The following message by Soka Gakkai President Minoru Harada was published in the July 2024 issue of the Soka Gakkai’s monthly study journal, Daibyakurenge.
On this day of release
and of imprisonment
are to be found the bonds
of mentor and disciple.
Ikeda Sensei penned this poem in tribute to the solemn history of mentor and disciple that played out on July 3.
His mentor, second Soka Gakkai President Josei Toda, who had been imprisoned by Japan’s militarist government, was released on July 3, 1945. Determined to vindicate his own mentor, first Soka Gakkai President Tsunesaburo Makiguchi, who had died in prison, Mr. Toda rose up alone to undertake the struggle for kosen-rufu to alleviate people’s suffering.
Twelve years later, on July 3, 1957, his disciple Daisaku Ikeda was arrested and imprisoned on the unfounded charge of violating the Public Offices Election Law. After he was released on July 17, he spoke at the Osaka Rally, declaring, “Final victory belongs to those who strive tenaciously in faith!” He was subsequently able to publicly demonstrate his innocence in the trial that followed.
Our goal of kosen-rufu is a relentless struggle against the devilish nature of authority that inflicts suffering on ordinary people, and the establishment of a history of the victory of the people. It is opening the way to a century of peace and happiness where everyone can shine, through the power of each individual.
Sensei’s heartfelt wish was for young people to carry on this noble dedication to kosen-rufu. That is why, many years ago, when I was the national student division leader, Sensei presented a representative of the student division with a decorative card inscribed with the above poem.
Sensei made every effort to ensure that the growing tide of Soka youth would be capable of shouldering full responsibility for kosen-rufu. I recall how, 50 years ago, he took time out of his busy schedule and writing deadlines to attend student division meetings for four consecutive days in July.
He held small group discussions with the student division members and sat for commemorative photos with them. He made determined efforts to speak with and warmly encourage every member he encountered. At each meeting, he urged us to become leaders of the people who would build a century of life.
At the time, Sensei had just returned from his first trip to China, and he was scheduled to visit the Soviet Union in September. While encouraging and fostering young people, he was demonstrating through his own example of acts of citizen diplomacy what it means to be a leader of the people.
“In battles soldiers regard the general as their soul” (“The Supremacy of the Law,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 613). The spirit of mentor and disciple is to take the lead in speaking out for truth and justice and to pave the way for a new era. It is fostering capable individuals by our own example.
July is the month for us to renew our vow for the victory of the people. Let the flame of kosen-rufu burn brightly, and let us stir up a whirlwind of dialogue to create a path of hope for all humanity!
July 12, 2024, World Tribune, p. 11
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