" any other.
As we travel along the path toward "getting the formula for kosen-rufu right, powered by copious daimoku and compassion for suffering people, many questions will arise, false-starts will be made, but real happiness will continue to spread, because Nam Myoho Renge Kyo truly is the core key factor in all life.
BCDave
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Permalink Reply by Nikola on -
In each of your examples (Nichiren & Nikko, Makiguchi & Toda, Toda & Ikeda), it was actually the DISCIPLE who initiated the relationship and the DISCIPLE who carried it on. It is ALWAYS the disciple who chooses their mentor. If you recall, Nichiren chose SIX senior priests to carry on his teachings. It was only Nikko who kept his vow to his mentor. There were many senior Soka Kyoiku Gakkai leaders who were imprisoned with President Makiguchi and President Toda during WWII. But only President Toda remembered his vow to President Makiguchi and refused to speak against him or The Law.
After the disciples chose their mentors, the mentors then took the time and energy to foster these disciples. But, it was always the disciples who had to continue to renew their vow and determination to BE disciples.
President Ikeda said (quoted in the SGI-USA World Tribune, if anyone would like, I can try to find the exact passage) that now is the time for each and every one of us to realize that we are the President of the SGI and that we EACH must act as the President of the SGI.
President Ikeda has proclaimed this the Second Act of Kosen-rufu. This is now the time of the essential disciples.
Will there be another President of the SGI? Maybe. Will he or she be my mentor? Nope. My mentor is and always will be Daisaku Ikeda.
Then, who has President Ikeda been really working with? Who is he going to choose as his disciple to carry on? Who is he going to "nominate"? The answer is simple: it is EACH AND EVERY ONE OF US. The disciple he's really been working with--you and me. Who has he chosen--you, me and all of the others. Who has he nominated--all of us. Each one of us who have chosen to be his disciple.
It's true. I promise.
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Permalink Reply by Dan (site assistant) on
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...shoot, I'd better brush up on my buddhist studies and more daimoku then....:-D
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About SGIBuddhism.org
SGIBuddhism.org is a privately owned site run and funded by SGI Member, Chris Tinney.
The views and ideas expressed by members here may or may not be representative of the Soka Gakkai organization. .
SGI members participating here agree to conduct themselves with a respecful and warm attitude towards others in the same way we strive to conduct our discussion meetings and activities within the SGI community.
Your participation is appreciated.
Peace,
Chris Tinney
The views and ideas expressed by members here may or may not be representative of the Soka Gakkai organization. .
SGI members participating here agree to conduct themselves with a respecful and warm attitude towards others in the same way we strive to conduct our discussion meetings and activities within the SGI community.
Your participation is appreciated.
Peace,
Chris Tinney
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