COVER PAGE

SOKAHAN HANDBOOK
Contents
1. Monument of Sokahan
2. Sokahan Song & Translation
3. Tree of Sokahan
4. Basic Spirit of Sokahan
5. Five Points of Action
6. Sokahan Moto
7. Pride of Sokahan
8. SGI President Ikedas Message to BSG Sokahan (2005)
9. SGI President Ikedas Message to 54th Soka Gakkai Headquarters Leaders Meeting
10. SGI President Ikedas Speech - The Future Depends on the Youth
11. SGI President Ikedas Essay -Advance toward a Spring of HopePart 2 [of 2]
12. SGI President Ikedas Essay -Youthful Leaders of the Soka Group and Gajokai
13. SGI President Ikedas Essay - Expanding the Ranks of Our Youth
14. SGI President Ikedas Essay - March 16Eternal Day of Mentor and Disciple
15. The Honor of Making Unseen Efforts for Kosen-rufu
16. Vigilant Safeguarding
17. The Sinking of the Titanic: A Look at Human Behaviour
18. Spiritual Independence & the Soka spirit
Monument Dedicated to the Sokahan
In commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Sokahan on May 4, 1996, the Sokahan
monument was shifted from Shizuokas Aoki Youth Study Centre to the Makiguchi Memorial Hall. On May 5th
the following year, President Ikeda visited the monument and offered his prayers for the safety and growth of
all the Sokahan. On the monument is inscribed the following

Standing alone in the raging winds

You protect the castle of our 10 million comrades
To honor for eternity
Your lofty bravery and achievements
I hereby erect this monument

May 4, 1996
Daisaku Ikeda
Honorary President
Soka Gakkai
 Sokahan Song
A TSU HA RA-A RE SSHI WO MI NI-I U TSU-U SHI
NE GA I U-U MA RE SHI WA RE NA RE-E BA
KOO FU NO HO KO RI WA KA N PU U NI
HI TO RI TA CHI TA RI SO OKA HA N
SO O-O-O KA HA N

A SA KI O-O SA RI TE MA SU-U RA O-O GA

KI ZU NA MO-O FU KA KI JI-NRE TSU-U DE
SE-N MAN NI N NO SHIRO MA MO RU
GAKKAI GEN TA RI SO OKA HA N
SO O-O-O KA HA N

KO-O SE N RU FU NO HA TA-A TA KA-A KU

TO-O TO KI SHI MEI O MU NENI HI-I ME
SEI GI NO TA I GYO O- KACHI KA ZA RE
SA-N ZE NI SHI TE I TO SO OKA HA N
SO O-O-O KA HA N

A- A- HO MA RE MO TA KA-A KI
SO OKA HA N SO O-O-O KA HA N

This song was presented at a leaders meeting of the leaders of the Sokahan on March 11,
1978. The lyrics were written by representatives of the Sokahan and the music was
composed by Yasuhiko Sugino.

It is based on a poem presented by SGI President Ikeda to the Sokahan. The song expresses
the three fundamental guidelines of this group: to protect the Soka Gakkai, to take care of
the members and to whole heartedly devote oneself to struggling behind the scenes.

The song powerfully conveys the groups mission and determination to protect the Soka
Gakkai and advance kosen rufu.

The first verse describes the courage and dignity of the Sokahan as they steadily carry out
their duties, standing alone in the cold wind. The second verse describes their firm
resolution to stand up with deep faith and fight with unshakable unity together with fellow
members in order to protect the Soka Gakkai. The third verse expresses their strong
conviction that all of their actions are known to the Gohonzon, as well as their strong
conviction that all the of their actions are known to the Gohonzon, as well as their
determination to continue chanting Daimoku whatever difficulties they may face, to
courageously endeavour to do shakubuku, to spread the teachings of Buddhism and to fulfil
their noble mission to pioneer a new era.
(Sokahan Song Translation)
I, who wished to be born in this land,
embody the spirit of the Atsuhara Martyrs
as a Sokahan
standing alone in the harsh wind
with the pride of promoting kosen-rufu.

Sokahan
persons of courage, discarding the shallow,
allied together in a profound bond,
protecting the comrades castle of ten millions,
declaring the Gakkais correctness.

Sokahan
holding high the flag of kosen-rufu,
embracing my noble mission.
Be victorious! Achieve the great triumph of justice
with the spirit of mentor and disciple over the three existences.
Ah, glorious, proud Sokahan.
Sokahan Tree Image (Option): 1- Full View & 2 Closer View

Bodhi Tree of Sokahan at Soka Bodhi Tree Garden, India

Planted on January 2nd 2003
 Basic Spirit of Sokahan
Protect the Gakkai (SGI)
Cherish the members
Commit ourselves to work behind the scenes

1. Protect the Gakkai

The Sokahan is the front line of Gakkai who are the pillars of security and the
torchbearers of justice and happiness. Sensei quotes in an Essay on the Sokahan, There
is no more beautiful and joyous sight than that of young people taking on brilliant
struggles for truth and good.

It is not about just protecting members through our physical capabilities but more so
with our determined attitude and steadfast prayers to serve them always with a smile
on our face.

Sensei says in his essay Protect our friends and fellow members! Protect the respect
worthy people, the Bodhisattvas of the Earth! This is the credo of the Sokahan, which
strives to ensure the safe and smooth conduct of Gakkai activities.

To provide comfort and assurance to the members and ensure smooth conduct of the
meetings, we need to become strong in faith and win in life. It is important for a
Sokahan to be one with the mentor and wage wholehearted struggles together with the
mentor. This ensures a full-fledged victory for them- in Buddhism and in their own lives
and for kosen-rufu.

In a poem composed for the Sokahan, Sensei says

My pride
The best in the world
The Sokahan
To you I entrust
Soka around the world

Sensei holds the Sokahan in high esteem. He praised them saying, Your sincere deeds
and words are expanding friendship both inside and outside our organization. This
means we have the utmost responsibility to protect members and ensure joyful
meetings.

2. Cherish the Members

Sensei treats the members with all love and respect and expects the same from
Sokahan. While cherishing and encouraging each precious member, Sensei has built an
unparalleled organization in which everyone gets along well with one another and
advances with the spirit of many in body one in mind. We must strive earnestly with
powerful courage and honest intellect for the welfare of each and every member.

To achieve this, we must become dedicated and reliable. We must always be on guard,
never growing self-complacent or careless. Our Member First attitude and a strong
ichinen to serve them will ensure our victory and the blossoming of our humanity.

3. Commit Yourself to Work behind the Scenes

Sokahan should engage in the inconspicuous task of supporting and assisting others
behind the scenes. We must never aspire to hold centre stage in Gakkai, rather we must,
through efforts behind the scenes, lay the foundation of inspiring meetings to ensure
the smooth flow of kosen-rufu. Sensei says, In order to achieve something great
together, each person needs to take full responsibility for the endeavour. Each person
needs to stand up and take action. At the same time, instead of trying to be in limelight,
its important to support other behind the scenes and to give your all to their welfare.
Thats the secret to proper Soka training.

Sokahan training is very demanding and intense. Sensei says, It is crucial that during
your youth you lay a foundation for a lifetime of immense victory, consider your many
struggles as stones for this foundation and win in advance one fulfilling day after
another.

Last but not the least, there is a word of caution for us as well. We must NEVER wait for
someone else to respond to members needs or begrudge any responsibility given to us.
Our goal must be to always maintain such a high life state so as to pre-empt the needs of
the members. Sensei very sternly warns us against callous attitude in a guidance to
Sokahan, Someone who tries to take it easy while others to do the work is a pathetic
sham, the leaders of the new age are those who work hard themselves, strive to
encourage other sincere, dedicated people, and practice Buddhism in the spirit of not
begrudging ones life. Being a Sokahan is not about appearances. Those who are
concerned about impressing others or making themselves look good cannot wage a
wholehearted struggle.
 Five Points of Action

Act with the sense of responsibility

Speak clearly and politely
Be kind & gentle
Have a neat & clean appearance
Communicate precisely and accurately

Act with the sense of responsibility

Sokahan works on behalf of Sensei. Therefore, they must take all actions with a sense of
responsibility. Their actions must not show their own importance or authority. Rather, they
should concentrate on making members at ease. All actions of Sokahan are based on their
determination that kosen-rufu is their mission and that there can be no half-hearted
attitude in carrying out any action at achieve this.

Speak clearly and politely

Nichiren Daishonin says: The voice does the Buddhas work Clear speech is very important
to avoid any confusion. When we speak, the words should be clear and we must convey
complete information. Clarity of speech provides assurance to the members. We should
speak very humbly with members.

Be kind & gentle

Auguste Rodin wrote: The greatest men are always the kindest Sensei says..that I hope
you will always be kind to people and will cherish your fellow members and care for them
with utmost respect. I too, have served the members with complete sincerity and devotion.
That is why the Gakkai has developed into the organization it is today.

Consideration is a form of compassion. As a Sokahan, we must be considerate with

members and strict with ourselves. Our aim should be to impart joy to the members and to
make them feel relaxed and refreshed. If meetings are held in the morning, we should thank
them for coming out so early to attend. After the meeting, we should ensure that they leave
safely and happily. Such small gestures of courtesy add up and contribute exponentially to
widening the circle of Kosen rufu. We should imbibe the spirit of a humble foot solider of
kosen rufu.

Have a neat & clean appearance

Neat and clean appearance transmits joy to people. It makes the person approachable. As
Sokahan our, foremost dusty is to be approachable. If members feel reluctant to approach
us, then the purpose of being a Sokahan is lost.
A Sokahan should always be in a white short with a necktie, dark trousers, polished shoes
and a warm SMILE.

He should be able to make every member feel at ease since he is the first person with whom
a member comes across in the culture centres.

Communicate precisely and accurately

Prompt and accurate communication is the thumb rule for ensuring accident free meetings.
When things are reported quickly, we can respond quickly.

Allowing delays and inaccurate communications is inconsiderate and uncompassionate. It

also invites confusion. When this happens we cannot properly ensure welfare of our
members. As Sokahan, we must not succumb to laziness or inertia. A thoroughgoing
commitment to speedy and accurate communication is the path to vigorous development
and success without accident or mishaps.

Last but not the least, the eagerness and sincerity to serve the members on behalf of Sensei
is reflected through our life condition at the time of Sokahan activities. Hence, we should
chant lots of Daimoku before reporting for Sokahan activities to ensure happiness of
members.
Sokahan Moto
SPEED SMILE SAGACITY

The Pride of the Sokahan

With Soka
With our fellow members
With Justice
With Kosen-rufu
With Courage
With Victory
With Hope
With conviction

I wish to present these basic guidelines to the Sokahan, whom I respect and who are the
great leaders of the 21st century.

August 21, 1999

Daisaku Ikeda
President
Soka Gakkai International
 Message (2005)
(20th Sokahan Anniversary of Bharat Soka Gakkai)

To my trustworthy members of the Bharat Soka Gakkai, I extend my heartfelt

congratulations on the holding of the All India Sokahan Training Course, commemorating
your 20th anniversary. As I write this message, what comes to my mind are the earnest
faces of each of you, diligently studying and deepening your understanding of Buddhism and
its philosophy of peace at the site of the Soka Bodhi Tree Garden, a place that has captured
the hearts of your fellow members in 190 countries around the world. I am overjoyed and
reassured at the thought of the brilliant gathering of the Sokahan who are leading the
vanguard for kosen-rufu of India.

The Daishonin says: "The more gold is heated in the flames, the brighter will be its color; the
more a sword is whetted the sharper it will become." (WND p. 673, The Blessings of the
Lotus Sutra).

The passage means that the more we treasure and offer heartfelt praise to those who
embrace the Lotus Sutra and strive for kosen-rufu, the more benefit we will receive and the
more we will develop our ability to lead others to happiness. What characterizes the SGI is
its commitment to encourage each and every individual. It is my sincere hope that Youth
Division members, especially, Sokahan, will sincerely respect and encourage one another
and take the lead in the creation of a beautiful world of human harmony- that manifests the
Buddhist principle of "Many in body, One in mind

I rely on you to foster and cultivate exemplary youth who will win the trust and admiration
of people in society as India's hope and treasures.

I conclude my message with my heartfelt prayers for each of you, my treasured Sokahan, to
be in the best of health and succeed in all your endeavors. Please stay well!

August 28, 2005

Daisaku Ikeda.
President
Soka Gakkai International
SGI President Ikedas Message
54th Soka Gakkai Headquarters Leaders Meeting

Lets Continue Our Joyous Ascent of the Mountain of Kosen-rufu!

(SGI President Ikeda sent the following message to the 54th Soka Gakkai Headquarters Leaders
Meeting, held in conjunction with the Nationwide Youth Division Leaders Meeting, the Soka Group,
Gajokai, and Byakuren Group Joint General Meeting, and the National Soka Spirit Group General
Meeting, at the Toda Memorial Auditorium in Sugamo, Tokyo, on December 3, 2011. The gathering
was also attended by SGI representatives from 18 countries and territories.)

To all our dedicated members everywhereyour valiant efforts again this year have brought
splendid victories. The benefit and good fortune you are accumulating as a result are great beyond
measure. Thank you for all your tireless efforts.

I am certain that the Soka Gakkais first and second presidents, Tsunesaburo Makiguchi and Josei
Toda, would be especially delighted to see so many admirable pioneering leaders of worldwide
kosen-rufu, who have gathered from afar for todays meeting at the Toda Memorial Auditorium, a
magnificent hall of mentor and disciple. My warmest welcome to all of you!

*
Two decades have now passed since we gained our spiritual independence (in November 1991). To
mark this milestone, Id like to present three poems as an expression of gratitude and appreciation
for the intrepid struggles of my infinitely worthy fellow members who have striven wholeheartedly
alongside me all these years.

Allow me to share the first poem:

Championing the correct teaching,

we have resolutely triumphed over
all persecutions that arose
from malicious scheming
and unparalleled hatred and jealousy.

In a letter addressed to a follower who strove intrepidly on the path of faith, Nichiren Daishonin
writes:Because I am the votary of the Lotus Sutra, I have suffered all manner of persecution at the
hands of the three powerful enemies [i.e., arrogant lay people, arrogant priests, and arrogant false
sages]. How wondrous that you have, nonetheless, become a disciple and a supporter of such a
person! There must be some profound reason for our relationship. (WND-1, 451)

Who in the present age of the Latter Day of the Law, directly inheriting the Daishonins spirit, has
courageously battled persecution from the three powerful enemies, especially the third and most
formidablearrogant false sages? It is none other than the three founding presidents of the Soka
Gakkai and their disciples. The Soka Gakkai is the sole organization that is practicing the Daishonins
Buddhism exactly as he teaches.

In particular, it would certainly be no exaggeration to say that the persecution directed at the Soka
Gakkai by the Nichiren Shoshu priesthood was characterized by a cold calculation and a desire to
oppress and dominate that are unprecedented in the history of Buddhism. I know how painful and
difficult that time was for our dedicated members working on the front lines of kosen-rufu.

The Gakkai, however, steadfastly upholding the highest truth of the Mystic Law, has emerged
triumphant over all. Today, I would like to join my fellow members in 192 countries and territories
around the world in proudly proclaiming our total victory!

So the battle goes on even today (WND-1, 392), writes the Daishonin, affirming that he will never
cease his struggle. Let us also continue striving without end and achieve absolute victory!

*
Allow me to share the second poem:

Should you have a friend

whose days are filled
with anxiety and indecision,
give them a warm pat on the shoulder
and guide them to the path of happiness.

The youth division, warmly supported by the mens and womens divisions, is making great strides in
its ongoing development, with many new young Bodhisattvas of the Earth emerging in each region.

A pivotal mainstay of the youth division are the members of the Soka Group, Gajokai, and Byakuren
Group. Thank you for the great job you are doing!

Under Mr. Todas leadership, my wife and I exerted ourselves wholeheartedly in our youth to
support our mentor, work for the happiness of our fellow members, and protect the Soka Gakkai. I
strove with the fierce fighting spirit that is the hallmark of todays young mens division Soka Group
and Gajokai, while my wife strove with the pure-hearted spirit of todays young womens division
Byakuren Group. You, todays youth, are our direct successors.

*
The Daishonin writes: Those who believe in the Lotus Sutra are as if in winter, but winter always
turns to spring (WND-1, 536). Even when confronted with the harshest winter of karmic suffering, if
we continue chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo and striving courageously for kosen-rufu, we can
definitely bring the spring sunshine of happiness to shine in our lives.

The members of the Soka Gakkai, warmly encouraging and supporting each other, have
demonstrated this principle of faith for absolute victory.
Times are dark and peoples hearts are cold and numb. There is a desperate need for a sound life-
philosophy and strong, supportive human connections. Let us, therefore, talk to others about the
Daishonins Buddhism with a confident, upbeat spirit and further expand the great network of our
youthful Soka Gakkaithe most positive, warm, and friendly organization in all the world.

*
Lastly, allow me to share the third poem:

Continue to scale
the mountain of kosen-rufu,
reaching even higher,
confident that you possess
the infinite power of the Buddha.

Three decades ago (in 1981), I composed the long poem, Youth, Scale the Mountain of Kosen-rufu
of the 21st Century! It opens with a stanza citing the spirit of the famous British mountaineer
George Mallory (18861924), who, incidentally, was a friend of historian Dr. Arnold J. Toynbee. The
lines read: Why do I climb mountains? Because they are there!

Mallory, who believed that aspiration and endeavour were life-giving, remarked that he found a
close correspondence between the intensity of the struggle and the keenness of enjoyment. The
mountaineers insight resonates with the profound Buddhist teaching that earthly desires lead to
enlightenment.

It is by bravely taking on challenging mountains of lifes trials and tribulations that we can bring forth
our inner strength.

Ascending the summit of kosen-rufu, meanwhile, is the grand and magnificent undertaking of a
Buddha, seeking to guide humanity to the highest spiritual heights to which it can aspire.

Even in the face of the most seemingly insurmountable walls of rock, the mentors and disciples of
Soka, united in their shared vow for kosen-rufu, have always been able to summon forth the infinite
power of the Buddha to rise above all.

If we continue to chant vibrant daimoku and deepen our self-awareness of our own Buddhahood,
we can manifest the boundless and immeasurable power of the Buddha to an extent that we have
not yet even fathomed.

Above all, the life-state of Buddhahood imbued with limitless joy can never be defeated, no matter
what happens.

In the coming New Year, I hope you will join me in pressing onward in our joyful and intrepid ascent
of the mountain of kosen-rufu with unflagging energy, wisdom, and tenacity to fulfill our noble
missions in this lifetime.
I am sincerely praying for all of you, my dear fellow members around the globe, to enjoy long,
healthy, fulfilling lives, and also for the safety, security, and happiness of your families.

I wish you all a very Happy New Year filled with good health and good cheer.

(Translated from the December 4, 2011, issue of the Seikyo Shimbun, the Soka Gakkai daily
newspaper, NL No.8402)
SGI President Ikedas Speech

YOUTH DIVISION LEADERS MEETING

The Future Depends on the Youth

(SGI President Ikedas acceptance speech on the conferral of an Honorary Doctorate of Humane
Letters from the University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, the United States, held in conjunction
with a Soka Gakkai nationwide youth division leaders meeting, the 17th Soka Group General
Meeting, the 15th Gajo-kai General Meeting and the 23rd Byakuren Group General Meeting, at the
Tokyo Makiguchi Memorial Hall, Hachioji, Tokyo, on January 15, 2000.)

You Are My Successors!

Soka Gakkai second president Josei Toda declared: A new era is created by the passion and power
of youth.

My hearty congratulations on this first gathering of the new year for our talented youth division
members, the leaders of the Soka Gakkai in the twenty-first century! I want to state clearly, here and
now, that you, the members of the youth division, are the successors on whose shoulders the entire
responsibility for the future of kosen-rufu and the Soka Gakkai will fall.

A warm welcome also to our fellow members from abroad who have joined us today.

And my deepest appreciation to the interpreters. I look forward to your kind assistance again this
year.

Honor from Acclaimed Academic Institute

Most esteemed President Roselle, Professor Callahan, and Mrs. Norton: I humbly accept this honor I
have received from your august and internationally acclaimed institution of higher learning, the
University of Delaware, as a representative of our SGI members in 148 countries and territories
around the world. Thank you very, very much.

In truth, I should have visited the University of Delaware to accept this honor. Before I could fulfill
that obligation, however, President Roselle and his party were kind enough to travel to Japan and
carry out this dignified ceremony here. I must offer my sincerest gratitude for your consideration
once again.

[University of Delaware (UD) President David Roselle; Dr. Raymond Callahan, UD professor of history;
and Mrs. Mary Norton, an educator who has taught courses on philosophy, ethics and critical
thinking and who is the widow of UD professor of philosophy Dr. David Norton, travelled to Japan
from the United States to confer the honorary degree on the SGI leader.]

Today we also have with us representatives of the SGI-USA, which has made a fresh departure
toward the twenty-first century. One of them, Womens Division Vice Leader Linda Johnson, is a
graduate of the prestigious University of Delaware.
Behind-the-Scenes Effort Sets the Stage for Future Glory

Being held concurrently with this gathering today are the respective general meetings of the Soka
Group, the Gajo-kai and the Byakuren Group [behind-the-scenes groups that support the smooth
running of meetings and ensure the comfort and safety of members as well as the security of Soka
Gakkai facilities], the precious core members who will become the leaders of the kosen-rufu
movement in the twenty-first century. Congratulations on your general meetings! Thank you for
your tireless efforts day in and day out. Todays top Gakkai leaders, just like all of you, once exerted
themselves diligently as members of the Traffic Control Group (forerunner of the Soka Group) and
the Soka Group, supporting the members from behind the scenes. The same is true of many of your
seniors in faith.

I would like to accept this singular honor from the University of Delaware together with all of you, as
a symbol of the infinite glory that awaits all who work with selfless devotion behind the scenes.

It Starts with a Single Individual

The University of Delaware traces its origins back to a school founded in 1743 through the
commitment and dedication of one young man. That young man was a Scotch-Irish clergyman by the
name of Francis Alison, who emigrated to America from Ireland. During Americas colonial period,
there was not a single college nor even a good grammar school in any of the British territories there.
When Alison realized the lack of educational institutions in his new homeland, he decided to
establish one himself.

With great personal effort, he opened a free school in his own home in the township of New
London, Pennsylvania. Alison served as the mainstay and cornerstone of the school, which became
known as the New London Academy. This school was the precursor of todays University of
Delaware.

[The free school founded by Alison changed its location several times, setting up eventually in
Newark, Delaware, roughly eight miles from where it began in New London, Pennsylvania. It changed
its name many times, becoming the Academy of Newark in 1769, and then Newark College in 1833,
Delaware College in 1843, and the University of Delaware in 1921. The main campus of the University
of Delaware today is in the city of Newark.]

The first students of the free school ranged from eight to sixteen years of age. Today, young people
of the same age from the future division are with us. Thank you for your great efforts! In particular, I
would like to congratulate the members of the junior high school division on the thirty-fifth
anniversary of their divisions founding!

Inheriting the Founders Spirit

Alison was an early advocate of the separation of administrative, legislative and judicial powers and
other democratic ideals that were truly revolutionary at the time, and he shared those ideas with
his students. The first graduating class, which had received personal instruction from him, inherited
his spirit and went on to make great contributions to American society in the realms of government,
business and public opinion. Among them were governors, congressmen, doctors and scholars.
Three members of the first class were later to sign the historic Declaration of Independence.
The State of Delaware, where the university is located, was the first state to ratify the new
constitution, from which it has earned the nickname, the First State. Members of the first class of
Alisons free school also played an active role in the new constitutions establishment.

Though a group or institution may be small and have only a few members, as long as it has a strong
core it is possible to build the foundation for eternal development.

All of you gathered here today are talented members of the first class of our youth division for the
new century, people whose brilliant light will shine across the new millennium. Please forge ahead
dauntlessly, with pride and self-confidence, encouraging and supporting each other along the way.
Never abandon your faith!

A History of Always Giving Ones Best Effort

Dr. Roselle, an eminent mathematician, is the twenty-fifth president of the University of Delaware,
with its hallowed tradition of more than two hundred and fifty years. Dr. Roselle says that he wants
to be known as the president who did the most for this university, and is committed to
demonstrating this resolve in concrete form. He states that this is the way he lives his life.

In accord with this conviction, President Roselle has, over the last ten years, led the university to
unprecedented development, while placing the highest importance on the welfare of each student.
For instance, the University of Delaware has been named one of the ten U.S. institutions
demonstrating bold leadership in classrooms according to the National Science Foundation. This is
a golden achievement that all connected with the university can be proud of.

I hope that all of you, the members of the youth division, will also establish a record of careful,
steady achievement in the respective spheres of your mission, so that no matter what anyone else
may say, you can declare that youve done your very best.

Life, at times, may seem like one long drag, but the challenge is to find a way to make life interesting
and exciting. That is the drama of human life. The thing is to discover enjoyment and excitement
amid the challenges of daily life. Our hearts, our minds, possess a wisdom that enables us to change
anything unlimitedly.

The training we receive in our youth, our Buddhist practice and our participation in Gakkai activities
all help us build an indestructible, diamond-like spirit that finds life itself a joy. All these challenges
benefit our lives.

Dialogue among CivilizationsA New Watchword

Recently, the term dialogue among civilizations has become a watchword of our times. Thirty
years ago [in October 1970], I conducted a series of dialogues on the subject, CivilizationEast and
West, with Count Richard Coudenhove-Kalergi (18941973), a leading proponent of European
unification and founder of the Pan-European Movement. Our dialogues were later published in book
form in Japanese. From that time, I have actively striven to pursue inter-civilizational dialogue with
leading figures around the world.

At the end of my dialogue with the great British historian Arnold Toynbee (18891975), Dr. Toynbee
took my hand and said to me: Dialogue will play a major role in forging harmony between the
cultures, peoples and religions of the world. In order to bring the worlds people closer together, I
hope that you, young as you are, will extend this dialogue far and wide. These were his last words
to me, and I promised to do as he asked.

With that promise locked firmly in my heart, I set about to engage leading thinkers from every
continent in dialogue, and have to this day participated in more than 1,500 inter-civilizational
dialogues. And more than twenty of my dialogues with leading intellects from around the world
have been published.

UN International Year of Dialogue among Civilizations in 2001

The motto of the Toda Institute for Global Peace and Policy Research, which I founded four years
ago based on Mr. Todas ideal of global citizenship, is Dialogue of Civilizations for World
Citizenship. I was happy and honored that the United Nations subsequently designated 2001 as the
International Year of Dialogue among Civilizations.

Next month [February 2000], to commemorate the centennial of Mr. Todas birth, the Toda Institute
will sponsor an international conference in Okinawa, which will be attended by leading scholars
around the world. The theme of the conference is Dialogue of Civilizations: A New Peace Agenda
for a New Millennium.

The topic of dialogue among civilizations is also slated for discussion at the G-8 Summit to be held
in Okinawa in July of this year.

Yesterday [January 14], President Roselle and his party met and talked with officials of Soka
University. I received a report of their discussion and it contained some important points, so I would
like to share some of them with you today.

Dr. Roselle remarked that while the nineteenth century was the century of chemistry, and the
twentieth the century of physics, the twenty-first century will be the century of biotechnology. The
great discoveries in chemistry and physics, he said, have resulted in both positive and negative
experiences for humankind. We must take care, he cautioned, that we do not suffer from the same
kind of negative experiences in the twenty-first century.

Mrs. Norton then added that biotechnology touches upon the very secrets of human life, so it is
crucial that we proceed based on a firm ethical and moral foundation. There is a vital need today,
she said, for philosophy and ethics.

I agree completely with both Dr. Roselle and Mrs. Norton. In fact, this is one reason that I have
continually called for humankind to make the twenty-first century the century of life.

At any rate, from today I have the honor of being a member of your fine university, a citadel for
world citizenship, and I am determined to work even harder in myendeavours.

My young friends of the youth division, please join me in courageously and vigorously rousing great
waves of dialogue among civilizations, among people, and on the subject of life.
Why Are We Persecuted?

The late Dr. David Norton, a great philosopher, had a deep understanding of the SGI movement and
was always ready with warm words of encouragement and support. Why is the Soka Gakkai, an
organization working to bring the worlds people together through its movement for peace, culture
and education, maligned and persecuted in Japan? Dr. Nortons reply to this question was splendid.
The first reason he gave was the jealousy of an anachronistic clergy. The second reason he cited was
a powerful reaction on the part of nationalist, authoritarian and parochial forces in Japan, which are
against any movement that seeks to make the people strong and independent.

Despotic leaders, it is true, fear the solidarity of the people. No matter how forbidding such leaders
may appear, they are really cowards inside. That is why they fear the forces of truth and justice, and
why they persecute them. Nichiren Daishonin, too, was persecuted because of his devotion to truth.
Since the Soka Gakkai is an organization dedicated to truth, an organization directly linked to the
Daishonin, it is only natural that we, too, should undergo persecution.

Fear Nothing

Dr. Norton, who was always engaged in a relentless spiritual quest, warmly encouraged the
members of the youth division, urging them to fear nothing. He strongly hoped that the youth
would work to firmly secure respect for cultural diversity, an indispensable factor for ushering in a
new era for humankind, and also particularly defend freedom of religion, one of the cornerstones of
democracy.

On June 6, 1944, first Soka Gakkai president Tsunesaburo Makiguchi celebrated his last birthday in
prison, while continuing to wage his unrelenting struggle against militarism by engaging the
prosecuting authorities in dialogue, rigorously refuting their erroneous views. On that very day, the
decisive battle of World War II, the Allied invasion of Normandy, in Northern France, began.

