"In order to overcome our prejudices, we must constantly strive to develop the habit of looking at ourselves from the point of view of others. Realizing that all people have both good points and bad, in the end the important thing is to strive to combat our own inner obstinacy and narrow-mindedness." - Dr. Daisaku Ikeda
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| Rock The Era, Cultural Festival, Long Beach, California July 10th 2010 |
This spoke directly to my heart. No matter what happens in my life, I will strive and fight for what I believe whilst keeping a complete open mind, and more importantly, an open heart. I will fight for world peace because it means the world, not only to me, but to every human that breathes. I took a vow on July 10th and yesterday I realized what that meant. It means that I promised to take the battle for kosen-rufu with great joy, courage, and sincerity.
We don’t live in a perfect world. I know that people are going to surprise me, still, with how they are (dark or otherwise). But as we discussed, there is a whole spectrum of colors to look at. I realized I’m not color blind, in turn, I cannot look with a shut eye at the circumstances that arise in my life and the world.
Yesterday, I found out conditions are so severe in Chicago that the National Guard is stationed at various locations throughout the city WITH MACHINE GUNS to control violence. On Father’s day 60 were murdered. It’s amazing that on a day that is supposed to be about family and coming together to appreciate family members, so much anger can boil over. Seriously, when I heard this news, it shook my core. That’s when I realized, I have a mission, and it’s no joke.
I will allow myself to shine forth. I will infuse my faith with my intelligence and carry out my mission and vow. There is no stopping me at this point. I will stand for what I believe no matter what hurdle, what emotion, what judgment, what poison, what illness, what darkness takes a turn at me. I will master my mind, not let my mind master me. Exercise no doubts no this point. I will face anything with courage, vigor, and vitality. With compassion throbbing in my heart and running through my veins. There is no other way. How could I possibly take a back seat to such injustice? I choose to be a part of the solution! My noble mission will be carried out, no doubt.
I will persevere through school. I will obtain the knowledge and highest education, that I am certain I can, to carry out my mission. I will not waste my life, even for a moment. Education is so valuable. Without a doubt, I know I deserve such a virtue. With all the resources that are available, I will appreciate them by utilizing them. I will take my education with even a more elevated spiritual understanding.
The world needs you.
The world needs me.
The world needs every single one of us to take a stance.
But it all starts with one’s self. Taking a stand in one’s life.
This is the beginning
Your most dear friend,
Ara
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| Before the Rock The Era Performances -Long Beach Arena, 07/10/10 Chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo (Devotion to the Mystic Law of Cause and Effect through Sound and Vibration) Nichiren Buddhism |
(Alex Yarijanian, a member of the SGI-USA, an organization dedicated to world peace)
* Kosen-Rufu: As SGI President Ikeda explains it: “Kosen means ‘to widely declare.’ Widely implies speaking out to the world, to an ever-greater number and ever-broader spectrum of people. Declare means ‘to proclaim one’s ideals, principles and philosophy.’ The ru of rufu means ‘a current like that of a great river.’ And fu means ‘to spread out like a roll of cloth (www.SGI-USA.org). Kosen-Rufu, is the dedication, it’s the cause, to bring about world peace and the victory and happiness of all people.
BACKGROUND:
This a letter I sent to my very dear friend and noble heroin dedicated to the victory of all people, Lernik Elle Sepanosian. Her and I are attending school currently to attain graduate Ph.D in social psychology, more specifically industrial organizational psychology.
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