MAY 1-2020 · praise that Nakatsukasa Saburo Saemon-no-jo [Shijo Kingo] is diligent in the service...

1· FLOW 723

MAY 1-2020723Persatuan Soka Gakkai Malaysia PublicationPP 6848/12/2012(031182) RM2.50 UNTUK AGAMA BUDDHA SAHAJA

A deep darkness shrouds contemporary society. That is precisely why it is time for us, as practitioners of the Daishonin’s Buddhism of the sun, to take action.

I call on all of you, the lion-hearted successors to our movement, to set forth! With confident prayer, courageous action, and voices dedicated to truth,

please brilliantly illuminate all humanity!

— SGI President Ikeda

2· FLOW 723

Upholding the Mystic Law, our men’s division members stand as pillars of our organisation, unshaken by even the fiercest storms. They bravely overcome obstacles and shine like gold amid society. Their sincere and committed actions promote understanding for our activities among those around them. Such understanding produces empathy and trust.

I hope that those of you who have recently graduated from the young men’s division will strive with even

Live so that all the people of Kamakura will say in your praise that Nakatsukasa Saburo Saemon-no-jo

[Shijo Kingo] is diligent in the service of his lord, in the service of Buddhism, and in his concern for other people.

“The Three Kinds of Treasure” (WND-1, pg 851)

more vigour and strength, in the spirit that you are only just getting started. I am also a member of the men’s division. Let’s joyfully work together with the dedicated men in our local areas!

Advancing with the Gosho:Words of Encouragement

from SGI President Ikeda

From SGI Newsletter No. 9497 dated 25.11.2016

SGI President Ikeda’s Words of EncouragementBecome the Golden Pillars of Our Movement (39)

1· FLOW 723

Discussion Meeting Gosho Study Material

2 Realising Our Own Potential and Discovering How Precious Others Are

Questions and Answers from the Discussion Meeting

8 There aren’t many capable individuals around.

Young Women’s Division Gosho Study

11 Though I have set resolutions, I have not acted to fulfil them.

Women’s Division Gosho Study

12 On Rebuking Slander of the Law and Eradicating Sins

Lions of Justice: Studying Soka Spirit

17 The Twenty-six Admonitions of Nikko (3) – Those who Uphold and Spread the Lotus Sutra are the Most Praiseworthy People of All

Buddhist Fundamentals for Youth

20 On Personal Dialogue

SGI President Ikeda’s Lecture Series

23 The Buddhism of the Sun — Illuminating the World (50)

To My Friends of Each Division Engaged in Our Shared Struggle (Part 4): The Student Division – Be Leaders of Wisdom and Courage Who Will Create a New Era of Hope

Buddhism in Life

37 Strengthen Your Faith Day by Day and Month by Month

SGI President Ikeda’s Essay Series

40 Our Brilliant Human Revolution

Winter Always Turns to Spring

Significant Dates in the Soka Gakkai

47 May

Editor-in-ChiefKoh Sia Feai

EditorDinesh Chandren

Assistant EditorGoh Lim Erng

Material CompilationTay Biby

Art DirectorChew Meng Tatt

DesignerKoh Wei Chaw

DistributionChai Siew LinNg Shy Huh

Subscriptions enquiriesFor enquiries on subscriptions, please contact:

Email:[email protected]

Tel: 03-9075 6876 / 018-388 4997

Cover PhotoLeong Weng Hong

C O N T E N T S


2· FLOW 723

Realising Our Own Potential and Discovering How

Precious Others Are

Background and Outline

Nichiren Daishonin wrote this letter to his disciple Abutsu-bo Nittoku, a long-time resident of Sado Island. Initially, it was thought that the Daishonin composed this letter

during his exile in Sado, but more recent research on the contents indicates that it was written after the Daishonin took up residence at Mt Minobu.

When the Daishonin was in

In the Latter Day of the Law, no treasure tower exists other than the figures of the men and women who embrace the Lotus Sutra. It follows, therefore, that whether eminent or humble, high or low, those who chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo are themselves the treasure tower, and, likewise, are themselves the Thus Come One Many Treasures. No treasure tower exists other than Myoho-renge-kyo. The daimoku of the Lotus Sutra is the treasure tower, and the treasure tower is Nam-myoho-renge-kyo.

“On the Treasure Tower” (WND-1, pg 299)


3· FLOW 723

Main Points

• Chanting daimoku awakens our Buddha nature.

• We should widely propagate this philosophy of the dignity of life.

exile on Sado, Abutsu-bo and his wife the lay nun Sennichi brought him food and other necessities most of the time. They supported the Daishonin wholeheartedly.

Furthermore, after the Daishonin took up residence at Mt Minobu, Abutsu-bo made at least three visits there, despite his advanced age.

It is apparent from the opening paragraph of this letter that the Daishonin received a letter from Abutsu-bo asking about Buddhist teachings together with his sincere offering of one thousand coins, polished rice and other articles.

In his letter to the Daishonin, Abutsu-bo asked, “What is signified by the Thus Come One Many Treasures and his treasure tower, which appeared from beneath the earth?”

The Daishonin teaches that the appearance of the treasure tower indicates that on hearing the Lotus Sutra, the voice-hearers perceived for the first time the

treasure tower within their own lives, and now Nichiren’s disciples and lay supporters also perceive the treasure tower within their own lives.

The Daishonin continues to explain that in the Latter Day of the Law, no treasure tower exists other than those who embrace the Lotus Sutra. Whether eminent or humble, high or low, those who chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo are themselves the treasure tower, and, likewise, are themselves the Thus Come One Many Treasures.

He clearly states that the treasure tower is none other than Nam-myoho-renge-kyo.

Further, the Daishonin teaches that Abutsu-bo himself is the treasure tower, the Buddha who is originally endowed with wisdom and compassion.

The Daishonin elaborates, “You should chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo with this conviction. Then the place where you chant daimoku will become the dwelling place


4· FLOW 723

of the treasure tower.” He further indicates that he has inscribed this treasure tower as the Gohonzon.

Finally, the Daishonin praises Abutsu-bo, saying, “Abutsu-bo, you deserve to be called a leader of this northern province,” complimenting his faith and perseverance in kosen-rufu at his place of mission.

Realising Our Own Potential and Discovering How Precious Others Are

In “The Emergence of the Treasure Tower” (11th) chapter of the Lotus Sutra, as Shakyamuni Buddha continues to preach the Lotus Sutra, a colossal tower adorned with the seven treasures such as gold and silver emerges from the ground and hangs suspended in mid-air.

The treasure tower’s splendour is beyond imagination. It is magnificent and noble. Those who saw it thought: “What is the significance of this treasure tower?”

In his reply to Abutsu-bo, the Daishonin explains, “No treasure tower exists other than the figures of the men and women who embrace the Lotus Sutra.” In other words, those who chant the Mystic Law and strive for kosen-rufu are

the treasure towers.Moreover, the Daishonin states,

“whether eminent or humble, high or low,” anyone who chants Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, regardless of their identity, position or status, is indeed the treasure tower.

Furthermore, the Daishonin clearly points out that the person who chants Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is indeed the Thus Come One Many Treasures.

The Thus Comes One Many Treasures originally dwells in the treasure tower, but it is said that he is sure to appear with this treasure tower wherever the Lotus Sutra is expounded, to prove the validity of expounding of the Lotus Sutra.

The Daishonin continues to state that the treasure tower is Nam-myoho-renge-kyo.

The Daishonin inscribed the fundamental Law of the universe, Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, as the Gohonzon. Through our faith in and chanting assiduously to the Gohonzon, we are able to open up our boundless potential and become treasure towers that shine brilliantly.

Nichiren Buddhism perceives the Buddha nature within the lives of all people. It is the Soka Gakkai that has propagated to


5· FLOW 723

this philosophy of respect for all people and the dignity of life to the whole world.

SGI President Ikeda once said, “Our great human revolution as an individual begins when we awaken to the true potential of our life. When we become aware of the immense and worthy potential of our own life, we will naturally also come to recognise the same in others.

“By developing genuine respect for the dignity and worth of self and other, humanity as a whole can elevate its state of life. By

breaking through the fundamental darkness or ignorance that shrouds both self and other, humanity can transform its karma of conflict and discord.”1

In this “Year of Advancement and Capable People”, let us realise our individual noble mission and courageously carry out sincere dialogues for the happiness of oneself and others!

Translated by Wong Kang Ying from the February 2020 issue of Jiao Xue Yan Xi, the

Taiwan Soka Association monthly study journal.

1. FLOW No. 533 (01.06.2012), pg 17–18.


6· FLOW 723

SGI President Ikeda’s Guidance Excerpts

“All people equally possess within them the life-state of Buddhahood. Everyone who embraces the Mystic Law is a supremely noble treasure tower.

Nothing – not our race, descent, ethnic origin, gender, or economic circumstances – can prevent the life-state of the treasure tower from shining brilliantly in our lives. When each of us comes to shine in this way, we will together create a magnificent, shimmering forest of treasure towers that will illuminate society and the entire globe with the great light of Buddhist humanism.”

Excerpt from FLOW No. 625 (01.04.2016), pg 46.

a a a

In this passage, the Daishonin also refers to “the figures of the men and women who embrace the Lotus Sutra.” Here, the word “figures” encompasses such things as our outwards form and actions. It does not refer to some abstract or ideal, but to the actual concrete reality of our life as we earnestly go about our daily affairs here and now.

