Osaka Campaign

VC _1_02_B.qxd 9/19/2012 11:03 AM Page 137 THE OSAKA CAMPAIGN Learning from the Struggles of President Ikeda in his Youth — Part 1 of 3 (This collection of reflections, recollections and testimonials was translated by 41 members of the Kansai World Group and presented to SGI President Daisaku Ikeda on November 18, 2003) BREAKING BARRIERS! “I will do it” J ust how does one make one’s mentor’s vision a reality? The answer lies in the actions of the disciple. How does a disciple struggle to realise his or her mentor’s great desire to achieve kosen-rufu? What were the thoughts of President Ikeda during his youth? The following entry dated March 29, 1956 (Thursday) appears in A Youthful Diary: 1952: Built a great foundation for Kamata Chapter 1953: Tremendous growth in Bunkyo Chapter 1954: Established the foundation and achieved great progress for the Youth Division 1956: Will finally lead in earnest in this spring’s battle in Osaka “Will finally”: The determination of President Ikeda (then a youth of 28 years) to devote his entire being to the accomplishment VALUE CREATION ♦ JANUARY 2007 137 VC _1_02_B.qxd 9/19/2012 11:03 AM Page 138 of his mentor’s great desire shines out clearly. The following is also written. “The next three years … will determine the outcome of my life.” Two years after President Ikeda made this entry, his mentor passed away. It was without a doubt the true moment of struggle. Only one genuine disciple was aware that the time for kosen-rufu had come, and “exerting one hundred million eons of effort in a single life-moment”, he delved into the Osaka Campaign. “I am staking my whole life…” What made the tremendous victory possible in the Osaka Campaign? How was the ever-victorious history established? The second president Josei Toda told one of the leaders, “Just as Daisaku said, ‘I will take full responsibility for the Osaka Campaign,’ I am going to let him do it.” This was around April 1955. In Thoughts on ‘The New Human Revolution’, President Ikeda writes: “When Toda Sensei became the second president of the Soka Gakkai, one of the first things I said to him was: ‘For the future development of kosen-rufu in Japan, we should give top priority to constructing a chapter in Osaka, the capital of the people.’ My mentor replied on the spot: ‘All right. If that’s what you think, Daisaku, go to Osaka and build a chapter there.’” President Ikeda volunteered to take the lead in the Osaka Campaign, which was deemed impossible to win. His dedicated willingness paved the way for victory. The entry dated October 31, 1955 in A Youthful Diary states: “This battle (in Osaka) will determine my destiny. My only recourse is to believe in the Buddhist gods’ protection. No, rather than simply parroting Buddhist terms, I must first dedicate my entire spirit, my essence. Only then can I expect protection from the Buddhist gods.” Was there anyone who was even aware of President Ikeda’s agony in the depths of his heart? 138 VALUE CREATION ♦ JANUARY 2007 VC _1_02_B.qxd 9/19/2012 11:03 AM Page 139 When President Ikeda said to one of the leaders from Tokyo, “I’ll take you to Osaka,” the leader thought that President Ikeda would take him there for sightseeing. Only after struggling under the leadership of President Ikeda for some time did he realise Sensei’s firm resolve to make the impossible possible. Giichiro Shiraki, then Chapter Chief of Osaka I once expressed my determination in front of Ikeda Sensei: “It seems to be very difficult for us to win in this campaign. However, even if we lose this time, I will keep fighting until I win.” Although this was said in a spirit of earnest determination, Sensei refuted it, saying, “I’m staking my whole life on this campaign. We cannot afford to lose, no matter what happens.” With deep regret, I realised my shallowness. I then felt that I could sense Sensei’s unwavering determination. Preparation accounts for 90 per cent of the task to accomplish the goal From September 1954, President Ikeda visited Osaka once a month to give lectures to candidate members of the study department in Kansai. The novel The Human Revolution states, “He put his extraordinary passion into every single word of his lectures.” The leaders who had fought with President Ikeda said, “After arriving in Osaka, Sensei told us that preparation accounts for 90 per cent of the battle. If you want to achieve your goal, you should make thorough preparation behind the scenes.” President Ikeda was steadily making preparations alone without anyone knowing. He and the members in Kansai were tied in a deep bond since that time. Tadashi Murata, then Vice Chapter Chief of Osaka In September 1954, the first Gosho lecture by President Ikeda was held in Osaka. We studied the Gosho without a break from morning to afternoon. There is one Gosho passage that I cannot VALUE CREATION ♦ JANUARY 2007 139 Amidst this situation. In the midst of the Osaka Campaign in 1956. “I.” I remembered. President Ikeda.” The man caught my eye and passed by me. “Oh. At the meeting place.qxd 9/19/2012 11:03 AM Page 140 forget. the Osaka Chapter Chief. That very person was. we should struggle with an earnest and sincere spirit as if we were shedding tears. “From head to toe. but my tears flow ceaselessly. While looking round on the street. carrying the Gosho that I had managed to buy. I saw a smart-looking young man walking in my direction. then a Women’s Division Group Chief In September 1954. I had never known that there was such a wonderful person in the Soka Gakkai. Even men walking on the street look different. “Wow! Osaka is such a big city and so different from what I imagined. Nichiren. Kotoe Ousaka.” 140 VALUE CREATION ♦ JANUARY 2007 . I shed my tears not for worldly affairs but solely for the sake of the Lotus Sutra” (WND-1. he is the man I saw a little while ago. This young man looks so sophisticated. introduced the lecturer to us. I felt as if my entire body was trembling. I thought. Sensei encouraged us. there was a severe shortage of leaders who could take care of new members because of the rapid expansion of membership. Mr Giichiro Shiraki. He delivered a lecture filled with great passion and firm conviction. Live your life to the fullest as a Soka Gakkai member. “For the sake of the Gohonzon.” Inspired by his fervour. I went to Osaka from Kyoto to attend a Gosho lecture as a candidate member of the study department. to my surprise. I was enveloped with a sense of ineffable delight when he said. saying. I just couldn’t locate the meeting place. for the sake of kosen-rufu. the members who had attended Sensei’s Gosho lectures during 1954 and 1955 developed into group or district leaders to support the organisation as core members. do not cry.VC _1_02_B. Although I was in the neighbourhood of the venue. 386). your entire body is Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. The first Gosho passages Sensei quoted were. He taught us to have the great conviction that no prayers would be unanswered if you chanted to the Gohonzon. Akiko Kurihara. But suddenly the sun of hope rose brilliantly in my heart. It has been inscribed ‘for the prosperity of the Great Law and fulfilment of all prayers’. or to obtain water from parched ground” (WND-1. ********** “FAITH IN THE GOHONZON”: THE STARTING POINT “Produce fire from damp wood …” It was late in the afternoon on January 4 when President Ikeda arrived in Osaka by the express train Swallow and visited the Kansai headquarters for the first time. We referred to Mr Toda as “President”. “You VALUE CREATION ♦ JANUARY 2007 141 . This means that the Great Law will spread in Kansai and all prayers will be fulfilled. then a young women’s division corps chief “Sensei and Kansai”: In Kansai. “This Gohonzon is truly great.qxd 9/19/2012 11:03 AM Page 141 Up until that moment. with only a short history of practise. “… praying as earnestly as though to produce fire from damp wood. The struggle for victory starts from “faith in the Gohonzon”. we called Dr Ikeda “Sensei” right from the start. the ensuing poverty and other hardships. with the collapse of my husband’s company. signifying that we have already won this campaign” — this is what Sensei declared soon after arriving in Osaka. I had lamented why I alone was so unhappy. 1001). For Kansai.VC _1_02_B. Sensei had always been with us literally since every one of us took faith. 444) and “Employ the strategy of the Lotus Sutra before any other” (WND-1. It was Ikeda Sensei who taught us the greatness of President Toda and the dynamics of this faith from the beginning of our practise. So the member thought that Sensei was chanting because he was not used to riding in cars and afraid of traffic accidents. Sensei told us why he prayed so earnestly.VC _1_02_B. including people in the world of hell and even those in the world of hunger.’” Tadashi Murata. The first reason was that ‘If we were defeated. even the senior leaders had been practising for only three or four years. I knew that chanting was important and I was doing gongyo regularly but could only chant for 20 minutes at most. “One day. At that time.’ Second. I think we must have chanted eventually for about two hours.’ That’s why I chanted. President Toda’s plan for the future would collapse. When everyone’s prayers become one and reach the Gohonzon. I won’t cause any 142 VALUE CREATION ♦ JANUARY 2007 . “It’s okay. The member said to Sensei. would all participate in this campaign’.qxd 9/19/2012 11:03 AM Page 142 must start from sincere and strong prayers to the Gohonzon. ‘We must make the impossible possible. the path to make the impossible possible will surely unfold. “Sensei was chanting in the car. Of course.” Another pioneer leader says. “None of us was aware that behind the scenes Sensei was praying as though he was ‘exerting a hundred million aeons of effort’. The chanting started and continued for an hour. I myself joined in 1953 and was in the third year of my practise. ‘Losing in this campaign means losing in the first campaign. Sensei sensed such an atmosphere in Osaka and taught us the importance of daimoku through his action at the beginning of the campaign.” In those days it was rare for ordinary people to ride in a car. During the same period there was a report from a local member who said.” One of the leaders at the time said. then Vice Chapter Chief I believe it was the beginning of 1956 when the senior leaders of Osaka gathered and did gongyo with Sensei on the third floor of the Kansai headquarters. My legs hurt very badly and I kept wondering when it would end so I kept looking at Sensei’s back while I was chanting. It was only after the campaign that he disclosed to us he had been ‘chanting so that everyone. Sensei. ” Soon afterwards a storm of chanting was raised in Osaka. Sensei’s second day in Osaka. then a Young Men’s Division Group Chief At the Kansai headquarters at midnight. impressed by Sensei’s solemn attitude of chanting alone at midnight while everyone else must have already been asleep. He was exerting a hundred million aeons of effort in a single moment of life. I opened the door of the chanting room in order to chant three daimoku before going home. ********** ADVANCE CHEERFULLY. At first.VC _1_02_B.qxd 9/19/2012 11:03 AM Page 143 accidents. He did so because he knew that only “the truth could work as a springboard to help them make firm resolutions” (The Human Revolution). I straightened myself. DANCING WITH JOY A cheerful atmosphere attracts people The following day. President Ikeda reacted in a VALUE CREATION ♦ JANUARY 2007 143 . Sensei’s words still echo in my heart. “Daimoku is the fount of everything. January 5. a district chiefs meeting was held in the evening. “I am infiltrating daimoku into the earth of Osaka. Everyone was expecting strict guidance regarding the election campaign.” But Sensei answered. President Ikeda disclosed in detail how poor their strength in Kansai was and how far they were from victory. nevertheless.” Hitoshi Tsuji. I was completely awe-stricken with what I saw — Sensei was chanting earnestly by himself. after attending the YMD planning meeting. “Since this is our first campaign in Kansai.” The tense atmosphere inside the room was dispersed. I also went up to the front and danced.” And then he danced composedly. He finished up with yet another wonderful dance. He was slim but his voice reverberated powerfully in my heart. I wondered if President Ikeda could have read the atmosphere. although I was doing it seriously. Bursts of laughter broke out around the room over the ridiculous motions of the dancer whose movements were not in rhythm with the song at all. “We’ll continue to fight during this campaign while dancing. I was astonished to hear President Ikeda’s voice for the first time.VC _1_02_B. His free movements were those of a young warrior’s pre-battle dance. “Why don’t we dance?” He said. My awkward dance must have seemed hilarious to everyone. saying. 144 VALUE CREATION ♦ JANUARY 2007 . My mind became as clear as a cloudless sky and I was filled with a strong sense of determination to fight. is there anybody who wants to dance?” In response. “People will be attracted to a place where there are ‘songs.qxd 9/19/2012 11:03 AM Page 144 completely opposite way. one person came up to the front and danced. Then he called out. “Let’s sing ‘Kurodabushi’ since we still have time. turning into a lighter and brighter one. It was refreshing and yet full of vitality. Eventually. tears and laughter’. He said. Let’s advance cheerfully. I must have become so excited that I danced without thinking. He told us that it would be a hard-fought campaign. Although everyone was determined to do their best in the campaign — which seemed impossible to win — they couldn’t help but feel anxious after realising the gravity of the situation. Overwhelmed by President Ikeda’s confidence-filled guidance. and told us. Everyone laughed outright. He suggested dancing to ‘Kurodabushi’. I attended a district chiefs meeting at the Kansai headquarters. then a Vice District Chief On January 5.” Kiichiro Aoki. ‘unity’. What brings about this harmony is ‘faith’. I realised everything. “We felt that the ‘struggle for the campaign started from dancing’. or with the secondary essence alone. I would practise dancing before going to bed. Both on his first day of battle in Osaka. Achieving victory is not possible only with the primary essence. In other words. President Ikeda sang a song and danced in front of them. How could they unite? A difficult lecture would not make them understand. the Gohonzon and the Gosho” (The Human Revolution).” However. Only when both are perfectly harmonised does the impossible become possible. however. We would not have understood it otherwise. And the second-most important essence is ‘the best strategy and the most effective action’. I feel embarrassed about how ignorant I was. One of the leaders commented.” President Ikeda asked at the district leaders meeting on January 5: “How can we harmonise ‘powerful and strong prayers’ with ‘the best strategy and the most effective action’? Only through ‘faith’. President Ikeda taught us what unity was all about through dancing.” ********** WHAT WE SHOULD RELY ON ARE THE GOHONZON AND THE GOSHO Start the battle based on study … “There are only two things which I should rely on. He let them learn of their own accord what “unity” was in a cheerful atmosphere filled with bursts of laughter.qxd 9/19/2012 11:03 AM Page 145 “Powerful and strong prayers” and “the most effective action” “The primary essence of victory is ‘powerful and strong prayers’. President Ikeda started the struggle with study as the basis. and during his second stay there (from January 14 to 16) he held energetic VALUE CREATION ♦ JANUARY 2007 145 . Later.VC _1_02_B. Looking back at it now. nobody understood the real meaning of unity. January 4. because it was usual for him to encourage members on the platform till the last minute. and serious as a gravestone. wearing the formal attire of a samurai. “You always saw me off at Osaka Station. I took the oral examination with only poor knowledge of study.VC _1_02_B. One of the senior members from the pioneer days told us laughingly of an anecdote referring to how inexperienced the members in Kansai were: “We were told that if we do kingyo (gongyo) every morning and evening and do a seppuku (shakubuku) a month. didn’t you? Thank you very much. though I had never received guidance from him personally. I was so moved.” He remembered me.” Sensei laughed and laughed merrily. saying. Even after the train started to leave. “Who ever told you that?” The atmosphere relaxed at once. He was the interviewer. I saw many leaders around me and that made me nervous. we can get koutoku (kudoku). “Sensei! Sensei!” I had another chance to meet him at an oral examination held for candidates of the study department. On his third visit (January 29). we still asked for his guidance. I sometimes saved a seat for him in the third-class car. I did 146 VALUE CREATION ♦ JANUARY 2007 . “Priest Nikko was so sober. then a Young Women’s Division Unit Chief As I lived near Osaka Station. Fumiko Inishi. I was so overwhelmed that I answered something like. then a Young Women’s Division Unit Chief It was when I took the Joshi (assistant teacher) oral examination. I was asked about the Daishonin’s leaving of Mt Minobu.qxd 9/19/2012 11:03 AM Page 146 question-and-answer sessions for prospective study department members. he even acted as an interviewer for the study examination. shouting. Setsuko Sugihara. I would often see off President Ikeda with some of the youth division members.” This was during those days when the members lacked basic knowledge of Buddhist terms. He said. I saw Sensei. “What a wonderful faith I’ve been practising!” I was deeply moved. you’ll be able to understand in the end. There are no better strategies than the Lotus Sutra. aren’t you?” he asked me with a smile. I couldn’t believe it was the first time I had seen him because I felt enveloped by his warmth and consideration. take action with strong faith. “No matter what may happen to you.” I became totally relaxed hearing his words. Sensei listened to me earnestly while I talked about my family situation and other things. “We were all told that the Gosho is like one’s sword. I began to study this Buddhism earnestly. I clearly remember what Sensei communicated to me with his gallant eyes. I’ve always made great efforts to study the Gosho. never let go of the Gohonzon.qxd 9/19/2012 11:03 AM Page 147 not feel I belonged there because I was inexperienced and so young. We studied ‘The Threefold Secret Teaching’ and ‘The Entity of the Mystic Law’.” Many pioneer members say. I said. I’m Setsuko Sugihara.” From the time of that interview.VC _1_02_B. I had a chance to sit in on a Gosho lecture given by President Ikeda.” I did my best to follow his guidance on this matter. but if you read them ten times. “In any battle. Since then. When I entered the interview room. I also felt as if invited to a beautiful palace. As a result. The Gosho is “the sword of a samurai” President Ikeda emphasised that battles based on the Gosho are “the best strategies and activities”. “No. I studied and studied. “You are Setsuko Hara (a very famous actress at that time). “They are difficult. Toshiyasu Fuwa. then a college student When I was a prospective member of the study department. even on the train. When he found a member without a VALUE CREATION ♦ JANUARY 2007 147 . He said to us. I realised. He also said. Be sure to become happy. Never think of applying strategies other than that. They were both quite difficult to grasp. all the other members except