Study - Oneness of Mentor and Disciple

Introduction – Jayant
Study Topic - Oneness of Mentor & Disciple
In any field, a person who aids the development of another may be

regarded as a mentor. In Buddhism, which is concerned with human
happiness and development, the mentor-disciple relationship is
fundamental. The foundation of the relationship between mentor and
disciple in Buddhism is the shared pledge to work together for the
happiness of people, to free them from suffering.
- A Mentor in buddhim is an inspiring “Role Model” of behaviour for the

purpose of propagating Buddhist humanism, and the Mentor-Disciple
bond reflects the oneness of purpose of both: “...mentor and disciple are
comrades advancing together towards the common objective of world
peace...On a more fundamental level mentor and disciple are comrades
standing side by side”.
“The mentor-disciple relationship is the very foundation of Buddhism.

Our eternal and unchanging mentor is the Gohonzon of Nam-myoho-
renge-kyo and Nichiren Daishonin. The true spirit of oneness of mentor
and disciple pulses vibrantly in the lives of mentors and disciples of the
SGI committed to the cause of realising Kosen-Rufu just as Nichiren
Daishonin teaches.
Scene-1
Sachin Ji:-June 1943. There was a conflict going on between the

Government & the followers of Soka gakkai. Mr Makaguchi & Josai Toda
were together in Train & heading toward head temple.
Dhaval as Makaguhi sensei:- Toda, the time has come when we must
take a stand. We cannot idly standby & watch japan to be destroyed.
Jayant as Toda sensei:- I will take up the fight, sensei & though I am
unworthy, I, Toda, as your disciple , am determined to risk my life for
soka gakkai.
Sachin ji:- Though they were put behind the bars & Mr Makaguchi died
but they were successful in keeping the true spirit of soka gakki alive. I
quote “Power is like a tidal wave that swallows everything in its path. A
person with shallow or half-hearted conviction can do nothing to stop it.
You cannot stand up to it unless you are prepared to risk your life.
Scene -2
Sachin Ji – In (1950) This was the time after world war where economy
was struggling.Josei Toda is also struggling in his business & planning to
step down from his position as soka gakkai general director.
Jayant as Toda sensei:- Ikedia, I am planning to step down from my

position.
Dhaval as Ikeda sensei:- Who will be my mentor from here on?
Jayant as Toda sensei:- Though I have caused you nothing but trouble,
I am your mentor.
Dhaval as Ikeda: sensei - I will fully exert myself to settle your business
affairs, I will be solving your financial crises.(In his heart) I will make it
possible for toda sensei to take full leadership as president of the soka
gakkai. From now onwards I will not go to night school & fully support
you.
Jayant as Toda sensei:- I will personally instruct you, provide you a

broad education surpassing any university.
Sachin Ji- Josei toda became the second president of soka gakkai on
May 3 rd 1951. This shows the true selfless bond between mentor &
disciple. How they both sacrificed for each other without a second
thought in their mind.
Scene:- 3
Sachin ji: - Anyone who has achieved any greatness in life has always
had a mentor. This is true in any field or endeavour. A mentor aids the
development of his disciple, empowering him, believes in & encourages
him to uncover his vast potential.
Jayant as Disciple: - You live in japan, I have never met you. How can I
relate to you.
Dhaval as Ikeda sensei:- Those who have mentor in life are truly
fortunate. The path of mentor & disciple is one that fosters personal
development & growth. Those without a mentor may appear free &
beholden to anyone, but their lives become aimless.
Sachin ji:- The essential aim of Buddhism is to awaken in all people the
ability to reveal their enlightened potential, their own inner source of
indestructible happiness. This would only be possible when you have a
true mentor in your life.
Scene 4:
Sachin: Some 20,000 members assembled for the rally from all over
Kansai and other parts of western Japan in spite of terrible weather as it
was raining heavily throughout the entire rally but not a single person
left.
(Dhaval) – Ikeda sensei : Let us challenge this trial with conviction that
the correct teaching of Buddhism and those who strive tenaciously in
faith, steadfastly upholding the Gohonzon, will definitely emerge
victorious.
Jayant as Toda sensei: The Kansai members fought magnificiently ,