The Daishonin declares that there is no treasure tower other than real, living human beings. The lives of those who embrace faith in the Gohonzon, chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, and propagate the Daishonin’s Buddhism shine moment after moment as entities of the Mystic Law. We ordinary people, while undergoing the joys and sufferings of this world, are each an infinitely noble treasure tower, just as we are. And there are no treasure towers that shine as brilliantly as our SGI members, who are striving tirelessly in this suffering-filled world to transform their own karma and contribute to the happiness of others, undaunted by the negative comments of mean-spirited individuals …


7· FLOW 723

From this passage, the Daishonin emphasises that Abutsu-bo is himself the treasure tower of Myoho-renge-kyo, sparkling with the seven kinds of treasures, and that Abutsu-bo is himself a Buddha. He then goes on to explain why he says that Abutsu-bo is the treasure tower. He begins by stating: “The daimoku of the Lotus Sutra is the treasure tower, and the treasure tower is Nam-myoho-renge-kyo.” (WND-1, pg 299) The treasure tower of the Lotus Sutra is none other than Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. The daimoku of the Lotus Sutra is the treasure tower, which the Daishonin inscribed in the form of the Gohonzon, the object of devotion. In The Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings, the Daishonin says: “Now when Nichiren and his followers chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, they see and understand the ten thousand phenomena as though these were reflected in a bright mirror. This bright mirror is the Lotus Sutra. And in particular it is the ‘Treasure Tower’ chapter.” (OTT, pg 149)

Without a mirror, we cannot see our face. Similarly, we also need a bright mirror in order to see the treasure tower within our own life. The Daishonin inscribes the Gohonzon to serve as that mirror. The Gohonzon is a depiction of his own enlightened state as the Buddha of the Latter Day of the Law. Therefore, when we chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo with the Gohonzon as our bright mirror, our own inherent Buddhahood emerges powerfully. The purpose of the Gohonzon is to bring forth this treasure tower within each of us.

Excerpt from FLOW No. 533 (01.06.2012), pg 24–25.


8· FLOW 723

Q: There aren’t many capable individuals around.

Mr Cheng (District men’s division leader)

Mrs Lim(District women’s division leader)

Michael Tan(Young men’s division member)

Lee Yan (Young women’s division

member)

Characters featured inthis discussion meeting

Mr Cheng: We finally welcome the 90th anniversary of the establishment of the Soka Gakkai themed the “Year of Advancement and Capable People”. Let us exert ourselves to our utmost in fostering capable people in our district!

Mrs Lim: Michael, is everything okay? Why do you look so gloomy? It’s only the beginning of the year.

Michael Tan: Ah, it’s nothing. Actually, during the young men’s division meeting yesterday, I was told that fostering capable individuals is very important, but to be frank I think that my district doesn’t have many of them.

Mrs Lim: Why do you say so?

Michael Tan: There are many people who are unable to attend meetings due to work, and even for those who are active, they don’t seem to be showing great actual proof in society.

Mrs Lim: This is also related to how we define what a capable person is in our organisation.

Discussion Meeting Question TimeThe following is a dialogue between leaders and youth members

at a monthly discussion meeting.


9· FLOW 723

Lee Yan: In the eyes of society, a capable person can be seen as people who excel at work or those who possess great skills or abilities. I also feel that titles, social status and academic background become standards in evaluating how great a person is.

Mr Cheng: That may be so. But in SGM, people with impressive titles or academic backgrounds may not necessarily be “capable people.” SGI President Ikeda once said that capable people for kosen-rufu can be discussed from various angles, but the basis should be people with strong faith.

Lee Yan: We can say that those who strive earnestly and steadfastly in SGM activities for the sake of kosen-rufu – though they may not have titles or great worldly achievements – can be considered capable people.

Michael Tan: I see … but I’m not sure I can accept it. It is like what Mr Cheng says, but I feel we perhaps lack people with “strong faith.” There are many times when I can’t meet a person, and home-visits are unsuccessful. My text messages are even ignored. When this continues, I get discouraged.

But I read President Ikeda’s guidance which said: “Rather than feeling distressed over a lack of capable people in one’s area, the first thing one should do is offer prayer,” and that capable people are to be discovered; we must believe in them and foster them.

Mrs Lim: This means we should not give up or decide that there are no capable people.

Mr Cheng: In fact, there are new members of the youth division coming into our district, and there are also men’s division members who attended activities in the past but began chanting progressively after encountering obstacles. It is unwise to judge a person by their current situation. They are all precious and irreplaceable, great capable people in the eyes of the Buddha.

Mrs Lim: I think that the most important thing is to challenge ourselves in chanting daimoku, and to encourage each and every one of our fellow members tenaciously.

Mr Cheng: Exactly. With the great conviction that “there are certainly capable people around, let us


10· FLOW 723

discover more new capable people and foster them. For this purpose as well, we must first challenge ourselves in chanting daimoku and grow into capable persons who contribute to kosen-rufu.

A: Capable people are definitely around. Let us pray for, discover and foster them together.

Translated by Andrew Tay Yu Yan from January 2020 issue of the Daibyakurenge,

the Soka Gakkai’s monthly study journal.

Rather than feeling distressed over a lack of capable people in one’s area,

the first thing one should do is offer prayer.– Daisaku Ikeda

Young Women’s Division Gosho Study

11· FLOW 723

You must not spend your lives in vain and regret it for ten thousand years to come.

“The Problem to Be Pondered Night and Day” (WND-1, pg 622)

Though I have set resolutions, I have not acted to fulfil them.

As a result of profound karmic ties from the past, we have had the good fortune to be born as human beings and to encounter the teaching of the Mystic Law, which is difficult to encounter. How precious is our existence!We must not spend this life in vain and be left with regrets.

Each one of our struggles and hardships for kosen-rufu will become joy-filled “memories of our present life in this human world,” (Cf. WND-1, pg 64) – indestructible, diamond-like treasures of the heart. In the realm of Buddhism, none of our efforts is ever wasted. Let us adorn our lives with victory after victory, always putting our determinations into action without delay.

Excerpt from FLOW No. 592 (15.11.2014).

a a a

The battle of human revolution is

not far away.First of all, start with prayer.

Start with sonorous morning and evening gongyo and chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo.

A passage from the Gosho will be fine. Read it out loud and engrave it in your life.

A single friend will be fine. Be courageous and talk to him or her to the best of your ability.

In your work as well, it is about deciding to be definitely victorious wherever you are now.

Establish your Buddhist practice with a new resolve. The drama of human revolution begins from taking action. The concentration of each and every individual’s efforts will open up the great river of kosen-rufu, advancing with the unity of many in body one in mind.

Tentative translation from the Seikyo Shimbun (18.04.2012), the Soka Gakkai daily newspaper.


12· FLOW 723

On Rebuking Slander of the Law and Eradicating Sins

I am praying that, no matter how troubled the times may become, the Lotus Sutra and the ten demon daughters will protect all of you, praying as earnestly as though to produce fire from damp wood, or to obtain water from parched ground.

(WND-1, pg 444)

This letter was believed to be written in 1273 by Nichiren Daishonin when he was in Sado exile. It appeared to be addressed to a disciple in Kamakura who had sent offerings to the Daishonin with the request that he pray for the repose of his or her deceased mother. As an expression of gratitude for those sincere offerings, the Daishonin had written this letter. It was originally believed to be sent to Shijo Kingo in Kamakura from the Daishonin’s place of exile on Sado Island, but the exact details concerning it are unknown.

It is clear from its contents, however, that it was addressed to a disciple in Kamakura who was

experiencing harsh persecution.Around the time when

this letter was composed, the Daishonin’s disciples were facing harsh persecution by the Kamakura authority, and at the same time, many disciples gave up faith. It can be said that the disciples were struggling amid great hardships. In this writing, the Daishonin highly commends and wholeheartedly encourages his disciple’s strong determination to protect the mentor and remain steadfast in faith in spite of intense persecution.

The Daishonin then looks back on his life of unremitting persecution. Through this, he affirms his powerful conviction that encountering persecutions for the


13· FLOW 723

sake of Buddhism proves that he is the votary of the Lotus Sutra. The Daishonin asserts that when we rouse strong faith, regardless of what our past offences may be, we will be able to transform our karma and attain Buddhahood in this lifetime through the benefit obtained by protecting the Law.

The Daishonin then describes his sentiments for his disciples in this manner: “Persons like you and her do not have full knowledge of the Buddhist teachings, and it pains me to think how greatly you must regret that you ever chose to follow Nichiren. And yet, contrary to what might be expected, I hear that you two are even firmer and more dedicated in your faith than I myself, which is indeed no ordinary matter.” (WND-1,pg 436)

The Daishonin then states that he is praying with all his might that the heavenly gods and benevolent deities (protective forces) will protect his disciples no matter what! And this is the passage we are studying this month. It is a passage imbued with the mentor’s compassionate and fervent prayers for the disciples’ safety and victory in the midst of dangerous times. With the mentor in their hearts, the disciples were able to arise

with courage and fought on. SGI President Ikeda says in his

guidance, “With focused prayer and the unwavering determination to win, to definitely accomplish our goals, we can make the impossible possible. ‘I won’t give up! I will definitely succeed!’ – this commitment will activate the protective functions of the universe and turn everything into a friend and ally.”1

As we advance along the path of kosen-rufu, it is inevitable that we encounter the three obstacles and four devils in form of various adversities. However, by aligning our lives with our mentor and pray earnestly to the very end without giving up, we can develop our lives without end.

You Must Never Forget to Chant Daimoku

One year after my marriage, I gave birth to triplets. However, that joy did not last very long. Three days after giving birth, a blood clot travelled through the veins to my

1. Excerpts from SGI President Ikeda’s Words of Encouragement, “Living The Gosho: Words of Encouragement from SGI President Ikeda (2)”, “Making the Impossible Possible with Strong Resolve” (56), FLOW No. 666 (15.12.2017), Cover 2.


