SGI Study Department Vice-Leader Conducts Online Study Lecture, Over 2,000 Study Spirit of Respecting Others

On 18 October, SGI study department vice-leader Yasuhiko Yokomizo delivered an online study lecture especially for SGM members, titled “‘The Bodhisattva Never Disparaging’ Chapter – Engaging in Dialogue in a Spirit of Friendship and Activating the Goodness in Each Person’s Heart.” The lecture, based on President Ikeda’s final lecture before his passing in 2023, was conducted via Zoom and YouTube with over 2,350 participants.

SGM General Director Koh Sia Feai expressed appreciation to Mr Yokomizo, hoping that his shakubuku experience would inspire participants to strive towards success in the 8,000-youth shakubuku movement.

The study began with Mr Yokomizo explaining in simple terms the practice of Bodhisattva Never Disparaging, who continually bowed to and revered all people. He highlighted this as the path of human revolution, centred on respecting life and awakening the inherent Buddha nature, and the fundamental method for achieving the enlightenment of oneself and others.

He further elaborated President Ikeda’s explanation on the meaning of the character “constantly” in Bodhisattva Never Disparaging’s name (which is not translated in English) and the principle of the “poison-drum relationship.” He emphasised that Bodhisattva Never Disparaging’s act of reverence represents unwavering faith in the Buddha nature within all people, adding that the practice of reverence always begins with oneself – or human revolution.

In concluding, Mr Yokomizo pointed out that the essence of Soka Gakkai members helping others and forging bonds with Buddhism is the courage to engage in dialogue based on respect for life, planting the seed of the Mystic Law in others’ lives. He shared a personal experience of propagation: he helped a woman from Taiwan start her practice and receive the Gohonzon. He later learned that a friend of the woman’s daughter, who is a Soka Gakkai member, had previously shared Buddhism with her and continuously prayed for her to begin practising Buddhism. This earlier connection had already sown the seed of the Mystic Law, which ultimately led to the successful outcome of his recent propagation efforts.

After the study session, many participants expressed that they were deeply inspired and resolved to muster the courage to dedicate themselves to dialogue and shakubuku with the spirit of Bodhisattva Never Disparaging.

Reported by Ashlynn Tham