Sunday, April 30, 2006
| BY IMANI SALAHUDDIN SPECIAL TO THE REPOSITORY |
A young woman seated in front of an altar prepares to begin her day. The altar’s focal point is an unfinished wooden cabinet-like structure called a butsudan.
Inside the butsudan hangs a scroll inscribed in Chinese and medieval Sanskrit called “The Gohonzon.” She opens the doors of the butsudan, lights two candles, a stick of incense and then loops a strand of sandalwood beads over both her middle fingers. She strikes a brass bell three times, presses her beaded palms together and rhythmically chants “nam-myoho-renge-kyo.”
She is one among 12 million people in 190 countries who practice Nichiren Buddhism with a lay organization called the Soka Gakkai International (SGI). Nichiren Buddhism, founded by Nichiren Daishonin, a young priest in 13th century Japan, is based on the Buddhist teaching called the Lotus Sutra. The Lotus Sutra, the last teaching of Buddhism’s founder, Siddharta Guatama, or Shakyamuni (born in 566 B.C., his birthday is celebrated this Friday), teaches that all people possess the inner vitality, compassion and wisdom needed to live a life of contribution regardless of race, gender, social standing or education. The Lotus Sutra also teaches that the universe is governed by a single principle or law.
THE LOTUS
Nichiren Daishonin, born in 1260 A.D., crystallized the Lotus Sutra by chanting its title, “Myoho-Renge-Kyo” and inscribing the “Gohonzon.” Nichiren Daishonin taught that by understanding this universal law, human beings can unlock their hidden potential, harmonize with and influence their environment, and transform suffering. In a letter to one of his disciples entitled, “On Attaining Buddhahood,” Nichiren wrote, “If you wish to free yourself from the sufferings of birth and death … you must perceive the mystic truth inherent in all living beings. This truth is myoho-renge-kyo. Chanting myoho-renge-kyo will enable you to grasp the mystic truth innate in all life.”
Practitioners of Nichiren Buddhism say they chant “nam-myoho-renge-kyo” to surmount difficulties and achieve self-transformation, peace, prosperity, health, and happiness. The SGI, as a global community, strives to achieve the same goals.
Although Nichiren Buddhism and the SGI are gaining global popularity, little is known about Nichiren Buddhism and its appeal to young people.
“Practicing Nichiren Buddhism pushes me beyond my own limitations. It teaches me the art of happiness and how to stay happy,” said Anita Artzner, 29, a pilates and dance instructor.
Artzner was introduced to Nichiren Buddhism by one of her female clients. The woman invited Artzner to a meeting in Canton and gave her a copy of The World Tribune, an SGI-USA weekly newspaper. Artzner attended several meetings and started chanting in 2003.
“I’ve never been around such a diverse group of people,” Artzner said. “It’s awesome to be in a room with four to five different cultures and we all get to say something. I think this practice gives young people a voice”
Nathan Kopan, a 24-year- old construction worker who grew up practicing Nichiren Buddhism, said the religion appeals to young people because it “holds answers.”
SEARCHING
“Young people are searching for answers. One answer I’ve found in Nichiren Buddhism is that a person and his or her environment are one, not separate. This means that I don’t have to be a victim of my environment. If I change myself, then my environment will change. This practice can answer pretty much any question.” Kopan explained.
“Nichiren Buddhism gives me a better understanding of life. It helps me have more confidence on my job, better interaction with people and has improved my finances. Two years ago I wanted to buy a house. I found one and even signed the contract then discovered that the house was no good.” Kopan said. “Shortly afterwards, I found a much better house for the same price. Chanting and studying about the practice kept me consistent and on track with my goals and in the crucial moment I felt protected.”
Many older members of SGI-USA also began practicing as young people. Raymond Olivera, a manager with the Stark County Board of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities, and his brother, Pascual, now deceased, started Nichiren Buddhism in Canton when they were 19 and 23. Pascual, a famed flamenco dancer, shared the practice with Raymond.
“It appealed to my brother because he was told he could get whatever he wanted. It appealed to me because SGI members said Nichiren Buddhism could benefit anyone, no matter where you came from and that you could chant for anything. There were no judgments.” Olivera said.
Olivera has practiced Nichiren Buddhism for 38 years and says the foremost benefits have been graduating college, landing his job of 31 years, and maintaining a happy marriage and family.
EMPOWERING
“I think it empowers you to create your own kind of happiness. It can also give you direction to work and help others become happy. Practicing Nichiren Buddhism is a discipline that young people can attach to and use to focus on what they need.” Olivera said.
Throughout the United States, young practitioners of Nichiren Buddhism participate in activities to share the philosophy and practice with others. In 2004, Nichiren Buddhist college students hosted more than 600 introductory meetings and college lectures on such topics as life and death. Young practitioners have also created more than 100 college organizations to host discussions and activities about Nichiren Buddhism. Six students at Kent State University recently started such an organization called the Nichiren Buddhist Peace Alliance.
IMPORTANT ROLE
Young people have played a vital role in Buddhism’s historical lineage, beginning with Shakyamuni. He was 19 when he left his life as an Indian prince in search of a solution to humanity’s suffering. Nichiren Daishonin was 12 when he started studying all Buddhism in search of the single teaching to help people become happy.
The SGI’s honorary president and spiritual mentor, Daisaku Ikeda, now 78, began practicing in Japan when he was 19. Ikeda stresses the importance of supporting young people in speeches, books, SGI activities and publications. Ikeda also founded Soka University of America in Aliso Viejo, Calif. to support developing young people as global citizens and leaders.
“When youth are awakened to a sense of mission, their power is limitless. Ultimately, we have to entrust our hopes and visions for the future to the youth.” Ikeda said in a book titled, “Today and Tomorrow- Daily Encouragement.”
“Youth will rise up to fulfill their ideals without calculation or self-interest.”
“Dialogue with Nature”, an exhibition of photographs by Dr. Daisaku Ikeda, President of Soka Gakkai International, was held from April 11-25, 2004 at the P.L. deshpande Maharashtra Kala Academy, Ravindra Natya Mandir, Prabhadevi, Mumbai. It consisted of 105 photographs, of which 95 were on display.
