Challenges Before a Young Leader
“I am
keeping a diary, am I engraving a glimpse of my life for posterity? Will it
remain in history? A free dialogue. In any case, I will write on: There are
times, however, when I write about the real state of things and times I do not
sly people are.” (Dec 20, 1956) -- Ikeda
The
diary begins in 1949. Ikeda was born as fifth child on January 2, 1928 in a
family of seaweed farmers of Ota, Tokyo. As a child he suffered from indifferent
health and doctors predicted he might not live beyond the age of 30. His elder
brothers fought in World War II and lost one of them in the war.
Daisaku
Ikeda was 21 when the Diary begins. A year and nine months had passed since he
had taken faith in Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism and joined the Soka Gakkai.
Young Ikeda had been attending the night school extension of Taisei Gakuin (now
Fuji Junior College) since April of the previous year in the economics and
political science department. He also began working with Mr. Josei Toda, then
Soka Gakkai General Director, who would later become its second president.
Ikeda
was first assigned to help edit the monthly magazine, Boy’s Adventure.
He was promoted chief editor in five months. The Soka Gakkai was still in the
first phase of its post-war reconstruction with a membership with around 3,000
families. A significant development during this period was the commencement of
its study magazine, Daibyakurenge (Great White Lotus), first published
in September 1949.
The very first entry in
Ikeda’s Youthful Diary (May 31, 1949) offers clear indication of the young
man’s resolve to grow under his mentor and work for the realization of his
mission in life.
“One meets too many hypocrites in this
world. Youth especially must revere the truth. Whoever pursues the truth
throughout life is a great person.
Half a year has passed already since I
went to work for Mr. Toda’s company. Stormy and eventful days. All I can do is
steel myself to meet hardships cheerfully. Must advance towards the dawn, never
wavering in my conviction, following my lifelong – no, my eternal
mentor.”
Japan
was facing serious financial problems in those days and Josei Toda’s business
was also experiencing a decline, and his company, the Nihon Shogakkan,
suspended magazine publication in October. And all its employees were taken on
the staff of Toda’s new business venture – the Toko Construction Credit
Association.
“Slept
until 10:00 this morning. Was awakened by the lady next door who treated me to
zoni. Feel carefree living in an apartment by myself, but it’s rather lonesome.
Hurriedly did gongyo and went to Mr.
Toda’s house.
Clustered around him were Miss. K., I.,
Y., I. and several others. He offered us refreshments and gave guidance on a
variety of subjects until evening. A memorable New Year’s. he also lectured on
‘On Dispelling Delusions and Observing One’s Mind’ [a lecture by Nichio, the 56th
high priest].
New Year’s Day sun – shed your light on
me this year!
Day by day, I am renewed. Today, I am
born again.” (January1, 1950)
Though
the post war Japan still was facing serious problem Josei Toda, however, did
not slacken in the least in his kosen-rufu efforts as then Soka Gakkai General
Director. On April 19, he began his tenth Lotus Sutra lecture series. Daisaku
Ikeda had left his parents’ home the year before and was living in a one-room,
six-tatami-mat apartment in Omori, Tokyo. While working desperately to help Mr
Toda with his faltering business, he devoted himself to discussion meetings and
other Soka Gakkai activities almost every night.
The
seventh memorial service (marking the sixth anniversary) for the first Soka
Gakkai president, Tsunesaburo Makiguchi, and the fifth Soka Gakkai general
meeting were held in the Kyoiku Hall in Kanda, Tokyo, on November 12. At the general meeting, Josei Toda officially
resigned as general director, determined that his business failure should not
adversely affect the Gakkai. In his
lecture, however, he affirmed that “kosen-rufu is the Buddha’s will and the
Buddha’s mandate”, making it clear that he had in no way faltered in his
resolve to achieve kosen-rufu. He then
turned his attention towards training Daisaku and other youth division members
for the future, pouring his energies into Gosho lectures and other
developmental efforts. In particular, he
made time early each Sunday morning to instruct young Daisaku in politics,
economics, law, science and other fields.
These private lessons continued for several years. SGI President Ikeda
would later say of them, “They turned into invisible possessions that have been
literally engraved on my life.”
The
entry on December 11 indicates Ikeda’s strong resolve to face problems with
courage and conviction: “A philosopher once declared, “Life is another name for
struggle.” Truly, life is like warfare, severe and bewildering. I fondly recall
my boyhood days when I knew nothing of life. But I cannot retreat a step.
Life is a struggle.
Yet, even in the midst
of struggles, rest is necessary.
And in rest, we can dream
of the next ideal.
That ideal must encompass the great good for the
individual and society.
