It is important to sympathize with others, not pity others; we must show our concern towards them. Human beings are wonderful in a way that when someone understands our problem, inner strength and fortitude naturally wells forth. 

Mr. Ikeda

This year, SGM extensively carries out dialogue; from here we could see that besides introducing Buddhism to others through dialogue, we could also encourage them through dialogue. When we are conducting a dialogue, we may come to know that some people whom are always smiley greeting others are actually confronting numerous struggles in their lives. Hence, dialogue is a way in which we could understand each other better. At times, we as Junior Division PIC’s may hold many responsibilities in our organization and because of that; we are used to ‘challenging ourselves’ to encourage others.

Are we offering words of encouragement and earnestly listening to the Junior Divisions, our fellow members and comrades when they approach us to share their problems? Or have we presumed that ‘they’ should strive harder. Such words of encouragement will have no effect for someone who is near breakdown or one who is forlorn. On the other hand, what they needed the most is someone who could empathize with their situation and go through those hard times with them.

Some people face challenges in their studies where they’d feel more stressed when there isn’t much time left. However, if we do not view things from their standpoint and encourage them, it will bring about ill feelings instead. In other words, we could share about how we strived in our past experiences or share about the progress our present struggles and strive together with them. Instead of just jabbering away, why not put in concrete actions to earnestly send them daimoku or chant with them. This way, the results will be even better.

Everyone’s method of dealing with their problems and baseline varies. Some people’s prayer objective could be about challenging their attitude towards exam; in which they would chant for peace and joy when doing their exam, there are others who strives for results in addition to peer pressures as well as stress from parents; such pressure isn’t something which most people could tolerate, whereas there are also some who excels in both studies as well as our Soka activities. Hence, offering word of encouragement varies from one person to another but the most important thing is to set their happiness as our foremost concern. On the whole, we must return to the basis of faith because daimoku gives us the wisdom to empathize with others in our dialogue.

When someone truly understands us, we’d feel at ease and we’d be able to bring forth our potential. From here we can see the importance of interpersonal relationship is whether it’s between parent and child, the relationship between the teacher and students. As we mature, people will come to understand the importance of these relationships. No one wished to be alone when confronted with difficulties and because of that we’d seek out a senior or comrade whom we trust to share our problems. However if we are that senior or comrade who views their problems with a disdainful attitude, it will bring about more frustrations and cause them to lose their only support. Perhaps they may understand the greatness of our mentor or maybe they’re not one of our members, but gaining mutual understanding requires a loyal listener. Through listening, we can view other people’s problem as ours and continue to encourage them. 

Soka Gakkai’s humanistic philosophy and education are acts of consideration. It exists for the sake of the people and their needs. Mr. Ikeda is also a very considerate and thoughtful world leader whom at a young age truly understood the pain of mothers who grieves over the death of their child because his own brother died during the war. Hence, at such a young age Mr. Ikeda helped in housework chores, earned money from work as well as focusing on his studies at the same time. Doesn’t he desire a carefree childhood then? Because he understood his family’s situation, which is the why he strives earnestly without any complaint. On the contrary, whenever we come across other people’s accusations or pressure, we’d want to take the easy way out. Mr. Ikeda never put in heart other people’s relentless slanders because he understood that everything he did was for the sake of the happiness for humanity and that he will never lose! Up until now, he’s still writing books for us and sending congratulatory speech for our celebrations, all for the sake to put us at ease and to encourage everyone. Do you finally understand all these sacrifices he made for us?

Mr. Ikeda said: ‘What are you concerned about now? What are you pursuing at present? We should make an effort to see ourselves in others and to make them feel at ease, showing them utmost consideration and offering them words of encouragement could lessen their burden and make everyone feel relaxed and happier!  When circumstances are dire, one may feel that darkness will linger forever; but it never endures. The winter of suffering will always be followed by the spring of happiness, winter never lasts forever. You who suffered more than others will be able to understand others better; you who experienced hardships more than others will be able to empathize with others better.’ Mr. Ikeda hoped that all of us will become people who could make others feel reassured! And with this guidance, he teaches us to become a considerate individual who could endure hardships and become the first person to stand up to confront adversities. All these hardships will temper us to be someone who could sympathize with other people’s feelings better. 

When we are with the Junior Division members, we shouldn’t think that the problems the children faces are just petty matters which don’t require much attention. But Mr. Ikeda once said that everyone is equal, children aren’t the prelude of life but a part of life. If we cannot respect the Junior Division members, I believe we wouldn’t become a great leader to face other matters. We’d just be carrying an arrogant attitude, not putting them into consideration or earnestly care for them.

You mustn’t exhibit annoyance whenever children wishes to speak to you, instead earnestly listen to their hearts content. This way, the child will feel at ease. As a parent, whenever your child doesn’t want to tidy up their room, saying words like: ‘You’re such a lazy child’, could easily impart a negative imprint on the child. Therefore, I hope that everyone could encourage them by saying: ‘I believe you can tidy up your room better!’ instead. Being able to encourage children in a positive manner are actually a test of our patience and capability.

Whenever we feel that others don’t care for us or couldn’t understand us, why don’t we ourselves reach out to care for them and sympathize with them instead! We shouldn’t be concerned about how they may react, feeling downhearted or disheartened because for as long as we persevere, I believe we will become like the whirlpool which continually expands; inspiring people around us to become humanistic individuals alike!

Labels: e. Words of mentor