14· FLOW 723

lungs, crushing one quarter of both my lungs. On top of this, my heart swelled to three times its size.

The doctor gave a harsh pronouncement, saying: “The condition is critically dangerous. Tonight will be a critical.” My husband made a decisive determination after receiving encouragement filled with absolute conviction from his senior who told him, “Nothing can match the power of daimoku and there is nowhere that the sound of daimoku cannot reach.” My husband and fellow members in my district chanted daimoku for me through the night. Mystically,I pulled through the ordeal.

However, even after my discharge from hospital, one-quarter of my lungs were still not functioning and I could not regain my stamina. I became breathless just by walking a few steps as if I had ran at full speed. I also had a hard time looking after my three children. I was so busy that I didn't have much time to sleep. However, the greatest source of inspiration that supported me was President Ikeda’s guidance that I engraved in my heart during my YWD days.

It was the guidance he gave during his visit to Toyama in

1984. On that occasion, President Ikeda gave the youth division wholehearted encouragement in this manner: “No matter how painful, sorrowful and tough the hardship, when you look back 10 or 20 years later, you’ll find yourself saying, ‘Oh well, that was actually nothing at all.’ You must never forget to chant daimoku and never leave the Gakkai organisation. I entrust Hokuriku to all of you. I’m counting on all of you."

Engraving this prime point of mentor and disciple in my heart, I prayed earnestly and took on the challenge to engage myself in Gakkai activities a little at a time. Through such efforts, I gradually regain my health and today, I am deeply grateful that I can strive to my utmost in high spirits in this land of my mission.

Advancing towards March 16, the day when we reaffirm our vow for kosen-rufu, and then on to April when spring will be in full bloom, let’s base ourselves on prayers infused with the shared vow of mentor and disciple and achieve personal breakthroughs and make certain bring the flowers of victory to blossom in our communities.

Article by Yumi Yokoyama, Toyama Prefecture women’s division general leader.


15· FLOW 723

SGI President Ikeda’s Guidance Excerpts

Offering Prayers and Taking Actions Based on the Vow for Kosen-rufu

Through chanting earnestly before the Gohonzon, we make a vow for kosen-rufu, and then take action in society. Because of that vow, limitless power wells forth within us as Bodhisattvas of the Earth, filling us with courage and wisdom.

“I will open the way for kosen-rufu! I will challenge this task today! I will lead the way to victory!” – whenever I sit before the Gohonzon, I deepen my pledge to Nichiren Daishonin and my mentor Josei Toda, who called forth vast numbers of Bodhisattvas of the Earth in the present age.

For the past 55 years, every day has been March 16 for me. It is eternally a day of commitment and resolute departure towards victory …

A deep darkness shrouds contemporary society. That is precisely why it is time for us, as practitioners of the Daishonin’s Buddhism of the sun, to take action.

I call on all of you, the lion-hearted successors to our movement, to set forth! With confident prayer, courageous action, and voices dedicated to truth, please brilliantly illuminate all humanity!

Excerpt from SGI Newsletter No. 8756 (26.04.2013), SGI President Ikeda’s Essay,

“Our Brilliant Path to Victory”, “Eternal March 16”.


16· FLOW 723

Supplementary Notes

The Ten Demon Daughters

The ten demon daughters appear in the “Dharani” (26th)

chapter of the Lotus Sutra and are described as protectors of those who uphold the Lotus Sutra. In the Lotus Sutra, they become good demons who are allowed to attain Buddhahood, and become heavenly gods and benevolent deities who protect the votaries of the Lotus Sutra.

These ten demon daughters, along with Mother of Demon Children, vow at the assembly of the Lotus Sutra to shield and guard the sutra’s votaries, stating that they will not allow devilish functions to weaken or harm the votaries of the Lotus Sutra.

Nichiren Daishonin reveals the workings of the ten demon daughters in many of his writings. They include the following:

“Shakyamuni, Many Treasures, Shakyamuni’s emanations throughout the ten directions, and the ten demon daughters will protect them.” (WND-1, pg 978)

“It is written that those who embrace the daimoku of the Lotus Sutra will be protected by Mother of Demon Children and by the ten demon daughters.” (WND-1, pg 412)

The ten demon daughters and other heavenly gods and benevolent deities are not physical entities. They manifest themselves as various functions in response to strong prayers which work to protect practitioners of the Mystic Law.

Translated and adapted by Tan Kok Leong from the March 2019 issue of the Daibyakurenge,

the Soka Gakkai’s monthly study journal.


17· FLOW 723

The Twenty-six Admonitions of Nikko (3)

Those who Uphold andSpread the Lotus Sutra are the Most

Praiseworthy People of All

Introduction

Nichiren Daishonin declared that the final teaching in the Lotus Sutra – “[you] should rise and greet him from afar,

showing him the same respect as [you] would a Buddha”– to be “the ultimate legacy” of the Lotus Sutra.

Those who uphold and spread the Lotus Sutra exactly as the Buddha teaches are the most praiseworthy people of all and should be accorded the same respect as a Buddha. We must not follow even the high priest

should he betray the Daishonin’s teachings and the Buddhist Law,and set forth his own arbitrary doctrines.

The basis for harmonious unity between the priesthood and laity essentially lies in each side dedicating themselves to the goal

of kosen-rufu. No matter the circumstances, SGI President Ikedaalways encourages us to unite in the spirit of many in body,

one in mind to expand kosen-rufu.

SGM Soka Spirit department

Article 14: As for practitioners who treasure the Law more highly than their own lives, even if they are but humble teachers of the Law, you must hold them in great esteem, showing them the

same respect as you would a Buddha.

[Shin’ichi Yamamoto said:] “The phrase ‘practitioners who treasure the Law more highly than their own lives’ is relatively self-explanatory. It refers to people who act out of total devotion to


18· FLOW 723

the True Law. ‘Showing them the same respect as you would a Buddha’ is a phrase that appears in the last chapter of the Lotus Sutra. Here, Shakyamuni tells Bodhisattva Universal Worthy

(Jpn Fugen) that should he encounter a person who accepts and upholds the Lotus Sutra, he should rise and greet him from afar, showing him the same respect as [he] would a Buddha.”

a a a

“In contemporary times, ‘practitioners who treasure the Law more highly than their own lives’ refers to President Makiguchi and President Toda. And, I wish to declare that it refers to each one of us, the members of the Soka Gakkai, who have inherited the legacy of these two founding presidents and who strive day and night to achieve kosen-rufu.”

a a a

Unfortunately, however, some Nichiren Shoshu priests, locked in a feudalistic mindset over their priestly station, cherished the misguided belief that they were superior and the believers subordinate to them. Even in

those days, there were priests who looked down on Soka Gakkai members and treated them with disdain. Such behaviour was nothing but slander of the Law and a blatant denigration of the Daishonin’s spirit.

The basis for harmonious unity between the priesthood and laity essentially lies in each side focusing their minds on the one objective of kosen-rufu. But how could kosen-rufu possibly be achieved by priests who claimed to be followers of Nikko Shonin yet showed no respect for those who propagated the Daishonin’s Buddhism?

a a a

Article 17: Do not follow even the high priest if he goes against the Buddha’s Law and propounds his own views.

In June 1943, the priesthood, having bowed to the Japanese military authorities’ demand that it enshrined the Shinto talisman, summoned President Tsunesaburo Makiguchi, General Director Josei Toda and other top Soka Gakkai leaders to the head


19· FLOW 723

temple. There, in the presence of the high priest, they were strongly urged, “Why don’t you in the Soka Gakkai also accept the Shinto talisman, at least for appearances sake?” … Makiguchi, however, bluntly turned down the priests’ request that he and the Soka Gakkai do the same … Tsunesaburo Makiguchi had replied, “I absolutely refuse to accept the talisman.”

a a a

This impelled Makiguchi to make a second visit to the head temple on June 28, at which time he personally rebuked high priest Nikkyo, insisting that he take a firm stand and remonstrate with the government.

Such a course of action, however, was clearly inconceivable to the high priest, who was terrified of what the military authorities might do. Makiguchi’s

sincere appeal thus fell on deaf ears.

On July 6, shortly after that meeting, Makiguchi, Toda and other leaders of the lay organisation were arrested one after another. Great persecution had thus fallen upon the Soka Gakkai. Following these arrests, the head temple immediately banned Soka Gakkai members from visiting the head temple, out of fear of being associated in any way with the lay organisation.

These events provide a clear example of a high priest who personally distorted the true teachings of the Daishonin and worked to obliterate the Great Pure Law. The presence of the Soka Gakkai – the courageous guardian of true Buddhism – however, ensured that the lifeblood of faith from the Daishonin was preserved.

Excerpts from The New Human Revolution, volume 2, “Training” chapter.

Shakyamuni tells Bodhisattva Universal Worthy that should he encounter a person who accepts and

upholds the Lotus Sutra, he should rise and greet him from afar, showing him the same

respect as [he] would a Buddha.


20· FLOW 723

On Personal Dialogue

Our organisation, our movement, is sustained by individuals. When those people fundamentally transform their inner attitude, awaken to their life’s mission, and bring forth their highest potential, they can change everything. That is why the quiet, steady endeavour to guide and encourage people in faith is the very lifeblood of the kosen-rufu movement.

During his first trip to Hawaii, Shin’ichi Yamamoto devoted every moment he could to talking with the members. He also held question-and-answer sessions at discussion meetings where he would listen to the tearful accounts of members who desperately wanted to return to Japan. Empathising with their sorrows, he warmly encouraged them. He made time for personal guidance sessions back at his hotel as well.