Then, while
striving to realize it, we must arouse the full power of our bodies and minds.”
(December 10, 1950)
The year 1951 brought
him both new challenges and determined efforts to spread the mystic law. Ikeda
hoped that it would bringing spring time joy and happiness:
“Spring
– spring will soon arrive, a season aglow with hope. My passion and great
conviction will grow like the trees and grass.
Spring - spring reminds us of the joy of
living. Ultimately, I believe in the Gohonzon- the profound, eternally
unchanging truth. Also myself. Because the self is the subjective reality, my
comrades in faith who represent the environment will follow powerfully and boldly.
Youth, arise!
Youth, advance!
Youth, move!
Onward, ever onward!
Unafraid of towering precipices or
raging waves.” (February 21, 1951)
Keenly aware of his
mission in the vanguard of kosen-rufu Ikeda wrote:
“Keenly
aware of my mission in the vanguard of kosen-rufu. Throughout life, throughout
eternity, the important thing is to raise capable people for the future. This
is extremely vital. And to find capable people, one needs the eye of wisdom –
that is the eye of faith.” (February 20, 1951)
Despite
his difficult business situation, Josei Toda poured his entire being into
training the youth to whom he would entrust the future of kosen-rufu.
Discussing the Gosho and important literary works, he conducted a series of
meetings that lasted about six months, from fall 1950 until spring 1951, in
which he instilled in these youths his dynamism and ideal for kosen-rufu. These
meetings produced a core of capable youths who would form the nucleus of the
youth division (established later that year) and set a precedent for the 1952
formation of the Suiko Group.
As
the March 17 entry suggests, preparations for launching Seikyo Shimbun,
the Soka Gakkai’s newspaper conceived by Josei Toda, were well under way. On
March 20, the first issue was published. Seikyo Shimbun was then a
thrice-monthly, two-page tabloid with a circulation of 5,000. In general, most
daily papers were then published in four-page editions on weekdays and two-page
editions on Saturday and Sunday. After the war, the GHQ had little choice but to
impose censorship and other controls upon the Japanese press. In May 1956,
however, such restrictions were removed.
With
Josei Toda’s inauguration as second Soka Gakkai president on May 3 came a great
surge in propagation. In May, 284 households were converted, and in June the
number rose to 440. In a short time, the monthly organization growth rate
climbed from five to nine per cent.
Ikeda is determined to dedicate his
life for the propagation of faith. He records: “Will spend my life establishing
my faith. When viewed from the perspective of life’s eternity, that should be
the objective of this life. Those round us may criticize us. But no one else
teaches the answers to the fundamental questions of life. When it comes to
these fundamental questions alone, it is necessary to ask others’ opinions. The
correct way is simply to practise as Nichiren Daishonin taught. Next year, I
will further exert myself in faith and advance in practice. I will apply myself
thoroughly to studying Buddhism. I will gain trust and respect as a youth.”
(December 20, 1952)
The
Gakkai began the year with a membership of 5,727 families. Converting 16,597
families in the course of the year, it reached a membership of 22,324 families
in 1952, surpassing its goal of 20,000. In February, under the leadership of
Kamata Chapter senior staff member Daisaku Ikeda, the chapter accomplished an
unprecedented conversion of 201 households. That historic month paved the way
for the Soka Gakkai’s traditional February propagation activities. Kamata
Chapter’s 1952 result was the highest of any of the 16 chapters throughout the
nation.
On
May 3, Daisaku Ikeda married Kaneko Shiraki.
The
Suiko Group, a select cadre of young men’s division members, was formed in
1952. Using a new translation of Tales of Suiko by Haruo Sato, as well
as other great works of both East and West as study materials, President Toda
took on the task of developing capable youth to shoulder the responsibility for
the future of kosen-rufu. The group was re-organised in September 1953, with 43
members. After President Toda died, the group continued through its fifth term,
with Daisaku Ikeda, then the Soka Gakkai’s third president, taking the lead.
Many of today’s top Gakkai leaders as well as leaders in various fields of society
such as politics, finance and culture appeared from among the Suiko Group
members.
The
Next year was a hectic year for Ikeda. He recollects: “Ah, how time passes. A
new time must come. I await that time. I live for that time. Must make
meaningful progress during my youth. Whether in suffering or sadness, must
remain youthful like a child of the Gakkai – fresh and alive.” (October 13,
1953)
January
2 recollections of Ikeda make interest in reading: “My birthday today. I am now
25. Lately, I deeply sense my destiny to carry on the struggle for kosen-rufu
after my mentor is gone. Thankful that I can stand up, be active and fight
without being confined to a sickbed.