Prof. Callahan, who is with us today, is a respected historian renowned for his studies of military
history. Why did the Invasion of Normandy, the largest military operation ever mounted, succeed?

Learn Quickly

Prof. Callahan has suggested that the reason for the Allied victory was that the Allied forces
demonstrated a greater ability to learn quickly and adapt to big changes. How true! We must learn
from this lesson of history.

What was the source of their adaptability? While many reasons may be given, we should note first of
all that the Allied forces were younger than their opponents.

According to one source, the average age of the Nazi forces guarding the Normandy coast was forty-
five. Some soldiers were fifty-six or older. Further, the soldiers with seniority threw their weight
around, giving rise to a bureaucratic and sluggish organization. In addition, the Nazi defense took its
orders from Hitler, who was far away.

Contrast this with the average age of twenty-five for the Allied forces. The Allies commanded a force
of courageous youth, who were undaunted by sudden changes. In addition, their commanders were
always there on the battlefront with them, giving orders. The Allied soldiers also burned with a
strong determination never to retreat, and to win without fail.

Youth itself is an incredible strength. It is a source of tremendous power. No tyrant is a match for it.
Youth in itself means that you are a royal champion of life.

The Soka Gakkai has always won its struggles because the youth have taken the lead. Thats why our
focus in the future, too, must be the youth. Unless we focus on the youth, we will have no future.

Those of you who are in your twenties, in particular, are our greatest hope. If you make your heart
one with mine, our movement will definitely succeed in the twenty-first century as well. I hope you
will rally together those of your same age group and forge a solid alliance of shared purpose.

Since you are young, I hope you will speak out bravely. If you are timid and do not fight for what is
right, you are only preparing the way for your own defeat.

I urge the men to learn more from the strength of women.

For the women, I wish happiness. Becoming happy is the purpose of life. Please walk unswervingly
along the path of happiness, letting nothing distract you from its course.

Leading an Exhilarating Life

As a youth, it is your duty to fight against evil and injustice. We cannot give rise to good, unless we
bring an end to iniquity. If we dont remove the poison, we will succumb to it; no medicine will be to
any avail.

There is nothing more wonderful than devoting ones youth to the cause of justice and truth. Please
live out your lives as champions of justice and truth. I want you to win out in all lifes struggles with a
joyous sense of exhilaration.

Please build a solid foundation in your youth, so that one day you can look back and say, My life
was a good one. It was fun. It was interesting. It was enjoyable.

I am praying, and waiting, for your growth, your victory and your magnificent achievements.

In closing, allow me to offer my prayers for the excellent health of Dr. Roselle and the distinguished
guests here today and for the brilliant development of the University of Delaware, which is leading
the way to a century of education.

Thank you very much. (Said in English.)

(Translated from the January 20, 2000 issue of the Seikyo Shimbun, the Soka Gakkai daily
newspaper, NL No.4223)
SGI President Ikedas Essay

OUR BRILLIANT PATH TO VICTORY

By Shinichi Yamamoto

Advance toward a Spring of HopePart 2 [of 2]

Members of the Soka Group

you have my eternal
respect and gratitude.
The work of the young mens division Soka Group, dedicated to supporting our members behind the
scenes even in the coldest conditions, is by no means conducted in the limelight. Yet, day after day,
the Soka Group members continue to resolutely follow the path of mentor and disciple, protecting
their fellow members and our organization. All of their sincere, unseen efforts are observed by the
Buddhas and heavenly deities, and their lives are imbued with tremendous good fortune and
benefit.

I will continue to watch over them and send them daimoku as long as I live. This is my firm resolve.

*
How wonderful is
the Gajokai, a gathering of
youthful Bodhisattvas of the Earth!

February is the month of the establishment of our admirable Gajokai, the young mens division
group whose role it is to safeguard SGI community centers. My thoughts turn to this great network
of valiant young men who are earnestly committed to the noble cause of kosen-rufu. I will never
forget them.

I recall one particular Gajokai leader in Kansai. I always enjoyed hearing of his activities, but more
than 10 years ago he died in an accident, leaving behind a wife and young family. When I heard the
news, I immediately offered prayers for his eternal happiness.

Later, when my wife and I were visiting Kansai, I personally encouraged his widow, who was doing
her best to raise their three sons. I came here today just to see you, I said, and then presented her
with a letter for her children. In it, I wrote: Your beloved father is alive in your hearts. Your
wonderful father lives on in your mothers heart. Never be defeated! Never give up! Through
chanting daimoku in front of the Gohonzon every day, you can be united in spirit with your father.

The childrens hope-filled victories would become proof of their fathers victory, and signify the
shared triumph of parent and child.

Their mother is now a Kansai womens division leader, while all three sons have graduated from the
Kansai Soka schools and grown into fine young men who would make their father proud.
The ties of the Soka family create an everlasting drama of hope and victory transcending life and
death, pervaded by the noble virtues of eternity, happiness, true self, and purity.

In recent years, in Japan, members of the Ojokai, the mens division equivalent of the Gajokai, have
been working with their counterparts in the young mens division to protect our community centers.
They have my utmost respect and admiration.

Blue skies shine above

our pillars of victory,
the members of the Ojokai.

The French philosopher Michel de Montaigne (153392), who was born 480 years ago tomorrow
(February 28, 2013), wrote in his famous Essays: [The word] is the only tool by which we can
communicate our wishes and our thoughts; it is our souls interpreter; if we lack that, we can no
longer hold together; we can no longer know each other.

Words express what is in our minds. Coming from our heart, our words have the power to touch the
hearts of others and bring people together. Without words, our thoughts cannot be communicated.
That is why I place such importance on one-on-one dialogue.

*
Thinking back, it was in February, 20 years ago (1993), during my trip to South America, that I forged
an indelible friendship with Austregsilo de Athayde (18981993), president of the Brazilian
Academy of Letters.

Mr. Athayde, who was 94 years old at the time, went out of his way to meet me at the airport in Rio
de Janeiro. He was a champion of the written word, an outspoken activist, having composed an
average of two newspaper columns a day over his 70-year career.

Mr. Athayde said to me: Let us continue our struggle, armed with lofty words as our greatest
weapon. I was overjoyed to be meeting with a true comrade in spirit, a leader in the struggle of
words.

Nichiren Daishonin repeatedly emphasizes the importance of words and the tremendous power of
the voice, saying that the voice does the Buddhas work (cf. OTT, 4) and urging us not to spare our
voices.

Kosen-rufu has and always will be a struggle of wordsfrom the Daishonins day, to the present,
and into the future. It is an impassioned effort to speak out for what is right.

Lets continue to strive and win for the sake of kosen-rufu, inspiring others with confident words of
encouragement and dispelling the darkness of the age and society with words of truth and justice.

*
My trip to South America in 1993 coincided with the serialization of the final chapter of volume 12 of
The Human Revolution in the Seikyo Shimbun. I was in Rio de Janeiro when the last
instalmentappeared in the paper, on February 11, the anniversary of my mentor Josei Todas birth.
On that day, with deep appreciation, I composed an epilogue to the series, in which I wrote:
Ultimately, President Todas life was an example of a single individuals sublime human revolution; I
was convinced that chronicling it would make it possible for multitudes of people to pursue that
same path.

Today, SGI members around the world are eagerly following this path of human revolution, of the
shared struggle of mentor and disciple. How delighted Mr. Toda would be! For me, as his devoted
disciple, there could be no greater honor.

During that trip to South America, my fellow members welcomed me vivaciously in an energetic
display of their victory. I will never forget their bright smiles.

I fondly recall that I was joined on this trip by a delegation of members from throughout Japan, and
together with them wrote another memorable page in my travels for worldwide kosen-rufu.

*
Lets give our all in February! Lets achieve a new record of victory of mentor and disciple in
February!embracing this spirit of the February Campaign, members across the globe are striding
forward energetically.

This month (February 2013), SGI leaders from Japan [headed by SGI General Director Yoshitaka Oba
and SGI Womens Leader Kayoko Asano] visited Brazil, Bolivia, and Paraguay. The SGI organizations
in those countries have been experiencing great development.

In Argentina, Peru, Chile, and Colombia, there has also been wonderful progress in kosen-rufu.

In every area of Latin America and the Caribbeanincluding also Venezuela, Ecuador, Uruguay,
Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, the Dominican Republic,
Haiti, and Cubaour members are striving vigorously, united by profound karmic ties as fellow
Bodhisattvas of the Earth.

Incidentally, SGI organizations in Chile, Brazil, and the United States celebrate Womens Day on
February 27.

In South Korea, too, the womens division took the lead in a February Campaign this month,
achieving splendid results. Their sincere, humanistic efforts for others happinessexpressed
through chanting daimoku, encouraging one another, and engaging others in dialogueembody the
true spirit of Nichiren Buddhism. The members of the womens and young womens divisions are
working together and bringing flowers of infinite hope and happiness to bloom throughout society,
like South Koreas beautiful national flower, the Rose of Sharon.

In each region and country, our members are standing up and making great breakthroughs toward
victory in our kosen-rufu movement.

In the original February Campaign, 61 years ago (in 1952), I rose into action based on the shared vow
of mentor and disciple. This has now become an annual tradition carried on by members worldwide.

*
In Japan, from the second half of February through early April, induction and graduation ceremonies
for the behind-the-scenes young womens division Byakuren Group will take place.

As a child, my wife attended discussion meetings with her mother. On one occasion, she had the
opportunity to escort founding Soka Gakkai president Tsunesaburo Makiguchi from the nearby train
station to the meeting place.

As a young womens division member, she not only actively shared the Daishonins teachings with
others but also warmly welcomed a steady flow of members to her home, where local Gakkai
meetings were regularly held. In addition, she did her utmost to encourage and support younger
members.

Mr. Toda gave my wife the nickname Send-off and Welcome Officer because she was always on
hand to see him off and welcome him back from regional guidance trips. In other words, she was a
forerunner of todays Byakuren Group members.

A monument to the Byakuren Group stands on the grounds of the Soka Gakkai Shiga Training Center,
located on the shores of Lake Biwa. Once, when I was visiting the center, I presented the Kansai
womens and young womens division members with these words of encouragement: Win out over
yourself today; that is the key to your victory in life ten years hence, and Possessing a profound
determination and vow in your youth, you are certain to become champions of happiness
throughout the three existences.

The members of the Kojokai, the womens division equivalent of the Byakuren Group in Japan,
themselves embody these ideals.

My wife and I are chanting earnestly each day that the women of the SGI around the world will enjoy
lives brimming with happiness and victory.

The lotus flower

blooms in this day and age,
destined from the remote past.

*
Nichiren Daishonin constantly called out to his disciples:

You must summon up the great power of faith more than ever. (WND-1, 1000)

*
Strengthen your resolve more than ever. (WND-1, 615)

*
You should therefore strive in faith more than ever to receive the blessings of the Lotus Sutra. (WND-
1, 33)
Our courage is limitless and our efforts know no bounds. As long as we have that spirit and continue
to press forward, cherishing the great ideal of kosen-rufu in our hearts, the path to victory will open
up endlessly before us.

Let us continue our forward momentum from February into March. With ever greater resolve,
energy, and enthusiasm, let us lead the way into a new month of hope!

Brimming
with the power of faith and practice,
take aim and
hit the target of victory
with your strong determination.

(Translated from the February 27, 2013, issue of the Seikyo Shimbun, the Soka Gakkai daily
newspaper NL No.8759)
SGI President Ikedas Essay

THE LIGHT OF THE CENTURY OF HUMANITY

By Shinichi Yamamoto

Youthful Leaders of the Soka Group and Gajokai

There are people who have thoroughly won in life, shining with the actual proof of genuine
happiness. Yet many others have ended up in a state of misery and profound suffering, fading into
oblivion despite having once enjoyed enormous popularity through the media.

Now, it is you, my young friends, striving earnestly for the welfare of others, who shine with
powerful courage and honest intellect.

It is spring, and the cherries are in bloom again. Lovely blossoms are beginning to appear on the
regal Youth Cherry Tree in front of the Soka Gakkai Headquarters.

The 19th-century German poet Heinrich Heine proclaimed:

Go drum the people up from sleep,

drum reveille with youthful fire,
march onward drumming, on and on

Lets march onward! Behold, the spirited youth in the vanguard! They are our gallant friends of the
Soka Group and Gajokai. There is no more beautiful or joyous sight than that of young people taking
on valiant struggles for truth and good.

On January 3 (2005), my wife and I left the Tokyo Makiguchi Memorial Hall in Hachioji and drove
through the snow-draped Musashino landscape to the Akigawa Peace Center, the local Soka Gakkai
community center in Akiruno City [a western suburb of Tokyo]. We wanted to encourage the
Akigawa General Ward members, who had set an example for all of Tokyo with their phenomenal
growth. On the way, we crossed over the Akigawa River, one of the branches of the Tamagawa river
system.

When we arrived at the community center, two Gajokai members were on duty, wearing the groups
distinctive red neckties. I opened the car window, waved, and had the driver sound the horn. When
the Gajokai members saw us, they waved back enthusiastically.

I later learned that the parents of one of the members were hearing-impaired, and that they had
worked hard to raise their son to be a splendid individual who would contribute to society. In
response to his parents sincere prayers, the son has become a dedicated and reliable young man.
This deeply moved me.

The parents and grandparents of many of todays youth division members initiated the kosen-rufu
movement in the Soka Gakkais early days. Though they were targeted with innumerable slanderous
lies and shallow criticisms, they were strong. They had faith. And they won.
These noble predecessors endured hardships stemming from the slander and abuse and hatred
and jealousy described by Nichiren Daishonin, and practiced just as the Lotus Sutra teaches. Both
the Daishonin and Shakyamuni Buddha were falsely accused of engaging in immoral relations with
women and were attacked with all sorts of cruel and utterly baseless fabrications. Similar lies were
written about former Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai. Envy is a terrible thing. Jealousy is wretched.

Soka Gakkai members have continued to speak out to set the record straight, striving in
communities throughout Japan even while braving an onslaught of falsehoods and malicious
accusations. Waging wholehearted struggles together with me, they have achieved victory in their
own lives and for kosen-rufu.

There were unscrupulous people, driven by base avarice. There were crooked and cunning
politicians. There were members whom we thought were on our side but, after attaining a degree of
celebrity or power, became corrupted and betrayed us, abandoning our movement dedicated to the
cause of truth. Their eyes took on a deceitful, envious, malevolent look. There were also ingrates
whose lives ended in unrelenting pain and suffering, facing death filled with regret. Their lives were
sad failures of their own making.

But I, in contrast, always had courageous comrades and dependable friendsfellow members who,
though they may have been just ordinary men and women, were truly wonderful human beings.
They all triumphed. I regard my life as the happiest. We are full-fledged victorsin society, in
Buddhism, and in life. Whatever others may say, a winner is a winner, and a loser is a loser.

Those who have experienced deep suffering and pain eventually grow into strong, invincible people.
Our noble Soka Gakkai is an eternal and indestructible citadel built through the sweat and tears of
these uncrowned bodhisattvas and Buddhas, the parents of many of todays youth division
members.

Oh, my youthful friends! You, who will emerge as great leaders of the future! It is crucial that during
your youth you lay the foundation for a lifetime of immense victory. Consider your many struggles as
stones for this foundation, and win and advance, one fulfilling day after another.

Premier Zhou encouraged young people, declaring at a time of construction: We cannot afford to
be self-complacent or careless. This is so true. My young friends, forever strive for the crown of
glorious victory. Do not allow your youth to be a time of defeat, tossed about by dark storms. Now
you must challenge many difficulties and overcome countless hardships, no matter how bitter or
painful, so that you may gain confidence in your future triumph and savor the radiant light of the
sun. Please remember the rich music that reverberates endlessly in the depths of your hearts.

Thinking of our precious, precious Gajokai members, who exert themselves tirelessly to protect our
various activity centers throughout Japan and around the world, I composed the following poem:

A magnificent
time of youth
as Gajokai.
I pray you will go on
to become a leader of leaders.
*

Protect our friends, and fellow members! Protect the respect worthy people, the Bodhisattvas of the
Earth! This is also the credo of the Soka Group, which strives to ensure the safe and smooth conduct
of Gakkai activities, and stands with the Gajokai as one of the two core groups of the young mens
division.

In the days when we conducted large-scale group pilgrimages to the head temple, it was the mission
of the Traffic Control Group to earnestly chant for the safety of the many commendable members of
all generations who participated in these movements, look after them, and coordinate operations
without the slightest mishap. Everyone was so grateful to the Traffic Control Group. All felt at ease,
and expressed their appreciation and admiration. The Traffic Control Group is the forerunner of
todays Soka Group.

Whenever your predecessors in the Traffic Control Group heard the sound of a train, they chanted
for the safety of the chartered trains to the head temple; when they heard a car motor, they prayed
for the safety of the chartered buses.

As the third president of the Soka Gakkai, waking or sleeping I thought only of kosen-rufu and of the
safety and victory of our members. Because the determined minds of mentor and disciples were in
full accord, the Buddhas and bodhisattvas of the three existences and ten directions steadfastly
protected the Gakkai.

But Nikken and his fellow priests, possessed by the devil king of the sixth heaven, betrayed this pure
spirit to protect the members and tried to disrupt the harmonious community of believers. After
grabbing as much wealth as they could get, they committed the mean, devious act of cutting off
without a word, without any discussionthose who had supported the priesthood beyond all
measure. Objective and conscientious scholars have denounced the Soka Gakkais excommunication
as spiritual butchery. What the priests have done is malicious, immoral, and completely against
the spirit of Nichiren Daishonin. The Daishonin will never pardon their actions, nor will the Buddhas
and bodhisattvas throughout the universe.

Are persons such as these not slanderers of the correct teaching? One can never be too severe in
condemning them, or admonish them too strongly (WND, 128), writes the Daishonin. These golden
words are a harsh indictment of the Nikken sect, which sought to destroy the kosen-rufu movement.

Second Soka Gakkai president Josei Toda used to often warn: When the priests think they have
squeezed enough money out of us, they will cut us off. I will fully prepare for that time.

Later, many people were able to appreciate Mr. Todas remarkable foresight in establishing the Soka
Gakkai as a separate religious corporation (in 1952). Gakkai members are not the only ones who
have praised this move; it has been lauded by people throughout society as well.
Once, in offering advice to top leaders, I followed up words from first Soka Gakkai president
Tsunesaburo Makiguchi and second president Toda with these statements by Premier Zhou: I did
not lose heart regarding our activities, nor did I flinchnot even when faced with the brazen attacks
of my enemies. And, Virtuous work for peace and friendship is not something that can be
destroyed.

A new age has dawned. It calls for new people of talent. It requires youthful leaders who can attain
new victories. They will be people confident in their faith in kosen-rufu.

I have personally begun to foster new leaders for the Gakkai. Having parted ways with the
underhanded priests, I made a proposal to the young mens division leadership: Gather good
members together and I will train them in the garden of the Gakkai! And I presented a poem to the
members of the Soka Group, a crucial pillar of the next generation of the Soka Gakkai. I would like to
present it to you again, with fresh expectations:

My pride,
the best in the world,
the Soka Group.
To you I entrust
Soka around the world.

I understood that by exposing the corrupt machinations of the priesthood, we would be nearer to
completing the path of accomplishing our goal of religious revolution. With lightning-quick speed,
superbly capable people gathered from within the youth division, and we constructed these ever-
victorious groups of pacesetters for kosen-rufu: the Soka Group and the Gajokai. We proudly
declared that these citadels of capable people are invincible fortresses of truth and justice.

Our members outrage at the harsh and deplorable authoritarianism of the priesthood could no
longer be contained. At that time, I offered youth division leaders these words of the 17th-century
French philosopher Blaise Pascal: Right without might is helpless, might without right is tyrannical.
Possessing strong faith and profound Buddhist philosophy, we had no reason to heed the
priesthoods avaricious and brutish abuse of power.

The youth division rose up with incredible strength and resolve, uniting might and right, and
launched into battle against the devilish forces. And among them, it was the Soka Group and the
Gajokai that initiated the verbal struggle to defeat the evil of the priesthood. In communities
everywhere, the pointed arguments of Soka Group and Gajokai members blazed like fire. These
youth took the lead, determined to triumph over the scheming priests. They fought, and charged
ahead.
Even today, I have immense appreciation for the Soka Group and Gajokai members of that time. It is
thanks to these two groups that the Soka Gakkai has achieved its present stage of development. This
is a historical fact.

Now, up-and-coming young mens division members are rallying to the training groups that foster
prospective members for the Soka Group and Gajokai; they are diligently studying and preparing
themselves. I have received reports from throughout the nation concerning the tremendous
progress made in February and March by our reliable Soka Group and Gajokai members. This makes
me indescribably happy.

Strike while the iron is hot is the unfailing rule in developing capable individuals. The Soka Gakkai
is much stronger now, with a broader array of talented people.

Someone who tries to take it easy while getting others to do the work is a pathetic sham. The
leaders of the new age are those who work hard themselves, strive to encourage other sincere,
dedicated people, and practice Buddhism in the spirit of not begrudging ones life.

Those who take it upon themselves to engage in the inconspicuous task of supporting and assisting
others behind the scenes are able to appreciate and value the unsung heroes of our membership
who are giving their utmost. And this is why such people are outraged by the sufferings caused by
villains and ingrates and fight earnestly against them.

Standing on the front lines of kosen-rufu, the members of the Soka Group and Gajokaitogether
with the young womens division Byakuren Groupembody the precious youthful life-force of the
Soka Gakkai. People who have visited our activity centers and participated in meetings have often
expressed their praise and admiration for the members of these groups. I have heard many reports
from physically disabled people about the kind assistance they have received from Soka Group
members. Community residents have praised Gajokai members for their neighbourhood patrols
notably in such cases as when a patrolling member has discovered a fire and quickly put it out before
it grew out of control. We feel safe when the Gajokai is around, they say.

My friends, all of your sincere words and deeds are expanding trust and friendship both inside and
outside our organization. In a word, you are carrying out kosen-rufu. I will be grateful to you as long
as I live. And I hope you will proudly keep up your resolute struggle! The Daishonin writes: The
purpose of the appearance in this world of Shakyamuni Buddha, the lord of teachings, lies in his
behaviour as a human being (WND, 852). Whether on duty or off, you are endeavouring to put
these words into practice.

My wonderful young friends, you are the Soka Gakkai. You are great leaders of Buddhist humanism.
Unconcerned with the superficial trappings of success, you are a hundred, a million times more
laudable than any crafty public figure.

*
A famous painting hangs in the World Youth Center in Shinanomachi, Tokyo, where you frequently
gather in high spirits to renew your commitment. It is a reproduction of the great Spanish artist
Goyas masterpiece, May 3, 1808, which I presented to the youth division to commemorate its 40th
anniversary in 1991.

The painting depicts the massacre of Spaniards by an invading army that occurred on that date. We
can see enemy soldiers levelling their rifles on a group of poor, defenseless peasants. In front of the
terrifying guns, a young man seems to offer up his life, his arms outstretched and head held high as
if to say, Shoot if you will! I will not run away, I am not afraid! His spirit shines with striking
brilliance, burning with righteous anger, prepared to give everything to oppose the brutality of
arrogant power. No one knows this young mans name, yet his courage continues to stir the hearts
of millions. Behind this proud, anonymous hero follow the countless multitudes of the indomitable
people.

No matter how the times may change, the valiant stand-alone spirit expressed in May 3 must always
be the spirit of the Soka Gakkais youth. For the Daishonin states: In battles soldiers regard the
general as their soul (WND, 613).

Now, my dear friends of the Soka Group and Gajokai are the young leaders who are paving the way
toward victory in this Year of Youth and Development. Advance with stirring courage and take the
lead! As long as you are here, the Soka Gakkai will flourish forever. With fresh, youthful unity,
singing the Song of Crimson, forge a path of victory and glory! For the sake of the victory of the
nameless, respect worthy people!

(Translated from the April 5, 2005 issue of the Seikyo Shimbun, the Soka Gakkai daily newspaper,
No.6465)
THE LIGHT OF THE CENTURY OF HUMANITY

Expanding the Ranks of Our Youth

Vigorous
Soka youth
dedicated to truth and justice, exert yourselves
in raising the curtain on a new history.

People. It all comes down to people. These words are attributed to Zhuge Liang, one of the heroes
of The Romance of the Three Kingdoms, in Japanese novelist Eiji Yoshikawas retelling of the classic
Chinese tale, which I studied with my mentor

Josei Toda. Zhuge Liang said this to Liu Bei immediately after their victory in the famous Battle of
Red Cliffs. Liu Bei had asked Zhuge Liang, his advisor on military strategy, the secret to leading the
nation to victory and prosperity.

Everything depends upon people.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the signing of the Japan-China Peace and Friendship Treaty.
To celebrate this landmark event, the Tokyo Fuji Art Museum in Hachioji, Tokyo, will be holding an
exhibition titled Great Romance of the Three Kingdoms. Among the items that will be on display, I
am told, will be such artifacts as arrowheads and spears excavated from a site where the Battle of
Red Cliffs is said to have occurred, exactly 1,800 years ago (in 208). I wish the exhibition great
success.

The three kingdoms were the ancient states of Wei, Wu, and Shu. The northern state of Wei was
ruled by Cao Cao. Allied with the imperial house, it held the advantage of perceived legitimacy, and
was the most powerful of the three. Wu was ruled by Sun Quan, and enjoyed the benefits of the rich
farmland south of the Yangtze River. The third kingdom, Shu or the Shu Han, ruled by Liu Bei, was
known for its domestic harmony, or the unity of its people, and had secure hold of the west.

While this balance of three powersoutlined in the Longzhong Planwas in effect, Zhuge Liang
emphasized the importance of fostering capable people as the basis for strengthening the state of
the Shu Han.

Referring to The Romance of the Three Kingdoms, Mr. Toda used to say: We mustnt be petty and
incompetent. A true hero cherishes capable people. Those who dont value capable people cannot
rise to heroic action. We must make the Soka Gakkai a bastion of capable people.

And just as Mr. Toda taught, the Soka Gakkai has triumphed because it has continued to foster on
multiple levels capable people who are committed to furthering kosen-rufu, upholding sound
convictions and principles, and achieving peace.

*
Exactly 55 years ago, in the cold February of 1953, I followed up the February Campaign in Kamata
Chapter of the previous year by taking the lead in a new struggle to develop capable individuals.
Being 25 years old at the time, I fought with a vigorous spirit much like the younger members of our
young mens division today.

I was in my second month as leader of the young mens division First Corps, having been appointed
to that position by Mr. Toda at the start of the year. In order to realize my mentors goal of attaining
750,000 member households, I launched an intense campaign to rally young people with whom we
could together foster and develop new capable individuals. I made a steadfast vow: Our mentor
President Toda is praying and hoping for his disciples to surge forth in great numbers. I will present
him with an impressive force of youthful disciples committed to truth and justice!

Boldly
set forth to win,
to advance
a heroic force of tremendous numbers

That years goal for developing capable people was very clear. Our First Corps would become a corps
of 1,000 by the end of the year. When I became leader of the corps, members were centered around
Sumida, Koto, and Edogawa wards (on the east side of Tokyo). There were six groups and about 300
members. Our goal was to increase our numbers more than threefold. I was sent there on
assignment, away from my homearea of Kamata (on the south side of Tokyo). Obviously, it would
not be an easy task. But if we were to attain Mr. Todas larger goal, it was crucial at that moment to
accelerate the solidarity of the youth division. Just as Kamata Chapter had achieved a breakthrough
for kosen-rufu as a whole, if the youth division could show the way to create expansion in one
locale, it was certain to have positive repercussions that would spread throughout the country.

Mr. Toda appointed me First Corps leader as an expression of his total confidence and faith in me,
knowing that if he entrusted me with this critical task, Iwas certain to achieve it. In my mind, there
was no challenge that couldnt be achieved if it was assigned by such a superb mentor of kosen-rufu.
Moreover, we had the strategy of the Lotus Sutra. The key was to inspire each member to stand up
with burning faith. It was essential to enable the core members striving alongside me to launch into
the struggle feeling confident that our course of action would lead to victory.

The first thing I did was to expand the number of groups within our corps from 6 to 10 by adding
new group leaders, and I designated these 10 group leaders the 10 corps champions. I understood
that in order to achieve victory in any struggle, it was absolutely necessary to solidify the core. My
next task was to develop 10 sub-group leaders under each of the 10 group leaders, with the aim of
creating 100 strong leaders in the corps. Then, to cap it off, if each of the 100 sub-groups could
cultivate a membership of 10, our corps would become a force of 1,000 capable individuals.
Therefore, we had no need to be intimidated by such a large numerical goal. All we had to do was to
inspire and rally new youth, one after another. Knowing that this was the path to certain victory, I
united all of the members of my corps to take on the challenges before us.

This path I have built

with my fellow members,
conversing happily
as we live out our lives
with confidence and dignity.

As a matter of fact, before I was appointed leader of the First Corps, there was very little feeling of
corps solidarity. Many new members were quickly leaving the organization; all the efforts involved in
introducing them to Nichiren Daishonins Buddhism were negated by the poor follow-up in providing
them the necessary encouragement and guidance in the early stages of their practice.

This troubled me. Every young person who decides to start practicing the Daishonins Buddhism
does so out of a serious interest in learning about the philosophy. Those who left so soon had not
yet had the chance to experience the wonderful benefits of the Mystic Law. They hadnt learned
about our remarkable teacher, Josei Toda. And they didnt have a chance to learn of the profound
mission of the Soka Gakkai youth division. For them to stop practicing without knowing any of this
was, I felt, a tragedy. And so I set out on an earnest struggle to create an allianceof capable
individuals united in spirit with our mentor, Mr. Toda.

