8.31.2007

To My (Good) Friends

Friday, August 31

What is most important in our practice,
is that we seek out a good senior member in faith
whom we can consult with about anything.
Good friends or positive influences are
the very driving force of our growth and development.
A good friend is indeed a priceless asset in life.

* "Therefore, the best way to attain Buddhahood is to encounter a good friend. How far can our own wisdom take us? If we have even enough wisdom to
distinguish hot from cold, we should seek out a good friend."

- "Three Tripitaka Masters Pray for Rain," WND, Vol. 1, page 598

** SGI President Daisaku Ikeda has written, "Having good friends is like being equipped with a powerful auxiliary engine. When we encounter a steep hill or an obstacle, we can encourage each other and find the strength to
keep pressing forwards."

8.30.2007

To My Friends

Thursday, August 30

By using the power of our intellect and good wisdom,
let's wholeheartedly strive to achieve worldwide kosen-rufu!
Through practising our universal philosophy
and bringing forth boundless wisdom,
let's open the era of great victory!

* August 31st: Student Division Day
"It is due to the authority and supernatural power of Bodhisattva Universal
Worthy that this Lotus Sutra is propagated throughout Jambudvipa. Therefore
the widespread propagation of this sutra must be under the care and
protection of Bodhisattva Universal Worthy." - "Ongi kuden", Gosho Zenshu,
page 780, The Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings, page 190

Each day, Sensei's daily poem "To My Friends" appears in the Soka Gakkai newspaper, the Seikyo Shimbun. To subscribe to a daily English translation, send an e-mail here.

East: Be Bold, Choose Peace!

September is the 50th anniversary of Second Soka Gakkai President Josei Toda’s declaration calling for the abolition of nuclear weapons. It is also the 50th Anniversary of the Student Division.

In November 2006, the Student Division Leaders in New York began speaking about the importance of 2nd Soka Gakkai President Toda’s declaration and wanted to create something dynamic to respond to Sensei’s expectations. It was at that time the Student Division leaders began brainstorming about creating a festival where we can gather thousands of youth to spread our movement for peace.

Because of the great significance, the New York Zone Youth Division extended this activity from Student Division to all Youth Division. With the students as the driving force and the full support of the men’s and women’s divisions, we are happy to report that the New York Zone Youth will hold a festival on Sept. 16 at Brooklyn's Prospect Park.

The purpose of having this peace festival is for each person who attends the festival to see that starting with themselves they can create a peaceful society and most importantly to reply to President Ikeda’s expectations of the youth. This is a great chance for us to show the power of youth and the commitment to peace and to respond to our mentor President Ikeda. This is a true preparation to welcome President Ikeda and Mrs. Ikeda back to America!

Our festival is on Sept. 16, but our true campaign begins before and ends after that day. Leading up to the festival all the members of the youth division are engages in a “Peace Dialogue Campaign.” As members of the youth division in New York Zone, it is our mission to spread peace through dialogue and sharing this Buddhism with others.

This campaign will serve as our first step toward actualizing this and serve as encouragement so that each member can realize his/her mission as a Bodhisattva of the Earth for worldwide kosen-rufu. Our target is to have 10,000 dialogues about peace based on Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism.

It’s all about sharing this Buddhism with others. Each youth division member is challenging to have dialogue with at least 10 people by Sept. 16. After each dialogue we will give the person a button with our Festival Theme “Be Bold Choose Peace,” and information about SGI-USA. The following week after the festival will be the district discussion meeting week, and throughout the East Territory the discussion topic will be based on peace and President Toda’s Declaration. With four-divisional unity, New York Zone Youth will create great momentum of shakubuku in September.

Activities in the SGI are created for all members to do their human revolution and win in their personal lives. Through this campaign, the youth of the New York Zone are determined to set great examples of personal victory. We are very confident that we are creating the golden history. Every single youth member is challenging themselves in this dialogue campaign. No one can’t stop our joy to share Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism to people around us!

Please watch out for New York Zone Youth!!

East Territory- New York Zone Youth Leaders
Kazuyo and Josh

8.29.2007

To My Friends

Wednesday, August 29

"The stronger one's faith, the greater the protection of the gods."*
Let's make every possible effort so that
all of our women members can return home as early as possible
(after our meetings and activities especially at night).
Preventing any type of accident or incident itself is our victory!

* The Annotations on "Great Concentration and Insight", Volume 8

Each day, Sensei's daily poem "To My Friends" appears in the Soka Gakkai newspaper, the Seikyo Shimbun. To subscribe to a daily English translation, send an e-mail here.

To My Friends

Tuesday, August 28

It is very important that young people strive hard
to cultivate character as a human being.
By establishing unshakable confidence that
you are one of the "noble common people",
challenge yourself to achieve "world class excellence" in every endeavor.

Each day, Sensei's daily poem "To My Friends" appears in the Soka Gakkai newspaper, the Seikyo Shimbun. To subscribe to a daily English translation, send an e-mail here.


Daily Gosho

"Arouse deep faith, and diligently polish your mirror day and night. How should you polish it? Only by chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo."

From On Attaining Buddhahood in This Lifetime, The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 4
Selection source: "Kyo no Hosshin", Seikyo Shimbun, August 28

8.27.2007

To My Friends

Monday, August 27

The second half of the year has just begun.
Let's raise the curtain on a great new history.
It is said that "the person who makes the first move gains the advantage."
It is vital that we are all united in the spirit of "Many in Body, One in Mind."
Let's cheerfully make great strides together!

Each day, Sensei's daily poem "To My Friends" appears in the Soka Gakkai newspaper, the Seikyo Shimbun. To subscribe to a daily English translation, send an e-mail here.

8.26.2007

Employ The Strategy of the Lotus Sutra

“A great human revolution in just a single individual will help achieve a change in the destiny of a nation, and further, can even enable a change in the destiny of all humankind.” With this as his main theme, Daisaku Ikeda wrote his twelve-volume account of Josei Toda’s life and the phenomenal growth of the Soka Gakkai in postwar Japan. This work paints a fascinating and empowering story of the far-reaching effects of one person’s inner determination. Josei Toda’s awakening and transformation, his efforts to teach others the unlimited power of faith, his dedication in leading thousands out of misery and poverty, the efforts of his devoted disciple Shin’ichi Yamamoto—within these stories we find the keys for building lives of genuine happiness. (Please return here each Monday for a new passage.)

Excerpts from Volume 10, Determination Chapter, pp. 1310-1311

Each of the three candidates running in the national election could expect support from about one hundred thousand households. As for the Tokyo metropolitan electorate, there were considerably more than ninety thousand households that belonged to the Soka Gakkai. Furthermore, the organization in the capital boasted an array of veteran leaders with many years of faith behind them. The candidate in the Osaka prefectural constituency was the only one who found himself in so terrible a position.

