This section features Ikeda Sensei’s seminal guidance to the members of the United States. The following is an excerpt of his speech given at a training session for divisional representatives, held at the Malibu Training Center, Malibu, California, February 28, 1990. The full speech can be found in My Dear Friends in America, fourth edition, pp. 107–09.
I deeply thank all of you for your support during these 17 days of my stay in the United States. Though I would like to spend more time speaking with you about the great Buddhist Law, my schedule requires that I now leave. Thank you again for everything, and please convey my best regards to those members whom I could not meet.
People tend to congregate where there is joy, while they quickly leave places that are imbued with an oppressive atmosphere. Joining a gathering of pure and sincere people enables one to summon forth a sincere seeking spirit. On the other hand, earnest people will not follow leaders who are not seriously challenging themselves.
In the course of developing, both a person and an organization will have to face various difficulties. This is reasonable and accords with the principles of Buddhism. I believe that, having now reached the 30th anniversary of its founding, the SGI-USA has completed one stage in its growth. By all means, please continue to advance filled with hope and confidence.
I once had a discussion with a friend about the probable causes for the rise of Christianity as a world religion. My companion, who was studying Christianity, said: “Apart from questions of doctrine and religious conviction, Christianity’s rise can be attributed to the fact that those who propagated it were magnanimous and extremely tenacious. Also, they were always gentlemen, conducting themselves in a polite and courteous manner. This was the main reason for the worldwide spread of Christianity.”
What he said was historically accurate and no doubt played an important role in the religion’s spread. Of course, we, as Buddhists, must be strict in distinguishing the higher religions from the lower and the profound from the shallow, but at the same time we must learn from human history, drawing important lessons to fuel our further progress and improvement.
Therefore, I sincerely hope that SGI-USA members will always conduct themselves as people of magnanimity, tenacity and gentleness in their respective communities and in society.
Above all, I hope that the SGI-USA will be pervaded by warm bonds of trust and friendship. An organization that is filled with trust and friendship is strong; it grows, and its members are happy. Where individuals are on bad terms with one another, there is conflict and suffering. In all certainty, such an organization will at some point self-destruct.
A world filled with affection and warmth is beautiful. An elegant flower garden is produced when the flowers bloom in harmony with one another. If the flowers are broken, twisted, turned in disorder, or all bloom at different times, the flower garden will not be so impressive.
Being on good terms with one another means to live in a world of harmony. By way of analogy, we maintain our health and can conduct vigorous activities when our internal organs and bodily systems are all working in harmony. If this internal physical harmony is lost, diseases result, possibly even leading to one’s death.
Therefore, it is my heartfelt desire that you, SGI-USA members, basing yourselves on faith in the Gohonzon, always live as a harmonious family of the Mystic Law, embodying the spirit of “many in body, one in mind.” No matter what happens, I hope that you will continue to advance, directing your hearts toward unity and friendship.
Fundamental to Buddhism is the Law. The foundation for advancing kosen-rufu is always the Gohonzon. It is the people—human beings—who are responsible for the organization that correctly upholds and spreads the Mystic Law.
In essence, the most important point regarding central figures is that they base themselves on faith in the Gohonzon. If the central figure forgets this vital point and tries to skillfully control and direct the members by exerting authority, a very dangerous situation results. Such a person could even destroy the beautiful world of the Mystic Law. Therefore, we must always watch that central figures base themselves on and cherish the Law above all else. …
As long as my schedule allows, and as many times as possible, I hope to come here to support you. Though I now return to Japan, I will always offer my most sincere prayers for the success of your vigorous activities.
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