Shin’ichi poured himself patiently and unstintingly into such efforts, striving to plant seeds of mission and instil fresh hope in the members’ hearts, thereby enabling them to transform their

inner frame of mind. Whenever he visited Hawaii after that first trip, he continued to personally encourage as many members as possible.

The transformation of a person’s inner resolve through dialogue is the key to achieving victory in all endeavours.

Excerpt from The New Human Revolution, volume 12, “Fresh Hope” chapter.

a a a

Offering personal guidance is of course easier said than done. The Soka Gakkai is made up of all kinds of people. Some may refuse to meet or speak with other members, while others perhaps joined as children along with their parents, but do not consider themselves believers. We may even come across some who are highly critical of the Soka Gakkai. Other may be suffering so deeply from financial difficulties or illness that they are bereft of any hope for the future.

It is no easy task to visit the homes of such members, to try and make conversation, forge


21· FLOW 723

bonds of friendship, talk about the importance of faith, and teach them about gongyo and Buddhist principles. Doing so is far more challenging than talking with members we see at meetings or organising various activities.

But it is these very efforts that enable us to polish ourselves. In striving to help others grow, we grow too. Furthermore, struggling in this way constitutes true Buddhist practice. Promoting activities together with those who regularly attend meetings is simple, but this in itself will not enable the Daishonin's Buddhism to spread. To concern ourselves only with such members would be comparable to the captain of a ship bound for a distant shore contenting himself with sailing around the harbour. Leaders must realise that the main stage of Soka Gakkai activities is not meetings themselves, but the hard work that takes place beyond the meetings.

The network of life-to-life bonds that is the Soka Gakkai was built through the efforts of individuals to visit and personally encourage their fellow members. Just as a broad interwoven nexus of roots that sink deep into the earth supports a mighty tree, it

is the consistent and painstaking actions of members to offer personal guidance at the grass-roots level that hold up the Soka Gakkai …

Those who personally talk to and encourage their friends and the people they meet are true emissaries and children of the Buddha; they are the real champions of faith.

Shin’ichi was certain that if the leaders of the youth division actively engaged in giving personal encouragement, the Soka Gakkai's future would be firmly and eternally established. He knew that just as a river grows fuller and wider as it flows to the sea, the Soka Gakkai would expand and produce an every-growing number of talented individuals as the years passed. If the youth division leaders neglected this one crucial area, however, they would be severing with their own hands the roots for the mighty tree of the Soka Gakkai.

Excerpt from The New Human Revolution, volume 8, “Jewelled Sword” chapter.

a a a

“Giving guidance to individuals or families is an extremely


22· FLOW 723

time-consuming, inconspicuous activity, but it serves to nurture the ‘roots’ of people’s faith. Only when the roots of a tree spread and sink deep into the ground can it grow towards the heavens and bring forth branches and green leaves.

“In much the same way, the source of all development in the realm of kosen-rufu lies in sharing the members’ sufferings, answering their questions to relieve them of doubts, and making it possible for them to exert themselves joyously in faith, filled with confidence and hope.”

Excerpt from The New Human Revolution, volume 2, “Courageous Endeavour” chapter.

a a a

Go out among the people and touch their hearts – this was the main focus of Shin’ichi’s speech:

“We propagate Buddhism to lead others to happiness; in this respect, giving personal guidance in faith to new members is vital. As leaders, you must constantly ask yourselves: How many people in my district, group or unit have stood up resolutely in faith and received benefit? This is a crucial point to remember…”

The greater the number of people introduced to the Daishonin’s Buddhism, the greater the need to provide them with guidance in faith. The task of propagation is complete only when new members can proceed in their Buddhist practice with self-motivated independence and firm conviction in faith.

Excerpt from The New Human Revolution, volume 2, “Courageous Endeavour” chapter.

Adapted and edited by the SGM study department

Promoting activities together with those who regularly attend meetings is simple, but this in itself

will not enable the Daishonin’s Buddhism to spread ... Leaders must realise that the main stage of

Soka Gakkai activities is not meetings themselves,but the hard work that takes place

beyond the meetings.


23· FLOW 723

The Buddhism of the Sun — Illuminating the World (50)

To My Friends of Each Division Engaged in

Our Shared Struggle — Part 4

The Student Division: Be Leaders of Wisdom and Courage Who Will Create a New Era of Hope

Soka Gakkai founding president Tsunesaburo Makiguchi proclaimed: “Unless you have the courage to be an enemy of those who are evil, you cannot be a friend to the good.”1

Throughout history, multitudes of honest, decent people have been persecuted and countless people

deserving of happiness have been oppressed.

The Soka Gakkai has battled against all forms of injustice that

1. Translated from Japanese. Tsunesaburo Makiguchi , Makiguchi Tsunesaburo Zenshu (Collected Works of Tsunesaburo Makiguchi), vol. 6 (Tokyo: Daisanbunmei-sha, 1983), pg 71.


24· FLOW 723

trample on people, persisting in its valiant struggle to protect the good. This is the shared spirit of President Makiguchi, President Toda, and myself.

Igniting a Torch of Conviction and Courage in Members’ Hearts

The Yubari Coal Miners Union Incident that took place in Hokkaido in June 1957 was a case of such oppression. Hardworking Soka Gakkai members and their families in the mining town of Yubari were virtually shunned by the local community at the instigation of the coal miners’ union, because of their faith in Nichiren Buddhism. The union even threatened the mine workers with expulsion (which meant losing

their jobs) if they didn’t leave the Soka Gakkai.

Embracing the spirit of my mentor, Soka Gakkai 2nd president Josei Toda, as a youth I rushed to Hokkaido and took the lead in supporting our members there. I visited them in their homes and urged them with all my might to join me in this struggle and to refuse to be defeated. Going from house to house to meet with these sincere members striving earnestly in their

faith, I ignited a torch of conviction and courage in their hearts.

It was in the midst of these activities in Yubari that I received notice to appear at the Osaka Police Headquarters for questioning. That was the start of the Osaka Incident.2

A Long-Awaited Group

The Soka Gakkai student division was established at a time when our organisation was being viciously attacked by the authorities.

On June 30, 1957, with Mr Toda in attendance, some 500 university students gathered at the Azabu Civic Hall in Tokyo for the new division’s inaugural meeting. Mr Toda was overjoyed, stating that he had long been eager to create this group.

As I was still in Hokkaido, I sent a telegram, which read: “Congratulations on the inaugural meeting of the student division, a

2. Osaka Incident: The occasion when, in July 1957, SGI President Ikeda, then Soka Gakkai youth division chief-of-staff, was arrested and wrongfully charged with election law violations in a House of Councillors by-election in Osaka that year. At the end of the court case, which continued for more than four years, he was fully exonerated of all charges, on January 25, 1962.


25· FLOW 723

gathering of talented youth who will shoulder the next century! Under President Toda’s leadership, please embark on your journey in high spirits.”

Creating an Age of Respect for the Dignity of Life

The student division’s mission, deeply imbued with the Soka Gakkai’s history at that time, is to develop leaders of the Mystic Law who are committed to living their lives together with the people, protecting the people, and fighting for the people.

My mentor solemnly wrote: “One of the fundamentals of Buddhism is to not inflict harm on anyone and to help free all people from suffering. Another is to bring joy to all people. This is the heart of the Buddha’s compassion.”3

Indeed, our wish as practitioners of Nichiren Buddhism and the eternal starting point of my beloved student division is to realise human happiness and world peace and to create an age of respect for the dignity of life with our humanistic philosophy and compassionate spirit of relieving suffering and imparting joy.

In this instalment, let us explore the noble mission of

our student division members, champions of the spirit of Bodhisattva Universal Worthy, who will lead the way in building a new era filled with hope.

a a a

The Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings says [in reference to the Lotus Sutra chapter title “Encouragements of the Bodhisattva Universal Worthy” (Jpn Fugen Bosatsu Kambotsu-hon)]: In the compound kambotsu, the element kan [or kam], or “encouragement,” refers to the conversion of others, while the element botsu (or hotsu), or “initiate,” refers to one’s own practice.

In the name Fugen, or Universal Worthy [or Universal Wisdom], the element fu, “universal,” refers to the true aspect of all phenomena, the

3. Translated from Japanese. Josei Toda, Toda Josei Zenshu (Collected Writings of Josei Toda), vol. 1 (Tokyo: Seikyo Shimbunsha, 1992), pg 27.


26· FLOW 723

principle of eternal and unchanging truth as embodied in the theoretical teaching. The element gen, or “worthy” or “wise,” expresses the idea of wisdom, the wisdom of the truth that functions in accordance with changing circumstances, as embodied in the essential teaching. Hence we see that here, at the conclusion of the sutra, there is expressed a veneration for the Law as it is implied in the two teachings, the theoretical and the essential.

Generally speaking, we may say that, now when Nichiren and his followers chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, they enjoy the care and protection of Bodhisattva Universal Worthy.

(From The Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings, pg 189–90)4

Calling Forth Leaders of Immeasurable Wisdom

Bodhisattva Universal Worthy appears in “Encouragements of the Bodhisattva Universal Worthy,” the 28th and final chapter of the Lotus Sutra. He possesses immeasurable wisdom, which he uses to protect those spreading the Lotus Sutra and to advance kosen-rufu.

