““Many in Body, One in Mind”Many in Body, One in Mind”The Spirit of “Many in Body, One in The Spirit of “Many in Body, One in

Mind” Mind” is the Path to Victoryis the Path to Victory

The The HOPE-FILLEDHOPE-FILLEDTEACHINGS TEACHINGS ofof

NICHIREN DAISHONINNICHIREN DAISHONINSGI PRESIDENT IKEDA’S SGI PRESIDENT IKEDA’S

LECTURE SERIESLECTURE SERIES

LEARNING LEARNING from thefrom the WRITINGSWRITINGS

““Many In Body, One in Many In Body, One in Mind”Mind”

Passage Selection for Study

Hoki-bo and Sado-bo, and the believers in Atsuhara, have proved the strength of their resolve.

If the spirit of many in body but one in mind prevails among the people, they will achieve all their goals, whereas if one in body but different in mind, they can achieve nothing remarkable. The more than three thousand volumes of Confucian and Taoist literature are filled with examples. King Chou of Yin led seven hundred thousand soldiers into battle against King Wu of Chou and his eight hundred men. Yet King Chou’s army lost because of disunity while King Wu’s men defeated him because of perfect unity.

““Many In Body, One in Many In Body, One in Mind”Mind”

Passage Selection for Study

Even an individual at cross purposes with himself is certain to end in failure. Yet a hundred or even a thousand people can definitely attain their goal, if they are of one mind. Though numerous, the Japanese will find it difficult to accomplish anything, because they are divided in spirit. In contrast, although Nichiren and his followers are few, because they are different in body, but united in mind, they will definitely accomplish their great mission of widely propagating the Lotus Sutra. Though evils may be numerous, they cannot prevail over a single great truth, just as many raging fires are quenched by a single shower of rain. This principle also holds true with Nichiren and his followers. (The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p.618)

Two Wheels of a CartTwo Wheels of a Cart The importance of songs

unite people’s hearts Two kinds of unity

“oneness of mentor and disciple” “unity of many in body, one in

mind” essentially inseparable principle like the two wheels of a cart

Kosen-rufu will definitely be realized same spirit as Nichiren unite in heart and mind

Unity is the Key to Unity is the Key to Overcoming Great Overcoming Great

ObstaclesObstacles The unity, or the spirit of many in body, one is

mind, is the key to overcome great difficulty. “Only when we each bring forth the wisdom of

our enlightened Buddha nature can we truly actualize the unity of many in body, one in mind.

Because we rise above our attachment to self and reveal our highest potential and individuality, the path of many in body, one is mind becomes a path for absolute victory.” (p. 54)

We are many or different in body is important, signaling unity in diversity.

Become Unifying Become Unifying LeadersLeaders

From an organizational perspective, vital to maintaining the condition of many in body, one in mind, is the attitude of leaders.

“In terms of our efforts, everything begins with leaders rising into action with a stand-alone spirit to empower the people.”

“Sharing that ideal, members rise up to confront and defeat evil. This could be the formula for the victory of the people in the realm of kosen-rufu.” (page 58)

The Importance of The Importance of Building a United Building a United

OrganizationOrganization “It is important for key leaders at all levels to freely

discuss things with other core leaders. When our leaders engage in frank and open dialogue with other leaders who share the same sense of responsibility, and when they work to expand and strengthen solidarity through the power of dialogue, the SGI will achieve even greater growth.” (page 59)

True Unity Begins with a True Unity Begins with a Fundamental Change in One’s Fundamental Change in One’s

Own ResolveOwn Resolve “Everything begins with changing our own

attitude, or mind-set. If members are constantly at loggerheads, always blaming and criticizing one another, then they will always remain disunited, in the condition of many in body, different in mind.” (p. 60)

“As we strive to accomplish human revolution while working to forge the unity of many in body, one in mind, we can conquer our attachment to self and establish faith based on the selfless spirit of valuing the Law more highly than our own lives.” (page 61-62)

The Condition of Many in The Condition of Many in Body, One in Mind Is Proof of Body, One in Mind Is Proof of

Victory of Kosen-rufuVictory of Kosen-rufu“The many examples of powerful unity give eloquent testimony to the success of our kosen-rufu movement and are the essence of its growth and development. In other words, unity of purpose in the realm of faith is not only the key to victory but also the proof of that victory.” (p. 65)

The Single Great Truth The Single Great Truth to the Mystic Lawto the Mystic Law

“In this writing, Nichiren Daishonin and his followers are described as representing ‘a single great truth (or good).’ This is because the Mystic Law represents a single truth, or ultimate good.”

“The world is counting on our united efforts to forge an alliance of people dedicated to good.” (p. 66)

Thank you!Thank you!