In her "WT Viewpoint," Mahogany Gamble shares what she gained from her meeting with the archbishop.
By MAHOGANY GAMBLE
Contributing Editor
It's amazing to think of the countless number of people working for peace in their own way. But most times, I focus so much on what society isn't doing that I lose sight of those who are making efforts on a personal scale, which are often what make the most tremendous impact.
"When you stand out in a crowd, it's always because you are standing on the shoulders of others." These are the words of Desmond Tutu, the archbishop emeritus of Cape Town, South Africa. His words reminded me that though there are a few in society we see working for peace, there are millions of others working with them for the same purpose.
Archbishop Tutu received the Gandhi, King, Ikeda Community Builders Prize (created through the initiative of Lawrence Carter Sr., dean of the Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel at Morehouse College) to recognize his efforts for peace. Shortly before he received the award on Jan. 26 at Morehouse College in Atlanta, he took a few minutes to sit down and talk with me about several subjects. Despite being under the weather that day, his desire to inspire others came through in our conversation. I could barely take notes as we sat and talked; I was so captivated. His eyes were filled with hope and compassion.
Every word and idea he shared was consistent with what I'd learned about him through his books, interviews and other sources. His optimism and hope are unchanging.
When I asked if he thought youth were lacking any values today, he shared that so many youth are standing up for the right principles and philosophy. While I see most of the world as thinking that people aren't standing up or heading in the right direction, he sees the more-hopeful side, and it amazes him.
I, too, was amazed that, although he had seen brutality and crimes against humanity in his youth, the archbishop still emerged with hope and a desire to make a difference. When asked about it, he said his hope didn't come overnight. He found it through his mother's example, one of the most influential people in his life. As he talked about her compassion, wisdom and care, I could see what a wonderful person she must have been. He also said that he learned so much from those around him that he considers himself a leader by default.
In the short time I was with him, I saw that Archbishop Tutu is an ordinary person who enjoys simple things and the people around him. Before going into the auditorium for the award ceremony, he wanted a Coca-Cola. During the ceremony, as the Morehouse College choir sang, he danced in his seat and tapped his feet. He spoke to the crowd as though he'd known them for years -- at times laughing with them as a friend.
He talked about the importance of forgiveness, saying that it is not simply pretending that things are OK. Many times, he explained, foregiveness requires a confrontation based on dialogue. "Forgiveness is so hopeful," he said, because it gives a wrongdoer the ability to change.
Archbishop Tutu also talked about a concept called ubuntu, or what he says is the essence of being human: A person must truly be him or herself for others to be themselves. He pointed out that we wouldn't be able to walk, talk or even be human without learning from others. No one can be totally self-sufficient, he said, and since we need one another, we should live and treat each other as brothers and sisters.
He mentioned his work as chairperson of South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commission, to which Nelson Mandela appointed him shortly after Mr. Mandela's release from prison. He said that while he had witnessed horrendous crimes against humanity, the Commission would have no purpose unless people believed that anyone and everyone could change. It reminded me of the philosophy we share in the SGI and SGI President Ikeda's continual admonition that we must not forget the potential that exists in everyone.
Being with Archbishop Tutu and spedning time learning about the efforts he'd made reminded me that I have to continually work to be more open-minded. I always thought I was, but I forgot that being truly open-minded means I have to be proactive in learning about others. It doesn't mean just accepting what I see and hear but requires taking steps to continue to expand myself. The archbishop says that he learns so much from everyone and that his children, his wife, his friends and many others are his teachers.
This experience helped me remember how much I can learn from others and what a positive influence others can have on me.
Archbishop Tutu is an example of the power of the individual to create change, especially when working for peace and the happiness of others.
--World Tribune, February 24, 2006, p. 6