This essay by Ikeda Sensei was originally published in the Dec. 6, 2021, issue of the Soka Gakkai’s daily newspaper, Seikyo Shimbun.
Snow-crowned
Mount Fuji too
applauds our victory.
A regal, snowcapped Mount Fuji towered into the clear blue December sky, more indomitable than ever. En route from the Soka Gakkai Headquarters in Shinanomachi to the Tokyo Makiguchi Memorial Hall in Hachioji (on Dec. 2, 2021), I gazed up at its majestic form. It seemed to be applauding and congratulating our members, who have achieved brilliant victories in their efforts for kosen-rufu and in their own lives this year. That day was also the 57th anniversary of when I began writing my novel The Human Revolution in Okinawa (on Dec. 2, 1964). It brought back memories of the courageous endeavors of my dear fellow members in Okinawa and our shared struggle for peace.
The Tokyo Makiguchi Memorial Hall houses the well-worn copy of Nichiren Daishonin’s writings that belonged to first Soka Gakkai President Tsunesaburo Makiguchi, who died in prison for his beliefs. On my visit to the hall, I placed a copy of the recently completed new Japanese edition of The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin on the Buddhist altar before the Gohonzon and offered prayers of deep appreciation and gratitude to our founding president.
Thanks to the sincere efforts of local members, including the Makiguchi Kyoei-kai (a group dedicated to the hall’s cleaning and maintenance), the hall is always immaculate and beautifully maintained.
I am endlessly grateful to our noble members throughout Japan and around the world who care for and beautify our centers for kosen-rufu.
Nov. 28, 1991. On that day, we broke free from the confining chains of the corrupt Nichiren Shoshu priesthood. In the days and weeks following, I remember receiving collections of signatures and letters from members throughout Japan and the globe expressing their unwavering, passionate vow as Bodhisattvas of the Earth.
To one group, I sent the message: “Congratulations on Independence Day! Congratulations on this day celebrating your happiness!”
Nichiren Daishonin writes that those who praise people who uphold the Mystic Law accumulate benefits that pile up as high as Mount Sumeru (see “The Selection of the Time,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 583). I am certain that over the past three decades, the members of our Soka family have accumulated towering, solid mountains of “treasures of the heart” rising as high as Mount Sumeru, as high as Mount Fuji.
Just as I stated in that aforementioned message, our Spiritual Independence Day is a day celebrating the happiness of Soka Gakkai members who steadfastly practice the correct teaching of Nichiren Buddhism.
Second Soka Gakkai President Josei Toda often said: “Becoming happy yourself is no great challenge; it’s quite easy. But the essence of Nichiren Buddhism lies in helping others become happy, too.”
I hope you will strive together brightly, united in beautiful diversity like “cherry, plum, peach, and damson” (see The Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings, p. 200), and create ever-expanding ripples of happiness and joy through human revolution.
Gazing up at Mount Fuji,
pursue your learning,
dauntless as this lofty peak!
After visiting the Makiguchi Memorial Hall] I was delighted to see the Soka University campus, which was ablaze with autumn colors. The university celebrated its 50th anniversary this year and continues to develop and grow.
I could feel the pride of the faculty, staff and students, who have striven together with creativity and ingenuity to continue learning and creating value despite the challenges presented by the coronavirus pandemic. I am deeply grateful to them all for their tireless efforts.
I am praying wholeheartedly for the health and growth of all Soka University and Soka Women’s College students, including international students. Each one of them has a profound mission. I am also sincerely praying for the safety, happiness and victory of their families and all who are supporting them in pursuing their education. While on campus, I also saw the new student dormitory under construction for the Soka University’s ekiden (long-distance relay) team.
May all of you, my young friends around the globe, “torchbearers of Soka” sharing ties of deep friendship and trust, make the days of your youth shine with triumph!
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