The campaign seemed doomed even before it got started. All of the thirty thousand local Gakkai households were still quite new in faith. The fostering and training of what few leaders there were had only just begun.

Josei Toda assessed the situation in Kansai for exactly what it was: almost hopeless. With full knowledge of this he dared to entrust Shin’ichi with the campaign in that area. It appeared that he must be planning some surprise operation. If the spot Shin’ichi held in Toda’s heart had not grown larger and larger as the months and years passed, Toda would not even have considered him.

More than anything Toda wanted Shin’ichi to command the campaign. Victory or defeat was secondary to him. He must put his disciple through the arduous task of opening a new path toward kosen-rufu in the future.

Shin’ichi was the apple of his eye, and he knew that he himself could not expect to live many more years. He must see Shin’ichi fight gallantly and display all his potential as a Bodhisattva of the Earth. Only then could Toda be sure that the organization would remain steadfast even after his death. He had already made up his mind to place total responsibility for ensuring the ongoing flow of the Soka Gakkai’s movement for kosen-rufu in the hands of this twenty-eight-year-old youth.

For the past nine years, Shin’ichi Yamamoto had never once protested against Toda’s requests, whether they were explicit or implicit. Even in the midst of the terrible struggles and hardships he shared with Toda during 1950 and 1951, he had continued to answer his mentor’s expectations with his whole life. Toda made any number of seemingly impossible demands. But each time Shin’ichi would put himself in the vanguard, remove the obstacles and open the way.

When Shin’ichi heard what Toda expected of him in the forthcoming Kansai campaign, he responded to his teacher’s call without a moment’s hesitation. However, even at that moment he was all too painfully aware of the wide gap that lay between reality and the goal.

At first Shin’ichi sank into despair. Although he told no one, he was in constant torment, day in and day out, with the baffling problem of how to unfold the campaign. In the midst of his painful search for a solution he was about to scream out in agony, when one after another, like rising clouds, passages of the Gosho appeared in his mind. These passages sharply pointed out to him how to turn the impossible into the possible.

They told him that the key to victory did not necessarily lie in numerical strength but in the indestructible unity of even a few people and clearly revealed that the power of faith was unlimited. After all, wasn’t he a believer of Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism in the Latter Day? If the Daishonin’s teachings were true, then there was no way that he could fail to prove them. Did not the Gosho state, “Employ the strategy of the Lotus Sutra before any other” (wnd, 1001)? Shin’ichi now thoroughly realized that the only thing he could count on were the Gohonzon and the Gosho.

8.23.2007

To My Friends

Thursday, August 23

Let's not forget the people who blazed the path open for us to follow,
who were so kind to lend their help and support when we were in need,
and who worked so hard and selflessly for everyone behind the scenes.
Let's take every opportunity to sincerely praise their every effort
and appreciate their selfless dedication.
Never ever forget the debt of gratitude that we owe to others!

Each day, Sensei's daily poem "To My Friends" appears in the Soka Gakkai newspaper, the Seikyo Shimbun. To subscribe to a daily English translation, send an e-mail here.

8.22.2007

To My Friends

Wednesday, August 22

"No prayers will go unanswered."*
First, let's chant daimoku earnestly and determinedly.
Then put all our prayers into action!
This is a fundamental principle for victory and success.

* When we chant daimoku just as the Daishonin instructs, our voices resonate throughout the entire universe. Just as a soft voice can be transformed into a booming voice through the use of a good megaphone, when we chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo with heartfelt prayer, we can move the entire universe.
As Nichikan, the twenty-sixth high priest, says: "[If you have faith in this Gohonzon and chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo even for a short while] no prayer will go unanswered, no offence unexpiated, no good fortune unbestowed, and all righteousness proven."

Nichiren Daishonin says that it is not difficult for those who chant the daimoku of the Lotus Sutra to become Buddhas equal to Shakyamuni (WND, 1030). This statement is very significant. He says this because the Mystic Law is the origin of all Buddhas.

We must absolutely never give up on prayer. He declares: "Muster your faith, and pray to this Gohonzon. Then what is there that cannot be achieved?"
(WND, 412). We need to pray "as though to produce fire from damp wood or to obtain water from parched ground" (WND, 444).
- (The Wisdom of the Lotus Sutra, Volume 5, page 152)

Each day, Sensei's daily poem "To My Friends" appears in the Soka Gakkai newspaper, the Seikyo Shimbun. To subscribe to a daily English translation, send an e-mail here.

8.21.2007

To My Friends

Tuesday, August 21

The Daishonin states,
"(As I have said before,)
be millions of times more careful than ever."*
Carelessness or overconfidence is our greatest enemy.
Let's make absolutely sure to always put safety first!
Let's take every possible precaution
to prevent any type of accident or incident!

* "The Hero of the World" - WND, Vol. 839

Each day, Sensei's daily poem "To My Friends" appears in the Soka Gakkai newspaper, the Seikyo Shimbun. To subscribe to a daily English translation, send an e-mail here.

West: Sharing the heart of Buddhism!

The youth of West Territory are really working to help people transform their lives by sharing Buddhism with others.

On August 19, Los Angeles North region held its second annual Family Fun Festival at the SGI-USA Los Angeles Friendship Center. Over one thousand people came out to the event with nearly 500 guests attending the festival throughout the day. The atmosphere of the festival was filled with so much joy and excitement to share Buddhism with others. And most importantly, the festival was filled with President Ikeda’s heart as if Sensei and Mrs. Ikeda were there.

The youth together with the men’s and women’s division worked so hard toward the success of the festival where they had introductory to Buddhism meetings all throughout the day, performance by the Youth Performing Groups, exhibits displayed, and 22 people receive Gohonzon.

What’s also amazing is that many youth from the region began to stand up because of the festival. Currently, the LA North Region has initiated a 10-day campaign from August 14, the day Sensei met President Toda, until August 24, the day Sensei received his Gohonzon to truly help others become absolutely happy based on Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism.

President Ikeda shares, “When we awaken to our mission as Bodhisattvas of the Earth to help others revitalize their lives on the most fundamental level, we savor unsurpassed joy. We feel a sense of deep fulfillment that our lives are expanding and growing” (Lectures on “The Heritage of the Ultimate Law of Life,” May – June, 2007 Living Buddhism).

No matter what, as youth division, let’s continue to fight with our mentor President Ikeda and forge an indestructible life force where we can break through the darkness and actualize true, lasting happiness for all humanity!

On behalf of the amazing West Territory Youth,
Paul, Kristina, Aisha, Monica and Ibrahim

8.20.2007

Pray and Pray and Move Forward!

“A great human revolution in just a single individual will help achieve a change in the destiny of a nation, and further, can even enable a change in the destiny of all humankind.” With this as his main theme, Daisaku Ikeda wrote his twelve-volume account of Josei Toda’s life and the phenomenal growth of the Soka Gakkai in postwar Japan. This work paints a fascinating and empowering story of the far-reaching effects of one person’s inner determination. Josei Toda’s awakening and transformation, his efforts to teach others the unlimited power of faith, his dedication in leading thousands out of misery and poverty, the efforts of his devoted disciple Shin’ichi Yamamoto—within these stories we find the keys for building lives of genuine happiness. (Please return here each Wednesday for a new passage.)