In The Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings, the Daishonin says that the Mystic Law is propagated in the Latter Day of the Law through the “authority and supernatural power” and the “care and protection” of this bodhisattva. (Cf. OTT, pg 190)5

The Lotus Sutra describes how, upon learning that Shakyamuni is preaching the Mystic Law, Bodhisattva Universal Worthy travels from the east to hear it, arriving with innumerable

4. The Record of the Orally Transmitted Tea-chings: Nichiren Daishonin’s oral teachings on the Lotus Sutra, recorded and compiled by his disciple and successor Nikko Shonin.

5. In The Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings, the Daishonin says: “It is due to the authority and supernatural power of Bodhisattva Universal Worthy that this Lotus Sutra is propagated throughout Jambudvipa (the entire world). Therefore the widespread propagation of this sutra must be under the care and protection of Bodhisattva Universal Worthy.” (OTT, pg 190)


27· FLOW 723

bodhisattvas playing wonderful music, just before Shakyamuni concludes his sermon. (Cf.

LSOC28, pg 360)

Similarly, it was towards the end of Mr Toda’s life that the student division was established. I think we can say that each member of the student division is a Bodhisattva Universal Worthy of Soka, called forth to be entrusted with the important mission of initiating an age of the people.

Kosen-rufu Starts with Encouraging Those around Us

Mr Makiguchi underlined the passage from The Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings we are studying in his copy of the Daishonin’s writings, indicating that he felt it was deeply important.

Here, with respect to the chapter’s title, “Encouragements of the Bodhisattva Universal Worthy,” the Daishonin discusses the meaning of “encouragement” (kambotsu) and “universal worthy” or “universal wisdom” (fugen).

First, he says: “The element kan [or kam], or ‘encouragement,’ refers to the conversion of others” and “the element botsu (or hotsu), or ‘initiate,’ refers to

one’s own practice.” (OTT, pg 189)

He then explains that the fu (meaning “universal”) of fugen represents “the principle of eternal and unchanging truth,” while gen (meaning “worthy” or “wisdom”)

represents “the wisdom of the truth that functions in accordance with changing circumstances.” (OTT, pg 189)

In other words, “encourage-ment” (kambotsu) means rousing faith ourselves and, with the joyous life-state we attain through doing so, urging others to practice as well. This is truly a process of life-to-life inspiration.

Possessing universal wisdom (fugen) means to have a thorough grasp of wide-ranging principles and to demonstrate broad wisdom. It is having the wisdom that allows one to impart comfort and hope, conviction and courage to others.

The Daishonin further states that the “Encouragements of the Bodhisattva Universal Worthy” chapter “expresses veneration for the Law as it is implied in the two teachings, the theoretical and the essential.” (Cf. OTT, pg 190)

For us, venerating the Mystic Law means first of all chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo strongly and earnestly to the Gohonzon. Through doing so, we will brim


28· FLOW 723

with joy and fulfilment and our lives will expand beyond measure. Further, when we experience the enormous joy that comes from engaging in Soka Gakkai activities, we will naturally want to tell others about our Buddhist practice.

When our lives abound with exuberant joy, we can awaken and draw forth the Buddha nature in others. Our compassionate concern for their well-being gives rise to infinite wisdom.

Sincere, heartfelt encouragement is also important. The first step towards realising kosen-rufu is encouraging those around us.

Become Victors in Buddhist Practice

Arriving late for Shakyamuni’s sermon, Bodhisattva Universal Worthy begs him to preach the Lotus Sutra again and asks how people will be able to acquire the teaching after Shakyamuni’s death. (Cf. LSOC28, pg 360)

To this the Buddha replies that if they fulfil four conditions after his death, they will acquire the Lotus Sutra. Because Shakyamuni is reiterating the key points for practising the Lotus Sutra, the Daishonin says that the “Encouragements of Bodhisattva

Universal Worthy” chapter is “a restatement of the Lotus Sutra.” (OTT, pg 241)

Let us now examine the passages where the four conditions are set forth and their significance to us.

The first is “they [the people in the age after Shakyamuni’s passing] must be protected and kept in mind by the Buddhas.” (LSOC28, pg 361) This means receiving the protection of the Gohonzon [Nam-myoho-renge-kyo] by embracing and upholding it.

The second is “they must plant the roots of virtue.” (LSOC28, pg

361) This means making good causes as well as chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo with absolute faith in the Gohonzon and teaching others to do the same.

The third is “they must enter the stage where they are sure of reaching enlightenment.” (LSOC28,

pg 361) This means associating with people who are assured of attaining Buddhahood. In other words, remaining steadfast in faith as members of the harmonious community of Buddhists correctly practising the teachings.

The fourth is “they must conceive a determination to save all living beings.” (LSOC28, pg 361) This means making a vow to lead


29· FLOW 723

all people to enlightenment. In short, these four conditions

can be restated as: upholding the Gohonzon; chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo; striving with the harmonious community of practitioners; and making a vow. They are all included in our commitment to living our lives together with the Soka Gakkai, dedicated to the great vow for kosen-rufu.

As Soka Gakkai members, chanting and spreading Nam-myoho-renge-kyo ourselves and teaching others to do the same, we can transform all hardships into great good fortune and attain the life-state of Buddhahood without fail. Those who strive unflaggingly to propagate the Mystic Law will become true victors in Buddhist practice.

The Soka Gakkai has

By chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo to the Gohonzon earnestly, “we will brim with joy and fulfilment and our lives will expand beyond measure.” And also, “when we experience the enormous joy that comes from engaging in Soka Gakkai activities, we will naturally want to tell others about our Buddhist practice.”


30· FLOW 723

succeeded in spreading Nichiren Buddhism around the world because its members have put these four conditions into action.

Protecting the Practitioners of the Lotus Sutra in the Latter Day of the Law

When Bodhisattva Universal Worthy learns that by fulfilling these four conditions one can attain enlightenment, he vows to Shakyamuni that he will guard and protect the practitioners of the Lotus Sutra in the evil and corrupt age of the Latter Day, relieve their sufferings, bring them peace of mind, and prevent devilish functions from taking advantage of them. (Cf. LSOC28, pg 361)

He also promises to guard and protect the Lotus Sutra and, after Shakyamuni’s death, cause it to be widely propagated throughout the world and ensure that it never comes to an end. (Cf. LSOC28,

pg 363)

In other words, he vows to staunchly protect the practitioners of the Mystic Law and devote himself to worldwide kosen-rufu.

He actively goes among the people, declaring that if anyone should forget a single phrase or verse of the Lotus Sutra, he will

“join them in reading and reciting it.” (Cf. LSOC28, pg 361)

Later in the chapter, Shakyamuni assures Bodhisattva Universal Worthy: “Before long this person [a practitioner of the Lotus Sutra] will proceed to the place of enlightenment.” (LSOC28,

pg 364) Commenting on this passage, the Daishonin says: “The place where the person upholds and honours the Lotus Sutra is the ‘place of enlightenment’ to which the person proceeds. It is not that he leaves his present place and goes to some other place.” (Cf. OTT, pg 192)6 Of utmost importance is where we are right now.

The essence of the universal wisdom that Bodhisattva Universal Worthy embodies is struggling courageously to transform the here and now. There is no room for abstract theories. The Soka Gakkai spirit has its roots in this dauntless spirit of Bodhisattva Universal Worthy.

6. This is the revised translation based on the English translation of the Lotus Sutra as it appears in The Lotus Sutra and Its Ope-ning and Closing Sutras. According to the Soka Gakkai Buddhist Scripture Translation Department, these revisions will be incorporated in a future revised edition of The Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings.


31· FLOW 723

Showing Others the Same Respect You Would a Buddha

In the “Encouragements of the Bodhisattva Universal Worthy” chapter, we find this well-known passage: “If you see a person who accepts and upholds this sutra, you should rise and greet him from afar, showing him the same respect you would a Buddha.” (LSOC28, pg 365) The Daishonin identifies this as “the foremost point [the Buddha] wished to convey to us.” (OTT, pg 192)

Since those who accept and uphold the Lotus Sutra are guaranteed to attain Buddhahood, this passage tells us, we should show them the same respect we would a Buddha. In this way, we could say that the 28-chapter Lotus Sutra concludes with the declaration that the practitioners of the Lotus Sutra in the Latter Day of the Law are Buddhas.

In Chinese, this famous passage consists of eight characters. Incidentally, the eight pillars on the north and south sides of the Hall of the Great Vow for Kosen-rufu at the Soka Gakkai Headquarters complex in Shinanomachi, Tokyo, symbolise this eight-character passage, welcoming each precious member

who visits the hall as a Buddha. Our admirable student division

members, possessing both wisdom and courage, are faithfully carrying on this spirit in everything they do, respecting and embracing as Buddhas those who are striving earnestly for kosen-rufu.

It is important that fellow members working for kosen-rufu respect one another and unite together, irrespective of what differences they may have. The wisdom that comes from believing in the Buddha nature of all people, no matter who they are, is the wisdom of the Buddha.

Because we believe in the Buddha nature of others, the compassionate wisdom to realise happiness for ourselves and others wells up boundlessly from the depths of our lives.

Be People Who Champion Justice and Human Dignity

As I mentioned earlier, the Daishonin states that kosen-rufu is achieved through the “authority and supernatural power” of Bodhisattva Universal Worthy, (OTT, pg 190) which represent courage, sincerity, and wisdom born from a sense of responsibility and passion to spread the Mystic


32· FLOW 723

Law. The source of these qualities is faith.

Mr Toda said: “Great feeling gives rise to great reason … Our feelings for our fellow citizens and the rest of humanity stem from the highest reason. Nichiren Daishonin’s spirit is itself the highest feeling and reason.”