Left
for the year’s first head temple pilgrimage on the 11:00 train from Tokyo. At
the Rikyo-bo lodging house, President Toda announced my appointment as chief of
the First YMD Corps. New Year’s was the first step in the battle, as though it
symbolized the rest of the year. Must take my stand as a brave young man and
lead the youth, fearing nothing.”
The
Soka Gakkai youth division organization at the outset of 1953 consisted of four
butai or corps for the young men’s division and five for the young women’s
division. Each corps was composed of youth from several of the Soka Gakkai’s 16
chapters. The first YMD corps, to which Daisaku Ikeda was appointed chief, was
made up of youth from the Koiwa, Mukojima and Joto chapters. By the latter part
of November 1952, this corps had some 316 young men, and 1953 saw YMD
activities centred on vigorous propagation. As reported at the March 3 youth
division meeting, YMD propagation results were: First Corps, 515 household;
Second Corps, 217 households; Third Corps, 19 households; and Fourth Corps, 20
households.
The
Friday lecture mentioned in the March 6, June 12 and June 19 entries was a
weekly lecture by President Toda directed towards newer members. To accommodate
a rapid increase in participants, the lectures were moved to Toshima Civic
Auditorium in Ikebukuro, Tokyo. Each week, members flocked in from throughout
the city and adjoining prefectures to hear the president’s lecture, fully
packing the auditorium and leaving nearly 200 people to listen from outside,
many pressing their noses against the windowpanes as they eagerly absorbed
President Toda’s lecture.
On
June 16, about a year after the Suiko Group was formed, the group was severely
reprimanded by President Toda for having too easygoing an attitude. Unable to
formulate their next goal, they found themselves deadlocked. Deeply troubled by
this, Daisaku Ikeda drafted three pledges or oaths to clarify the Suiko Group’s
purpose as heirs to the task of kosen-rufu. These consisted of (1) a pledge to
the Gohonzon, (2) a pledge to President Toda and (3) a pledge to fellow
believers. On July 21, the newly-reformed Suiko Group met once again with
President Toda and together signed and affixed their thumb prints to this 'Oath
of Suiko'.
On
April 28, Daisaku and Kaneko Ikeda’s first son, Hiromasa, was born.
In
September, Seikyo Shimbun became a weekly publication, coming out every
Sunday. The circulation was then 21,000. Also, in October pilgrimages to
the head temple were increased from one to two a month. As a result, the number
of pilgrimage participants in October grew to about 4,000. A powerful
advancement rhythm pulsated through every corner of the organisation, and from
September 1953 on, the number of households converted each month never fell
below 5,000.
The year
1954 was an eventful period of great achievements. The New Year emphasis was on
laying strong foundation for Gakkai with massive involvement of youth. Mr. Toda
reminded: “I am striving resolutely ahead the carry out a revolution. My
revolution, however, is a bloodless revolution, based on compassion and
reason.” His words when deep into Ikeda’s mind.
“The
Buddha wrote that one should become the master of one’s mind rather than let
one’s mind master oneself. This is what I mean when I emphatically urge you to
give up even your body, and never begrudge even your life for sake of the Lotus
Sutra. (‘Letter to Gijo-bo’, WND-1, 390)” (March 21, 1954)
“Life is the
most precious of all treasures. Even one extra day of life is worth more than
ten million ryo of gold. The Lotus Sutra surpasses all the other sacred
teachings because of the ‘Life Span’ chapter. The greatest prince in the land
of Jambudvipa would be of less consequence than a blade of grass if he died in
childhood. If he died young, even a person whose wisdom shone as brilliantly as
the sun would be less than a living dog. So you must hasten to accumulate the
treasure of faith and quickly conquer your illness. (‘On Prolonging One’s Life
Span’, WND-1, 955)” (April 1, 1954)
Despite perceptible achievements both of an organiser and
youth leader Ikeda was disturbed by his mentor’s indifferent health. February
16th entry makes this clear: “Sensei struggles relentlessly against the devil of sickness.
I,
too, continuously battle the same devil.
Where
there is passionate faith, there must be victory. I am young; my life begins
from now. If only I can be the engine that turns. President Toda’s plans and
ideas into realities.
Spent
the entire day at work. Returned home after midnight. Life is nothing but
struggle and advancement. Such is my destiny.”
During the
first gongyo of the new year at the headquarters, President Toda recited a waka
poem he had written: “If I go forth in the robe of this precious Law, I need
not fear even the peaks of the Kunlun Mountains.”
