General Director Goh Kim Hua’s Speech at the SGS “11.18 Soka Gakkai Founding Day” Commemorative Meeting
Thank you coming together to commemorate November 18, Soka Gakkai Founding Day, and to express our profound gratitude to our beloved mentor, Ikeda Sensei, by reaffirming our vow as disciples to continue the legacy of our three founding presidents of the Soka Gakkai.
I wish to express my deepest gratitude to you for your great efforts in advancing kosen-rufu in this Year of Fresh Departure for a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide.
Men Division Chief has shared about our good progress in “Let’s E.A.T II 20k” dialogue in sharing Nichiren Buddhism, and our discussion meetings, focusing on one’s happiness and well-being, have definitely impacted the lives of members and friends positively.
A young man, recently introduced to Nichiren Buddhism, was deeply inspired by the compassionate action of his colleagues. Their humanistic behaviour resonated with him, sparking interest in the practice. With unwavering support and guidance from the leaders, he experienced significant positive changes, finding purpose and meaning in his life. He is diligently learning Gongyo and is determined to receive the Gohonzon next year.
A couple was faced with immense challenges when their daughter was born with multiple complex health issues. Despite the doctor’s limited options, our leaders’ compassionate actions and unwavering dedication instilled courage and hope in the couple. As their daughter requires round-the-clock care due to a compromised immune system, the leaders provided essential support, allowing the couple to focus on preparing for the recent Buddhist study entrance level exam. Encouraged and supported by our leaders, the couple is receiving their Gohonzon in December.
These two cases truly reflect the purpose of the existence of the Soka Gakkai, an organisation dedicated to the widespread propagation of Nichiren Buddhism that enables people to establish a life of absolute happiness and value creation through faith, practice and study.
Based on the great transformative teaching of Nichiren Buddhism, one can unleash the great potential within one’s life when anchored on striving for other’s happiness.
For 94 years, since its inception on November 18, 1930, Soka Gakkai has achieved victory after victory in the advancement of kosen-rufu, overcoming every obstacle through the intrepid and dedicated efforts of Makiguchi Sensei, Toda Sensei and Ikeda Sensei.
Without Makiguchi Sensei who founded the Soka Gakkai and died a martyr, the true spirit of Nichiren Daishonin would have been lost.
Without Toda Sensei who reconstructed the Soka Gakkai after the war and achieved 750,000 household membership despite his poor constitution and the harsh environment, the foundation of the Soka Gakkai would not be laid.
Without Ikeda Sensei, worldwide kosen-rufu would not have materialised, and people in the five continents would not be able to practise Nichiren Buddhism.
We are eternally grateful to our three founding presidents who never begrudge their lives in the face of great persecution.
Ikeda Sensei writes:
“The Soka Gakkai is an organisation that exists to help people – to share the practice of Nichiren Buddhism with those who are suffering and enable them to become happy. Nothing is nobler, therefore, than serving in leadership positions in the Soka Gakkai.
“I hope you will have an even deeper awareness of your responsibilities as leaders and do your best to fulfil them. Through doing so, you will gain immense benefit and realise a state of life that guarantees
you eternally indestructible happiness in lifetime after lifetime.”
As we commemorate the first Soka Gakkai’s Founding Day on November 18 after Ikeda Sensei’s passing, let’s renew our resolve as Ikeda Sensei’s disciples and proud members of this beautiful organisation to
dedicate our lives to the starting point of the Soka Gakkai as we advance towards 2030 and beyond.
The Soka Gakkai’s theme for 2025 announced is Year of Soaring Higher towards a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide.
2025 marks several significant milestones, including the 95th anniversary of the founding of the Soka Gakkai, the 125th anniversary of Toda Sensei’s birth, the 65th anniversary of Ikeda Sensei’s inauguration as president and taking the first step for worldwide kosen-rufu, as well as the 50th anniversary of the founding of the SGI.
Towards 2030, since we have embarked on the Year of Fresh Departure towards a Youthful Soka Gakkai Worldwide (2024) as designated by Ikeda Sensei, we are determined to ensure that we must soar to greater heights in 2025.
President Harada explains the theme as follows:
“Sensei has taught us that ‘The struggle for kosen-rufu is an endless flight.’ (NHR Vol. 2, “Banner of the People” chapter) Also, ‘The spirit of the Soka Gakkai is to always boldly face adversity and steadily advance. As long as this spirit remains, there will be growth and victory.’” (NHR Vol. 24, “Humanistic Education” chapter)
Let us burn with the Soka Gakkai spirit to boldly face adversity and steadily advance while we warmly foster our Future and Youth Division members and ensure that they soar high into the skies of their mission.
Heeding the call of President Harada, we are striving in the spirit of many in body, one in mind with all our comrades around the world to continue to build on the good momentum of 2024 in engaging our members, especially the youths, to strive and contribute to the advancement of kosen-rufu.
Let’s also continue our compassionate efforts in connecting more people to Nichiren Buddhism that provides the transformative path to absolute happiness.
To conclude, let us recall the message from our beloved mentor Ikeda Sensei, in August 2023:
“The members in Singapore, who are advancing kosen-rufu with faith that grows ever stronger and vibrantly making contributions for the betterment of your communities and society as excellent citizens. Because of your profound mission, you may have to live a life that is busier than others and experience various hardships. However, please continue to advance with the lion’s roar of our daimoku resounding even more powerfully no matter what happens and continue making remarkable contributions to society with courage, great cheer and wisdom so that together, we can all lead wonderful lives that are filled with happiness and victory.”
As proud members of the Soka Gakkai, let’s strive in the spirt of many in body, one in mind, live out our lives to the fullest filled with victories and fulfilment, and continue to report to Sensei in our hearts.
(Source: Soka Times, December 2024)