The first step I took was to carry out a diligent search for capable people. This meant making a
sincere effort to get to know each and every member in the corps.

While it may be the trend in modern society to settle for shallow relationships, the Gakkai is
different. We should not waste any opportunity to meet and talk with others. It is important to listen
and offer encouragement. Sharing the worries and concerns of fellow members, we should chant
and take part in activities together.

The more we know a person, the deeper we can pray for that individual to bring out his or her full
abilities for kosen-rufu and to cultivate a relationship with a mentor in faith. Such profound prayer is
the driving force for developing capable people.

The second step I took was to strive to impart pride and self-confidence to all my members.
Enthusiasm is important in any endeavour. Pride, in the positive sense of the word, is essential. No
one can succeed at anything with a defeatist attitude.

I urged the members of the First Corps to be first in every challenge, in line with the groups name.
And whenever I discovered individuals who were producing

first-class results, or making a first-rate effort behind the scenes, I offered my praise and gratitude.
My third step was to create a rhythm in our activities. Every Sunday, I opened up my apartment in
Sanno, Omori [in Tokyos Ota Ward] to any corps members who wanted to receive guidance and
discuss ways to conduct our activities, and these gatherings naturally developed into planning
meetings for the corps. Each month, we held a full corps meeting as a target to achieve immediate
goals as well as a launching point for the next months activities.

Now, during this second act of kosen-rufu, the monthly Soka Gakkai Youth Division Leaders
Meeting in Japan serves the same purpose as a pivotal occasion for spurring our successive victories
and continuous advance.

My fourth step was to strengthen members conviction in faith and their ability to articulate our
message through regular Buddhist study. Together with members who met at my apartment, we
studied such major writings of the Daishonin as The Object of Devotion for Observing the Mind,
The Selection of the Time, The Entity of the Mystic Law, On Practicing the Buddhas Teachings,
and On the Buddhas Prophecy, deeply engraving in our hearts the Daishonins momentous
personal struggle and profound philosophy to work for the peoples welfare.

Our corps carried out consistent study of Buddhism. We also initiated a tradition of reading good
books, just as Mr. Toda had trained me to do. Through these activities, members honed their
abilities to read, write, and speak for kosen-rufu, enabling them to effectively convey the message of
the Daishonins Buddhism to anyone.

Members are not soldiers of the organization. They each have a significant mission to be a leader
for kosen-rufu and an exemplar of winning in society, and each is certain to gain tremendous
benefits.

The struggle of courageous Bodhisattvas of the Earth will bring successive victories that will last
forever.

The French author Andr Maurois (18851967) wrote: Not only must he make use of existing
[capable people], but it is his duty and to his interest to create new [capable people]. I agree. For
any organization, the true ability of its leaders is evident in whether it has a wide array of talented
individuals engaged in vibrant activity, and whether it is continually fostering new capable people.
The failure to produce able new individuals is a sign that its leaders are afflicted by arrogance,
conceit, and self-interest. That is why leaders need to be the first to break through their own
limitations and constantly develop themselves. They must actively undertake their own human
revolution.

In February 1953, I was striving wholeheartedly to foster capable people and develop our
organization. I wrote in my diary: Someday, want Sensei to see the result of our behind-the-scenes
unity and growth. . . . I, myself, however, must first take the initiative and serve as example.
Personally resolved to take a great leap forward during the coming year.

Live out your youth to the fullest

and win certain victory in this life,
just as a Buddha would
Dr. Aurlio Peccei (190884), the cofounder of the Club of Rome with whom I once published a
dialogue, was a courageous fighter in the resistance movement against the barbarity of fascism
during World War II. Though imprisoned and tortured in his youth, he refused to betray his
comrades. Dr. Peccei said that the first step toward the victory of truth and justice is to create a
small nucleus of like-minded people.

Each group and sub-group of our First Corps was just such a small nucleus.

Indeed, the First Corps as a whole was the key nucleus for the explosive expansion of kosen-rufu
that we achieved, together with our mentor Josei Toda.

In June 1953, six months after I became the First Corps leader, 100 enthusiastic members assembled
for a corps meeting in Koiwa in Tokyos Edogawa Ward. It was a magnificent occasion. Though they
were all poor young men, wearing clothes smeared with grease, threadbare shirts, and unkempt
hair, the spirit to live for kosen-rufu was ablaze in their eyes, which sparkled as they looked to the
future. The force of 100 corps champions was boldly taking shape.

I felt a thrill in my heart, thinking to myself: From this group, many revolutionary leaders of the
Mystic Law are certain to appear. They are all youthful pioneers. They are Bodhisattvas of the Earth.
I will expand this gathering of a hundred individuals into a thousand, ten thousand, and millions!
And in line with that determination, our First Corps fostered capable people and developed, growing
to a membership of 1,000 in a single year. Our youthful network spread throughout Tokyo and to
neighbouring prefectures such as Saitama and Chiba.

I was able to report to Mr. Toda that I had built the foundation of an ever-victorious youth division
that was directly connected to him, a youth division that would gloriously open the way to the future
of kosen-rufu. I consider my mentors joyful smile on that occasion to be one of the greatest badges
of honour of my youth. The light of kosen-rufu brilliantly illuminates the entire world, thanks to you,
our wonderful youth.

In his treatise The Selection of the Time, the Daishonin points out:

Little streams come together to form the great ocean, and tiny particles of dust accumulate to form
Mount Sumeru. When I, Nichiren, first took faith in the Lotus Sutra, I was like a single drop of water
or a single particle of dust in all the country of Japan. But later, when two people, three people, ten
people, and eventually a hundred, a thousand, ten thousand, and a million people come to recite the
Lotus Sutra and transmit it to others, then they will form a Mount Sumeru of perfect enlightenment,
an ocean of great nirvana. Seek no other path by which to attain Buddhahood! (WND-1, 57980)

In complete accord with this passage, our Soka youth division has developed into a grand worldwide
alliance of peace and justice through faith dedicated to kosen-rufu together with their mentor.

This February, during the coldest part of winter, insightful young leaders of the SGI-USA youth
division have come to Japan in the noble pursuit of study and training. Their earnest desire to seek
Buddhism, their unity, and their vigor shine with the spirit of a First Corps of global kosen-rufu.
Last June, the SGI-USA youth division made a fresh start with new leaders. Since then, they have
achieved unprecedented growth. Over 7,500 members have joined the SGI-USA in the past year, a
remarkable increase spurred in large part by the youth divisions efforts. Youth Leader Kimberly
Herrmann, Young Mens Leader Nathan Gauer, and Young Womens Leader Vinessa Shaw are
determined to realize even greater advances. They have identified the source of the organizations
momentum in the following: (1) New members, filled with the joy of faith, are introducing Nichiren
Daishonins Buddhism to their friends, thus creating an expanding groundswell of happiness; (2)
Fellow members and local leaders are continuing to look after the new members, offering
encouragement and support so that they may joyfully participate in activities and develop in faith;
(3) Members of the mens and womens divisions are working together to support the youth, and
everyone in the organization is amicably helping each other; (4) And most of all, behind all of these
efforts has been a steady focus on deepening the mentor-disciple spirit. As a result, the youth
division has been able to demonstrate greater strength than ever before.

The vision of the emergence of countless Bodhisattvas of the Earth that my mentor Josei Toda and I
dreamed of 55 years ago has now been actualized as the harmonious unity of our magnificent Soka
youth throughout the world.

Nothing could make me happier or give me greater joy.

A towering
mountain range
of capable individuals
the realm of the heart has golden wings.
The American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (180782) wrote: Not enjoyment, and not
sorrow,is our destined end or way?but to act, that each tomorrow finds us further than today Now,
having turned 80, I am determined to work with my beloved young friends, from today toward
tomorrow, as this poem implies, to open up a bright future and apply the finishing touches to the
foundation of our movement so that it will continue on for generations to come.

Nichiren Daishonin states: What a joy it is for us to have been born in the LatterDay of the Law and
to have shared in the propagation of the Lotus Sutra! (WND-1,1026) and The reason that you have
survived until now when so many have died was so that you would meet with this affair (WND-1,
829). How wondrous it is that we were born into this world together and are spreading the torch of
happiness that is the Mystic Law throughout the world and into the future!

This February, which marks the 108th anniversary of Mr. Todas birth, the profoundly significant
youth division leaders meeting will not be held as asingle-venue assembly of representatives from all
over Japan. It will be conducted by having youth division members gather together at their local
discussion meetings around the country. This is something which would have given immense joy to
Mr. Toda, who wished more than anything that youth division members would be active in Gakkai
discussion meetings. I hope that the parents of our Gakkai family, the mens and womens
divisions will support them.
Discussion meetings were also the driving force behind the famous February Campaign in Kamata
Chapter (in 1952). And now, youth division members will play a pivotal role in discussion meetings
that will form the history of a new February Campaign in the second act of kosen-rufu.

My wife and all the womens division members are especially looking on with praise and approval at
the formation in Japan of the young womens division Ikeda Kayo-kai, whose members are vibrantly
active and opening the door to a hope-filled new era.

Mr. Toda declared: If you summon the immense power of faith and generate the tremendous
power of practice in your chanting and efforts to share Buddhism with others, the supreme power of
the Buddha and power of the Law cannot fail to appear. My young friends, advance with pride and
dignity on the journey toward the victory and glory of mentor and disciple.

The whole world is watching our youth division adorn your youth with a victory cheer.

(Translated from the February 10, 2008, issue of the Seikyo Shimbun, the Soka Gakkai daily
newspaper NL No.7481, 7483 )
SGI President Ikedas Essay

THE LIGHT OF THE CENTURY OF HUMANITY

March 16Eternal Day of Mentor and Disciple

My young friends,
triumph resolutely through all,
even days of raging storms
and pounding breakers,
as champions of youth.

The Korean independence leader Yeo Un-hyeong (18861947) declared: Only young people
always uphold immeasurably high ideals. And only young people truly have the dynamism to boldly
realize those ideals without hesitation. Impressed by this quote, I cited it in an interview I gave for
the well-known Korean magazine Wolgan Chosun.

Everything hinges on the youth. Indeed, the youth alone hold the key. The courage and the actions
of young people who brim with a pioneering spirit can change the times and cause the sun of hope
to rise. In any age, it is the youth who open new pages in history.

This month (March 2009), noble Bodhisattvas of the Earth from 60 countries and territories gathered
in Tokyo to attend the SGI General Meeting commemorating March 16, Kosen-rufu Day. In
fulfillment of Nichiren Daishonins wish for worldwide kosen-rufu, the banner of Buddhist humanism
of the SGI today ies in all corners of the globe in his Song of Comrades, my mentor, second Soka
Gakkai president Josei Toda, called out:

Where are the young flag bearers?

Can you not see Fujis summit?
Rally now, quickly, in growing numbers!

How overjoyed he would surely be to see so many dedicated young successors now holding high the
banner of worldwide kosen-rufu!

The Daishonin
called for
the widespread propagation of the Law, and our gathering of Soka
is faithfully acting on his decree.
In early March 1958, 51 years ago, Mr. Toda told me that the Japanese prime minister, who was a
friend of his, had accepted his invitation to visit the head temple Taiseki-ji in Shizuoka Prefecture on
March 16. He asked me to organize a welcome ceremony with members of the youth division. He
said: Lets have the youth division conduct a ceremony that will serve as a trial runa dress
rehearsalfor kosen-rufu in preparation for the future. Mr. Toda wanted to show the nations top
leaders the outstanding young people that he had personally trained, the youth who would usher in
a new age. At the same time, he wished to demonstrate to the youth that kosen-rufu is not
restricted to the narrow confines of religion, but is a movement that can play an important and
significant role in the peace and prosperity of society.

The most essential point, however, was his deep resolve to pass on to his youthful successors the
baton of kosen-rufu, an undertaking to which he had devoted his life as a Bodhisattva of the Earth.

The future depends on the youth. That is why we must foster young people of true commitment and
entrust them with everything.

Mr. Todas words resonated solemnly: I want you to take charge of this event, Daisaku. Give it
your best and do whatever you feel is appropriate.

Yes, I responded, Ill make sure its a beautiful gathering in which we, yourSuccessors, will offer
our pledge to you.

We were in perfect harmony. The mentors decade of strict training and the disciples devoted
efforts in response were about to reach their great culmination.

The March 16 gathering was a grand ceremony of the oneness of mentor and disciple that Mr. Toda
and I, the second president and future third president of the Soka Gakkai, shared. I regarded it with
the same profound significance as the entrustment of the Law from Shakyamuni to his disciples as
depicted in the Lotus Sutra. And it forever became a day on which youth stand up together with me
to fulfill the vow of kosen-rufu united in the same eternal resolve.

Rise up,
youthful leaders
of the new century,
confident of your profound mission as the successors of kosen-rufu.

To be a successor means to inherit the mission for kosen-rufu. It is not others, but we ourselves who
have to make a vow to devote ourselves to kosen-rufu, and to continue raising the banners of
victory of our noble cause for as long as we live.

On March 6, 1958, I had appeared in court in relation to the Osaka Incident. It was a time requiring
me to intensify my fierce battle against the devilish nature of authority, waged in staunch defense of
my mentor and the Soka Gakkai. I keenly felt the importance of my mission to vanquish the forces of
the three powerful enemies of Buddhism by speaking out fearlessly to set the record straight. I was
determined to spare nothing of myself to protect the Soka Gakkai, the organization that my mentor
declared was more precious than his own life. I felt a deep and powerful sense of mission.

Dr. Jim Garrison, president of the John Dewey Society in the United States, remarked to me in our
meeYng last year: Teachings pass down through the generaYons, and our teachings and what they
mean will be decided by the youth of future generations. I know that you place great importance on
successors and the spirit to carry on.

We needed to contact the members about the March 16 ceremony as quickly as possible. There
were no cell phones then, and in fact few telephones at all. But we informed the youth about the
upcoming event at meetings, through home visits, and even by telegram, getting the word out with
lightning speed. Some rushed onto chartered buses or overnight trains with little more information
than that there would be a very special meeting and that they should bring a bowl and pair of
chopsticks. Thinking the youth would be cold and hungry on their arrival, Mr. Toda had made
preparations for them to be served hot pork soup.

With a passionate sense of mission for kosen-rufu, young mens and young womens division
members, mainly from the Tokyo metropolitan area and Shizuoka Prefecture, assembled in buoyant
spirits. Youth from Kansai and other areas of Japan also came. Just like the line, Rally now, quickly,
from Mr. Todas Song of Comrades, 6,000 youth division members rallied to the side of our great
leader of kosen-rufu. It was a gathering comparable to the assembly as numerous as the grains of
sand of 60,000 Ganges Rivers described in the Emerging from the Earth (15th) chapter of the Lotus
Sutra. The youth were all present by 7:00 in the morning, their breath forming white puffs in the
cold air. Each shared the wish to struggle alongside their mentor, and doing so was their greatest
joy.

The important thing is what we do at a crucial moment, how earnestly we strive alongside our
mentor, and with what kind of resolve and prayer we carry out our efforts. Buddhism is win or lose.
It essentially comes down to how we conduct ourselves at such times. This is the vital point that will
determine our ultimate victory or defeat in life.

The ingratitude demonstrated by those who betrayed their mentor and fellow members at crucial
moments in the past, whether out of cowardice or arrogance, is a black mark that can never be
erased. As the Daishonin writes: Foolish men are likely to forget the promises they have made
when the crucial moment comes (WND-1, 283). This admonition is not limited to the past. It is an
axiom of faith that applies to the present and future as well.

When Mr. Todas businesses fell into dire straits in 1950, there were smug and self-righteous
individuals who cursed and abandoned him. It was a time when the continued existence of our
organization was called into question, with the very real danger of the genuine path of mentor and
disciple, or the lifeblood of kosen-rufu, being lost. In this crisis, I supported Mr. Toda with all my
might. Surely no one in the pages of history can match my dedication to my mentor. I am proud that
I have been able to leave a solemn example of the way of a disciple, the golden path of absolute
victory based on the oneness of mentor and disciple.
And it is the same today. I hope that truehearted youth will proudly uphold the great vow for kosen-
rufu, and even more so when they face great obstacles and challenges.

In a letter dated March 18, 1276, in response to sincere offerings received from his youthful disciple
Nanjo Tokimitsu, the Daishonin wrote that such assistance was actually sustaining the life of the
Lotus Sutra (WND-2, 655). Supporting the teacher who is a genuine votary of the Lotus Sutra is to
walk the supreme path of leading all people to enlightenment, which is the essence or ultimate
teaching of the sutra. This in turn leads to opening the way to the widespread propagation of the
Law throughout the entire world.

On March 16, 1958, about two hours after the youth had gathered, there was a rail accident in
Shizuoka Prefecture, in which a freight train derailed and overturned. Actually, on the same day,
quite separate from the special youth assembly, groups of members from different parts of Japan
were en route to make a commemorative visit to the head temple. The accident caused serious
delays for inbound members from Tokyos Adachi Chapter as well as those from more distant places
in the north such as Otaru, Sendai, Ichinoseki, and Yamagata Prefecture. The train disruption later
spreadto other lines, causing delays for members seeking to return to Kumamoto and Omuta in
Kyushu in the south. Fortunately, however, all our members were safe, and they made light of the
inconveniences of the day, joking that it made the trip all the more memorable.

As the person responsible for overseeing both the March 16 youth gathering and the other
commemorative group visits, I had prayed for their safe conduct and so was greatly relieved at this
news. I also made full preparations to welcome our honored guests, while dealing with this sudden
emergency situation. I was determined to lead the way to victory, surmounting every obstacle and
putting our members minds at ease.This is the mission of youth who embody their mentors spirit.

The Soka Gakkai young mens division transportation group worked in perfect unity with me to
ensure that the day would proceed smoothly and without any accidents. The transportation group
was the precursor of todays Soka Group, whose members are trusted and admired as great youthful
pillars of kosen-rufu. It has always been the pride and resolve of this dedicated behind-the-scenes
group to pray for the members safety and protect them under any circumstances and in any
weather.

The smooth running and great success of the March 16 gathering, which shines in the annals of
Gakkai history, was both a victory of, and brilliant testament to, the tireless and vigilant efforts of
the members of the transportation group. As youth division chief of staff, I had thoroughly trained
them, and they magnificently rose to the occasion.

In the early days of our movement, I had personally carried out the responsibilities that were
undertaken by the transportation group, and had taught my fellow youth the spirit of protecting the
Soka Gakkai and our mentor. I did so by imparting to them my own spirit of selflessly protecting Mr.
Toda. I conveyed to them the essence of the Gakkai spirit, which can be summed up as follows:
1) Faith directly connected to the mentor
2) Commitment to protecting the members
3) Prompt action
4) Close communication and unity
5) Speaking out to vanquish devilish forces

The members of the transportation group and their worthy successors in the Soka Group have
faithfully inherited this spirit. I pioneered and personally fostered the Soka Group. Truly, its
members are my direct successors and disciples, perfectly united with me in spirit.

Peerless members
of the Soka Group,
you are my great pride.
To you, I entrust
the realm of Soka.

The prime minister, allowing himself to be dissuaded by the opinions of certain individuals, cancelled
his visit at the last minute. He himself telephoned to offer an apology.

Arising from his sickbed to take the call, Mr. Toda spoke in a powerful voice that seemed utterly
incongruous with his weakened physical condiYon: Youll be betraying the trust of the youth! . . .
Its not me you should be apologizing to! You should apologize to them! It was a true lions roar.

Today, whenever our youth join me in greeting dignitaries and other top leaders from around the
world, I always envision Mr. Toda smiling happily at that sight Ill never forget joining Mr. Toda in
extending a most cordial welcome to members of the prime ministers family, who attended the
March 16 gathering in the Japanese leaders stead.

That day, Mr. Toda called out to the 6,000 young people assembled: The Soka Gakkai is the king of
the religious world! His great declaration reverberated like thunder in their hearts. The eyes of the
young women sparkled with bright resolve. Immense pride shone on everyones faces. In the
background, a majestic, snow-capped Mount Fuji watched over this heart-to-heart encounter of
mentor and disciple.

The Soka Gakkai is a gathering

of noble comrades
in the shared cause of kosen-rufu.
May you all without exception
become magnificent victors.

As the ancient Roman philosopher Seneca once declared, The soul is our king.Those with evil in
their hearts are miserable. It is the mission of philosophy and religion to guide the heart toward
truth and victory.

Only when we develop in our hearts a powerful commitment to the highest goodthat is, the
happiness of all peoplecan we truly realize the ideal of genuine lasting peace and prosperity on
our planet. This is the Daishonins principle of establishing the correct teaching for the peace of the
land.

The Lotus Sutra is known as the king of sutras, because it can lead all people to enlightenment. We
of the Soka Gakkai are accurately practicing the sutra, just as the Buddha teaches. We are not
swayed by the whims of secular authorities. We are lion kings practicing the Mystic Law, our lives
aligned with the fundamental law of the universe, dwelling in the palace of the ninth consciousness
[the pure, undefiled Buddha nature], the unchanging reality that reigns over all of lifes functions
(WND-1,832).

The Daishonin declares Those with the heart of a lion king are sure to attain Buddhahood (WND-
1, 302). Youth, be confident! Never fear! You are young lions. You are the successors who will carry
on the struggle of the great lion kings of Soka who have gone before you.

After participating in that dress rehearsal for kosen-rufu, the youth of the Soka Gakkai began to
embark toward the grand stage of worldwide kosen-rufu. Later, when I became the Soka Gakkais
third president (in May 1960), they united with me and dedicated themselves wholeheartedly to
pioneering the frontiers of kosen-rufu through compassionately sharing the Daishonins Buddhism
with others. They boldly shouldered responsibility for our movement, achieving the tremendous
growth of the Soka Gakkai in the second half of the 20th century. They attained the life-state of
Heroes of the World (cf. WND-1, 835) and played leading roles in various spheres of society. And
today, in the 21st century, their children and grandchildren in turn are making wonderful
contributions to society. I am also overjoyed to witness the achievements of the graduates of the
Soka schools and Soka universities.

In another letter to Nanjo Tokimitsu, discussing the nobility of dedicating ones life to propagating
the Law, the Daishonin writes: Since death is the same in either case, you should be willing to offer
your life for the Lotus Sutra. Think of this offering as a drop of dew rejoining the ocean, or a speck of
dust returning to the earth (WND-1, 1003). Fellow members who together dedicate themselves to
kosen-rufu are able to merge their lives with the ocean of eternal good fortune and develop a vast
and expansive life-state of absolute freedom. They are able to forge a self as solid as the earth
thatwill never be defeated by lifes storms and that will bring forth countless beautifulblossoms of
victory.
We of the Soka Gakkai have triumphed because of our earnest and ungrudging spirit. The Gakkai has
become the great organization it has because of its members selfless dedication to propagating the
Law. We must never lose sight of this fact. Those who walk the Soka path of mentor and disciple will
come to savor a victorious life of complete fulfilment in the end.

The great invincible

citadel of kosen-rufu
will shine on forever
through the shared commitment
of mentor and disciple.

Representatives of the student division and the young womens division Ikeda Kayo-kai sang at the
Soka Gakkai Headquarters leaders meetings this month and last month (on February 11 and March
4, 2009, respectively). Their voices still reverberate in my heart.

The members of the 21st Century Shinichi Group, a training group formed 15 years ago on March
16, for members of the young mens student division, have also developed splendidly. And new
members continue to join them. The original Shinichi Group, which is the forerunner of the present
one, was one that I personally fostered and trained with the hope that its members would become
outstanding leaders of kosen-rufu. Today, many youthful Shinichi are taking their places on the
stage of the new century and making commendable efforts to expand our network of Soka
successors.

One morning shortly after that March 16 ceremony, a bedridden Mr. Toda said to me Daisaku,
yesterday I dreamed I went to Mexico. And he also said: Daisaku, theworld is your challenge; it is
your true stage.

Taking these words to heart, I, his loyal disciple, completely united with him in spirit, soared out into
the world to fulfill this great mission. And now, my successors are joyfully active in 192 countries and
territories.

The path of mentor and disciple is a grand adventure; it is a drama of indestructible joy. Today, in
Mexico, which Mr. Toda dreamed of visiting, SGI youth are making brilliant efforts. Our youth in
Argentina have also developed a wonderful solidarity. And SGI-Europe recently announced that it
would launch a new youth summit. Countries all around the globe are celebrating March 16 with
wonderful victories.

The success of disciples is the success of the mentor. The victory of the youth assures future victory.

*
Im presently engaged in a dialogue via correspondence with Prince Charles Napoleon, the current
head of the Napoleon family. Napoleon Bonaparte (17691821) once declared: Act boldly, striving
to be a model for others. Dont hesitate. Dont be fearful, but advance courageously. Be decisive in
everything My young friends, triumph in the great struggle for kosen-rufu and proudly raise high the
banner of youthful victory and the glorious banner of mentor and disciple!

Steadfastly
surmounting and triumphing over treacherous currents
and perilous mountains,
uphold the banner of kosen-rufu.

(Translated from the March 16, 2009, issue of the Seikyo Shimbun, the Soka Gakkai daily
newspaper.NL No.7888)
SGI President Ikedas Youth Study Sessions

YOUTH AND THE WRITINGS OF NICHIREN DAISHONIN

The Honor of Making Unseen Efforts for Kosen-rufu

The following dialogue is between SGI President Daisaku Ikeda and youth representativesYoung
Mens Division Leader Nobuhisa Tanano and Young Womens Division Leader Yumiko Kumazawa.

Tanano: President Ikeda, thank you for starting to write the latest chapter of The New Human
Revolution, Protecting the Citadels of Soka (tentative English translation). Just as you are teaching
us in this chapter, we of the youth division are determined to staunchly protect the Soka Gakkai and
further expand our movement for kosen-rufu.

President Ikeda: Im counting on you, the youth. All of you in the youth division right now will
shoulder the future of the Soka Gakkai. I hope you will make your foundations unshakable faith and
the Gosho, the writings of Nichiren Daishonin.

During my youth, striving alongside second Soka Gakkai president Josei Toda,I read the Gosho every
day with the resolve to engrave each word and sentence in my heart. Among the passages I copied
into my diary at the time were the Daishonins words: A sword is useless in the hands of a coward.
The mighty sword of the Lotus Sutra must be wielded by one courageous in faith. Then one will be as
strong as a demon armed with an iron staff (WND-1, 412). The Soka Gakkai has always triumphed
because it has advanced valiantly in accord with this passage.

There is no more wonderful, fulfilling, or glorious stage of activity in youth than the great stage of
worldwide kosen-rufu. Please strive to your fullest and create a lasting record of achievement.

Kumazawa: Yes, we will do our best!

Through the Study Department Entrance Examination held last month (on November 28, 2010),
many new members were able to challenge themselves in the two ways of practice and study and
grow in faith. Also, in the second half of this year (2010), the youth division members created a
dynamic groundswell of Buddhist dialogue that spread throughout Japan, leading many people to
join the Soka Gakkai.

We of the young womens division, taking utmost pride in being Ikeda Kayo-kai members, will
continue moving forward more cheerfully than ever, with the sun shining in our hearts.

President Ikeda: Im very happy to hear that.

Every day, I receive letters from all over the world reporting on how new members, Bodhisattvas of
the Earth, are emerging. Our youth everywhere are growing splendidly. Indeed, the time has come
for the youth to take the lead.
The Soka Gakkais Ability to Raise Capable People

Tanano: Thank you for your trust in us.

There are always many guests who attend the satellite broadcasts of the nationwide youth division
leaders meetings (often held in conjunction with the Headquarters leaders meetings). For the
majority of them, its their first time to visit a Soka Gakkai community center.

Even guests who say they initially felt hesitant to enter the center share that they were put at ease
after being warmly greeted by the bright smiles of the members ofthe Soka Group, Gajokai, and
Byakuren Group [who support the smooth running ofGakkai activities behind the scenes]. Other
guests also mention being favourably impressed by the friendly and welcoming members and the
large number of young people in attendance.

President Ikeda: Having others experience an actual Gakkai meeting is far more effective than the
most detailed explanation of the greatness of our organization.

The Daishonin writes: When one who is able to show clearly visible proof in the present expounds
the Lotus Sutra, there also will be persons who will believe (WND-1, 512). Buddhism is not about
abstract theory or empty ideals. Its about demonstrating clear proof in our own life and embodying
the teachings in our behaviour as human beings.

Our courageous young mens division members taking initiative to help and serve others; our young
womens division members imparting hope to others with vibrant voicesthis, too, is actual proof of
correct faith and the embodiment of noble actions of Buddhas.

Many thinkers and scholars find the true significance of the Soka Gakkais educative power in the
fact that it has raised countless such young humanistic leaders.

Kumazawa: After participating in a Soka Gakkai event in Hokkaido, Hakodate University Professor
Emeritus Hakushi Kawamura said he was very impressed by our courteous, friendly event staff.

He remarked: As a university professor, I felt curious as to how the Soka Gakkai could foster such
fine young people. And he went on to say: I believe that the Soka Gakkaia peace movement built
through the mentor-disciple relationship of its first three presidentsis one of a few religious
organizations in Japan today that is able to inspire and motivate the youth.

Im sure these words will also be a great source of encouragement to the Hokkaido members, who
are currently braving winter blizzards and difficult economic times.

