I would like to express my deepest gratitude to all the members who generously stepped forward to make their contribution for the Special Contribution Fund, which ran from April to the end of June. Your dedicated efforts during these uncertain times are truly
commendable.
In the Soka Gakkai, July is the month of youth. It marks the formation of both the Young Men Division (YMD) and Young Women Division (YWD) back in 1951. Believing deeply in the power and passion of youth to create the future, Toda Sensei, the second president of the Soka Gakkai, formed the YMD and YWD in simple yet significant ceremonies on July 11 and July 19 of that year, respectively.
Ikeda Sensei wrote: “Youth are the sun of hope: they can brilliantly dispel any darkness. Youth are the jewelled sword of truth and justice: they can intrepidly vanquish any evil. Youth are the banner of victory: they can resolutely win in any challenging struggle. The Soka Gakkai brims with the passion and energy of such youth. That’s what makes it strong.”
Our youth division members are fulfilling their roles as Bodhisattvas of the Earth, working for the happiness of others. They proudly share their beliefs and convictions in Nichiren Buddhism with everyone, demonstrating great compassion and confidence. At the same time, they are also exerting themselves within society, determined to show great actual proof of faith wherever they are. Their spirit is truly admirable.
In life and society, we will inevitably face various challenges that obstruct our advancement. To surmount them, we need to make great strides in our self-development. We need to become strong and fearless. The greater the obstacles we face, the more we must summon forth our inner power and strength to break through them. This is why our practice of reciting Gongyo and chanting Daimoku is essential, as it enables us to unleash our Buddhahood – the limitless potential within our lives. This is also what the process of human revolution is all about. This, in particular, is the path for living out our youth shining with bright and everlasting victory, as taught by Nichiren Daishonin.
Ikeda Sensei writes: “Mr Toda called out: ‘Youth, don’t be afraid! Decide to yourself, I will achieve this without fail!’ That kind of passionate spirit in faith will bring you an explosive victory.'”
As Sensei’s guidance to all our precious youth suggests, by basing yourself on resolute faith and practice, you can surmount any challenges and achieve your goals and dreams, living a life filled of fulfilment and contentment, just as Sensei’s poem to the youth states:
Lead a life
of eternal challenge
and brilliant triumphs,
as a noble champion of victory,
free of all regrets.
I am looking forward to the SGS contingent’s performance in this year’s National Day Parade on August 9, which celebrates the significant milestone of 60 years of our beloved country’s independence. This will be SGS’s 40th year of participation in this biggest national spectacle. The participants and all the members in the support groups involved have worked tirelessly to prepare an inspiring performance for the whole nation. Let’s support them through our fervent prayer and resolute Daimoku for their well-being and a victorious performance.