not a single one stood by indifferently when they learned of your arrest.
Sachin:- Nicherin daishonin states “ if teacher and disciple are of

different minds, they will never accomplish anthing” July 3 rd is a day that
forever commemorates the invincible spirits of mentor and disciple,
united with unshakeable resolve in an all out struggle.
Scene:- 5
Sachin Ji:- July 3rd is the Day of Mentor & disciple –A Day when
genuine disciples resolutely stand up alone for justice.
Jayant as toda sensei:- I came of out of prison on July 3rd in 1945. I &
Mr Makiguchi were put behind bars & Mr Makiguki died on Nov 18 1944.
I came out of prison with an indomitable resolve to actualize Mr
makiguchi’s vision to world of Kosun rufu.
Dhaval as Ikeda sensei:- When I was imprisoned on July 3rd, I was of

the same mind ,the same determination as my mentor Mr Toda & my
convictions only grew stronger during that time. If those in power wish to
test me, let them! I will not be defeted- This is my spirit. It is the day I
firmly pledge to dedicate my life to protecting my mentor, the soka
gakkai & members.
Sachin ji:- Nicherin daishonin writes :- The lion king fears no other
beast, nor do its cubs & My wish is that My disciple will be cubs of lion
king , never to be laughed by the pack of foxes. The mentors & disciples
of Soka are all , without exception courageous lions. Lions are not
fearful, Not defeated, Lions are always alert. Lions attack every
challenge head-on ! Lions wins.
Conclusion :-
Generally speaking, a mentor is a person who passes on to others his

skills, knowledge or way of life. In Buddhism, the mentor transmits the
Law. We put the Law into practice and propagate it. In the Buddhism of
Nichiren Daishonin, faith is always based on the Law. It is not for nothing
that the Daishonin wrote: “Rely on the Law and not upon persons.”
(WND-I, 114) The mentor-disciple relationship is of crucial importance
for practicing the Law in a correct manner. In Buddhism, the relationship
between mentor and disciple arises from their shared vow to strive
together for people’s happiness and to enable them to transform their
sufferings into a source of growth and strength. This shared struggle
creates a deep bond between mentor and disciple. It is the key to
building a happy life for ourselves whilst enabling others to do the same.
Without such shared efforts, the disciple would simply worship the
mentor, and Buddhism would lose its power. Buddhism is a philosophy
rooted in the conviction that every human being possesses an infinite
source of courage, compassion, and creative energy. The mentor helps
the disciples to realize this, and continuously reminds them of their
boundless potential. The mentor serves as an example; we do not have
to imitate him, but can rather learn from his example or way of life. The
disciple adapts this way of life to his or her own life. A teacher who
practices the Law correctly is therefore of great importance. “The
relationship between mentor and disciple can be linked to that between
needle and thread. The mentor is the needle and the disciple is the
thread. When sewing, the needle leads the way through the cloth, but in
the end it is the thread that remains and holds everything together.”
Thank you---- Together.

Study - Oneness of Mentor and Disciple

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Study - Oneness of Mentor and Disciple

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Introduction – Jayant

Study Topic - Oneness of Mentor & Disciple

In any field, a person who aids the development of another may be

- A Mentor in buddhim is an inspiring “Role Model” of behaviour for the

“The mentor-disciple relationship is the very foundation of Buddhism.

Sachin Ji:-June 1943. There was a conflict going on between the

Jayant as Toda sensei:- Ikedia, I am planning to step down from my

Dhaval as Ikeda sensei:- Who will be my mentor from here on?

Jayant as Toda sensei:- I will personally instruct you, provide you a

Jayant as Toda sensei: The Kansai members fought magnificiently ,

Sachin:- Nicherin daishonin states “ if teacher and disciple are of

Dhaval as Ikeda sensei:- When I was imprisoned on July 3rd, I was of

Generally speaking, a mentor is a person who passes on to others his

Thank you---- Together.

You might also like