for them abandoned the faith because of lack of study. on another occasion. Mitsuo Yamamoto. then a Squad Chief I once had to deliver some documents to the Kansai Headquarters and when I opened the door to President Ikeda’s 148 VALUE CREATION ♦ JANUARY 2007 . just as samurai would carry their swords. Kansai members willingly spent as much as 2.000 yen on a copy of the Gosho. a French roll cost 10 yen. Without study. “Do you have the Gosho? You are surrounded by 40. he told us this: “The most important thing for young women’s division members is Buddhist study. do you? When Mr Makiguchi and Mr Toda were jailed. then a Young Women’s Division Vice Corps Chief About a year after I started practising. Why don’t you have one of your own? You should get one even by doing a side job if you don’t have enough money. “Do you have a Gosho?” I answered. I told him there were about 40. he asked me. At that time. you cannot be of great use for kosen-rufu. he would ask very severely. Then he asked me.” Then Sensei said. Nobuyuki Yanagihara.000 books there. “The Gosho is the sword of faith.” He taught me the importance of study. Study hard. I was working for a library in Ikeda City. He kindly asked me about my family and job situation. ‘What happened to your Gosho?’” Masuko Mineyama. And.” I soon started a part-time job and bought a Gosho.qxd 9/19/2012 11:03 AM Page 148 Gosho. They walked to Gakkai activities with the Gosho in their bag all the time. “Yes. I have one. and daily wages were around 300 yen. then a college student When I met Sensei for the first time. though it’s my father’s. I met Ikeda Sensei for the first time.000 books but you don’t have a Gosho of your own.” In those days.VC _1_02_B. It was on ‘The Offering of an Unlined Robe’. On one occasion I had to give a Gosho lecture to the examinees. He was there holding it with both hands.” Tadashi Murata. I put the documents on the desk and left the office. Ikeda Sensei gave me guidance.” After the meeting.qxd 9/19/2012 11:03 AM Page 149 office I saw him reading the Gosho at his desk. I took the liberty of looking at his Gosho during the break. VALUE CREATION ♦ JANUARY 2007 149 . then a Chapter Standing Committee member Ikeda Sensei once gave a Gosho lecture on behalf of President Toda. he was treating his copy of the Gosho as a treasure.” then immediately went back to his reading. “The emcee should jot down the format of the meeting on a memo pad and read it out beforehand. There were a lot of passages underlined in red. but no notes except for a few circles around some words. Ikeda Sensei encouraged me. Having seen me hesitating as to what to say. This was the moment I became deeply determined to challenge myself in Buddhist study by emulating his attitude towards the Gosho. Obviously. saying. Prior to the meeting. saying. Setsuko Umemoto. then Vice Chapter Chief In those days we had very few members in the study department. “Thank you for your efforts. then a Young Women’s Division Unit Chief We had a Buddhist study seminar for lecturers with President Ikeda. “Thank you for your trouble. You did a good job. he said. Since I was so curious how he could give us such wonderful lectures. I was supposed to act as emcee.VC _1_02_B. Setsuko Sugihara. studying very intensely. His attitude towards study made me realise the real meaning of “a great swordsman’s discipline”. you should imagine that I am always sitting beside you. On the second day of his stay in Kansai. Exert your utmost.” I was flustered. saying.. I was regretful and ashamed that I didn’t understand his true intentions for doing what he did. all the Kansai members must stand up with faith. I was blushing. Ikeda Sensei was silently listening to my lecture. but somehow got through my lecture. ********** MEET EACH AND EVERY MEMBER All the members should stand up with faith January 5. what was it that President Ikeda did first with all his might? It was to give personal guidance. “Certainly. which he engaged himself in from morning till night. Sensei insisted I should remain in my place. you’ll be fine.” Toda Sensei was always beside Ikeda Sensei. In spite of my efforts to change places. Ikeda Sensei said. “The reason why Shin’ichi Yamamoto intended to give heartfelt guidance to each Kansai member was that he knew it was the key to winning all struggles.” I answered. sitting right next to me. To achieve the most difficult aim. “No matter what lecture you may give.qxd 9/19/2012 11:03 AM Page 150 Sensei unexpectedly attended the meeting held at the Kansai Headquarters and sat right beside me. “On behalf of President Toda .VC _1_02_B. After this incident. Later I suddenly remembered that Ikeda Sensei often said. the carrying out of each activity with a full sense of joy is indispensable. I didn’t even know what I was saying. first and foremost.” Nevertheless. I changed my attitude towards my faith as well as study. To fulfil this. 150 VALUE CREATION ♦ JANUARY 2007 .. overcome with embarrassment. then it will be accomplished” (The Human Revolution). His words gave me a glimpse of the profound bond between mentor and disciple. “Mr Murata. lasted for one and a half hours. then a Women’s Division Unit Chief On the occasion of Sensei’s visit to Mr Shiraki’s residence.” President Ikeda took the initiative to show us how to act. introducing me to Sensei. I was also in debt. Hisayo Owaki. It is the greatest fortune one could have. Sensei walked into the room. then a Women’s Division District Chief My husband Hisashi. you have the Gohonzon. ten or twenty years.” He also asked about my children and present situation. He left me with five children.” The guidance. The Gohonzon will protect you. Fusae Fukuzumi. “Don’t cry. who was Osaka Women’s Division Chapter Chief. you have the Gohonzon instead of your husband. Now you must be feeling unhappy. the tears will make your husband sad. Sensei remembered that he had met my husband at the Gosho lecture meeting and said. I was a district chief in the women’s division. On the evening of January 5. There were reasons why you got married to someone who died young.qxd 9/19/2012 11:03 AM Page 151 “I meet each and every member in person to give guidance. I will also take you overseas. “What will happen to me?” I wondered.” Mrs Shiraki said. 1955. including a fifth-grader and a four-month-old baby. given with all his heart. “This lady has lost her husband. “Your husband was a nice person. However. then a block chief. You will definitely become happy in the next five.VC _1_02_B. died of tuberculosis on December 30. In your house. If you cry. The campaign in Kansai began with thorough sessions of personal guidance. I tried to invite members who wanted to receive guidance as well as VALUE CREATION ♦ JANUARY 2007 151 . He must have been planning to rest a while before a district leaders meeting scheduled for the evening. I was in a room at Kansai Headquarters with my baby and Mrs Aya Shiraki. At that time. apparently exhausted because of all the guidance he had been giving. Sadako Sakai. “Ah.” This became the turning point of my life. “Hi. Sensei looked at me as I was nervously standing in the corner of the room. then a Young Women’s Division Vice Corps Chief I went to Itami Airport with my fellow YWD members hoping to greet Sensei when he came to Osaka. “Don’t you 152 VALUE CREATION ♦ JANUARY 2007 . On that very day. I will smile brightly.” Then. Nevertheless.VC _1_02_B. I was really surprised because at the time I was having difficulties with various people and thought time and again of quitting the practice. numerous Gakkai members came and I was only one of the staff members that were there.” “Oh yes. I was overcome with surprise. he said. it should be ‘all the more’ smilingly. Sensei encouraged me as if he understood my suffering. We were all so thrilled! After arriving at the headquarters. with faith as my basis. One day he called out to a young men’s division member. there was a group of ten people coming down from the slope which we were about to climb. Socks in the closet President Ikeda paid close attention to each member. “Although uprooted again and again. to accompany him to the Kansai Headquarters. when I was going to pay homage to our first president. “Yes. When I tried to make way for them. something is missing. who were nervously waiting for him. and penned some words of encouragement for me on an airline postcard.qxd 9/19/2012 11:03 AM Page 152 help out at the meeting place. He even held out his hand to shake hands with me. the dandelion blooms smilingly. Makiguchi Sensei’s grave at the Head Temple. Sensei kindly invited us. someone called out. one day many years after that. saying.” He added “all the more” in the poem. I haven’t seen you for quite a while!” It was Sensei! Sensei remembered me. I continued to put on torn socks because I couldn’t buy new ones. We lived under the overhead railway at Tsuruhashi Station for a while.VC _1_02_B. “I myself used to live in a small apartment. and this resulted in our having to leave our house.” President Ikeda said. I couldn’t afford a pillow. a good-natured man and the head of a Tsuruhashi shopping street.qxd 9/19/2012 11:03 AM Page 153 keep a number of socks in the closet of your apartment?” The young man was surprised to hear this. the young men’s division member started to talk about himself. “You can VALUE CREATION ♦ JANUARY 2007 153 .” President Ikeda continued. stressing the point. We made a house by hitching up a tent to iron poles that supported a platform. The Soka Gakkai is the world’s foremost college. But there lies the true training and growth of youth. “How do you know that?” he replied. Sakae Tomii. People often spoke ill of us. became a debt guarantor. saying. “I once wanted to go to college myself. “But I had to support President Toda’s company.” Moved by President Ikeda’s warm consideration. He had to give up going to college and work as an apprentice. I was busy with Gakkai activities. you must first overcome your own grief.” President Ikeda shared his own experience in his youth. so I used folded newspapers. In addition.” President Ikeda said. wondering if Sensei had come to his apartment in his absence. then a Women’s Division District Chief My husband. So I gave up the idea of going to college. We put tatami mats over the foundation and slept on them. “when they struggle to live on their own and dedicate themselves to Gakkai activities. My husband and I lost the means to support our family of 12.” President Ikeda’s warm encouragement touched the young man’s heart. That’s why I can tell how you are living now. “that if you want to conquer the world.” “But youth must bear in mind. Please be assured that you can learn in the Gakkai. “Due to financial difficulties. the object of devotion. We needed two buckets of water to make a living and to cook. as absolute.” Moreover. When Sensei visited Osaka. “All that is necessary is for you to perceive the Gohonzon. The neighbours didn’t even give us that much water. he encouraged me. “I know. Encouragement with a delivery of Chinese noodles Iwao Murata. a young and inexperienced 23-year-old at the time. “You look like Audrey Hepburn!” Sensei continued encouraging members day after day. At the time I had assumed a lot of responsibility in managing organisational statistics. a year after taking up faith in Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism. was appointed to the post of the women’s division district chief. said that when he met President Ikeda and reported to him about living at the station. Sensei said. And at the meeting Sensei spoke as though he were talking to each and every one of us personally.” He even remembered our home at the station. After a while my husband.VC _1_02_B. then a Group Chief It was January 15. seeing my square-jawed face.” It was awful. I visited you there. saying.qxd 9/19/2012 11:03 AM Page 154 go and see at the station what will happen to you if you take up this faith. who had just returned from a summer training course. Sensei paid us an unexpected visit. I had an opportunity to tell him about my appointment. 154 VALUE CREATION ♦ JANUARY 2007 . saying. Sensei gave me guidance. then a Women’s Division District Chief In February 1956. I. President Ikeda actually visited us in this tent. Takako Kobayashi. While we were having a meeting for the members in charge of organisational statistics. It was unheard of for a top-ranking leader to encourage any member of the organisational statistics division.VC _1_02_B. If the flow stagnates. slipped to the second rank. but what a great person he is!” After that. Therefore. As a result. “Presently all of you are accumulating unseen virtues through your hard work behind the scenes which will never fail to yield visible rewards. “He is young. the body dies. Sensei took the initiative in giving personal guidance to each member and started attending many discussion meetings. So everyone there was amazed to hear Sensei speak to them directly. the Osaka chapter.qxd 9/19/2012 11:03 AM Page 155 “Your duty in managing statistics is like facilitating the smooth flow of blood in the human body. and February was the month for giving guidance to members. we were nevertheless extremely impressed by his consideration towards us. Please take care of yourself. Sensei placed an order for a delivery of Chinese noodles for us as we were working late. our division had not been in the limelight. the importance of your mission is immeasurable. Noodles were such a delicacy at that time. The noteworthy activity of Kansai in February was thoroughly giving guidance to members.” Although none of us knew very much about Sensei at the time. I shall never forget the taste of those delicious noodles for as long as I live! ********** GIVING THOROUGH GUIDANCE TO THE MEMBERS The springboard for great expansion A good general will make good men.” Until then. January was the month to lay the foundation of the members’ faith through learning about the Daishonin’s Buddhism. VALUE CREATION ♦ JANUARY 2007 155 . which had been Number One in the number of shakubukus till then. “It was my child’s illness. whenever we asked our senior leaders for guidance. There are no exceptions. there is no reason why we cannot get positive results. the most important thing here is to believe that Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is like the roar of a lion. “You do shakubuku first and then come back for guidance. Miki Abe. 156 VALUE CREATION ♦ JANUARY 2007 . However. ‘Nam-myoho-rengekyo is like the roar of a lion.qxd 9/19/2012 11:03 AM Page 156 after the Kamata chapter. confident that we can bring about this change. The roar of a stray cat doesn’t work. The Daishonin says.” Faith can change one’s life.” All of us there were listening to Sensei’s earnest words to her as if he were talking to each one of us. “I know you are having a hard time now. then a Women’s Division Group Chief The centre for all activities in the area was a small house and so we often heard the sound of someone climbing the stairs. Hitoshi Tsuji.VC _1_02_B.” Sensei encouraged her warm-heartedly and with confidence. but please never give up! You’ll be all right. 412) ‘What sickness’ in this passage refers to any kind of illness. The doctors had given up on my child. “Thorough guidance to members” became a trigger for the great historical leap in March. then a Young Men’s Division Group Chief One day I witnessed Sensei giving guidance to a women’s division member by quoting the Gosho. This is it! This Buddhism is so great! The benefits from this Buddhism are so amazing! I was so impressed by his spirit and his words based on the Gosho. If we participate in activities with an overflowing sense of joy. they just said. but I was told by a friend of mine that my child would be cured of the illness if I believed in this Buddhism. What sickness can therefore be an obstacle?’ (WND-1. At that time. He asked her politely questions such as “What brought you to believe in this Buddhism?” or “How’s your family doing?” She answered. we heard footsteps of someone coming up the stairs. His powerful conviction made even that person decide to join. not one guest agreed to start practising. VALUE CREATION ♦ JANUARY 2007 157 .qxd 9/19/2012 11:03 AM Page 157 It was in early February that we had four guests at the discussion meeting. as well as the local leaders. were re-grouped into teams to be responsible for each area. Finally he said. I will take full responsibility. However. President Ikeda aimed to re-organise the Soka Gakkai organisation so as to shed light on the local area from the very beginning. He had been dispatching leaders to Osaka since the end of the previous year in order to prepare for the formation of local organisations.” Sensei promised. Mitsuko Hirata. “Good evening. each member belonging to the same local organisation as the person who had introduced him or her to the practice.VC _1_02_B. “Why don’t you practise with us and become happy!” Those few words made the three people say “Yes. Sensei spoke to the non-members. He considered putting the right people in the right places in these five areas of Osaka Prefecture. then a Women’s Division Unit Chief Sensei talked to the last person patiently. Leaders from Tokyo. Divide the organisation area-wise into five The organisation in those days was formed along vertical lines as a rule. He divided Osaka City into two areas and the other cities of Osaka Prefecture into three so that he could keep the members speedily and well informed of his instructions and enable the leaders to thoroughly look after the frontline of the organisation. How are you?” Sensei came in speaking in an improvised Osaka dialect. Sensei’s familiarity made us feel as if we were being embraced with joy. “If you take up this faith for a year and your wishes don’t come true.” All of us present at the meeting were caught by surprise because although we had spent close to two hours doing shakubuku. In the middle of the meeting. I noticed there was a huge difference between the numbers of household memberships according to the block system and those according to the vertical line system.’” Iwao Murata. saying. Sensei thought everything out carefully. The cards enabled us to grasp the real situation in a short period of time. Carrying these cards with us. Woven with both warp and weft. then a Men’s Division Group Chief As a member of the organisational statistics division I developed a strong passion for my mission through Sensei’s warm encouragement. we visited members who were not confirmed as members of a block. ********** 158 VALUE CREATION ♦ JANUARY 2007 . the then local leader said: “If a local leader was young.VC _1_02_B. Sensei’s fight for kosen-rufu breathed life into the “block” system in Kansai. As a result. Sometimes they rejected us. In this way. I was trained by his instruction. If the local leader was senior in age. In order to win a victory.qxd 9/19/2012 11:03 AM Page 158 Reminiscing about those days. The leaders said “No kidding!” and rushed over to shakubuku the so-called member again. I suggested that we make out two kinds of cards. This was the first trial in Japan. Soka Gakkai aims to put both into practise. I devoted myself as a member of the statistics division to thoroughly grasp the situations of all members. he would team up with a senior leader from Tokyo. This became the driving force in our propagation activities. the organisation grew stronger. ‘One must bear in mind the two keywords in handling human resources: ‘conservation’ and ‘innovation’. In order to bridge the gap. the leader from Tokyo would be young.” Then we immediately contacted the leaders of the tatesen (vertical line) written on the cards. we must first be successful with human resources. a “block card” and a “group card” for each household. “I am not a member. ” Yoshiyuki Asai. This was the leader’s strategy. can you put the clock together again?” I said. intelligent leaders. We had never realised this until later when we read about it in the novel. Those who scold their members are disqualified as leaders. They are what I mean by foolish leaders.” Sensei told us many times. “There are four types of leaders: great leaders. we learned that only when we attune ourselves to our mentor can we tap immense capabilities from within ourselves. “Leaders should not think that they are great.” Once Sensei asked us. then a Young Men’s Division Corps Chief Sensei said. “Despite not knowing this. “If you take a clock to pieces and scatter the pieces on the sand of the dry riverbed. He then sensed the eternal truth that the Lotus Sutra was the general’s strategy.” He responded. we had conceitedly considered ourselves to be great leaders. Either intelligent or bold leaders do not suffice.” VALUE CREATION ♦ JANUARY 2007 159 . Both foolish and savage leaders cannot assume leadership to actualise kosen-rufu. Eventually. Looking back. Therefore. Such was our ignorance. “I can’t. The Human Revolution. “Leaders for kosen-rufu should have precise thinking in order to be able to do that. We should be great leaders of kosen-rufu who combine wisdom with courage. recklessly bold leaders and foolish leaders.qxd 9/19/2012 11:03 AM Page 159 THE LOTUS SUTRA IS “KNOWLEDGE RELATING GENERAL’S STRATEGY” TO THE In tune with our mentor One of the leaders dispatched from Tokyo reminisced: “Sensei had been struggling for victory in the campaign and earnestly chanting daimoku. we were trained and fostered by him very severely. I’m sure we all realised that we must have caused Sensei great inconvenience.VC _1_02_B. “Leaders’ ichinen. “In battles. or determination. then his soldiers will also be cowards” (GZ. The same can be said about our organisation. For example. “If the lord of the castle is brave. The leaders’ ichinen.” I can still hear the sound of his words “the core of your mind” very vividly. even in a car. If the lord is a coward. like a disorderly crowd. his soldiers will also be brave. Everything can be explained in the light of ‘The True Aspect of All Phenomena’. He attentively taught us — who.VC _1_02_B. then Osaka Chapter Chief Sensei often visited Osaka as general commander of the battle. President Ikeda also said. Giichiro Shiraki. 