President Ikeda: Perceptive leaders are seriously thinking about how to raise the youth, the pillar of
our future, and taking action toward that end. Thats why they have a deep understanding of the
significance of the Soka Gakkais efforts to educate and empower ordinary people and cultivate
humanistic valuesefforts that have produced vast numbers of capable individuals who are
positively contributing to society.

The event staff who greet those arriving at our facilities are the face of the Soka Gakkai. Top
business executives and educators, who personally know how hard it is to foster people, are
discerning judges of character. The reception they get from our youth, even down to the manner in
which they greet them, tells them a great deal.

Respecting Everyone as Buddhas

Tanano: Last month (in November 2010), a Chubu Region womens division member invited a friend
to attend a meeting at a Soka Gakkai community center. During the meeting, her friend fell ill, and
the Soka Group, Gajokai, and nurses group members assisted her with great care and kindness.
Deeply moved by theirconsiderate response, she decided to join the Soka Gakkai this month.

Kumazawa: The guests who come to our meetings, especially those of our own generation, are
always surprised and impressed when they are told that the staff protecting our centers and
supporting our meetings are all volunteers.

President Ikeda: These are difficult economic times, and social ties in our communities in Japan have
also grown strained and distant. Many people have their hands full just dealing with their own
problems and situations.

Nevertheless, our members are exerting themselves selflessly for the welfare of others, for their
communities, and for kosen-rufu even when their own situations may be challenging. There is no
more noble work of the Buddha than this.

The Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings states:

The Buddha preached the Lotus Sutra over a period of eight years, and eight characters sum up the
message that he has left behind for living beings in this later age, the Latter Day of the Law. It is [the
eight characters that make up the passage which reads:] . . . you should rise and greet others from
afar, showing them the same respect you would a Buddha [cf. LSOC28, 365]. (cf. OTT,192)

Tanano: The Daishonin is saying here that this passage about showing others the same respect we
would a Buddha captures the essence of the entire 28 chapters of the Lotus Sutra, isnt he?

President Ikeda: Yes, thats correct.

There are days when the cold winter winds blow, when the hot summer sun is beating down, when
its pouring rain, or when heavy snow is falling. But no matter what challenges our young men and
women of the Soka Group, Gajokai, and Byakuren Group face, they always greet those arriving at
our facilities with the respect befitting Buddhas, just as the passage from the Lotus Sutra states.

They are carrying out their duties with a spirit of venerating and serving everyone as Buddhas. There
is nothing more praiseworthy. Through their behaviour, they are putting into practice the passage,
You should rise and greet others from afar, showing them the same respect you would a Buddha,
which is the foremost point [the Buddha] wished to convey to us (OTT, 192).

Our behind-the-scenes group members are serving our members, who are the emissaries of the
Buddha, and resolutely protecting the harmonious gathering of the Soka Gakkai, the sole
organization advancing kosen-rufu in the present age.

The Daishonin writes:

The blessings to be obtained [by praising and making offerings to the votary of the Lotus Sutra in this
latter age] . . . are a hundred, thousand, ten thousand, million times greater than those to be
obtained by conducting oneself with a believing heart in the three categories of body, mouth, and
mind,5 and offering alms to the living body of the Buddha for an entire kalpa. (WND-1,510)

By devoting yourself for the sake of your fellow members, you are all accumulating immeasurable
and boundless benefit and good fortune. Your unseen efforts for kosen-rufu will surely activate the
positive forces throughout the universe to reward and protect you in accord with the workings of
cause and effect.

Id like to take this opportunity to once again convey my heartfelt gratitude to all the members of
the Soka Group, Gajokai, and Byakuren Group for protecting and supporting our citadels of kosen-
rufu, as well as to everyone who is making outstanding contributions to our movement far from the
limelight. Im wholeheartedly chanting for the health, safety, and well-being of all of you.

Tanano: Thank you very much. The youth will continue to carry out their missions with the pride and
honor of being able to strive behind the scenes for kosen-rufu.

The Sincere and Earnest Will Win in the End

President Ikeda: Nichiren Daishonin writes:

The Buddha taught that one, from the very moment of ones birth, is accompanied by two
messengers, Same Birth and Same Name, who are sent by heaven and who follow one as closely as
ones own shadow, never parting from one even for an instant. These two take turns ascending to
heaven toreport ones offenses and good deeds, both great and small, withoutoverlooking the
slightest detail. (WND-1, 316)

The Buddhas and bodhisattvas throughout the universe are aware of all the noble unseen efforts
you are making to chant for others and support your fellow members, and of how much thought and
care you are putting into fulfilling your responsibilities. By the same token, they also know when you
are neglecting your duties, thinking that no one will notice. This is merely another way of expressing
the law of cause and effect, the workings of which are inescapable.

How seriously we pray and exert ourselves are all engraved in our lives. Those who practice sincerely
and earnestly will definitely win in the end. They will accrue immense benefit and good fortune
without fail. This is the conclusion I have reached from upholding faith in the Mystic Law for more
than 60 years.

The Daishonin writes: Where there is unseen virtue, there will be visiblereward (WND-1, 907); and
Though ones trustworthiness may at first go unnoticed, in time it will be openly rewarded (WND-2,
636).
Kumazawa: President Ikeda, you and Mrs. Ikeda have shown through your own lives the truth of
these passages.

President Ikeda: All of the actions we take for kosen-rufu will become a cause toward attaining
Buddhahood and enable us to reveal our Buddha nature. And by revealing our Buddha nature, the
heavenly deitiesthe positive functions of the universewill assist and protect us. As Nichiren
Daishonin writes, we will surely gain visible reward and be openly rewarded.

Buddhism does not exist somewhere apart from reality. Therefore, the efforts you make for the sake
of kosen-rufu will all become your own benefit. And they will also become a cause that will lead your
family and loved ones to enjoy great benefit in lifetime after lifetime. Whether or not your efforts
may be recognized by others, please be assured that you will most certainly be rewarded by the
workings of the Mystic Law.

Herbie Hancock, a world-renowned jazz musician and SGI-USA member, has also willingly served
behind the scenes to support various SGI activities. I heard that when Japanese newspaper reporters
once saw this, they were astonished that such a famous musician was working so hard as an
ordinary event staff.

Tanano: You have led the way, President Ikeda, in exemplifying this spirit. In your youthful diary, you
write:

In any general meeting, or any important campaign, I am always striving behind the scenes,
unknown to anyone, without worrying whether anyone appreciates me . . . there I pour my entire life
into leading the struggle and ensuring the success of the events. I smile happily at this destiny. I
firmly believe that everything is revealed under the light of the Mystic Law.

Responding to Our Mentor

President Ikeda: Even if no one appreciated or praised me, or if they instead criticized or spoke ill of
me, I was still determined to carry out my mission with a smile. All I cared for was to respond to my
mentor and strive for kosen-rufu. That was how I spent my youth.

In a letter to Nichigen-nyo, the wife of Shijo Kingo, the Daishonin writes:

Let others hate you if they will. What have you to complain of, if you are cherished by Shakyamuni
Buddha, Many Treasures Buddha, and the Buddhas of the ten directions, as well as by [the heavenly
deities] Brahma, Shakra, and the gods of the sun and moon? As long as you are praised by the Lotus
Sutra, what cause have you for discontent? (WND-1, 464)
Working at Mr. Todas side, I always gave my all to planning and organizing meetings and events. I
made sure that we had enough event staff, took measures in case of rain, arranged cars and trains
for transportation, and did everything I could to insure that the participants would enjoy the
meeting and return home filled with fresh determination. I prayed with all my might and exerted
millions of kalpas of effort (cf. OTT, 214). My wife was just as committed, and chanted just as
earnestly.

Because I strove tirelessly in my youth, I fully understand the feelings of the youth division members
and everyone else making efforts behind the scenes. I can relate to their problems and difficulties as
if they were my own. This is also why Ive continuously focused on encouraging those working out of
the limelight. And they have responded to my encouragement. Because of this, the Soka Gakkai has
grown into the global organization it is today.

Kumazawa: President Ikeda, we of the young womens division are determined to faithfully inherit
and carry on the spirit shared by you and Mrs. Ikeda.

President Ikeda: Mr. Toda once said: Only by earnestly challenging yourself amid a difficult
situation can you attain true greatness as a human being.

Adversity builds character. On the solid foundation you forge through experiencing hardships,
magnificent flowers of victory in life will eventually bloom.

Kumazawa: All throughout Japan, members of the Byakuren Group are steadfastly sharing the
Daishonins Buddhism with their friends. In September (2010), a Byakuren Group member in Gifu
Prefecture roused the courage to invite one of her friends from college to a Soka Gakkai meeting.

Her friend had always wanted to contribute to peace, but had been unable to do so after being
deeply hurt when another friend made fun of her dream. However,after attending the Gakkai
meeting and learning about our activities to promote peace and culture, she was very moved. She
later participated in several other meetingswith the Gifu member, including a Byakuren Group
general meeYng, and nally said to her, I also want to dedicate my life to others happiness.
The friend joined the Soka Gakkai on November 12, Young Womens Division Day.

This experience inspired many other members to introduce their friends to theDaishonins
Buddhism.

President Ikeda: Thats wonderful!

All it takes is just one person. If one person rises to action, everyone else will follow suit. Nichiren
Daishonin oers this allegory: The situaYon is like the joints ina piece of bamboo: if one joint is
ruptured, then all the joints will split (WND-1, 512).

Its not about comparing ourselves with others, but how we are challenging ourselves. We need to
summon courage from within and break through our limitations.Thats how the vast frontiers of
kosen-rufu are opened.
Tanano: In the young mens division, too, the members of the Soka Group Academy and Gajokai
Academy are taking the lead in sharing the Daishonins Buddhism withothers.

One young mens division member from Osaka joined the Gajokai Academy this year (2010), out of a
wish to improve himself as a person. Due to the economic downturn, the company he ran was failing
and he was struggling financially. But, precisely because he was facing obstacles, he resolved to
introduce the Daishonins Buddhism to his friends. He went as far as Ishikawa Prefecture [on the
Japan Sea coast] to talk with a friend about the Daishonins Buddhism and, as a result, the friend
decided to become a member of the Soka Gakkai.

Meanwhile, as he tackled his situaYon while making Sincerity his mo\o, just as you taught, his
business results showed a dramatic improvement. Now, he says that he almost has too much work
and busily travels all around Japan.

Developing Ourselves through Training

President Ikeda: When youth division members rally other youth and start advancing together with
youthful creativity and a pioneering spirit, they will build fresh networks for kosen-rufu that will pave
the way to an age of humanism.

There is no greater joy than propagating the Mystic Law. The benefit and good fortune we gain by
wishing for our friends happiness, earnestly chanting for them, and telling them about the greatness
of the Daishonins Buddhism are everlasting.

There are times when even though we exert ourselves in sharing the philosophy of Buddhism with
others, they dont start practicing. But thats fine, too, because we have already sown deep in their
lives the seeds for attaining Buddhahood. Whats important is to have the courage to continue to
talk to them with genuine care. By doing that, you yourself above all will benefit from it, vastly
expanding your life-state and deepening your conviction in the Daishonins Buddhism.

Those who have striven wholeheartedly in their youth to introduce others to theDaishonins
Buddhism are strong. They lay an indestructible foundation for victory in their lives. Now is the best
opportunity for all of you, the youth division members, to build this foundation.

Tanano: Many young mens division leaders say that they have established the basis of their faith
during their days of training in the Soka Group Academy or Gajokai Academy. They fondly recall how
much their seniors in faith had helped and supported them. The seniors in faith would chant with
them or listen to their problems and encourage them. They would do this so passionately that they
sometimes felt like it was too much. [Laughter] But the more time passed, the deeper the
appreciation they have for their seniors in faith.

President Ikeda: Im sure the earnest care shown to these young men may seem a bit of a burden to
them at times. [Laughter.] But the seniors in faith who are offering their juniors support are also
really commendable. Im sure many of them are busy withtheir jobs and also struggling with their
own personal problems. Still, they squeeze time out of their busy schedules to meet with and
encourage their juniors. It is thanks to such seniors in faith who spare no effort for the sake of
supporting their juniors that the Soka Gakkai has been able to foster a steady stream of capable
individuals. And thanks to them, kosen-rufu can continue to develop unceasingly into the future.

Kumazawa: A Japanese human rights activist, who spoke at a lecture organized by the Soka Gakkai,
impressed at the sight of the youth division members energetically assisting behind the scenes with
a deep sense of commitment, said: In them I see the great signicance of the Soka Gakkais
existence. He also voiced his admiration for the high level of training the youth were obviously
receiving.

President Ikeda: The Italian Renaissance scholar Leonardo Bruni (c. 13701444) stated: The power
of training is in fact great, and great are its effects. Those who receive thorough training during their
youth will with time develop the ability to make great new achievements.

The Daishonin writes: The deeper the roots, the more luxuriant the branches. The farther the source,
the longer the stream (WND-1, 940). In life, too, we must establish solid roots and cultivate a rich
source. Thats what training in our youth is all about

The Soka Gakkai is fostering contributive citizens who will build a better society. And it is producing
capable individuals, who are embodying the profoundlife-affirming philosophy of Nichiren
Daishonins Buddhism and playing active roles in all spheres in society.

Tanano: We of the young mens division will continue to encourage each other and develop
ourselves as we engage in Gakkai activities. Especially during the New Yearsholiday period, we will
make sure to remind members at our local community centers to take every caution to prevent fires
and any other accidents. [SGI NewsletterEditors Note: Because of very low humidity during
wintertime in Japan, there is a high fire risk.]

President Ikeda: Yes, Im counting on all of you.

We mustnt allow any accidents to happen. Otherwise, the members will suffer. The Daishonin
writes The protection of the gods depends on the strength of ones faith (WND-1, 953). And he
also warns: Be even more careful than usual (WND-2,731).

Carelessness is absolutely the greatest enemyI have continued to take leadership with this
determination. I hope all of you will also take full responsibility for protecting the Soka Gakkai, never
forgetting to chant powerful daimoku and pay careful attention to every detail.

Taking On Challenges Is a Privilege of Youth

Kumazawa: Today, with Japans declining birthrate and the rapidly aging population, communities
with relatively small numbers of youth are increasing. In the Soka Gakkai, too, there are some areas
where our facilities and meetings cannot be staffed by youth alone. What should we do in these
kinds of situations?
President Ikeda: Thats a very important question.

The basic point is to give careful consideration to each locations individual circumstances. Many
new community centers are being built and the types of meetings we hold are also becoming
diversified. Often how things have been done in the pastjust dont apply anymore. The key is to
utilize the wisdom that arises from our careand compassion for our fellow members. I hope
everyone will unite together and come up with creative solutions.

While consulting with the mens and womens division members, I ask that you think of ways to
ensure that facilities and meetings will run smoothly and thebehind-the-scenes group members will
not be overburdened.

Fortunately, now we have members of the Ojokai and Kojo-kai (mens division and womens division
behind-the-scenes groups, respectively) also on duty at our centers. My wish is that the youth
division members will resolutely protect the SGI centers in their local areas, learning from these
praiseworthy experienced members and exchanging ideas and suggestions with them.

Tanano: Carrying on the noble spirit of staunchly protecting the Soka Gakkai, we, the young mens
division members, are determined to further spread the ideals of Nichiren Daishonins Buddhism and
victoriously open a new era.

President Ikeda: First Soka Gakkai president Tsunesaburo Makiguchi declared: A single lion is
worth more than a thousand sheep. Each of our Soka Gakkai youth division members is a champion
more powerful than an army of ten thousand.

Taking on challenges is a privilege of youth. Its crucial for you not to hold back,trying merely to
preserve the status quo or avoid making mistakes. Take bold initiative.

If there arent too many youth division members in your local organization, then you can chant
daimoku so that there will be more. If you think there arent enough capable individuals there, you
can resolve to foster one person into an outstanding leader for kosen-rufu.

The Soka Gakkai started from virtually nothing and it has now grown to this extent. It was truly an
arduous all-out struggle.

The Daishonin writes:

When I, Nichiren, first took faith in the Lotus Sutra, I was like a single drop of water or a single
particle of dust in all the country of Japan. But later, when two people, three people, ten people, and
eventually a hundred, a thousand, ten thousand, and a million people come to recite the Lotus Sutra
and transmit it to others, then they will form a Mount Sumeru of perfect enlightenment, an ocean of
great nirvana. Seek no other path by which to attain Buddhahood! (WND-1,580)

This is the eternal and unchanging formula of kosen-rufu.

All of you, the youth division members, will determine the future course of kosen-rufu and
humanity. Please summon your innate power as Bodhisattvas of the Earth and build a new, youthful
Soka Gakkai. This year, the Year of Capable People and Dynamic Development (2011), is an
important starting point in which to embark on this undertaking.
The mens and womens division members are also wholeheartedly supporting you in your
endeavours. I hope you will challenge yourselves vibrantly as befitting of youth and Gakkai
members.

Tanano: Yes, we will do our best!

Next year (2011) will mark 20 years since the Soka Gakkai became independent of the priesthood (in
November 1991) and proudly began walking the great path of Soka Renaissance. In order to be
totally victorious in all aspects this upcoming year, we of the young mens division will first make the
New Years Gongyo meetings a complete success. With the resolve to dynamically develop in 2011,
we will greet our fellow members at our local community centers in the highest spirits.

Starting Here, Starting Now, Starting with Each of Us

Kumazawa: Today, there are young womens behind-the-scenes groups like the Byakuren around
the world. At SGI culture and community centers everywhere, young women are warmly greeting
members and guests with bright smiles.

President Ikeda: We are living in a truly wonderful age. All across the globe, our young men and
women, Bodhisattvas of the Earth, are working tirelessly for their communities, societies, and for the
happiness and peace of humankind. My heart leaps with joy at the thought of how happy this would
surely make the Daishonin.

We are now setting out on our great journey toward our 100th anniversary (in2030). Our ascent of
this new summit of kosen-rufu will beginstarting here, starting now, and starting with each of us.

The year 2030 will also mark the 70th anniversary of worldwide kosen-rufu. What a glorious and
magnificent age of widespread propagation of the Mystic Law we are sure to see at that time.

The Daishonin says that the word emerging [with regard to multitudes of bodhisattvas emerging
from the earth (LSOC15, 263)] indicates that at the time of kosen-rufu, the Lotus Sutra will come to
be practiced widely by people throughout the world (cf. GZ, 834).

Now, more than ever, the world is seeking the wisdom of the Mystic Law.

I hope you will all share the same dedication in faith as me once again in the year ahead. Please take
steady and noble steps forward in accord with the principle that unseen virtue brings about visible
reward (WND-1, 940).

I am praying for all of you to joyfully and vigorously join together with youth around the world to
create a brilliant and astonishing record of successive victories.

(Translated from the December 29, 2010, issue of the Seikyo Shimbun, the Soka Gakkai daily
newspaper NL No.8161,8166)
The New Human RevolutionVolume 24: Chapter 2
Vigilant Safeguarding (1 35)
By Ho Goku

Vigilant Safeguarding 1

It was a late autumn evening in 1976. Having completed his work at the Soka Gakkai
Headquarters in Shinanomachi, Tokyo, Shinichi Yamamoto went outside. Winter was
approaching, and the night air had become chilly. In Japan, fires often occur during the
winter. Shinichi decided to check on various Gakkai facilities in the area before making his
way home.

There had just been a major fire in Sakata, Yamagata Prefecture, on October 29. It was a
disastrous fire burning for close to 12 hours, destroying 1,774 buildings and houses in a
22.5-hectare (55.6-acre) area, and killing 1 and injuring 1,003 people. On the day of the fire,
Shinichi was at the Tohoku General Training Center (present-day Tohoku Training Center) in
Aomori Prefecture. When he learned of the incident, he gave instructions for relief activities
and did everything in his power to respond to the emergency.

The fire had started at a local movie theatre. At first it was thought that a boiler had
overheated, but later it was suspected that something went wrong with the electrical
system. Despite an investigation, it was difficult to establish the actual cause, and in the end
the origins of the fire remained unclear.

But whether it had been the boiler or the electrical system, the fact remained that if the
buildings equipment had been carefully checked on a daily basis, in all likelihood the most
terrible of consequences, a fire, could have been prevented.

Some people tend to take things for granted. They assume that the present situation will
continue unchanged, and since nothing bad has happened so far, they dont have to worry
about what might happen next, even though in actuality some danger may be growing in
their midst. In fact, they even forget to think about possible threats and dangers. They stop
paying attention to important tell-tale signs and become careless.

Overcoming that mindset is the first step in preventing accidents. Nichiren Daishonin writes:
A wise person, while dwelling in security, anticipates danger (WND-1, 621). Astute people
will always be prepared for an emergency, even when the situation seems safe.
With the approach of December, a month in which fires and various other accidents
increase in Japan, Shinichi decided to take the initiative and check on the Gakkai facilities in
the headquarters area.

Vigilant Safeguarding 2

When Shinichi arrived at the building next to the Soka Gakkai Headquarters, two young
men just happened to be walking out of it. Their badges with the logo G gleamed. They
were members of the Gajokai.

The Gajokai is a group formed to foster the youth, entrusted with duties such as protecting
the Soka Gakkai Headquarters as well as other Gakkai facilities around the country.

Youre Gajokai members, I see. Thank you for your hard work.

The two were young mens division members from Suginami Ward, Tokyo, and they were
patrolling the headquarters area.

Lets check on things together, said Shinichi, setting out ahead of them. As they walked,
he asked them about their jobs and families and their local Soka Gakkai organization. They
were valiant youths who had rushed over after a busy day at work to fulfill their Gajokai
duties.

Shinichi remarked: Youre giving your all amid trying circumstances, and for that I am
grateful. But remember that all your efforts for kosen-rufu and to support the members will
return to you as great good fortune. As Buddhists, we strive based on that conviction. And
those efforts will also ensure your final victory.

There seemed to be no meetings at the headquarters that day and there werent many
people on the streets.

As he carefully checked whether any windows in Gakkai buildings had been left open or
strange objects were left lying about on the streets, Shinichi said to the young men: The
Gajokai Group has the solemn mission to protect the Soka GakkaiHeadquarters, our culture
and community centers, and our members. Thats the same as my mission. To accomplish
that mission, you need to be fully alert at all times, pay attention to every detail, and not
overlook anything, no matter how minor it may seem.

The ability to pay careful attention starts with your attitude. It then needs to be backed up
by prayer filled with a sense of responsibility and the determination not to overlook
anything that could lead to an accident. Through that prayer the positive forces of the
universe will be activated, augmenting your wisdom and focus.
Vigilant Safeguarding 3

Heading toward the Seikyo Shimbun building together with the two young men of
theGajokai, Shinichi explained to them the basics of the task of inspecting.

One of the iron rules is to make sure nothing has been left around the perimeter of
buildings, especially anything that could burn easily, such as newspapers or bundles of
magazines. If such materials were to catch fire, it could have serious consequences.

When they came upon a two-story Gakkai building, Shinichi checked thestorage room
inside. You need to pay attention to places that people rarely open, such as this. Some
things to confirm are whether or not its locked, anything unusual is inside, and the
ventilation fan is still left running.

Its vital to keep these kinds of areas tidy, so someone can easily spot an item that doesnt
belong there. If the objects in a storage space are just strewn about, or there are cardboard
boxes without labelled contents, it can be dangerous as you wont be able to notice if
someone has placed any suspicious objects there. By observing how neat and orderly a
place is, you can tell how alert to trouble and how responsible the people using it are.

Shinichi carried out a detailed inspection, including making sure that the stove burners in
kitchen facilities and the lights and electrical appliances in rooms not in use were all shut
off. Outside he directed the light of a flashlight toward the base of the plants and flowers in
front of the buildings to make sure no dangerous materials had been placed there.

You may think this is overdoing it, but if an accident were to happen because you missed
something, it would be too late. Eyes that notice the littlest things can prevent the biggest
accidents.

To prevent accidents, everyone should consider the matter carefully, decide on a basic
roster of things that need to be checked, and then follow it assiduously. For example, the
conductors on Japanese trains always carry out a series of checks before departure.
Meticulously repeating that routine each time is the key to protecting their riders safety.

Once a routine is set, it needs to be carried out faithfully, without skipping orignoring any
part of it. If you allow it to become a mere formality and lose your focus, carelessness will
follow. Thats the most dangerous thing.

As the German poet and playwright Bertolt Brecht (18981956) said: Habit can be
dangerous.
Vigilant Safeguarding 4

As he continued to inspect the buildings in the area around the headquarters, Shinichi
spoke to the two youthful Gajokai members about the dangers of carelessness.

This period from now to the end of the year is a time when there are not only many fires
but also crimes, such as fraud or theft. Still, some tend to think that these kinds of things
only happen to other people, never suspecting that they might become victims themselves.
In fact, thats the first sign of carelessness, and that way of thinking makes you vulnerable.

Though we remind members at meetings to be careful not to have trafficaccidents, there

are plenty of cases when people say to themselves, "I know that" and dont really pay
attention. What you should do at that time is remind yourselves to be extra careful, and say
the same to those around you. Those riding bicycles also need to put this advice into action
by checking their lights and brakes.

Nichiren Daishonin wrote to Shijo Kingo: Determine to take every possible precaution
(WND-1, 461). And: Be millions of times more careful than ever (WND-1, 839). He warned
him to pay attention to the smallest details and be more careful than ever before. Being
cautious is essential if you are to protect yourselvesand be victorious in this harsh world.

Shinichi walked with the two Gajokai members through the Seikyo Shimbun building back
to his home, which was nearby. His wife Mineko was at the entryway to greet him. She
politely thanked the Gajokai members. As they parted Shinichi said to them: Thank you for
accompanying me today. Please aim for complete safety and security. Ill also
wholeheartedly pray for the same thing every day.

I cant go along with you on your rounds each time, but in my heart Im always with you.
We share the same mission. Please protect our headquarters in my stead. Protect our
culture and community centers. Protect our members. Lets meet again.

That evening Shinichi and Mineko prayed intently for the Gajokai members to not catch
colds and to vigorously carry out their respective missions and fulfill their greatest potential.

Vigilant Safeguarding 5

The Gajokai
Because of you
our citadel of Soka
flourishes and triumphs
as we carry out kosen-rufu.
The Gajokai was established in February 1971 as a group to train youthful champions of
Soka who will protect the Soka Gakkai Headquarters as well as community and culture
centers around Japan. About ten years prior to that, young mens division members had
begun safeguarding these facilities by performing inspections to ensure that buildings were
secure and no fire hazards were present, among other things.

Shinichi Yamamoto was deeply appreciative of these members who wereconsistently

striving behind the scenes to protect the Gakkais various facilities, andfrom time to time he
would offer them encouragement. As the Japanese writerSaneatsu Mushanokoji (1885
1976) wrote: We should be more concerned about whatcannot be seen than by what can
be seen.

Working wholeheartedly behind the scenes to support kosen-rufu and protect the Soka
Gakkai is a most noble form of Buddhist practice. Shinichi believed it was necessary to
officially designate this informal group of members and establish it on a nationwide level in
order to preserve their attitude as the eternal spirit of the young mens division.

The large-scale renovation of the head temple grounds, including the construction of the
Sho-Hondo (Grand Main Temple), was completed in 1972. Up until this point, the Soka
Gakkai had prioritized renovating the head temple and establishing branch temples for the
Nichiren Shoshu priesthood. It then began focusing on building Gakkai community and
culture centers, which had previously taken a back seat.

With the construction of new culture and community centers around the country, fostering
members to safeguard these facilities became increasingly important. The leaders of the
young mens division had also been thinking of organizing their members to take on this
role.

At the beginning of 1971, when the top leaders of the young mens divisionapproached
Shinichi about forming a team of members to take care of Soka Gakkai facilities, he
answered without hesitaYon: I agree with the idea of creaYng a group for this purpose.
We should decide on a name for this training group. Id like to make a suggestion.

Vigilant Safeguarding 6

Shinichi explained: The Soka Gakkai headquarters and community centers are all
fortresses for kosen-rufu, so lets call the group to train these young men who willprotect
these centers the Gajokai (Jpn. gajo, lit. tusk castle or fortress; and kai, lit. group).

A fortress is the base or command center of a great general or leader. In ancient China, the
poles of a generals banners were often topped with ornamental ivory carvings from
elephant tusks (ga), and were called tusk banners. The fortress where these banners were
displayed was thus called a tusk fortressgajo.
In the past, Shinichi had discussed the term with his mentor Josei Toda, and hehad
continued to treasure that conversation in his heart.

News soon spread to members throughout the country that a new group for safeguarding
Soka Gakkai facilities had been established as the Gajokai. The young mens division
members who were engaged in this activity became Gajokai members from February 1,
making that the effective day on which the group was established.

Gold badges were also created to present to Gajokai members, with a designemploying the
le\er G, which is the first letter in the words Gakkai, gengo (Jpn. vigilantly safeguard),
and Gajokai. Gengo is a word that appears in Buddhist sutras, in the phrase vigilantly
safeguarding the citadel of the Law. The spirit of the Gajokai is to vigilantly safeguard, in
the spirit of not begrudging ones life, the citadels of the Law for kosen-rufuthe Soka
Gakkai Headquarters and facilitiesand the organization and all of its members.

In August 1975, a summer training course was held and attended by 5,500Gajokai
representatives from throughout Japan. A martial arts exhibition was also held at the time,
with regional teams competing in the sports of kendo and judo. As Carl Hilty (18331909)
said: Forging resilience is especially desirable in ones youth.

At a vice presidents conference in June 1976, days were chosen to commemorate each of
the groups within the youth division, and September 1 was selected as Gajokai Day. That
was the day of the completion ceremony of the new Soka Gakkai Headquarters in
Shinanomachi, Tokyo, when the old mortared-frame building was replaced with a new
reinforced-concrete structure in 1963.

