Nepal SGI organized a Peace Symposium on SGI President Dr. Daisaku Ikeda’s 2019 Peace Proposal “Toward a New Era of Peace and Disarmament: A people-centered approach” on July20,2019. The symposium was attended by 70 members, guests including Shambhu Prasad Dahal, CEO of Sipradi Pvt. Ltd, Majoj Gajurel, famous comedian artist, Dr. Naveen Kumar, founder member of Nepal Medicity Hospital and Tanka Raj Acharya, founder and executive director of Pathshala school. The morning began with united gongyo and chanting of Nam Myoho Renge Kyo, followed by a lamp lighting ceremony by Chief Guest Dr. Mrigendra Bahadur Karki to inaugurate the event.
Mr. Navin Manandhar welcomed everyone to the symposium, noting that despite all the progress in science and technology humanity still struggles with a lack of peace within. Dr. Ikeda addresses the very root of this issue through his peace proposal. A representative of Nepal SGI’s Arts Division Mr. Bibek Blone Lama then performed a song to kick off the symposium.
Nepal SGI’s Senior Vice General Director Mr. Krishna P. Dawadee gave a speech welcoming all guests and fellow members. He reminded us that Nichiren Buddhism teaches that we can attain enlightenment in the midst of our daily lives, unlike older forms of Buddhism which taught that we only attain nirvana by escaping the world. Mr. Dawadee reminded us of the many challenges in our world today, including xenophobia, climate change, and marine pollution, likening them to the “burning house” from one of the parables in the Lotus Sutra. In this parable, a father tries many different ways to encourage his children to escape a burning house – a metaphor for the different ways in which the Buddha attempts to awaken others to their own inherent Buddha nature. This philosophy, that every individual is inherently worthy of respect, is the foundation of Dr. Ikeda’s peace proposals which he submits to the United Nations every year on January 26. Mr. Dawadee focused on three cornerstones of Dr. Ikeda’s peace proposal this year– a shared vision for world peace, people centered multilateralism and mainstreaming youth participation.
YWD Ms. Pratichhaya Chapagain’s speech was a call to action to understand and implement the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) at an individual level. Highlighting the refugee crisis and nuclear production, she reminded everyone of the “pathology of peacelessness” that Dr. Ikeda’s proposal addresses. Dr. Ikeda drew his inspiration from his mentor, Josei Toda, who in turn trusted his beloved disciple to propagate peace in the world. As Dr. Ikeda’s disciples, it is up to us to do the same now, Ms. Chapagain said. As Buddhism teaches, we each have the potential for both violence and peace, and our daily Buddhist practice of Gongyo and chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo enables us to win over our violent nature.
WD Block Chief Ms. Divya Singh highlighted Dr. Ikeda’s proposal to “strengthen momentum toward making the world’s universities hubs for the realization of the SDGs”. Citing the example of the United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI) which serves to connect institutions of higher learning with the UN’s global agenda, Dr. Ikeda has called universities “havens of hope”. Ms. Singh noted that there are 7 UNAI-affiliated universities in Nepal and that Soka University (founded by Dr. Ikeda) is also a UNAI member. She reminded us of the power of dialogue and the great potential of universities to contribute to world peace, as Dr. Ikeda suggests. She also cited Dr. Ikeda and Adolfo Pérez Esquivel’s joint appeal “To the Youth of the World: An Appeal for Resilience and Hope” in Rome last year wherein they express their complete trust in youth to resolve the challenges we face globally.
Nepal SGI Study vice Chief Mr. Amit Shanker Ranjit focused on Dr. Ikeda’s proposal for “Strengthening UN Initiatives on Water Resource Management”, where he emphasizes that access to clean drinking water is a basic human right which over 2 billion people worldwide lack. Dr. Ikeda proposes that a post of special representative for water resources be created in the UN to address this disparity. He also quotes the UN Secretary General, António Guterres, who has said that, “water has historically proven to be a catalyst for cooperation not for conflict.”
Distinguished Guest Ward Chief Ms. Shova Sapkota, noted the absence of peace in society and within families despite growing wealth and position. She reminded everyone that it is not possible to achieve peace within unless we discard our egos and arrogance.
Chief Guest Dr. Mrigendra Bahadur Karki spoke on how SGI President was encouraged to work for peace after his experience of 2nd World War during his childhood. There should be the concept of Global citizen for peace to prevail in the world. He emphasized the basic 3 points of people centered approach, Peaceful society after the demolishment of nuclear weapons and youthful participation to bring peace in the world. He also spoke on the establishment of Senior citizen friendly homes where they are respected to create peace in homes. How you treat your parents is the reflection of how your children will treat you in future, he said.
WD Vice Chief Ms Kanta Rizal wrapped up the symposium thanking every one for giving their valuable time to share Ikeda’s Peace proposal