979). Let’s take a spinning top. knew nothing — everything we needed to know. A top with a stable axis can spin very smoothly. including the battle of 160 VALUE CREATION ♦ JANUARY 2007 . is the key to success President Ikeda devoted himself to nurturing leaders.qxd 9/19/2012 11:03 AM Page 160 President Ikeda said. he gave us guidance while taking a walk with us. 613). Nichiren Daishonin says in the Gosho. President Ikeda said. Everything is decided by just one leader’s conviction. “We need only one great leader in order to change a disorderly crowd of a thousand people into an elite troop. He gave us actual examples.” President Ikeda didn’t miss any chance to give us guidance. decides the fate of our organisation. The Daishonin wrote. or determination. And this is how his philosophy penetrated our hearts. then your group will certainly be active and vivid. for example. “Engrave this philosophy in the core of your mind. soldiers regard the general as their soul” (WND-1. and that it was a leader’s strong conviction that led everyone to victory. If you have a leader with strong faith in your group. He could even change a workhorse into a fleet horse. because he believed that we couldn’t win any battle without capable leaders. and at almost every opportunity he had to do so. we saw a swan. “I can’t see what I can’t see about it.” The leaders of that time all say that President Ikeda’s guidance always shone with wisdom received from President Toda. how to raise capable people. Finally Sensei said. “Yes. the mission of the Soka Gakkai. Once I was told by Toda Sensei. “But look at what you can’t see about the swan swimming at ease. Being on the offensive is the best defence. This is what ‘praying’ means. This is what we call yumyou shojin or “exert oneself bravely and vigorously”. the swan moves its right leg and left leg restlessly. “Sensei. “All you have to do is follow Daisaku. VALUE CREATION ♦ JANUARY 2007 161 .qxd 9/19/2012 11:03 AM Page 161 propagation. there’s a swan swimming along at ease. isn’t there?” Sensei replied.” And I did just what he had said. These are the two pillars for any struggle. and so on. This means ‘taking action’. how to build an organisation. You probably would put on even more airs in my absence. This is the very attitude that leaders should have. “There’s no way you can win in activities if you can’t first win over yourself. Win over yourself rather than winning in activities Win over yourself rather than winning in activities — being on the offensive is the best defence. A swan in the moats of Osaka Castle While walking along the moats of Osaka Castle.VC _1_02_B. It is not the right thing to do as leaders.” He didn’t seem to understand what Sensei was trying to say. “In fact. A youth division leader said. Leaders must exert themselves behind the scenes.” Then the youth leader answered. These are all the things that I learned while training under President Toda.” and asked him. You leaders put on airs in comfort in front of fellow members. While the Keima sits there. is only a foot soldier when it is in its ally’s position.” Only after President Toda had passed away did she realise that those words were actually President Toda’s last will and testament. This signifies that if you are trained. Moreover. However. she says that at the time “I didn’t know what President Toda was trying to say. do you understand? If not. We’re all going to support Dai. Turning into the “Queen” when in the enemy’s position One day. you can be a capable person. your position will be thrown 162 VALUE CREATION ♦ JANUARY 2007 . However. “Sensei.” He also talked about the Keima. was in the president’s room in the Kansai headquarters warming himself at the hibachi. He’s going to achieve greater things than me.qxd 9/19/2012 11:03 AM Page 162 One chilly day in January. The Keima’s presence is important. “Dai is really great. or ‘pawn’. the enemy cannot move. President Ikeda smiled wryly and explained plainly the reason why he was moaning. when it is in the enemy’s position. President Ikeda was playing Shogi or Japanese chess with a senior leader in Kansai. However. Listen carefully now. needless to say. or a charcoal brazier. you can’t even imagine what will happen!” “Dai”. If you don’t advance. the late Mrs Shiraki. or knight: “You tend to take good care of the members who are actively participating in activities.VC _1_02_B. if it moves inappropriately. our beloved mentor.” As he saw the Kansai leader’s honest attitude. President Toda. it turns into a ‘queen’. you know. President Ikeda was moaning. means President Ikeda. Mrs Shiraki renewed her vow to follow President Ikeda. this is not good. you cannot become ‘queen’. and the leader said. and talking to the then women’s division chapter leader. there is no use moaning that way. “A Fu. He’s a capable leader. in turn. He said.VC _1_02_B. His existence is equivalent to the Keima. You may say that he is not a good member. you must be a good listener and follow the member’s pace. talk about the benefits of taking faith. The audience will become strained listening to a difficult talk. He said.” President Ikeda also advised leaders that they must be capable of giving guidance in accordance with one’s own mind (zuijii). But talking only about hope tends to sound fishy. then a college student Sensei asked us at a meeting.qxd 9/19/2012 11:03 AM Page 163 into disorder. This constitutes preaching according to one’s own mind. “When you talk at a big meeting. Therefore. advise him to pray to the Gohonzon and devote himself to Gakkai activities in order to change his karma. This constitutes preaching in accordance with the minds of others. it’s important to talk combining all three points. Second. “Has anyone here ever been on a plane?” No one had. Shirahama was a beautiful seaside resort everyone looked forward to visiting by hydroplane. It is not true that only active persons are capable persons. Is it really true? Someone can influence people even though he only sits down. keep three things in mind: first.” Nobuyuki Yanagihara.” Guidance embodying hope and strictness President Ikeda told leaders at the time about what counts in giving guidance. Then. Leaders must be able to use both methods. as well as with the minds of others (zuitai). talk about the strictness of faith. Things should be viewed from both angles. In the beginning. Suppose there is a men’s division member who attends the discussion meeting. you cannot take the initiative as a leader. You need to be broadminded to be able to take care of members who are not active. but he doesn’t do anything. talk about hopes for a bright future. And third. Otherwise. “Leaders must conduct guidance sessions in accordance with both one’s own mind and according to the minds of others. “Let’s be victorious in activities and fly to Shirahama!” In those days. VALUE CREATION ♦ JANUARY 2007 163 . ” And then he asked. then a Young Men’s Division Unit Chief President Ikeda taught the importance of preparation so that it was instilled into our lives. One day he went to Nara Prefecture. I experienced this kind of failure several times. ‘[The generals in a tumultuous age] develop strategy behind drawn curtains.” This is the key to victory. but this time he asked different questions. and I thoroughly looked things up beforehand and succeeded in answering his questions. Sensei gave me this kind of practise repeatedly. 164 VALUE CREATION ♦ JANUARY 2007 . A cherry tree President Ikeda was taking a walk with representative members of the youth division in Sanadayama Park near the Kansai headquarters. and victory is decided thousands of miles away [from the field of battle]’ (GZ. I determined to answer this time or never. “When we hold a meeting. you will see that in the ensuing results.qxd 9/19/2012 11:03 AM Page 164 Such flights existed then between Shirahama and Osaka. Ponder and devise plans in your mind “Preparation should be given the highest priority. “What is the name of that castle?” I answered. If previous arrangements are made half-heartedly. In preparation for the next time. 183). “The essence of struggling for kosen-rufu is preparation. I investigated the matter beforehand.” President Ikeda reiterated this point. I once received guidance from President Ikeda during the car ride back from Wakayama Prefecture. “It’s Kishiwada Castle.” Yoshiyuki Asai. and through this practise he taught me how important thorough preparation is for kosen-rufu.VC _1_02_B. “Who lived there?” I couldn’t answer his question. we need detailed preparations to make any meeting successful. Sensei always gave us a dream. He asked. Gears started to mesh within the million-volt motor towards establishing a great Kansai. they bud when the warmth of spring arrives. VALUE CREATION ♦ JANUARY 2007 165 . In March the ‘Early Morning Gosho Lectures’ started.” His endeavours for fostering capable leaders who would be the core of the organisation continued. The youth division members wondered how cherry trees were related to the organisation. buds will not swell. it’s a natural process. “ “Sensei. “Sensei.” the youth division members responded. and one of the youth division members said. However. this tree is dead. If a leader is cold. “It is in the state of losing its seeking spirit. Then they came to a dead cherry tree. An organisation which does not have a seeking spirit will also die.” The members finally understood what Sensei wanted to convey. of losing the will to grow.” The president replied. President Ikeda continued.” President Ikeda asked him. but what if you apply this to the organisation?” President Ikeda replied.” “This is the truth of nature. “Sensei.VC _1_02_B. Sensei. it is a matter of course. “Do you know why cherry blossoms bloom in spring?” The member answered. Buds swell. Sensei went on to explain: “It is the same for the organisation. “We can’t wait to see the cherry blossom in full bloom. and a youth division member said. District leaders attended these lectures. blossom and bear fruit only around a leader with a warm and magnanimous heart.qxd 9/19/2012 11:03 AM Page 165 Cherry buds were beginning to swell. “Cherry blossoms can’t bloom in winter even if they want to since it’s too cold. blossoms will not bloom and capable people will not grow. he led the members in gongyo early in the morning and gave guidance centred on the Gosho. taking the lead and setting the finest example himself. And report this victory to my mentor. who will tread the way? The only path that makes the “impossible” possible! ********** ATTUNING ONESELF TO ONE’S MENTOR Early Morning Gosho Lectures In January 1956.VC _1_02_B. Though he was extremely busy. He stayed in Kansai mainly on Saturdays and Sundays. I have to win. He also gave guidance on how to practise. At Kansai headquarters. 166 VALUE CREATION ♦ JANUARY 2007 . President Ikeda started to give members guidance to take action. President Ikeda took a train every Friday to Osaka for the sake of Kansai’s victory. At every meeting the number of members gathering at a district was increasing remarkably. a group of senior members were newly dispatched. “The time to fight” was ripe at last. “Giving members guidance in faith thoroughly for two months awakened them to a sense of joy in their practice” (The Human Revolution). These meetings were eventually named ‘Early Morning Gosho Lectures’. “I want to win. And now. As a result. In early March. For only herein lies the path of mentor and disciple.qxd 9/19/2012 11:03 AM Page 166 The Osaka Campaign of 1956 … The struggles of a “disciple who volunteered” and dared to fight. the energy of faith spread across each area of Kansai.” The disciple exerted a hundred million aeons of effort in a single moment of life. I explained that the principle of faith. In the early morning planning meeting. crucial points of the contents which he should relate to senior members for the day. which never fails to lead us to victory. In March. the goal of 5. and which will work as the driving force through the Gosho. The amazing result was 5. originates from Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism” (Thoughts on ‘The New Human Revolution’). President Ikeda clearly stated the campaign targets to the leaders.” At first. Another leader sent from Tokyo said that the directions given by President Ikeda during the morning Gosho lecture was in fact the “best strategy”.VC _1_02_B.qxd 9/19/2012 11:03 AM Page 167 The Human Revolution says: “Every morning.000 households. who kept a great desire to make the impossible possible all to himself. and which makes the impossible possible. two things are vital: “strong daimoku” and “first-rate strategy and action”. “I have very fond memories of ‘the great campaign of kosenrufu in Osaka’. the shakubuku target was 4. clarified the timely. In view of the VALUE CREATION ♦ JANUARY 2007 167 . One leader explained that the “first-class strategy” was clearly shown in President Ikeda’s behaviour and in his ‘Early Morning Gosho Lectures’. the participants of the ‘Early Morning Gosho Lectures’ consisted of senior members from Tokyo and central leaders of Osaka. In order to achieve victory.000 households was set.986. Thereafter.005 households. In February. the “first-rate strategy” is to be in complete rhythm with Sensei. even district leaders from the local organisation started to attend these meetings. The end result turned out to be 3. Simply put. Centring on the early morning Gosho lecture. he. members thought that the April target would be set at 6. this time it was set for 8. The conviction that “anything is possible when we follow what Sensei teaches us” was strongly felt by each member. President Ikeda decided each target precisely. Yoshiyuki Asai. However.000. sensing the members’ morale and studying the situation in the organisation. It is not the form. The members listened to his lectures with a clear target in mind and became filled with conviction. [To be continued] (Translated from the January and February 2003 issues of Daibyakurenge) 168 VALUE CREATION ♦ JANUARY 2007 .qxd 9/19/2012 11:03 AM Page 168 steady increase in the shakubuku goals. An organisation does not function because people are allocated.” This is the principle that President Ikeda taught us.000 households. but life itself. Many members were overwhelmed with surprise that the final result was 1. then a Young Men’s Division Corps Chief “People don’t move because an organisation is built. These details breathed life into the organisation.002 households.VC _1_02_B. Sensei would discuss every single detail with us during the “morning Gosho lectures”.000 families over the April goal. The April shakubuku campaign resulted in 9. VALUE CREATION ♦ FEBRUARY 2007 113 . they were the practical teachings that led towards victory. then a District Women’s Division Chief Sensei always gave us guidance with his entire being. His lectures were more than a study meeting. He would say.qxd 9/19/2012 11:20 AM Page 113 THE OSAKA CAMPAIGN Learning from the Struggles of President Ikeda in his Youth — Part 2 of 3 (This collection of reflections. Several members brought children and all of them would sit quietly next to their parents. we will surely win. “When we do what he teaches us. One leader recalled that Ikeda Sensei’s guidances in which he quoted from the Gosho led everyone to fight with a strong determination. Setsuko Magari. I was amazed by the fact that President Ikeda’s determination even touched the children’s hearts.VC _2_02_B.” Sensei’s words touched our hearts.” This “feeling of security” turned into “courage”. would sit quietly when Sensei spoke. Sensei’s heart also communicated to our children. I feel sorry for the members if we lose this battle. Kansai members vigorously sought out ways to put Sensei’s guidance into action. “This is a battle between the Buddha and evil forces. 2003) STUDY BASED ON ACTION LEADS TO VICTORY Victory is certain when we follow what is taught S GI President Daisaku Ikeda often gave guidance by quoting Gosho passages. My four-year-old and one-yearold. recollections and testimonials was translated by 41 members of the Kansai World Group and presented to SGI President Daisaku Ikeda on November 18. who would usually get cranky during meetings. Sensei noticed that my children were not with me. He cited the following Gosho passage: “It is the power of the bow that determines the flight of the arrow. she can transform her family and even her community.VC _2_02_B. In addition. 656). He noticed even this minor detail. 114 VALUE CREATION ♦ FEBRUARY 2007 . my mother-in-law was bedridden and my husband did not support my practice. Sensei said. He then asked. the might of the dragon that controls the movement of the clouds. “What happened to your children today?” He knew that I always sat in the corner with them. One day I attended a meeting without my children.qxd 9/19/2012 11:21 AM Page 114 At one meeting. With the great power that each woman possesses. “Do not lament the adversity you are in. Sensei taught us how important the faith of a wife is. My father-in-law vehemently opposed my faith in the Gohonzon.” Through his lecture I received immense courage and developed a strong conviction. and the strength of the wife that guides the actions of her husband” (WND-1. “.. He then cited a Gosho passage. and retreat.. struggling together for the happiness of our friends. his organisation will end up losing. 