The Kunlun
Mountains were legendary sacred peaks west of China. Through his poem, one can
sense President Toda’s passion to spread the Daishonin’s Buddhism throughout
Asia. To further establish the Gakkai’s solid progress of the previous year,
Toda devoted himself in 1954 to formalizing and systematizing a new Study
Department, reorganizing the youth division and fine-tuning the entire
organisation. As a result, the Gakkai surpassed the membership goal of 150,000
households Toda had set for the year, reaching more than 160,000 by the end of
1954.
Great
plans were implemented for youth division advancement and the organisation’s
development as a whole. At a March 30 headquarters leaders meeting, the seven
YMD and YWD corps spread among 15
chapters were expanded to 15 corps per division, one in each chapter. In
addition, a youth division staff office was established and Daisaku lkeda was
appointed chief. The youth division staff was created to come up with campaign
strategies, ideas and suggestions aimed to further youth division development.
Later, under Chief of Staff Ikeda’s leadership, this body became responsible
not only for the youth division growth, but provided the driving force for the
entire Gakkai organisation’s advancement.
In
April 1954, Seikyo Shimbun celebrated its third anniversary by expanding
from two to four pages. The price was ¥12 per issue.
Also, to keep pace with the rapidly-expanding membership, a second printing of The
Complete Works of Nichiren Daishonin (Gosho Zenshu) was decided upon at the
end of the previous year.
From the end of October through the beginning of November,
the youth division conducted a series of large-scale events, including a
10,000-participant general pilgrimage to the head
temple and the first youth division sports festival. Held on the Nippon
University grounds, it was designated the ‘Century Festival’ and featured
several athletic competitions. Later, spirited youth festivals were held in
each area, eventually giving rise to major sports and culture festivals.
The personal
care President Toda took in the overall development of his disciple is reflected
in the following entry in the diary on: “Yesterday, I visited Sensei at home to offer my year-end
respects. He scolded me severely. Like the strict anger of a father, the
intensity of his voice made me want to cringe.
Ah,
I was at fault. It is exactly as Sensei said. His strict love aims to prevent
me from becoming a failure in life. He admonishes me so I will not become a
general defeated in battle. Over the past several days, I have looked hard at
my negative karma – my destiny. I have shed tears, felt frustration and
pondered deeply. Determined to respond to Sensei’s expectations.
Sensei’s
power is like that of the Buddha. His eyes are like the eyes of the Buddha.
Now, a real sense of mentor and disciple deeply penetrates my heart. Beg his
forgiveness. I will offer my life, standing at the front lines of kosen-rufu. A
win-try wind blew all day. It was cold and dark, like the depths of my heart.”
(December 27, 1954)
The following year, again was a
great year in terms of phenomenal achievement of Ikeda as a young leader of
great promise. The following entry stand out: “The Lotus Sutra is the robe that will keep you from
disgrace after this life. The sutra reads, “It is like a robe to one who is
naked.” (‘Letter to Jakunichi-bo’,WND-1, 994)” (January 3, 1955)
“I have now turned 27; I
am no longer a child.
Before I die, I want to grow into a splendid and
powerful person under my revered teacher.
Before I die, I want to be praised as an excellent
person for kosen-rufu.
Before I die, I want to be a splendid example of a
President Toda disciple.
Before I die, I want to be praised as an excellent
person of great faith.
I do not fear
worldly opinion. Nor do I fear others’ criticism. What I do fear, however, is
Buddhism. The Daishonin and my mentor are truly fearsome. Saw a movie with my
wife in the evening.” (January 5, 1955)
“This
life is like a dream. One cannot be sure that one will live until tomorrow.
However wretched a beggar you might become, never disgrace the Lotus Sutra. (‘A
Warning against Begrudging One’s Fief’, WND-1, 824)” (January 8, 1955)
“Must sincerely and
patiently strive to establish something in the areas of my daily
responsibilities.
Must seriously exert
myself in study; if I neglect to do so now, I will regret it later.
Must carefully and
steadily establish my finances.
Of
course, all my material possessions are dedicated to kosen-rufu and the Gakkai.”
(January 25, 1955)
“Daisaku,
the son of a poor seaweed vendor. But the Mystic Law can transform filth into
gold. Why, then, should I begrudge my life? When we are truly prepared to offer
our lives, magnificent power wells forth.” (January 26, 1955)
On January
28, Daisaku and Kaneko Ikeda’s second son, Shirohisa, was born.
At
the February 28 headquarters leaders meeting it was announced that some 11,475
households had taken faith that month.