Excerpts from Volume 10, Determination Chapter, p. 1312

It was raining on the night of October 14. Shin’ichi was at home racking his brains over the general plans for the campaign when Seiichiro Haruki unexpectedly dropped in. Haruki was apparently bewildered by the fact that he had been recommended as a candidate. To Shin’ichi, the former star pitcher looked pitifully crestfallen.

“I’m in a fix,” Haruki said with his Kansai accent. “I don’t have the least idea of what to do.”

“We all have a mission to accomplish in this world,” Shin’ichi encouraged him. “We’ve got to keep that in mind and do everything we can.”

Haruki remained unsmiling.

“No one can tell how the battle will go until he actually fights it,” Shin’ichi said, staring at his visitor.

“This is my maiden battle. It’s your first one too, Sei. We are both destined to challenge the campaign. I know it’s not going to be an easy task, but the president told us to do it. Isn’t that reason enough?”

“Too much reason” Haruki said. “But I have no idea what to do.” For the first time since he had arrived he looked up and faintly smiled at Shin’ichi.

“I didn’t think the strong-armed pitcher would be scared of an election,” Shin’ichi said, also smiling. “Let’s use our courage and do as much as we can.”

“This time my courage just won’t come out. It would if I were standing on the mound, ready to pitch my first ball, but being a candidate is worlds apart from being a ball player.”

“I know. That’s why I said this is our maiden battle. The Gosho says that Nichiren’s disciples should not be cowardly. Make up your mind, Sei. Leave the rest to the Gohonzon. We’ll just pray and pray and move forward.”

8.19.2007

To My Friends

Sunday, August 19

It is through our perseverance and effort
that we can achieve success and glory.
No matter what the circumstances may be now,
those who persistently advance to achieve
their goals and dreams without giving up
will as a matter of course be truly victorious.

Each day, Sensei's daily poem "To My Friends" appears in the Soka Gakkai newspaper, the Seikyo Shimbun. To subscribe to a daily English translation, send an e-mail here.

8.17.2007

To My Friends

Friday, August 17

It is important that our leaders try to speak
with the type of enthusiasm that touches people's hearts.
Let's joyfully get in the midst of people and
engage in open and friendly dialogue with others!

Each day, Sensei's daily poem "To My Friends" appears in the Soka Gakkai newspaper, the Seikyo Shimbun. To subscribe to a daily English translation, send an e-mail here.

A Life Based on Practice and Action

Today we feature Sensei's diary entry from January 1951 - a decade before he assumed the Soka Gakkai presidency and when he was 23.
You can find a complete compilation of Sensei's diaries spanning 1949 to 1960 in "A Youthful Diary: One Man's Journey From The Beginning of Faith to Worldwide Leadership For Peace."



1951
Monday, January 29. Fair.


Feel tired from the time I awoke - perhaps because of nightmares. It was warm and pleasant all day.
Received strict guidance from Mr. Toda. I've nearly come to understand the weak points in my own faith.
Propagation!... I will pour my whole into working vigorously for kosen-rufu. Mere ideology or speculation is fruitless. For youth, life should be based on nothing but practice and action.
Faith is the foundation of my life.
Pure faith, the root of my existence.
My weak self - low-spirited and agonized by troubles. Ultimately,the only way to solve these problems is to chant daimoku. Is faith's ultimate purpose to prove myself to myself?
Visited N.'s and S.'s in the evening (p. 84).

8.16.2007

To My Friends

Wednesday, August 15

It is indeed our firm and decisive determination
to always base ourselves on the correct teaching (of the Mystic Law),
and to advance together with the SGI throughout our lives,
that enables us to achieve a great human revolution.

Each day, Sensei's daily poem "To My Friends" appears in the Soka Gakkai newspaper, the Seikyo Shimbun. To subscribe to a daily English translation, send an e-mail here.

Buddhahood Lies in Continuing Faith

Got problems at work? Consider this:

In March 1275, Nichiren Daishonin wrote the following letter to Shijo Kingo, one of his most staunch disciples. Shijo Kingo's boss, Lord Emma, was pressuring him to renounce his faith.

Here's what the Daishonin said to encourage Shijo Kingo at the time:

A passage from the Lotus Sutra reads that it is “the most difficult to believe and the most difficult to understand.” Many hear about and accept this sutra, but when great obstacles arise, just as they were told would happen, few remember it and bear it firmly in mind. To accept is easy; to continue is difficult. But Buddhahood lies in continuing faith. Those who uphold this sutra should be prepared to meet difficulties. It is certain, however, that they will “quickly attain the unsurpassed Buddha way.” To “continue” means to cherish Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, the most important principle for all the Buddhas of the three existences.

The sutra reads, “We will protect and uphold what the Buddha has entrusted to us.” The Great Teacher T’ien-t’ai stated, “One accepts because of one’s power of faith and continues because of one’s power of constant thought.” Another part of the sutra reads, “This sutra is hard to uphold; if one can uphold it even for a short while I will surely rejoice and so will the other Buddhas.”

A fire burns higher when logs are added, and a strong wind makes a kalakula grow larger. The pine tree lives for ten thousand years, and therefore its boughs become bent and twisted. The votary of the Lotus Sutra is like the fire and the kalakula, while his persecutions are like the logs and the wind. The votary of the Lotus Sutra is the Thus Come One whose life span is immeasurable; no wonder his practice is hindered, just as the pine tree’s branches are bent or broken. From now on, always remember the words “This sutra is hard to uphold.”

From The Difficulty of Sustaining Faith, WND-1, p. 471

8.15.2007

Not Relaxing For A Moment

“A great human revolution in just a single individual will help achieve a change in the destiny of a nation, and further, can even enable a change in the destiny of all humankind.” With this as his main theme, Daisaku Ikeda wrote his twelve-volume account of Josei Toda’s life and the phenomenal growth of the Soka Gakkai in postwar Japan. This work paints a fascinating and empowering story of the far-reaching effects of one person’s inner determination. Josei Toda’s awakening and transformation, his efforts to teach others the unlimited power of faith, his dedication in leading thousands out of misery and poverty, the efforts of his devoted disciple Shin’ichi Yamamoto—within these stories we find the keys for building lives of genuine happiness. (Please return here each Wednesday for a new passage.)

Excerpts from Volume 9, Rising Tide Chapter, pp. 1249-50

The monthly conversion target of fifteen thousand households that she proposed equaled nearly 10 percent of the Soka Gakkai’s strength at that time. It seemed to be too great a goal, but no one flinched. They remembered how two months earlier, the Soka Gakkai had won a decisive victory in the Otaru debate. In April it had successfully sent all but one of its fifty-four candidates into metropolitan, municipal and ward assemblies. The two consecutive victories made the members burn with even more exhilaration than before. The organization at all levels showed a strong tendency toward expansion.