997). enabling us to become a happy and harmonious family. Therefore. you can manifest the power of faith and the power of practise. 304). which states. everyone will practise in earnest. while retreat leads to death. devils will take advantage’” (WND-1. Sensei’s guidance was based on the Gosho passage. 464). Likewise. Growth is life. He went on to say. “Everything falls into the ultimate law of life and death. 512) — President Ikeda said: “If the central figure gives in. “Because you try hard to fulfil your responsibilities as a leader. When the mentor is near. his soldiers will become cowards” (WND-1. the power of faith and practise will bring forth the power of the Buddha and the power of the Law. VALUE CREATION ♦ FEBRUARY 2007 115 . He then said. “For example. then all the joints will split” (WND-1. Soka Gakkai leaders should shoulder the responsibility for leading each and every member towards happiness. ‘Strengthen your faith day by day and month after month.” Referring to this Gosho passage — “The situation is like the joints in a piece of bamboo: if one joint is ruptured. the crow’s blackness and the heron’s whiteness are actually the deep stains of their past karma” (WND-1. They will surely understand you when you revolutionise your own state of life. the Daishonin says. Yet the true disciple is one who makes serious efforts when the mentor is away.” Thereafter all my family members started practising Daishonin’s Buddhism. Growth leads to life. death One local leader reminisced that President Ikeda was strict with leaders. Leaders must take action on their own initiative towards that end.qxd 9/19/2012 11:21 AM Page 115 He asked me about my family. if a commanding general is fainthearted.VC _2_02_B. “Never hate or bear grudges against people who are opposed to this faith. Should you slacken in your resolve even a bit. I was very nervous. superiors generally took it easy. It was then that Sensei pointed out to me. Young women embracing the Mystic Law must be careful about their appearance. then a Young Women’s Division Vice Corps Chief In order to attend the morning Gosho lecture.” Sensei gave very detailed guidance to the young women’s division members. I was overwhelmed by Sensei.VC _2_02_B. train. wrote her remembrance as follows: “Sensei worked without any time to rest.” President Ikeda gave lectures citing various Gosho passages. you should ask him 116 VALUE CREATION ♦ FEBRUARY 2007 . One day. I summoned up the courage to read the Gosho aloud in front of the members. Gakkai leaders abandoned their faith when imprisoned by the military authorities. “This is the most important time in your life to establish the foundation of your faith. I would have to take the 5:00 A. However. No matter how humble a person may be. They abandoned their faith because the Gosho was not deeply etched in their mind. Given the fact that the meeting was held early in the morning.M. He went to bed last and got up first. if his wisdom is the least bit greater than yours. “We are creating a circle of friends who will stand by our side for our faith in Buddhism. which I had never read before. The Gosho was from The Record of Orally Transmitted Teachings. if you are careless about your personal appearance. I had been told that in society.” The first one to wake up and the last to sleep The late Yoshiko Fukuo. I hope you will do your best. people will not be attracted to the Gakkai. but managed to read through to the end. I was careless about my appearance. who ceaselessly devoted himself to others. Sensei thanked me and then continued. Please keep this in mind. During the war.qxd 9/19/2012 11:21 AM Page 116 Kaoru Nakayama. who was a caretaker of the Kansai headquarters. Ikeda Sensei: The benefit we receive in our daily practise to the Gohonzon is tremendous.. I ran a small restaurant near Tsuruhashi station. Ikeda Sensei: I don’t trust people who don’t work. 1039). VALUE CREATION ♦ FEBRUARY 2007 117 . you should not be arrogant. One day of life is more valuable than all the treasures of the major world system (WND-1. Ikeda Sensei: Let’s carry out a fight without any regrets.VC _2_02_B. then a Women’s Division District Chief In those days. I walked there early in the morning and sat right in front of the table where Sensei spoke. It was a l5-minute walk from the Kansai headquarters. This is going to be the first historic struggle in Kansai. Let’s do our best together. Buddhism is like the body. you can’t fight with all your might. This is self-complacency. so does the shadow (WND-1.you had better cut short your sleep at night and curtail your leisure by day. Ikeda Sensei: In faith. One must not trust them. people won’t believe you. 622). When the body bends. 757). and society like the shadow. and ponder this! You must not spend your lives in vain and regret it for ten thousand years to come (WND-1. . Why don’t we do in one day the work of a week or even ten days.qxd 9/19/2012 11:21 AM Page 117 about the meaning of the sutra (WND-1. dedicating our lives to the Gohonzon? Tomii. you will not develop and grow.. The greatness of a person is determined by others. Without a seeking spirit to ‘learn’. 955). Even if you say you are great. If you ‘cut short your sleep’ then you have engaged in the struggle earnestly. If you have worries about your job. 444). Sensei encouraged me with a Gosho passage: “…praying earnestly as though producing fire from damp wood. When one’s karmic rewards are exhausted. “Dedicate yourself to rebuke the powerful enemies just as Nichiren has done innumerable kalpas ago” (GZ. Good fortune means faith. Ikeda Sensei: When you no longer have good fortune. you won’t accumulate good fortune or benefit. The Daishonin says. 1000). “I hope you will become happy.qxd 9/19/2012 11:21 AM Page 118 I was having a hard time making ends meet.” Although the room was packed with people.VC _2_02_B. As long as you doubt the Gohonzon. no matter how hard you try or how excellent your strategies are. nothing will go smoothly. 118 VALUE CREATION ♦ FEBRUARY 2007 . even one’s retainers no longer follow one (WND-1. or obtaining water from parched ground” (WND-1. no strategy whatsoever avails. Members looked forward to listening to what Sensei had said at these lectures. Sensei would talk to us and say. I felt that he was speaking directly to me. Break down the impossible barrier with the sword of faith. Destroy the impossible barrier with the sword of faith When one comes to the end of one’s good fortune. We would communicate Sensei’s guidance to our fellow members before the day was over. Buddhism is the body and society is the shadow. 1589). Those who embrace this Lotus Sutra should be prepared to meet with difficulties (GZ. Ikeda Sensei: We should practise faith while overcoming hardships. This became one of my favourite passages from the Gosho. Never fear anything. Sensei’s confident guidance taught the Kansai members what needed to be done. 742). The characters of this sutra are all without exception living Buddhas of perfect enlightenment. 486). they look like characters. When you are in the world of Hell. with a resolute mind. VALUE CREATION ♦ FEBRUARY 2007 119 . we see them as characters. To the eyes of ordinary people. then a Young Women’s Division Vice Corps Chief “If you exert a hundred million aeons of effort in a single moment of life. . Buddhas recognise each character as a golden Shakyamuni (WND-1. Ikeda Sensei: In terms of the characters in the Lotus Sutra. Without exception. Persons of the two vehicles see them as the “void”. If you have a strong single moment of life filled with joy. you can change all your sufferings into happiness and ride out all difficulties. And the Buddha sees it as “a golden Shakyamuni”. This is unforgettable guidance. Bodhisattvas look on them as innumerable doctrines. the three enlightened properties of the Buddha will appear within you at each moment” (GZ. ordinary people see them simply as letters. But because we have the eyes of ordinary people. Persons of the two vehicles perceive them as the void.. Likewise we all feel different depending on our own life-condition. “No matter what happens. Bodhisattvas see them as “innumerable doctrines”.” Gosho manifests guidelines for practise In his early morning Gosho lectures..qxd 9/19/2012 11:21 AM Page 119 Sadako Sakai. President Ikeda clearly pointed out that the guidelines for practise lie in the Gosho.” Sensei said.VC _2_02_B. 790). “Life means making decisions. it is important to advance tirelessly. everything around you feels like in the world of Hell. you can control your environment even though you may be in the world of Hell or the realm of Anger. The attitude that I will make anything possible is the driving force to forge ahead. No one can avoid the influence of his environment.VC _2_02_B. The members who attended this meeting said later: “What a tremendous spirit Sensei radiates when he sits in front of the Gohonzon! He raises our spirits so high towards the Gohonzon! This is dynamic gongyo! This is real daimoku!” One of the leaders recalls: “Gongyo with Sensei in the morning was conducted with absolute seriousness. to seek Sensei single-mindedly. the ‘Early Morning Gosho Lecture’ by President Ikeda was held in the Gohonzon room on the third floor of the Kansai headquarters building. Conceited people will be deadlocked in the end.qxd 9/19/2012 11:21 AM Page 120 People acting out of their own discretion will meet a dead end. When 120 VALUE CREATION ♦ FEBRUARY 2007 . we all came to realise the one truth in the battle for kosen-rufu. never to be late. This one truth is. The Gohonzon should be “the master of your mind”. You never know exactly what your mind is telling you. stay with him. We used to run to the chanting room. Then. and be with him wholeheartedly. Be determined to put the Gohonzon at the centre of your life and continue practising based on the Gosho. ********** BE CHARGED WITH A MILLION VOLTS! Latecomers never make it One day. All of a sudden. and I was responsible for the YWD results. One of the leaders was concerned about when the meeting would end.qxd 9/19/2012 11:21 AM Page 121 you do this.VC _2_02_B.” Sensei always allowed us to voice our opinions freely at such meetings so the leader probably didn’t hesitate to speak up on this occasion. On the contrary. and they must be done on time. the situation may get worse and we could lose the battle.” Akiko Kurihara. How can you be in command of our victory when your mind is not synchronised with mine?” Sensei gave him this strict guidance. Reports have to be made swiftly. One day I was late in reporting the results by about five minutes. no amount of efforts will bring about satisfactory results. but you were not prepared to report the results they achieved. we have to ask ourselves: How do I seek the mentor? How do I react to the mentor? VALUE CREATION ♦ FEBRUARY 2007 121 . Sensei pointed out: “Members fought hard in the battle for kosen-rufu and accomplished results. like high power voltage of. Reports were given by each division. looking at his watch. We all felt tense and realised the truth of what he was saying. Very few telephones were available in those days. ‘Latecomers never make it. This is what we learned from him: Report swiftly! To be in gear with our mentor. “Sensei. This energy will prevail in every corner of your organisation.’” Here’s another story from a meeting at that time. “We are all here to discuss seriously the commitment of many years to come. say. As it is said. you will experience tremendous energy. Without touching the right chord in Sensei’s heart. time is up. a million volts. he said. so that was the reason I gave for being late. This truth has never left me since then. then a Young Women’s Division Corps Chief During the early morning meeting. we would report the results of the campaign. This is simply because your life as a leader is half-hearted. ’ He said this every time I spoke at meetings. like a sieve A visiting central leader said. Sensei himself called us and sent us telegrams several times each day. who struggled predominantly as one of the three women’s division district chiefs — called the “three crows”! — wrote that Sensei stressed the importance of liaison and reports. I will be what I am. and puffed up.” One of the leaders. and as soon as I returned to my seat Sensei said.” Things that slip through. to whom President Ikeda gave a gift in encouragement. The same leader was admonished by Sensei time and time again: “You are always forgetting things.” “What shall I do?” the leader asked himself.’ When I was presented with another special item. He said. said: “About three days after I received the gift. you should communicate with me. “I spoke before Sensei at a leaders meeting. Finally he realised that he really was a “sieve”. I will become the ‘greatest sieve’ in Japan.qxd 9/19/2012 11:21 AM Page 122 In those days President Ikeda trained each leader with careful consideration. and the next time I spoke Sensei was nodding while listening to my speech. I studied Sensei’s guidance even harder. He made a deep resolve: “As a sieve. He kept chanting seriously for many hours. You are like a sieve. The late Mrs Matsuko Shigoku. “How can I overcome my weakness?” He sat in front of the Gohonzon in the middle of the night and chanted earnestly. I acknowledged it and said: ‘Thank you very much for what you gave me the other day. I thanked Sensei the very next day. Then we will be in rhythm with our mentor.” he thought to himself with regret.VC _2_02_B. “The next time.” 122 VALUE CREATION ♦ FEBRUARY 2007 .’ Through such everyday events. However. A sieve is useful in its own way. ‘You are late. he taught us to imbibe his fighting spirit and his speed.” We must struggle and think how we can make our mentor’s heart our own. “I was arrogant. he again said. Sensei responded: ‘You are late saying that.’ To this. ‘You are not in rhythm with me. Therefore. My husband joined the Soka Gakkai before I did. To understand it with your whole being is quite another.” He trained us to change our attitude towards faith. From the following day.VC _2_02_B. And it is your faith that gets you in gear with the motor. The whole system should be in gear.qxd 9/19/2012 11:21 AM Page 123 Once he realised his real nature. The core of unity is “faith” During briefing sessions.” President Ikeda taught us about unity by sharing concrete examples. “When it comes to trains. At a district leaders meeting. After that. he worked to his heart’s content. Since I was busy raising our children. a joyous feeling surged from within himself. I was practising just following the lead of my husband. It is their presence that helps the whole group realise its full potential. To receive Sensei’s guidance with your mind is one thing. Fully aware of my attitude towards faith. one YWD ward chief was VALUE CREATION ♦ FEBRUARY 2007 123 . The door was always closed when morning gongyo started. you cannot get on the train. Once he gave me guidance. Practise for your own sake. You had to do gongyo on the stairs in front of the room. President Ikeda never again made this comment to him. you were not allowed to enter the room. President Ikeda directed his admonishing remarks to the district and chapter chiefs who were absent: “At such important meetings. We all enjoyed being with Sensei. he would lead us in singing Gakkai songs.” After the Gosho lecture. Sensei said to me: “Don’t hide in the shadow of your husband. “if you are late by just one minute. then a Women’s Division District Chief We used to go to the Kansai Headquarters early in the morning.” Sensei said. Maki Nakao. the representative leaders of every section should be present. If you were late even one minute. You can work in perfect harmony only when you chant daimoku vigorously and make a resolve. Sensei asked other leaders why they were absent. he cited the words from the Gosho. When the leaders could not answer. Noticing that some members were missing at a meeting. Like awa-okoshi or millet cake Osaka is famous for its awa-okoshi or millet cake. I learned from Sensei how grave our mission was and how great our fortune was: “Look at the world this year as a mirror. The reason that you have survived until now when so many have died was so that you would meet with this affair” (WND-1. Fusae Fukuzumi. I sat in the front row of the room to do gongyo with Sensei. “What happened to the YWD district chief?” The MD district chief answered. She was impressed by Sensei’s sincerity. Thus he pointed towards our egoistic tendency and said that we truly did not care for others. “Please give my best regards to her. they will achieve all their goals.” The district chief conveyed Sensei’s words to her when he went back to the local organisation. “If the spirit of many in body but one in mind prevails among the people. she was ashamed because she had not contacted the MD district leader. we enjoyed a wonderful conversation with President Ikeda while 124 VALUE CREATION ♦ FEBRUARY 2007 . whereas if one in body but different in mind.VC _2_02_B. they can achieve nothing remarkable” (WND-1. A ward chief at that time would be a district chief today.qxd 9/19/2012 11:21 AM Page 124 not present. “I guess she couldn’t make it because of work. One day. President Ikeda taught us what is “unity in faith”. At the same time. 618). Sensei’s Gosho lectures were full of spirit and touched our hearts deeply. then a Women’s Division District Chief I took the earliest train to Kansai headquarters. Sensei asked. Thus. 829). She determined to be more in contact with him in the future.” Sensei told him. the Kansai members learnt the correct attitude of practising faith. ********** THOSE WHO STRENGTHEN THE FRONTLINES ORGANISATION WILL TRIUMPH OF THE Capture the hearts of those on the frontlines In March. As a result. The district is supported by its groups. “Now that you have eaten millet cakes. through daily. President Ikeda explained. the “groups” within a district became the focus of our activities. Chapters which build their groups solidly will achieve victory. all the district leaders made strong efforts to chant and fight. with humour. you can become united. can’t you?” “United?” we exclaimed. exactly. Sensei said. a form of unity. saying. You need to unite!” Since then. “It’s lack of unity. VALUE CREATION ♦ FEBRUARY 2007 125 . He taught us that from there we could generate the “vitality to struggle” and the “rhythm of victory”. “Awa-okoshi is made of awa (millet) stiffened with caramelised sugar.qxd 9/19/2012 11:21 AM Page 125 eating awa-okoshi with him. isn’t it? This is. We Kansai members could not understand what he meant.” President Ikeda taught us how to communicate with each and every member on the frontline and how to capture their hearts. It is important that we revitalise the ‘groups’ in order to gain victory in our districts.VC _2_02_B. close communication with Sensei. Afterwards. Why is the “group” very important? President Ikeda gave this guidance to the central leaders: “Those who grasp the actual conditions of their groups will be victorious.” In this way. President Ikeda encouraged her. some 80 friends attended a discussion meeting and all of them became new members. One women’s division district chief said her district was suffering from stagnation. and confidently spoke to us about the stupendous power possessed by the Gohonzon. President Ikeda said. After the meeting. this is quite a distance.” said Sensei.” but no one raised a hand. President Ikeda said. The meeting was a dramatic one. He said. “I would like to visit some other meetings for members. “Please ask me any questions today. “Let me talk to you instead then. “Although you said it’s near. We did not know what to ask. in which 17 of the 18 friends who attended joined the Soka Gakkai. 