Congratulations on the start of the Year of Soaring Higher Toward a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide as we unite with fellow members in 192 countries and territories in praying and making fresh strides for the peace and happiness of the global human family.
This year marks the 95th anniversary of the Soka Gakkai’s founding, the 65th anniversary of Ikeda Sensei’s first overseas trip for the sake of worldwide kosen-rufu and the landmark 50th anniversary of the SGI’s establishment.
Nichiren Daishonin writes, “When the sun rises in the eastern sector of the sky, then all the skies over the great continent of Jambudvipa in the south [the entire world] will be illuminated because of the vast light that the sun possesses” (“The Tripitaka Master Shan-wu-wei,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 169). In view of the suffering of so many in our deeply troubled world, the mission of our movement for human revolution is more important than ever. Upholding the Buddhism of the Sun, which has the power to illuminate the long-prevailing darkness, we seek to change our destiny and that of all humankind.
Let us make even greater efforts to share our philosophy of the dignity of life and harmonious coexistence with one person after another and further expand our noble gathering of the Bodhisattvas of the Earth, our global youthful Soka Gakkai.
In November last year, with the unanimous approval of SGI constituent organizations, the affirmation of Ikeda Sensei as “the President and spiritual leader of SGI in perpetuity” was included in the Constitution of the Soka Gakkai. The SGI will advance with the guidance and spirit of Ikeda Sensei, our eternal mentor of kosen-rufu, as its foundation. There is no obstacle we cannot overcome as long as we keep Sensei in our hearts and live our lives with Sensei. Let us now begin a new, hope-filled advance toward the summit of our centennial, uniting together solidly, “many in body, one in mind,” and warmly encouraging one another.
Sensei called out to us, his successors: “All the conditions are now in place for us to soar higher into the vast skies of kosen-rufu. You are in the pilot’s seat now!” He shared his vision, declaring: “A new age is defined by disciples rising into action, by disciples showing actual proof of victory.”[1] Now is the time for each of us, determined to repay our debt of gratitude to Sensei, to powerfully soar higher on the invincible wings of the oneness of mentor and disciple, which allow us to triumph over every hardship.
Nichiren Daishonin writes: “I entrust you with the propagation of Buddhism in your province. It is stated [in the Lotus Sutra] that ‘the seeds of Buddhahood sprout as a result of conditions, and for this reason [the Buddhas] preach the single vehicle [of the Mystic Law]’”[2] (“The Properties of Rice,” WND-1, 1117). Deeply engraving in our lives the significance of those words, let us sow more and more seeds of peace, of the Mystic Law, in the beloved lands of our mission.
Let us chant the lion’s roar of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo and demonstrate the wonderful benefit and good fortune we receive by putting faith into practice in daily life and Buddhism into action in society. Living our lives with courage and wisdom, and working together in harmony and good cheer, let us leave a record of great accomplishment in our lives and in the movement for kosen-rufu.
I am sincerely praying for the vibrant endeavors, health and happiness of all of you, my dear fellow members, in the coming year!
New Year’s Day, 2025
Minoru Harada
Soka Gakkai President
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