Around
the same time, a debate unfolded between a Soka Gakkai group chief and Minobu
Nichiren sect priests in the town of Otaru, on Hokkaido. Minobu priests,
greatly underestimating the Gakkai member’s faith and understanding, demanded
what became the famous Otaru Debate. On March 2, the Otaru Group chief signed a
written agreement to publicly debate the Minobu priests. The youth division
rallied to support. Youth Division Chief of Staff Ikeda, master of ceremonies
for the Gakkai side, proclaimed, “Through this debate, the Minobu sect’s
doctrinal errors will be made absolutely clear before one and all.” The Gakkai,
from the start, focused on Minobu’s erroneous doctrine and distorted historical
view. Minobu was forced into embarrassing confusion by the Gakkai’s pointed
questions and insistence on documentary evidence. It was an overwhelming
victory.
“Faith, confidence,
conviction: these thoughts arise, somehow, in the midst of practice: What is life’s
fundamental energy?
Fate, destiny, karma: What determines the course of
one’s life? What is the most powerful influence? Thought about how it relates
to my efforts in this life.
Met H. over dinner. A relaxing break. Yet, I had
thought of him as a more trustworthy friend. Is it his nature to succumb to
seeking honour and profit? Must wait and see about him.
At 6:30, an emergency chapter chiefs meeting. Everyone
was tired and spiritless. Sorry for them.
When a
general is rich in humanity, those under him will be happy. When a general
becomes political and authoritarian, no one will be happy. When a general
becomes political and authoritarian, no one will be unhappier than his
subordinates. The Soka Gakkai leaders still have a long way to go. They must experience
more hardship.”(March 7, 1955)
President Toda
had been racking his brains over how to develop the Culture Department -
which had been established just the previous November - with the hope that as
the frontiers of kosen-rufu widened, many members would appear who could make
solid contributions in various fields. On March 8, 13 new members were
appointed, among them educators and other professionals from the forefront of
society.
On
May 3, the Spring Headquarters General Meeting was held at the National Sports
Hall in Ryogoku. A drive to achieve a membership of 300,000 households before
the end of the year was announced.
On
May 29, 1955, 10,360 YMD members participated in a pilgrimage to Taiseki-ji
amid heavy rain.
In
1955, the last summer outlying-area propagation campaign was conducted. Between
August 16 and 25, more than 600 leaders were dispatched to 45 cities to launch
vigorous propagation activities. Daisaku Ikeda was assigned to Sapporo, on the
northern island of Hokkaido. Sapporo topped the nation, surpassing its
300-household goal. Nationwide, 5,558 families joined through those activities,
and the total households receiving the Gohonzon in August was 28,450.
The
entry on December 28 indicates Ikeda’s determination to work hard and attain success
whatever being the obstacles, “Just a few more days left to the year. Another
year closer to the day I bid farewell to my 20s, the prime of my life. Have
many mixed feelings – sadness, concern about the future, about the severity of
society. I am young, still quite young. Must polish and disciple myself.
1.
Read.
2.
Write
Tonight,
an end-of-the-year party. Sang and danced with friends until after 9:00. In
three days, I’ll be 27. In three years, I will reach my thirties. What lies on
the road ahead for this youth, this person of destiny and myriad feelings? One
philosopher said that personality is a matter of fate.”
Young
Ikeda is convinced in the New Year 1956 that fate begins with a super and
consistent gongyo,: “Fatigued since morning. Agonising.
Reflecting
on the need to challenge society and challenge oneself every single day Ikeda
wrote: “Life’s ambitions, life’s tedium, life’s significance. What is the
purpose of my existence? Why must I lead such a difficult life? There are days
I wonder heedlessly about such things. Must challenge society and challenge
myself every single day. Many in this society grow weary and are
defeated.”(April 23, 1956)
Heard
a report that Sensei is not feeling well. In the evening, he appeared at the
headquarters. How sad. My teacher is exhausted and I am exhausted. Is it shared
karma? The oneness of mentor and disciple? Stopped in the afternoon at the
lsetan department store for about the in the president’s room in the evening
with I. and H. He talked about the Grand Reception Hall and the Three Great
Secret Laws. He also pointed out the original; meaning of certain Chinese
characters. Regret my lack of study. First and foremost, faith begins with a
superb and consistent gongyo.”
In
his Seikyo Shimbun New Year’s message,
President Toda said that although Japan had thus far achieved a level of
economic, political and diplomatic stability, something still seemed to be
missing. This emptiness stemmed from people’s inability to spend each day with
energy, life-force and vitality. He stressed the importance of sending forth a
retinue of people trusted in society. On the youth division page of the same
issue, Daisaku Ikeda, the youth division chief of staff, offered his views on
the youth division’s mission, urging youth to summon powerful faith and stand
up with an awareness that they will shoulder the new era.