Toda perceived that the tide was rising. If he gave the members a specific target, the attainment of three hundred thousand households by the end of the year would be almost a certainty. He had assumed the presdency in May 1951, with three thousand members signing their names to the list of supporters. In only four years, the organization found itself riding this rising tide. This pleased him more than anything else. He foresaw that his lifelong goal—a membership of 750,000 households—would be attained in several years. He must be even more alert than before, he told himself; he must not relax his guard for even a moment.

8.14.2007

To My Friends

Tuesday, August 14

It is only in the happiness of our dear fellow members
that we can experience true happiness ourselves.
Let's lead noble lives by dedicating ourselves
to helping people become happy.
Let's all live youthful lives by fulfilling the vow
that we made (for the sake of kosen-rufu).
And let us determinedly advance together
on the greatest path of "Mentor and Disciple"!

* On August 14, 1947, President Ikeda first encountered his mentor, Josei Toda.

Each day, Sensei's daily poem "To My Friends" appears in the Soka Gakkai newspaper, the Seikyo Shimbun. To subscribe to a daily English translation, send an e-mail here.

West: Victories in Every District!

Is it possible to transform your life, your district, your community, your faith in just three weeks? The youth of West Territory are determined to see a transformation manifested in our lives by supporting August Men’s Month activities through shakubuku!

From Hawaii, Guam, Saipan, throughout California, Washington, Oregon, Alaska, and Nevada—a momentum is being created in our districts and chapters to empower guests to fundamentally transform their lives through receiving Gohonzon at the August discussion meetings.

Youth leaders are taking responsibility to compassionately follow up with guests who have attended meetings throughout the year and also to share Buddhism with friends. Already, we’ve received amazing reports of youth reconnecting with long-lost friends or encountering new friends who are interested in learning more about this profound philosophy.

By taking the time to follow up with guests, youth are sharing report after report about those ready to receive the Gohonzon in the districts.

In Sensei’s message to West Territory, he writes:


Swiss philosopher Carl Hilty’s motto was “Always look forward.” Don’t allow yourself to be bound by the fetters of the past. Please connect as many people as possible with Buddhism while causing the infinite sun of the Mystic Law to arise in your heart. Nothing will sprout unless you sow a seed. This principle applies to Buddhism. As you sow the seeds of Buddhism in the lives of others, they will sprout in time and eventually blossom.
Youth are also spearheading planning for Summer Festivals, SGI-USA Youth Day commemorative meetings and celebrations marking 2nd Soka Gakkai President Josei Toda’s declaration for the abolishment of nuclear weapons.

In the same message, Sensei continues:


Kosen-rufu will dramatically advance when the community or organization where you take responsibility achieves an overall breakthrough. It is my wish and determination that the sounds of victory will reverberate in every corner of every district in your zone.
This is our determination!

West Territory Youth
Kristina, Paul, Aisha, Monica and Ibrahim

8.13.2007

Finding Shin'ichi Yamamoto

The following is an excerpt from the Human Revolution where President Ikeda had been asked by a schoolmate to attend a Youth Meeting. Before entering the meeting, they had heard a "husky but spirited voice." This was the voice of Josei Toda. He was finishing a lecture on “Establishing the Correct Teaching for the Peace of the Land” when the youth arrived. At the meeting’s end, Daisaku Ikeda, who was 19 at the time, had asked three questions of Toda, all which he answered with clarity and conviction.

Although the young Daisaku did not fully understand this feeling he had after this encounter with Toda, it led him to decide to try Nichiren Buddhism. The scene begins after the meeting while Sensei is speaking to his schoolmates:


Yamamoto said to them, "Goethe, whom we read together yesterday says that one must not walk simply to reach a destination. Each step must be a destination in itself and have its own meaning and value. I now strongly feel what he meant by those words. Tonight, I have had a glimpse into the world of Buddhism. I am going to try to find out what it is like—I strongly feel this way."

The two young men kept silent.

Conversion—it felt to him like being restricted to entering an unknown world. He was overwhelmed with mixed feelings and an obscure anxiety. But the shock he received that night was indescribable.

He did not care about the formalities of conversion. The philosophy of Bergson melted away into a remote world of ideology. But, strangely enough, he felt very close to Josei Toda.

Sunday, August 24, ten days later, Shin'ichi Yamamoto received the Gohonzon. He could not conceal his complex feelings. He was used to thinking over matters seriously and devotedly, but he did not have a stout constitution. It worried him. He had to fight disease everyday, and therefore he must have been anxious as to whether he could devote himself to the practice of Buddhism and religious reformation throughout his life (p.234).



As we know, Sensei overcame his anxiety toward embracing Buddhism, and became the catalyst to spread this humanistic philosophy to over 190 different countries and territories. He also overcame his bout with tuberculosis and has become healthy. What if Sensei's schoolmate had not asked him to go to this "youth gathering"? We have no organization to speak of.

During this month of August, the 60th anniversary of Sensei encountering this Buddhism and Josei Toda, let's spare no effort in finding the Shin'ichi Yamamoto of the United States.

Kimmy, Nathan and Vinessa

8.11.2007

Central: A Haven of Reformation, Progress!

On Sunday, Aug. 5, buzzing with excitement, nearly 900 Happy Bodhisattvas of the Earth from all parts of Colorado, Utah, Wyoming and South Dakota eagerly gathered at the Gates Concert Hall in Denver University to begin the Rocky Mountain Zone’s “Second Act of Worldwide Kosen-Rufu”. It was at Denver University in 1996 that President Daisaku Ikeda received his first Honorary Doctorate in North America.

Sharing her feelings on this historic gathering, Tal Mizrahi, the newly appointed zone YWD leader said, “I really could imagine world peace after seeing people from all walks of life coming together like that for a common cause. The youth dance was so dynamic and instilled the spirit of youth in the members. Strong youth inspire hope for the future. The members were deeply encouraged by the 4D Central Territory leaders’ experiences. We felt a sense of unity on this fresh departure. Guests were blown away at the diversity of the members.”

Rita Risom, the vice zone women's leader, said that members were thrilled by the change in the zone and territory. With the creation of this new zone and two new regions, she personally felt “a new energy moving,” She expressed how there is also a new energy of propagation. At the kick-off meeting, seven people received their Gohonzon, four of whom were youth.

All 12 Central Territory leaders came to Denver to open the second act together with the members in Rocky Mountain Zone. They came from various parts of the country including Chicago, Ohio, Los Angeles and Phoenix. For Martin Mathes, Young Men's Territory leader, this was his first time ever to Denver. He was shockeded at how embracing the members were.