Shinichi thought that this day would be most appropriate to commemorate theGajokai,
which safeguarded the headquarters and protected the Soka Gakkai.

Vigilant Safeguarding 7

To commemorate the first Gajokai Day on September 1, 1976, a meeting to celebrate the
Gajokai was held at the Soka University Central Gymnasium in Hachioji, Tokyo. At the
meeting the new maroon uniforms of the Gajokai were introduced.

This day also happened to be the 56th birthday of Hatsune Miyasaka, a womens division
member from Nagasaki, Kyushu, who was wholeheartedly praying for the growth of all
Gajokai members. In May of that year she had lost her oldest son Katsumi, who had been a
proud Gajokai member. Katsumi had remained true to his Buddhist faith and practice up to
his untimely death.

While active as a Soka Gakkai young mens division greater block chief (equivalent today to
a young mens division district leader), Katsumi was also exerting himself as a Gajokai
member. He had also started to assume the responsibility of safeguarding the new Nagasaki
Culture Center that had just opened in November 1975. He would frequently point out:
Weve had this wonderful culture center built for us. We must protect it and our fellow
members!

He answered the phone calls that came to the center in a cheerful and courteous manner.
The first voice one hears when calling a Soka Gakkai facility can become ones impression of
the organization as a whole. He was determined to always answer the phone in a pleasant,
polite, and sincere tone.

He also often remarked to other Gajokai members around him: When people visit our
centers while were on duty, the first person they meet is a Gajokai member. Were the face
of the Gakkai. We need to warmly greet visitors with a friendly smile.

He treated all those who visited the center with warm consideration. If someonecalled and
said they thought theyd forgotten something in the building, hed search for it everywhere
and sometimes even deliver the item to the individual. He was more careful than anyone
else in his inspection of the building and the area around it. He did this out of his spirit of
wanting to protect the Soka Gakkai, aware that the failure to notice suspicious objects near
the building could result in a major accident.

Katsumi made the training and lessons he learned in the Gajokai his personal philosophy
and code of behaviour. Thats how a spirit is passed on. Without that attitude, even the best
training will not stick

Vigilant Safeguarding 8

Katsumi Miyasaka had not been feeling well, so in January 1976 he went to the hospital to
be examined. It turned out he had rectal cancer, which was already in the terminal stage. He
had surgery, but the cancer metastasized and could not be removed. He was told he had
about a month to live.

However, he said to his family members: I am going to show great actual proof of this
Buddhism. Though I may not have long to live, Im going to survive until May 3, the 16th
anniversary of President Yamamotos inauguration.

Eventually he left the hospital and was cared for at home. Whenever members came to visit
him, it was he who encouraged them. Life is truly amazing when its dedicated to kosen-
rufu, the path of opening the way to happiness for all people. Having been born in this
world and encountered Buddhism, we have a mission to keep striving until our last breath
to talk to people about the wonder of this philosophy.

On one occasion he said to a young mens division member: I may not have long to live,
but life is eternal. My most heartfelt wish is that in my next life I will be born into a family
who has the Gohonzon. But even if I have the Gohonzon, I wont really understand this faith,
and I wont be able to strive joyously, unless I also encounter the Soka Gakkai, the
organization advancing kosen-rufu, and a mentor like President Yamamoto. Thats why I
want to be reborn together with President Yamamoto and the Soka Gakkai.

And if possible, Id like to be healthy. I want eyes to see the Gohonzon, a mouth to chant
daimoku and share this Buddhism with others, and strong legs, so I can take part in Soka
Gakkai activities. Thats my greatest wish for my next life.

But when I think about it, Ive had all my wishes fulfilled in this life. Im very grateful for my
life. To me its exactly as the Lotus Sutra states: This cluster of unsurpassed jewels / has
come to us unsought (LSOC4, 124).

Vigilant Safeguarding 9

Though he had been told he had only a month to live, Katsumi Miyasaka was still alive after
two months and then three months. At last, May 3, 1976the 16th anniversary of Shinichi
Yamamoto's inauguration as the third president of the Soka Gakkaiarrived. Im alive,
said Katsumi. I survived to May 3. From that day on he grew visibly weaker and weaker,
but he remained cheerful and upbeat.

I want to take part in one more Gajokai shift at the Nagasaki Culture Center. I want to see
our members arriving happily at the center. I want to once again eat the instant ramen that
is provided to on-duty Gajokai as a late-night snack.

On May 24, hearing that Katsumi's condition had worsened, his younger brother Takeshi,
who lived in Saitama Prefecture, and his two sisters, who had married and lived in Nagasaki,
came to be with him. The next morning, May 25, Katsumi asked Takeshi to look after their
parents when he was gone. Then he said, Id like to do Gongyo together as a family.

They carried Katsumi to the room where the Buddhist altar was and held him up as he
recited the sutra and chanted. When Gongyo was over, he lay down. Takeshi opened a
pamphlet of President Yamamotos poem Song of Youth, which happened to be resting on
a small table in front of the altar. Katsumi liked the poem, and Takeshi decided to read it for
him:

Though clouds dot the sky

and the wind blows
the sun rises again today. .

When Takeshi started reading, Katsumi smiled and closed his eyes. Takeshi's voice
resonated in the room.
I have my mission which is mine alone
You too
have a mission which only you can fulfill

About halfway through the poem, with a peaceful smile on his face, Katsumi breathed his
last breath, as if drifting off to sleep. Having dedicated his youth to the Gajokai, his27-year-
old life came to an end.

The value of ones life is not necessarily decided by its length. Through dedicating oneself to
the noble purpose of kosen-rufu, ones life comes to shine.

Vigilant Safeguarding 10

More than two months had passed since the death of Katsumi Miyasaka. From July 31 to
August 2, 1976, the Kyushu Gajokai Summer Training Course was conducted at the Kyushu
General Training Center (present-day 21st Century Nature Conference Center, in Kirishima,
Kyushu). There was an outdoor meeting on the first day of the course, and Nagasaki
members produced a dramatic presentation based on the life of Miyasaka. The eyes of all
the young men there were glued to the stage specially set up for the occasion.

In the play, Miyasaka calls out from his sickbed: I want to get better and return to duty as a
Gajokai member. Im determined to protect the Soka Gakkai and all its members as a
representative of President Yamamoto.

Tears glimmered in everyones eyes. Some, trying to hold back their emotions,clenched
their fists and pressed their lips together. Deeply moved, they all shared Miyasakas
determination.

One individual who serves as an example can stir the hearts of countless others. Dont wait
for someone else to set an example. The Soka Gakkai is a gathering of champions precisely
because each member strives to become such a model.

The performance came to an end and applause reverberated throughout the venue.The
narrator said in a resonant voice: Katsumi Miyasakas father Ayumu sent us a letter that Id
like to share with you now. He says: I feel as if I can see the faces of all of you assembled
there in Kirishima. I believe my eldest son Katsumi was looking forward to this day, when he
could be together with all of you. Unfortunately, he has gone to Eagle Peak before President
Yamamoto or any of you.

Although Katsumi was unable to leave behind an illustrious record ofachievements that
attract attention, he was second to none in his commitment to protecting President
Yamamoto, the citadels of kosen-rufu, and the people.
He embodied that spirit and silently communicated it to all who knew him. Though he was
my own son, I believe I can say he was a fine representative of the Gajokai. I hope that all of
you wonderful young people will continue to do your best, on Katsumis behalf, too. This is
my sincere wish.

Though he was still grieving for his beloved son, Katsumis father wrote this letter to impart
hope to the young men of the Gajokai. His sentiments struck deep into the hearts of all of
them.

Vigilant Safeguarding 11

On the second day of the summer training course, a Kyushu Gajokai General Meetingwas
held. At the meeting, young mens division leader Isamu Nomura, speaking to the group,
said that he found Miyasaka to be a model Gajokai and made the following proposal: Id
like to suggest that the Kyushu Gajokai, as pioneers of kosen-rufu,

create a regional Gajokai flag. We can put the three letters K,G, and MforKyushu,
Gajokai, and Miyasakaon the flag as a lasting way to commemorateMiyasaka's memory.
What do you think?

The members applauded thunderously in agreement.

On August 7, the same young mens division leader reported about Katsumi Miyasaka to
Shinichi Yamamoto, who was staying at the Kyushu General Training Center during his
guidance tour of the region.

Shinichi said: The Kyushu Gajokai should stand up and carry on in the spirit of Miyasaka.
Thats how true comrades behave. Without shared ideals, you cannot fulfill your great vow.

Miyasakas father responded most admirably, too. Lets plant a cherry tree at the training
center in tribute to Miyasaka. Since his name was Katsumi, lets call it the Katsumi Cherry
Tree.

Then Shinichi composed a poem and sent it to Miyasakas father, Ayumu. The

poem reads:

In praise of
your steadfast son, dry your tears
and eternally protect
the Katsumi cherry tree.
Shinichi acted with lightning speed. Speed is the manifestation of ones strength of resolve
and sincerity. His mentor Josei Toda used to say, Leaders of kosen-rufu must make Speed
their motto.

When she heard the news by telephone, Miyasakas mother Hatsune tried tosuppress her
sobs.

Shinichi immediately received a letter from Miyasakas father, who wrote: I am overcome
with gratitude at the wonderful poem you sent me today. How happy Katsumi must be.

Katsumi's father wrote a poem in response:

Battling cold winter storms,

reaching the other shore
from where can be seen
beautiful flowers of spring abloom.

Vigilant Safeguarding 12

The parents of Katsumi Miyasaka took the greatest pride in their son, who had dedicated
himself wholeheartedly to kosen-rufu as a member of the Gajokai. They strongly believed
that though he had died young, he had been able to transform his karma in this lifetime.

The Gajokai members spirit of vigilant safeguarding was not limited to the SokaGakkai but
extended also to the people in general, and these young men demonstrated that spirit in
various ways.

In January 1974, when a major fire broke out in a densely populated area of Niigata, four
brothers, who were all Gajokai members and employees of a local printing plant,
immediately ran to the scene with buckets in hand to help put out the fire. They assisted the
firefighters, acting with cool-headedness and speed to bring the flames under control.

In September of that year, in Komae, Tokyo, the dikes along the Tama River broke during
heavy rains, and several dozen Gajokai members and other Soka Gakkai members assisted
with relief efforts. Their selfless efforts to carry sandbags and help residents remove their
household goods to safety in the soaking rain earned the admiration, praise, and gratitude
of their fellow residents.

That October, in Suginami Ward, Tokyo, on the way home from a discussion meeting, some
Gajokai members heard someone shout, Help! Thief! The Gajokai members chased after
the suspect for about 100 meters (100 yards) and captured him. The Tokyo Metropolitan
Police commissioner presented these youth with a certificate of commendation for their
courageous service.

In September 1976, after 9:00 in the evening, a fire started in a hilly wooded area behind
the Hiroshima Culture Center. When they received reports of the incident fromresidents,
some 50 Gajokai and young mens division members immediately rushed tothe scene and
valiantly battled the blaze with fire extinguishers and a bucket brigade.

Such actions by Gajokai members are too numerous to mention. Youth have a mission to
take the initiative to protect others. Without learning such lessons, egotism prevails and
society is corrupted from its foundations. Training young people to serve society and the
people is one of the major roles of the Soka Gakkai.

Vigilant Safeguarding 13

Dedication to fostering young people and allowing them to take the lead in all activities are
traditions of the Soka Gakkai. The organization will be able to enjoy eternal growth and
development if it remains youthful.

With the 21st century only a quarter-century away, Shinichi Yamamoto believed it was time
to place even greater emphasis on fostering youth. In the coming century, those youth
would assume primary roles on the main stage of kosen-rufu. They would also carry on the
Soka Gakkai spirit and become core individuals who would protect the organizations
members. In fact, many youth division members who were Gajokai at that time have gone
on to become, in the 21st century, members of the Ojokai [the mens division equivalent of
the Gajokai in Japan], who are today busy protecting the Soka Gakkai and its facilities.

Several days after Shinichi patrolled around the Shinanomachi area with the two young
men of the Gajokai checking on Soka Gakkai facilities, he happened to meet another young
man in a hallway of the Soka Gakkai Headquarters. The youths name was Masaaki Kato,
and he had recently been appointed as the first leader of the Soka Group on November 4 of
that year.

When Kato saw Shinichi he said: President Yamamoto! Since the Traffic Control Group
became the Soka Group, everyone is brimming with renewed determination.

Ive heard, said Shinichi. Incidentally, there is something I want to discuss with you. Lets
have a general meeting to mark the full-fledged start for the new Soka Group. It will be the
1st Soka Group General Meeting. Lets have it on January6thats the only date that will do.
Ill also attend. It will still be within the NewYears holiday period, but I want to start the
new year with all of you.

Yes, by all means! replied Kato with a big smile.

The news quickly spread across the nation that President Yamamoto had suggested holding
a Soka Group General Meeting on January 6.

Kato thought, Why did Sensei chose January 6? At first he assumed it was simply a matter
of Shinichi schedule. But when he investigated further, he discovered something that
astonished and profoundly moved him. January 6 was theday in 1951 on which Shinichi was
called to the home of Josei Toda and entrustedwith all of his mentors private and business
matters.

Vigilant Safeguarding 14

January 6, 1951, was a Saturday. Toda called Shinichi to his house to discuss winding up the
remaining business of the Toko Construction Credit Union, which had ceased operations. It
was a time of challenges on all fronts, and some of Todas creditors were even suing him.
Depending on how things worked out, it was conceivable that Toda could be arrested. Toda
had also started the Daito Commerce Company, of which he was the executive advisor for,
in order to find a way out of his business difficulties.But that company wasnt going well,
either.

With his wife Ikue at his side, Toda said to Shinichi: Just in case anything should happen,
Id like to entrust the Soka Gakkai, Toko Construction Credit Union, and Daito Commerce
Company to you. Will you accept this proposal? And, if possible, I would also like you to look
after my family.

It was an enormous responsibility. Listening to Todas words, the 23-year-oldShinichi felt

goose bumps and indescribable emotion.

You may think I am giving you a terrible gift, but the mission that I was born to fulfill in this
life is also your mission. You understand that, dont you? Be steadfast, no matter what
happens.

If you and I remain dedicated to our mission, the time is certain to come when the will of
Nichiren Daishonin can be fulfilled. No matter what anyone says, letsadvance resolutely
together!

Shinichi lifted his tear-filled eyes and said to Toda: Sensei, please dont worry about
anything. I have always been prepared to give my entire life to you without the slightest
regret, and this will never change, for all eternity.

In his diary that day, Shinichi wrote: Mr. Toda is like Masashige, while I am like Masatsura.
His wife wept. Never throughout my life will I forget the emotion, solemnity, tears, sense of
mission, of karmic bonds and of lifes worth that I have experienced today. It has been
decided that I will be his successor.
The genuine ties of mentor and disciple shine with a brilliant golden light at the most trying
of times.

Vigilant Safeguarding 15

When Soka Group leader Masaaki Kato read Shinichi A Youthful Diary and The Human
Revolution and learned that January 6 was the historic date that Shinichi deeply realized
that he was second Soka Gakkai president Josei Todas sole successor, a thrill ran through
his body.

President Yamamoto has suggested that that profoundly meaningful date should be the 1st
Soka Group General Meeting. He is entrusting us, as his successors, with full responsibility
for the Soka Gakkai. We must find a way to open up a new age for the Soka Gakkai through
the efforts of the Soka Group.

Shinichi had renamed the Traffic Control Group (TCG)composed of young mens division
members entrusted with the responsibility of overseeing the transport of members making
pilgrimages to the head templeto the Soka Group on November 2,1976.

The TCG began operation when President Toda initiated monthly pilgrimages to the head
temple in October 1952. It started as a group of young mens division members who, in the
spirit of youth standing up to take full responsibility, took charge of regulating the number
of participants on the monthly pilgrimages and assisting members at train stations and
during transit.

In those days, members travelled on these pilgrimages in regular train cars, not specially
reserved ones, which made it tougher for the TCG to fulfill their responsibilities. They had to
make sure that every member of each group was able to board the train and find seats.
They also looked after members who werent feelingwell, and made sure the pilgrimage
groups didnt cause trouble for the other,non-member passengers on the trains.

In those days, sometimes non-member passengers would react negativelybased on

prejudice and misunderstandingwhen they learned that a Gakkai group was onthe train
making a pilgrimage. Such passengers sometimes behaved scornfully or insulted the
members. In such situations, the young men of the TCG had to react with gentle and
forbearing smiles, quick wit, and a dignified, restrained manner, to protect the members
and ensure their safe travel.

As the monthly pilgrimages continued, the TCG became more and more organized. Shinichi
gave his all to fostering and advising the members of the group.

Vigilant Safeguarding 16

In October 1955, as the chief of staff of the youth division, Shinichi presented guidance
titled For the Traffic Control Group of the Young Mens Division to itsmembers.
The guidance praised the TCG for caring for each member and conducting their duties with
accuracy, speed, commitment, and sincerity: Taking to heart the concept that though
unnoticed by others, everything is observed by the Buddhas and bodhisattvas throughout
the universe, it is my earnest wish that you will carry out the Buddhist practice of your youth
through engaging in TCG activities, applying what you learn there to your efforts within the
youth division and at your places of work.

The concept that the attitudes and actions of all living beings are clearly perceived by the
Buddhas and bodhisattvas throughout the universe is another way of saying that the
impartial law of the causality of life applies to all. Through the guidance, the young men of
the TCG deepened their sense of mission, and they made this concept their basic spirit.

After being inaugurated as the third president of the Soka Gakkai on May 3, 1960, Shinichi
concentrated even more energy on fostering the TCG. Shinichi believed that the members
of the TCG, like himself, shouldered the mission to lead members toward fulfilling the great
vow of kosen-rufu. He was deeply resolved to make whatever sacrifices necessary to take
care of those who supported the organization behind the scenes. Shinichi determination is
what spurred the development of this training group. Occasionally he would even give such
supplies as white trousers for them to wear while they were on duty.

In March 1965, when the three-million-member general pilgrimage tocommemorate the

completion of the Grand Reception Hall was over, Shinichi sent8,000 copies of volume 12 of
Kaicho Koen-shu (Collected Lectures of the President) to TCG members as well as to a group
of young womens division members who supported the events that took place at the head
temple. The frontispiece featured the word pillar printed in Shinichi handwriting, and
the back of the book displayedthe names of each recipient of the special edition, a list that
reached some 50 pages.

Shinichi gave his all to training and encouraging young people, many of whomdeveloped
into exemplary members of the youth division.

Vigilant Safeguarding 17

In the fall of 1969, at Shinichi Yamamotos suggestion, a Traffic Control Group (TCG)
Academy was established to train young mens division members into leaders. More than
3,000 members were enrolled in the first class.

Shinichi believed that training in groups such as the TCG was indispensable forbecoming
core leaders in the young mens division. This was his realization based onhis own personal
experience.

In May 1954, Shinichi took complete charge of the general pilgrimage of 5,000 youth
division members to the head temple, an event that took place under driving rains. He also
oversaw the general pilgrimage of 10,000 youth division members to the head temple in
October of that same year.

During the May 1954 pilgrimage, a traffic accident occurred that led to a shortage of buses,
creating an emergency situation in which transportation had to be shifted from bus to train.
As a result, members were extremely late to arrive and the ceremonies had to be delayed
by four and a half hours. But Shinichi responded coolly and steadily to each development
and surmounted every obstacle. It turned out to be a most valuable experience for him.

He was made keenly aware of the heavy responsibility entailed in organizing a large event
and the importance of checking and rechecking every last detail. He came to understand the
difference between plans on paper and the way they actually unfold. He was also able to
learn how to respond in the best way to unanticipateddevelopments. These experiences
proved incalculable in preparing him to later take the helm of the kosen-rufu movement.

As Florence Nightingale (18201910) once observed: In all departments of life there is no

apprenticeship except in the workshop.

Shinichi, after discussing the matter with representative young mens division leaders,
decided to establish the Traffic Control Group Academy to foster the next generation of
leaders.

At the beginning, the training period was six months to become a full-fledgedTCG member.
As part of their training, candidates were required to serve TCG duty once a month, and
study such writings as The Human Revolution to learn about the Gakkai spirit.

Shinichi planned to continue developing the Traffic Control Group, along with its ancillary
Traffic Control Group Academy, into a major institution within the young mens division for
fostering capable individuals who will shoulder the future of the Soka Gakkai.

Vigilant Safeguarding 18

The construction of new Soka Gakkai facilities moved forward according to schedule, and in
the late 1970s, large-scale centers of reinforced-concrete were built one after another in
every prefecture and ward. In addition, from 1974, summer training courses began to be
held at training centers and culture centers around the country.

The Gajokai, with the responsibility of patrolling and safeguarding the Soka Gakkai
Headquarters and other Gakkai facilities, had been established in 1971, and a plan was
implemented for them to care for the new, larger facilities.

However, there was still not enough support available for all the training courses and events
taking place at the new facilities around the country.

Given that situation, Shinichi thought it was necessary to rethink the role of theTCG and to
expand it as a means for fostering capable individuals.From the spring of 1976, he initiated
discussions about the future of the TCGwith core leaders of the young mens division. It was
concluded that membership should be increased dramatically and the group renamed, with
a clearer focus on developing capable individuals who would become central leaders in the
young mens division.

On November 2, while further discussing the matter with young mens division leaders,
Shinichi said as he wrote the words Soka Group on a memo pad: The young mens
division has proposed many names, but Id like to suggest renaming the Traffic Control
Group the Soka Group, and renaming the Traffic Control Group Academy the Soka Group
Academy.

This name signifies that the members of this group are the pride of the Soka Gakkai, and
will take responsibility for the organization as a whole as well as everything necessary for
advancing kosen-rufu. Their mission, first and foremost, is to protect the Soka Gakkai. As
such, I have given them the name Soka, calling them the Soka Group, because a name
expresses the essence of a thing.

From now on, the Soka Group will open up a new era for the Soka Gakkai. Lets appoint a
new person to be the leader of the Soka Group. We should announce these changes as soon
as possible.

Vigilant Safeguarding 19

The assembled members were astonished at the announcements. They erupted in joy, their
applause reverberating throughout the hall. It was the evening of November 4,1976, and
the Traffic Control Group Leaders Meeting was under way at the Soka Culture Center in
Shinanomachi, Tokyo. The young mens division leader had just announced that the TCG
was being disbanded and simultaneously reconstituted as the Soka Group. The new groups
responsibilities would be expanded to include not only its original function of assisting with
transport during pilgrimages to the head temple but also the task of supporting the
operations of various activities and events taking place at the Headquarters and Soka Gakkai
facilities around the country. The Traffic Control Group Leaders Meeting became the historic
kick-off of the Soka Group.

Masaaki Kato, who had become the first Soka Group leader, was a robust youngman. After
studying in the graduate program at Waseda University, he started working at the Soka
Gakkai Headquarters, during which time he took on concurrent roles as the elementary
school division leader and young mens division assistant vice leader.

Kato spoke enthusiastically to the assembled members: President Yamamoto hasgiven us

the wonderful name of Soka Group. What a proud honor for us all!

This name doubtlessly expresses President Yamamotos high hopes that, as the innermost
core of the Soka Gakkai, we will resolutely protect the organization and its members. Lets
join President Yamamoto in vigilantly safeguarding the Soka Gakkai and dedicating ourselves
to the path of mentor and disciple for the rest of our lives!

I pledge to spare no effort to take the lead at all times and strive with all Ive got. I humbly
ask for your support.

On this day, the Traffic Control Group was reborn as the Soka Group and soaredinto a new
age.

It was one month after this event that Shinichi encountered Kato in a hallway at the Soka
Gakkai Headquarters and suggested that they hold the first Soka Group General Meeting on
January 6 of the following year.

Shinichi envisioned the Soka Group and the Gajokai as two wheels supportingthe Soka
Gakkai as it advanced energetically into a new era of kosen-rufu.

As Jos Ingenieros (18771925), an Argentine intellectual, physician, and scientist, wrote: It

is the privilege of the youth to sow fecund seeds in virgin fields, as if history were to
commence in the precise moment in which they forge their dreams.

Vigilant Safeguarding 20

The path of Soka is the path of kosen-rufu. It is the path of unity of mentor and disciple. It is
the path of human revolution, of creating hope, of transforming ones karma, of building
peace, and of ensuring the prosperity of society. It is the noble path of Bodhisattvas of the
Earth forging a life-state of absolute happiness that brings innumerable flowers of benefit
into bloom.

Why does the Buddhist faith and practice of the Soka Gakkai produce such great benefits
and good fortune? There are three reasons said President Yamamoto, his courageous voice
reverberating in the main Gohonzon room at the Soka Gakkai Headquarters. His words rang
out with the proud conviction of a lion of Soka. He was speaking at the New Years Gongyo
Meeting of 1977, which had been designated the Year of Study.

The first reason, Shinichi explained, is that the Soka Gakkai is the only organization
practicing and advancing in complete accord with the writings of Nichiren Daishonin.

The Soka Gakkai fought against the oppression of Japans militarist authorities during
World War II in the spirit of selflessly dedicating ones life to protecting and upholding the
correct philosophy of Nichiren Daishonins Buddhism. It has continued to strive over the
years, embodying the Daishonins teaching of establishing thecorrect teaching for the
peace of the land. Furthermore, it has sown the seeds of Buddhism around the world in
order to achieve global kosen-rufu. Its members have practiced in accord with the
Daishonins teachings and the Buddhas will. It would be no exaggeration to say that if the
Soka Gakkai had not appeared in this world, the Lotus Sutra and the Daishonins words
would have been rendered false.

Nonetheless, the Soka Gakkais history is one of continuous persecutions, advancing amid
harsh criticism and abuse in the face of storms of devilish obstacles. In the light of the
Daishonins wordsIf they [devils] did not [arise], there would be no way of knowing that
this is the correct teaching (WND-1, 501)this is in itself further proof of the correctness of
the Soka Gakkais path.

Those who dedicate their lives to the faith and practice of the Soka Gakkai arecertain to
attain Buddhahood. I declare here and now that they cannot fail to receivegreat benefit!

Vigilant Safeguarding 21

Shinichi Yamamotos words were filled with inspiring conviction. His listeners felt his
indomitable will and enormous self-assurance, as firm as a mighty rock withstanding the
seas breakers assailing it. Many also thought to themselves, President Yamamoto clearly
has powerful aspirations. I have to do my best, too! Stirred with excitement, they waited
anxiously for what he would say next.

Shinichi gave the second reason why the faith and practice of the Soka Gakkairesults in
great benefits and good fortune: Next, from the aspect of the financial contributions weve
made to Buddhism, the Soka Gakkai has been completely sincere in demonstrating its
gratitude and in making offerings to protect the teachings.

The Soka Gakkai was once sneered at and criticized by the public as a gathering of the sick
and the poor, but in spite of that we have pushed ahead with an unwavering commitment
to furthering kosen-rufu.

Through our heartfelt financial donations, we have contributed numerous facilities to the
head temple, including the Sho-Hondo (Grand Main Temple), which is the High Sanctuary of
the Essential Teaching called for by the Daishonin; the Daikyakuden (Grand Reception Hall);
the Daikodo (Grand Lecture Hall); the Daikejo (Great Transient Castle); and the So-bo
(lodging temples). Weve also supported the priesthood by building many temples, thereby
establishing the firm foundation they enjoy today.

This degree of financial contribution, based on our pure desire to achievekosen-rufu, is

absolutely unprecedented in the history of Nichiren Buddhism.

I proclaim for all to hear that if the teachings of Buddhism are true, then the Soka Gakkai
members who have made these financial contributions are certain to receive great benefits,
pouring down upon them like bright sunshine. Flowers of tremendous good fortune will
surely bloom in their lives.
The members nodded in agreement and leaned forward intently to hear whatShinichi
would say next.

The third reason is that the members of the Soka Gakkai have spared nothing in serving the
Law, which is to say, in carrying out activities to introduce others toNichiren Daishonins
Buddhism, a most vital task in the light of the teachings.

During World War II, when Japan was ruled by a militarist government, and in the turbulent
times following the countrys defeat, up through to the present, we have striven
courageously to share this Buddhism with others despite continual persecution and abuse,
thereby advancing kosen-rufu. As a result, in Japan alone, several million member
households are now joyously practicing this Buddhism.

Vigilant Safeguarding 22

Reflecting on the Soka Gakkais monumental progress in the face of daunting trials and
tribulations over the years, the members attending the New Years Gongyo Meeting listened
carefully to President Yamamoto.

Today countless Bodhisattvas of the Earth are emerging not only in Japan butaround the
world, and a solid foundation for global kosen-rufu has been established.

Our pioneering overseas members, having many different languages, cultures, customs,
and traditions, are all striving tirelessly to communicate our philosophy of peace and
happiness in each of their respective countries and regions. Prominent world thinkers and
leaders are expressing keen interest in the SGI, and the number of those who appreciate
and sympathize with Buddhist ideals is expanding.

On the basis of these facts alone, we can say that the Soka Gakkaiscontributions to the
propagation of the Law are incomparable. Those immense benefits,naturally, are passed on
to all our members.

The more Shinichi thought of the Soka Gakkais outstanding contributions to kosen-rufu,
the more convinced he was that its members would all share in its infinite benefits and good
fortune.

The fact that Nichiren Daishonins Buddhism has been widely propagated throughout Japan
and around the world through the efforts of the Soka Gakkai and is becoming the rising tide
of a new age is indisputable proof that the members of the Soka Gakkai are carrying out
faith and practice in exact accord with the spirit of Nichiren Daishonin.

