The following message by Soka Gakkai President Minoru Harada was translated from the November 2024 issue of the Soka Gakkai’s monthly study journal, Daibyakurenge.
Through their selfless struggles to spread the Mystic Law, the Soka Gakkai’s three founding presidents paved the way forward, demonstrating that obstacles are a springboard to enlightenment. As Nichiren Daishonin writes, “Difficulties will arise, and these are to be looked on as ‘peaceful’ practices” (The Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings, p. 115).
On Nov. 18 this year, we will mark the 80th anniversary of first Soka Gakkai President Tsunesaburo Makiguchi’s death in prison for his beliefs. At the ceremony observing the first anniversary of his death, his successor, Josei Toda, proclaimed: “I unequivocally declare that I will carry out kosen-rufu, even if I have to do it alone.” Then, on the second anniversary, with tears in his eyes, he said, “In your vast and boundless compassion, you let me accompany you even to prison” and “Could there be any greater happiness than this?”
Mr. Toda’s vow for kosen-rufu was his means to seek revenge against the devilish functions that took his mentor’s life.
On the first anniversary of President Toda’s death, his disciple, Daisaku Ikeda, wrote in the Daibyakurenge, “From today, we embark upon an even more intense fight for kosen-rufu.” With his mentor in his heart he continued his shared struggle until the very end.
Now, in the lead-up to Nov. 15, the first anniversary of Ikeda Sensei’s passing, as we reflect on our mentor’s legacy, let us strive to embody the same great vow for kosen-rufu. Starting from here, today, let us pledge together to repay our debt of gratitude by achieving resounding victories toward the Soka Gakkai’s centennial in 2030!
In a speech at the Autumn Headquarters General Meeting held on Nov. 8, 1959, the year after Mr. Toda’s death, Sensei stressed that it was the time following the mentor’s death that was important: “Earnestly and thoroughly communicating and putting President Toda’s guidance into practice is the genuine Soka Gakkai spirit and our true mission as Bodhisattvas of the Earth.”
At that meeting, the establishment of the Hiroshima Chapter was announced. Four days later, Sensei went to Hiroshima, which Mr. Toda had hoped to visit but was never able to. There he attended the chapter’s inaugural meeting and wholeheartedly encouraged the members in his mentor’s place. This is the attitude of a genuine disciple.
Forging a network of successors who will advance on the challenging path of kosen-rufu in unity with their mentor is an integral force in history, transforming the karma of humanity and enabling individuals to elevate their life state. We should also remember that this is the way we can achieve a life state of complete fulfillment.
Mr. Makiguchi always declared: “Give me a single lion over a thousand sheep!” He also stated, “A single courageous person committed to great good will be able to accomplish great things.”
The Soka Gakkai is an organization of lions. Everything starts from a single individual standing up with the awareness “I am the Soka Gakkai!” Starting anew with a fresh spirit, let us report our victories as disciples to our mentor.
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