“Everyone just opened up and treated us like they’d known us forever. It was really touching.” Every night, Martin met with the YMD and was so encouraged to see how all the young men were so seeking. They asked questions about how to create victory in propagation, how to create four-divisional unity, how to move the organization forward and to build a strong and unshakable faith.

The night before the kick-off meeting, three groups of territory leaders traveled to various parts of Colorado for informal question-and-answer meetings. One group traveled to Colorado Springs, another to Fort Collins and the third group stayed in Denver.

Shaifali Bhalla, the Vice Territory Young Women's leader, who traveled to Colorado Springs was so encouraged by the members. The exciting thing for her was in seeing members seeking to understand “What is the second act?” And this happened to be the first question that was asked by a men's member at her Q&A session.

Shaifali said she listened and learned from the men’s and women’s division, especially about the importance of creating iron-clad unity in order to achieve our great dream of kosen rufu. Shaifali said, “The youth are the driving force and passion but we need to seek and learn from the great wisdom of the adult division.” Jee Moon, the Young Women's Territory leader, said that members were all so serious about kosen rufu, about changing our society for the better.

We vowed to make Central Territory “a haven of reformation and progress for kosen-rufu” by each one of us transforming our lives first!

Central Territory youth leaders,
Shaifali Bhalla, Jee Moon, Martin Mathes, Joel Carboni

8.10.2007

To My Friends

Friday, August 10

To our youth:
We entrust you with the mission of taking the SGI
to its next phase of development (for the sake of kosen-rufu).
Continue to advance straight along the correct path of
"Mentor and Disciple" to the very last moment of your life.
Summoning up the greatest courage,
please lead the most victorious and successful life, no matter what!

Each day, Sensei's daily poem "To My Friends" appears in the Soka Gakkai newspaper, the Seikyo Shimbun. To subscribe to a daily English translation, send an e-mail here.

World Tribune Preview!


Today, we share our weekly World Tribune preview!

The August 17 issue starts with coverage from the West Territory kick-off meetings, ushering in the second act of worldwide kosen-rufu. Also in this issue is Writings for Discussion Meetings on "Inheriting Deep Compassion," and an moving experience from Hiroko Goodfriend of Chicago, who shares about defeating illness.

Below we feature excerpts from Sensei's inspiring essay, "A Fresh Breeze of Change from Harvard University."

Please enjoy!

***
As the French writer Victor Hugo observed, those whose works and actions ennoble the heart deserve our recognition.

***
The only way to expand our network of connections and relationships is to make an active effort to meet people. That’s why I have done just that, striving with courage and conviction. The only way to deepen these connections and relationships is to talk with those we meet. That’s why I have engaged so many in conversation, always in a spirit of sincerity and earnestness.

***
Dialogue is the starting point for everything. Albert Einstein once said, “We will not change the hearts of other men by mechanical devices; rather we must change our own hearts and speak bravely.”

***
In this essay, Sensei also shares extensively about the power of women, including the following passage:

She is fearless because she knows that, whatever anyone else might say, her teacher can vouch for her and knows her true achievement. Confidently proclaiming, “Watch me attain Buddhahood!” (LS, 188), she speeds to a far distant world and begins to teach the Law there. The enlightenment of women is the victory of the shared commitment of mentor and disciple.

The best way to see Sensei's guidance come to life is through SGI-USA's monthly video showings of the Soka Gakkai Headquarters Leaders Meetings. (Learn the time and place of the monthly broadcast through your local organization.)

Don't yet receive your personal "Letter from Sensei"? Click here to sign up!

8.09.2007

To My Friends

Thursday, August 9

Dialogue is the most certain course to achieve eternal peace.
Friendship is the very force that can move an era.
The SGI's solidarity is indeed a great hope (for humankind)!

* On August 6, 1945, the first atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima, Japan, killing 200,000 civilians and heavily damaging 80% of the city. Three days later, on August 9, the second atomic bomb hit Nagasaki, Japan. Again, more than one hundred thousand people were killed or wounded in a single moment. In the following months, an estimated 60,000 more people died from injuries or radiation poisoning. Since 1945, several thousand more victims of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki have died of illnesses caused by the bomb.

Each day, Sensei's daily poem "To My Friends" appears in the Soka Gakkai newspaper, the Seikyo Shimbun. To subscribe to a daily English translation, send an e-mail here.

East: Viva, Puerto Rico!


Viva Puerto Rico! Buenos dias! Hola Mi Gente! Invocar Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo para la felicidad invididual y la paz mundial. (Chant Nam Myoho Renge Kyo for individual happiness and world peace.)

Last weekend, The East Territory Youth Leaders traveled to Puerto Rico to support the youth. (Thank you so much to the Men’s and Women’s Division leaders for your total support!) We were only in Puerto Rico for two days, but based on the incredible momentum created by the members, it felt as if we were there for several months. Our goal as youth leaders was not just to go to there, but together fully supporting the local youth leadership we determined to create a joyful wave of shakubuku in Puerto Rico Area. This weekend, we are happy to report that the youth division of Puerto Rico created history.

We arrived safely on Friday and right away, the YWD were able to accomplish some key home visits that resulted in inspiring one young woman to receive the Gohonzon the next night.

On Saturday, as a result of the hard work of the incredible local youth leadership, the YMD and the YWD split into teams to visit members and guest throughout Puerto Rico! We accomplished 12 key home visits. Within these home visits, three more youth guests decided to receive Gohonzon (one young woman and two young men). We are certain that most of these 12 youth will soon be ready to take on District and Chapter responsibilities.

In the evening, we participated in the youth-sponsored intro to Buddhism meeting, which 32 people attended, including eight guests. Among the guests, two young women received the Gohonzon. They were so happy. We had incredible open dialogue about the practice. One of young women that received Gohonzon brought her mother. Although the mother is not a member, she shared how she was so happy that her daughter was now a part of such an incredible organization.

On Sunday, we attended a Kosen-Rufu Gongyo meeting, where members from every chapter in Puerto Rico attended! The meeting was wonderful. Five new members joined—3 young men and 2 men—bringing the total to seven new members over the weekend. (Three more men are confirmed to receive this week. )

One YMD decided to join during Sensei’s video. It was incredible to have one more person receive Gohonzon after hearing encouragement from Sensei. All the YMD leaders fought really hard to encourage this person to take this important step to changing his life!

Puerto Rico Area is now preparing to host a conference in October for the entire Caribbean Region. We are happy to report that Byakuren is well under way and is determined to create a solid group towards the event. The YMD have also made a strong determination to create Gajokai and develop a strong core group of dedicated YMD that will begin Gajokai shifts officially on August 24.

With fresh determination, the members of Puerto Rico are determined to continue the momentum created this weekend. Since they welcomed seven members to the practice by the fifth day of the month, it made Puerto Rico Area the #1 Area in East Territory!

