On 13 March 2022, SGM premiered its first online gosho study meeting of the year themed “Dialogue – Strengthening Human Ties Based on a Spirit of Great Compassion” through its official YouTube channel. The online meeting was held in English and Chinese sessions, which has received a total of more than 10,000 views in three weeks.
The video will be available on the channel for 90 days.
Using A Religion of Human Revolution as the study material, a collection of SGI President Ikeda’s lecture subseries, SGM youth division vice-leader Tan Jun Kong chaired the English session, while SGM study department leader Chia Kok Peng the Chinese session.
With sub-themes such as “Shared Concern is the First Step towards Opening a Dialogue,” “Dialogue is the Heart of the Soka Gakkai,” the speakers explained the significance of dialogue, its history in the Soka Gakkai and how the three founding presidents have persevered in conducting dialogue with others, thus forming the ranks of Bodhisattvas of the Earth in 192 countries and territories.
When conducting dialogue with others, the opposite party might not agree with what one has to say. Nevertheless, with a shared desire to achieve eternal peace, both would surely reach consensus because it would transcend all differences and become the foundation of common happiness.
In promoting kosen-rufu, even though the other person might refuse to start practising Buddhism, they would still form a connection, known as a “poison-drum” relationship, with Buddhism. Thus Soka Gakkai members should continue conducting Buddhist dialogue until the end, just as President Ikeda once said, “Our goal is for each person to find true happiness through practising Nichiren Buddhism.”
In conclusion, whether the results are as expected or not, the friendship cultivated will become stronger, gradually realising a peaceful world. With a mind of great pity and compassion, one should be determined to win over one’s weaknesses while bravely taking the lead in expanding the network of dialogue and shakubuku.
