The Buddhist leader, the Dalai Lama, has said that, ‘My religion is kindness’. I practice a different type of Buddhism within the Soka Gakkai International. It’s based on the teachings of Nichiren Daishonin. I would encapsulate its spirit in a similar way, ‘It is the heart that is important’.
From a practical point of view, we exercise our hearts through encouraging others, as expressed in this beautiful quote from Daisaku Ikeda:
“Just as a spring breeze awakens tender new shoots of green, sincere encouragement can thaw a frozen heart and instil courage. It is the most powerful means to rejuvenate the human spirit.”
Imagine being in an environment where all those around you were sincerely encouraging and supporting you. I’ve been in such an environment on week-long Buddhist courses. By the end of the week most people have chanted hours and hours to transform their inner negativity. Their lives are wide-open, and most people are making significant effort to embrace and encourage each other. This is how life can be.
The Power of Dialogue 