August 14, 1947, the fateful day when Ikeda Sensei first met Toda Sensei that changed the course of Ikeda Sensei’s life. Also on this day, the seed of the decree of Nichiren Daishonin, the grand movement of worldwide kosen-rufu, sprouted.
Toda Sensei was giving a lecture on the treatise “On Establishing the Correct Teaching for the Peace of the Land” at the meeting that Ikeda Sensei attended. Ikeda Sensei was searching an answer to the
question – what is the correct way to live? This was against the devastating postwar backdrop.
That encounter was a solemn, timeless moment in the eternal flow of past, present and future. On that day, 19-year-old Ikeda Sensei vowed to become Toda Sensei’s disciple and dedicated his life to kosen-rufu. Ten days later, on August 24, Ikeda Sensei enshrined his Gohonzon and began his mission as a Bodhisattva of the Earth.
Ikeda Sensei, with his mentor at the centre of his life, strove for the advancement of worldwide
kosen-rufu, for the happiness of humanity, and peace of the world in the next 76 years of his life.
He took Nichiren Buddhism to every corner of the world. This provides the means of empowering individuals to derive hope and courage that could change the destiny of humanity.
The Soka Gakkai’s movement of humanism to build peace and happiness for all people now covers the entire world. It has truly become a world religion.
Sensei left us voluminous writings that elucidate the essence of Nichiren Buddhism and how it is to be practised. He also provided wisdom and solutions for humanity to recognise, manage and resolve the life-threatening issues confronting the world today and into the future, promoting peace and harmony through dialogue.
His humanistic philosophy based on Nichiren Buddhism is far-reaching and has impacted the world and changed the course of human history.
Our profound gratitude to our mentor is beyond any description. It is now up to us, his disciples, to continue living and striving with his spirit in advancing kosen-rufu.
Sensei devoted his life to encouraging all members of SGS after the first district was formed in Singapore 57 years ago. His sole wish was for all of us to live a victorious and value-creative life based on the transformative teachings of Nichiren Daishonin. He constantly reminded us to be good citizens who contribute to nation-building.
Our National Day Parade (NDP) participation is an example of actualising our mentor’s guidance. I applaud the great effort of all SGS performers in presenting a spectacular performance at NDP 2024,
depicting the chapter, “We Uplift One Another” with the greatest support from the training, logistics and administration committees.
The performance showcases our community’s strength when we come together, highlighting our collective effort to uplift each other, leaving no one behind. This is also the spirit of Nichiren Buddhism, the spirit of practice for oneself and others, where we not only strive for the happiness of ourselves, but also the happiness of others.
Many participants have achieved breakthroughs in the various aspects of their lives during these five-month journey. They have certainly shown actual proof of faith and practice. Heartiest congratulations to all!
