Chapter 9_The Oneness of Mentor & Disciple
Many in Body, One in Mind
1. What Does “Many in Body, One in Mind” Mean?
The Bodhisattva way of life means striving for kosen-rufu —teaching others about the Mystic Law and working toward a more peaceful world.
To continue advancing in faith, two things are essential:
Mentor and Disciple Relationship
Many in Body, One in Mind
Many in Body
We are different in:
Nationality, culture, caste and creed
Gender and age
Personality and individuality
Opinions and preferences
Talents and roles
One in Mind
Despite these differences, we share one great purpose and vow: kosen-rufu .
Many in Body = Diversity
One in Mind = Unity based on the common goal of kosen-rufu
It is therefore “Unity in Diversity.”
2. One Mind Means the Great Vow for Kosen-rufu
The foundation of Many in Body, One in Mind is our great vow for kosen-rufu .
Remember:
We made this great vow as Bodhisattvas of the Earth .
During the Atsuhara Persecution, Nichiren Daishonin stated:
“My wish is that all my disciples make a great vow.”
This vow means dedicating our lives to the cause of kosen-rufu .
This great vow is also at the heart of the mentor-disciple relationship .
The first three presidents of the Soka Gakkai demonstrated this through their tireless efforts for kosen-rufu.
3. Overcoming Differences
Unity does not mean that everyone thinks or behaves identically.
The deeper challenge is overcoming differences caused by:
Ego
Self-centeredness
Fundamental darkness
Desire for power and prestige
Personal profit
Therefore:
Faith is also a struggle against our own self-centeredness and fundamental darkness.
When each person contributes while maintaining the same fundamental purpose, the community becomes powerful.
Formula to Remember
Many in Body + One in Mind = Strength for Kosen-rufu
4. The Heritage of the Mystic Law
The material emphasizes that the heritage of the ultimate Law of life and death flows in the lives of those who:
Chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo
Maintain faith
Share the commitment for kosen-rufu
Pray together for the happiness of others
Individual prayers and efforts become powerful when they are united by the shared vow for kosen-rufu .
5. Followers Should Be Like Fish and Water
Nichiren Daishonin describes the ideal relationship among practitioners as being inseparable like fish and water .
This represents:
Harmony
Mutual respect
Understanding
Support
Care and encouragement
How do we develop such relationships?
Work together for kosen-rufu
Follow the path of mentor and disciple
Inspire and encourage one another
Respect fellow practitioners
Believe in everyone's inherent Buddha nature
6. Respect for Fellow Practitioners
A key basis for unity is the conviction that everyone possesses Buddha nature .
The material connects this with Bodhisattva Never Disparaging , who bowed respectfully to everyone—even those who ridiculed and attacked him.
Therefore, when we genuinely respect fellow practitioners:
Respect → Understanding → Trust → Camaraderie → Unity
This helps create a community based on inspiration rather than antagonism or discrimination .
7. Challenge Destructive Forces
Unity can also be destroyed from within.
The material describes such people as:
“Warriors who destroy their castle from within.”
These are individuals who:
Become consumed by fame or fortune
Lose sight of faith
Put self-interest above the common purpose
Attempt to disrupt the harmony of practitioners
Such destructive actions must be challenged fearlessly .
Example: Nichiren Daishonin's disciples
Nichiren Daishonin designated six senior disciples to carry forward his legacy.
Of the six, five eventually abandoned the faith , while Nikko Shonin remained true to his mentor and continued building a harmonious community of practitioners.
Exam Point
Six senior disciples → Five abandoned faith → Nikko Shonin remained steadfast
8. Soka Gakkai and Many in Body, One in Mind
The material presents Soka Gakkai as an organization advancing kosen-rufu through:
Mentor and Disciple + Many in Body, One in Mind
The spirit demonstrated by the first three presidents is presented as the foundation for maintaining this unity.
When this spirit is alive, the organization can:
Give people courage and hope
Break through suffering
Challenge injustice
Stand firmly for truth
Help people transform their karma
Create happiness for oneself and others
9. “Soka Gakkai Buddha”
President Toda expressed the conviction that in future Buddhist scriptures, the name “Soka Gakkai Buddha” would be recorded.
This reflects his profound conviction in the mission and potential of the Soka Gakkai organization.
He regarded the organization as extremely precious and emphasized the importance of protecting it.
⭐ KEY POINTS TO REMEMBER
The two essential orbits of faith
Mentor & Disciple + Many in Body, One in Mind
Many in Body
Different people, personalities, backgrounds, opinions, talents and roles.
One in Mind
One great vow and purpose: Kosen-rufu.
Unity in Diversity
Differences are not the problem.
The key is transcending ego and self-interest while sharing the same purpose.
Great Vow
The vow of the Bodhisattvas of the Earth to accomplish kosen-rufu.
Atsuhara
“My wish is that all my disciples make a great vow.”
Fish and Water
Represents:
Harmony + Mutual Respect + Understanding + Support + Care
Basis of Respect
Everyone possesses Buddha nature .
Never Disparaging
Respect everyone and believe in their Buddha nature—even those who oppose you.
Internal destructive forces
Fame, fortune, self-interest and ego can destroy unity from within.
Six Senior Disciples
5 abandoned faith; Nikko Shonin remained steadfast.
Soka Gakkai
Mentor and Disciple + Many in Body, One in Mind → Kosen-rufu
Most important exam sentence
“Many in Body, One in Mind” means that although practitioners differ in every conceivable way, they unite in one heart based on the great vow for kosen-rufu, following the path of mentor and disciple.