The Youthful Diary of Daisaku Ikeda -- continues
Chapter 3
In this life,
win victory with the noble spirit
of mentor and disciple. -- Daisaku Ikeda
Ikeda Confesses that what he is today
is because of the support and guidance he had received from his mentor Josei
Toda. He writes:
I wouldn't be the person I am today without
the some ten years of training I received from Mr. Toda. I have carried on my
struggle in the half-century since his passing, firmly believing that my mentor
has imparted his life to me, urging me to live on in his stead. That is why I
will devote this life, which has been trained and fostered by my mentor, to his
ardent wish for kosen-rufu — the happiness and victory of the people.
There is no greater joy or honour in life
than striving with the same spirit as our mentor and thereby repaying our
boundless debt of gratitude as disciples.
The courageous heart
of a champion,
through faith,
unlocks a wellspring
of boundless and immeasurable strength.
Formative Period
The entry of June 1st is
an honest and intimate picture of Mr. Toda
“A man filled with unfathomable mercy and
dignity --- Mr. Toda. How wondrous is the perfection of life.”
After 15 days, ie. On June 15th
Ikeda wrote,
“Scolded by Mr.
Toda. Agonizing. All my faults. Must reflect on myself”.
The entry on June 9 and December 18
(1952) offers the resolve of young Ikeda to stand by his mentor.
“Many appear to be great
individuals. But looking more closely, they lack compassion. For myself, all
that remains is to follow Mr. Toda. Must seriously caution Miss Y. and K.
Will protect President Toda to
the best of my ability – as long as I live. I have but one reason. That is, to
protect President Toda is to protect the spread of faith in the Gohonzon. In
the way of mentor and disciple, the two must be of one mind. I have only to
advance straight ahead along this highest path.”
The picture
that emerges from many of the entries on Mr. Toda are that of a Father-figure:
“At 4:00 we had a year-end company gathering.
Everyone surrounded President Toda as he gave guidance to each individual, one
by one. To some he was strict, while to others he spoke of the next ten years
to come. He also spoke of problems with the economy and foreign policy. To some
he would mention the importance of Buddhist study, while to others he spoke of
his own childhood and youth. I ate until my stomach hurt. Everyone ate and
drank well. Returned home a little before 8:00, put on a record, and spent a
quiet, peaceful evening. A happy and harmonious family. Grateful that I can
enjoy the greatest, supreme sort of happiness, illuminated by the Mystic Law.”
(December 31)
Toda’s Guidance Everywhere
Mr. Toda’s
guidance was felt everywhere by young Ikeda who was very much consigned with
the deteriorating health of Mr. Toda due to exhaustion and over work. Ikeda
himself was in poor health. He consoled himself since he was young. He
reflected on June 14th:
“I am already
25. When the first President, Mr. Makiguchi, was 32, he wrote his innovative
work, Human Geography, which is known worldwide. And, beginning with Guidelines
to Math, Mr. Toda, my revered teacher, while still in his thirties, published
many books popular throughout Japan. What will I have accomplished when I am
that age?”
Doubts assailed Ikeda on his own incompetence
as a disciple. He must work hard and should not fail his mentor. Entry of February 9 reveals Ikeda’s steadfast
loyalty to his mentor and his great concern for his mentor.
“Yesterday evening, President Toda had a bout
of ill health. Heard that his condition was extremely poor. There is no excuse
for my absence at such a crucial time. When I heard that he called out my name
two or three times my heart ached. I wonder what he was thinking. He seems a
little better today. My only hope is that he lives long. I am not the only one
repeatedly amazed by his tremendous life force, which resurges like a great
immortal phoenix.
Met Sensei in the president’s office at 10:30. He
is completely unshaken by yesterday’s episode. My noble mentor! “Study! Study!”
he told me. Returned home after midnight!”
Next day brought great surprise to Ikeda:
“Saw President
Toda in his office at 1:30. Reported on various matters. Greatly appreciate
Sensei’s passion to instruct me in many areas, ignorant as I am.
Gave a lecture in Ikebukuro this
evening. Visited President Toda again afterwards, bringing him two boxes of
strawberries. He was extremely happy. Received guidance for an hour along with H. Truly amazed at his life-force and
boundless wisdom. Got home around midnight.” (February 10)
His interaction with his mentor those
days thought him that
“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.” (February 16)
Ikeda Records On March 10
“My
mentor’s deep love and consideration for this incapable disciple make me weep
heartfelt rears of appreciation.”
Ikeda while was amazed by Mr. Toda
profound in sight, wished them understanding, deep love and consideration for
his young disciple. Very often these qualities of Mr. Toda made young Ikeda
weep heartfelt cheers of appreciation.