In
the five years since its first issue in 1951, Seikyo Shimbun had grown from a two-page, thrice-monthly tabloid
with a circulation of 4,000 to a four-page weekly with more than 200,000
subscribers. And with the opening of the Kansai Soka Gakkai headquarters
building in January 1956, a Kansai Seikyo Shimhun office was also
established. With three localised editions - Northern,
Tokyo metropolitan and Western - then being printed and distributed throughout
Japan, so began a new campaign to bring the principles of the Daishonin’s
Buddhism, guidance in faith and news of the Gakkai’s movement to the people.
With
the aim of realising President Josei Toda’s cherished membership goal of
750,000 households, the Soka Gakkai set its 1956 target at 500,000. Other goals
for the year included establishing local chapters outside metropolitan Tokyo
and beginning construction of a Grand Lecture Hall at the head temple. Also, at
a January 2 headquarters planning board conference, President Toda announced
his decision to personally conduct semi-monthly lectures in the Kansai area. He
also announced he would begin short-term guidance tours round the country,
starting with Kansai, to foster able individuals for the steady development of
kosen-rufu.
From
the beginning of the year, the famous Osaka Campaign unfolded under Daisaku Ikeda’s
leadership. The first step in that campaign was to help thoroughly acquaint the
area members with the principles of Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism through
study. In addition, Chief of Staff Ikeda painstakingly met and encouraged as
many individuals as possible through wholehearted guidance in faith. With the
steady repetition of such efforts, an unprecedented groundswell of faith and
practice arose. To wit, 1,101 candidates from the Kansai area (where Osaka is
located) passed the March 4 nationwide Study Department entrance exam -
a figure far exceeding the national average. In addition, Osaka Chapter increased
by 5,005 households in March, making it unrivalled among its fellow smaller
chapters.
In
April, towards sending able people into all sections of society, the Gakkai
sponsored four candidates in the national House of Councilors election to be
held in July: one candidate each from the electoral districts of Tokyo and one
from Osaka. This was the first time the Gakkai had sponsored candidates in a national
election, an effort that later led to the establishment of the Komeito, or
‘Clean Government Party’, which grew to be one of Japan’s largest opposition
parties.
During the headquarters leaders meeting of July 1956,
Einosuke Akiya, now Chief Adviser to the Soka Gakkai, was appointed YMD chief. In addition, 16 new chapters
were formed in 14 cities, doubling the existing number of chapters to
32.
The August monthly headquarters leaders meeting was held at Toshima
Civic Auditorium. President Toda gave guidance on the fundamental spirit for unit-level
discussion meetings that would commence in September, as well as the proper
attitude for leaders. He stated that the traditional Soka Gakkai spirit lay in
conducting discussion meetings on the unit level and declared that genuine
progress towards kosen-rufu and in each person’s human revolution could be
achieved not through formality or bureaucracy but through steady and continuous
Buddhist practice pulsating with the spirit of faith.
The
Soka Gakkai held its 15th fall general meeting on November 1 at
Korakuen Stadium in Tokyo. From across Japan, 60,000 members participated. In
this address, Josei Toda proclaimed, “The problems of our materialistic
society, as well as the fundamental problems of life itself, must be solved,”
and he emphasised the profound importance of actual proof.
In
December, the membership goal of 500,000 households, set at the beginning of
the year, was attained. Thus the members welcomed 1957 with a growing passion
to fulfil President Toda’s pledge to attain 750,000 households during his
lifetime.
December 4th
entry revelas Ikeda’s determination to cultivate his character in order to
became a capable leader: “Unless I strive to cultivate my character, I will not
become a great and capable general. I must advance, striving each day in
practice and study, based upon faith, to become a person of great insight.
Once again pondered
Ieyasu’s admonition: “A person faces three turning points in life that one
should bear well in mind. The first is around the age of 17 or 18 when one may
become tainted through the bad influence of friends. The second is around 30
when one may become arrogant about things, failing to show respect even to
venerable seniors. Then, around 40, one may grow bored with life and be given
to reminiscing about the past, thus growing weak at heart.”
I should thoroughly self-reflect.
In any event, these words are very interesting. The father states, “Arrogant
people do not last long,” to which the son replies with a smile, “People who
are not arrogant do not last long either.”
I
value these words as well.”
Ikeda
reflects on his birthday (January 2): “My 29th birthday. I have now
been practicing this faith for ten years. Ten years of challenging storm clouds
and raging waves. Ten years from now, when I am 39, what destiny awaits me?
What kind of person will I become?”
Pointing
to the ideological confrontation taking place across the face of the globe,
Josei Toda, in his Seikyo Shimbun New
Year’s message, suggested that if Shakyamuni, Jesus Christ, Karl Marx and
others were to gather for a grand conference, they would never quarrel or argue
with one another. The foremost desire of sages throughout time has been to rid
the world of misery, Toda said, and the fundamental purpose of Buddhist
propagation, too, is to save people from suffering.