126 VALUE CREATION ♦ FEBRUARY 2007 . “Please come to my group! It’s near here.VC _2_02_B. but he walked together with us anyway.” Accompanied by President Ikeda. members of my group walked to our meeting place. I received a postcard. then a Women’s Division Group Chief Sensei came all the way to Suita city. Later on. It was from Sensei! “I hope you will dedicate yourself to achieve kosen-rufu no matter what and take leadership with vigorous action and strong faith.” I shouted without much consideration. a senior member said. I walked all over the city every day to show this card to each and every member. After about two months. Giichi Kitagawa.” I leapt with joy! I was just a women’s division group leader at the time. then a Men’s Division Group Chief President Ikeda attended a general discussion meeting held in the Fuse Public Market in Fuse city [now Higashi-Osaka city]. and it took about 20 minutes to walk. “President Ikeda was tired because of his hard struggles.” The distance was two bus stops away.” I felt so sorry for him.qxd 9/19/2012 11:21 AM Page 126 Ayako Matsumoto. After a while. ” Sensei implemented this guidance as a role model. Still. Terue Kitagawa. then a Women’s Division Group Chief When we welcomed President Ikeda to our place. to keep the organisation moving. shall I massage your shoulders?” We were like a family. you have to visit it frequently.qxd 9/19/2012 11:21 AM Page 127 Every member was poor. We could not even serve him tea or refreshments. For example. As a result. we had just left my husband’s parents’ house in Yao city and moved to Osaka. He put emphasis on the encouragement for groups rather than districts. for units rather than groups. Visit various areas in your organisation as if stirring water in the bucket. we shakubukued 73 households in just one month. President Ikeda listened to each member attentively. We were so surprised with the results. the water will stop in a short while. President Ikeda announced a new policy for our activities. A leader at that time said. In other words. “How many children do you have?” All of us were deeply impressed. take water in a bucket. The same things can be said for leaders.VC _2_02_B. “President Ikeda. In order to nurture your members. let them realise their responsibilities. asking in a frank manner. From then on. You have to visit the frontlines often. One Youth Division member who was deeply moved by President Ikeda’s attitude said. This became the “foundation for our future victory”. Our frontline was instantly multiplied. every member walked around doing shakubuku with joy. the water keeps moving. from morning till night. If you stir the water in the bucket. But if you stir again before it stops. “Unit” is the equivalent of the “block” unit of today. Flash the searchlight on the frontline At a guidance meeting for unit leaders on April 1. quoting President Ikeda: “Shine a searchlight on your organisation. VALUE CREATION ♦ FEBRUARY 2007 127 . He often visited small meetings to encourage each member. He told them. I will take care of them. he said. I tried to find something to warm 128 VALUE CREATION ♦ FEBRUARY 2007 . She bumped into Sensei. We did not have any charcoal with which to heat our house. “This is my mother-in-law. so she came to glance over the meeting.” After encouraging me. Our business was making tatami-mats. However. Holding her shoulders with his hands. The husband of the district women’s division chief introduced her to him.qxd 9/19/2012 11:21 AM Page 128 Due to the distance from my in-laws. He then asked me if he could get some rest as he had just arrived in Kansai by an overnight train. Fumiko Inishi. Let’s practise together. Sensei visited our house. “Please don’t worry. The mother of the district women’s division chief had firmly refused to join the Soka Gakkai.” she answered. he went to Yao city to see my husband’s parents. wearing an apron. “Your daughter’s husband is a great person. Utmost encouragement even to those who are not Soka Gakkai members President Ikeda attended a meeting for group leaders at the home of a district women’s division chief. I talked with President Ikeda about this.” “Yes. “Please don’t worry about your son’s family. then a Young Women’s Division Unit Chief About five o’clock in the morning.” I will never ever forget his warm consideration. but it was very hard for us to make a living. which served as an activity centre. She could not reply to his question. I was very worried about them. she wondered what Ikeda Sensei looked like. President Ikeda’s behaviour touched the hearts of members on the frontline of the organisation.VC _2_02_B. “I am sorry that I woke you up so early. She was dressed plainly. saying.” he said.” “Are you practising this faith?” President Ikeda asked her. He said. That was the prime point of my practise. ” Sensei never forgot this.VC _2_02_B. so good. saying. “I’m sorry to have caused you so much trouble on that early morning. or saké lees in the cupboard. “This tastes good.qxd 9/19/2012 11:21 AM Page 129 Sensei on that cold day. My mother finally found a piece of sakékasu. I was surprised at his request. and with that we made a sweet drink of amazake (a sweet alcoholic drink made from fermented rice) for him. 1956 and that Toda Sensei would participate in that meeting.” He told the leaders around him. He then handed me a pencil and a piece of paper. I do not remember what the picture looked like. What I remember is that I was very nervous. I had once attended an art school. He sipped it.” His words were too generous for me. All the Kansai members wanted to do their best because Toda Sensei was coming. that is your fault. When he saw us again some time after that. and the words that he uttered: “Does it look like me?” I am still overwhelmed when I recall this incident. If she leaves the Gakkai. Ayako Ohmi. I saw he was waiting to ask me to draw his portrait. saying. VALUE CREATION ♦ FEBRUARY 2007 129 . but couldn’t find anything. SENSEI! PLEASE COME TO KANSAI Osaka stadium in the rain It had been decided that the Joint General Meeting of Osaka and Sakai chapters would be held in the Osaka stadium on April 8. ********** WE WILL DEFINITELY WIN. but I was unaware that Sensei knew about it. then a Young Women’s Division Group Chief Sensei encouraged me when I was a young women’s division group chief. he thanked us. Sensei’s shy smile. “Your responsibility is to support and encourage her with all your might. One day when I went to the Kansai Headquarters. we will be victorious in this campaign. while I made a tireless effort to carry out many 130 VALUE CREATION ♦ FEBRUARY 2007 . all the 20.” Once the deadline of March had passed and we had reached our target. accomplishing another 4. But no one knew at the time that the heavy rain would seriously affect President Ikeda’s health as he was suffering from exhaustion.” Now they knew that there was nothing impossible for them as long as they followed President Ikeda’s guidance (cf.qxd 9/19/2012 11:21 AM Page 130 President Ikeda was different. the total number of shakubuku in April that year was 9.000 participants who filled the ballpark for the joint meeting were undaunted. please come to Kansai!” The members learned that this is the attitude of a genuine disciple towards his mentor. “We should welcome President Toda with complete victory. then a YWD Corps Chief In March that year. He said. The “torch of faith” lit by President Ikeda could not be extinguished by the rain. Behave as though one’s mentor is always there “Day and night I reported every little thing about our battles to President Toda. The Human Revolution). “We can do anything if we are determined.000 shakubuku within a week. Members of Kansai developed a strong conviction after the general meeting. His attitude was. As a result. we devoted ourselves to doing more shakubuku until April 8. welcoming our mentor meant achieving a victory. President Ikeda told us how we should greet President Toda at the meeting. the Osaka chapter determined to shakubuku 5.000 households and welcome President Toda to the joint general meeting with the Sakai Chapter on April 8. You can do it! Despite torrential rains. “Toda Sensei. We learnt a very important lesson from President Ikeda. Akiko Kurihara.VC _2_02_B.000 households. To us. ” “Everything begins and ends with the mentor-disciple relationship” (cf. This is the way a disciple should follow. He would stand up straight and stiff even though he was backstage. Mr Shiraki. then Osaka chapter chief. we must do all we can to ensure complete victory. says.” We learned a lot about the spirit of the “mentor and disciple relationship” from President Ikeda. as if President Toda was actually in front of him. This is the foundation of the “Ever-victorious Kansai” spirit. who was busy leading us to prepare thoroughly for the general meeting. President Toda would say of Ikeda Sensei: “Follow Daisaku. Setsuko Umemoto. he would sit up straight. When we saw President Ikeda on the phone. then a Standing Committee member of Osaka Chapter When President Toda was with us in the Osaka ballpark. “Daisaku. “President Ikeda reported each result of the struggle to President Toda over the phone. When President Toda appeared or left the stage. The Human Revolution).” President Ikeda would do so willingly. When President Toda would suggest. Thoughts on ‘The New Human Revolution’). dance heroically.qxd 9/19/2012 11:21 AM Page 131 things for the victory. Ikeda Sensei. Ikeda Sensei would always bow respectfully to his mentor. He is the person who will VALUE CREATION ♦ FEBRUARY 2007 131 . said to us: “When we disciples meet our mentor.” writes President Ikeda (cf.VC _2_02_B. ‘I am happy to see my disciple trying to respond to his mentor’s request. and finally found some. A women’s division member was worried about Sensei and gave him chopped cabbage because she heard it was good for the stomach. I didn’t like cabbage and hesitated. then a student “I want to win. but I did whatever he said. “The disciple should do what the mentor says. I usually did everything Toda Sensei told me to do. But I did my best looking for them here and there. Kaoru Nakayama. 132 VALUE CREATION ♦ FEBRUARY 2007 . One day.” When I brought some tea for Sensei. “I was just relating an anecdote to Ms Yaoi. to bring him something.” Sensei said this many times. but Toda Sensei ate them with a smile.qxd 9/19/2012 11:21 AM Page 132 accomplish what I haven’t done yet. he said to me. He expressed his gratitude for her sincerity and suggested that we share the cabbage. They looked bad. saying. I just wanted to tell her that. Toda Sensei wanted to eat edamame. I want to inform Toda Sensei that we won. This is the relationship of mentor and disciple. saying. with pleasure.” said President Ikeda.VC _2_02_B. He urged me to eat with him. Nobuyuki Yanagihara.’ It is the disciple’s spirit that makes the mentor happy. edamame were scarce. One winter day.” I learned that the relationship of mentor and disciple cannot be understood only through reason. then a YWD Vice Corps Chief At the Kansai headquarters. She replied. Sensei requested Ms Hisako Yaoi. He would often tell me things that seemed impossible to accomplish. we were very impressed to know how deep the relationship between President Toda and Ikeda Sensei was. In winter. he was too tired to eat.” When we heard this. or young soybeans. who was a chapter standing committee member. “I’m sorry but what you asked for is not available now. I had doubts whether it was correct to use this title. which was an activity centre. the original meaning of sensei is one who is spiritually ahead of others. then a YWD Group Chief In the early days. The Human Revolution). I now remember that this leader had been eager for us to call him “Sensei”. “Do not get out of line. and other authority figures. He pointed out that there should not be the slightest gap between mentor and disciple. Here Ikeda Sensei is clearly teaching the member the true meaning of the mentor-disciple relationship.VC _2_02_B. Sometimes guidance of the leaders sent from Tokyo began to irritate them” (cf. I later realised that it was Ikeda Sensei. Ikeda Sensei attended a meeting at Kansai Headquarters and told me very strongly. I thought it was the right thing to do and started referring to him as “Sensei”. My wife and I visited this inn. There was one person who stood out from the others. They were intoxicated with their own ability. however sensei denotes the mentor.1 Defeat the devil lurking behind success Devils reside in “heaven”. “Please take some rest. politicians. but since he was from Tokyo.” Ayako Ohmi. 1 Sensei is a Japanese title used to refer to or address teachers. Sensei was always urging President Toda. professionals such as doctors and lawyers. and betrayed it. “People grew conceited. This leader supported Kansai activities. Toda Sensei often stayed there when he visited Kansai. some Kansai members used the word “Sensei” for a leader from Tokyo. then a District Chief The Hanazono Ryokan (Inn) was just behind my house.qxd 9/19/2012 11:21 AM Page 133 Yasuo Nakao. Later.” I was very surprised. and so did many other members. VALUE CREATION ♦ FEBRUARY 2007 133 . He dashed out of the inn. we learnt that this leader had left the Gakkai. Sen means “before” and sei means “to be born”. Devils also lurked under the success of April 8. In the Soka Gakkai. “Are the leaders of Osaka your enemies. There was a subtle gap between leaders sent from Tokyo and the central leaders of Osaka. “If Kansai is defeated. Immediately after the April 8 General Meeting. It was we who were being impudent. Sensei defeated the devils disturbing our unity. Aya Shiraki. would often quote Sensei on Kansai: “I would feel sorry if the Kansai members were defeated.qxd 9/19/2012 11:21 AM Page 134 Friction arose between local leaders and the leaders from Tokyo. My strongest wish is to see the members of Kansai travelling around the world with pride and hope. he heard Sensei’s dignified voice. which ended in great success. This is a struggle we have to win.” Upon hearing these words from Sensei. The leaders from Tokyo were certainly doing a good job. a leader went to the second floor of the Kansai Headquarters. As soon as the leader opened the door to deliver his report. President Toda’s vision will fall apart. but we were not getting along very well. or are they your allies?” Sensei asked the central leaders visiting from Tokyo. saying: “Go back to Tokyo. Tadashi Murata. 134 VALUE CREATION ♦ FEBRUARY 2007 .” He was talking to the leaders visiting from Tokyo. she was awestruck. Sensei’s guidance to Tokyo leaders made us realise our behaviour. They had gained our trust. no matter what. ********** TERRIBLY SORRY FOR THE MEMBERS I WOULD FEEL IF WE ARE DEFEATED OF KANSAI Don’t keep silent The late chapter women’s division chief. We had nothing to fear after that.” He also said. He strictly admonished them for their condescending manner towards the members in Kansai. Thus. then a Vice Chapter Chief It was after the General Meeting of April 8.VC _2_02_B. “You should state your opinion. “I don’t know. “This is Ikeda speaking. Sensei would ask if there was anything to report to him. Sensei said. “How is her mother doing?” or “What about her father?” In this way.” I learned from this incident that I should report how my fellow members were struggling.VC _2_02_B. At seven in the morning. you should know more about her. then a Young Women’s Division Corps Chief Without fail. I told him about a young women’s division member. They would stay at the Kansai headquarters all night. and it was President Ikeda.” I answered. would rarely come home. If you are truly praying for the happiness of this member. You must have something to say when you are striving.qxd 9/19/2012 11:21 AM Page 135 Akiko Kurihara. The people in charge of the areas recently formed. such as this man. “Your report is incomplete.” Sensei said. a phone rang. Then he asked. “Don’t be silent. struggling for kosenrufu. VALUE CREATION ♦ FEBRUARY 2007 135 .” I realised how careless and irresponsible I had been towards my fellow members. I was silent in the beginning. “Your husband just left for home…” President Ikeda called up the wife of a man who was in charge of one of the areas of Osaka Prefecture. he asked me about her in detail. qxd 9/19/2012 11:21 AM Page 136 Thank you for your day-to-day struggles. Even though you are suffering now. “How is your work?” He was also worried about everyone’s health and said. which was quite unexpected. then a Vice Chapter Chief At a leaders briefing in the morning.VC _2_02_B. President Ikeda protects and cares for every member as much as he can. After listening to how the member’s business was forced into such dire circumstances. do not expect that you will only experience joy. and as a result. creditors waived their claim. he asked. Try to do your best with utmost sincerity. everything will turn out to be good for the Law. don’t try to avoid the creditors. the people and yourself.” Since that moment. the couple did their best to pay off their debts to the creditors. “This will become a precious memory for you. Their sincerity in doing so was recognised. Tadashi Murata. Even though it’s difficult. Both suffering and joy will become your own good fortune. Your problem will surely be resolved. Sensei said to him. Sensei asked for details on every situation. “Please go home early today to get some rest.” “Just because you have faith. Please take care of him. To the leaders sent from Tokyo. Your husband just left for home. 136 VALUE CREATION ♦ FEBRUARY 2007 . Sensei said.” To this man’s wife. “Please maintain a housekeeping log and make a life plan without any wastage. His behaviour enhanced her firm resolve to try harder. he said. “Who came back later than I yesterday?” To those who raised their hands. To fellow members who had a lot of debts President Ikeda visited a member who had incurred a lot of debts when his family business went into bankruptcy.” The man’s wife was very impressed.” He cared for the members more than anyone else. ” Hearing him say this took a load off my mind. then a Chapter Standing Committee member Whenever I heard that Sensei was coming to Osaka. I said. Sensei kindly said. President Ikeda strengthened the faith of many members through frank conversations with them. “Toda Sensei will arrive at Osaka station tomorrow afternoon. When his train arrived and Toda Sensei stepped onto the platform. I stopped participating in activities because I got tired of harsh words from a leader’s family member. “I understand your situation now that I have met you. “I apologise for making you worry.VC _2_02_B. I went reluctantly to Osaka station. It was Ikeda Sensei. A CAPABLE PERSON ********** TREASURE IS AN IMPORTANT OF GAKKAI Open to any type of questions How was “the heart of eternal victory” engraved into the heart of Kansai members? This spirit was developed through a close relationship between President Ikeda and the members. I was standing away from a group of people who had come to meet Sensei. I could not go to activities. However. a crowd of people gathered around him.” I was ashamed and regretful. Although the leader worried about me and visited me. A leader called me unexpectedly and said. VALUE CREATION ♦ FEBRUARY 2007 137 . I would always greet him at Osaka station.qxd 9/19/2012 11:21 AM Page 137 Fumiko Watanabe. I later found out that Sensei had requested a leader to “ask [me] to come to the station to meet him”. a person passed through the crowd and walked towards me. During this time. Could you go and receive him?” The next day. The warmhearted bonds between President Ikeda and the Kansai members are tied by human-to-human interchange. an atmosphere where people could talk freely about anything they wanted to. Traditionally. On the male side of a bath house. in the bath. only a son. “Do you know where the nearest drugstore is?” The senior member needed to find medicine for Sensei’s back which had turned red because each of the members had scrubbed it so vigorously. the young men’s division members washed Sensei’s back. Children sleeping in the closet President Ikeda attended the local meetings with great vigour. One senior member asked. The traditional bathing practice in Japan is to first bathe out of the tub with cold water and then soak in a hot tub after rinsing off. they have no armour.” He used opportunities such as these to listen to what the members had to say.qxd 9/19/2012 11:21 AM Page 138 Akinori Mineyama. 