Ikeda Sensei gave the following speech on Aug. 1, 2008, at the Soka Gakkai Youth Division Representatives Conference. This guidance first appeared in the Aug. 6, 2008, issue of the Soka Gakkai’s daily newspaper, Seikyo Shimbun. Part one appears in the March 7, World Tribune, pp. 2–3.
No matter what storms may assail the Soka Gakkai, as long as songs of hope resound throughout our organization, we will never be defeated. Our triumphant march begins with the sound of voices uplifted in song. Let us sing! Let us proudly sing our songs—the songs of our respective regions, the songs of our youthful vows.
Today, representatives from all around Japan are here. Let’s have you share some of your songs with us.
[Representatives then rose in turn to sing various regional Soka Gakkai songs, including “Aoba no chikai” (The Aoba Pledge) of Tohoku Region in northeastern Japan.]
Thank you!
When we sing, we should sing with all our being. No one will be inspired if our songs are weak and insipid. Let’s sing vigorously! Let’s sing with pride in our areas and regions, brimming with joy and confidence!
In 1978, I began to write many Soka Gakkai songs to help generate fresh momentum for kosen-rufu. I fondly remember traveling throughout Japan encouraging members and composing regional and prefectural songs. Thirty years have passed since then. And now, every region and prefecture throughout the country resounds with songs celebrating our advance into a new age. This makes me very happy.
Today, many new inspiring songs are being written by members in various groups and regions. Our members around the world are also enthusiastically singing songs of kosen-rufu as they proudly advance our movement. Let’s always sing vibrant songs as we strive for kosen-rufu and make our way toward victory!
Courage and Integrity
Franklin D. Roosevelt (1882–1945), the 32nd U.S. president, is admired by many for his great leadership. One of the things for which he’s known is his staunch support for the establishment of the United Nations. The American economist John Kenneth Galbraith (1908–2006), with whom I have engaged in dialogue, was a supporter of President Roosevelt and worked for his administration.
Roosevelt took office in 1933, during the Great Depression, when the U.S. economy was in a very bad state and huge numbers of people were unemployed. In the first 100 days of his term, he implemented many crucial measures to revive his country’s economy. What is the key to breaking through social stagnation? Bold and timely action, according to Roosevelt, and “the courage of the young.”[1]
Courage is vital in life. People who lack courage can neither bring forth true compassion nor savor true joy. They are cowardly and servile. Courage is also the essence of practitioners of Nichiren Buddhism.
Since the days of my youth, I have overcome every obstacle through courage. One such incident occurred in 1953 in Fussa, Tokyo, where members of another Japanese Buddhist school were confiscating Gohonzons from Soka Gakkai members. A youth division leader at the time, I met directly with those responsible and soundly rebuked them. And then the problem stopped. Whenever our precious members were harassed, I responded immediately. I fought with all my might.
The important thing is that you yourself take action with courage and with integrity. Let that be your main concern. My young friends, I’m counting on you!
Revitalizing the Importance of Spiritual Values
Roosevelt also affirmed: “Spiritual values count in the long run more than material values.”[2] It was his assertion that through the power of the kind of firm faith that underlies spiritual values, people can triumph over society’s problems and challenges.
Our Soka movement, which aims to revitalize the importance of spiritual values, is gaining international support and admiration. As one indication of this, I have to date been awarded 242 academic honors [now over 400] from universities and other institutions of higher learning around the world. Such institutions do not confer honorary doctorates and honorary professorships lightly; these accolades are a concrete manifestation of the awarding institution’s prestige and authority. The ceremonies in which these honors are conferred are solemn and grand, and each such award is very significant and meaningful.
These honors also represent praise for the noble SGI members who are active in the respective countries and regions in which these accolades have been bestowed.
Please be assured that all these tributes will endow your descendants for generations to come with brilliant glory and benefit.
Take Action and Win
I would now like to share some words of my mentor, second Soka Gakkai President Josei Toda, with all of you, youthful leaders of great mission.
Mr. Toda declared: “First, you have to change yourself. Don’t rely on others! You yourself take action!” This is of key importance. I have striven tirelessly for kosen-rufu, always asking myself one thing: “What have I accomplished so far for my mentor?” It is vital for the future that you share this spirit as well. If people who have never struggled or worked hard for the development of our movement rise to high positions in the organization, the Soka Gakkai will begin to fall apart. That’s why I am so focused on correctly evaluating the capability of leaders and constantly thinking about ways to ensure that the Soka Gakkai continues to flourish. I am in earnest because the slightest error in judgment can have dire consequences.
Mr. Toda also stressed: “We can’t win if we don’t keep a close watch on the movements of our opponents. Cast aside pretension and overreliance on others. Achieve real results.” Pretension will give rise to defeat. When people grow self-important, thinking they’re great or popular, they won’t be able to display their full abilities. Through the power of faith, we can remain focused and self-disciplined and achieve victory, no matter what our position.
An indispensable requirement for leaders of the new age is to devote themselves to the work that is their mission, irrespective of what others may do or say.
Developing an Ever More Expansive State of Life
The Swiss philosopher Carl Hilty (1833–1909) wrote: “Suffering makes people strong. Pleasures on the whole only make them weak.”[3] Buddhism teaches that earthly desires are enlightenment and that the sufferings of birth and death are nirvana. It also elucidates the principle of changing poison into medicine. The greater the problems and struggles we face, the more expansive our life state becomes.
Working with Mr. Toda to rebuild the Soka Gakkai, my life was very tough. Compared to those days, we are very fortunate today. Circumstances are much easier now. But if we allow ourselves to become complacent or spoiled by this, we’ll grow weak. Truly great leaders are forged only through weathering arduous struggles. People tend to become arrogant and conceited when there’s no one around to give them honest advice. That is why I am so strict with our top leaders. I hope you will also feel free to offer constructive opinions to the leaders above you in our organization.
Areas That Support the Youth Will Thrive
I always read and immensely value the precious reports and letters I receive from you. They all form part of the great history of worldwide kosen-rufu.
Men’s and women’s division representatives are also attending today’s meeting. Areas that support the youth and promote their growth and development will thrive.
Men especially should remember to maintain a youthful spirit. No one will follow a leader who is so aloof that others can’t tell what he’s thinking or feeling. It’s also vital to treasure the members of the young women’s and women’s divisions, for none are more dedicated than they are.
Leaders need to be deeply appreciative of the members and their efforts and serve and support them sincerely. That’s the way to inspire people. Leaders must also thoroughly foster capable people who will play key roles in our organization.
Sharing the thrill and excitement of our grand endeavor of kosen-rufu and heartily singing Soka Gakkai songs, let’s all work together happily and harmoniously to build a new Soka Gakkai.
To be continued in an upcoming issue.
March 14, 2025 World Tribune, pp. 2–3
References
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