He has discarded all desire for fame and fortune and become my disciple. He has lived the words in the [Lotus Sutra], “We care nothing for our bodies or lives” [The Lotus Sutra and Its Opening and Closing Sutras, p. 233]. To repay his debts of gratitude to the Buddha, he has taught you and your fellow believers and inspired you … to make these sincere offerings. All this is truly amazing.
“The Fourteen Slanders,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 755
These words can be read as praise for our men’s division members[1] who continue to challenge themselves, undaunted by the pressures of society. The men of Soka are golden pillars, working alongside me with selfless altruism and staunchly supporting their fellow members.
In these turbulent times, the wise leadership of these captains of firm conviction shine all the brighter. Nothing is more powerful than the determination to repay our debts of gratitude to our mentor through our victories.
My fellow men’s division members, comrades in shared struggle—through your wonderful examples may you show future generations how joyful and profound the path of mentor and disciple is!
Translated from the August 23, 2021 Seikyo Shimbun, the Soka Gakkai’s daily newspaper.
References
- August 24 is Men’s Division Day in Japan. ↩︎
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