|
The Rising Tide
of Humanism in Poland
By Maria Markiewicz
In the early 1990s an SGI chapter was formed in Poland. Maria Markiewicz,
the chapter women's division leader, describes her personal experiences and
her country's transformation.
It was in a small apartment in Warsaw that the Poland chapter of the SGI
was established on January 19, 1992. The inaugural meeting was attended by
around 20 members and friends. We will always treasure in our hearts the
message we received from SGI President Ikeda that day: "You are all
pioneers, worthy of utmost respect, with the praiseworthy mission of
opening a new path of peace and vibrant humanism and culture in eastern
Europe."
 |
| Warsaw members at the house of Marie Curie (1867-1934) |
Poland has had a tragic history, as seen in the extreme misery it suffered
under Nazi occupation during World War II. At the start of the 1980s,
however, the "Solidarity" movement led by Lech Walesa sparked a democratic
process which eventually forced the government to convene the Round Table
Conference in 1989, followed by the first free elections in July of that
year and the creation of a democratic government. The fall of the Berlin
Wall in November of the same year was the climax in a period of
unimaginably rapid change. At the same time, people had unreasonable faith
in the word "freedom," believing that it would produce immediate growth and
happiness just like magic.
I first started practicing Nichiren Buddhism in 1987 during a two-year stay
in New York. My husband, a professor at Warsaw University, had been asked
to teach at Rockefeller University, and our two daughters and I went with
him to embark on a new life in America, filled with hope and anticipation.
My daughters had been ill, one with heart disease and the other with an eye
problem, but they both underwent successful operations before leaving for
America. Almost as soon as we arrived in New York, however, I was involved
in a traffic accident that left me unable to walk for six months. My
husband expected me to be nothing but an obedient housewife, which plunged
me into severe loneliness for days on end. I repeatedly asked myself what
this "freedom" that America is so famous for was all about. I asked myself,
"What is happiness? What is the purpose of my life?" It was about this time
that a friend of mine advised me to start practicing Buddhism to strengthen
my life condition. I had no reason to reject it.
 |
| Mr. Walesa meeting with Mr. Ikeda in Tokyo (December 1994) |
I knew of no other SGI members in Poland, and after we returned to our
country in August of 1988, I practiced Buddhism alone and unsupported for
three years. In reality, the present chapter chief, Yoshiaki Ishizuka, was
living and working in Poland at the time, and Polish SGI members living
abroad had established a group to pray for peace in their home country. But
I had no way of knowing this. The only things I could do were remember the
guidance and encouragement I'd received in New York and talk about Buddhism
with my friends. One by one people started to chant with me, and we began
to conduct various activities together, always encouraging one another. I
found my life force strengthening and my confidence in humanity growing
stronger.
Around that time, I heard someone say: "Communism was a good system for
communists. Capitalism is a good system for capitalists. It is a shame we
still haven't found a system that is good for humanity." When I heard those
words, I felt that the key to realizing such a system could be found in the
achievement of "the human revolution of just a single person" as described
by SGI President Ikeda. To achieve that, what is most essential is the SGI,
a movement dedicated to helping people realize the tremendous potential
they inherently possess--what Buddhism calls the seed of Buddhahood.
 |
|
The Polish Version of
Choose Life |
In the fall of 1991, after searching for some time, I found SGI President
Ikeda's address in Who's Who and I wrote him a letter. Some time later, Mr.
Ishizuka brought me a reply. This was an opportunity to start regular
meetings of members living in Poland. We also made contact with Polish
citizens who were practicing Buddhism overseas. We now have a total of
about 60 active members. Youth division members are currently taking the
lead in our activities, which consist of discussion meetings, study
meetings, dialogues with friends and various other events. During 1999 we
were able to take part in two joint training courses with SGI members from
eastern Europe.
Many of our youth division members are
demonstrating active proof of the
power of Buddhism in society. Paolo Cozza, an SGI member who moved to
Poland from Italy in 1995, has set up his own automobile accessory company
and now employs 12 people. He is now developing business with large-scale
supermarkets, building a fine reputation in the sector as well as within
his local community. Paolo's home is now the meeting place for the local
members. Meanwhile, Dorota Zdun, a young woman, has worked her way through
college and is now a sales and marketing manager in a worldwide marketing
company. Although she is very busy, she always finds time to visit other
members and attend study meetings.
 |
| Ms. Markiewicz (left) at a meeting in the suburbs of Warsaw |
As for me, shortly after the SGI-Poland chapter was formed, I found a job
as a reporter for a women's magazine and have been able to interview
numerous famous people. Although my husband and I eventually divorced, my
job has given me many wonderful opportunities to meet and learn directly
from people in various walks of life, and it has also given me a chance to
introduce other people to Buddhism. In September of 1999, the
Polish-language version of Choose Life, the dialogue between SGI President
Ikeda and Dr. Arnold Toynbee, was published by Polish Scientific Publishers PWN. The publication has been featured in a major daily newspaper and
academic periodicals and has attracted wide readership in educational
circles.
Although SGI-Poland has only had a short history, the organization is
discovering its potential in a variety of ways, and each member is
deepening his or her determination to become a person who can make an
active contribution to society. Since the collapse of socialism, we in
Poland have had to change our value system. Regardless of differences in
nationality and political system, culture and race, all people need to find
practical answers to questions such as "How should I live my life?" and
"What sort of life should I lead in the future?" I am certain that the
spirit of compassion as embodied in the SGI--the desire to find ways to help
others--is the key to the transformation of the new century into a true
"Century of Humanity."
|
