A Call for Human Revolution and the Power of Prayer
I am not one to discuss religion, as I believe it is an intensely personal matter, one that should remain separate from government and state, especially when it comes to the well-being and support of individuals. This is embedded in the Constitution. However, I will speak from a personal perspective here, and while it is acceptable to touch upon the surface aspects of religion, I will do so from a philosophical standpoint.
Another philosophical aspect of religion that I firmly believe in is that such discourse should take place face-to-face (life-to-life). Over years of studying philosophy, I’ve come to understand that true wisdom manifests in this kind of interaction. Therefore, I will only share my personal thoughts and experiences here, but to delve deeper, I encourage you to read the concluding section of this post.
Religion has the potential to create an “Us vs. Them” mentality, which can lead to aggressive, even violent, behaviors, not to mention insidious actions. Our behavior should always be grounded in respect, kindness, and tolerance, regardless of what one believes, as it is everyone’s right to their personal faith.
To impose a particular ideology or mannerism (not necessarily the religion itself) and use political power—such as in Project 2025—to do so, is akin to a society where people are not only treated like sheep, but also herded like them.
A religion should first and foremost be centered around the happiness, well-being, and empowerment of others, aiming to see them surpass our own capabilities. I have practiced Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism for over 40 years, and while I won’t delve into the specifics (as I prefer face-to-face dialogue for deeper philosophical discussions), I truly believe society could benefit from a religion that prioritizes the happiness and well-being of others.
My mentor, the late Daisaku Ikeda, submitted Peace Proposals to the United Nations from 1983 until his passing. Among his many achievements, he was an ardent supporter of the Earth Charter (which, by the way, is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year). If you haven’t read the Earth Charter document, I highly recommend it; it serves as a road-map for where we stand today and embodies the philosophy of Earth itself.
I mention my mentor because I want to share three quotes from him:
“What our society today needs more than anything is the spirit of empathy—the ability to put ourselves in the shoes of those who are facing hardships and suffering, to understand and share what they are going through. When the spirit of compassion becomes the bedrock of society, and is embodied by society’s leaders, the future will be bright with hope.” – Daisaku Ikeda
Then…
“Our future self does not exist in some far-off place; it exists in the heart and mind of our present self. That is why we must face and tackle the realities that confront us.” – Daisaku Ikeda
And finally…
“Human revolution will be a primary focus for the world in the future. It is the spiritual basis for orienting everything in a new and positive direction, including our views of life, society, and peace. I believe that human revolution will be a concept of key importance for the twenty-first century.” – Daisaku Ikeda
Look—I have my faults, but changing my tone is not one of them, as reflected in the quote I often share on social media. We all reach certain points in our lives when we question what is happening and wonder where we will end up, especially when our leadership doesn’t align with the desires and needs of the people.
There has been a noticeable rise in suffering, and I’m not just speaking about the United States; this is a global issue. I sense that it’s time to abandon the “Us vs. Them” mentality, no matter one’s faith or vision for the future. We must refocus on the well-being and happiness of one another.
We must never forget the future of our children or the preservation of our biodiversity, as they are inseparably linked. I am not posting this to seek validation or elevate my endeavors—this message is about responding to the growing absence of humanity.
I implore you to set aside hatred and division and instead work together, rather than following a path that leads to more separation and despair. We can overcome these societal obstacles by transforming them into something incredibly beneficial for all of humankind.
We must prioritize the happiness of one another, the future of our children, and the preservation of biodiversity, as this all leads to a just and equitable humanity, prepared to face the worst of the Climate and Ecological Emergency. By doing so, we ensure our individual and collective self-preservation. Helping and caring for one another should be our focus, not creating walls of separation or perpetuating an “Us vs. Them” mindset.
Another important point I want to make, which highlights the concept of the Human Revolution, is my experience in Climate Justice Advocacy. In my pursuit of establishing my own Climate Company, I’ve faced severe and unwarranted attacks. Honestly, I don’t even know who these people are, but their actions have been consistent for years. At first, I was terrified, but I pressed on with my mission. After receiving some invaluable advice from a true friend, I transformed this challenge into an opportunity for growth. I have grown beyond what I thought was possible, and now I face adversity with the strength of a lion. These challenges no longer phase me—they have changed me.
I now see these challenges as opportunities to transform into a stronger, more capable version of myself—an elevated state of being. Revenge, in the truest sense, is not about retaliation; it’s about evolving into the best version of who we are, to such an extent that we surpass those who once tried to bring us down. In doing so, we may even inspire them to pursue their own growth. This is a message I hold close, as it is at the heart of my Human Revolution. I boldly declared that, because of these attacks, I would become, by 2035, a sought-after expert in Adaptive Resiliency—and now in self- and community-preservation as well.
If you’re interested in learning more about the Human Revolution, I highly encourage you to visit SGI’s website (https://www.sokaglobal.org/contact-us/general-inquiries.html) and locate a meeting near you. In the United States visit SGI-USA. These gatherings are taking place worldwide and resonate deeply with my personal belief in the power of face-to-face (life-to-life) dialogue when exploring the deeper philosophy of life. I can confidently say that such meaningful and transformative conversations are not found on social media or YouTube.
Discover the power within you at Buddhability.org! Learn how everyone has the potential to transform their lives through compassion, wisdom, and courage. Based on the belief that we all possess a “Buddha nature,” Buddhability provides insights that empower us to recognize our innate ability to change and grow. The truth is, we’re already enlightened—it’s just that obstacles and stress can make us forget. Join a compassionate, real community where you’re encouraged to believe in yourself again.
Thank you for reading this personal and spiritually-based thoughts.
Tito Alvarez
“A great human revolution in just a single individual will help achieve a change in the destiny of a nation, and, further, will enable a change in the destiny of all humankind.” – Daisaku Ikeda
empowerment & inner transformation... 