On
January 17, a YMD leaders meeting was held at Toshima Civic Auditorium with
some 2,500 YMD representatives. On the same day, 1,700 YMD leaders held a
similar meeting at Nakano Civic Auditorium. Brimming with vital life-force, the
youth pledged to one another to carry out their faith with great confidence and
dignity. At the YMD meeting, Daisaku Ikeda said; “Please become the kind of
youth about whom people will say, ‘So long as the young men’s division is here,
I can rest assured.’”
Speaking
about the power of concentration Ikeda writes: “January has gone by all too
quickly. The battle is long and severe. Yet, the results will all become
apparent in the course of a moment. Want to do the kind of gongyo, morning and
evening, in which I can practise the profound meditation of the Lotus Sutra.
Reflecting deeply upon my life, which lacks the power of concentration. There
are times I feel impelled to cross the oceans, soaring into the air to boldly
advance global kosen-rufu – travelling to the mysterious developing nations of
Southeast Asia; to the advanced civilization of America; to the tumultuous,
newly-developing communist countries; to the Christian democracies of Europe;
to Africa and South America – the continents of the 21st century;
and to Australia, the land of the future. Dreams! Never die!”
On
February 22, at 6:00 P.M., the February headquarters leaders meeting was held
at Toshima Civic Auditorium. Nearly 2,000 leaders, district level and above,
assembled. President Toda said that the Soka Gakkai is an organization of pure
faith and emphasised that its structure and management must be conducted based
upon faith. He also strictly warned against taking advantage of Gakkai
leadership positions to act in an authoritarian manner towards the membership.
While
Chief of Staff Ikeda was busy in Hokkaido with the union problem, he was
summoned to the Osaka Prefectural Police Headquarters to answer false charges
of violating election campaign laws. These had been designed to put a damper on
the Gakkai’s rapid advancement.
Mr
Ikeda thus headed for Osaka where he was incarcerated on July 3, the same date
Josei Toda had been released from prison 20 years earlier after having stood up
against the unjust actions of the authorities. The Gakkai members raised their
voices in protest, calling for Mr Ikeda’s immediate release. After two weeks of
incarceration, the chief of staff was released from the detention centre at noon
on July 17 and participated in the Osaka General Meeting that evening. That
meeting, held amid rain and thunder, was a grand gathering of more than 20,000
members. Several thousand more waited outside the auditorium, listening to the
proceedings over loudspeakers. The so-called Osaka Incident was resolved some
four-and-a half years later, on January 25, 1962, with a not-guilty verdict on
all counts against Mr. Ikeda, who by then had become the third Soka Gakkai
president.
On
September 8, during closing ceremonies for the Fourth Eastern Japan Youth
Sports Festival at Yokohama’s Mitsuzawa Sports Grounds, President Toda
delivered his historic ‘Declaration for the Abolition of Nuclear Weapons’
before 50,000 Soka Gakkai members, emphasising the supreme value and dignity of
an individual human life.
“I am
a messenger of the Tathagata; a great honour. Must not be arrogant. Must not
become bigheaded. Must have a state of life and patience like flowing water.”
(October 26, 1957)
“Want to hear Sensei’s
voice. Haven’t seen him for some time. Such a lonely feeling.
An
evening conference at the headquarters. I feel the Gakkai is falling behind in
its pace. Is this acceptable?
Until 10: My childhood, as
the son of a seaweed farmer
Until 20: Developed
self-awareness, battled the devil of illness
Until 30: Buddhist practice
and study; fighting to destroy the devil of illness
Until 40: Perfect my
Buddhist study; perfect my Buddhist practice
Until 50: Make my
declaration to society
Until 60: Complete the foundation of kosen-rufu in Japan” (December 4,
1957)
“This expansive land
where President Makiguchi and President Toda once frolicked as youth is the
pride of those who live here.
At night, deeply
pondered the following:
1.
The
Gakkai’s direction for the first 100 days, one year, three years and seven
years after my mentor’s passing
2.
To
whom the core of the Gakkai should be entrusted and how
3.
His
surviving family
4.
Proper
attitude of top leaders in giving guidance.
My thoughts
continue endlessly.” (June 22, 1958)
President
Toda turned 58 on February 11, 1958, and a celebration marked his recovery of
health. On March 1, the completion ceremony for the Grand Lecture Hall at
Taiseki-ji took place. The construction project was the major project of
President Toda after the accomplishment of his goal of 750,000
member-households. Some 2,000 chapter leaders and 4,000 youth division members
attended the ceremony. In a congratulatory speech, Josei Toda expressed his
deep appreciation for the sincere contributions of so many Gakkai members. He
said: “By putting our faith in the power of the Gohonzon first, we must save
the nation of Japan, which is experiencing the calamity of internal strife.”
