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.”