Many of the world's most revered spiritual leaders have embodied this sentiment. Mahatma Gandhi told his followers, "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." However, agreeing with this quotation is much easier than actualizing it. So, what does Buddhism teach us about this concept and how can we be the change we wish to see in the world?
The need to take personal responsibility for the future was a major message delivered by Nichiren to his disciples in 13th-century Japan. He spoke out fearlessly against the arrogant authorities yet was infinitely kind toward people of sincerity. The Soka Gakkai International (SGI), the largest lay organization of practitioners of Nichiren Buddhism with 12 million members in 192 countries and territories, is continuing this tradition.
Our external circumstances - the harshness of our environment - don't prohibit us from experiencing inner joy and being the change. Gandhi along with Martin Luther King, Nelson Mandela and the three presidents of the SGI proved that. The spiritual founders of most religions also excelled in spite of their situations. Millions upon millions of unheralded individuals affect this kind of change every day. But, as Nichiren told his disciples, "to accept is easy but to continue is difficult."
Another aspect of being the change is the importance of setting a course that benefits as many people as possible. Daisaku Ikeda has said, "To possess wisdom and compassion is the heart of our human revolution. If you have wisdom alone and lack compassion, it will be a cold perverse wisdom. If you have compassion alone and lack wisdom, you cannot give happiness to others. You are even likely to lead them in the wrong direction. You also won't be able to achieve your own happiness."
Several years ago, my Buddhist friend, Ronnie Smith, on his deathbed, encouraged me to be the change. Facing the imminent end of his life, this was the message or realization he most wanted to share. This is what gave his life meaning. And I continue to learn that my daily Buddhist practice along with positive action and compassion for others really does make a difference. It takes all three.