This year marks the 65th anniversary of Ikeda Sensei’s first overseas trip for worldwide kosen-rufu, the great endeavour to propagate Nichiren Buddhism throughout the world.
On October 2, 1960, just five months after being inaugurated as the third president of the Soka Gakkai at the age of 32, Ikeda Sensei embarked on his first overseas visit.
The time had come to fulfil his vow to realise his beloved mentor Josei Toda’s call to bring the Soka Gakkai’s mission of contributing to lasting world peace to the global stage.
At that time, international travel was heavily restricted and relatively uncommon. Ikeda Sensei later recalled that when they applied for travel documentation, officials seemed puzzled as to what the Soka Gakkai intended to do overseas.
That very morning, Ikeda Sensei set off from his modest home in Ota Ward, Tokyo, travelling by taxi to Haneda Airport. In his breast pocket, he carried a photograph of his mentor, Josei Toda. His journey was one in pursuit of peace, the crystallisation of the shared vow of mentor and disciple.
Cheerfully waving goodbye to those who had gathered to send him off, he declared: “I am taking the first step towards worldwide kosen-rufu.” In his heart, he trusted that fellow Bodhisattvas of the Earth would continue after him, taking the second, the third, and countless further steps.
Through his tireless efforts, Ikeda Sensei brought to people everywhere the great philosophy that upholds the supreme value and dignity of human life. His journey of peace spanned more than 54 countries and territories across six continents over period of 40 years, from 1960 to 2000.
During his overseas travels, Ikeda Sensei not only encouraged members and leaders striving earnestly to advance kosen-rufu, he also sought to understand the prevailing social, political and cultural conditions in each country. Engaging in dialogues with leading cultural and intellectual figures, he worked to deepen mutual understanding and strengthen the foundations for peace, opening new paths for humanity.
We in Singapore feel truly grateful to have welcomed Ikeda Sensei three times – in 1988, 1995 and 2000 – each visit spurring us to open new paths for the development of Singapore kosen-rufu.
Today, October 2 is commemorated as World Peace Day by Soka Gakkai members in 192 countries and territories. Let us unite with our comrades worldwide, sharing the same resolve to create waves of positive change and contribute to a harmonious society wherever we are. Together, let us work for the happiness of all humanity as we continue to expand the network of Bodhisattvas of the Earth.
The month of October is also a significant time for SGS members. It is our Financial Contribution Month, carrying the theme “Grateful Hearts, Joyful Contribution”. We look forward with profound gratitude to your sincere offerings, which support the advancement of kosen-rufu in Singapore. These contributions, made with a spirit of joy, will undoubtedly create immeasurable causes for happiness and good fortune in your life.
October is also the Subscription Month for SGS’s monthly organ papers – Creative Life and Soka Times. These publications, dedicated to the advancement of kosen-rufu, provide nourishment for one’s faith, practice and study. They serve as a constant reminder of how Nichiren Buddhism can be applied in daily life, while enabling each of us to eternalise the spirit of mentor and disciple in our own lives.