Our ardent wish to actualise Mr Toda’s dream of eliminating misery and suffering from the world enables us to develop our wisdom and abilities and grow into compassionate leaders.

Our great, unyielding passion for kosen-rufu brings forth the universal wisdom to elevate and enrich the life-state of humanity as a whole.

Our unremitting struggle, based on our vow, against all evils that inflict suffering on the people causes the light of wisdom for justice to shine.

Our belief in the Buddha

nature of the person in front of us becomes the wisdom to respect all human beings.

This wisdom is never self-righteous. I hope that student division members will thoroughly study the Gosho and the humanistic principles of Nichiren Buddhism, while at the same time devoting themselves earnestly to their learning and humbly absorbing insights from diverse sources of knowledge past and present.

Please strive to forge links between the vast, profound sea of Buddhism and the world’s foremost streams of thought and philosophy, thereby revealing the brilliance of universal wisdom that has the power to protect the people. This is our role as a global religious movement. Your self-development and growth will create a new era.

a a a

It is important that fellow members working forkosen-rufu respect one another and unite together,

irrespective of what differences they may have.The wisdom that comes from believing in the Buddha

nature of all people, no matter who they are, is the wisdom of the Buddha.

– Daisaku Ikeda


33· FLOW 723

From the beginning, I pursued my studies because I wanted to master Buddhism and attain Buddhahood, and also to save the people to whom I am indebted. It seems to me that on the path to attain Buddhahood it may invariably be when one has done something like lay down one’s life that one becomes a Buddha. (“Banishment to Sado”; WND-1, pg 202)7

Repaying Debts of Gratitude

When the Daishonin was sentenced to exile on Sado Island,8 some of his followers, due to ignorance or fear, began to doubt

that he was really the votary of the Lotus Sutra.

In “Banishment to Sado,” he writes that his motivation for studying Buddhism and striving to attain Buddhahood was to repay his debts of gratitude.

7. The Daishonin composed this letter in October 1271, while in Echi in Sagami Province (present-day Kanagawa Prefecture). Addressed to an acquaintance at Seicho-ji temple, it stresses that encountering life-threatening persecution for the sake of the Law guarantees one’s attainment of Buddhahood.

8. Sado Exile: The Daishonin’s exile to Sado Island in the Sea of Japan from October 1271, immediately following the Tatsunokuchi Persecution on September 12, 1271, through March 1274. In the two years and five months the Daishonin was on Sado, he lacked sufficient food and clothing and his life was under constant threat from Nembutsu followers. During this perilous time, however, he composed many important works, including “The Opening of the Eyes” and “The Object of Devotion for Observing the Mind,” and offered encou ragement to his followers.

Photo: Tan Boon Keong

SGI President Ikeda’s Lecture SeriesSGI President Ikeda’s Lecture SeriesSGI President Ikeda’s Lecture Series

34· FLOW 723

By opening the way for his own enlightenment, the Daishonin wished to open the path to enlightenment for all people of the Latter Day of the Law. For that, he says, is the way to repay his gratitude to those to whom he is indebted. The persecutions he endured were also none other than the result of his efforts to open the great path to universal enlightenment. There can be no doubt about this.

Kosen-rufu is an eternal spiritual struggle with the devil king of the sixth heaven,9 who tries to control, dominate, and oppress people’s lives. That’s why the Daishonin says that on the path to attaining Buddhahood, one becomes a Buddha when one strives with the spirit to “lay down one’s life.” (WND-1, pg

202) When we bravely face the difficulties we encounter, we are able to display lion-like courage, immeasurable wisdom, and boundless compassion. In other words, we reveal the life-state of Buddhahood.

It’s important that we wholeheartedly encourage and support our fellow members as we lead the way in advancing kosen-rufu. Fulfilling the mission of Bodhisattva Universal Worthy

requires committing our lives to the great vow to spread the Mystic Law.

Don’t Get Lost in Your Own Labyrinth

The Spanish philosopher José Ortega y Gasset (1883–1955)

deplored how in modern times people had lost their way in life:

On the one hand, to live is something which each one does of himself and for himself. On the other hand, if that life of mine, which only concerns myself, is not directed by me towards something, it will be disjointed, lacking in tension and in “form”. In these years we are witnessing the gigantic spectacle of innumerable human lives wandering about lost in their own labyrinths, through not

9. Devil king of the sixth heaven: Also, devil king or heavenly devil. The king of devils, who dwells in the highest or the sixth heaven of the world of desire. He is also named Freely Enjoying Things Conjured by Others, the king who makes free use of the fruits of others’ efforts for his own pleasure. Served by innumerable minions, he obstructs Buddhist practice and delights in sapping the life force of other beings, the manifestation of the fundamental darkness inherent in life. The devil king is a personification of the negative tendency to force others to one’s will at any cost.


35· FLOW 723

having anything to which to give themselves.10

Even today, many are trapped in what Ortega describes as a labyrinth of egoism.11 There is also evidence of a growing tendency for people to close themselves off from others, but that only makes them feel powerless and diminishes their lives.

We of the Soka Gakkai, however, have a lofty goal to which we devote our lives – kosen-rufu. Our student division members who embrace the Mystic Law feel the joyous fulfilment that comes from dedicating their lives to a great aspiration, their lives brimming with pride, good fortune, and benefit.

In “Banishment to Sado,” which he wrote while being held prisoner just before his exile, the Daishonin teaches a follower in his home province of Awa that dedicating one’s life to the great vow to spread the Law is to repay the debts of gratitude one owes to others.

I hope that our trusted student division members, who are directly connected to the Daishonin, will continue to stand up for the happiness of the people throughout their lives. Never become what the Daishonin calls

“talented animals.” (WND-1, pg

258) Don’t allow your learning to make you arrogant or look down on decent, hard-working people. Don’t cause problems with your fellow members because of jealousy, resentment, or self-interest and be forced to leave the organisation for kosen-rufu. When people forget to have gratitude, they lose their way.

May you all live with gratitude, the true path of humanity, and lead fulfilling lives without any regrets.

A Shared Wish for Creating an Age of Peace

When asked whether another major war would occur in Europe, the renowned physicist Albert Einstein (1879–1955) said: “If you don’t do anything it may come. It is not a question of ‘waiting’ but of ‘acting’, World peace is possible with the proper organisation and the right ideals.”12

From that perspective, all the more important are the efforts that you, our student division

10. José Ortega y Gasset, The Revolt of the Masses (New York: W. W. Norton & Company, Inc., 1993), pg 141.

11. Cf. Ibid., pg 142.

12. Denis Brian, Einstein: A Life (New York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1996), pg 206.


36· FLOW 723

members, are making – efforts to actualise the Daishonin’s ideal of “establishing the correct teaching for the peace of the land”, driven by the determination to make the 21st century a century of peace.

In the early days of our movement, I once said to student division members: “Your division was established to enable you to lead the way to realising the victory of the people, by the people, and for the people.”

When wise and courageous leaders take active roles on the stage of their mission in every sphere of society, an age of the people’s victory will open widely. This is the wish of the first three Soka Gakkai presidents.

A Renewed Effort for Kosen-rufu

In June 1978, when we were assailed by a storm of attacks by forces seeking to sever the ties of mentor and disciple, I composed the Japanese student division song “Onwards to Kosen-rufu”. At that time, I also presented the student division with three guiding principles: (1) You are all capable individuals; (2) You are all students with a mission; and (3) Your student division activities are training for you to develop into leaders of the age.

I still vividly remember student division members joyfully singing “Onwards to Kosen-rufu” over and over again at the meeting where the song was introduced.

In the spirit of passing the baton of mentor and disciple, I’d like to sing it once again with you:

In this great river flowing mightily

Let us speak to one another, bathed in the silver waves

This ship is certain to make history

My friends, join me as we press onwards to kosen-rufu

A Global Network of Bodhisattvas Universal Worthy

I hope that all of you, lives brimming with universal wisdom, will strive to expand our circle of friendship as you fulfil your responsibility to protect the people as Bodhisattvas Universal Worthy. Embracing your vow from the distant past, please build a global network of wisdom and courage to further the great undertaking of worldwide kosen-rufu. I entrust the entire future to you, the Bodhisattvas Universal Worthy of Soka.

From SGI Newsletter No. 10391 dated 21.01.2020.

Buddhism in Life

37· FLOW 723

Strengthen Your FaithDay by Day and

Month after Month

Faith is a constant struggle against inertia. Nichiren Daishonin writes: “Strengthen

your faith day by day and month after month. Should you slacken in your resolve even a bit, devils will take advantage.” (WND-1, pg 997) He also says: “Be ever diligent in your faith so that your desire will be fulfilled.” (WND-1, pg 452)

Not advancing is retreating. Mr Toda also constantly warned against having a lax attitude in our faith and practice. He said:

Everything in the universe, from the stars and planets to the smallest insect, is constantly changing. Nothing remains the same for a single moment. The crucial question, therefore, is whether we are changing for the better or changing for the worse. When we fail to realise this, we give in to inertia. In other words, the frightening thing about succumbing to inertia is that we are completely oblivious and indifferent to whether we are changing for the better or the worse. Moreover, when we grow apathetic in

Introduction:

President Ikeda teaches

that to live each day

valuably, we need to

banish the inertia that

can all too easily take

root in our hearts.

From a speech delivered at a representatives conference commemorating

March 16, Tokyo, March 15, 1992.

Buddhism in Life

38· FLOW 723

faith, practising only out of force of habit, it’s the same as if we have stopped practising altogether. Faith in Nichiren Buddhism is an active practice for rapidly changing ourselves for the better.

