This month, the long-awaited volume 28 of The New Human Revolution is finally here, signaling the near completion of Ikeda Sensei’s epic, 30-volume series in English. The novelized history of the Soka Gakkai following Sensei’s inauguration as the third president—it not only chronicles the spread of Nichiren Buddhism worldwide but also serves as a roadmap for creating a century of peace through cultivating the inherent potential in each person.
Set in 1978, volume 28 details how Shin’ichi Yamamoto (Sensei’s character in the novel) composes some 19 songs for various Soka Gakkai regions and groups in Japan amid his demanding schedule. In this, he is motivated by a desire to do whatever he can to raise the spirits of the members who continue to suffer unjust harassment and attacks from a group of Nichiren Shoshu priests during this period. He resolves to write these songs to rouse a new groundswell of kosen-rufu amid these difficulties.[1]
Offering commentary on this volume, Soka Gakkai Senior Vice President Hiromasa Ikeda wrote:
We, ourselves—not anyone else—are the protagonists of our own inspiring drama of life. When we take proactive steps based on this awareness, passion and inspiration will start to well forth from within. Let us each take action at our own initiative and further expand the circles of passion and inspiration around us![2]
Here are two memorable scenes from this volume.
Becoming a Person Whom Nothing Can Defeat
In June 1978, Shin’ichi Yamamoto composes the music and lyrics for a new student division song, titled “Dashing Onward to Kosen-rufu.” With its release, Shin’ichi passionately shares his hopes and expectations for the growth of the student division members.
“Some of you may be agonizing over various problems. You may long to someday enjoy a perfect life free of suffering, utterly different from your life now.
“But life is a constant struggle with problems. They’ll always be there. What matters is whether you let them defeat you or not. Happiness rests on you becoming a person whom nothing can defeat. However painful the hardships that assail you, you just have to keep chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo and press forward until you overcome them. That is the key to finding genuine fulfillment, joy and happiness. That is the real power of our faith and practice. Youth is the time to forge a strong inner core so that you can face such difficulties. The only way to do that is to actively strive to develop your capability in the Soka Gakkai and polish and strengthen your life.
“As young people with the mission to become great leaders of the 21st century, please reach out to those around you who may be struggling, thoroughly encourage them and speak with them about Buddhism. In doing so, you can cultivate the leadership and character that will inspire others while also deepening your conviction in Nichiren Buddhism.
“With the highest expectations, Mr. Toda always told the youth: ‘I entrust the Soka Gakkai’s future to you.’ I have lived up to that trust.
“Now it is your turn. With all my heart, I entrust the 21st century to you.
“As the world’s foremost gathering of students upholding the Mystic Law, as the successors in whom our warmhearted Soka family places its highest hopes, please work together harmoniously to create a new era, dedicating your lives to the happiness of the people.
“With my boundless hopes for what you will achieve with your intellect and passion, I wish to close by saying once again: ‘I entrust the 21st century to you!’” (NHR-28, 22–23)
A Time When Character Counts Most
Amid a flurry of activities, Shin’ichi constantly asks if there are any meetings he can attend or anyone who he can meet with to offer encouragement. At a leaders conference, he offers the following words.
“The arena for our activities for kosen-rufu is always the real world. Buddhism does not exist apart from society. That’s why we must win in society.
“Toward that end, I hope you will first become people of outstanding character admired by all. With your clear actual proof of human revolution—becoming people everyone likes and trusts—comes the solid development of kosen-rufu. Please keep in mind that we live in a time when character counts most.
“Our deepening faith will reveal itself in our humanity, expressed in words and actions rich in warm care for others. Such humanity will determine the future of kosen-rufu.”
How do we demonstrate the great power of Buddhism? With actual proof. Overcoming illness, financial hardship or problems with human relationships are all wonderful examples of proof. At the same time, only our personal transformation and growth through human revolution can fully prove the validity of Nichiren Buddhism. (NHR-28, 304)
Find a copy at your local SGI-USA bookstore, or online at bookstore.sgi-usa.org
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