Toda as A Great Teacher To
Young Ikeda.
Entry of July 29
records:
“President Toda gave guidance on
various topics including:
1. The
question of stock prices
2. The
increased issuance of bank notes by the Bank of Japan, and this year’s national
budget
3. Praiseworthy
individuals who embraced faith in the past
4. Kosen-rufu
in East Asia and the economy.
Ikeda
remembers Toda was truly a fearsome teacher. Very strict. But the following
reflection offers a different picture of Mr. Toda.
“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.
As,
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.
Young Ikeda Feels The
Power Of The Buddha
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)
Ikeda remembers that Mr. Toda was a great treasure house of
knowledge:
“Tomorrow, will ask President Toda for
instruction on Nichikan’s six-volume Writings and the following Gosho:
1.
‘One
Hundred and Six Comparisons’
2.
‘The
Mystic Principle of the True Cause’
3.
The Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings
4.
‘The
Object of Devotion for Observing the Mind’
5.
‘The
Opening of the Eyes’.” (February 2, 1955)
Ikeda remembers that his mentor’s mercy is deeper than the
ocean. Others also felt this way for him
“For me,
President Toda is my sovereign, teacher and parent in life. Since I was 19, I
have been by side, serving him as he guides and trains me directly. Pondering
deeply our mystic bond. My true wish is to be with him for life. This way, I
can fulfill my mission for this lifetime. His scolding, his training and his
compassionate love are all deeply engraved in my body and mind.” (September 27,
1955)
… My wonderful
mentor. Can only listen humbly to his merciful guidance. Have been realizing
with each passing day that I can never hope to match him. Lamentable.
It was both
exciting and encouraging for young Ikeda to listen to his childhood.
“During
the general conference, Sensei talked about his childhood, his youth, and how
he served President Makiguchi. Impressed, both mentally and spiritually, by
many things: by Sensei’s words, by his look of fulfillment as he spoke of
protecting his teacher, serving his teacher, and deeply driving the sharp
stakes securing the foundation of kosen-rufu.” (December 27, 1956)
The Entry of October 29
is Moving Account
“I’ve been waiting for you,” Sensei said with
a stern look when I arrived at the morning study session. As his disciple, I
have absolutely no excuse. Reflected seriously. He told me a story of bravery
by a lone samurai during the Battle of Yamazaki. Is Sensei using this example
to describe his own state of mind?” (October 29, 1957)
Ikeda records
his referential gratitude to his mentor as follows in his entry of November 18
(1957):
“Through Sensei’s power, we have grown this
much.
Through Sensei’s power, we have opened the
life-condition of the Mystic Law.
Through
Sensei’s power, we can manifest our own power.
The
debt of gratitude I owe Sensei as my mentor is higher than a mountain. Deeper
than the ocean. I must not forget this. Will leave a historical record of my
superb mentor for the entire world. This, I firmly pledge.
After
leaving Jozai-ji, visited the Yaguchi household. A bright and cheerful family,
through they are unaware of my intent. Must polish and discipline myself. Most
do battle with my own weakness.”
Every day as Battle of
Human Revolution
Ikeda’s
concern and deep worry for the health of his mentor is well reflected in the
entry of November 21:
“Worried about Sensei all day.
When I consider the Gakkai’s future, I realize I, too, have hit rock bottom in
terms of health, nerves and fatigue. Visited the barber shop in the early evening.
Somewhat refreshed.
Day
after day is a battle of human revolution. Like a human projectile, I will
throw myself into battle again today and prevail while chanting daimoku. This
is my entire life; the ultimate essence of faith.”
A message
from Toda on November 25 cost great anguish in Ikeda:
“Morning gongyo is difficult,
both spiritually and physically. Received a message from Sensei: “Look after
things well while I’m away.”
Sensei!
Please don’t die until kosen-rufu is achieved! I, too, must survive. Deeply,
powerfully determined. Quietly, naturally reflected on Sensei’s guidance: how
to view the times; how to raise able individuals; how to judge a person’s
character; the merits and weaknesses of Nobunaga’s leadership; of Hideyoshi’s
and leyasu’s.”
After four days Ikeda wrote in his diary:
“My mentor’s
physical condition is not good. Yet no one is concerned about the gravity of
Sensei’s illness. They simply view his recovery as a foregone conclusion.
Cannot help thinking of this as shallow. Can only sense the future, the
prospects for kosen-rufu, the placement of personnel and the deadlock we now
face. Frightening. Sad. I never forget Sensei’s guidance, even in my sleep.”
Toda’s words continued to reverberate in
Ikeda’s mind:
“Fight boldly again today, and
then again tomorrow!” and “Spur yourself on, advance!”
