by Kevin Moncrief
SGI-USA Men’s Leader
The men of the SGI-USA are determined to unite and foster the victory of the young men in establishing the peace of the land. Therefore, in July, we will fully support the young men’s division general meetings and introduction meetings by planting seeds and bringing at least one young man to our district meeting and one young men’s division guest to our introduction meetings.
In August, we will not hold men’s general meetings. Instead, we will promote attendance of our district discussion meetings to both members of the men’s and young men’s divisions, bringing at least one young man or nonbinary youth to each district meeting. Additionally, an informal outdoor activity for men and young men, such as a barbecue or sports activity at the region or chapter level, would be a great way to further develop bonds of friendship.
Regarding Ikeda Sensei’s first meeting with his mentor, second Soka Gakkai President Josei Toda, on Aug. 14, 1947, he writes:
Many of the youth striving alongside Mr. Toda at that time had only recently joined the Soka Gakkai. Some were battling illness, and many were struggling with economic hardship. However, having encountered the Mystic Law and awakened to their mission for kosen-rufu while young, they were challenging themselves courageously to create a peaceful society based on the life-affirming philosophy of Nichiren Buddhism.
Mr. Toda taught these youth, to whom he would entrust the future, that kosen-rufu is an ongoing struggle against the devilish nature inherent in life. He explained that our attainment of Buddhahood in this lifetime and the essence of human revolution lies in battling the three obstacles and four devils, defeating the workings of fundamental ignorance within our hearts and forging ahead bravely and vigorously. (June 2022 Living Buddhism, p. 54)
The men of the SGI-USA will support the young men like never before. We will achieve Sensei’s vision for kosen-rufu in America to create a much better world for all, now and in the future.
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