When planning for this weekend, we all had one goal in mind—to fight all the way in shakubuku. With August being Men’s Division Month, the youth and the women’s members of East Territory are determined to fully support and win. The momentum created in Puerto Rico is just the beginning. When the youth are united, we can achieve anything. Let’s respond to Sensei with incredible victories. Let’s challenge ourselves to do shakubuku!

Viva Puerto Rico! Thank you very much!

East Territory Youth Leaders
Ebony, Tami, Kwan and Carlos

8.08.2007

Commencing A New Dawn

“A great human revolution in just a single individual will help achieve a change in the destiny of a nation, and further, can even enable a change in the destiny of all humankind.” With this as his main theme, Daisaku Ikeda wrote his twelve-volume account of Josei Toda’s life and the phenomenal growth of the Soka Gakkai in postwar Japan. This work paints a fascinating and empowering story of the far-reaching effects of one person’s inner determination. Josei Toda’s awakening and transformation, his efforts to teach others the unlimited power of faith, his dedication in leading thousands out of misery and poverty, the efforts of his devoted disciple Shin’ichi Yamamoto—within these stories we find the keys for building lives of genuine happiness. (Please return here each Wednesday for a new passage.)

Excerpts from Volume 1, Dawn Chapter, p. 16-17

From the day President Toda was released from prison...

"I’m going upstairs to rest a while. Please don’t wait for me.”
So saying, Toda went upstairs. Ikue went after him to help and found him on his knees, bowed and motionless before the family altar.
After a while he raised his head and gazed steadily at the Gohonzon. The bitter memories of those two years and thirteen days seemed strangely remote, as though they had melted away in a single moment.
And in that moment, he had clearly perceived his true self. He recited the evening prayer quietly. Ikue joined in behind him with her prayer beads in her hands, but she could not stop staring at his gaunt neck. Not only was his neck thinner—when she looked at his upright back for the first time in so long, his entire body seemed to have shrunk. She chanted fervently to the Gohonzon for the recovery of his strength.
At last, he chanted Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. Ikue could not help weeping, and the tears streamed steadily down her cheeks. For the past two years, she had chanted morning and night for her absent husband’s welfare and for his earliest possible release. Now he was home safe, in front of the Gohonzon. After seemingly endless hardships, her long-cherished dream had been fulfilled. She stifled her weeping and joined her voice with his in the harmony of chanting.

8.07.2007

West: Emerging From the Earth

West Territory just completed powerful kick off meetings across seven zones, with 7,977 members in attendance! As the youth launch into the second act, we'd like to share part of Sensei's seminal poem, "The Sun of 'Jiyu' Over a New Land," which he presented Jan. 27, 1993 at the 2nd SGI-USA General Meeting and 1st International Kansai General Meeting in Santa Monica, Calif.

Click here to read a lengthy excerpt!

From your brothers and sisters in the West

An excerpt from the poem Sun of Jiyu Over a New Land:

My treasured friends,
There is no question that
your multiracial nation, America,
represents humanity's future.
Your land holds secret stores
of unbounded possibility, transforming
the energy of different cultures
into the unity of construction,
the flames of conflict
into the light of solidarity,
the eroding rivulets of mistrust
into a great broad flow of confidence.
On what can we ground
our efforts to open
the horizons of such a renaissance?

It is for just this reason,
my precious, treasured friends,
that you must develop within yourselves
the life-condition of Jiyu -
Bodhisattva of the Earth.

As each group seeks their separate roots and
origins, society fractures along a thousand fissure lines.
when neighbors distance themselves from neighbors, continue your uncompromising quest
for your truer roots
in the deepest regions of your lives.
Seek out the primordial "roots" of humankind.
Then you will without fail discover
the stately expanse of Jiyu
unfolding in the depths of your life.

Here is the home, the dwelling place
to which humankind traces its original existence –
beyond all borders,
beyond all differences of gender and race.
Here is a world offering true proof
of our humanity.

If one reaches back to the these fundamental roots,
all become friends and comrades.
To realize this is to "emerge from the earth."

8.06.2007

To My Friends

Monday, August 6

Peace is something
we must make every possible effort to achieve.
Let us spare no words to reiterate
the importance of respect for the dignity of life.
Let us together
reach out to the world!

Each day, Sensei's daily poem "To My Friends" appears in the Soka Gakkai newspaper, the Seikyo Shimbun. To subscribe to a daily English translation, send an e-mail here.

Practicing the Fours Gs!

Dear treasured Soka brothers and sisters,

In 2005, the young women introduced the four Gs – the Gosho, Gohonzon, Guidance of Sensei and the Gakkai – as our guidelines for faith. As we move into the second act, we'd like to make these the guidelines for all SGI-USA youth, as an expression of our commitment to change our lives, families, society and the world by undergoing our own human revolution. If we can live our lives by these guidelines, there is nothing we cannot change or accomplish.

Today, we share key guidance from Sensei underscoring each of the 4Gs.

With deepest appreciation and respect,

Kimmy, Nathan and Vinessa


Gosho

As President Ikeda shared, "There is no greater loss than failing to read the Daishonin's writings, because the answers to solving all of the most difficult problems in life and society are found therein. The Daishonin's writings are filled with compassion as deep as the ocean. They contain boundless wisdom, conviction and a burning fighting spirit. The fundamental law governing all life and the universe is clearly revealed in the Daishonin's writings" (WT, 9/3/04, p. IV).

Gohonzon

We should always base ourselves on prayer. As the Gosho states, "Utilize the strategy of the Lotus Sutra before any other." Also as Sensei shared at the January Headquarters leaders meeting, "Second Soka Gakkai president Josei Toda said: "Just keep chanting earnestly and wholeheartedly to the Gohonzon. Most people aren't aware of this simple principle. It may seem like the long way around, but actually it's the shortest and surest way forward" (World Tribune, 2/9/07, p. 2).

Guidance of Sensei

"The mentor-disciple relationship is the heart of Buddhism; it is the key to limitless growth and self-improvement and the path to the unending triumph of truth and justice. It is based on the profound vow to relieve human beings of suffering. My mentor poured his heart and soul into fostering me, and I responded by replying to his expectations with the whole of my being. I am what I am today because of that mentor-and-disciple struggle that transcends life and death" (From the poem, The Eternal Triumph of Mentor and Disciple, 2/2/01 WT).

Gakkai

We must continue to support and protect this organization, which enables people to embrace and practice Nichiren Buddhism. President Toda said: "those who do not value the organization are practicing self-centered faith. With such faith you cannot expect to receive the truly profound benefits of this practice." Working hard within the organization for peoples' happiness and welfare is itself the truly noble Buddhist practice (World Tribune, 5/26/97).

8.04.2007

Turning Poison Into Medicine

The following is a report from the Minnesota Youth Division regading the bridge collapse, including a timeline of the response by fellow members and Sensei.

Although the bridge collapsed less than three miles from the community center, we have currently learned that none of the members were on the bridge and that none of their family members were directly impacted by the bridge collapse.

