Monday, July 27, 2009

Sunday's wisdom

A great human revolution in just a single individual will help achieve a change in the destiny of a nation, and further, will enable a change in the destiny of all humankind

-- Daisaku Ikeda

On invitation from a friend and former colleague, Rahul Guharoy, I spent yesterday morning with a group of very dedicated and enthusiastic people whose purpose in life is to come together as a united body in combating life's uncertainties and help one another in times of need. They are collectively known as the Soka Gakkai International (SGI) which is a "Buddhist network that actively promotes peace, culture and education through personal change and social contribution." In India, they are known as the Bharat Soka Gakkai (BSG), which is an affiliate of the Soka Gakkai International (SGI). Their life values are heavily based on "the humanistic life philosophy of the Japanese Buddhist sage, Nichiren Daishonin."

Among the first things I noticed on arrival was the elevated level of enthusiasm each one of them carried within themselves at all times. Cordial, warm and eager, the very presence of a member was difficult to miss! During my conversations, I realized that these were people who had taken upon themselves to train themselves to inculcate and nurture a change from within, much akin to the philosophy of their 'Sensei' which they follow in very close coordinates!

After a round of introductions, some of them came forward to narrate real life incidents, struggles and victories that ensued. They also highlighted how, as active members of the SGI movement, they have been able to, with conviction, commitment and discipline, make their lives and those of others better and continue to do so with a remarkable sense of passion and unity.

Finally, the floor was thrown open to a hearty discussion on the topic "Human Revolution - The contribution of a single individual to bring about change." Many interesting thoughts flowed through as fellow members and guests nodded as each one spoke. I gave my two cents too, speaking on the need to be cognizant of the world around oneself and to effect change from within, quoting Socrates and Plato! Rewarded with a very patient hearing, and a round of loud applause, I felt greatly appreciated, the like of which I have not felt in a very long time.

I recalled my 1998 meeting with His Holiness Guru Nitya Chaintanya Yati, the erstwhile Head of the Narayana Gurukula Foundation at Fernhill in Ooty. The connect was easy and remarkably similar, talks on oneness, encouragement, positivism and more importantly world citizenship meaning a state of being, free from race, religion and other varied discrimination.

Couldn't have had a more eventful Sunday!

29 comments:

  1. Oh Congratulations Rak :)

    Such influential people were there...now seems part of history....or they come and go in talks,

    Peace/oneness/ universal love...will we ever attain that in this selfish world?

    Love yourself is todays mantra! :)

    wishes,
    devika

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  2. that was interesting and glad you found a group to interact positively

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  3. Rak, a response after Magiceye's comment,

    Magiceye...I just realised, when I started blogging about a year ago..I thought of having this positive interaction...and I thought I could be the most positive one around...And now this negativism is what I gained from blogging --

    any comments/suggestion for improvement?

    I am serious :)

    wishes,
    devika

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  4. Oh thinking of it, that was utterly foolish of me...Magiceye/Rak...

    If I am to remain positive, its upto me to me! :))

    anyway, that negativism has been troubling me for sometime...which made me write it, hope you understand,

    devika

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  5. nice to read about stuff like these .. really .. :) about a month back my father used to attend some meditation camp wherein they prayed for good monsoon .. and he actually believed that it works.. I often laugh off his idiosyncrasies but secretly I wish I had that 'positivity' to believe in such pure thoughts..

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  6. Thats great Rakesh. Congratulations. I have always wondered what is that makes these kinda people so warm, courteous and considerate. It has got to be the teachings and discipline, na?

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  7. Its always important to do
    what you want to do ;)
    You must follow your feelings :)
    I wish you good luck !!

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  8. Wonderful! I wish I was there too :)

    I guess most values of life r so rare these days.

    Keshi.

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  9. That must have been some experience.:)

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  10. I think the intention always comes before good action. And all these people are building quite a strong foundation. I think everyone needs a Sensei to follow in their life, without which we might feel lost...

    Destination Infinity

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  11. You spoke very right about, because conscious makes someone a better person and I feel it from my own life. We need more such teams to adequate the common needs of human and to sustain humankind and thus we need more mind to think alike.

    Are you joining with them bro? my wishes to u and the tream.

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  12. Interesting, but I wonder if I could ever be part of any such group. I highly doubt that. Anyways, glad you had a good and eventful Sunday.

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  13. hi rakesh.......back to your blog after long time...actually, i was off net world for the whole time!!
    about your post..seems to be interesting concept......and i think i m interested to join.....have been facing a lot of negativity from within myself lately!!!

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  14. Very well written. Loved ur blog. Keep them coming.

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  15. Devika Chechi

    Thanks very much! It certainly was a wonderful experience!
    Right, some of the most wonderful people have come and gone but we as a people have not yet learn't to realize the importance of elementary things in life!
    To think that we will do so in future is optimism, something which I'd like to believe and stick to! But long shot indeed!

    Well, I'm glad you used my space as a sound board! I think one should shrug away negativity and ignore it else it would consume us
    But having said that, it may be more easier for me to say so, since I have not been at the receiving end of any negativity via blogs......something which cannot be said about everybody!

    But, my advise, do take care, do not let it affect you and sail forward into a wonderfully enriching journey!

    God Bless

    Cheers

    Rakesh

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  16. Magiceye

    Thanks very much! It did help a great deal to understand people, perspectives and beliefs, all of which was anew!

    Cheers

    Rakesh

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  17. Bharat K

    Thanks very much! Been a long time, eh?
    Good to see you around!

    Cheers

    Rakesh

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  18. Vimmuuu

    Thanks budd!

    Indeed, discipline plays a very important part in structuring one's life, for the better that is!

    Cheers

    Rakesh

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  19. Anya

    Correct, one must do what is right and what one feels like doing!

    Thanks very much for your wishes!

    Cheers

    Rakesh

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  20. Keshi

    It was indeed a wonderful experience and like you rightly said, rare!

    Cheers

    Rakesh

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  21. AJ

    Indeed, some experience! Unforgettable and cherished!

    Cheers

    Rakesh

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  22. Ajeya

    It certainly was an interesting experience!

    Cheers

    Rakesh

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  23. DI

    Thankfully, we have such people around us, who, like you said, are laying down the foundations for our posterity!

    And yes, every one of us needs a Sensei for guidance in our lives!

    Cheers

    Rakesh

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  24. Jeevan

    Yes, we do need more of such people to cleanse us and the environment around us!

    I am not sure if I would join them, since I do not really affiliate myself to any group but remain a floating soul, often associating with such groups and taking the good things with me in life ahead!

    Cheers

    Rakesh

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  25. Vee

    Was certainly interesting! Perhaps, the need for association with groups has to be felt. Now, even if that is not felt, one can attain bliss!

    Cheers

    Rakesh

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  26. Shooting Star

    Welcome! Its certainly been a very long time and I'm glad to see you here! I hope you are doing well!

    If the objective is to erase negativity, I would certainly recommend you to shortlist a group to join! Will certainly help!

    Thanks for the comments!

    Cheers

    Rakesh

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  27. Gayatri

    Thanks very much for your visit and comments! Appreciate it!

    Do visit often!

    Cheers

    Rakesh

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  28. Aria

    Indeed! It was a wonderful experience which I believe happened for a reason!

    Like you, I too used to laugh off people's endeavours, but have learnt a lot since then ;)

    Cheers

    Rakesh

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