Not advancing is not just stagnating; it is regressing. There is no “this will do” in the realm of faith. Complacence gives rise to inertia and can lead one to stop practising.

In a letter of encouragement to Sage Nichimyo, a female follower who had made the perilous journey to visit him on Sado Island, the Daishonin writes: “I know your faith has always been admirable, but now you must strengthen it more than ever. Only then will the ten demon daughters [guardian deities of

Buddhism] lend you even greater protection.” (WND-1, pg 614)

No matter how unsparingly we may have exerted ourselves in faith in the past, if our commitment grows lax or apathetic, the protection of the heavenly deities – the positive forces of the universe – will weaken. Not only that, but we run the risk of erasing all the good fortune we have thus

far accumulated. That’s why the Daishonin urged Sage Nichimyo to keep on strengthening her resolve in faith even more.

Throughout his writings, the Daishonin often uses the phrase “more than ever” in encouraging his followers in their Buddhist practice. Encouraging Shijo Kingo, who demonstrated his selfless commitment to faith at the time of the Tatsunokuchi Persecution, the Daishonin writes: “Strengthen your power of faith more than ever,” (WND-1, pg 681) and “You must strengthen your faith more than ever.” (WND-1, pg 953)

The passage I quoted earlier, “Strengthen your faith day by day and month after month,” (WND-

1, pg 997) was also addressed as encouragement to Shijo Kingo and other disciples.

Inertia, however, is often difficult to recognise in ourselves. Being unaware of it is perhaps one of its defining characteristics and causes.

Someone once came up with a list of “symptoms” for stagnation in faith, which included such things as: having only vague goals and determinations; doing gongyo, but having no specific prayers while chanting; doing gongyo and SGI activities passively, out

Buddhism in Life

39· FLOW 723

of a sense of obligation; being prone to complain; feeling no joy, enthusiasm, or gratitude; having a weak seeking spirit; being lax at one’s job and forgetting the importance of putting one’s faith into practice in daily life.

I think we can all no doubt identify with these tendencies to some extent. We are only human, after all, and therefore not perfect. But the Daishonin warns us: “If

your faith weakens and you do not attain Buddhahood in this lifetime, do not reproach me.” (WND-1, pg 1030)

Our Buddhist practice is notan obligation, but a right that enables us to attain happiness. We will gain benefit in direct proportion to our own determination and efforts in faith.

Adapted and edited by the SGM study department

“Not advancing means regressing. We should be aware that whether our changes are for good or bad, if we can’t recognise it, we will succumb to inertia as faith in Nichiren Buddhism is an active practice.”


40· FLOW 723

Our Brilliant Human Revolution

Winter Always Turns to Spring

Weathering wind and snow, we are the flag-bearers of the noble cause of the Bodhisattvas of the Earth; now standing solidly united, we hold high the banner of mission. …Ah, the triumphant people of Tohoku! 1

This morning, my wife played a recording of the Tohoku Soka Gakkai song “The Aoba Pledge.”2 Listening to it, I found myself filled with memories of that northern region I love so well, known in olden times as Michinoku.

Nine years have passed since the devastating March 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami. Our precious members in Tohoku and other affected areas have endured great suffering and hardship.

I press my palms together with the deepest respect and reverence for each of these “flag-bearers of

the noble cause of the Bodhisattvas of the Earth” who stood up with tremendous grit and determination after that unprecedented natural disaster, reaching out to assist friends and neighbours and striving earnestly to rebuild and revive their beloved communities.

Nichiren Daishonin is sure to be aware of all their efforts over these past nine years and would doubtless proclaim that, with every one of those close to 3,300 days, they have steadily accumulated indestructible “treasures of the heart.” (WND-1, pg 851)

I am sincerely chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo in memory of

1. Lines from the Tohoku Soka Gakkai song “The Aoba Pledge.” In the Soka Gakkai organisation, Tohoku Region is comprised of Aomori, Akita, Iwate, Miyagi, Yamagata, and Fukushima prefectures.

2. The “Aoba Pledge” refers to the pledge made to President Toda by a group of pioneering youth division members in April 1954 at the ruins of Aoba Castle in Sendai City, the capital of Tohoku’s Miyagi Prefecture. In response to Mr Toda’s famous declaration that day – “The Soka Gakkai will build its castle from talented and able people” – they promised to build just such a great citadel in Tohoku.


41· FLOW 723

those who lost their lives in the disaster or who passed away in its aftermath.

I have not the slightest doubt that all the family members, comrades-in-faith, and friends we have lost are forever enveloped in the infinite, all-pervading light of happiness of the Mystic Law, transcending life and death.

a a a

“The Aoba Pledge” also contains the line, “truly radiating the sun of time without beginning”.

I love the unaffected, down-to-earth character of the people of Tohoku. I see in it the radiance of “the sun of time without beginning”. Being the sun, they have no need to put on airs or keep up appearances. With their nature that “was not worked for, that was not improved upon, but that exists just as it always has,” (OTT, pg 141) they impart the bright, warm light of kindness to all around them.

Amid ongoing persecution by Japan’s militarist authorities during World War II, Tsunesaburo Makiguchi, our founding president who later died in prison for his beliefs, travelled to Koriyama and Nihonmatsu in Fukushima

Prefecture. One of his aims was to talk to a young man’s parents about Nichiren Buddhism.

There are some words of the Daishonin that Mr Makiguchi particularly valued. He had also underlined them in his personal copy of The Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings that was confiscated by the Special Higher Police: “The Buddha of the true aspect of reality resides in the midst of the mud and mire of earthly desires. This refers to us living beings. Now when Nichiren and his followers chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, they may be termed the Buddha of the Lotus that is the entity of the Law.” (OTT, pg 91)

Those who dive into the quagmire of society, which is rife with problems and suffering, to work for the happiness and well-being of others are truly the “Buddha of the Lotus that is the entity of the Law.”

Our Tohoku members refused to be crushed by the darkness of unfathomable adversity. Though at times they wept tears of grief or raged against the cruel blows of fate, they continued to chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, to encourage one another not to be defeated, and to forge ahead in their efforts


42· FLOW 723

for kosen-rufu. I’m sure that Mr Makiguchi

would praise them as embodying the true nobility of Buddhas as the Daishonin describes.

Our youth division and future division members who lived through the trauma of the earthquake and tsunami have now all grown admirably. These inspiring young people are a source of tremendous hope. They have overcome great hardships to flower like bright lotus blossoms.

a a a

In the cold morning before the sun is up, our “uncrowned heroes” are busy delivering the Seikyo Shimbun, the Soka Gakkai daily newspaper, to one house after another. My gratitude to them is unending, and I wish to say to them: Be well and stay safe each day!

The Seikyo Shimbun, a bastion of the pen, today has a huge mission in imparting words of hope and courage to its readers.

A women’s division member in Higashi-Matsushima City in Tohoku’s Miyagi Prefecture, one of the areas affected by the March 2011 disaster, is delivering the Seikyo Shimbun in the spirit that she is a proud runner passing on

the baton of happiness and victory. Putting aside her grief over the loss of her mother and one of her sons in the tsunami, she has been devoting herself to supporting and encouraging others out of an eager wish to do whatever she can in her own small way.

Dr Sarah Wider, former president of the Ralph Waldo Emerson Society, with whom I have published a dialogue, made the long journey from the United States to visit women’s division members in Tohoku (in October

2012). She was deeply impressed by the “strong-hearted people” she met in those precious encounters and, in a message she wrote to some of those friends, she said she was grateful to share with them the determination to always do their best in every moment.

a a a

I recently received a delightful letter from a member living in the Sanriku area of Tohoku’s Iwate Prefecture.

At the beginning of February this year, members of the Music Corps’ Shinano Choir gave a series of “Connections of Hope” concerts in six locations on the Sanriku Coast – Otsuchi, Yamada, Miyako,


43· FLOW 723

Tanohata, Fudai, and Hirono.These communities warmly

welcomed the gallant young performers, whose voices raised in song delivered a spring breeze of courage. Many local members brought along friends, who all reportedly enjoyed the concerts, some saying they felt energised by the spirit of the Gakkai members, or were inspired anew to keep living many more years, undefeated by the ongoing challenges they faced.

Our members have continued to make tireless efforts to contribute to their communities and bring flowers of friendship and trust to bloom. They are pressing ahead one step after another and dedicating themselves sincerely to supporting those around them. The brilliant glow of their humanity is a beacon of hope radiating the light of happiness, as well as a powerful driving force for recovery and renewal.

a a a

Soon, the Japan Railways Joban Line will resume full service for the first time in nine years (on March 14, 2020).

The Joban Line brings back fond memories of an encounter I had with members in eastern

Fukushima Prefecture in November 1960, the year I was inaugurated as Soka Gakkai 3rd president.

On my way back to Tokyo from Morioka (the capital of

Iwate Prefecture), some members gathered to meet with me at the Joban Line’s Yumoto Station (in

present-day Iwaki City, Fukushima

Prefecture). Due to an unexpected delay in the train’s schedule, I was able to spend about 15 minutes talking with them on a station bench.

A young woman I encouraged at that time continues now, some six decades later, to work actively for kosen-rufu as a member of the Many Treasures Group. I was delighted to hear this and other recent reports of victory from Iwaki members.

I am deeply-moved by the countless triumphs of human revolution the members of our Soka family in Tohoku have achieved through striving together, sharing my spirit.

