In volume 28 of The New Human Revolution, which chronicles the Soka Gakkai’s history, Ikeda Sensei writes of a fire that struck Izu Oshima Island, Japan, and the members’ efforts to rebuild their lives and spread hope in their communities. Sensei appears in the novel as Shin’ichi Yamamoto.
On Jan. 11, 1965, a major fire struck Izu Oshima Island. It started late at night in the downtown area of Motomachi and spread quickly, fanned by strong winds.
More than 580 buildings were burned to the ground, including the Tokyo Metropolitan Oshima Island Branch Office, the town hall, the public library, the post office and the telephone company, as well as many shops and homes. It was a major catastrophe, consuming an area of more than nine acres.
It was fortunate, at least, that there were no deaths or injuries. Among those whose homes had burned were nearly 30 Soka Gakkai households.
This time, too, Shin’ichi immediately sent leaders to the area. They held a discussion meeting the evening of the day they arrived, at a member’s home that had escaped the flames.
The island had lost power, so lights were out and telephones weren’t working. The meeting took place in dim candlelight that illuminated the members’ forlorn faces. Dark shadows danced on the ceiling, as if reflecting their anxiety.
Seeing how dejected the members were, one of the dispatched leaders was momentarily at a loss for words. But he summoned his life force and began to speak, “President Yamamoto said, ‘I’m so happy you’re all alive and well!’ and gave me this message for you.”
He took out a notebook and started reading: “I deeply feel your pain. I am chanting daimoku for you with all my heart. Nichiren Daishonin writes: ‘I will be the pillar of Japan. I will be the eyes of Japan. I will be the great ship of Japan. This is my vow and I will never forsake it!’ (“The Opening of the Eyes,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, pp. 280–81). All of you are important individuals who will become the pillars, eyes and great ships of Oshima.
“If you remain strong, optimistic and cheerful, never giving into despair, Oshima will regain its vitality. Please support, encourage and inspire your fellow residents and take the lead in recovery efforts. Aren’t you lions who uphold the Mystic Law?”
The message was a cry from the depths of Shin’ichi’s being. Words arising from earnest care and concern strike a powerful chord in people’s hearts.
The members’ eyes filled with tears and their faces flushed with emotion.
The leader continued: “President Yamamoto also said: ‘I’d like to build a Soka Gakkai community center on Izu Oshima. If the members brim with hope and strive energetically, the island will surely recover and flourish more than ever. I want to build a community center to bolster that effort.’”
Before the leader could finish, the members were applauding and hugging each other’s shoulders.
The mood had transformed completely. People began sharing their determinations.
“Let’s make this disaster a springboard for Oshima’s great development! Now is the time to demonstrate our strength as Buddhists!”
“Yes! Our fellow islanders have lost hope. Let’s encourage and energize them! And let’s show them that we can surmount any hardship through our Buddhist practice!”
“I think that’s important. The way to change the poison of this destructive fire into medicine is by sharing Nichiren Buddhism with others. Let’s create a whirlwind of propagation across the island!”
Everyone blazed with fighting spirit.
Outside, the moon illuminated the charred ruins, and an acrid, burnt odor tinged the breeze. But a fresh spirit of construction filled the members’ hearts, and they set forth joyously from that evening to engage in Buddhist dialogue.
Some who had lost their homes in the fire were anxious about the future. But as they started telling their friends and neighbors about Buddhism out of a wish to help them get back on their feet, they broke free of the maze of their own problems. From the depths of their beings arose a firm resolve to overcome their situation no matter what and a certainty that they would succeed.
Sharing Buddhism with others is the direct path to transforming one’s state of life.
After much discussion, the Oshima members vowed together to increase membership on the island to a thousand households by the time the new community center was completed. Everyone felt inspired and motivated.
Throughout the temporary housing facility built in Motomachi for the fire victims, the sound of members chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo intensified.
The Izu Oshima members’ efforts to talk to people about Nichiren Buddhism accelerated at an astonishing rate. …
Before the fire, the island had a membership of about 500 households. By December, that number had grown to more than 800, and in January 1966, it reached their cherished goal of 1,000.
When everyone rises to action, fresh progress ensues. When people unite in spirit and work together, they create a new age.
The opening ceremony for the Izu Oshima Community Center took place on Jan. 21. … Smiles filled the main hall. As construction of the community center proceeded, some had been able to rebuild their homes. Others had contributed significantly to the community by working for the island’s recovery.
What delighted everyone the most was that many new members had joined in the efforts leading up to the community center opening, causing the hope-filled light of the Mystic Law to shine throughout the island.
The new center became a monument to the victories in life and kosen-rufu achieved by the members, who had wiped away their tears and stood up amid their grief at the fire’s devastation.
Wishing to applaud and commend them for their tremendous efforts, Shin’ichi sent a telegram: “Congratulations on the completion of the Izu Oshima Community Center! Please gather here in harmony and joy and build happiness together.”
His words brought tears to many as they thought back on the past year. Shin’ichi’s sole wish was for everyone to become happy. That is the purpose of faith in Nichiren Buddhism, of the Soka Gakkai and of kosen-rufu. Encountering hardships and challenges and striving in Buddhist practice are all means of forging ourselves so we can build lasting happiness.
On Sept. 26, there was a meeting to commemorate the establishment of a new Izu Oshima Chapter.
Nichiren Daishonin writes, “Misfortune will change into fortune” (“Reply to Kyo’o,” WND-1, 412). The precious members of Oshima surmounted the trial of the fire and laid the foundation for their happiness. (pp. 352–56)
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