by Nikkyo Niwano

This essay is part of a continuing series of translations from a volume of
inspirational writings by the founder of Rissho Kosei-kai. DHARMA WORLD will
continue to publish these essays because of their lasting value as
guidance for the practice of one's daily faith.

We usually say that progress occurs when situations develop into something better. Some people may also think of progress as the new surpassing the old, or as change and development from the past.

I for one, though, believe that there is something lacking in this way of thinking. Real progress is achieved after first looking around and perceiving what needs to be improved and what people really require and then producing it based on a fixed rule. In other words, it is creating what people in general regard as being valuable or beneficial to them. What I call a "fixed rule" is the Buddhist law of cause and effect. Progress has to be based on, and firmly rooted in, this law. If we do not look at progress in this light, simply thinking that any type of "progress" at all has to be good, then it will inevitably turn out that we have regressed. Environmental degradation is a good example of this.

What then should we do to achieve genuine progress? Some people think that it can be brought about by revolution. Revolution, however, prioritizes political interests, which aim for progress and reform in terms of a top-down approach in the social system. The problem with this approach is that it usually tends to make demands on opposing groups and often involves coercion.

What I contend is that for both society and individuals to make progress, we have to turn our minds to "giving," not the "demanding" to which we may be accustomed. Politicians and government officials, as well as ordinary working people and those who stay at home, should be thinking, "What steps can I take to make others happy?" rather than wondering, "What should I be requesting to benefit myself?"

Such an attitude is exactly the spirit of donation (giving) taught by Buddhism. At present there are many people with this spirit who have achieved great success in their lives. I believe that this is the mind-set that is essential for the betterment of society from now on.

So as I have noted, if we seek true progress, it is important first to possess the spirit of giving. Then we need to have the basic resolve to follow through to our target, and here human life itself and the truth that pervades the universe are very important. This accords, I feel, with the Six Perfections of Buddhism, the first of which is donation, followed by morality, forbearance, endeavor, meditation, and wisdom. The Six Perfections thus provide the modern person with a model for living; by practicing each of these virtues in a balanced way, we will learn to guide people toward true progress. When every living person becomes filled with a love for everyone else like a mother's love for her child, unstintingly acting to help others, and when a spirit of cooperation grows in the hearts of all, lasting world peace will come to fruition.

In the past the image of a saintly religious person was of a solitary one with a profound personal faith that silently revealed itself in a high moral character that naturally influenced others. This is truly the figure of a sincere and deeply devoted believer, but in this day and age, that may not be enough. We cannot guide people by the power of suggestion only; rather, we must be proactive and positive in our outlook and thrust ourselves among other people. Think of the great thirteenth-century Buddhist priest Nichiren and his fiery roadside preaching. We have a lot to learn from his dedicated fighting spirit. Now is the time for us to carry out a modern version of that roadside preaching.

Practically speaking, it is not easy to bring about a change in people's attitudes and beliefs. All the same, we have to try to shift their consciousness, and so we should not ignore the campaigns that seek to do this. There are many examples of such movements, such as those aimed at stopping wasteful spending, recommending a simpler lifestyle, using public transportation instead of our own cars, and reducing the amount of waste we create, to name just a few. We should take a positive role in organizing and participating in these movements and in encouraging others to join. To do this we have to bring into play the full-power cooperation of what the Lotus Sutra calls "people of correct resolution."

No one enjoys being burdened with rules and regulations. Most of us think personal freedom is ideal. But is there such a thing as real freedom in the world today? You are "free" to walk into the middle of a busy road, but you may well be struck and injured or killed by a car. You are "free" to take a loaf of bread from a shop if you are hungry, but you would risk being apprehended and arrested. Complete freedom exists in your heart alone, and it occurs only when you walk a righteous path. Your heart is free when you use the sidewalk, and at ease when you abide by the necessary rules. Therefore, meaningful rules and regulations are needed as long as we live in this world. That is why Buddhism requires that the precepts be strictly observed.