In the “Introduction” to The New Human Revolution, we have this passage, “The New Human Revolution opens on October 2, 1960, the day that Shinichi Yamamoto (whose character represents Ikeda Sensei in the novel), having succeeded Josei Toda as the third president, embarks on a historic journey for peace that will take him to three nations — the United States, Canada and Brazil.”
Sixty-three years ago, Ikeda Sensei, then 32 years old, and barely five months since his inauguration as the third president of the Soka Gakkai (on May 3, 1960), travelled outside of Japan for the first time to visit the US, Canada and Brazil.
Burning with a deep resolve in his heart to fulfil his mentor Josei Toda’s ardent wish to relieve humankind of sufferings, Ikeda Sensei began his arduous journey for worldwide kosen-rufu.
His global vision and continuous efforts eventually led to the establishment of Soka Gakkai International (SGI) in 1975, and the spread of Nichiren Buddhism to 192 countries and territories.
October 2 is now being commemorated by SGI members as World Peace Day. It marks a key milestone in the global development of Nichiren Buddhism, with its goal of building lasting peace throughout the world.
It also symbolises the shared commitment of SGI members around the world in creating a wave of positive change in society through promoting non-violence and working for the happiness of all humanity.
In Sensei’s recent message to SGS Buddhist Study Examination for the Elementary Level held on September 10, he said, “As Bodhisattva of the Earth, all of us are comrades of faith bound by the shared vow for worldwide kosen-rufu. Upholding a great philosophy of respect for the dignity of human life in this tumultuous age, let’s together dedicate our lives to the noble undertaking of building a world of peace and security for mankind with great pride and honour.”
Let us not forget this legacy that we have inherited, and dedicate ourselves to working for peace and happiness in our shared struggle for kosen-rufu with Sensei.
In the significant month of October, SGS will be holding the Member Contribution Fund and Subscription Campaign. We sincerely hope that everyone will do your best to support and contribute towards the success of this campaign.
Nichiren Daishonin said, “Just as flowers open up and bear fruit, just as the moon appears and invariably grows full, just as a lamp becomes brighter when oil is added, and just as plants and tress flourish with rain, so will human beings never fail to prosper when they make good causes.” (“The Third Day of the New Year”, WND-1, p. 1013)
Please be absolutely assured that all contributions for kosen-rufu — supporting Soka Gakkai activities, helping others form connections with Buddhism, engaging in dialogues, attending discussion meetings, chanting the daimoku of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo for the happiness of our friends, promoting our organ papers – Creative Life and Soka Times, and contributing to the Member Contribution Fund – are good causes that will contribute to the happiness of oneself and others.
Let us continue to encourage one another to advance joyously with the courage of the lion king, chanting resounding daimoku based on the vow for kosen-rufu, to end this year with great victory.