Mr. Toda said to Ikeda on December 17:
““Daisaku, I want to fight for the next
seven years until we attain a membership of two million households.” “I will
fight resolutely, with a hundred times the courage,” I replied.
Nevertheless,
in the depths of my life I feel a hint of loneliness. My sadness will not
disappear. How long will Sensei live? What is his condition? Ah, how
distressing. How miserable. How terribly regrettable. Sensei, I know. I do.”
Ikeda’s Strong Resolve
To Fight For His Mentor
Ikeda’s
description on his mentor on the day his demise is extremely moving:
“The life of a
great hero of the Mystic Law, a towering figure of kosen-rufu, has ended. But
Sensei has left behind an extension of his life, and it is about to open the
second act in the decisive battle to actualize Buddhist principles in society.
I will stand up.” (April 2, 1958)
”Have
watched over sensei’s body for one week, in accord with his wishes.Today is our
final parting. How sad. How mournful. Savoured the golden words: “Those persons
who had heard the Law dwelled here and there in various Buddha lands,
constantly reborn in company with their teachers”.
“Sensei,
please rest well. You must be tired.” After I accomplish his will, want to
quickly rush to his side. Pondered in silence.”
April 29 entry offers glimpse of Ikeda’s
resolve to continue the fight of his mentor:
“Will fight to
prove my mentor’s greatness to the world. Will advance, straight ahead. Will
fight resolutely, riding over the violent waves of obstacles and devils. Have
entered the essential part of my youth.”
He seeks the
blessings of his mentor on May 12:
“My battle begins. Sensei, please watch over
me. Pray for my protection and for my righteousness. Am prepared to die for
kosen-rufu, the noble and glorious path towards peace for humanity.”
He conscious
that,
“Sensei is watching with his steady gaze.
Sensei, Sensei, please keep watching over me.” While resolve on October 8th
is loud and clear: “I am a discipline of President Toda, Will absolutely
advance along this path for the rest of my life.”
The entries
after the demise of the mentor indicates that the departed mentor continued to
exert strong influence on his disciple:
“Sensei is always watching over me with his
compassionate gaze and kind expression.” (December 10, 1958),
“Must take
the lead this year – as a young general with unyielding, immovable resolve – if
I am a direct disciple of President Josei Toda.
After
reciting the sutra and chanting daimoku, listened to the tape of my mentor’s
lecture last New Year’s Day. A profound, rigorous, wonderful lecture on the
three mystic principles.” (January 1, 1959),
“Today
would have been my mentor’s 59th birthday. Felt nostalgic. My wife
served red bean rice this morning to celebrate. Warmed by my beautiful family
and memories of my mentor. A heart of gold surpasses all material treasures and
shines more brilliantly.” (February 11, 1959),
“The
one-year anniversary of my mentor’s passing is approaching. Our faith is
expressed in our behavior. Resolved anew to strive assiduously. I had so many
passing thoughts on the train. My ideas are limitless.” (February 15, 1959),
Compassion of Toda
“My
mentor’s compassion gradually permeates my heart. The love between father and
son, the feelings between mentor and disciple – these bonds defy words. Who
else knows this inseparable lifeblood?” (July 17, 1959),
“An
evening board of directors meeting was held for the first time in a while. It
was carried out merely by force of habit. Was it because of the heat? Or
because of lack of self-awareness and responsibility? The gap between young and
old widens with each passing day. Wanted to express indignation to my seniors:
“Have you already forgotten presidents Makiguchi and Toda?”” (September 2,
1959),
Ringing of Toda’s song,
“Friends are few, foes are many
“The year is
almost over. A year of worries, development, effort and earnestness.
I
miss Sensei. Every year, on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, I was moved by
Sensei’s encouraging words, which were like those of a parent appreciating his
child’s efforts.” (December 29, 1959),
“Saddened
by my seniors’ laxness. Prayed for them to be in high spirits from now on.”
(December 30, 1959),
““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,
1959),
“Today
is President Toda’s birthday. If he were alive, he would be celebrating his 60th
birthday. My wife and I talked about this as if we were Sensei’s son and
daughter.” (February 11, 1960)
The Ever Inspiring
Mentor
Dr. Ikeda often remembers what Mr.
Toda once said to him with a smile:
“When it
comes to talking about Mr. Makiguchi, I could go on forever.”
“I also
feel the same way about my own mentor. I could talk about Mr. Toda for hours,
for days and still have more to say. As the third Soka Gakkai President and
heir to the Gakkai spirit, I have a lifelong duty and mission to communicate to
the world and pass on to future generations the true greatness and integrity of
my mentor.”