On this meaningful first day of the New Year, I wish to declare here before theJoju
Gohonzon installed in the Soka Gakkai Headquarters, bearing the inscription, For the
Fulfillment of the Great Desire for Kosen-rufu through the Compassionate Propagation of
the Great Law, that the Buddhist faith and practice of the Soka Gakkai is the source of the
greatest benefits in the world and the entire universe.

Further, I want you to know that you have built the foundation for receiving, and indeed
deserve to receive, thousands and tens of thousands of times more benefit than what
youve experienced so far. I bring these New Years remarks to a close with my sincere wish
that in the coming year you will continue to advance alongside me with ever-increasing
courage as we strive for the sake of Buddhism, society, and the prosperity of our families.

Shin'ichi's unshakable conviction awoke similar conviction in the hearts of his listeners. The
applause of all present, filled with determination, resounded throughout the hall.

Vigilant Safeguarding 23

When the New Year's Gongyo Meeting was over, Shinichi stepped out into the forecourt of
the Soka Gakkai Headquarters and stood in front of a stone marker commemorating Song
of Human Revolution, which had been unveiled two days earlier on December 30.

The sky was clear, but the wind was chilly.

A series of commemorative photographs were taken, in which Shin'ichi invited groups of

meeting participants and on-duty event staff to join him. When the Soka Group members,
clad in blue blazers, assembled, he spoke to them in an energetic voice: Thank you! Your
general meeting will be held on January 6. This reorganization from the Traffic Control
Group to the Soka Group represents your genuine departure into the essential phase.

What is the essential phase? Its when the Buddhas true identity is revealed. From our
perspective, its when we, as Bodhisattvas of the Earth and successors of Soka, take our
places on the true stage of kosen-rufu and shoulder full responsibility for our movement.

The essential phase is also the progression from theory to reality. Instead of remaining in
the realm of abstract theory, we do our best to achieve something in reality. Its the switch
from a phase of speaking about our determination and vow to the phase when we
demonstrate actual proof of victory.

By the way, how old are you now?

They called out various answers, ranging from 24 to 32.

Let me see, . . . I was 24 when I took the lead in the February Campaign as an advisor to
Kamata Chapter. That was when I made the initial breakthrough that paved the way to
eventually achieving Mr. Toda's cherished lifetime goal of 750,000 member households.

When I was 26, I was appointed youth division chief of staff. It was the year that, bearing
full responsibility for all Gakkai planning and policy, through my own example I established
the tradition of young people propelling our kosen-rufu movement.
When I was 28, I was entrusted with the responsibility to lead the Osaka Campaign,2 in
which we achieved an unprecedented expansion of membership and built the indestructible
model of Ever-victorious Kansai.

When I was 32, as you all know, I became the third president of the Soka Gakkai. I hope
you will be just as decisive and committed. Thats the key to tapping your inherent
strength.

Vigilant Safeguarding 24

Shinichi continued speaking with the young men of the Soka Group after their
commemorative photograph was taken: To grow as youth, its vital to overcome the
tendency to feel dependent toward others. If you think for even a moment that you might
pass your responsibilities on to the mens division, or that its okay to neglectGakkai
activities by telling yourselves that youre too busy at work, you wont be ableto train
yourselves.

Young people should be enterprising and wholehearted, voluntarily shouldering full

responsibility and ready to take on any task. No matter how busy you are at work, its vital
that you challenge yourselves to participate in Gakkai activities. If you ignore this or give up
trying, saying you just cant find the time, you are passing up an opportunity to do your
human revolution and fully develop your lives.

In your youth, youre often called upon to do the grunt work at your job and you frequently
bear the brunt of the burden. You probably have very little free time for yourselves. But its
important to exercise your ingenuity and create time, make a genuine effort, and apply
yourselves fully in your Buddhist faith and practice.

Over time, those experiences will train you and foster the strength that is the underlying
toughness you need to face all of lifes challenges. This will eventually become your good
fortune. Thats why struggles are actually lifes greatest treasure.

If you become accustomed to trying to avoid effort and difficulty, youll end up unhappy.

Then Shinichi pointed to the Song of Human Revolution monument.

It says here, pressing on through blizzards, we boldly advance. I hope you will make this
your spirit throughout your lives. Im counting on you to take care of the Soka Gakkai. Im
counting on you to achieve kosen-rufu. Im entrusting the 21st century to you.

As the Brazilian author Jos de Alencar (182977) wrote: People can overcomeany
adversity if they possess a vibrant spirit and persevere to achieve their goals.
Vigilant Safeguarding 25

Shinichi Yamamoto also posed for several photographs with members of the Byakuren
Group. The Byakuren Groups origins can be traced to May 1957, when a group of young
womens division members was established to take charge ofbehind-the-scenes movements
and operations at young womens division leaders meetings and other events. This step was
suggested by Shinichi, the youth division chief of staff at the time, as a means to provide
practical, hands-on training that would foster capable young women.

In March 1958, upon the completion of Josei Toda's cherished wish for the construction of
the Daikodo (Grand Lecture Hall) at the head temple, commemorative pilgrimages by Soka
Gakkai members began, and some members of this newly formed young womens division
group asked if there was anything they could do to assist.

Taking the initiative in activities for kosen-rufu is the spirit of Bodhisattvas of the Earth and
it fills ones life with great joy.

Shinichi was grateful and delighted that the young womens division members wanted to
volunteer for the sake of Buddhism and the members. He conferred with those involved in
the planning and arranged for them to take responsibility for cleaning the head temple
facilities and supporting activities there.

From the time Shinichi was inaugurated as president, this group of young womens division
members came to be known as the head temple staff.

Witnessing the admirable sight of these group members cheerfully working hardat cleaning
and other activities, Shinichi couldnt help but be moved by their pure spirit. On one
occasion, he said to them: You are all beautiful flowers of Soka, so please conduct
yourselves as uncrowned queens, with dignity, self-confidence, and strength.

In 1966, Shinichi bestowed the name Byakuren Group on the young womensdivision
head temple staff. July 8, the day that he announced the new name, came to be known as
Byakuren Group Day.

Byakuren means white lotus flower. The Lotus Sutra likens the lotus flower to the
Bodhisattvas of the Earth, with the phrase, Unsoiled by worldly things/ like the lotus flower
in the water (LSOC15, 263). Just as the beautiful white lotus blossoms from a muddy pond,
the Bodhisattvas of the Earth, though they live in the corrupt and polluted world of the
Latter Day of the Law, remain pure and unsullied by their surroundings.

Vigilant Safeguarding 26

As they clean,

their actions shine

with Buddhahood.

On observing the members of the Byakuren Group happily engaged in keeping the head
temple clean, Shinichi sent that poem to them. Supporting fellow members dedicated to
kosen-rufu is conduct worthy of a Buddha.

As the years passed, the Byakuren Group grew and developed as an organization and
assumed broader responsibilities, coordinating behind-the-scenes support of various
meetings and gradually evolving into a significant group for fostering capable individuals
within the young womens division.

In August 1976, a new lavender Byakuren Group uniform was introduced. Shinichi had
suggested the color, because he thought it conveyed a feeling of grace and elegance that
aptly symbolized the Byakuren Group.

Following the New Years Gongyo Meeting of January 1977, Shinichi saidwhile taking a
commemorative photograph with Byakuren Group members: Your lavender uniforms suit
you. Its chilly today, so please dont catch cold. He looked carefully at each member, intent
on memorizing all of their faces.

Who is the Byakuren Group leader here today?

Its me, Kayo Aoyagi, announced one of the members, stepping forward.

Shinichi replied, I know you! Youre the young womens junior high school division leader
and a vice young womens division leader. When you were in the high school division, you
participated in my Gosho lectures as a member of the Hosu (Young Phoenix) Group, didnt
you?

Yes.

Seeing that President Yamamoto had remembered her from back in her high school days,
Aoyagi was overcome with emotion.

Looking in Aoyagis eyes, Shinichi said: Ive established various groups totrain people and
striven so energetically to support them out of my hope to foster Soka Gakkai youth into
leaders who will protect and serve the members. Please never forget that as long as you
live.

Vigilant Safeguarding 27

Shinichi continued: The members of the Byakuren Group are the faces of the Gakkai and
the flowers of Soka.

Young women dedicating themselves to kosen-rufu and their fellow members are
incredibly admirable and noble. All of your efforts and hard work will adorn your lives in the
form of great benefits and good fortune. This accords with the workings of the rigorous
Buddhist law of cause and effect.

Therefore, as a Buddhist, you need to be committed to advancing along yourchosen path.

The only pathway to true happiness is to act based on your own convictions, deriving from
the teachings of Buddhism, and not worry about how others may judge you.

Shinichi wanted to assure each of them that although their sincere efforts may seem to go
unnoticed by others, the Buddhas and bodhisattvas throughout the universe observe all.

Buddhism teaches about the workings of karma. Bad causes produce negative effects, and
good causes produce positive effects. Moreover, this law applies throughout past, present,
and future. Ones thoughts, words, and deeds in the past arecauses that produce effects in
ones present, and ones conducts in the present willresult in effects in the future.

As Nichiren Daishonin writes: One who slights another will in turn be despised(WND-1,
305). Everything is up to the individual. Both positive and negative effects in ones life are
the results of ones own actions. The way to transform the negative karma one has formed
and create the most positive effects possible is through practicing the true teachings of
Buddhism and dedicating oneself to kosen-rufu. This is the great pathway to certain and
unshakable happiness. Buddhist practitioners should strive to live out their lives with an
understanding that Buddhas and bodhisattvas throughout the universe are aware of their
actions, based on the causality of life.

The shining examples offered by members of the Gajokai, the Soka Group, and the Byakuren
Group brim with that spirit.

The Buddha is watching over all our efforts. The courageous actions engraved in our lives
will become the power to open a brilliant future. The difficult road of adversity will become
a golden path leading to the summit of victory.

Vigilant Safeguarding 28

Many think that happiness is taking it easy, never working hard, and enjoying wealth and
social status, recognition and success without any special effort. Some flatter and cozy up to
the rich and powerful in hopes of achieving these things. Others adopt a policy of
expedience and will do anything to get ahead. Still others envy and resent those who have
established themselves in the world and scheme to bring about the downfall of those whom
they perceive to be more successful than they are. All of these patterns of behaviour are
based on the delusion that happiness resides in the external world, outside of us.

Nichiren Daishonin states: If you seek enlightenment outside yourself, then your
performing even ten thousand practices and ten thousand good deeds will be in vain. It is
like the case of a poor man who spends night and day counting his neighbours wealth but
gains not even half a coin (WND-1, 3).

The path to happiness and attaining Buddhahood in this lifetime lies, fundamentally, in
polishing ones character and manifesting the life-condition of the Buddha and bodhisattva
from within. Its vital to build a strong, stalwart, unshakable self, like a towering mountain.

The Daishonin also writes: Arouse deep faith, and diligently polish your mirror day and
night. How should you polish it? Only by chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo (WND-1, 4).
Chanting daimoku is the path to attaining Buddhahood in this lifetime. It is attained by
practicing for oneself and others based on daimoku. This means not only chanting for
ourselves, but also dedicating ourselves to kosen-rufu. Whether we can establish a truly
indestructible life-state of happiness depends upon how earnestly we chant daimoku and
exert ourselves for the sake of kosen-rufu.

It may be possible to deceive other people, but its impossible to deceive the Buddhist law.
We can build a magnificent state of life to the degree we pray for kosen-rufu, devote
ourselves, and strive tirelessly. From the perspective of theBuddhist law of cause and effect,
there is no path to victory other than being earnest, hardworking, and sincere.

Vigilant Safeguarding 29

The Soka Gakkais Year of Study got into full swing with the 1st Soka Group GeneralMeeting,
held on Thursday evening, January 6, 1977.

The young men braved the chill outside to make their way to the gathering at the Soka
Gakkai Headquarters in Shinanomachi, Tokyo. Their cheeks were flushed and their eyes
shone with determination. The main Gohonzon room on the fifth floor of the Soka Culture
Center, adjacent to the headquarters building, filled up with Soka Group members wearing
their distinctive blue uniforms. The start of the meeting was announced at 6:30 p.m.

That afternoon, Shinichi Yamamoto had a meeting in Tokyos Minato Ward. Hebrought the
meeting to an early close and rushed to the Soka Group General Meeting.

He had asked the Soka Gakkais general director and several of its vicepresidents to attend
the Soka Group meeting. He thought this would be a good way forthe Soka Gakkai to
celebrate the groups fresh start.

Shinichi firmly believed that the highest praise and support should be extended to those
working behind the scenes, such as the members of the Soka Group, the Gajokai, the
Byakuren Group, and the uncrowned heroes who deliver the Seikyo Shimbun newspaper.
Soka Group members leave their jobs early and rush to Soka Gakkai facilities to stand out in
the cold and direct parking. Gajokai members safeguard those facilities by patrolling them
through the late hours. With warm smiles, Byakuren Group members greet those who
attend activities at Gakkai culture and community centers. All of these young people are
carrying out their noble missions while coping with their own daily challenges and
difficulties. Regarding these young people, Shinichi saw in them the conduct of
bodhisattvas and felt the compassionate heart of Buddhas. That was why he wanted many
top Gakkai leaders to attend the

Soka Group general meeting, so they would be able to express their wholehearted gratitude
to the group members, and praise and encourage them.

When Shinichi arrived at 7:50 p.m., he was welcomed with thunderous applause I rushed
to be together with all of you today as you make this fresh start here at the Soka Gakkai
Headquarters. I am very happy to see you holding such a festive first general meeting.
Congratulations!

Shinichi began his speech by praising these champions of kosen-rufu.

Vigilant Safeguarding 30

On the occasion of this fresh start by the Soka Group, Shinichi wanted to explicitly
reconfirm the basics of the faith and practice of Nichiren Daishonins Buddhism. By doing
that, the path ahead would naturally become clear.

Kosen-rufu is the wish of Nichiren Daishonin. If we lose sight of that, Nichiren Buddhism
loses its meaning. Therefore, I hope youll remain faithful to his teaching of kosen-rufu and
transmit the essence of Buddhism among the people, within your communities, and in
society as a whole.

The full mission of the Soka Group is to be the driving force for the advance of kosen-rufu,
and to make the entire Soka Gakkai strong so that it will endure into the far-distant future.

Nichiren Daishonin writes: Those who become Nichirens disciples and lay believers should
realize the profound karmic relationship they share with him and spread the Lotus Sutra as
he does (WND-1, 994). Kosen-rufu is the great wish of the Daishonin, and carrying it out is a
fundamental requirement of discipleship. As such, the practice of Nichiren Buddhism is
practice for oneself and others, of which sharing this teaching is an indispensable part. As
the Daishonins successor Nikko Shonin declares: Until kosen-rufu is achieved, propagate
the Law to the full extent of youreability without begrudging your life (GZ, 1618).1 Those
who dedicate their lives tokosen-rufu are genuine disciples of the Daishonin and successors
to his teachings.

No matter how loudly one claims to be a follower of the Daishonin and brandishes that as a
badge of authority, without taking action for kosen-rufu, such a person lacks the Daishonins
spirit. That is nothing but a fossilized, dead religion.
The vast spirit of the Daishonin and the life-state of the Bodhisattvas of the Earth pulse
within the actions of those who recognize their mission to achieve kosen-rufu by helping
others achieve happiness and propagating the Daishonins teachings.

Shinichi went on to speak of the significance in Buddhism of the time. He expressed his
hope that the members of the Soka Group would cultivate a firm grasp of the nature of the
time, and exert leadership in a way best suited to it. He also pointed out that herein lies the
significance of the fresh start for the Soka Group.

Vigilant Safeguarding 31

Shinichi referred to current events, noting the corruption and degeneracy prevalent in
society, characteristics associated with the Latter Day of the Law.

In February 1976, news broke of the Lockheed bribery scandal, in which officials from
Lockheed, a U.S. corporation, bribed top Japanese political and business leaders to purchase
aircraft manufactured by them. It became clear that numerous Japanese politicians had
taken huge bribes, leading to the arrest of former prime minister Kakuei Tanaka (191893)
in July 1976. This incident sent shock waves throughout theJapanese political and business
worlds, and public distrust of the government intensified.

Shinichi asserted: Today, peoples vision of the differences between right andwrong has
become blurred and they have lost sight of the proper path to take. The future appears
dark. Society has lost hope and there seems to be nothing positive lying ahead of us. Against
that backdrop, the Soka Gakkai stands as a golden beacon showing the people of the world
the way forward, and its role will continue to grow in importance.

The Soka Group is the Soka Gakkais light of hope and value creation. I wantyou to
remember that you are the light source of the beacon of the Soka Gakkai.

In a confused and turbulent age, the Soka Gakkai has held aloft the banner of truth and
justice and striven selflessly for the happiness of the people. I hope you will all courageously
follow the path of mission that you have chosen, convinced that protecting the Soka Gakkai
is the greatest good!

Shinichi closed by saying: Please establish an outstanding record as the first class of the
Soka Group, working together with your fellow members in firm solidarity, each in your own
individual way. Follow the noble path of the Soka Group, without being swayed by either
favourable or unfavourable occurrences in society. By the timeyou reach your forties and
fifties, become successes in every aspect of your lives and keep advancing toward victory.

The room was filled with enthusiastic applause expressing the members determination to
do just that.
Vigilant Safeguarding 32

The Soka Group rose up with firm determination. The gears of the Soka Gakkaisadvance
began to shift through the vigor of youth.

Based on the guidance that Shinichi had given them at their first general meeting, the top
leaders of the Soka Group began an earnest discussion. What should they do to embody the
spirit imparted to them by President Yamamoto and make the Soka Group into an ideal
group for fostering capable individuals brimming with the Gakkai spirit?

While President Yamamotos guidance to us Soka Group members is to protect the Soka
Gakkai, hes always been teaching us about the spirit to vigilantly safeguard the organization
since our days as the Traffic Control Group (TCG). And he has invested tremendous energy
in educating and training us so that we can embody that spirit. We must pass this on to the
next generation.

I agree. Training sounds old-fashioned, but the only way to really master things is to
actually do them, to practice them physically. Such training will be indispensable from now
on, too.

Thats right. And each of us should take the lessons we learned througheducation and
training in the Soka Group and put them into practice in our daily lives, demonstrating our
full potential in society. In other words, through the Soka Groups activities, we need to
establish a foundation of educating, training and motivating ourselves.

Nichiren Daishonin writes: Put into flames, a rock simply turns to ashes, but gold becomes
pure gold (WND-1, 497). Without training, capable individuals cannot become great
leaders. Training is a requirement for great growth.

From the time they were the TCG, the members had trained rigorously together to be on
time, earnestly safeguard the Soka Gakkai members, and ensure the safety of all those
traveling on pilgrimages. If the TCG members had been late when they were supposed to be
on duty, it couldve led to a major accident. In addition, in order to take time off of work to
fulfill TCG duties on pilgrimages, they had to earn the trust of their employers, so each day
at work was also a struggle.

Vigilant Safeguarding 33

In order to carry out their duties as members of the Traffic Control Group, members had to
make sure they were in good physical condition. It was decided that they should have neat
haircuts and wear clean, white shirts while on duty. Because they were the face of the Soka
Gakkai, it was important that their appearance be well kempt.
Another of their essential duties was to convey such information as transfer and arrival
times to the members making the pilgrimage to the head temple, so their voices had to be
loud and clear enough to carry throughout the train car. Therefore, someTCG members
practiced making these announcements aloud to train their voices. They were expected to
communicate quickly and error-free, so everyone diligently practiced how to pass on
necessary information accurately. If their grasp of the number of members making
pilgrimages was off by even one person, it would affect not only travel plans but also
bedding and meals arrangements at places of lodging.

Accuracy is the foundation for everything. Inaccurate information can cause all sorts of
problems. As the Italian thinker Giuseppe Mazzini (180572) observed: The common
victory depends on the exactness with which the different operations are carried out.

TCG members had to memorize the names and locations of all the buildings at the head
temple, mastering the entire map of the grounds. They even memorized the number of
steps leading up to the various buildings. If there were a fire or other emergency and it was
necessary to evacuate while it was dark, knowing the number of steps could be helpful in
preventing accidents.

Also, for each lodging temple they had to learn the layout, size, and capacity of the rooms,
the locations of fire extinguishing and cleaning equipment, the emergency exits and
corridors, and how many pairs of shoes would fit in the shoe storage shelves

To truly take full responsibility for the safety of members making pilgrimages to the head
temple, they had to consider every possible occurrence and be prepared for every situation.
The young men of the Traffic Control Group did a fine job of that.

In light of the growing number of overseas members who made pilgrimages to the head
temple during Soka Gakkai summer training courses, some TCG members even took the
initiative to study foreign languages so as to be of greater assistance.

Vigilant Safeguarding 34

The most impressive thing about fostering the youth of the TCG was the way that they all
developed a strong sense of personal responsibility.

For several days before they were to be on duty, TCG members would wholeheartedly chant
daimoku for the safety and success of the pilgrimage. When the weather turned out to be
bad on the pilgrimage day, for example, it rained hard, they took that as a challenge and
opportunity to pray even more for fine weather for the next pilgrimage. Weather, of course,
is a natural phenomenon, over which we have no control. As such, bad weather on a
pilgrimage day is in no way the fault of the TCG.

The TCG had deeply engraved a Gosho passage in their hearts: If one can move
Shakyamuni Buddha, the lord of teachings, can the grass and trees fail to respond, can the
waters remain calm? (WND-2, 811). Here, Shakyamuni Buddha, the lord of the teachings,
refers to the foundation of the universe, which is expressed in the Gohonzon (the
embodiment of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo). In other words, through earnest prayer to the
Gohonzon anything can be transformed.

The Daishonin also wrote: Ones body and mind at a single moment pervade theentire
realm of phenomena (WND-1, 366). The inner realm of our life is so vast that it
encompasses the entire universe.

The youthful members of the TCG, in the light of the teachings of Buddhism, were certain
that their prayers could help them respond to any situation, even the worst weather. In the
case they had to direct traffic in the pouring rain they were ready to faithfully carry out their
duties and take every necessary step and precaution to ensure the health and safety of the
members.

This was the way that Shinichi Yamamoto lived. Since becoming the presidentof the Soka
Gakkai, he had always prayed that there would be no natural disasters, that there would be
rich harvests, and that the pilgrimages to the head temple would take place safely. And the
TCG members were united in that attitude with their mentor.

Shinichi was deeply grateful that the members of the TCG shared his spirit and fervently
prayed with a determination powerful enough to move the universe that they would remain
dedicated to protecting the members in any given situation.

Vigilant Safeguarding 35

As the ancient Roman poet Horace wrote: Doth wise schooling inborn powersextend.

Understanding something in theory doesnt necessarily mean one will actually be able to do
it. During a disaster or accident, it is often the case that people know what they should do
but freeze up and are unable to act. Hands-on training, repeated until fully mastered, best
prepares one for action in a crisis. Training instills the lesson in ones body, and in ones life.

One of the problems with modern society is that there are few opportunities for young
people to receive training in safeguarding human life.

The Soka Gakkai, however, plays the role of a great training institute, fostering and
educating youth to serve society.

The leaders of the Soka Group continued to think about ways to value thepractical training
theyd used since their days as the TCG, and how to pass that spiriton to the next generation
and foster leaders for a new era.

Shinichi poured his life into encouraging the members of the Soka Group. He attended
other Soka Group General Meetings, and personally trained the members. He wrote
messages, essays, and poems for them. He praised them in countless short poems. He
wanted to respond to their thoroughgoing dedication to vigilantly safeguarding the Soka
Gakkai.

A Soka Group member,

stands alone

in the cold wind.

The members of the Soka Groupgrounded in the principles of safeguarding the

SokaGakkai, caring for its members, and striving tirelessly behind the sceneswerewithout
doubt disciples of Shinichi who faithfully embodied his spirit. That is why Shinichi was
deeply confident that they were capable and treasured successors of the Soka Gakkai.

Shinichi started 1977 together with the Soka Group and all the youth. It was anindication of
his determination to build a youthful Soka Gakkai in which young people were in the
forefront in every respect, striving passionately.

(SGI News Letter No.8176, 8178, 8180, 8187, 8189, 8193, 8198, 8201, 8204)
The Sinking of the Titanic: A Look at Human Behaviour
We are holding this first four-division joint commemorative training meeting here today
because my earnest desire now is to raise many new capable people for kosen-rufu. The
more training and guidance we receive, the more capable we can become.

You are all important, and I hope you will grow into responsible leaders who will play a
major role in the kosen-rufu of the future. I would like you to have a deeper understanding
of your mission and responsibility for kosen-rufu. For this purpose, tonight I would like to
share some thoughts with you, hoping that you will keep them in the depths of your hearts.

The Titanic was regarded as unsinkable because it was equipped with all the most
sophisticated advances of contemporary technology. In spite of all this equipment, the ship
sank and as a result about fifteen hundred people died. Indeed, in those days the incident
was beyond imagination. The sinking of the Titanic is still well remembered because it
vividly revealed the beauty and the ugliness of human nature in a time of the ultimate in
desperation. Today I would like to look at this incident from a Buddhist perspective,
referring specically to the drama of facing death. (My account of the incident may contain
some inaccuracies because differing data exists relating to the story of the Titanic.*)

The Titanic, boasting beauty and perfection, left port in Southampton, England, at 12.00
noon on April 10, 1912. The ship arrived at Cherbourg; France, at 7:00 P.M. the same day. It
then left port at 9:00 PM, arriving in Queenstown, Ireland, at 12:30 P.M. on April 11. At 2:00
P.M. the same day, the ship left for New York on its ill-fated voyage across the Atlantic
Ocean.

The first portion of the maiden voyage was calm and uneventful. However, after traveling
two-thirds of the way across the northern Atlantic, the Titanic collided with a huge iceberg
near Newfoundland, 4146 north latitude and 50I4' west longitude. Unbelievably, this
colossal ship sank into the ocean, taking about fteen hundred people with it, at 2:20 A.M
on April 15, on the fth day of its maiden voyage.

The Titanic belonged to the British company. White Star Line. It weighed 46,328 tons and
was 882.5 feet long and 92.5 feet wide. It measured 175 feet from its keel to the top of its
four huge funnels. It had 55,000 horsepower engines and was capable of speeds up to 25
knots. Its proudest features were its double hull and 15 watertight steel bulkheads. Because
of these, the ship was considered unsinkable and was equipped with only 20 lifeboats,
enough to save only half of its passengers. It was a case of shocking unpreparedness.

The Titanic sank after it hit a huge iceberg, which towered almost 100 feet above the water.
It was quite unseasonable for such a huge iceberg to be oating in the ocean in April. The
collision created a 300-foot-long gash in the rightfront hull. The opening was just too high
for the well-designed partitioned walls to fulll their intended function and stop the flood of
water.

Incidentally, the Titanic had met with an unexpected mishap on April 10, the very day of its
departure. In the midst of the departure celebration, it narrowly escaped collision with the
American liner New York right after leaving Southampton. This incident seemed to intimate
its future encounter with disaster. Only rst- and secondclass passengers boarded the
Titanic in Southampton Port; third-class passengers, including immigrants boarded at the
port of Cherbourg in France and at the port of Queenstown in Ireland. The passengers
numbered 1,316 and the crew totalled 891. Altogether, 2,207 people were on board.
According to one report, the death toll reached 1,502people. So 705 people survived. Many
of the first and second-class women and children were saved. But among the children of
third-class passengers, only 23 out of 76 were rescued. The Titanic was the biggest ship in
history. It was thought to be the most strikingly beautiful cruiseship of the century. A
number of celebrities and millionaires had taken the deluxe staterooms, which reminded
people of the luxurious splendour of Napoleon I, as did the splendid cabin, which conveyed
the magnicence of the British royal family.

The passengers never dreamed the ship would sink. It is said that even after the collision,
some people in the upper-class compartments put pieces of the iceberg into their glasses of
whiskey.

As the passengers, many of whom were celebrities and wealthy people faced the reality of
death as the Titanic gradually sank, what meaning did their wealth and fame assume? They
were, in fact, powerless. In his A Night to Remember, author Walter Lord wrote: If wealth
meant so little on this cold April night, did it mean so much the rest of the year?

Mr. Lord's words express the uselessness of material wealth, social power and status when
one confronts death, and how meaningless life becomes when one pursues only such
things.

Is there such a thing as eternal and indestructible wealth? Yes, and it is nothing other than
faith in the changeless great Law or the Mystic Law. It is our mission as courageous
comrades of the Bodhisattvas of the Earth to help people awaken to this immeasurable
wealth, and to make the wealth shine within ourselves day after day. We should never
forget the honour and pride of being able to live up to our noble mission

When we chant daimoku to the Gohonzon, we can fuse our lives with the life of the Buddha
and reveal the supreme state of life from within ourselves. In this sense, those of us who are
devoted to faith should be aware that we are the richest people in the world. When you
base yourself upon such resolute faith, you can experience from within an outburst of
unlimited life force and creativity.
But no matter how much you chant daimoku, if you neglect to make efforts at your job or in
your daily life, supreme fortune will not illuminate your life. Faith manifests itself in the way
you live, and indestructible fortune inherent within your life is something that will become
manifest and shine in your daily existence.

