Friendship Part 2

Takemura: So people who have the courage to strike up conversation with others are able to make friends. But sometimes when we do approach someone in a spirit of friendship, we may be slighted or ignored.

President Ikeda:

Even if that happens, I don’t think it’s necessary to be overly worried about it. You need to be strong to initiate a dialogue. You must remember that experiencing rejection and disappointment is an inevitable part of life. I,too, have been betrayed by people whom I trusted and sincerely tried to encourage. But that didn’t surprise me at all; rather, it is something I have learned to expect. It’s crucial that you be courageous and live proudly, believing in yourself. Those who betray or bully others are the ones making bad causes; they are truly to be pitied. If you feel hurt or betrayed by someone, isn’t it better to make a new friend, rather than stop trusting people altogether? If you don’t trust anyone, yes, certainly, you might avoid being hurt or let down, but you’ll only end up leading a lonely, barren existence locked up in your own shell. The fact is only someone who has experienced pain and hardships can empathize with others and treat them with kindness. It’s essential, therefore, that you become strong. Be like the sun. For the sun shines on serenely even though not all of the stars will reflect back its light, and even though some of its brillance seems to emanate only into empty space. You may find that those who reject the radiant light of your friendship will naturally fade out of your life. But the more you shine your light, the more brillant your life will become. No matter how other people are or what they do, it is important that you walk your own path, believing in yourself. If you remain constant and stay true to yourself, others will definitely come to understand your sincere intent one day.

Kimura: I think that everyone feels that friendship is important. Many, however, discover that friendships with schoolmates only last as long as they attend the same school, are in the same class or involved in the same extracurricular activities- Once they move on, such friendships tend to fizzle out. As a result, some complain how difficult it is to find a lifelong friend.

President Ikeda:

There are many different kinds of friendships. Some friendships last a lifetime. But that are also friendships that only endure for a certain time- it might be twenty years, five years or one year. Sometimes your feelings may not change, but the other person’s do. You don’t have to be obsessed with the idea that friendship must last a lifetime. A friendship still has meaning even if it only lasts a short while. The main thing is that you respond with sincerity to each encounter.

Deep friendships are quite a rare thing. Cultivating them is like growing a mighty tree- a process that involves a different method of cultivation than that required for growing many small shrubs and plants. If you always remain sincere in your interactions with others, you will one day naturally come to find yourself surrounded by good friends. And from among those people, I’m sure you’ll forge lifelong friendships that are as strong and unshakable as a towering tree. Don’t be impatient. Please work first on developing yourself. Rest assured that an infinite number of wonderful encounters await you in the future.