Though some of our dear members have fallen ill in the course of their long, arduous struggles to rebuild their lives and communities after the disaster, all of their actions to help others are noble offerings of their own lives. They are certain to receive great


44· FLOW 723

benefit in the form of “lessening one’s karmic retribution” and “changing poison into medicine.” And they are absolutely assured of advancing forever on the path of eternity, happiness, true self, and purity.

a a a

The members in Hokkaido (the

northernmost of Japan’s four main

islands) have advanced in close solidarity with Tohoku members through the raging winds of adversity.

This March 11 also marks the 65th anniversary of the historic Otaru Debate3 in Hokkaido, in which we demonstrated the justice of Soka to Japanese society.

Just prior to the great ceremony of March 16, 1958, entrusting the mission of kosen-rufu to his young successors, President Toda warmly encouraged the first Otaru chapter leader.

“In life,” he said, “you will experience unpleasant, or painful, or sad events. Life is really nothing but a series of such things … But if you persevere in faith and practise throughout your life, you are certain to triumph in the end. Even though you may face various challenges in the process, you’ll be able to say that you

have attained a state of absolute happiness.”

Mr Toda had the deepest hopes for Hokkaido and Tohoku, and I have lived my life together with our members in these northern regions of Japan in the same spirit as my mentor.

a a a

Japan’s northern winters are long and harsh. But even as the cold winds blow, plants patiently conserve their life force and wait for their time to send forth fresh green shoots.

In September 2011, six months after the earthquake and tsunami, I began writing the “Light of Happiness” chapter in my novel The New Human Revolution (volume

25). It tells the story of my three-day visit to Fukushima starting on March 11, 1977, to encourage Tohoku members. At that time, I presented several calligraphic works that incorporated the word “cherry tree”, such as “Soka Mountain Cherry Tree.”

3. Otaru Debate: A public debate between Soka Gakkai representatives and priests of Nichiren Shu (the Minobu school of Nichiren Buddhism), held at the Otaru Civic Hall in the city of Otaru, Hokkaido, on March 11, 1955. The debate was won by the Soka Gakkai side, with a youthful President Ikeda acting as emcee.


45· FLOW 723

These were an expression of my wish that no matter how long the winters of hardship and adversity might persist, our members would bravely weather them and blossom splendidly without fail, and that they would spread the hope-filled message “Those who believe in the Lotus Sutra are as if in winter, but winter always turns to spring” (WND-1, pg 536) throughout society and the world, and on into the future.

Our members who, with an

invincible and dauntless spirit, have shown actual proof that “winter always turns to spring” are like beautiful cherry trees brimming with the light of happiness and blooming on the Mountain of Soka.

Nichiren Daishonin writes: “There is definitely something extraordinary in … the way in which summer, autumn, winter, and spring give way to each other. Something uncommon also occurs when an ordinary person attains Buddhahood. At such a time, the

In life, you will experience unpleasant, or painful, or sad events. Life is really nothing but a series of such things … But if you persevere in faith and

practise throughout your life,you are certain to triumph in the end.

– Josei Toda

Photo: Jordann Cheng


46· FLOW 723

three obstacles and four devils will invariably appear, and the wise will rejoice while the foolish will retreat.” (WND-1, pg 637)

We need not fear change. Let us all keep creating value as courageous and wise individuals, each and every one of us.

a a a

The medical profession and society as a whole in Japan and around the world are making great efforts to stop the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). I have deepest gratitude for the countless individuals who are working tirelessly day and night on various fronts in this challenge. I am also chanting wholeheartedly with a fervent prayer for the quickest possible end to this threat and a return to normality and safety.

The eminent British historian Arnold J. Toynbee (1889–1975)

said that those living in an age of crisis must become pioneers of a better age, striving to find positive solutions and thereby turning the age into one of achievement.4

I am confident that our valiant young Bodhisattvas of the Earth will join hands with friends the world over and work together with strength, wisdom, and optimism to

create a better age.Let us once again engrave in

our hearts the famous passage from “The Opening of the Eyes”, which I have shared so many times with our members in Tohoku, Hokkaido, and all around the globe: “Although I and my disciples may encounter various difficulties, if we do not harbour doubts in our hearts, we will as a matter of course attain Buddhahood.” (WND-1, pg 283)

Facing “various difficulties” time and again, the mentors and disciples of Soka have never forgotten these words at crucial moments and have steadfastly pressed on. That is why we have been able, quite naturally, to manifest our Buddhahood.

As we continue to triumphantly overcome each difficulty arising in our path, let us extend throughout the world an ever-growing movement to unlock the life-state of Buddhahood, the highest life-state of all humankind!

From SGI Newsletter No. 10437 dated 13.03.2020

4. Cf. Arnold J. Toynbee, “Can We Learn Lessons from History?” in Democracy in the Atomic Age: The Dyason Lectures 1956 (Melbourne: Oxford University Press, 1957), pg 16.


47· FLOW 723

MayThis series, “Significant Dates in the Soka Gakkai”,

discusses important dates in thehistory of Nichiren Buddhism and the Soka Gakkai.

May 3: Soka Gakkai Day

Two significant events happened on May 3. Firstly, the inauguration of Josei Toda as Soka Gakkai 2nd president on May 3, 1951 and secondly, the inauguration of Daisaku Ikeda as Soka Gakkai 3rd president nine years later, on May 3, 1960.

This day has become an opportunity for SGI members around the world to celebrate the share victory of mentor and disciple. We can use it to renew our own determination or vow to create a world which has human dignity and respect for life as it foundation.

Having witnessed war and experience the cruel brutality of authoritarianism, Josei Toda awakened to the conviction that the only way to prevent this situation from arising in the future was to create a large groundswell of people who were committed to peace and transcending differences. Recalling President Toda’s

inauguration ceremony, Daisaku Ikeda writes:

At that time, he declared: “I resolve to give my life for the cause of kosen-rufu. I vow to convert 750,000 households during my lifetime…”

He further declared that, should he fail to achieve his goal before his death, his dead body should simply be tossed into the sea off Shinagawa [without any funeral rites].

His declaration “I vow to convert 750,000 households during my lifetime” was filled with his fierce determination to stand up and take personal action, based on an awareness of his mission as a Bodhisattva of the Earth.1

1. The New Human Revolution, volume. 27, “Justice” chapter, booklet No. 106 (Soka Gakkai Malaysia: 2017), pg 30.


48· FLOW 723

At that time the Soka Gakkai had around 3,000 members and so this membership goal seemed impossible, but supported in particular by Daisaku Ikeda, Toda surpassed his target by the time he died in April 1958.

On May 3, 1960, Daisaku Ikeda was inaugurated as Soka Gakkai 3rd president. He recalled:

When I was inaugurated as Soka Gakkai 3rd president on May 3, 1960, I deeply etched in my heart the vow Nichiren Daishonin made in “The Opening of the Eyes”: “This I will state. Let the gods forsake me. Let all persecutions assail me. Still I will give my life for the sake of the Law.” (WND-1, pg 280) In my diary entry for that day, I wrote: “Shall begin my lifetime battle to spread the Law, transcending life and death.” The above passage from “The Opening of the Eyes” expressed my determination upon becoming Soka Gakkai president, and in the 60 years that have passed since then, it has never left my heart.2

In October 1960, President Ikeda made his first overseas trip, starting with the United States of America. The foundation for kosen-rufu in Japan had been established and so, based on a vow he made to President Toda, Daisaku Ikeda decided it was time to expand the movement out into the rest of the world. Everywhere he went, he met and encouraged members and because of this, local organisations began to grow outside Japan, eventually becoming the SGI in 1975. There are now over 12 million members practising Nichiren Buddhism in most of the countries in the world. SGI President Ikeda writes:

May 3 each year is a time when we stand up anew with the supreme pride of our mission as Bodhisattvas of the Earth, the sun of time without beginning shining brightly in our lives. It is a time when we confidently take a fresh step forward, joyfully engaging in dialogue to share our convictions with others.3

2. FLOW No. 641 (01.12. 2016), pg 36-37.

3. FLOW No. 630 (15. 06. 2018), pg 18.

49· FLOW 723

Those who love and learn from

youth are eternally young.

For those who nobly nurture the

next generations, the future is unlimited.

Those who help develop the capabilities

of the young are themselves the ones

who deserve to be called capable.

– SGI President IkedaFrom SGI Graphic July 1999

50· FLOW 723

FE723RM2.50

Published by Persatuan Soka Gakkai Malaysia, Wisma Kebudayaan SGM, No. 243, Jalan Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Tel:603-21412003

Printed by Napoleon Printing, 21, Jalan 10/108C, Taman Sungai Besi, 57100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

As long as youth rise up one after another, cherishing the same great vow for kosen-rufu as their mentor, the Soka Gakkai and the movement for worldwide kosen-rufu will forever endure! Let us earnestly study our mentor’s guidance for the youth and embrace his youthful spirit.

“I hope that you, my young friends, the successors to our movement around the world, will continue to advance in the unity of ‘many in body, one in mind’ as you follow in the footsteps of the first three Soka Gakkai presidents and dedicate yourselves to fulfilling your vow as Bodhisattvas of the Earth.If you do, the Soka Gakkai will endure forever asthe organisation for kosen-rufu.”

- SGI President Daisaku Ikeda

NEW BOOKS

To My Dear Friends of the Youth Division

(English and Chinese editions)

English EditionPromotional Price: RM16.00(till 12/7/2020) List Price: RM20.00

Chinese EditionPromotional Price: RM12.00(till 30/4/2020) List Price: RM15.00

MAY 1-2020 · praise that Nakatsukasa Saburo Saemon-no-jo [Shijo Kingo] is diligent in the service...

Documents

Transcript of MAY 1-2020 · praise that Nakatsukasa Saburo Saemon-no-jo [Shijo Kingo] is diligent in the service...