The name of the Titanic comes from the name of the god Titan, who appears in Greek
mythology. England, in those days, was a giant in the fields of marine transportation and
shipbuilding. The Titanic was backed up by vast nancial power and technological ability.
When the Titanic unexpectedly sank into the ocean on its maiden voyage, the impact on
society was great; particularly affected were those people involved in the development of
technology. The incident hit people like a bolt out of the blue. Afterwards, scores of
ministers used the tragedy by preaching that the Titanic was a heaven-sent lesson to
awaken people from their complacency and to punish them for excessive faith in material
progress. The sinking of the Titanic seriously eroded people's profound trust in the
supremacy of technology.

On April 14, that fatal day, at 11:40 P.M., a huge iceberg appeared suddenly in front of the
Titanic the captain immediately steered to the left; the iceberg struck the right side of the
ship. The Titanic's designer. Thomas Andrews, quickly assessed the damage and warned
Captain Edward J. Smith that the ship would without doubt sink. Captain Smith ordered
wireless operators to send out the call for assistance at 12:t5 A.M. Wireless operator john
George Phillips desperately continued sending a message for help until 2:10 A.M. At 12:30
A.M. the captain gave the order for women and children to board the life boats. Wearing
white lifebelts, they filled one lifeboat after another, amid growing excitement and
confusion.

In an attempt to calm the people under such fearsome circumstances, eight band members
who had been performing in the banquet hall that evening played soft music on the deck. I
very much moved by their admirable behaviour. Beautiful music has the power to relieve
people of their uneasiness and fear arid to ignite the light of hope in their hearts, I feel that
the spirit oi these courageous band members has something in common with the Spirit that-
infuses the brass band and the fe and-drum corps of the Soka Gakkai.

To return to the Titanic story, among the celebrities on board the cruiseship was Benjamin
Guggenheim, the mining and smelting magnate. Urgent as the occasion was, he gave no
thought to his own life and instead focused all his energy on saving other people. In the
meantime, as he helped many people into the lifeboats, he said to one of the passengers: "If
anything should happen to me, please tell my wife that I've done my best in doing my duty."
Thus he took upon himself the same destiny as the cruiseship, saying, "We've dressed in our
best, and are prepared to go down like gentlemen."

He had great social status and was blessed with both wealth and fame, but he was not a
slave to them. At a crucial moment, he struggled to save others at the risk of his own life.
His attitude was truly that of noblesse oblige and of a genuinely courageous man. In terms
of the Buddhist principle of the Ten Worlds, his life at that moment embodied that of the
Bodhisattva world. It can be said that his action corresponded to the fundamental Buddhist
spirit of saving those experiencing suffering. Similarly, we believers in the Mystic Law should
never forget to behave with compassion.

Some men were aboard the lifeboats to navigate them. However, priority was given to
women and children. Most of the men followed this policy. But there was one young man
who jumped onto the lifeboat thinking only of his own safety, and perhaps moved by his
fear of death. He was a third-class cabin passenger. Hiding his face under a woman's shawl,
he boarded the lifeboat with the women.

The conduct of J. Bruce Ismay, managing director of White Star Line, was also ugly. After the
collision he guided people to the lifeboats, but at the very last moment, he hurriedly
climbed into a boat, forsaking his function. Taking action solely for one's own protection is
terribly mean. Ismay returned safely to England, but after this incident he retired and spent
the rest of his life a lonely man.

In the same way, once you have lost others' trust, and have begun to live a cowardly
existence, your life will surely become lonely and miserable. I draw this conclusion from my
own observations of so many different people's life-styles. I deeply desire that all of you will
continue to forge ahead throughout your lives along the road of faith, the path you initially
chose.

There is another important lesson related to Bruce Ismay and the Titanic. Taking advantage
of his authority as managing director of the ship, he changed the ship's original schedule
and set the New York arrival time for Wednesday morning instead of Tuesday night, without
discussing this with Captain Smith. Had it not been for this decision, the Titanic might have
been able to avoid the iceberg and arrive safely at its destination Thorough discussion is
indispensable before making any decision. Arbitrary, dictatorial decisions endanger the
future of any organization. This principle applies equally in our organization, which exists for
the sake of kosen-rufu. A good discussion counts for a lot.

Of course, there were many brave men on the ship as well. Captain Smith was the eldest
captain; he had worked for thirty-eight years for the White Star Line. He was greatly
respected by crew and passengers alike. In terms of our organization, we could compare
him to the leaders of the guidance division, who have been carrying out a steady practice,
showing actual proof in their daily lives for many years, and are devoted to guiding and
encouraging others toward their happiness.

At 2:05 A.M. Captain Smith, realizing that the ship would soon be underwater, entered the
wireless compartment where operators were frantically sending out the SOS, saying: "Men,
you have done your full duty you look out for yourselves. I release you." The captain thus
praised the crew before he went down with the ship.

The ship's designer, Mr. Andrews, did his utmost to help all the women escape. Later, after
exhausting himself in his effort to save others, and without having stopped even to put on
his own lifebelt, he watched the stern of the ship go down. Doing his best to carry out his
responsibilities, he stayed with the ship, thus unavoidably sharing the vessel's fate.

The band played nonstop on the deck even as huge waves washed over it again and again.
When the ship began to sink, its stern swung slowly up toward the starlit sky. At 2:10 A.M.,
the last SOS was sent out. In the meantime the band began to play the Episcopal hymn
"Autumn." They played until the last moment of their lives. Their courageous action also
deeply impressed me.

Some people are courageous; some are cowardly. Cowards are the most miserable of
human beings. Cowardliness corresponds to the "living death" that I mentioned a while ago.
Truly gentlemanly conduct does not lie in one's position or appearance; rather, it exists in
the ability to dedicate oneself through courageous and determined action to a noble cause
without ever backtracking.

The world's largest ship finally sank at 2:20 A.M., two hours and forty minutes after the
collision. Many of those who were thrown by the force of the collision into the ocean lost
their lives in the freezing water where the temperature was twenty-eight degrees
Fahrenheit.

Confusion and misery prevailed on the lifeboats, too. The boats were poorly equipped, and
the directions given were so confusing that some left hastily without many passengers
aboard. Many people were drowning not far from the lifeboats. But only one of the lifeboats
made any attempt to save them. One lifeboat passenger actually used an oar to beat a
drowning person who was desperately trying to climb aboard. There were many other ugly
sights seen in the lifeboats. People even lost their sanity because of their extreme fear.
Indeed, it was a real hell that appeared in the ocean.

The human mind is frightening. It can become infinitely ugly and mean when confronted
with a life-or-death situation. When I think of the hellish picture of the sinking Titanic, I wish
there could have been some who chanted daimoku. At any rate, I will pray for the repose of
those who were killed in the accident.

OF THE GREATEST IMPORTANCE ARE DETAILS

What about assistance from other ships that happened to the nearby? The one ship that
came to the aid of the Titanic, threading its way through icebergs, was the British vessel
Carpathia. Its captain, Arthur H. Rostron, gathered members immediately from his off-duty
crew and proceeded toward the Titanic at full speed as soon as he caught the message for
help. He prepared medical care, food, blankets and much more, as wholeheartedly and
thoroughly as possible. The first lifeboat was picked up by Carpathia at 4:10 A.M. It took
about four hours to finish transferring the people from the lifeboats to the ship. The
passengers of the Carpathia also volunteered to participate in this desperate task.

It was at 9:35 P.M. on April 18 when the Carpathia moored at the pier at New York Harbour.
The harbour was thronged with thirty thousand people who were awaiting the return of the
survivors. A woman was the first to disembark. She staggered a little and then fell down.
The sight was so wrenching that the crowd moaned spontaneously, and then fell silent,
according to one source.

What were other ships in the area doing while the Carpathia promptly lent its assistance to
the ill-fated vessel? The Californian was the closest to the Titanic at the time of the incident.
A record reveals that the ship was only ten miles away from the Titanic while the Carpathia
was as far as fifty-eight miles away. The question arises: Why didn't the Californian help the
Titanic when it was physically so much closer than the Carpathia? A great lesson is hidden in
the answer to this question.

The answer: the Californian failed to pick up the Titanic's desperate Mayday. It was a case of
weak dedication on the part of the wireless operators. On the night of the incident they had
closed down the set at 11:30 P.M., only ten minutes before the Titanic struck the iceberg. If
the wireless operator had stayed on duty a little longer and picked up the message from the
Titanic, many more lives might have been saved.

In addition, more than one person aboard the Californian witnessed the first distress rockets
that the Titanic shot up. Seeing the sudden flashes of white light, they assumed it to be
merely a flickering of the masthead light and neglected to check to confirm their guess. If
anybody had communicated with the Titanic at that point, a major disaster could have been
prevented. As I always say, details are of the greatest importance.

The Carpathia's Captain Rostron, who successfully rescued people from the lifeboats, was
commended for doing his very best in this crucial task. His honor still shines through history.
In contrast, the Californian was criticized harshly and its name stands out as an example of
failure. Truly, it is better to live in the present in such a manner that we do not bring regret
upon ourselves in the future. In fact, the Californian was at an advantage in terms of its
position, but because of the crew members' carelessness and misinterpretation, it brought
disgrace upon itself. We should carefully consider the lesson in this tragic event.

Being out of rhythm in your ichinen even a bit can create an irrevocable defeat. This .truth,
applies to one's personal life and also to various, kinds of societies and organizations. It
works even more strictly in the realm of faith and kosen-rufu.

We who embrace the True Law are on the correct road that leads to lasting victory in life.
Ours is a supreme way of living that is very difficult to establish even though one may
earnestly seek it. If one is swayed in his mind of faith due to his sense of vanity, arrogance or
cowardliness and thereby abandon his practice, he will make a cause, to suffer throughout
the remainder of his life and beyond. If one gives up one's faith halfway, one will be branded
as a quitter. If that should happen to you, you will have indescribable regrets in the long run.

For this reason, you should never abandon your faith in the Gohonzon for any reason. From
the viewpoint of the eternity of life, this lifetime is literally but a flash. If you are too
attached to this existence, your view is limited to the realm of transiency or temporary
phenomena alone. You can establish indestructible happiness only when you have faith in
the Gohonzon. Therefore, nothing is so silly as to lose faith in the Gohonzon by engrossing
oneself in the fleeting phenomena of this lifetime

The tragedy of the Titanic offers us a great number of dramas and lessons. If you view it
merely as a tragedy of the past, you will learn nothing from it. However, when you see it
from the Buddhist perspective that is grounded in the eternity of life, you can learn many
things from this incident and find out how people should live.

When one faces the reality of death, one shows one's true colors as a human being. To put
it another way, one's self reveals its true nature at the most crucial moment when one con
fronts death. In the case of the Titanic, the extreme circumstances of the shipwreck vividly
illuminated the realities of the people's ways of living.

(Source: Buddhism in action Vol -5, page 89-104)

*Information on the Titanic contained in this guidance is based. for the most part, on data
taken from Walter Lords A Night to Remember, Bantam edition, October 1956.
Spiritual independence and the Soka spirit
The priesthood issue and the Soka spirit: An introduction from the SGI-UK Study
Department

Introduction

In The True Aspect of All Phenomena Nichiren Daishonin wrote: "There should be no
discrimination among those who propagate the five characters of Myoho-renge-kyo in the
Latter Day of the Law, be they men or women. Were they not Bodhisattvas of the Earth,
they could not chant the daimoku." (WND-1, 385). However, the Priesthood Issue is an
account of the discrimination that has been expounded by the Nichiren Shoshu Priesthood
towards the SGI and the developing movement for kosen-rufu. In order to protect the purity
of Nichiren Daishonin's intention for kosen-rufu, it is important to understand the
background to this issue, and the main doctrinal differences between Nichiren Shoshu and
the SGI.

Historical background

The Nichiren Shoshu school of Nichiren Buddhism was originally founded by Nikko Shonin
(1246-1333), who had been designated by Nichiren Daishonin as his successor in 1282.
Seven years after the Daishonin's death, following a dispute at Kuon-ji temple on Mount
Minobu over maintaining the purity of the Daishonin's teaching, Nikko left the temple in
1289 taking the Dai-Gohonzon, Nichiren's ashes and other treasures such as originals of
Nichiren Daishonin's writings with him. He was invited by Nanjo Tokimitsu to build a temple
(Taiseki-ji) on land at the foot of Mount Fuji and the Nikko or Fuji school was established. It
was later renamed in 1912 as Nichiren Shoshu, which means the Nichiren Correct School' or
the Nichiren Ortho-dox School.' Two priests in particular contributed to the development of
the school: Nichiu (1402-1482), the ninth high priest, who restored the temple, repaired the
buildings and educated the priests, and Nichikan (1665-1726), the twenty-sixth high priest,
who was noted for his clear analysis of Nichiren Daishonin's works and teachings. It is a
Gohonzon transcribed by Nichikan in 1720 that is the basis for the Gohonzon received by
members of SGI.

During the 1930s, imperial Japan tried to unify the people with State Shinto as the spiritual
backbone for the wars it fought, and introduced the Peace Preservation Law as means to
restrict freedom of thought, expression and religion. Under this system all citizens and
places of worship were required to accept and enshrine a Shinto amulet of the Sun Goddess,
which legend explained was the source of the Imperial family. The Nichiren Shoshu
leadership agreed to establish a Shinto shrine at Taiseki-ji, but the leaders of the lay
movement, the Soka Kyoiku Gakkai, Tsunesaburo Makiguchi and Josei Toda, refused to
accept the amulet and remonstrated with the priests at the head temple for allowing this
deviation from the Daishonin's teachings. President Makiguchi and Mr Toda were arrested
in 1943 for challenging and disobeying the government's edict, and Mr Makiguchi died in
prison on 18th November 1944. Josei Toda was released from prison and re-established the
lay movement as the Soka Gakkai, which has now grown into a network of organisations in,
at present, 192 countries and territories around the world.

In April 1979, the Nichiren Shoshu priesthood forced the resignation of the third President,
Daisaku Ikeda. In July 1979, Nikken took control of Nichiren Shoshu. The Soka Gakkai
contributed money, land and buildings to Nichiren Shoshu, including 356 temples (320 of
them while Daisaku Ikeda was President), and increasing the land at the head temple from
42 acres in 1954 to 816 acres. Over four decades more than 70 million pilgrimages were
made to Taiseki-ji by Soka Gakkai members, and major buildings were constructed, including
the Grand Reception Hall and the Sho-Hondo, where the Dai-Gohonzon was enshrined in
1972.

Events leading to the excommunication in 1991

The late religious sociologist Dr Bryan Wilson from Oxford University noted the nature of the
relationship that developed between the Soka Gakkai and the Nichiren Shoshu priesthood.
The priests provided members with the Gohonzon and the performance of funeral,
memorial and other ceremonies, in return for which the lay organisation provided funds and
donated buildings to the priests. Regarding this mutual interdependence, he goes on to
comment: "The priesthood was a conservative body, small, secluded and with horizons
narrowly circumscribed by centuries of Japanese insulation from the external world. Soka
Gakkai was a movement of revitalisation, adapted to modern conditions, pursuing from the
outset a policy of expansive growth, and quickly acquiring an international clientele and
orientation. The priesthood was characteristically authoritarian, status conscious, and
hierarchic; the lay organisation was populist, egalitarian, and unwilling to concede the sort
of status differences which were endemic in conceptions of priesthood. The history of the
schism which can be only lightly adumbrated here illustrates precisely these
underlying dispositions." [A Time to Chant, p2331]

In February 1989 Nichiren Shoshu announced that the fee for attending the ceremony at the
head temple, Taiseld-ji, to chant in front of the Dai-Gohonzon was to be raised. In March
1990, it was announced that there would be an increase of 50% in the fee for conferring the
Gohonzon, with further increases for inscribing memorial tablets for the deceased and for
keeping ashes of the deceased. In July 1990 the Soka Gakkai raised the issue of
inappropriate conducts by priests at temples in Japan. In the same month Nikken and a
group of senior priests commenced 'operation C,' a plan to remove President Ikeda as the
head of the SGI, and force the lay membership to become directly connected to Nichiren
Shoshu temples. Breaching a `Standard of Moral Ethics for Priests and their Families'
introduced in August 1990, Nikken made a visit to a resort at the hot springs in Nagaoka. In
October 1990, the Soka Gakkai celebrated the 700th anniversary of the head temple,
dedicating a culture festival to Nichiren Shoshu. An incomplete transcript of President
Ikeda's speech in November 1990 was used as the basis of criticism against him. In
December 1990 Nichijun Fujimoto, the Nichiren Shoshu general administrator, sent an
inquiry document raising issues about the speech, including questions about the singing of
'Ode to Joy,' which was suggested to be praise for non-Buddhist teachings. The inquiry was
later retracted when it became clear that the transcript of President Ikeda's speech was
inaccurate. In December 1990 Nichiren Shoshu revised its rules so that President Ikeda
could be dismissed with immediate effect from the position of the head of all Nichiren
Shoshu lay societies.

On 2nd January 1991 Nikken refused to grant an audience to Soka Gakkai President Akiya
and General Director Morita, who wished to discuss the developing disagreements. In the
January issue of the Daibyakurenge, the Soka Gakkai study publication, an article from
Nikken praised the growth of the Soka Gakkai. On 12th January 1991 the priesthood finally
withdrew its allegations about the November speech, but maintained its position regarding
President Ikeda. Masatomo Yamazaki, a lawyer and associate of Nikken, was convicted on
22nd January 1991 of attempting to blackmail the Soka Gakkai and sentenced to three years
imprisonment. In March 1991, Nichiren Shoshu announced that Soka Gakkai members must
register with their local temples in order to obtain documents permitting them to visit the
head temple and see the Dai-Gohonzon. The new pilgrimage system started in July 1991,
and the number of people visiting Taiseki-ji reduced dramatically. In September 1991 it
became publicly known that Nikken built a family tomb at a Zen temple and conducted a
ceremony there. In November 1991, the priesthood sent the document 'Remonstration to
the Soka Gakkai to disband', and on 28th November 1991, the 'Notification of the
Excommunication of the Soka Gakkai from Nichiren Shoshu.' From that date Nichiren
Shoshu would no longer bestow the Gohonzon on members of the Soka Gakkai or SGI. In
December 1991 the Soka Gakkai sent a petition to Nichiren Shoshu signed by 16.25 million
people calling for the resignation of Nikken.

In February 1992 the first seven Nichiren Shoshu priests left the head temple to form the
Association of Priests for the Reformation of Nichiren Shoshu. More priests followed in
March and June. On 11th August 1992 Nichiren Shoshu excommunicated President Ikeda for
the second time.

In October 1993 the Soka Gakkai and SGI began to confer the Gohonzon transcribed by the
26th high priest Nichikan in 1720 upon its members. Sendo Narita, the chief priest of Joen-ji
temple, offered the temple's Gohonzon to be used as the basis for Gohonzon to be
bestowed on SGI members.

On 30th November 1997 Nichiren Shoshu excommunicated all Soka Gakkai members for the
second time. On 5th April 1998 the Dai-Gohonzon was transferred from Sho-Hondo to the
Hoanden. Demolition of Sho-Hondo began on 23rd June 1998.
Doctrinal differences between Nichiren Shoshu and SGI

As can be seen from the attempts to 'excommunicate' the SGI, Nichiren Shoshu, or the
Nikken sect, believes that it is possible to prevent an individual believer from revealing their
Buddhahood and attaining enlightenment in this lifetime. This is because Nichiren Shoshu
has developed the view that Buddhahood can only be revealed through a relationship with
the high priest of that school.

The following are the main doctrinal differences between Nichiren Shoshu (or the Nikken
sect) and the SGI.

The heritage of the law: Nikken teaches that the heritage of faith is secondary to the
heritage of the law from one high priest to another. At the 41st nationwide priests meeting
in August 1992, Nikken said: "Excluding the heritage of the law, the Soka Gakkai only refers
to the heritage of faith... The Gakkai is attached to the insignificant part of the heritage."
However, Nichiren Daishonin explained: "Even embracing the Lotus Sutra would be useless
without the heritage of faith." (WND-1, 218)

Nikken relies on the transfer ceremony which traditionally takes place between high priests
(but for which there is no evidence that it ever took place between Nittatsu, the previous
high priest, and Nikken). Nichiren Daishonin repeatedly stresses the importance of faith in
order to tap the life-condition within ourselves which is exemplified by Nichiren Daishonin.

The three treasures: The Three Treasures are the Buddha, the Law and the Buddhist Order
(or community of believers). Traditionally Nichiren Shoshu has taught that Nichiren
Daishonin is the Buddha, Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is the Law, and Nikko Shonin (Nichiren
Daishonin's successor) represents the Buddhist Order. Nikken has taught that the present
high priest should be considered the Treasure of the Priest, contradicting the previous
teaching of the school.

The high priest is absolute: In July 1991 Nichiren Shoshu wrote to the Soka Gakkai and said:
"The foundation of this school is the Dai-Gohonzon of the High Sanctuary of True Buddhism
and the high priest, who alone has inherited the Living Essence of the Law directly from the
former high priest, ... for the heritage of Buddhism exists in the high priest's venerable life
that is one with the Dai-Gohonzon of the High Sanctuary of True Buddhism. Therefore our
faith in these two fundamentals must be absolute." In August 1997 Nikken gave a sermon in
which he said: "It is important in faith for lay believers of this school to regard the inner
enlightenment of the successive high priests as that of Nichiren Daishonin." However,
Nikken's predecessor Nittatsu explained that the role of high priest is an organisational role
responsible for administering and leading the school. The high priest is not equal to the
Daishonin. Nichiren Daishonin himself wrote: "One should abandon even one's teacher if he
or she is misguided." (WND-1, 747). Nikko Shonin in his 'Twenty-six Admonitions' wrote: "Do
not follow even the high priest if he goes against the Buddha's Law and propounds his own
views."

The Gohonzon: In November 1991 Nichiren Shoshu refused to bestow the Gohonzon on
Soka Gakkai and SGI members; it was necessary to affiliate to a local Nichiren Shoshu
temple in order to receive the Gohonzon. However Nichiren Daishonin inscribed the
Gohonzon for the benefit of all humanity. Thanks to the proposal made by the reformist
priest of Joen-ji temple, the Gohonzon transcribed by Nichikan Shonin in 1720 can now be
made available to SGI members.

Nichiren Shoshu has criticised the Nichikan Gohonzon for not undergoing an 'eye-opening
ceremony.' However, there is no reference in the Gosho to the need for such a ceremony;
rather, the Daishonin criticised such practices by the Shingon and other esoteric schools.
This is a recent tradition in Nichiren Shoshu, which has been breached in the past by
Nichiren Shoshu itself. Before 1975 no eye-opening ceremony took place at Hodo-in temple
in Tokyo, which printed the Gohonzon and distributed them to other temples.

Equality of priesthood and laity: Nichiren Daishonin's many expressions in the Gosho of
equality between believers are well-known (for example: "Shakyamuni Buddha who
attained enlightenment countless kalpas ago, the Lotus Sutra that leads all people to
Buddhahood, and we ordinary human beings are in no way different or separate from one
another." (WND-1, 216)). However, in January 1991, Nichijun Fujimoto, the general
administrator of Nichiren Shoshu, wrote in a letter to the Soka Gakkai: "It is only natural that
there is an original distinction between the priesthood and laity in accord with the teaching
of Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism. It is an expression of great arrogance for lay believers
to say that priests and laity are essentially equal."

The Nikken sect promotes the idea that priests are a necessary intermediary between the
believers and the Gohonzon. However the Daishonin makes it clear that Buddhahood is
experienced through faith alone.

Bibliography and suggested further reading

1. The Untold History of the Fuji School, World Tribune Press

2. http : //www. sokaspirit.org

3. The Soka Gakkai Dictionary of Buddhism

4. SGI Newsletters 5821 and 5826

5. Shin Yatomi, Buddhism in a New Light, World Tribune Press

An essay by SGI President Ikeda
On the persecutions befalling Nichiren Daishonin

Faith is the struggle to bring the sun of hope to rise in our hearts, in our homes and in our
communities.

Nichiren Daishonin was calm and composed even as violent storms of persecution
descended upon him. For example, describing his frame of mind, he writes: "How delightful!
How gratifying" and "I feel immeasurable delight." His sole concern was securing the
happiness of the people, and toward that end, he spared no effort. What an immense state
of life!

Why was a person of such greatness persecuted? Why was the most just person publicly
denounced as if he were an unsurpassed villain? It may be the way of the world for people
of integrity to be ostracised and denigrated. But if this continues, won't the world be forever
shrouded in darkness? Indeed, in the course of history, how many around the world have
lamented this state of affairs?

At the start of 1274, in a letter he sent from his exile on Sado Island, Nichiren instructed that
all his disciples and followers read the letter together. At the time of writing it, he had spent
more than two full years in exile. His followers, striving valiantly in faith in his absence, must
have been increasingly anxious about his welfare.

They must have thought: "Our teacher has been exiled for more than two years. How long
must he suffer in such a desolate place, lacking in every basic necessity? How long will the
authorities keep persecuting our upstanding teacher, who, far from having committed any
crime, is merely trying to spread the correct teaching in order to save Japan? Mongol
emissaries have repeatedly come to our shores, and conditions suggest that an attack by the
Mongols is now imminent. Haven't things turned out exactly as our teacher warned?

"Hasn't his prediction of internal strife within the Hojo clan hit the mark with the Hojo
Tokisuke Disturbance? Where could you hope to find a more correct teacher of Buddhism?
Yet look at how badly he is being treated!"

In such circumstances, one would assume people's attention would have been riveted on
Nichiren. In one writing, he observes, "Even a tree or stone, or a bird or beast would be
moved and alarmed in such circumstances" ("Making Clear the Meaning of Establishing the
Correct Teaching," WND-2, 506). Because his predictions had come true, all of Japan ought
to have honoured him with the title of Great Teacher.6 But the reality was just the opposite.

Authorities cracked down harshly on Nichiren's followers, resulting in many people

abandoning their faith so many, in fact, that Nichiren writes that 999 out of 1,000 did so.
Amid the persecution, some were murdered, and some were banished or had their lands
confiscated.

Sadly, when Nichiren was being persecuted, it appears some followers just accepted it with
resignation, saying, "It can't be helped." Some even criticised Nichiren, saying that he had
triggered the persecution through his harsh attacks on other schools and should instead
spread his teachings in a gentler way. How foolish and short sighted they were!

Wasn't he being persecuted precisely because he dared to boldly confront evil and error
that caused people profound suffering? Wasn't he fighting single-handedly, bearing the
brunt of all attacks, for the sake of his fellow citizens? Shouldn't his followers who remained
untouched by persecution have been ashamed not to bear some of the hardships befalling
him? Nichiren writes, "If they were people who understood their obligations or were
capable of reason, then out of two blows that fall on me, they would receive one in my
stead" ("Reply to Yasaburo," WND-1, 828). Those who abandoned faith and turned on
Nichiren were disciples who failed to comprehend their teacher's spirit.

The Sado Exile: the work of Ryokan

Nevertheless, the remaining followers united and tenaciously persevered in faith. And at the
start of 1274, Nichiren Daishonin sent them the letter from Sado Island that I mentioned
earlier. This letter is today titled "The Votary of the Lotus Sutra Will Meet Persecution"
(WND-1, 447).

Citing passages from the sutras as well as various treatises and commentaries, Nichiren tells
his followers they should recognise that the slander and persecution he is encountering
perfectly accords with Shakyamuni's predictions. If one reads the Buddha's words without
prejudice, it becomes clear that Nichiren is a votary of the Lotus Sutra, who ranks alongside
Shakyamuni.

In this letter, Nichiren describes how Hojo Nobutoki, a member of the Council of State [who
was also the governor of Musashi and the constable of Sado], had issued orders against him
without going through proper channels. Alleging that the Daishonin was "leading his
disciples and others in plotting some evil action," one such order strictly warned that "those
who follow that priest are to be severely punished" ("The Votary of the Lotus Sutra Will
Meet Persecution," WND-1, 448).

Nobutoki in fact issued such false orders on three occasions. Who was actually behind this?
None other than Ryokan, the chief priest of Gokuraku-ji, a temple in Kamakura, who
advocated this course of action. Ryokan wanted to continue harassing the Daishonin even in
his place of exile.

Indeed, the Sado Exile itself was the result of Ryokan's scheming. Nichiren writes: In an
attempt to have this sage [Nichiren] executed, the Honourable Ryokan submitted a letter of
petition to the authorities proposing that he be beheaded; but for some reason the
execution was not carried out, and he was instead exiled far away to Sado Island. Was this
not the doing of the Honourable Ryokan?" ("The Letter of Petition from Yorimoto," WND-1,
807)

Arrogant priests who assume the position of sages

Ryokan was revered by people high and low as if he were a living Buddha or the
reincarnation of Shakyamuni. Why did he then engage in such base actions? Because he
feared Nichiren Daishonin. Because Nichiren alone discerned Ryokan's true nature. Indeed,
he came right out and called Ryokan "a counterfeit sage, a person of overbearing
arrogance" ("Letter to Ryokan of Gokuraku-ji," WND-2, 324).

Arrogant false sages constitute the third and most pernicious of the three powerful enemies
described in the Lotus Sutra. They are people who pretend to be sages, impostors who call
themselves something they are not and have no qualification to be. Just as, for example,
someone without a legitimate title declaring himself to be king is called a pretender or false
monarch, or someone who illegally seizes state power is called a usurper or false ruler.
Similarly, a false sage is someone who assumes the title and position of a sage even though
unqualified to do so. A false sage is a thief who dons the mask of a sage.

The Lotus Sutra describes arrogant false sages, saying that, with evil in their hearts and
obsessed with worldly affairs, they will borrow the name of forest-dwelling monks and
constantly make slanderous allegations about the correct practitioners to the secular rulers
(see LSOC, 232-33). They create an aura of mystique about themselves by restricting their
contact with others, but this is only because, were they to interact closely, in no time
everyone would discern their true nature.

