It is quite easy for a disciple to follow the master’s intention subserviently, but rarely does a disciple attain that state of mind in which he grasps the source of the master’s intention and shares that source. However, the oneness of master and disciple totally depends on the accomplishment of this difficult process. (The Human Revolution: Volume 10, p95-96)
Today I
wanted to look at the ONENESS of the
mentor/disciple relationship as this is the heart of this spiritual
relationship, but first I’ll briefly summarise the key points so far:
1.
The
mentor-disciple relationship has its basis in the Emerging from the Earth
chapter of the Lotus Sutra when the Bodhisattvas of the Earth (the disciples)
rise up and vow to Shakyamuni (the mentor) to spread the teachings of the Lotus
Sutra.
2.
According
to Nichiren Daishonin it’s our ties of karma that have destined us to
become his disciple and according to the Lotus Sutra we will constantly be
reborn in company with our teachers. (The
Ultimate Law of Life, WND-1, p217)
3.
Chanting allows us to awaken our Buddha wisdom and
open our karmic ties to truly “see” the true nature of potential teachers and
find someone who is following the Law (practising Nichiren Buddhism correctly)
in their own lives.
4.
President Ikeda is not our God or an object of
worship, but a lay believer of Nichiren Buddhism and a Bodhisattva of the
Earth. Many SGI members have a deep
respect and admiration for him and feel a deep gratitude towards him, based on
his role as a spiritual advisor and as an inspirational role-model in faith.
So, coming back to the ONENESS
of mentor and disciple, the Lotus Sutra doesn’t teach us to follow our mentor and
do what we are told like good children.
WE are in control of our lives and responsible for the decisions we
make. If our intention was to blindly
follow leaders, Nichiren would still be a disciple of the Nembutsu school. But, Nichiren recognized his mentor was
following an inferior teaching and, out of a debt of gratitude, tried to
correct his practise when awakened to the wisdom and profundity of the Lotus
Sutra.
The ONENESS of mentor and disciple is not about doing what we are told, but making decisions in our lives and practising Buddhism with the same intent, determination and purpose as our mentor. Some people may think to themselves “What would Ikeda do?” but you could also think to yourself “What would Nichiren, or Shakyamuni do?” or, the one I use myself, “What would I do if I was using all of my Buddha wisdom in this moment?”
In the quote above it mentions "grasping the source" of the
mentor and sharing that source. For me that "source" is the Lotus
Sutra and the Gosho. it is the Mystic Law and the Gohonzon. It is President
Ikeda and it is me. The ONENESS of the mentor/disciple can never be about
idolising President Ikeda and putting him on a pedestal. How can there be a ONENESS if you are creating such
a wide distance between you in faith? Personally,
It is about me recognizing in President Ikeda (and other great role models I
have within our organisation - from Shakyamuni, Nichiren Daishonin, senior
leaders and district members) the qualities and behaviour that I want to
achieve for myself as a Nichiren Buddhist, and then making those qualities and
behaviours my own by fully appreciating my Buddhahood and my potential as a
Bodhisattva of the Earth. It is always
basing my life on our shared faith in Nichiren Buddhism and our commitment to kosen
rufu.
For more on the oneness of Shakyamuni and his disciples, go to Mentor-Disciple Origins: Shakyamuni
For more on the oneness of Shakyamuni and his disciples, go to Mentor-Disciple Origins: Shakyamuni
Yes, but SGI member still give god-like quality to him. I saw in a video on which Ikeda asked the members a question and one young man answers," because you taught us Sensei". Then Ikeda tells the boy in the video,"No because Nichiren Daishonin taught us."
ReplyDeleteThat's the nature of human beings, wanting to idolize a teacher. As you can see, Pres. Ikeda himself shot that down.
DeleteWritings Of Nichiren Daishonin Vol-1 pg114. Nichiren writes "Rely on the law and not upon person." this can be understood as Nam Myoho Renge Kyo is your own reflection and you (in your present form and state) is a source of endless joy and happiness. Nichiren's writings inspire us to become independent and Victorious unconditionally. Also in Buddhism we cannot achieve such a lofty lifestate without our mentor's guidance.
DeleteIkeda sensei explains that we as disciples shon not follow his words or actions but to get inspired by his life experiences. His pen name, Shinichi Yamamoto is portrayed as a true follower of the Mystic law who takes Action based on the teachings. He want us to become Successors not followers.
I hope this clears the Godlike perception of sensei.
i see him having a Buddha quality, the quality in which all of us aspire to and attain here on this earth through our practice and understanding of nam myo oho renge kyo.......Ikeda is no god, he is a mentor who has disciples, not followers, disciples are those who take action based on their own life states. We empower ourselves. , we have a shared pledge to help work together not alone for the happiness of people., We surmount our own struggles, transforming them into a source of strength. A mentor reminds us of our profound potential he helps us to aspire , nothing comes to us from outside or external it is from within that we can transform.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion as a member of 10yrs who has done byakuren there is too much emphasis on Ikeda. We rarely mention Nichiren and actions speak louder than words. 95% of our study is based off of Ikedas writings. Its his interpretation of the law. Members are encouraged to seek his heart. We name buildings after him and there is never a mtg where we don't mention him. However, I have definitely been to a ton of mtgs where Nichiren is not mentioned. We throw countless festivals and we are constantly told he(Ikeda) got it right- he possesses true Buddha quality and we should strive for that. All of these actions lead to worshiping Ikeda-even if he says "don't worship me". If he really didnt want ppl to worship him then he wouldnt let things be the way that they are in the SGI. We are supposed to be basing our lives/practice off the teachings of the lotus sutra. But we are never given a copy of it. Truthfully, you can be in this practice and never ever read anything but the writings of Pres. Ikeda. I think its totally unsettling. To me is like if a Christian was to never own a bible or read it- only read the writings of their favorite pastor. We should just be honest and say we are practicing Ikeda Buddhism. Otherwise, its a real bait and switch and before you know it you're crying at the thought of mtg him. You're plastering his photo in your home and you're praying to seek his words for guidance. Not Nicheren, Not Skayamuni, not the Mystic Law, not even your own buddha nature. You're devoting countless hours to meetings and activities oh and yea another random campaign.. If you want to study more- you're on your own- otherwise you're pointed to more literature that has been written by Pres, Ikeda.
ReplyDeleteIt is difficult to fathom the traditional guidances of Nichrien in goshos.So Ikeda is making those gosho simple to understand according to modern times with current problems people are going through.
ReplyDeleteYou experience the universe inside you..any opinions about godlike and idolising come from self not from what others say or do...so look at, realise and work on self..not what 'you' model others as doing
ReplyDeleteBTW I love the article and am commenting on the comments
ReplyDelete