In this excerpt from The New Human Revolution, vol. 28, Shin’ichiYamamoto, Ikeda Sensei’s character in the novel, speaks to student division members at a meeting commemorating the student division’s 21st anniversary.
Congratulating the student division on its 21st anniversary, Shin’ichi Yamamoto began his speech recalling how his father, who had run a seaweed processing business, had stressed to him that it would be increasingly important to acquire learning from now on.
Shin’ichi added that in every field, learning is indispensable to respond to and navigate the changing times and that capable people with knowledge and wisdom will play a significant role in advancing kosen-rufu.
Looking to the Soka Gakkai’s future, he emphasized: “The most important period for us will be the 21st century. That is when you will take center stage. Please do not forget that your current studies, training, and Buddhist practice are all to enable you to take your place on that grand stage. Therefore, no matter how tough it may be, please persevere, work hard, and continue to improve yourself.
“How many outstanding leaders we produce in the 21st century will determine the course of the 22nd and 23rd. In that sense, I wish to declare that the 21st century will be decisive for us.”
Youth are the protagonists of the future. …
Shin’ichi never forgot the guidance of his mentor, Josei Toda, to set his sights 200 years hence. To do that, he first focused on the coming decades and poured his heart into winning day by day, month by month, and year by year.
Realizing a far-distant vision starts by winning right now. We must devote all our energies to each task, take up challenges and proudly raise the banner of victory. Today’s struggles become tomorrow’s hopes and future crowns of brilliant achievement. Now is the time to create a precious history of earnest struggle that will adorn our lives. (NHR-28, pp. 19–20)
•••
Shin’ichi wanted all the student division members to become victors in life and lead lives of supreme happiness and fulfillment.
He spoke powerfully: “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 warm-hearted 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)
•••
The students made a vow: They would boldly challenge themselves upon the vast open plains of their mission. They would eagerly take their place on the stage of a new era as champions of the age. They would be students of compassion and principle, who shone with revolutionary wisdom. And they would foster dialogue for truth and justice, creating a history of lasting peace for all humanity. (NHR-28, 24)
Calling All Student Division Members!
Seats are available for the SGI-USA Student Division conference, to be held June 13–16 at the Florida Nature and Culture Center in Weston, Florida. The conference is open to all SGI-USA student division members ages 18–25, who are enrolled in a post-secondary education program or school. High school seniors graduating in 2025 are also welcome to attend, but must be at least 18 years old by the time of the conference. To register, go to portal.sgi-usa.org or contact your local youth or student division leaders for more information.
Bringing Value to My Community
Name: Emily Kang
City: Seattle
School: University of Washington
Living Buddhism: When did you start practicing Buddhism?
Emily Kang: I started practicing Buddhism four years ago after my first quarter of college. Unresolved mental health struggles from high school made college—especially during the pandemic—more challenging. In January 2021, I began chanting and eventually connected with my district, which helped me establish my own practice beyond my parents’. After taking on district leadership and supporting as a Byakuren behind the scenes, I’ve grown more resilient and happy with myself every year.
Buddhism transformed key aspects of my life: I learned how to treasure my life and take responsibility for it, and it’s changed how I tackle problems. I used to avoid problems, but I realized they only build up, so I’ve learned to address them head-on. My daily life has become more fulfilling.
What have you done to live a more fulfilling life?
Emily: Connecting with others has been essential. In my early practice, I wasn’t interested in sharing Buddhism with others—I was just trying to climb out of my own hell. But once I did, I wanted to share Buddhism, which ultimately led me to start a club.
What helped you come to that conclusion?
Emily: I’m told it has been 10 years since the last SGI campus club here. Someone encouraged me along the way, but it was my decision to make it happen. We had our first unofficial meeting in Fall 2023 and started meeting quarterly. We became an official campus club in February!
What does a typical meeting look like?
Emily: Now we meet once a month. We introduce Nichiren Buddhism and the SGI, study something from Ikeda Sensei, and have about 40 minutes of discussion. We often invite a guest leader from the district or chapter to support. The discussions are meaningful—one time, we explored what absolute happiness means to us, reflecting on how we live with and handle regrets. I want the club to be a space for deeper conversations. At our age, discussions can feel superficial, but this community allows for real connection.
Whether or not someone ends up practicing, the ideas that we talk about are universal and encouraging to anyone.
What are your goals for the club and yourself?
Emily: I want to grow the club and find a successor before I graduate in December so it keeps thriving. I’ll also add more fun club activities beyond intro meetings, like playing games or getting dinner together! Personally, I hope to land a full-time job by the end of the year. My Buddhist practice has shown me my tendency to give up when things get hard, even when I care about them. I want to push past that, trust myself more, and stop overthinking every decision.
Any parting thoughts?
Emily: Connecting with people on campus helps me break out of my shell. I like to do schoolwork alone, but I’m also reaching out, having meaningful conversations and sharing my experiences. It’s empowering—SGI teaches us to bring value to our communities, and this is how I do it.
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