HARMONY - Mar 2012

Special Feature: Women of Strength

Throughout the ages, women have played a vital role in shaping the world around them and in this month’s Harmony we look at what makes women strong – not physically, but strength of character – the inner strength.  Sure, men play a vital role too, but there appears to be bias, especially when men write the history.

I have no idea who first claimed that women were the “weaker sex” but obviously he never met anyone from the Women’s Division of the Soka Gakkai.

I’m not sure why, maybe it is insecurity, maybe arrogance, but past events have shown that men have a tendency to under estimate the ability of women.

Even in these modern times, in many parts of the world there exists large disparities and inequity. Women are thought to be less then men, second-class citizens, and sometimes livestock is even revered more than a mother, daughter or sister.

But this is not about comparing men to women, or who is better. It is about acknowledging, respecting and appreciating the special role that women play in all of our lives: from birth to raising us, from the home front to the world stage, and how they do things differently than men. Perhaps it is because they are coming more from a level of compassion than ego.

From a Buddhist standpoint, there is no difference between the sexes. One is not superior to the other. All people, men or women, equally possess the Buddha nature, the ability to achieve enlightenment, just as there are. All people are equal and worthy of the upmost respect.

Please read our special features for more insight into the strength that women have, and what powers it.

Also, this month we celebrate March 16th, the day that, in 1958, the youth division were entrusted with the noble mission of striving for world peace and tenaciously working for the happiness of all people.

We hope that you will enjoy this issue of Harmony and celebrate kosen-rufu day with a great victory in your life.

Robert “Skip” Williams
Editor-in-chief

Available at all HKSGI Culture Centres
Quote of the month

“March 16, Kosen-rufu Day. The spirit of this day lies not in magnificent ceremonies or high-sounding words. It lies in being victorious. That is the most crucial thing in all endeavors. In life and in kosen-rufu, we either win or lose. I would like you to be absolute victors in both. No matter what excuses we try to make, giving in to defeat brings misery and loses us the respect of others. I hope each of you without exception will adorn your life with indestructible triumph.” (Daisaku Ikeda, For Today and Tomorrow)