This experience is truly teaching us about the importance of member care. Many district and chapter leaders in our metro and outlying area (including North Dakota and parts of Wisconsin) worked tirelessly, amidst their busy schedules to follow up with every member to ensure their safety.

The reports from these leaders have been tremendously heartfelt. They are sharing that the members are so appreciative that someone from the organization called to check on them. Even members who have been disconnected from the organization for years expressed their appreciation for their concern and how wonderful the SGI organization is for contacting them. Some of these members even explained that no one else cared to call them, and because of that, they are appreciative.

The district and chapter leaders have been sharing joyful stories of reconnecting with members whom they’ve lost touch with and their own appreciation for this auspicious training in member care. One leader said that she felt like Sensei was training us directly to care for each member on a daily basis and learn how to respond quickly in times of tragedy.

This tragedy is also teaching us about how each one of us are connected with each other. As practitioners of humanity (words of Al Bailey, Central Territory Vice Men’s Division Leader), we are here, not just to chant for the protection of our members, but for the protection of everyone and most importantly, the protection of the peace of the land. I’ve been chanting to understand why such an event occurred here.

And the most clear response from my prayer was from Sensei’s message, the messages from the National and Territory leaders, and the Gosho On Establishing the Correct Teaching for the Peace of the Land: this event reflects the karma of the people. And as practitioners of humanity and the peace of the land, through our prayer and action based on the Lotus Sutra, we have the opportunity to change this poison into medicine. This is our time to change our karma.

This is my prayer, and that of many others. Through continuous member care, dialogue, daimoku, and study, we will certainly change the karma of Minneapolis, and the rest of the land.

On behalf of the MN Area Youth Division and general membership, thank you to everyone across the U.S. and around the world for your continuous daimoku and warm wishes. They are definitely felt throughout Minneapolis and the rest of the Minnesota Area.

Sincerely,
Emanada Thomas, on behalf of the Minnesota Youth Division


Timeline of Events

6:05pm On Wednesday, August 1st, bridge collapsed
6:20 – 6:30pm – YWD receives call from mother notifying her of the bridge collapse and checking on her safety…YWD hears the details from the news over the phone from the television set. Auspiciously, the YWD had just arrived at the post office close to the bridge with a box of memos, letters, and photos for Sensei.

6:30 – 6:31pm - YWD begins sending text messages to members across the US to chant., started chanting in her car for the protection of the people involved in the bridge collapse.

7:00pm – YWD arrives at a scheduled home visit, learns more about the destruction from the TV, and gegins chanting with the YWD for the protection of the members. YWD also sends text messages to members asking if they are OK. (No calls were made because citizens were asked not to use their cell phones because emergency crews needed them. They continue to chant…

8:00pm – YWD realizes that Sensei probably has no idea of the bridge collapse and should receive a memo. The two YWD rush to the community center to fax a memo to Japan. Upon arriving at the community center, the YWD learns that the national leaders have been notified already and the many of the leaders, especially WD, had already begun to call their members to be sure they are OK and report to the Area about their status.

8:20pm – YWD send fax to Sensei alerting him of the Bridge Collapse.

8:23pm – YWD sends emails to members and leaders to see how they are doing.

8:26pm – YWD sends another email to leaders asking them to check in with their members to make sure they are ok.

8:32pm – YWD sends an email to line leaders members, and concerned friends:

Hello,

Please send daimoku that the incoming storm will stay away from the bridge that collapsed. Please chant for the protection of everyone and that the rescue workers are able to get to everyone quickly.

Reports:
There are at least 3 deaths
There is an estimated 50 cars in the river
The bridge collapsed around 6pm (rush hour).
The bridge went down quickly in about 5 seconds total.
Right now, there is a lot of lightening about 2 miles north east of the bridge collapse.

So far, I have not heard of any members involved.

I will update later.


8:40pm – The YWD leave the community center to see that the storm was dissipating. The lightening had completely stopped, the clouds were rising and breaking, and there was a beautiful, warm orange hue in the sky. We could truly feel the protection of everyone’s daimoku from around the US and the world. YWD returned to the members home for evening gongyo and learn more about the tragedy.

11:00pm – YWD arrives home and calls her YWD Zone leader. Immediately, the Zone leader inquired about the members and particularly, the YWD. I responded to the best of my ability, but felt like I had fallen short because I hadn’t contacted everyone and could not immediately give her the details on each specific member. She then shares with the YWD Area leader that She had just received a message from Danny Nagashima explaining that Sensei sent a response.

Message

August 1st, 2007 8:18pm (L.A .time) – 10:18 CST
“I, too, watched the news and was concerned about the incident of the Minneapolis Bridge collapse. Thank you for your report.
I am praying for the safety of every member.
The staff of SGI (Tokyo) are also sending daimoku.
This must be a difficult situation, but when you chant, you can definitely change poison into medicine.”


The YWD Area leader writes down the unofficial translation to share with the members.

The Zone leader also explained that she spoke with James Herrmann, the Territory Men’s Division Leader, about the Bridge and he explained to her that this is an important time for the Youth Division to be trained in responding in an event like this and making sure that every member is cared for and accounted for. The Zone YWD leader explained that this is really a time for the youth division, especially the YWD (since there is currently no Area YMD leader) to lead this effort and not leave it to the WD and MD to do all of the work. She also shared that James offered his help in any way if we needed it.


11:35 – The YWD area leader calls a local chapter YWD leader to help send an email of Sensei’s message to the members.

11:45 – The two YWD send the memo to the Area Leaders to send to their members.

12:00am – The Zone Leader rejoins the call with the Area and Chapter YWD leaders. The Zone leader explains James Herrmann’s guidance. The two YWD leaders in Minnesota determined that the YWD would lead this effort and work together to follow up with the members.


12:20am – The YWD chants a little more daimoku before going to bed. She determined to do a better job following up with every member and responding to the concerned leaders and to Sensei.

Thursday, August 2, 2007

In the Morning:

Local and outlying leaders (chapter, district, and group) are doing their best to contact their members despite their busy schedules. Most YD leaders are contacting their members and working with their co leaders.

Area WD and YWD Leaders discuss a plan for how to develop a clear method of communication for groups, districts, and chapters to report the status of their members.

11:57am, YWD sends out a form to all Area, Chapter, and District leaders to document how each member is doing. Districts begin submitting reports using the requested format within 5 minutes.

Fast Forward:
6:30pm Al Bailey, Men’s Division Vice Territory Leader arrives in Minnesota on behalf of the SGI-USA and Sensei to see the members first hand and visit the location of the bridge collapse. Twenty eight members arrive for a 7:00 meeting to chant together for the protection and quick rescue efforts of those who were on the bridge when it collapsed, and their families.

8.03.2007

World Tribune Preview!


Today, we share our weekly World Tribune preview!

