What is the essence and spirit of the “mentor and disciple” relationship?
The essence and spirit of the relationship is about building character. You see an explanation of this ideal in a quote from President Ikeda:
“True character is forged only through hardship and suffering. Moreover, it is the mentor-disciple relationship, not organizational structure that builds character. Many great scholars, pioneers and leaders of the world have come to note how crucial the mentor-disciple relationship is.”
Who is the mentor?
Basically, it’s a person who expounds the principles of the Lotus Sutra.
“Both the teacher…and the disciples who receives his teachings will, in no long time, together become Buddhas through the power of the Lotus Sutra.” (Taken from Daishonin’s treatise, “Conversations between a Sage and an Unenlightened Man,” WND, 133)
The roles can change and disciple can become a mentor to another person or people while still maintaining the role of disciple in his/her original relationship.
Who is the disciple?
The disciple is everyone who practices this faith. For example, I am a disciple of my ultimate mentor, Nichiren Daishonin, and also my living mentor, President Ikeda. In addition, I am a disciple of people who shakubukued me into the practice—Lorrie (in Seattle), Ngu Yen, and Dornita (in LA).
I also think being a disciple means to embody the vow of your mentor. And in this case, it is to live my life as a Buddha and propagate Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism.
Why do we discuss this relationship as such an important part of the SGI practice?
We discuss it because the relationship helps to build true unity of purpose and commitment, and it fosters our development and growth. It’s a crucial element of our faith.
According to President Ikeda:
“Mentor and disciple are inseparable. Because they are so united, I, too, embrace my mentor’s heart as I travel the world opening the way for a great river of peace and happiness. A river’s grandeur attests to the greatness of its source.”
The mentor and disciple grow and learn together. It reminds me of the students that I tutor. On the hand, I am like a teacher to them; however, they teach me new things every time I see them. Sometimes they teach me.
Other times they teach me how to be a better tutor—how to explain things more clearly, how to be more compassionate, and how to be more confident as a person in life. I also see them overcoming their challenges and this inspires me to do the same thing in my life.
