CategoryThe Brilliant Path of Worldwide Kosen-rufu

This installment, published in the November 17, 2020, issue of the Seikyo Shimbun, focuses on passages from Nichiren Daishonin’s writings that SGI President Ikeda discussed in volume 16 of The New Human Revolution. Passage 1 “The cherry, the plum, the peach, the damson—in its own entity, without undergoing any change, possesses the eternally endowed three

by SGI Vice President Hiromasa Ikeda

Chapter Summary In 1970, the Soka Gakkai began full-fledged endeavors toward fostering a truly humane culture in society. Soka Gakkai President Shin’ichi Yamamoto was painfully aware of the recent social trend to neglect the development of the human spirit in favor of convenience and wealth. The increasingly urgent issue of environmental pollution was most symbolic

Chapter Summary Soka University opened on April 2, 1971, in Hachioji, Tokyo. Shin’ichi Yamamoto had devoted himself wholeheartedly to the task of constructing this university, a vision he inherited from his mentors, first and second Soka Gakkai Presidents Tsunesaburo Makiguchi and Josei Toda. Acknowledging the university’s autonomy, however, Shin’ichi did not attend the opening or

Chapter Summary On June 6, 1971, Shin’ichi Yamamoto attended an unveiling of a bronze bust of first Soka Gakkai President Makiguchi at the Seikyo Shimbun building, marking 100 years since his birth. Paying homage to this founder of the “great river of Soka,” Shin’ichi vowed: “I will render powerless the devilish nature of authority that

This installment, published in the January 22, 2019, issue of the Seikyo Shimbun, focuses on passages from Nichiren Daishonin’s writings that Ikeda Sensei discusses in volume 15 of The New Human Revolution. Passage 1 “By offering their lives to the Lotus Sutra, they became Buddhas.” (“On Namu,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 2, p.

by SGI Vice President Hiromasa Ikeda

Chapter Summary At the headquarters general meeting on May 3, 1969, Shin’ichi Yamamoto proposed the achievement of 7.5 million member-households by May 3 the following year. With preparations toward the opening of Soka University in 1971 proceeding smoothly, Shin’ichi announced three fundamental guidelines for the university, the first of which was, “Be the highest seat

Chapter Summary The year 1969 was a time when multitudes of people awakened to their mission to advance kosen-rufu. One such group was established on June 6: the White Birch Group, composed of young women’s division members working as nurses. The establishment of this group took place amid a nationwide nurses’ strike to improve working

Chapter Summary Toward the end of December 1969, Shin’ichi Yamamoto was scheduled to visit the Kansai region for a guidance tour. Prior to this trip, however, he was struck with acute bronchial pneumonia, causing him to suffer with a high fever and relentless bouts of coughing. On December 21, despite warnings from his doctor, he

Chapter Summary On May 3, 1970, a headquarters general meeting was held, marking Shin’ichi Yamamoto’s tenth anniversary as Soka Gakkai president. During the meeting, Shin’ichi explained that “Kosen-rufu is not a destination; it is the journey itself,” and defined it as “a great cultural movement unfolding in the realm of the Mystic Law” (The New

This installment, published in the December 18, 2019, issue of the Seikyo Shimbun, focuses on passages from Nichiren Daishonin’s writings that SGI President Ikeda discusses in volume 14 of The New Human Revolution. Passage 1 “Although I and my disciples may encounter various difficulties, if we do not harbor doubts in our hearts, we will

by SGI Vice President Hiromasa Ikeda

Chapter Summary In 1968, great efforts were being made to develop the student division, including forming university groups on campuses nationwide. During this time, Shin’ichi Yamamoto proposed the normalization of Japan-China relations at the September 8 Student Division General Meeting. At the time, the People’s Republic of China (PRC), with a population of more than

Chapter Summary In September 1968, Shin’ichi Yamamoto flew to Asahikawa, Hokkaido, on his way to Wakkanai, one of Japan’s northernmost cities. On the 13th, he urged the members in Asahikawa to dedicate their lives to the great vow of kosen-rufu in order to achieve eternal prosperity and happiness. On the 14th, Shin’ichi visited Wakkanai and

Chapter Summary On November 13, 1968, Shin’ichi Yamamoto traveled to Amami Oshima. Since his visit five years prior, the organization there had expanded from one joint chapter to a headquarters comprising two joint chapters. The previous year, Soka Gakkai members living in one of the island’s villages had for a time been subjected to harassment

Chapter Summary In 1969, Shin’ichi Yamamoto’s poem “Song of Construction” was published in the New Year’s issue of the Seikyo Shimbun, the Soka Gakkai’s daily newspaper. He felt that now was the time for all members to stand up with courage and energy, and establish a lasting foundation for kosen-rufu. On February 15, Shin’ichi attended

This installment, published in the November 20, 2019, issue of the Seikyo Shimbun, focuses on passages from Nichiren Daishonin’s writings that SGI President Ikeda discusses in volume 13 of The New Human Revolution. Passage 1 “Though you remain in Sado, your heart has come to this province.” (“The Drum at the Gate of Thunder,” The

by SGI Vice President Hiromasa Ikeda

Chapter Summary On May 3, 1967, a headquarters general meeting, marking Shin’ichi Yamamoto’s seventh anniversary as third Soka Gakkai president was held at the Nihon University Auditorium. In a penetrating analysis of current social conditions, he addressed the issue of human alienation, declaring that Nichiren Buddhism has the power to open the way to a