138 VALUE CREATION ♦ FEBRUARY 2007 .VC _2_02_B. a woman letting another woman scrub her back is a sign of friendship and trust. He once attended a meeting at a home used as an activity centre. wife or daughter has permission to wash the father's back. it feels good. Even at the public bathhouse he was thinking of each member. Sensei then said. In Tokyo. every neighbourhood has its public bath. Bathing together like this is commonplace for the Japanese. In Tokyo. The concept of being in a bath with strangers shows that each one is as vulnerable as the other. then a Young Men’s Division Group Chief Ikeda Sensei used to go to a public bath2 with the youth members. On the women's side. really good. “Thanks. or sword. On the following day. a man letting another man scrub his back is a sign of respect. I saw Sensei give him new socks with a shikishi (square piece of fancy paper) on which was penned. the water in the bath house soaking tubs is kept really hot. and can even mean that the two women are either sisters or best friends. In Japan. “Become a vigorous youth of the Orient … A cosmopolitan youth. At one time a member was wearing a pair of socks with a hole in it. Public bathing in Japanese society has long-standing roots in the culture. there are more than a thousand.” One after another. He was 2 The Japanese bath is integral to the Japanese way of living. almost to the point of scalding. VC _2_02_B. which was humourous and funny. The leader was not there and so Sensei answered the call. “You will eventually live in a house with lots of space. enough to have a study room too..” On one occasion a junior high school girl attended a women’s division district leaders meeting with her mother. Until then I had believed that this battle was only strenuous. Akiko Kurihara. I really enjoyed myself.” It was hilarious! Till the very end of the conversation. he penned a poem to encourage the children.” President Ikeda said. the caller didn’t even notice who he was talking to. Sensei repeated what the man had said. “Kansai has a very cute district leader. then a Young Women’s Division Corps Chief One day. What a sense of humour Sensei has! When I was with Sensei.. “How is Ikeda Sensei?” And Sensei answered. With hope in your mind And the sun in your heart. doesn’t it?” The junior high school VALUE CREATION ♦ FEBRUARY 2007 139 . I realised that I could actually enjoy the struggle for kosen-rufu. When President Ikeda came to the meeting. the caller started asking. In addition to this guidance. Illuminated by the light of the Mystic Law. It was for a leader of the young men’s division. Grow vigorously Two years later. the family’s wish became true and they moved to a larger house. The caller thought that Sensei was the leader and kept on talking. “I think he’s all right. the Kansai headquarters received a telephone call. he said.qxd 9/19/2012 11:21 AM Page 139 told that the children of the house were sleeping in the closet because the family didn’t have enough space to accommodate members. After a while. After listening to him. “I dislike people who don’t study. 140 VALUE CREATION ♦ FEBRUARY 2007 .” Touched by his all-enveloping warm heart. My mother works too hard.” The young women’s division member regained her confidence through this guidance. The broken windowpane and a newspaper A windowpane at the Kansai headquarters was broken. “I would like you to respect your senior members who have been doing activities with you. the girl determined to overcome whatever hardships she might face. If they can comfortably do their activities. The function of our organisation is the same. “I accompanied my mother today. President Ikeda listened intently to the girl and then responded: “I don’t like people who don’t go to school.” said the young girl.” Then. I’d like to ask your advice on something. I am helping her with the housework. I hope you will sincerely solicit their support because they are very important for the organisation. we can be victorious.qxd 9/19/2012 11:21 AM Page 140 girl raised her hand and said. Sensei pointed at the joint of the fan and said. For this reason. so I’ll quit school and work with her.VC _2_02_B. After school. In addition. I want to do my best for Gakkai activities. You should study while helping your mother. Sensei said. I go to the market with the money she gives me. The axis of our organisation is our senior members. “My mother is working hard both at work and in Gakkai activities. I dislike a person who doesn’t study. Now is the time when you should help your mother and go to school as much as you can. We could not afford to repair it. you need to hold the joint to do so. Setsuko Umemoto. “When you unfold this fan.” Her mother seemed to be very surprised. taking out his folded fan. then a Chapter Standing Committee member A young woman was at a complete loss when appointed as a women’s division district leader and sought Sensei’s guidance. “Sensei. Since I struggled in the past. “When I was a boy. Because you didn’t struggle before.VC _2_02_B. I had a hard time putting the newspapers into the mailboxes smoothly. capable people who were willing to make efforts. but they didn’t fall into the hole. “Sensei. In the beginning. you threw it perfectly!” “If you think that’s easy to do.” President Ikeda was raising genuine. he was actually teaching them the essence of faith through this casual behaviour. why don’t you read the newspaper inside the building?” President Ikeda replied. I can throw papers into the hole of a broken windowpane even now. VALUE CREATION ♦ FEBRUARY 2007 141 . “Come on. they thought President Ikeda was just playing with the papers. However. “Please bring some newspapers to me.” A senior leader who was inside the building responded. just give me some newspapers. try it. President Ikeda shouted. I delivered newspapers every day. rain or shine.” The senior leader tried to throw the folded papers. you can’t do it.qxd 9/19/2012 11:21 AM Page 141 Standing outside the Kansai headquarters building.” He folded the paper and threw it into the hole of the broken windowpane and it fell perfectly into the building. as if you were striding across the sky.” He trained us on every occasion. then a student Right after I entered university. a women’s division member related to me that when she told Sensei there was no need for me to be in such a hurry. I’m not able to help you …” But before I finished my sentence. President Ikeda said to me. as I look back on it.VC _2_02_B. On the third floor of the building. I ran out of the building to do so. and told us. Chant daimoku in a refreshing and rhythmical way.” I said falteringly. despite his busy schedule. Sensei gazed at me. Consult me before you do so. The determination I made at that time has helped me to hold on to my faith until today. When I returned.” I responded.qxd 9/19/2012 11:21 AM Page 142 Nobuyuki Yanagihara. Now. and did not understand anything about the practice then. Sensei said. “Let me take back what I said. Toshiyasu Fuwa. Sensei replied that the young people’s attitude of “always giving it all they’ve got” is truly respectable.” “Yes. “Well. I had been practising for four months. I was called to the Kansai headquarters. Sensei asked me to call for a taxi.” While I said this. 142 VALUE CREATION ♦ FEBRUARY 2007 . He was seriously trying to foster young people like myself who were still quite immature. never give up your faith. Please let me do the work.” I replied. there is something I cannot understand.” “Yes. “You look sceptical. One day. Sensei’s precious time was spent on an impudent youth. “I would like you to help me a little. and asked him some questions. “Don’t chant daimoku in such a strained voice. another thought overtook me and I said. Then Sensei said. “No matter what happens. Sensei came in when we were chanting daimoku at the Kansai headquarters. then a student I was one of the members told to come to the Kansai headquarters with Mr Yanagihara. VC _2_02_B.qxd 9/19/2012 11:21 AM Page 143 Win by chanting A woman visited the Kansai headquarters seeking Sensei’s guidance. She waited for his return until midnight. President Ikeda came back, exhausted, after day-long activities with members. The woman told her story in tears. She talked about her jobless husband, delinquent child and financial difficulties. President Ikeda encouraged her despite his fatigue: “Don’t cry so much. Tears harm your pretty face. The Gohonzon will never betray you. You will be happy without fail, no matter how much pain you are in right now. Your prayers will be definitely answered. Chant ten thousand daimoku every day. Let’s pray together. Develop your courage and practise this Buddhism which involves faith, practise and study. Don’t worry. I’ll pray for you, too.” In another instance, President Ikeda told us the following story about the time he visited a district women’s leader who was in a predicament. “Determine to chant one million daimoku if you have a wish. It will be fulfilled without fail as long as you keep chanting. It’s important to chant daimoku to fulfil your wish.” On another occasion, President Ikeda told a youth member while they were travelling in a taxi: “In Tokyo, I rarely take taxis because I walk. If I walk, I can chant daimoku on the way.” President Ikeda taught members to win by chanting daimoku. Akinori Mineyama, then a Young Men’s Division Group Chief Sensei asked the young men’s division members at a meeting, “What do you think we should do to win?” In response, we gave our ideas, expecting Sensei would work out a subtle strategy for us to follow. However, Sensei said, “Do everything that you said. And chant daimoku.” Sensei respected the youth and their independence. VALUE CREATION ♦ FEBRUARY 2007 143 VC _2_02_B.qxd 9/19/2012 11:21 AM Page 144 Comrades, enjoy, leap and shout! In April 1956, exactly 9,002 households received the Gohonzon. This was an unprecedented expansion. This is an entry in A Youthful Diary: We will decisively challenge and surpass this target in May. The dream of 10,000 households is possible to attain. Like a rising tide, like raging waves, we save suffering people. Enjoy! Leap! Shout! Dance! Sing! Robust youth of the Mystic Law! Comrades in spirit! Now we were entering the month of May, a monumental landmark in the history of the Soka Gakkai. The struggle with evil forces and serious obstacles lay ahead of us. How can you create an unprecedented history when you’re not committed or ready to stake your life? Stand up alone in response to the mentor’s “cry from the depths of his being!” [To be continued] (Translated from the January and February 2003 issues of Daibyakurenge) 144 VALUE CREATION ♦ FEBRUARY 2007 VC _3_03_B.qxd 9/19/2012 11:55 AM Page 143 THE OSAKA CAMPAIGN Learning from the Struggles of President Ikeda in his Youth — Part 3 of 3 (This collection of reflections, recollections and testimonials was translated by 41 members of the Kansai World Group and presented to SGI President Daisaku Ikeda on November 18, 2003) ONE’S LIFETIME IS AS SHORT AS A DREAM Continue to advance further T he Osaka Campaign was filled with adventure. The source of Osaka’s advance began with only President Ikeda’s guidance and example. What were the crucial points of his guidance in the first half of the struggle? The first point was “strong prayer”: “Let every person we encounter become a supporter for kosen-rufu and function as a protective force. Be positive in a battle.” The second was “a sense of responsibility”: “The momentum of the whole group is determined by the leader’s vigour, or tenacity.” The third was “actions stemming from a sense of commitment”: “You’re only theoretical unless you’re serious about taking action.” Now, the latter half of the battle was about to start. What was the goal? A leader of those days testifies, “A good offence is the best defence — that was the theme for the latter half of the battle.” After the Osaka chapter membership exceeded 9,000, the Osaka chapter leaders held a meeting on April 29 at the Kan-min Centre in Kita Ward. President Ikeda appealed to the members present: “Life is like a dream. Let’s fight every single day to attain VALUE CREATION ♦ MARCH 2007 143 there is nothing that we cannot accomplish. The rhythm began to beat through the entire organisation. at the Osaka Central Public Hall on May 2. “Sleeping lions have just awakened. When we.” The members’ hearts filled with excitement The early morning gongyo and study meetings came to be held every day at the Kansai Headquarters. It was like an ebb and flow. The rhythm helped local leaders or leaders on delegation to decide the actions of that day with fresh vigour. All the members realised that great results could be achieved when they followed President Ikeda’s guidance. All the members were astonished when they learned that 3. thanks to President Ikeda’s extended stay in Kansai. and left just as quickly. who worship the DaiGohonzon. right? It’s time for us to rise with a firm resolution and fight. stand up with a firm resolution. wrote: “You would have been surprised if you had seen how we arrived at and departed from those meetings. President Ikeda then said. Napoleon was able to accomplish an astounding achievement at a young age as a result of his endeavours to conquer the whole of Europe. No one remained there even a few minutes after the meeting had finished.” 144 VALUE CREATION ♦ MARCH 2007 .000 people had attended the rally of Abeno District. We could do so because our hearts were burning with passion and full of excitement. “Early morning gongyo and study meetings began to create a vigorous rhythm every morning.VC _3_03_B. The late Hisako Yaoi. The Human Revolution). then a chapter standing committee member. and it developed into the inspirational source for the leap of Kansai” (cf.qxd 9/19/2012 11:55 AM Page 144 eternal happiness. Lots of members gathered at the Kansai Headquarters in a flash. Let’s advance further! Let’s achieve victory under this war cry!” Every district held a rally after the meeting. I couldn’t help but worry about President Ikeda’s health. who was very concerned about his health. I realised he was exerting himself for the campaign without begrudging his life.qxd 9/19/2012 11:55 AM Page 145 Chizuko Matsui.and three-year-old children properly. I chanted daimoku and did Gakkai activities seriously.VC _3_03_B. then a Women’s Division Unit Chief As I was a nurse. so follow us without anxiety. I wondered if he had high fever. The back of his jacket was sometimes soaked with perspiration. I finished the laundry and went to the headquarters. When I went to the headquarters. On the way home from the headquarters at night. In the early morning. VALUE CREATION ♦ MARCH 2007 145 . Things will definitely get better. We were inspired by it and joyfully dashed out for activities in our blocks and returned to the headquarters at night. “You should take good care of those who have lost their husbands.” President Ikeda saw me off at the door of the headquarters and gave me some sweets. I was so busy that I couldn’t remember when I went to bed or when I woke up. “These are for your children. My husband died in 1952 and I was too poor to feed my five. After the meetings his face was often flushed. Packages filled with his white shirts and clothing were sent often to President Ikeda from his wife. I received a warm welcome from President Ikeda and he told the leaders who were standing around us. The campaign was so intense that he had to change a whole set of clothes every time he finished a meeting. I heard from him later that he had overcome tuberculosis by practising this faith. then a Women’s Division District Chief Early morning gongyo meetings took place at the Kansai Headquarters every day.” I was so moved by such warm encouragement. President Ikeda cited a passage from the Gosho every morning to encourage us. Katsue Morimoto. my fellow members and I walked chanting together. saying. Whenever he danced. ‘Your hair is messed up. Sensei said. anywhere. then a Women’s Division Unit Chief I still remember Sensei’s guidance given at the morning Gosho study meeting. At that time. six Soka Gakkai members from 146 VALUE CREATION ♦ MARCH 2007 . ‘Welcome back.” I used to think “I can meet her again anytime” when I visited my fellow members. assuming that we’ll never be able to meet again.” We changed our way of talking with other members on hearing this. Thank you for your efforts. Kiyo Yamamoto. You must be tired. I often shed tears when I saw him dance.’ On hearing his words. ********** LET US STAND UP WITH STRONG FAITH AGAINST EVIL! Evil plots by those jealous for power On the morning of May 15.qxd 9/19/2012 11:55 AM Page 146 Wholehearted hospitality A women’s division district chief gave this description of those days: “When we arrived at the Kansai Headquarters after a whole day of struggling. The important thing is a leader’s ichinen.VC _3_03_B. Fix your make-up. And he also said things such as.’ I would do so and set out for the discussion meeting.” President Ikeda worked intensely from early morning until midnight. but this might be my last time to do it. he put his whole heart into the dance. “It’s just a dance. Sensei’s ichinen — or determination in one single life-moment — was very strong: “I talk with a person anytime. I always think that way. Ikeda Sensei would be waiting. saying. That’s why he or she perfectly understands what I mean. my fatigue used to vanish instantly. His attitude altered my easygoing way of thinking. Sensei was slender. He greeted us. “I have to be all ears to seek out every bit of information. Although “this is the faith that enables us to VALUE CREATION ♦ MARCH 2007 147 . However. The Human Revolution). It was obviously a plot hatched by the authorities that were envious of the Gakkai’s advancement. Some newspapers even ran photos of the six accused members. This showed their clear intention to create a reason to oppress the Gakkai. Sensational reports by the mass media. irresponsible articles contrary to the facts. “Denko Sekka (Lightning Speed)” with amazing speed and energy. the Soka Gakkai — 6 arrested’ was carried in a newspaper with photos of the members who’d been arrested. we realised that the “battle against the evil force of power is about to begin”. gave false information on the Gakkai to ordinary citizens. and take measures as soon as possible” (cf.VC _3_03_B. then a Young Women’s Division Corps Chief A story titled ‘Violent Religion. Newspapers that day carried stories with the headline ‘Apprehending members using violence’ and ‘Arrest warrant for six Soka Gakkai Kansai headquarters members’ on the top of the general news page. He spread a big piece of paper on a tatami mat of the Kansai Headquarters and wrote with a brush. he spread out a large sheet of paper and wrote ‘At Lightning Speed’ and started showering directions on the members. “With lightning speed” Akiko Kurihara.qxd 9/19/2012 11:55 AM Page 147 Osaka chapter were arrested by the Osaka Police Department on suspicion of assault and battery. At midnight. there were no such violent incidents at all. We were all burning with a sense of mission. Seeing that. I can’t forget the actions President Ikeda took at that time. Then I have to examine each piece. President Ikeda was chanting to the Gohonzon at the Kansai Headquarters. When the sun was about to rise. and we were all shaken up. Six or seven detectives were 148 VALUE CREATION ♦ MARCH 2007 .’” The response attack led to the construction of the unprecedented monument of victory. we were determined to “stand up and fight against evil forces” and to “fight together with Sensei” instead of just “receiving benefits”. “What are you talking about? It’s you who is frightened!” Last. “If someone criticises us as ‘a violent religion’. he asked one more leader. One of them answered. ‘Nichiren’s disciples cannot accomplish anything if they are cowardly’ (WND-1. President Ikeda asked the leaders of each area how the members were doing. “Right. “This incident has affected us tremendously. respond like this …”.VC _3_03_B. Just as the Daishonin said. “I’m afraid there is some influence. who answered. President Ikeda said. 481). he told us how to deal with an argument. We read his ‘Denko Sekka’ as “to change over to the offensive — fight. President Ikeda pointed out in a clear and tense voice.” And he asked yet another leader. After the early morning Gosho study meeting. The leader answered. “You don’t have to worry!” After hearing this. ‘Please come to our discussion meetings to see whether this is true or not.” Etsuko Yamamoto. Some members have left us. It’s you who is frightened! There were some new members who were swayed by the false articles written against the Gakkai. “Say to them. fight and fight to the very end”.qxd 9/19/2012 11:55 AM Page 148 become happy”.” President Ikeda asked the same question of another leader. then a Women’s Division District Chief We welcomed Sensei to our discussion meeting held at a kindergarten in Moriguchi City.” At that moment. You should tackle problems at lightning speed. giving concrete examples. “The members are quite frightened. and Sensei started giving his speech. 11. “You are too loud. “Did we do anything wrong? Go away!” They started to leave one by one. one after another. 1119). The call was nothing but harassment. there couldn’t have been any complaints from the neighbours. he spoke bravely about the greatness of this Buddhism. In a dignified voice. great good follows” (WND-1. The caller said. Sensei’s speech was like the roar of a lion. Newcomers to the meeting decided to join us on the spot. The last detective finally left as though he was frightened.qxd 9/19/2012 11:55 AM Page 149 gathered around the meeting place. There was a phone call from the police soon after that.111 HOUSEHOLDS Signs of victory “When great evil occurs. Speak a bit softer. “Employ the strategy of the Lotus Sutra before any other.VC _3_03_B. ‘All others who bear you enmity or malice will VALUE CREATION ♦ MARCH 2007 149 . I was serving as a guard and yelled at them.” As trains were coming and going all the time just outside the meeting place. One detective remained there. I could feel his dauntless spirit in the face of authority. “What chapter are you aiming to be better than?” he asked. We removed the fusuma [Japanese traditional sliding doors] to create a large room. “Take action. the people who attended the discussion meetings were poor and sick.” he said. As a result.” as if I were guided by his confident guidance. He asked me. President Ikeda gave guidance to the members with great conviction by citing such Gosho passages. our small district achieved the shakubuku of 225 households. I made up my mind and I fought. We never heard such a word as “happiness”. All of you should become happy with this faith.’ These golden words will never prove false” (WND-1. At that time.qxd 9/19/2012 11:55 AM Page 150 likewise be wiped out. we didn’t feel “happy” at all. Fumiko Watanabe. let’s fight. 1001). “What’s your target in this campaign?” I was thinking about producing excellent results. saying to myself. 20 tatami-mats in size. These were a vital component in attaining the shakubuku result of 11.VC _3_03_B. The members cheered wildly with joy upon realising that they also could become happy. Kazumi Kobayashi. superior to those of other distinguished districts. then a District Chief Ikeda Sensei was absolutely determined to win. I sensed Sensei’s expectation that one district could produce the same result as one mid-level chapter in Tokyo. “What’s wrong with the poor and the sick? Who did they bother? This Gohonzon is absolutely right. 150 VALUE CREATION ♦ MARCH 2007 . Generally. Ikeda Sensei’s intention was widely different. Then Ikeda Sensei appeared.111 new households. then a Chapter Standing Committee member My house was an activity centre. then a student I met Sensei for the first time in May. Take good care of yourself. Sensei taught me what true happiness is. I had never met such a senior member who had asked about me in detail. and started participating in activities. I thought I could never face Sensei as long as my attitude remained the way it was. I was such a conceited student that I was not participating in activities. Please believe in eternal life and fix your eyes on the cause and effect of a 50-year life and become aware of accumulating fortune. fame. and to be a genuine lady who remains unaffected by vanity. “I’m glad to see you. Sensei said to me with great compassion. When I wrote him a letter saying that I was very happy to have had someone understand me. He wrote these words of encouragement to a women’s division district chief: “Thank you very much for your daily efforts. I hope you go to bed early at night and maintain a pure and steady faith like flowing water. What are you studying at college? What are you going to be in the future?” He asked me about my situation in detail.qxd 9/19/2012 11:55 AM Page 151 Kyoko Tokuno. You must have strong faith so that the demons and the Devil King of the Sixth Heaven lurking within your will be defeated. or absolute happiness. I expect that you’ll exert yourself to advance with joy and benefits. fortune and vanity are like fireworks.” VALUE CREATION ♦ MARCH 2007 151 . I decided that I had to fight in order to see him again. “Thank you very much for your efforts” President Ikeda’s actions were performed with lightning speed.” I was so shocked. Sensei promptly wrote back: “In life. Buddhism is victory or defeat.VC _3_03_B. as if I were hit right on the crown of my head. My heart opened up and I told him everything. There is nothing happier than attaining Buddhahood. a district chief who lacked aspiration.qxd 9/19/2012 11:55 AM Page 152 Chizuko Okamoto. ‘To the dear members of Minami District’ on a large piece of paper.” His words spread to the forefront almost instantaneously. “Please bring me paper and a brush. “It was such a great momentum.” Then he wrote. What on earth are the members in Kansai doing with them? You shouldn’t waste issued forms. at one sitting. saying. He did gongyo with me. Let’s exert ourselves and go a step further. as though our unyielding efforts until that moment had never existed. “We’ll have 10. His writing was as if he could see right through the character of my husband. After that we were able to achieve great results. then a Chapter Standing Committee member Not having been able to achieve results of shakubuku in my district. Then one leader at this division said.000 households very soon.” Iwao Murata.VC _3_03_B. When I rushed back home with the writing. Application forms fall short I asked the organisational statistics division of the Soka Gakkai Headquarters to send 10. followed by ‘Courageous Fighting’ with a huge brush — immediately. That month I brought the results to Sensei and he said. “We sent them to you just the other day. and after that turned to a person near him and said.000 Gohonzon application forms. “Sensei wrote this for us.000.” Shouts of joy arose. then a Men’s Division Group Chief The members in the organisational statistics division who were encouraged by Sensei played a great role in the monumental victory of 11. I was worried and went to Sensei for guidance.111 new households.” 152 VALUE CREATION ♦ MARCH 2007 . I told all the district members. and we accelerated our pace. “We have a little more to go to achieve 10.” One of the visiting leaders remembered this incident. I waited for the reports from organisations in Kyushu. filled with admiration. The numbers had been increasing by hundreds every day. the headquarters leaders meeting was held at the Toshima Public Hall.111 new member-households. I said to the person in charge. he said ceremoniously. “What are the final results?” He was at his desk. VALUE CREATION ♦ MARCH 2007 153 . which has achieved 11. “11. Shikoku and Chugoku. even though it was still May.111 households!” We did not know what to say. The headquarters was filled with heat as if it was mid-summer. bending forward. their expressions full of vitality.” says a person who was then a member of the organisational statistics division. envy and sighs. The thunderous applause from the audience. then Vice Chapter Chief The organisational statistics division compiling the growing number of new member-households was located on the second floor of the Kansai Headquarters. Tadashi Murata. because the joy of having exceeded our target and the coincidental number was so overwhelming! Tokyo can also do it On May 31.” The nationwide senior leaders were put to shame with the astonishing results.VC _3_03_B. and then went into the room of the statistics division. the shakubuku results of all the chapters throughout the nation were announced. “I’ll never forget members who came rushing in with cards. did not die down for some time” (The Human Revolution). During the meeting. “The first place goes to the Osaka chapter.qxd 9/19/2012 11:55 AM Page 153 Full of vitality Members from local areas with application cards rushed into the rooms of the statistics division at the Kansai Headquarters. ” The guidance to members started again. He told us to fulfil our mission.” He first explained the significance of Sensei’s statement: Sensei appealed to us to recognise the significance of our struggle. A leader of that time reminisces: “Sensei appealed to us to recognise the significance of our struggle. “‘What we were fighting for was kosen-rufu.qxd 9/19/2012 11:55 AM Page 154 The second president. Not only are you endowed with human form. 385). Mr Toda. but you have had the rare fortune to encounter Buddhism’ (WND1. 993).’ he said. said. ********** FOCUS ON ENCOURAGEMENT TO MEMBERS! Subtleties are important in fighting “Foster members.VC _3_03_B. and to take pride in ourselves as bodhisattvas emerging from the earth. they could not chant the daimoku’ (WND-1. 154 VALUE CREATION ♦ MARCH 2007 . quoting a Gosho passage: ‘Were they not Bodhisattvas of the Earth. “What do you think of this result? Tokyo and the others were astonished. Sensei told us how happy we should be to have been born as human beings and to have become Soka Gakkai members. He cited the Gosho passage: ‘It is extremely rare to be born as a human being. Tokyo members can also do more because there are many more people in Tokyo” (cf. “Next. The Human Revolution). the great undertaking for the salvation of all people. he explained our mission as bodhisattvas emerging from the earth. ’” Hirotoshi Ikeda. He gazed out at the passing landscape. but should exert our utmost in the fight for kosen-rufu. including the cities of Yao. You should stand alone. ‘Whatever may occur. He added. ‘Please remember that subtleties are important in fighting. he chanted daimoku in a soft voice. you have wished that to happen. Daito and Moriguchi. Thus suffering is a joy to them’ (WND-1. In the car. Sensei told us the purpose of having become Soka Gakkai members. Seikichi Idoguchi.’ “Everyone was convinced in their hearts. then a Men’s Division Group Chief Ikeda Sensei was the forerunner of home-visits in the Kawachi-Keihan area. We stood up all at once. quoting the Gosho passage. who draw evil karma to themselves by their own compassionate vow.qxd 9/19/2012 11:55 AM Page 155 “Finally. I appreciated his painstaking efforts to teach us that we should never be satisfied with our current condition. He visited about 20 households each day from morning to night. and at times getting information on the district and its members. Then Ikeda Sensei asked me. If they see their father and mother have fallen into hell and are suffering greatly. “Can you sing ‘Kuroda-bushi’ until the second verse?” I had barely answered “Yes” when he stood up decisively and started dancing to my singing. Despite his exhaustion. I was feeling relaxed as the meeting was coming to an end. VALUE CREATION ♦ MARCH 2007 155 . 243). This is an anecdote from when we paid our last visit to a small meeting in Kita Ward in Osaka. ‘Let’s fight!’ Sensei said. he led the members in song and they all sang cheerfully. Members of the young men’s division drove him around all day in a car so that he could move swiftly to cover a large area. then a Squad Chief It was my greatest pleasure to get Ikeda Sensei’s guidance.VC _3_03_B. chanting. they will deliberately create the appropriate karma in hopes that they too may fall into hell and share in and take their suffering upon themselves. ‘… not yet freed from delusion. In May I started doing early morning gongyo with a visiting leader. I was working as a supervisor at a construction site but harboured the dream of becoming a jazz musician. The sweetshop owner in my neighbourhood smilingly said. President Ikeda gave us timely guidance on concrete goals and actions. By the time I finished all my activities for the day. The commander should be in the vanguard At morning meetings. to teach him gongyo. My heart danced with joy and my spirit was revived when I heard about his romantic adventures of kosen-rufu. The Daishonin said.qxd 9/19/2012 11:55 AM Page 156 given at the morning gongyo meeting. It is the key to victory.M. At night. I fought so hard that I forgot about the asthma that I had always suffered from. through my senior members. “Be a mighty warrior to achieve the great goal of kosenrufu!” I said to myself. you won’t win any battle. If you lag behind in taking action. He said. ‘If the lord 156 VALUE CREATION ♦ MARCH 2007 . “I know the time is 6:15 A. I passed the national exam to become a second-class architect.VC _3_03_B. it would be close to midnight. “A commander should be in the vanguard. checking their addresses at the corner with a flashlight hanging by a rope tied between one of my shoulders and my chest.” On another occasion. holding a flashlight in one hand. After two weeks of intense struggle. I went to members’ homes on my bike. “Yes. I will be such a warrior!” At that time. Every day I went to work two hours earlier than other staff members so that I could finish my job in time to attend the evening meetings. he said. When and which action should be taken? You should grasp the situation with your eyes based on faith. I studied to become an architect. when I see you rushing off to work!” At night. Every night for three months I visited a member who lived 30 kilometres away. on my worn-out futon . He said: “Those who take the quicker action will absolutely win. One day Sensei visited our shop and asked. “Would you please lend me a bicycle?” He rode to almost all the discussion meetings on this bicycle. The road to victory starts from encouraging one person. After he finished his rounds for the day.VC _3_03_B.qxd 9/19/2012 11:55 AM Page 157 of a castle is strong and brave. 979). President Ikeda taught us that all things depended on the leader’s determination. he rushed to our house riding the bicycle. VALUE CREATION ♦ MARCH 2007 157 . I heard that Sensei had said. “At that time. then a student My family ran a bicycle shop. so too are his soldiers’” (GZ. I borrowed a bicycle from Mr Yanagihara and rode across Kansai with it!” ********* ENCOURAGING ONE PERSON IS THE STARTING POINT TOWARDS VICTORY A child who keeps a little bird is kindhearted President Ikeda always encouraged each and every member. Nobuyuki Yanagihara. More than 40 years after that. His vitality overwhelmed me. “I have time for one more” and “I can encourage more members. and said. At times when I simply could not stop. While travelling from one meeting place to another. He said to her. Yoshimi Tanaka. always on the move. “My daughter is fortunate. even if just for a minute. Whenever a member came to the Kansai Headquarters.” Everywhere Sensei went there was rejoicing among all the people present. She is always doing her best. always telling myself. I would always try to stop by. There was a time when he met a YWD member’s mother who didn’t practise. my voice was hoarse from speaking. then a Young Women’s Division Corps Chief Sensei walked all across Kansai.VC _3_03_B. President Ikeda writes: There were times when I attended 25 or 26 meetings in a single day. I would wave or acknowledge people with my eyes.” Impressed by Sensei’s personality. When I stepped into the entrance hall and was about to go upstairs. silently sending daimoku to them from my heart. “Your daughter is a sensible young woman. even if just a word of greeting or encouragement. Akiko Kurihara. It was really “a storm of joy”. I 158 VALUE CREATION ♦ MARCH 2007 .” I was drenched with sweat.qxd 9/19/2012 11:55 AM Page 158 In Thoughts on The New Human Revolution. the mother was very pleased. You don’t have to worry about her. then a Men’s Division Group Chief I went to the Kansai Headquarters on a little errand. and my legs felt like cement. saying “I’m Ikeda” in a sincere and polite manner. if someone pointed out a member’s house to me. Sensei greeted her. I would always try to make time to speak with him or her. He visited members’ homes and continued to encourage them. “My son does. and overcame economic hardship without even realising I had done so. I earnestly dedicated myself to chanting daimoku. Sensei glanced at a birdcage in the backyard. “Who takes care of those birds?” The lady of the house where the meeting was held answered.qxd 9/19/2012 11:55 AM Page 159 encountered Sensei coming down the stairs.” After that. Midori Egusa. I worry about him not having faith. and asked. Finally Sensei said.” I was really sorry. Sensei replied “Okay. “Chant daimoku. he said. When Sensei saw my face. everyone at the meeting shouted with joy. saying “A child who keeps small birds is kindhearted.” As soon as Sensei opened the door. it was decided that Sensei would visit Sakai and Senshu. Later.” Sensei’s warm consideration went straight to my heart. I was appointed to guide him.” Then Sensei encouraged her. As if Sensei saw through me. let’s go. “Today. this is the 24th place I’ve visited. he said. I took him from one meeting place to another. VALUE CREATION ♦ MARCH 2007 159 . and your vital power will fill your body like the sun. her son took faith and contributed to kosenrufu. then a Women’s Division District Chief At one early morning meeting. “What’s the matter with you?” At that time