Human Revolution

Human Revolution is a concept formed by 2 former presidents of the Soka Gakkai (Translation from Japanese - Value Creation Society) Josei Toda and Daisaku Ikeda. The Soka Gakkai International (SGI) is a global organization based on buddhist practise passed down from mentor to disciple since the 13th Century in Japan. The founder, Japanese priest Nichiren Daishonin proclaimed that chanting the title of the Lotus Sutra, Myoho Rengé Kyo (Nam myoho rengé kyo) would make one’s authentic self, or Buddha nature, the prevalent life condition. By aligning with the mystic law of myoho rengé kyo, Nichiren taught that human beings can constantly create value in their lives and their environment, leading to the realization of a peaceful and harmonious world view called Kosen Rufu.

Nichiren Daishonin inscribed a mandala called the Gohonzon which embodies the concept of the mystic law for those chanting Nam Myoho rengé kyo, while focusing upon it. In taking action to chant to the Gohonzon, one reveals and embodies the authentic self, the Buddha nature. Thus the person chanting sets off on a wonderful journey known as human revolution. It is a journey of development, growth and change affecting not only the person themselves but their entire environment. Positive qualities and skills develop as negative or destructive habits and behaviors are transformed. Through genuinely transforming the poison in our lives into medicine (a buddhist concept known as Hendoku Yaku - Japanese), we begin to grow from the mud of mundane existence just as a beautiful lotus does, from the dirt in the depths of its pond.

The stories of our daily lives and the various challenges and struggles we experience can become the enlightenment we experience from the revelation of our authentic selves. This is human revolution.

The practice of chanting the title of the lotus Sutra every day, increases life force and therefore clarity of vision and energy levels and allows the mind to focus against a backdrop of resonant sound. It is while chanting nam myoho renge kyo, that we allow ideas, and concepts to emerge very simply without too many thoughts over powering this pure creative process which springs naturally from within us. Nam myoho renge kyo is the sound of our higher nature or buddha nature resonating in our lives.

I have been chanting for many years, and wanted to share my experience of practicing this Buddhism. I began chanting when my son was a baby because I met someone who told me about the concept of Kosen Rufu mentioned above. Kosen Rufu means world peace, peace through unity. Kosen Rufu is harmonisation and balance; it cannot be achieved until enough human beings are living their authentic truth and consequently contributing great value to the environment around them.

At that time I was very aware that I did not want my son to grow up amid nuclear missiles and threats of war. I was determined to work towards a more peaceful planet, and this was because I had just become a parent and was becoming more in touch with my responsibility for the future. I joined a wonderful group of women called “Babies Against The Bomb '' We actually marched around Greenham Common in the UK, where the Trident Missiles were housed with our pushchairs and banners. It was a very historic occasion. Later the missiles were removed.

I was introduced to chanting nam myoho renge kyo, by one of the other mothers in the group. I remember us chanting to keep her old 2CV running, so that she could give myself and my son a lift home! I started attending meetings at her house, which was conveniently, and harmoniously, just around the corner from me in London. I found the meetings resonated with me and this form of Buddhism was very much in line with my thinking and my own system of spiritual belief at the time, so I was able to embrace it and have since enjoyed a lifetime of being involved in the practice and the organisation.

Since then I have always chanted to focus on the things I want to achieve or acquire in my life. Chanting to achieve is known in Buddhism as “Earthly Desires equal enlightenment” Our desires motivate us to chant; chanting brings us to the authentic self and reveals the value and joy in our achievements.

By Helen J Webb