SGI President Daisaku Ikeda’s New Year’s Message
A Story of the Triumph of Human Revolution,
A History of the Dynamic Development of Kosen-Rufu.
Congratulations on the brilliant start of the Year of Capable People and Dynamic Development! Let us set forth energetically into this second decade of the 21st century, aiming toward the centennial of the Soka Gakkai’s founding in 2030.
Nichiren Daishonin writes: “When the god of the sun rises at dawn in the east, he sends forth his rays of light, opens his heavenly eyes, and observes the [entire world]. If . . . he sees a votary of the Lotus Sutra, he rejoices in heart” (The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 2, p. 653).
In the lands where our members are chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo - the fundamental Law of the universe - and putting into action the wisdom found in the humanistic teachings of Nichiren Buddhism, the heavenly deities are surely rejoicing. There, too, the hope-filled momentum for peace and prosperity that we call Kosen-Rufu is well under way.
In these increasingly troubled times, let us strive all the more to make our lives brim with the transformative, revitalizing and harmonizing power of the Mystic Law.
This year marks the 60th anniversary of the women’s division. The members of the women’s division, the suns of the SGI, play an especially invaluable role in their families, communities and society as a whole. While warmly supporting and commending all our women’s division members, the mothers of Kosen-Rufu, let us continue to wisely and harmoniously expand our network of happiness and victory.
* * *
The Lotus Sutra describes the Bodhisattvas of the Earth emerging from the ground of “all the billion lands of the saha world” (The Lotus Sutra and Its Opening and Closing Sutras, p. 252) in response to the call of their teacher, Shakyamuni. These bodhisattvas joyously appear in the place of their mission and carry out their struggle in the land to which they have a karmic connection.
In exactly the same way, we of the SGI comprise a magnificent network of Bodhisattvas of the Earth that spans our blue planet, and is dedicated to the promotion of peace, culture and education. Each one of us voluntarily chose to be born in this troubled saha world and enact a drama of human revolution. The script of each drama is different: some are about triumphing over illness, overcoming financial difficulty or resolving interpersonal relationship problems. But all involve achieving victory through changing poison into medicine, thereby conveying the greatness of the Mystic Law to others and giving them immeasurable courage and hope in the process.
In praise of the Ikegami brothers, who valiantly surmounted challenging obstacles, the Daishonin writes, “Could there ever be a more wonderful story than your own?” (WND-1, 499). There is no negative karma that cannot be transformed through the power of faith in the Mystic Law. I hope each of you will write your own triumphant story of human revolution that will continue to be told for endless generations to come.
* * *
The English word history contains the word story. I am presently engaged in a dialogue with the American historian Dr. Vincent Harding, who was also a close friend of American civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. We discussed how humanity’s power to create history arises from our capacity to narrate, to tell stories.
Dr. Harding remarked: “These stories help us to understand how we are connected to each other. It is this thought that makes us understand that we are all part of one whole—that there is no real separation. This means that separation and division are nothing more than illusions. Our various stories, then, call attention to the connectivity that exists between human beings.”
The experiences in faith that our SGI members proudly relate to others are stories of awakening to the inherent dignity and worth of their own lives and the resulting emergence of the invincible power of the Buddha from the depths of their being. They are inspirational stories that allow us to reconfirm that beyond superficial differences such as race, ethnicity, language or culture, we are all infinitely noble human beings who have the potential for
Buddhahood. They are stories that encourage and spur us onward in our efforts.
* * *
This year also marks the 60th anniversary of the youth division.
On Jan. 6, 1951, my mentor, second Soka Gakkai president Josei Toda, called me to his house. On that day, in the midst of great adversity arising from his business difficulties, he entrusted the future to me, then just 23 years old. He also went on to say: “No matter what happens, if you and I fulfill our life missions, the time will definitely come when the Daishonin’s cherished wish for Kosen-Rufu will be achieved. No matter what anyone says, you must advance strongly and purposefully for the sake of the Gakkai.”
When youthful disciples rise to action, sharing the same spirit as their mentor, they will write a powerful story and leave behind a profound history unrivaled anywhere in the world. Indeed, today we are seeing the youth of the SGI around the globe making outstanding achievements.
As the British philosopher Alfred North Whitehead observed, “The primary religious virtue is sincerity.” Nothing can surpass or compare with sincerity.
Let’s win in the coming year, each writing a new story of the triumph of human revolution and a fresh history of the dynamic development of kosen-rufu—through strong prayer, dedicated effort and solid unity.
My wife and I are praying wholeheartedly for the health and long lives of our beloved fellow members and their families in 192 countries and territories around the world.
Daisaku Ikeda
President, Soka Gakkai International .
For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda
Thursday, January 27, 2011:
Viewing events and situations in a positive light is important. The strength, wisdom and cheerfulness that accompany such an attitude lead to happiness. To regard everything in a positive light or with a spirit of goodwill, however, does not mean being foolishly gullible and allowing people to take advantage of our good nature. It means having the wisdom and perception to actually move things in a positive direction by seeing things in their best light, while all the time keeping our eyes firmly focused on reality.
Words of the Week
January 24, 2011
A word of encouragement will open
the door to friendship.
When we encourage even one person,
we can create a momentum for the
development of capable individuals.
Today, again, lets' advance one step.
Buddhism Day by Day
Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Thursday, January 27, 2011:
Everyone has a right to flower, to reveal his or her full potential as a human being, to fulfill his or her mission in this world. You have this right, and so does everyone else. This is the meaning of human rights. To scorn, violate and abuse people's human rights destroys the natural order of things. Prizing human rights and respecting others are among our most important tasks.
Daily Wisdom
From the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
Thursday, January 27, 2011:
If a vessel is free of these four faults of overturning, leaking, being defiled, and being mixed, then it can be called a perfect vessel. If the embankments around a moat do not leak, then the water will never escape from the moat. And if the mind of faith is perfect, then the water of wisdom, the great impartial wisdom, will never dry up.
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, page 1015
Letter to Akimoto
Written to Akimoto Taro Hyoe-no-jo on January 27, 1280
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