It is impossible to overstate the importance of itai doshin or 'many in body, one in mind' to the realization of the ultimate purpose of Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism - kosen-rufu. Yet, it is a principle that may easily be misunderstood.

The first principle itai, 'many in body', embodies the deep respect accorded by the Daishonin's Buddhism to each person's unique character and circumstance.
The Daishonin teaches that fundamentally we are all Buddhas. Chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo with faith in the Gohonzon enables us to reveal our Buddhahood - our true, eternal self. As our commitment to our Buddha nature deepens, so, simultaneously, our own unique qualities and attributes become ever more apparent. This practice is not about becoming someone else, but rather about revealing who we truly are. Indeed, the 'Oral Teachings' remind us:"Cherry, plum, peach or apricot blossoms - all, just as they are, are entities possessing their own unique qualities". (Gosho Zenshu, p. 784.)

The second principle, doshin, literally means 'one in mind'. To place it in context, it may be useful to outline the four possible combinations of unity and disunity discussed in Buddhist writings :

- Itai ishin: many in body, many in mind. Here there is no unity of purpose. This concept is applicable to society today. Most people are pulling in different directions most of the time. Individual success is possible, but group progress is difficult. The extreme of this type of disunity is anarchy.

- Dotai ishin: one in body, many in mind. Here members of a group or organization appear to be united and committed to the same goal - they may even wear a uniform - yet, in reality, the members do not agree with the goals in their hearts. Time will prove their unity to be superficial. This concept also applies to an individual at cross-purposes with himself.

- Dotai doshin: one in body, one in mind. This is akin to fascism. Group members are coerced into looking, thinking, and acting the same; individuality is perceived as a threat and is crushed. Ultimately, this kind of unity will disintegrate into dotai ishin.

- Itai doshin: many in body, one in mind. This is the kind of unity advocated by Nichiren Daishonin as the 'blueprint' for achieving kosen rufu. Here, people are free to develop their individuality while working towards a common goal.

Daisaku Ikeda explains that for disciples of Nichiren Daishonin, 'Doshin (one mind) means to believe in the Gohonzon and to take the supreme goal of kosen-rufu as our own, personal mission.' (Daisaku Ikeda, Selected Lectures on the Gosho, Vol. 1, p. 156.) Doshin is therefore a teaching for ourselves as individuals. Only we can decide whether or not we will be 'of the same mind as Nichiren' (WND, p. 385; MW1, p. 93), and whether or not we will devote our lives to kosen-rufu. Others cannot decide this for us, nor can we cajole this out of others.

Doshin also means 'overcoming delusion'. Buddhism teaches that fundamentally there is no separation between ourselves and all other phenomena. We are all Nam-myohorenge-kyo. The Daishonin inscribed the Dai-Gohonzon to enable each of us to base our lives upon this truth, and in a letter explaining the true spirit of Buddhist practice, he writes:

"All disciples and lay supporters of Nichiren should chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo with the spirit of many in body but one in mind, transcending all differences among themselves to become as inseparable as fish and the water in which they swim. This spiritual bond is the basis for the universal transmission of the ultimate Law of life and death. Herein lies the true goal of Nichiren's propagation. When you are so united, even the great desire for widespread propagation can be fulfilled". (WND, p. 217; MW1, p. 23)

By 'transcending all differences' the Daishonin does not mean we should ignore our differences or pretend they don't exist. Rather he is urging us to break through the shell of our ego and emotions which so often divides us from others and communicate instead from the wisdom, courage and compassion of our hearts - our Buddhahood.

This is not easy. Yet, ultimately, true unity is only possible when we, as individuals, freely decide to transform our own lives and achieve kosen-rufu, no matter what. It is not about coercion, nor is it about leaning on others. Instead, Daisaku Ikeda likens 'many in body but one in mind' to a bamboo grove, where each stalk of bamboo sprouts up independently while their roots remain firmly intertwined beneath the ground. He writes:"The world of faith is the same: Because we share the same 'roots', because we share a common spirit and purpose, each one of us can grow limitlessly, reaching for the sky in our personal development and achievements. True unity is achieved when each person has the strength to stand alone - the conviction and fortitude to stand alone, even if you are the only one. Mutual dependency is not the answer". (Daisaku Ikeda, Discussions on Youth, Vol. 2, p. 231.) .

An apparent defeat can be a chance for us to discover the deeper cause of our suffering and to eventually overcome our negative tendencies, the fears which curtail our potential and the arrogance that shuts us off from others. Every step we take towards achieving kosen rufu (that includes our personal goals), is a chance to transform illusion into wisdom.

During our lives, we will encounter many obstacles. We show proof of our own personal growth in our attitude towards these obstacles. As Daisaku Ikeda says: "The fact that we continue to fight is proof of our victory as a human being".

Ultimately, true unity is only possible when we, as individuals, freely decide to transform our own lives and achieve kosen-rufu...

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This page was last modified on Sunday, August 20, 2006.