Presents “INVENTOR / FLASH ALERT”
“THE HERO OF THE WORLD*
THE MAN WHO COURAGEOUSLY ENGAGED IN THE REALITIES OF LIFE AND SOCIETY
The special edition will be released on Monday 8th January 2024 at: AssumptaGH.live/
“The Hero Of The World”
“Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism primarily concerns itself with victory or defeat, while secular authority is based on the principle of reward and punishment. For this reason, a Buddha is looked up to as the hero of the world, while a king is called the one who rules at his will.”
The quote is from a letter written by Nichiren Daishonin, a Japanese Buddhist monk who lived during the 13th century. Nichiren believed in the teachings of the Lotus Sutra and sought to propagate its principles. In this particular letter, he was advising a disciple on how to navigate challenges and maintain faith in the face of adversity, blending Buddhist philosophy with practical guidance.
In the context of the provided quote, “hero of the world” refers to a Buddha, someone who is looked up to as a guiding and revered figure, bringing enlightenment and wisdom to the world.
President Putin
Having glanced through the letter Nichiren Daishonin wrote to his disciple, he said :
I feel as relieved as if the day had finally broken after a long night, or as if I had returned home after a long journey. Buddhism primarily concerns itself with victory or defeat, while secular authority is based on the principle of reward and punishment. For this reason, a buddha is looked up to as the hero of the world,1 while a king is called the one who rules at his will.
Be extremely cautious, and for the time being never submit yourself to writing a pledge, whatever it may concern. No matter how furiously a fire may rage, it burns out after a while. On the other hand, water may appear to move slowly, but its flow does not easily vanish. Since you are hot-tempered and behave like a blazing fire, you will certainly be deceived by others. If your lord coaxes you with soft words, I am sure you will be won over, just as a fire is extinguished by water. Untempered iron quickly melts in a blazing fire, like ice put in hot water. But a sword, even when exposed to a great fire, withstands the heat for a while, because it has been well forged. In admonishing you in this way, i am trying to forge your faith.
Buddhism is the reason. Reason will win over your lord. No matter how dearly you may love your wife and wish never to part from her, when you die, it will be to no avail. No matter how dearly you may cherish your estate, when you die, it will only fall into the hands of others. You have been prosperous enough for all these years. You must not give your estate a second thought. As i have said before, be millions of times more careful than ever.
Since childhood, i, Nichiren, have never prayed for the secular things of this life but have single-mindedly sought to become a buddha. Of late, however, i have been ceaselessly praying for your sake to the lotus sutra, shakyamuni buddha, and the god of the sun, for i am convinced that you are a person who can inherit the soul of the lotus sutra.
Be extremely careful not to come into conflict with others. Do not meet anyone at any place other than your own house. None of the night watchman 24 are sufficiently dependable, but considering that they had their residences confiscated because of their faith in the lotus sutra, you should, under ordinary circumstances, maintain friendly relations with them.
Then they will exercise extra caution on their nightly rounds and provide you with protection. Even should the people on your side make a slight error, pretend not to see or hear it.
Even if your lord should ask to hear the teachings of buddhism, do not heedlessly rejoice and rush off to see him. Answer mildly that you are not sure that you can comply, and that you will consult with some of my disciples. If you betray great joy in your countenance and allow yourself to be drawn in by his desire to hear the teachings, you will bring everything to ruin as surely as fire consumes whatever will burn, or as rain falls from heaven.
If the opportunity arises, submit to your lord the petition25 i have written on your behalf. Since it contains matters of great import, it will certainly create a stir. Even though this letter was written around the third year of Kenji ( 1277 ) by Nichiren Daishonin to one of his faithful disciples called shijo Kingo who was in a great personal danger.
“But to study the letter and base it on lived experience, Assumpta and I preferred to shift from theoretical stands and be more pragmatic.”
The hero, standing in the midst of chaos with the weight of responsibility heavy on his shoulders, suddenly experienced a realisation of his purpose, strength, and the path to victory. With newfound determination, he stepped forward, ready to face the destiny of his own country.
TSASI:
Heros has always cherished the timeless axioms, “The darker the night, the nearer the dawn” and “Morning always follows night.” Having faith that a new day will arrive is the spirit of heros who have suffered and fought to liberate the oppressed. These axioms indeed carry powerful messages of hope and resilience. They speak to the enduring human spirit, emphasising the idea that even in the darkest times, there is the promise of a new beginning. It’s a testament to the strength found in enduring hardship and looking forward to brighter days ahead.
The enduring presence of evil, negativity, and suffering is evident, particularly in Africa’s history post-slave trading and in the challenges faced by Russia, with both regions struggling. Africa has been plagued by ongoing issues and corruption, paralleling the difficulties experienced by Russia. President Putin must have grappled with the terrifying prospect of potential ruin due to his support for his country and its people, as well as the difficulty of explaining this situation to his fellow Russians and to himself.
Certainly. Reflecting on the circumstances described and the possibilities they present, it’s evident that the enduring struggles faced by regions such as Africa and Russia underscore the ongoing need for social, political, and economic transformation. The presence of corruption and the challenges experienced by political figures like President Putin highlight the complexities of governance and the profound impact of leadership decisions on societies.
