Congratulations to all our valiant successors in the Young Men Division and Young Women Division for their great victories in commemorating the 70th anniversary of their formation days this July with their “one more daimoku, one more dialogue and one more shakubuku” effort. At each of their commemorative meetings, there was no lack of victory reports to inspire and encourage one another in these challenging times. Please continue with this great effort and further expand our network of friendship no matter how difficult the times may be.
We would also like to extend our deep appreciation to our NDP participants and all those working behind the scenes, challenging various obstacles in their trainings and daily lives for an important performance of hope amidst this pandemic. Let us continue to offer warm encouragement and support them through prayers for a safe and successful performance this August.
The Covid-19 pandemic has brought about challenges of an unprecedented scale. However, we can learn from Ikeda Sensei on his indomitable and undefeated faith during his post-war experiences in Japan and triumph over the present situation.
Seventy four years ago on August 14, 1947, Ikeda Sensei, then 19 years old, first met Josei Toda. 10 days later on August 24, he embraced Nichiren Buddhism and decided to dedicate his life by striving with his mentor Toda Sensei for the peace and happiness of the world. In several of his essays he recounted that first encounter and his taking up of faith in Nichren Buddhism in this manner,
“I was 13 when the war broke out and 17 when it ended. The most impressionable period of my young life had been shrouded by the dark clouds of war. Moreover, I was ill with tuberculosis. War threatened from without, while tuberculosis threatened from within — the shadow of death always hovered over me. Then with Japan’s defeat, my entire view of life shattered. What was the true way of life for a human being? What should I devote my life to?
“Mr Toda gave me a clear answer filled with conviction and utterly lacking in any intellectual game-playing or dishonesty that obscured the true point of my question. I was tired of adults who were patronising to youth, so I was especially moved by Mr Toda’s sincerity…
“I was just an ordinary youth searching for his path in life. I am convinced that it is precisely because I have devoted myself wholeheartedly to the path of mentor and disciple that I have been able to lead an unsurpassed life dedicated to the highest good…”
Ikeda Sensei, as a youth, found the path of absolute happiness by upholding his mentor’s vision and inheriting his spirit. He exerted himself to carry out his mission as the Bodhisattva of the Earth. Through his efforts, the lives of millions of people who have encountered Nichiren Buddhism have transformed and they are now walking the
path of absolute happiness and at the same time, contributing to the great prosperity and development of the country.
Let us follow our mentor‘s footsteps, stay true to our path of mission, as we strive even harder in this crucial time to expand the network of the greatest good. Together, let us strive on joyfully in the next few months to end this year in great victory!