I had been neglecting daimoku.VC _3_03_B. but I had to tell him that there was still one more place to visit. ’” From that point on. I explained my situation and asked what I should do. then a Men’s Division member At a guidance meeting President Ikeda asked. I had to walk two hours to the central meeting place. you are important.VC _3_03_B. Because I was without money. President Ikeda remarked: “Take this beautiful flower. “Are there any questions?” I was the first one to raise my hand. President Ikeda responded: “While I appreciate your enthusiasm. but I will bloom.” Hisao Masuda. regardless of what others may think. The sound of raised voices in the early morning will be a nuisance to the neighbourhood. for instance. What matters is for you to bloom beautifully. Referring to the decorative flower on the table in front of him. I later bought an old bicycle — if I rode too fast. my transport company had gone bankrupt and I was in the depths of poverty. At the time. ‘It does not matter whether people look at me or not. I put everything I had into Gakkai activities. Common sense itself is representative of faith. capable of dealing with whatever may happen. the tyres would burst. thinking it wants to be seen by people? No. Its mission is simply to bloom beautifully. you must realise that victory lies within the bounds of courtesy. This is the spirit I must have.qxd 9/19/2012 11:55 AM Page 160 A person who is intent is a sensible person One morning President Ikeda received a phone call from a men’s division leader who said he wanted to hold early morning gongyo meetings in his district. it doesn’t. Say to yourself. Doing so will enable you to develop a life-condition of indomitability. I once received this guidance from President Ikeda at the Kansai Headquarters: “Apply yourself to faith with the spirit of permeating your entire being with the Mystic Law.” 160 VALUE CREATION ♦ MARCH 2007 . Even in the depths of poverty. Does it bloom. You have a mission. ********** WRITTEN MESSAGES OF ENCOURAGEMENT ‘Great Struggle’ written in bold. Those who will advance until the very end will finally triumph. Hoping for all the more efforts.” “Let me pen you a poem commemorating our encounter: Dedicating the passion Welling up in your youthful body.” Everywhere he went. Struggle and endeavour In the battle of kosen-rufu “Final victory hinges on nothing but the unity and handto-hand struggles of the women’s division members. letters or poems to members. Three years later I was able to buy a car. beautiful brush strokes President Ikeda. always sent postcards. to continuously encourage them.000 daimoku a day with the conviction that I would never again face poverty.VC _3_03_B. even after making the rounds of the local meeting places. He was VALUE CREATION ♦ MARCH 2007 161 . President Ikeda wrote pieces of calligraphy for his fellow members in response to their requests. and from then on my economic revolution took off. writing: “Buddhism is about winning. Chant one million daimoku without fail — that is what was engraved in my life during the Osaka Campaign. I then made a determination to chant 10.qxd 9/19/2012 11:55 AM Page 161 President Ikeda was always chanting daimoku. I really hope that you will give thorough and detailed guidance to your members. does it not?’ (WND-1. The season makes it so. You should consider that being able to exert yourself in this struggle means being qualified to receive great benefits.qxd 9/19/2012 11:55 AM Page 162 determined to do anything that would please his friends. Sensei said. Fumiko Watanabe. beautiful brush strokes. Ms Watanabe. I also received a letter of encouragement. That was his spirit. It said: “‘In spring the blossoms open. Subsequently. in autumn the fruit appears.” 162 VALUE CREATION ♦ MARCH 2007 . I prepared black ink beside him. Sensei wrote while kneeling on tatami mats. winter is cold.VC _3_03_B. Summer is hot.” He gave me the words ‘Great Struggle’ written in bold. then a Chapter Standing Committee member Sensei’s brush strokes were dynamic. After finishing the calligraphy for all the district leaders there. 736). Since there was no table big enough to spread out a large sheet of paper in the Kansai Headquarters back then. Take good care of your health. “I am going to write one for you. I walked to the activities. VALUE CREATION ♦ MARCH 2007 163 . It was June. I will never forget how my rubber shoes were worn out and bent into a crescent shape. Embrace him like this. somebody else picked me up and held me in his arms. Tomio Okamoto. In a crowd in front of the Kansai Headquarters. But before she could catch me. bogged down by his busy schedule. Treasure your work and your wife A district leader. Friendship between fellow members is like moonlight. He was neglecting his work and family and. My father delivered a report to Sensei. It was Sensei. then five years old My parents were caretakers at the Kansai Headquarters. My mother. At this time. I have another anecdote.” Touched by such warm consideration. “Watch out!” yelled an observer. he received a letter from President Ikeda.” My father was so overjoyed and overwhelmed. Kenichi Fukuo. being beautiful and imperishable. I recognised a leader who was about to leave in a car with my father. Astonished by the shouts of people around me.qxd 9/19/2012 11:55 AM Page 163 Filled with courage. I later heard that Sensei told my mother: “Scolding is not good in a moment like this. and Sensei kindly wrote this message for my father on his own folding fan: “Debts of gratitude to the mentor are loftier than mountains and deeper than the ocean. was exerting himself in Gakkai activities but his activities were not producing any results. he didn’t even notice that he was in such a desperate situation. I innocently chased the car. he began to jump up and down at the headquarters. ran after me to scold me. I quickly ran into the hall of the headquarters. my mother cried even though there were many people around her. trying to get in. very embarrassed.VC _3_03_B. VC _3_03_B.qxd 9/19/2012 11:55 AM Page 164 The letter said, “The great fight of this century is for the Mystic Law. Please take a brilliant lead as a great soldier. Please treasure your work and your wife.” He was taken aback. It reminded him of the Second President Toda’s guidance — “How is your work?” “There are no problems. I entrusted it to others.” “You shouldn’t leave your work to others. Work is a part of practising faith. You have to take responsibility for it yourself.” That night he apologised to his family for his behaviour and pinned a large piece of paper on a wall in his house, pledging to achieve his human revolution. On the paper was written this message: “We, the Okamoto family, have been saved and fostered by the Soka Gakkai. We will never forget this debt of gratitude.” Mina Ueda, then a Young Women’s Division Group Chief It was a very hot and muggy night in June. When I came home, I saw I had received a postcard from President Ikeda, with this message: “‘A strong determination can pierce a rock.’ You shouldn’t forget a strong and spontaneous faith, which can change your karma and unfold your life, no matter what. Whether you have won or lost is determined at the last moment of your life. Therefore, you must know that the struggle in everyday activities is the source for accumulating good fortune. Especially in this campaign, please don’t forget sincerity, kindness and a smile when you lead members or give them guidance. I pray for your great achievement.” After I lost my parents, I had moved to Osaka from distant Otaru, and become a hairdresser. I had suffered from a chest disease and spent seven years in a sanatorium. I joined the Soka Gakkai in the seventh year of my hospitalisation. Just after I was discharged from the sanatorium, I received this postcard. Sensei was worrying even about me in such a situation. Tears were flowing from my eyes as I followed the words, one by one, on the postcard. 164 VALUE CREATION ♦ MARCH 2007 VC _3_03_B.qxd 9/19/2012 11:55 AM Page 165 “I’m going to answer to Sensei’s expectations — to the person who knows everything about me — and definitely win and become happy.” The prayer for my own happiness fused into my prayers for kosen-rufu. Day-and-night struggle At the Kansai Headquarters, President Ikeda came across a pregnant women’s division district chief. President Ikeda said to her, “Please take care of yourself.” Several days later, the women’s division district chief received a postcard: “Thank you so much for your day-and-night struggle for the campaign even though you are pregnant. Let’s achieve victory and report to the Gohonzon. Please stay in good health.” President Ikeda always concentrated on encouraging even “one person” from the bottom of his heart. Hiroko Nishimura, then a Women’s Division member President Ikeda came to the meeting place escorted by my husband. The wife of the host asked Ikeda Sensei to pen some words, holding out a piece of paper and a brush. President Ikeda wrote with a brush, “Like water”, and then he added “Dear Group Chief”. Suddenly she said, “Sensei, my husband is not a group chief. He is a unit1 chief.” President Ikeda replied with a smile, “I can’t win over the unit chief, can I? This ‘water’ doesn’t mean water that flows slowly. When water hits some rocks, rises over the rocks and keeps flowing … I mean the kind of water that flows dynamically.” The meeting place was quiet, with only five people. President Ikeda said, “Nichiren Daishonin said, ‘… although 1 A unit is smaller than a group VALUE CREATION ♦ MARCH 2007 165 VC _3_03_B.qxd 9/19/2012 11:55 AM Page 166 Nichiren and his followers are few, because they are different in body, but united in mind, they will definitely accomplish their great mission of widely propagating the Lotus Sutra’ (WND-1, 618). Although our supporters are few, if we keep chanting to the Gohonzon, we will definitely achieve a great victory.” When he was leaving, he said, “Now, summon up your courage!” From the next day, everyone started to contribute to the campaign in our area. “To become a fully-committed person” President Ikeda said, “I’m going back to Tokyo on urgent business,” and the visiting leaders told him, “Please be rest assured ...” They all relaxed at the Kansai Headquarters for a while, deciding that they could take a rest because President Ikeda had returned to Tokyo. Suddenly the door opened and President Ikeda came back; there had been a sudden change of plans. Seeing the leaders’ attitude, he said: “‘Same Birth and Same Name are looking at everything, even if no one else is looking at you. Faith is not trying to look good, but exerting yourselves steadily behind the scenes. ‘Where there is unseen virtue, there will be visible reward’ (WND-1, 907). Faith means unseen virtue.” All of them expressed regret and reflected seriously on themselves, and transformed themselves into “fully-committed individuals”, moved by President Ikeda’s strong inner determination. ********** ‘STILLNESS IN MOVEMENT’ Listen to music The campaign drew closer. All youth division leaders were in a hurry to reach their base of activities, but President Ikeda told 166 VALUE CREATION ♦ MARCH 2007 Setsuko Umemoto. Suddenly he got out of his car. but I suggest that you listen to an excellent piece of music.” They listened to ‘Kojo No Tsuki’ (The Moon over the Castle Ruins). If you listen to the music of Wolfgang A. Go after listening to a record. Mozart. they developed a sense of space in their hearts. President Ikeda said. What would you do if you got exhausted?” “I would take a nap. “What is this for? Everyone is waiting for us at the central meeting place. you will recover from your mental fatigue. “Now. “Taking a nap is one way. looked up at the night sky. from a high place like this.” President Ikeda coaxed them: “The expression in your eyes has changed as you all rush pell-mell to your meeting places. then a Young Women’s Division Vice Corps Chief President Ikeda had been visiting members to encourage them.qxd 9/19/2012 11:55 AM Page 167 them. then a Chapter Standing Committee member Once we climbed to the top of Osaka Castle. and said.” I replied innocently. You need ‘Stillness in Movements’. Ludwig Van Beethoven and so on. “Please wait.” Masuko Mineyama. While listening. I’ll see you off. “What a beautiful moon.” Until then I hadn’t even VALUE CREATION ♦ MARCH 2007 167 . of course.VC _3_03_B.” They thought.” President Ikeda then sent them off to their central meeting places. Then he said to me. “Sometimes you should view the future of kosen-rufu with a broad mind. then skewers the left-over salmon and carries them on its shoulder. eats until it is satiated. That’s why just one stride of a hundred people is more valuable than a hundred strides of one person. the bear catches salmon coming up-river. “Sensei said.qxd 9/19/2012 11:55 AM Page 168 realised where the moon was. “Sensei told us an old tale about a brown bear that carries salmon skewered on a bamboo stick.’ Thus Sensei told us the importance of having strong determination to care about each person. As he asked one question after another. ‘Even if you skewer salmons on a bamboo stick. Sensei rode a bicycle to visit and encourage the members. I was obsessed with thinking about the next step of our programme. the bear drops salmon in its wake. “A hundred strides by one person” are likely to end up as those left-over salmon skewered on a stick. then a Chapter Standing Committee member No one cared more about each individual than Sensei. But as it walks along.VC _3_03_B. In autumn.’ “And what can be done to prevent the salmon from falling off? ‘Pray by remembering the name of each person. I realised that I didn’t know that much about my friends. ********** ONE STRIDE OF A HUNDRED PEOPLE IS MORE VALUABLE THAN A HUNDRED STRIDES OF ONE PERSON Salmon skewered on a bamboo During the campaign. One of the youth division leaders at that time said: “Sensei asked me about my friends.” Setsuko Umemoto. He used 168 VALUE CREATION ♦ MARCH 2007 . I was touched by his attitude of ‘Stillness in Movement’. President Ikeda had discussions with each member and asked about their lives. I became unable to answer them. it’s meaningless if they keep dropping off. Our minds are like the water. the trees shake. One time. Being sensitive to everything is another word that describes ‘faith’. “Leaders must be sensitive. “What is important is when you are in the last ‘spurt’.). the moon is reflected. 829). but they proved too stiff to relieve.VC _3_03_B. When your faith is clear. you will be sensitive.qxd 9/19/2012 11:55 AM Page 169 three bicycles one after the other as each bicycle broke down during the Osaka Campaign. The moon is not reflected in muddy water. Faith that is weak is like muddy water. if you allow your spirit to slacken. ‘When water is clear. Sensei was resting after visiting six meeting places. Even if you have tried very hard up to this point. When the wind blows. This will determine whether you win honour or disgrace your name’” (WND-1. One of the members who was good at massaging tried to take the stiffness out of Sensei’s shoulders. As Nichiren Daishonin states in the Gosho. VALUE CREATION ♦ MARCH 2007 169 . Faith like clear water President Ikeda gave guidance about a leader’s attitude. everything will have been in vain: ‘This is where you will cross the Uji River. or when you finally cross the bridge of Seta: ‘The reason that you have survived until now when so many have died was so that you would meet with this affair’” (Ibid.” ********** THE LAST MOMENT IS CRUCIAL IN STRUGGLE We have remained alive for this moment President Ikeda gave us guidance: “The last moment is crucial in struggle. 1079). while faith that is brave is like clear water’ (WND-1. This is where you will ford the Seta. “Now you really look good.” A few days later.” He told me with joy. I rushed to the district meeting place. I can tell that you have been determined. President Ikeda called on the members to act on their beliefs with unwavering commitment: “Please carry through with your practice while becoming a fine citizen so that people throughout 170 VALUE CREATION ♦ MARCH 2007 . because you were able to meet the Gohonzon. “Don’t cry. I know it hurts. He recalled that six months ago he had encouraged me — I had five children to take care of — by saying.” On June 28. and have lost my husband.qxd 9/19/2012 11:55 AM Page 170 Fusae Fukuzumi. “I am Fukuzumi and I am the women’s district chief of this district. When he saw me. I cried holding his letter. To live up to my mentor’s expectations In Thoughts on The New Human Revolution. President Ikeda writes: “I set out on the campaign with single-minded devotion. he asked me if I was the wife of the district chief. President Ikeda wrote to me. I became even more determined to devote myself to kosen-rufu and to transform my karma. quoting a Gosho passage: “… sacrificing your life for the Lotus Sutra is like exchanging rocks for gold or dung for rice” (WND. I exerted my utmost to visit and encourage the members throughout Osaka City. 764). I had really worried about you.VC _3_03_B. I replied. I truly felt pain for you. then a Women’s Division District Chief When I had heard that President Ikeda would visit our district. You really have changed. but you should remember that you are the happiest person no matter what happens to you. the Kansai Women’s Division General Meeting was held at the Osaka Central Public Hall. From early morning until late at night. You have changed. In his address. risking my whole self for the sake of the fellow members.” Right after that he tapped his knee. Sensei was preparing to leave. “Thank you for everything over such a lengthy period of time. then a Men’s Division Unit Chief I can never forget what Sensei told us in the drawing room of the third floor of the Kansai Headquarters. “Our mentor is watching us struggle. I count on your noble leadership in the final days.VC _3_03_B. “President Toda said he would look after the affairs of the Kansai members if they ever collapsed. What could give us more pleasure than to hear these words? Let us strive further with renewed determination!” I thought that what President Toda meant by this remark was that he would take full responsibility until the last moment. It was then that I realised that Sensei shared the same determination as President Toda for Kansai. however. approached Sensei and thanked him for his long stay and the leadership he exerted throughout the campaign.” Kenichi Fukuo.qxd 9/19/2012 11:55 AM Page 171 Osaka will like you. General Nogi made his name at the cost of thousands of lives. then a Young Women’s Division Group Chief It was around the beginning of July.” Teruji Kotani. In the Russo-Japanese war. I. then headquarters caretaker. We are so fortunate. I’m happy to see that. Sensei gave me a folding fan on which was written this message: “The day of great joy is approaching. Sensei said. I said to myself.” My whole body trembled with joy and I dashed out of the room to engage in activities. Everyone looks so delighted. Let us apply ourselves to Buddhist practice as gracefully as blooming flowers. He said. Mina Ueda. My father. VALUE CREATION ♦ MARCH 2007 171 . then five years old While people in the Kansai Headquarters were overjoyed at the news of the great victory in the Osaka Campaign. qxd 9/19/2012 11:55 AM Page 172 rather than desiring to attain fame for myself. Sensei departed from Osaka.VC _3_03_B. (Translated from the January and February 2003 issues of Daibyakurenge) 172 VALUE CREATION ♦ MARCH 2007 . only hope that all the Kansai members. without exception. will become happy.” Uttering these words.