The August 10 issue includes an article about our 100 Days Of Unity campaign, a truly powerful episode of the New Human Revolution, where Sensei meets with visually-impaired members, a story on Central Territory's amazing kic koff in Chicago and, of course, Sensei's incredible encouragement, including an essay on his 60th year of practice and a portion of his May 31 address. Please see below!

The best way to see Sensei's guidance come to life is through SGI-USA's monthly video showings of the Soka Gakkai Headquarters Leaders Meetings. (Learn the time and place of the monthly broadcast through your local organization.)

Don't yet receive your personal Letter from Sensei? Click here to sign up!


From Sensei's August Editorial - "A Confident Pledge for Victory"

The spirit that runs throughout the Lotus Sutra is that of disciples making a pledge to their mentor to widely propagate the Law.

* * * * *

Our minds are easily swayed by external influences and change with dizzying rapidity. Nothing is less reliable. That’s why it’s so important to make a pledge to accomplish a goal. Those who cherish a pledge and strive to fulfill it are strong, genuine and true, and they can achieve lives of profound satisfaction and fulfillment.
Moreover, Soka Gakkai members,who have pledged to realize kosen-rufu and are practicing the correct teaching in all of the three categories of action—thought, word and deed—are completely at one with the mind of the Buddha. They can limitlessly tap the wisdom and power of Buddhahood from the innermost depths of their beings.

From Sensei's May 31 Address at a nationwide divisional representatives conference

“Valor’s the pledge of victory.” Thus wrote the great Russian author Leo Tolstoy, articulating a philosophy for winning in any sphere of life.
“Win with courage!”—I impart this lion’s roar to the youth division members. It takes courage to establish happiness, to triumph over life’s hardships, to help others and to take action for the sake of peace. Courage is the source of action, commitment and success.
Lack of courage is the common trait of all those who are spineless, devious and selfserving. The basest and most frightening of all are those who succumb to personal weakness, sacrifice their integrity and hide behind a false front. Never let that happen to you. Resolve to win with courage.

* * * * *

Great individuals always have great mentors or teachers. It is the disciple who makes the mentor great—make no mistake about it. Without that spirit, we have no future.
The future of the Soka Gakkai can only be entrusted to the youth. There will always be challenges facing us, be it in the Soka Gakkai, in life or in society. Those who are earnest, dedicated and courageous will win. I hope all our youth will move forward with the awareness that they are the forerunners of our movement.

8.02.2007

To My Friends

Thursday, August 2

Let's show our sincerest appreciation and respect
to all of our Women's Division members
for all of their noble efforts and selfless dedication.
Let's give a big applause to the solidarity of our Youth Division members
for all of their wholehearted struggle and hard work.
Now, let's enthusiastically have a fresh new start together.

Each day, Sensei's daily poem "To My Friends" appears in the Soka Gakkai newspaper, the Seikyo Shimbun. To subscribe to a daily English translation, send an e-mail here.

Overflow With Great Resolve

Today we include one of Sensei's diary entries from 1950 - a decade before he assumed the Soka Gakkai presidency and when he was all but 22. You can find a complete compilation of Sensei's diaries spanning 1949 to 1960 in "A Youthful Diary: One Man's Journey From The Beginning of Faith to Worldwide Leadership For Peace."

1950
Thursday, September 21. Light rain.


Fish want to survive; they deplore their pond's shallowness and dig holes in the bottom to hide in, yet tricked by baith, they take the hook. Birds in a tree fear that they are too low and perch in the top branches, yet bewitched by bait,they are too caught in snares.

Letter From Sado


After the meeting, I gave Mr. Toda a poem I had written. He was extremely happy and immediately composed two poems for me in return:

Often I stand
on the field of battle
with you as my sword,
at my side, always.

My glory as king fades,
and my power is failing;
I will leave behind, however,
you, my crown.


Boundless are my youthful emotions. I overflow with greater resolve.

8.01.2007

To My Friends

Wednesday, August 1

It is our fresh new determination
that will create a new age.
Let's all have a healthy and safe summer,
without any type of accident.
Let's make it a great summer for
our advancement and victory!

Each day, Sensei's daily poem "To My Friends" appears in the Soka Gakkai newspaper, the Seikyo Shimbun. To subscribe to a daily English translation, send an e-mail here.

The Oneness of Mentor and Disciple

“A great human revolution in just a single individual will help achieve a change in the destiny of a nation, and further, can even enable a change in the destiny of all humankind.” With this as his main theme, Daisaku Ikeda wrote his twelve-volume account of Josei Toda’s life and the phenomenal growth of the Soka Gakkai in postwar Japan. This work paints a fascinating and empowering story of the far-reaching effects of one person’s inner determination. Josei Toda’s awakening and transformation, his efforts to teach others the unlimited power of faith, his dedication in leading thousands out of misery and poverty, the efforts of his devoted disciple Shin’ichi Yamamoto—within these stories we find the keys for building lives of genuine happiness. (Please return here each Wednesday for a new passage.)

Excerpts from Volume 10, Determination Chapter, p. 1366

In the 1956 campaign, Josei Toda sent to various parts of the country many of his disciples whom he had personally trained for a long time. For him this was the first opportunity to see whether they took the mentor-disciple relationship merely in the general sense of the word or considered it personally as the oneness of mentor and disciple. Is the mentor's intention being
truly realized or not? This, one can easily judge from the way in which the disciple acts. It is vital that the mentor's intention should pulse in the disciple's life and that he act spontaneously, for only then is the mentor-disciple bond honed to that point where mentor and disciple are truly one. The lifeblood which flows between mentor and disciple-this is the fundamental force which binds the two. In order to attain this state, the disciple must first grasp the source from which the mentor's innermost intention derives, and then make it his own. This is a difficult process which can only be accomplished through strong faith. The source for the power of both mentor and disciple is, needless to say, none other than the Gohonzon.

Shin'ichi Yamamoto, for one, squarely faced the difficult task and accomplished it. For months preceding the Osaka campaign he had continuously taxed his life with incredible effort until he was finally able to manifest the oneness of mentor and disciple in his own actions. Many disciples shy away from such difficulty. They do not in any way intend to go against the mentor's intention, but the fact is that they only have a one-sided understanding of it. For this reason, when confronted with severe realities some of them panic and then content themselves by mechanically forcing their mentor's intention upon other members without first grasping it themselves. Others, although mindful of their mentor's intention, decide that they are faced with a special case, and impatiently try to conform to it by utilizing shallow wisdom which does not derive from faith. All such disciples are totally unaware that they are disrupting the flow of the lifeblood between mentor and disciple by their own actions.' Only when the result of the disciple's serious concern coincides with the mentor's thought does the lifeblood of faith begin to flow in powerful torrents. It is quite easy for a disciple merely to mechanically follow the mentor's intention, but rarely does a disciple attain that state of mind in which he penetrates the source of the mentor's intention and shares that source. However, the oneness of mentor and disciple totally depends on the accomplishment of this difficult process.