Throughout
March, more than 200,000 participated in commemorative pilgrimages. During the
commemorative event on March 16, nearly 6,000 youth gathered on the head temple
grounds and together with Toda conducted the ‘Ceremony of Kosen-rufu’. March 16
is celebrated today as Kosen-rufu Day. Despite his failing health, Toda
remained at the head temple all through the month, assuming full leadership for
the commemorative events.
Early
in the morning of April 1, President Toda left the head temple for Tokyo and
was admitted to the Nihon University Hospital. The next day, a little after
6:40 P.M., he died, having achieved all his goals for kosen-rufu. The news of
his death reached the Soka Gakkai headquarters just as a joint conference of
the board of directors and planning board was concluding. The YMD and YWD corps
chiefs were also at the headquarters.
On April
3, a headquarters leaders meeting was held at Toshima Civic Auditorium.
At the start, the Soka Gakkai general director announced the news of Toda’s
demise. Chief of Staff Ikeda encouraged those present to continue advancing as
disciples of the late president, and put to good use all the training they had
received from him. The same day, Toda’s body was placed in a coffin, and a
vigil was conducted. On April 8, a funeral ceremony was conducted by Nichijun,
the 65th high priest. More than 120,000 Soka Gakkai members offered incense and
prayers at the front gate of Jozai-ji. On April 20, an official Gakkai memorial
service was held, attended by 250,000 members from all over Japan. Some critics
commented that the Gakkai would disintegrate now that Toda had passed away.
On
April 11, Daisaku and Kaneko Ikeda’s third son, Takahiro, was born.
May 3
saw 32,000 representatives gathering for the 18th spring general,
meeting. A huge photo of President Toda hung above the stage along with a
banner bearing the calligraphy ‘Unity’. At this meeting Chief of Staff Ikeda
spoke of ‘The Seven Bells’ a series of guidelines based on successive
seven-year periods after the establishment of the Soka Gakkai in 1930.
In
September, the YMD reached a membership of 100,000 - seven
years after President Toda had issued them the challenge in his famous essay,
‘Youth, Be Patriotic’.
To commemorate the first anniversary of the March 16
‘Ceremony for Kosen-rufu’, youth representatives travelled to the head temple,
where they visited Josei Toda’s grave. At that event, Chief of Staff Ikeda
suggested that the youth division hold commemorative events every year on that
date.
The second
nationwide Soka Gakkai athletic meet, the Festival of Youth, was held at the
National Athletic Stadium in Tokyo on September 13. From round
the nation, 70,000 youth participated. Chief of Staff Ikeda said at the closing
ceremonies: “The mission of the Gakkai is to construct nations of
supreme culture and world peace. To realise our mentor’s wish to rid this earth
of misery, we have no choice but to spread Nichiren Daishonin’s philosophy
throughout human society.” On September 26, a powerful typhoon hit the central
coast of Japan, wreaking unprecedented havoc. A million and a half people were
affected by the raging storms, with 5,000 dead or missing and 575,000 houses
severely damaged or destroyed. While national and municipal governments were
slow to respond, the Gakkai headquarters despatched a rescue team to the
affected area. Chief of Staff Ikeda, manning a rowboat, participated in the
rescue operations.
““Friends
are few, foes are many” – somehow my mentor’s song rings in my heart on this
New Year’s Eve. Must advance with conviction in the Buddhist deities,
protection for us. Made solitary resolutions for the next year.” (December 31,
1951)
1960
On
New Year’s Day, commemorative gongyo meetings were held throughout Japan at
which Gakkai members listened to recordings of addresses by the late President
Josei Toda.
At an
emergency board of directors meeting on April 9, Chief of Staff Ikeda was
unanimously recommended to be the third president of the Soka Gakkai. After
expressing his initial reluctance on several occasions, Daisaku Ikeda eventually
accepted the appointment and was inaugurated officially in a ceremony on May 3
at the auditorium of Nihon University in Tokyo, with 20,000 members presents
Among his acceptance speech remarks, he said: “From today onwards, on behalf of
President Toda’s disciples, 1 will take leadership to move a step forward
towards the substantiation of kosen-rufu.” He also expressed his resolve to
achieve a membership of three million households and the construction of the
Grand Reception Hall at the head temple by the seventh anniversary year of
President Toda’s passing. He also expressed his determination to reform the
religious world. The goal of three million households was accomplished within
two-and-a-half years.
