Youth! Take Full Responsibility for Kosen-rufu
Nichiren Daishonin writes: “The deeper the roots, the more luxuriant the branches. The farther the source, the longer the stream.” (WND-1, p. 940)
Last month, at the Singapore Kosen-Rufu Day Commemorative Meeting, we honoured a total of 250 pioneer members who received their Gohonzon more than 50 years ago.
In the pioneering era of the 1960s, under the most challenging circumstances, they led many people to practise faith and sank the roots of Nichiren Buddhism in society.
During their courageous shakubuku efforts, they met hostile rebuttals of “Why are you practising a Japanese religion?”
They travelled many hours just to visit one member and some were even chased by dogs.
In the absence of activity centre then, activities like discussion meetings and study meetings were held in members’ homes. Since the homes were very small, furniture had to be moved to the corridor in order to accommodate the participants.
With limited study materials then, our pioneers treasured the teachings of Nichiren Buddhism with deep seeking minds. They studied them over and over again to deepen their understanding of faith, and put them into practice. This led to actual proof of faith manifesting in their lives.
Ikeda Sensei said the following during his first visit to Singapore in 1988: “‘It is the heart that is important.’ (WND-1, p. 1000) In faith, one’s heart is of the utmost importance. A rainbow of beauty and hope shines splendidly in the lives of the people who advance harmoniously for the betterment of society with a pure heart. … I hope you will maintain a pure heart and live out your most precious existence confidently, as you strive for the sake of Singapore.”
It is with a pure heart and courage derived from deep faith that our pioneers strove on with uncompromising fighting spirit to advance kosen-rufu. Without this, SGS will not be what we are today.
At the meeting, it was so heartening to see youth representatives making a declaration to succeed the spirit of our pioneers, to take full responsibility for Singapore kosen-rufu, and carry on our mentor Ikeda Sensei’s legacy to bring peace and happiness to the world and into the future. Youth are precious. They possess immense potential, and they are our hope for humanity’s future. It had been second Soka Gakkai president Toda’s firm belief that “A new age will be created by the passion and power of youth.”
Ikeda Sensei, deeply understanding his mentor Toda Sensei’s feelings, stood up with determination to become the driving force for the development of the whole Soka Gakkai, beyond the scope of his role as a youth division leader. Such a sense of responsibility is the original spirit that all youthful successors, Bodhisattvas of the Earth, should engrave in the depths of their hearts.
Ikeda Sensei also encouraged members to have the awareness of being a key player in achieving kosen-rufu, in other words, to regard the Soka Gakkai as an integral part of themselves. As we commemorate March 16 Kosen-rufu day, let’s be reminded of its significance: youthful successors taking the baton to advance kosen-rufu from our mentor, and taking full responsibility for the future development of the Soka Gakkai, warmly illuminating our communities by treasuring and encouraging the person in front of us.
Youth! Come forward to experience this transformative life philosophy of Nichiren Buddhism. When you dedicate your life to kosen-rufu, you will live a great life of fulfilment and value creation.