The Daishonin says that Ryokan, whom everyone thought upheld the precepts, could in fact
be described as wanton, greedy and stingy, jealous, holding erroneous views, and lewd and
disorderly.

Devadatta, the enemy of Shakyamuni, tried to elevate himself in people's eyes by appearing
to adhere to even stricter precepts than the Buddha did. Ryokan, likewise, tried to garner
people's respect by acting like a devout observer of the precepts who would not harm a
single blade of grass. In addition, he promoted charitable enterprises and public works, such
as repairing roads and building bridges. In collusion with the government, however, he
collected a rice tax at checkpoints near major ports and levied tolls on travellers at barrier
stations, thus causing people much hardship.

What does someone who deceives society by putting up a false front fear most? Someone
who will strip them of this mask. For Ryokan, this person was Nichiren. Denouncing Ryokan's
true nature, Nichiren lamented how Ryokan had deceived and preyed upon people high and
low and how, as a result, they would be plunged into suffering in their present and future
lives. It was a strict and thorough refutation. His case against Ryokan, backed by sutra
passages, reason and actual fact, was lucid and powerfully persuasive. Terrified of being
exposed, Ryokan hatched various schemes to silence Nichiren, to muzzle him.

But Nichiren declared to his followers, "To hope to attain Buddhahood without speaking out
against slander is as futile as trying to find water in the midst of fire or fire in the midst of
water" ("The Essentials for Attaining Buddhahood," WND-1, 747). Thus the more he was
persecuted, the more resolutely he spoke out against Ryokan. Ryokan and his colleagues
trembled in fear.

A threat to the influence and prestige of false sages

In addition, a situation arose that filled Ryokan and his cohorts with trepidation, for it
brought with it the very real possibility that many people might suddenly recognise Nichiren
Daishonin's correctness. I am referring to the fulfilment of Nichiren's predictions in "On
Establishing the Correct Teaching for the Peace of the Land."

At the start of 1268, a little more than seven years after Nichiren had submitted this treatise
to the government, a letter arrived from the Mongol Empire threatening an invasion of
Japan. The entire country was thrown into turmoil. People's perceptions of the Daishonin
also changed.

Their attitudes had softened and they recognised the correctness of his assertions.

His followers were emboldened by this turn of events and redoubled their efforts at
propagation. As a result, in a letter dated 1270, Nichiren writes: "Ten or more years ago,
virtually everyone was reciting the Nembutsu. But now, out of ten persons, you will find that
one or two chant only Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, while two or three recite it along with the
Nembutsu" ("The Tripitaka Master Shan-wu-wei," WND-1, 178). He describes a remarkable
growth in the number of people chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. Nichiren's teaching was
gaining momentum; it was a perfect time to propagate the Mystic Law still more widely.

But this great opportunity was also a time of great crisis. Nichiren's enemies had united.
Priests of various schools had scoffed at and dismissed "On Establishing the Correct
Teaching" and were delighted it had not elicited any response from the government. But
now they were alarmed to see its predictions coming to pass. If the nation's rulers were to
employ Nichiren in overcoming this national calamity, they reasoned: "He will become the
foremost priest in this country. We, on the other hand, will lose our influence and prestige"
("Letter to the Lay Priest Nakaoki," WND-1, 1008). So they became flustered, jealous and
resentful, and they plotted against the Daishonin. They were not the least concerned with
the future of the country, the happiness of the people or the validity of different teachings.
The only thing that mattered was preserving the illusion of their own influence and prestige.
Japan was truly a land where, as Nichiren says, people's thoughts are filled with jealousy.
Jealousy is the world of anger, or the world of asuras belligerent spirits or demons in Indian
mythology that epitomise arrogance.

Asuras are said to be gargantuan, described as eighty-four thousand yojanas in height, but
this is an allegorical expression of their over-inflated sense of self-importance. It is an
analogy to a false self swollen with arrogance. A person in this state lacks the quiet self-
confidence that derives from genuine ability.

While arrogant false sages might try to pass themselves off as true sages, they know better
than anyone that they are really frauds. They know they are living behind a faade.
Therefore, they constantly fear discovery.

Ryokan, too, was plagued with anxiety. Even after Nichiren had been banished to Sado
Island, Ryokan could not feel at ease. Hardly anyone ever returned alive from exile to Sado,
prompting Nichiren to write, "Even if ... rain falling from the sky should fail to reach the
ground, I, Nichiren, still could not possibly have returned to Kamakura" ("Letter to Konichi-
bo," WND-1, 660). Nevertheless, Ryokan, unable to put his worries to rest, saw fit to further
persecute Nichiren in his place of exile.

Asuras are always anxious. When attacked by someone of greater standing than themselves,
they collapse like a punctured balloon to their true puny form. This is as Nichiren indicates
when he writes, "An arrogant person will always be overcome with fear when meeting a
strong enemy, as was the haughty asura who shrank in size and hid himself in a lotus
blossom in Heat-Free Lake when reproached by Shakra" ("Letter from Sado," WND-1, 302).
This shrinking and hiding is the true image of an asura.

Persecution based on false rumours

Ryokan, likewise, showed his true stature when confronted by Nichiren Daishonin. In
summer 1271, Ryokan was shamed before the entire country when defeated by Nichiren in
a contest to pray for rain. How did Ryokan respond? He reneged on his promise to become
Nichiren's disciple if he failed to elicit rain, and he channeled even more energy into
conspiring covertly against Nichiren.

Hiding in the shadows is a characteristic of arrogant false sages; they are ruled by
cowardice. With the Nembutsu priest Gyobin acting as his agent, Ryokan denounced
Nichiren to the government. Nichiren immediately composed a thoroughgoing refutation of
Gyobin's petition." Gyobin could not put forth a counterargument. Had he responded, there
would have been a motion for the two to be brought together in direct debate. Ryokan's
side wanted to avoid such a confrontation at all costs. They knew only too well they could
not win. Given this situation, they had effectively lost their case against Nichiren.
What did Ryokan and his cohorts do next? They further intensified their behind-the-scenes
scheming, spreading lies about Nichiren and his followers.

When they realised they could not rival Nichiren in wisdom, they first petitioned the
government. After this action failed, they maligned him to the wives and widows of high-
ranking officials. Ryokan and his group also directly appealed to key government figures and
pressed them to punish Nichiren.

The Lotus Sutra describes the conduct of arrogant false sages saying:
They constantly try to defame us,
they will address the rulers, high ministers, Brahmans, and householders,
as well as the other monks,
slandering and speaking evil of us. (LSOC1 3, 233)

And this is exactly what Ryokan and his cronies did. Without seeking to confront Nichiren in
person, they hurriedly petitioned government offices to bring charges against him; in other
words, they went crying to the authorities. Moreover, and most cravenly, they did so under
the guise of "ap-pealing for justice." Since this lobbying took place in clandestine meetings,
Nichiren and his followers who were the target of the slanderous rumours had no
opportunity for rebuttal. This eventually led to the Tatsunokuchi Persecution.

The central figure among the women of the Hojo clan, with whom Ryokan and his cohorts
had ingratiated themselves, was the mother of the eighth regent, Hojo Tokimune. She was
also the daughter of Hojo Shigetoki, the former cosigner to the fifth Hojo regent, Tokiyori.
Shigetoki, acting through his son, the sixth regent, Hojo Nagatoki, had been the person
directly responsible for exiling Nichiren to Izu. Ryokan had close ties with both Shigetoki and
Nagatoki. In fact, his temple, Gokuraku-ji, had been donated by Shigetoki. Tokimune's
mother was also Tokiyori's widow.

It seems Ryokan and others alleged to her that Nichiren had said the late Tokiyori and
Shigetoki had both fallen into the hell of incessant suffering. This no doubt filled her with
deep indignation. Presumably, she went straight to her son, the regent Tokimune, and
demanded Nichiren be put to death.

Ryokan and his colleagues made similar slanderous allegations to the wives of other
influential government officials. As a result, these women insisted that investigation was
unnecessary and that Nichiren should have his head cut off at once.

It is a wonder, however, that they didn't appear at all hesitant about executing a priest.

Unscrupulous attempts to discredit a person of justice and integrity

The fact that Nichiren Daishonin was viewed as a "priest who broke the precepts" may have
greatly contributed to the animosity against him. Ryokan and his fellow conspirators may
have told the women that the grave offence of killing a priest would not apply in Nichiren's
case because, they alleged, he had transgressed the priestly code by having forbidden
relations with women. Women tend to react strongly when it comes to men's illicit sexual
affairs, and Ryokan and his colleagues must have tried to take advantage of these feelings in
their appeals to high-ranking women.

Nichiren says of himself: "Though I have neither wife nor child, I am known throughout the
country as a monk who transgresses the code of conduct, and though I have never killed
even a single ant or mole cricket, my bad reputation has spread throughout the realm"
("The Four Debts of Gratitude," WND-1, 42). These words are from a letter written during
his exile to Izu, a fairly early period of Nichiren's efforts to spread his teachings.

The Izu Exile was also a punishment meted out based on groundless charges; the spurious
rumours of his being an immoral priest were likely an excuse for this exile. The priests of
other schools who saw the Daishonin as an enemy may have spread such rumours out of
malice.

Nichiren had many female followers, and these no doubt included some who practised faith
despite opposition of family members. These women must have struggled on with his
encouragement as their sole spiritual support, and they must have greatly admired the
Daishonin's immense compassion. Others seeing this likely felt jealous and resentful.
Spreading rumours of sexual misconduct or other moral scandals is a standard tactic
employed by the unscrupulous to discredit those of justice and integrity. It is simple enough
for the side doing the criticising because it involves only spreading a negative image. For
those being criticised, however, it is much more difficult to prove there is nothing to the
charges. That's why it is the choice method for ruining a person's good name.

Once a rumour has been started, it arouses people's curiosity and takes on a life of its own.
Because credibility has been so severely damaged by a rumour, people will not listen to
what the maligned person has to say, no matter how right it may be. When adverse
rumours are circulated about Buddhist practitioners, the unfavourable impression etched in
people's minds can become a psychological barrier to their accepting the correct teaching.
The offence of spreading malicious rumours is grave indeed. This was part of a scheme to
invent falsehoods solely to do away with Nichiren.

Fabricated scandals about Shakyamuni

In the letter I cited earlier "The Votary of the Lotus Sutra Will Meet Persecution," written
in 1274 while on Sado Nichiren Daishonin says of the persecutions he faced, "I, Nichiren,
have personally suffered each of the nine great ordeals [that Shakyamuni underwent]"
(WND-1, 448)
Of Shakyamuni's nine great ordeals, two had to do with alleged sexual misconduct with
women. The "slander of Sundari" refers to an instance in which a group of Brahmans,
jealous of the Buddha's high moral standing, had a courtesan named Sundari frequent the
place where Shakyamuni was staying, and then they had her spread rumours she was having
an affair with him. These Brahmans then killed Sundari to prevent her from revealing the
truth and buried her body under a tree at Jetavana Monastery, making it appear that this
had been the doing of the Buddha's followers. Also, in what is known as the "slander of
Chincha," a Brahman woman named Chincha, strapping a tub to her belly under her robe,
claimed that Shakyamuni had impregnated her. In due course, Shakyamuni's name was
cleared in both incidents. But untold numbers in human history have had their reputations
destroyed and been consigned to oblivion as a result of similar schemes and malicious
rumours.

Manufacturing negative images to malign and discredit

False accusations are the prime catalyst behind persecution. Conspirators, building a case on
lies, align themselves with those in power. The latter are deceived or perhaps merely
pretend to be deceived and then use these lies to justify ousting someone they regard as
a troublemaker.

Nowadays, attempting to discredit and oust someone from a position of influence in society
usually involves collusion with elements of the mass media, sometimes referred to
collectively as the fourth estate.

Those intent on spreading slanderous rumours seek to paint the targeted individual or
group in a negative light. Disregarding facts, the only thing that matters is that people
receive an unfavourable impression.

The success of such defamatory rumours is described by Nichiren Daishonin when he tells
how ready the government officials were to believe allegations that his followers were
responsible for various crimes.

Before Nichiren's exile to Sado, his enemies took advantage of the confusion to commit
various crimes in Kamakura. There were seven or eight instances of arson and a succession
of murders. He explains: "Slanderers went around saying that Nichiren's disciples were
setting the fires. The government officials thought this might be true and made up a list of
over 260 of my followers who they believed should be expelled from Kamakura" ("The
Actions of the Votary of the Lotus Sutra," WND-1, 769).

In fact, the fires had been set by followers of Ryokan and by Nembutsu adherents. To vilify
Nichiren, however, they spread rumours that his disciples were behind such acts of arson
and murder. Further, they claimed the followers had burned wooden images of Amida
Buddha and Bodhisattva Perceiver of the World's Sounds and that they were gathering
together rioters, creating the impression that they were a dangerous and violent group.

If someone had tried to confirm the facts, the truth would have been readily apparent. The
allegations, if calmly considered, would obviously not add up. But because it concerned
"other people," no one bothered to investigate in any detail. People would half listen to
what was being said, and then more or less accept it, thinking, Yes, I suppose that could be
true. This is what is so frightening about the calculated manufacturing of negative images to
malign and discredit a person or group.

Also, people who already harboured resentment or ill will toward Nichiren and his followers
may have quickly latched onto the negative rumours that conveniently corroborated
whatever they would like to believe. Moreover, the fact that Ryokan and other influential
priests were all saying the same thing must have lent additional credence to the allegations.
Or people may have simply concluded that since the authorities had previously punished the
Daishonin, he must indeed be a criminal.

Sadly, when authorities and other powerful forces in society unite to persecute a person or
group, few among the general populace will dare raise their voices in protest, even if many
privately feel something is amiss. But the deliberate spread of unfavourable images is not
only a problem for those being targeted. If nothing is done to prevent such unreasonable
persecution against innocent people, it will lead to the corruption and decay of public
morality, finally destroying the very fabric of society.

Scandal means "trap"

The English word scandal comes from the Greek skandalon, which means "trap." Ancient
Athens around the time of Socrates was also a society of envy. When an outstanding person
emerged, people could not help trying to pull him or her down. As a result, Athens declined.

There was a man who voted in favour of the banishment of Aristides, an eminent Athenian
political leader. The leader, disguising his identity, asked the man if this Aristides had ever
done him any wrong. The man's response exemplifies the pathology of a society of envy:
"None at all. Neither know I the man; but I am tired of hearing him everywhere called the
Just." A just person is not safe in an envious society.

In Athens, there were even people whose occupation was to spread defamatory rumours
toward ousting individuals from positions of power. These people were known as
demagogues. Verbal violence, one could say, was their trade.

Socrates was falsely painted as a villain and sentenced to death. The key point, however, is
that he received this sentence not because of his manufactured image. The false allegations
were only a pretext. Socrates was punished because he was actually the foremost
philosopher in Greece and because many could not bear to see the continued existence of
such a noble, upright person.

In the same way, though Nichiren was persecuted based on a fabricated image of villainy
and immorality, that, too, was only a pretext. In fact, he was targeted for attack because he
was the wisest person in all Japan. As he indicates, "Stones are split open for their hidden
gems, deer are slain for their hides and meat ... and a beautiful woman is envied for her
beauty" ("The Swords of Good and Evil," WND-1, 451), it was none other than envy of true
excellence.

Envy is a futile emotion. If we allow ourselves to admire greatness, our own lives are
elevated and enriched; but envious people are incapable of this. In the words of the ancient
Greek philosopher Antisthenes, "As iron is eaten away by rust, so are the envious consumed
by their own passion."32 Envious people are themselves corrupted. People motivated by
envy try to bring others down to the same low level they themselves occupy.

The Lotus Sutra predicts that arrogant false priests will criticise the Lotus Sutra's
practitioners by making such claims as follows:

These monks are greedy for profit and support

and therefore they preach non-Buddhist doctrines
and fabricate their own scriptures to delude the people of the world.
Because they hope to gain fame and renown thereby
they make distinctions when preaching this sutra. (LSOC13, 233)

Their vilifications alleging, for example, that the sutra's practitioners are "greedy for
profit and support" or "hope to gain fame and renown" merely reflect their own base
desires.

A struggle against the authorities who disdain the people

Why, then, was the Kamakura government receptive to slanderous allegations against
Nichiren Daishonin? Why did it find it necessary to crack down on him? The following may
shed some light.

On September 13, 1271, the government ordered that retainers with fiefs in Kyushu [the
southernmost of Japan's four main islands] should prepare for a Mongol invasion by either
departing for Kyushu themselves or sending deputies to oversee the preparations. That was
the day after Nichiren's arrest. The attempted execution at Tatsunokuchi, since it occurred
in the predawn hours of September 13, took place on the very day the government issued
this order.
Without going into detailed discussion, suffice it to say that beginning around August 1271,
the government formulated a strategy for dealing with the Mongol threat. It is conceivable
that the suppression of Nichiren was part of this larger plan.What precisely did this strategy
entail?

Around this time, the Kamakura government was shifting from the council system that had
been in place since the start of the Kamakura regime to a dictatorship centring on the main
line of the Hojo clan. It was in this context that the threat of a foreign enemy appeared,
prompting the country to go on high alert and ready its forces for war. As a result, the
military dictatorship grew stronger still.

The entire country was expected to act in perfect accord with the central authorities'
orders. Consequently, as the government's hold on power grew, the presence of Nichiren
Daishonin, who openly criticised its religious policies, became a thorn in its side. Moreover,
as I stated earlier, there had been a rapid growth in support for Nichiren.

Thus, we have a rising tide of kosen-rufu as well as an increasingly autocratic and

authoritarian government. These opposing trends clashed head-on in the Tatsunokuchi
Persecution. At the root of this clash was Nichiren's assertion of the primacy of the people.
In contrast to other religious figures, the Daishonin publicly declared that the government
exists to serve the people.

Maintaining that the authorities should rule for the benefit of the people, he proclaimed he
would unstintingly support a government that did so, but he would not condone one that
was not dedicated to the people's happiness. This philosophy lies at the heart of his treatise
"On Establishing the Correct Teaching for the Peace of the Land." Nichiren's independent
stance was dramatically different from that of other schools' priests, who served the
authorities by doing exactly as they were told and who sought to live under the
government's protection and patronage.

For the Daishonin, the highest authority in Japan was merely "the ruler of this little island
country" ("The Actions of the Votary of the Lotus Sutra," WND-1, 765). This world, he writes,
is the "domain of Shakyamuni Buddha" ("Letter to the Lay Priest Ichinosawa," WND-1, 528),
a realm where Brahma and Shakra protect the votary of the Lotus Sutra at the behest of
Shakyamuni. Here, the four heavenly kings are the retainers of Brahma and Shakra, and the
wheel-turning kings of the four continents are their retainers. Nichiren's view was that the
ruler of Japan was not even a retainer of these wheel-turning kings; he dismissed him as
"simply the chief of this island country" ("On the Proper Way to Preach the Doctrine," WND-
2, 342-43).

Nichiren asserted that in light of Buddhism, ordinary people who uphold the correct
teaching occupy a position far above the authorities, who, for their part, were only
interested in exploiting religion for self-serving ends. They regarded religion as being far
beneath them.

It is significant that Nichiren was the "son of a commoner" ("Letter to the Lay Priest
Nakaoki," WND-1, 1006), who proudly declared himself to have been "born poor and lowly
to a chandala family" ("Letter from Sado," WND-1, 303). He was the polar opposite of those
arrogant false sages obsessed with prestige and authority.

It is entirely plausible that the government looked down on the Daishonin even more
because of his humble origins; they disdained and discriminated against the common
people. At the time, many high-ranking priests were from the nobility or the higher echelons
of society.

The Soka Gakkai was once ridiculed as a "gathering of the poor and sick" lacking any power
to influence society. Now that our organisation has prospered and grown, we are starting to
be called a "threat." While these labels express opposite extremes, they share a common
disdain for the people. This is likely resistance toward, and envy of, ordinary people
becoming independent, raising their voices and playing a decisive role in society.

Therefore, the Soka Gakkai's victory signifies not merely the victory of the Soka Gakkai. It is
a resounding victory over the tendency to disparage the people that Japan has harboured
over its long history.

A story of triumph that will endure for all time

Being victorious is the very essence of Buddhism. Nichiren Daishonin, practising exactly as
the Lotus Sutra teaches, boldly challenged evil and struggled in such a way as to call forth
great persecution. In so doing, he not only enabled those who did not follow the correct
teaching to become enlightened by way of a poison-drum relationship, but he left us an
enduring example of how one can triumph over even the greatest hardship.

The Soka Gakkai's advance, too, has been occasioned by one great wave of persecution
after another. But it is in fighting on valiantly amid obstacles that the essence of life is found
and the true brilliance of human character shines. Through his example, Nichiren taught
that Buddhism exists as a vital, living teaching nowhere but in the midst of this fierce
struggle.

Therefore, as a disciple of Nichiren Daishonin, I prayed fervently with the pledge: "I will
stand in the very forefront and safeguard kosen-rufu. I will protect the Soka Gakkai and
President Toda. Please let me alone bear the brunt of any persecutions ." I had a wife and
children. But I wanted to set an example for later generations to show them that there
was a youth among President Toda's disciples who possessed this readiness to encounter
persecution. When we base ourselves on this determination, what do we possibly have to
fear? What battle can we possibly fail to win?
One month after Nichiren wrote "The Votary of the Lotus Sutra Will Meet Persecution," he
won a pardon from the government and was allowed to return to Kamakura from his exile
on Sado.

From that point on, we see his disciples taking an increasingly proactive role in the struggle.
This eventually led to Ryokan and his cohorts making slanderous allegations against
Nichiren's followers such as Shijo Kingo and the Ikegami brothers, causing them to be
persecuted. But the disciples were victorious. They united in spirit with their teacher and
won. Rejoicing at the Ikegami brothers' victory, the Daishonin exclaimed to them in praise,
"Could there ever be a more wonderful story than your own?" ("Letter to the Brothers,"
WND-1, 499).

The history that we of the SGI are now composing is also surely being extolled by Nichiren
and will be talked about by people into the eternal future of the Latter Day of the Law.
People will no doubt look back on this time with admiration and longing, saying: Just look
at the victory they achieved at the start of the 21st century. Because of that history, the
future path of worldwide kosen-rufu was solidified. If only we could have taken part in
that!"

Let us cause the brilliant sun of total victory of the 21st century to rise!

(From SGI Newsletter 5923, translated from the January 2004 issue of the Daibyakurenge,
the Soka Gakkai's study journal.)
 THOUGHTS ON THE NEW HUMAN REVOLUTION
Stormy April 24
In this essay, President Ikeda remembers April 24, 1979, the day 20 years ago when he
resigned as Soka Gakkai president. A conspiracy of priests and traitors was pushing him out,
and the top leaders were too weak to protect him. He was left to wonder, 'Where was the
Gakkai spirit, that they should have allowed themselves to be so overcome by
circumstances?'

Recently, I received a kind message of support from a well-known scholar. He said: "With
the phenomenal growth the Soka Gakkai has achieved today, I am sure you face many
challenges and difficulties. It is truly impressive that the Soka Gakkai has become one of the
prime movers of Japan.

"Knowing you suffered from a weak constitution in your youth, I worried for your health.
But watching you over the decades, as you have tirelessly proceeded to complete one
momentous undertaking after another, I have only the greatest respect and admiration for
you."

Another very well-known figure also wrote me a letter of encouragement: "I applaud your
unrivalled achievement of building a great force for peace. No one, either before or after
World War II, has accomplished anything of this importance.

"You have achieved what you have as an ordinary citizen, not as a political leader or a
person of privileged background. Even taking into account the fact that you had a great
mentor like Josei Toda, what you have achieved is truly without precedent. Moreover, you
have endured unending criticism and insult, and you have repulsed the plots and attacks of
your opponents.

"You have not limited yourself to the narrow confines of Japan but have made the world the
stage for your activities. Your global endeavours, your broad vision and your initiatives for
peace will without a doubt go down in history"

And a distinguished person whom I have been friends with for many years also wrote me: "It
can only be a miracle. The towering work of art the great and unprecedented
achievement which you have accomplished, while enduring envy and scorn and receiving
not a word of praise, would have been lauded by Napoleon and Hugo."

April 24, 1979. That was the day I stepped down as third Soka Gakkai president, a position I
had held for 19 years, and became honorary president. When they heard the
announcement, members all across Japan indeed, all around the world were left
stunned and speechless.
Behind my sudden resignation were the insidious tyranny of Nichiren Shoshu and a plethora
of attacks on the Gakkai by traitorous members, who had renounced their faith and joined
forces with scheming priests at the head temple. They contrived plots and persecutions for
my destruction beyond the power of words to describe. These morally bankrupt individuals,
who had completely abandoned all that is good and just, continue to this day to devise foul
schemes against me, hoping to vent their twisted rage. I'm sure this is something all of you
know.

Nichiren Daishonin often cites the Lotus Sutra passage "There will be many ignorant people
who will curse and speak ill of us" (LSOC13, 233). Being the object of such curses because of
one's efforts for kosen-rufu is proof that one is a true practitioner of the Lotus Sutra. In
"Letter from Sado," the Daishonin writes, "Worthies and Sages are tested by abuse," (WND-
1, 303). Refusing to be deterred by abuse, false accusations and scorn is the very mark of a
person of true faith and practice.

Each time I heard of the suffering, anguish and indignation caused my dear comrades by the
cruel oppression of bestial priests, my heart bled. Many nights, the pain in my heart was so
intense that I could not sleep.

To protect my sincere fellow members, I sought with all my being to find a way to forge
harmonious unity between the priesthood and lay believers. But all my efforts looked as if
they would come to naught when a top Soka Gakkai leader who later quit and renounced
his faith made inappropriate remarks. The Gakkai's enemies, who were waiting all along
to destroy us, pounced eagerly. The priests raised an uproar and demanded that I take
responsibility for this person's words.

I agonised over the situation. I knew I had to prevent further suffering from being inflicted
on our members and to protect them from the persecution of the priests. Mr. Toda had said
that the Soka Gakkai was more precious to him than his own life. The Gakkai is an
organisation that follows the Buddha's intent and decree to the letter; it is dedicated to the
happiness of the people, the propagation of Buddhism and world peace.

My resolve to take all the blame upon myself and to resign the presidency gradually grew
firm within me. For several years, I had already been thinking that I should make way for a
successor.

One day, I asked the top leaders of the Soka Gakkai, "Do you think my resignation would
settle the problem?" There was a painful silence.

Then someone spoke: "You can't go against the flow of the times." The atmosphere of the
room froze. A sharp pain tore through my heart.
Even if all our members urged me not to, I was willing to bow in apology, if it would bring an
end to the turmoil. And in fact, my resignation may have been unavoidable.

I also knew how exhausted everyone was, due to the long, defensive battle in which they
had all fought so hard.

But "flow of the times"!? It was the attitude, the state of mind underlying that utterance
that so disturbed me. I could detect no trace of the fighting spirit to protect the Soka Gakkai
with one's life or the willingness to fight together with me, no matter the times or
circumstances.

The priesthood put pressure on the Soka Gakkai with the secret aim of disbanding it as a
religious organisation. Corrupt, evil individuals, including a treacherous Gakkai attorney, had
suggested this to them. Whether or not the Soka Gakkai's leaders knew it at the time, they
had allowed themselves to become entrapped by the nefarious strategies of the priests and
members who had renounced their faith and betrayed the organisation.

It was pitiful. I was completely at a loss for words.

Mr. Toda had told us all: "Protect the third president! Protect him as long as you live! If you
do so, you will definitely be able to achieve kosen-rufu !" Had the top leaders of the Soka
Gakkai forgotten the spirit of their beloved mentor? How pathetically they had let
themselves be defeated!

Where was the Gakkai spirit, that they should have allowed themselves to be so overcome
by circumstances?

In the midst of all this, on April 12, I met Madame Deng Yingchao, the widow of Chinese
Premier Zhou Enlai, at the State Guesthouse in Tokyo. As we parted, I told her that I had
decided to resign. "You mustn't!" she said, the smiling face of this great mother of the
people suddenly growing stern. "You are too young to resign. Above all, you have the
support of the people. As long as you have their support, you must not resign. You must not
retreat even a single step!" Those were the resolute words of a person who had lived
through death-defying challenges and danger.

That dark day, April 24, arrived. It was a Tuesday. Representative leaders from all over Japan
had joyfully gathered at the Shinjuku Culture Centre.

But what should have been a momentous meeting marking a fresh departure and the end of
the first Seven Bells seven seven-year periods of the Gakkai's development from its
founding in 1930 became instead the announcement of my resignation and the
appointment of a new president.
This news came as a complete surprise to the majority of leaders. I entered the hall halfway
through the meeting, and cries rose from the audience: "Sensei, don't resign!" "Sensei,
remain as our president!" 'All our members are waiting for you!" Their faces were clouded
with anxiety. Afterward, people who attended the meeting declared angrily that there had
never been a darker, more cheerless Soka Gakkai meeting.

I said with firm conviction: "I won't change in the least. Do not worry! I am Mr. Toda's direct
disciple! Right will win out in the end!"

This far, far too bitter day I will never forget

The dusk presses in

And I walk alone

This is a poem I recorded in my diary that day, April 24.

When I got home and told my wife that I had resigned, she greeted me with a smile, just as
she always did, without asking a single question. With her usual, imperturbable composure,
she said: "Is that so? Thank you for all your hard work."

(From SGI Newsletter 3891)

Option 1 & 2