From the book guidelines for kosen rufu, victory and happiness
Leaders set an example themselves - having spirit of compassion spirit of appreciation
Appreciation
Sensei says in NHR -16; chapter- heart and soul
I quote “Whenever you interact with members, no matter what is the age or position, it is important
that you treat them with the same deference you would accord Buddha. A leader who stops
praising or showing gratitude to the members is betraying Buddhism” I unquote
So when we praise even a small dedication of our fellow member it motivates them to do it again,
which further helps them to enjoy the practice and they look forward to attend meetings and
participate in gakkai activities… such participation helps them to understand the law and grow in
faith.. So raise with praise.
Sensei also says that if we have strong ichinen for kosen rufu … where we all pray for vast heart …
vasr to heart means : all embracing n all encompassing… so our feeling of profound gratitude
towards every effort of our fellow members will be very natural.
In the same NHR and same chapter
Sensei says I quote : “ you can’t win a struggle alone. That’s why it’s so important for leaders to
show sincere Appreciation and respect for the members and to encourage them with their whole
heart” I unquote
So even , if member is attending meeting only, ( so instead of worrying वो ना सिर्फ़ meeting ही
attend करते है बाक़ी तो किसी activity participate नहीं करते) कोई बात नहीं even though we
must appreciate and express our gratitude. They are attending because, they are seeking , so we
must warmly embrace them by expanding our heart, as Buddha and respect them as Buddha.
together with each other only we can create a Buddha land.
Personal guidance
We all know that, Our practice is all about single individual, as we all our unique, so our challenges ,
so that’s why personal guidance Are extremely important.
As these guidances nurture the roots of people’s faith. so deeper the roots more prolific the
branches.
Sensei says “ we propagate Buddhism to lead others to happiness, in this respect, giving personal
guidance in faith is vital.”
So as leader we must constantly think that how can I help member n encourage them to stood up
resolutely in faith and receive benefit.
In this regard sensei guide us in Triumph chapter of NHR-4 :- I quote “ 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. Some may be lacking insufficient nutrients.
Only when they are regularly given appropriate care to address the specific circumstances and needs
are plants able to grow.” I unquote
So this guidance of sensei help us to understand how important personal guidances are. .
And we must take care of every member in our unit wholeheartedly and sincerely on behalf of
sensei… we must know their challenges, weakness, their strength so that we can guide them
accordingly, support them, nurture them, strive alongside with them. but our guidance should be
based on sensei words …. And towards that this book is like reckoner, full of sensei guidance on
every topic. Complete Treasure…. An ode to district leaders -the front runners of kosen rufu .
Encouragement
Sensei says in soaring chapter of NHR -16 , I quote , “It’s important to go to the place where people
are struggling the most, no matter how difficult it maybe. That’s the role of a true leader. If we don’t
encourage members when they are in their darkest moments, when do we encourage then? Should
we visit the area several years later and say, ‘please don’t let the floods get you down’? In any
undertaking, timing is crucial.” I unquote
So, timing is crucial, as leader we must always fight alongside our fellow members in their times of
difficulties. Like in pandemic we couldn’t meet each other in person but still we encouraged each
other by being in alliance , through phone call zoom call … chanting for good health, protection and
speedy recovery of members in our unit. This is the teachings of the lotus sutra challenging
adversity, as if in winter…. And this is the training of gakkai which make us courageous to encourage
others and impart hope that “winter always turn to spring”
And I take this training course as an opportunity to thanks all of you … you all strived in this difficult
time with the spirit of many in body, one in mind and carried out the Buddha’s work on behalf of
Buddha. And my gratitude towards our senior leader who always being supportive and encouraging.
So thank you so much to each one of you .
On the topic of encouragement sensei also guide in NHR 25- bastion of capable people, chapter
I quote
“In other words, encouragement isn’t a one-way street, always supplied by the older person. It’s
something that all people can do, no matter what their age or position.
Young people can encourage and inspire those older than them.
People are happy and reassured to have someone – even if they are younger – who is always
thinking of them and encouraging them, who trusts and respect them.” I unquote
So as members of soka gakkai let’s renew our vow of shared struggle of mentor and disciple, that
we must become such a capable individual disciples of our mentor, who create these beautiful
bonds of trusts and respect, beacon of hope and shine in every corner of our society.