“In the context of personal and spiritual challenges, the contrast between personal turmoil and the pragmatic steps of President Putin underscores the importance of resilience, practicality, and the cultivation of faith in navigating hardship. This presents an opportunity to consider the ways in which individuals and societies can approach and address adversity, as well as the role of spiritual or philosophical perspectives in finding strength and purpose during difficult times.
The possibilities for renewal, reform, and the cultivation of resilience exist on both societal and personal levels. This presents an invitation to explore how individuals, communities, and leaders can engage in meaningful action, foster resilience, and work towards positive transformation despite the challenges they face.
The form of nation-state created by the capitalists could not exist because capitalism, a concept driven by increasing meaninglessness, compels us to be corrupt, think in the short term, and dismantle our larger communities.”
ASSUMPTA:
In many instances, capitalism, particularly through its stakeholders, has failed to serve the people and contribute to broader community violence, and perpetuating poverty and hardship, forcing individuals to struggle for their basic needs.
TSASI:
It’s true that capitalism has faced criticism for creating inequality and concentrating wealth. While capitalism has brought misery, it did not address thoughtful policy, corporate responsibility, and social initiatives. Many advocate for a more ethical and inclusive form of capitalism that considers the well-being of all stakeholders, including employees and the community. Balancing profit motives with social responsibility is a key part of this discussion.
“Treasuring The People Creates The Cause of Prosperity.
ASSUMPTA :
In other words, do President Putin’s reforms testify to the fact that he genuinely wants to take care of his people, and that they truly respect and trust him in return.
TSASI
The phrase “Treasuring The People Creates The Cause Of Prosperity” suggests that valuing and investing in the well-being of the population leads to prosperity.
Remember that the hearts of the Russian people are filled with joy, believing in President Putin’s liberating them from oppression, a spirit that united them and contributed to their success.
ASSUMPTA:
As the history of Africa shows, the oppression and deprivation of liberties among nations and citizens may be a contributing factor to its declining power and prestige.
TSASI:
Indeed. The history of Africa illustrates how nations and citizens have been oppressed and deprived of liberties. These factors have indeed played a role in the decline of power and prestige in certain contexts. Addressing historical injustices, promoting good governance, and fostering economic development are crucial steps toward a brighter future for the continent.
ASSUMPTA:
Some claim that Africans were slaves and lacked the necessary sense of responsibility or creativity to build and innovate.
TSASI:
It’s important to challenge such stereotypes. African history is rich with examples of responsibility, creativity, and innovation across various fields. Countless individuals and communities have demonstrated resilience and ingenuity, contributing significantly to global culture, science, and technology.
The freedom of spirit is what unleashes the power of creativity, and it’s the spontaneous joy of each individual that ignites the passion to rebuild Africa.
ASSUMPTA:
“In the end, how can we overcome this negativity and recover from a loss of faith in each other?”
TSASI :
We have experienced oppression, with dedicated African leaders sacrificing their lives for the people, only to be killed. It’s now extremely challenging to assert our rights. Regrettably, we are witnessing our African leaders taking advantage of and oppressing their own citizens, which is wholly inappropriate. Indeed, to hear about the challenges many Africans are facing, It’s disheartening.
To witness oppression and the misuse of power, particularly when it comes from those who are meant to lead and protect their citizens. It’s important to remember that change can come from collective efforts and the resilience of the people. Seeking support from global organisations and advocating for transparency and accountability within leadership can also be steps towards progress.
Overcoming negativity and recovering from a loss of faith in each other generally involves open communication, empathy, and efforts to rebuild trust. This can be achieved through honest dialogue, active listening, and a commitment to understanding one another’s perspectives. Additionally, fostering a sense of community, promoting positive interactions, and engaging in collective efforts to address concerns can contribute to rebuilding faith and overcoming negativity.
ASSUMPTA:
In today’s modern world, President Putin has emerged as an example of a strong leader, demonstrating the depth of compassion needed to assist our people who have endured slavery and opposition.
TSASI:
Our leaders must cultivate profound compassion. President Putin has taken the initiative to liberate the people of Burkina Faso from poverty, demonstrating a realistic understanding of the psychology of imperialist involvement in Africa’s oppression and decline.
It’s important for our leaders to cultivate profound compassion. President Putin’s initiative to alleviate poverty in Burkina Faso is commendable, and his realistic understanding of the impact of imperialism involvement in Africa’s oppression and decline is crucial. Such awareness and action are essential for positive change.
ASSUMPTA
Life is indeed a struggle of winning and losing. It’s not an exaggeration to state that Africans have been deliberately oppressed, creating conditions of poverty and misery, hindering their triumph in life’s fundamental struggle. This is the battle between the evil forces and the ignorant Africans unaware of their true adversaries. Do we conquer these malevolent forces and achieve enlightenment, or do we surrender to them, leading lives plagued by darkness and illusion? The ultimate goal of our Buddhist practice is to attain victory in this fundamental struggle. That’s why enabling all people of Africa to triumph and feel empowered is such a profound endeavor.
The land of Ghana, often overlooked by its own citizens and leaders, is now marked by President Putin’s presence on African soil, expressing his determination to wholeheartedly support Africans—a cause that calls for African leaders to emulate and dedicate themselves to their countries, awakening to the nation’s ideals and goals. In conclusion, I hold the vision of Kwame Nkrumah’s pioneering spirit, representing a truly humane consciousness that fosters global wisdom for a peaceful and prosperous twenty-first century. Thank you for joining today’s dialogue, TSASI.
