HARMONY - May 2013

This month, the month of Mentor and Disciple, we look at courage from a few perspectives. We use the phrase “the mighty lion’s roar” as a way to be reminded that we possess incredible courage; we just have to tap into it. Courage comes in many forms: the willingness to confront and challenge our weaknesses, the ability to face head-on any difficult situation, standing up for one’s convictions, especially in the face of opposition and criticism. And most importantly, the courage to work alongside our mentor for the happiness of others.

President Ikeda says: “When we pray and take action with the force of a charging lion to realize the ideals of a teacher of truth and justice, we can shine our brightest and demonstrate our greatest strength” (Daisaku Ikeda, April 2008 Diabyakurenge).

I was watching the movie The Wizard of Oz recently, and thought about the storyline and how it applies to our Buddhist principles.

The main characters, Dorothy, the Tin Man, the Scarecrow and the Lion, all were seeking something outside of themselves. They were in search of something they thought they lacked and needed to make them feel happy and complete.

Dorothy was looking for happiness somewhere over the rainbow (the external environment). The Tin Man was looking for someone to give him a heart (compassion). The Scarecrow wanted someone to give him a brain (wisdom) and the Lion wanted someone to infuse him with courage. Throughout their journey, they had to ward off the Wicked Witch of the West, which I viewed as fear and fundamental darkness.

They ventured on, encountering constant attacks from the Witch. It was easy to defeat her once they realized the method, just as we can overcome our fears by chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo.

Their goal was to get the Wizard (someone else) to give them the things they felt they lacked. He explained that what they sought he didn’t have to give, as they already possessed the qualities they were searching for. All that was needed was to look inside and bring those qualities out of their lives.

How many of us give in to our fears, our fundamental darkness, and think we lack compassion, wisdom, and courage? Yet, these are the qualities we can manifest when we chant.

When we are able to summon up our courage like the roar of a lion, nothing can stand in our way.

As President Ikeda has said: “Courage is free. Anyone can have it” (FIA, p.221)

Skip Williams

Quota of the Month

“You should not have the slightest fear in your heart. It is lack of courage that prevents one from attaining Buddhabood” (WND1, p.637)