All Womens Triumph of Spring
Senseis message for spring activities 2023
To my dear members in Europe whom I love and respect, thank you very much for your great efforts and your shining seeking spirit towards this spring training course. While hardships and uncertainty continue, all of you have been steadfastly praying for peace and expanding the network of encouragement. Certainly the Daishonin is watching over your noble actions and there is no doubt that you will be protected limitlessly and without fail by Buddhas of the ten directions and three existences and heavenly gods and benevolent deities throughout the universe.
Nichiren Daishonin states, ‘those who chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo are themselves the treasure tower, and, likewise, are themselves the Thus Come One Many Treasures.’ (WND-I, 299) All people, inherently, are themselves the treasure tower, and Buddhism exists for all people to overcome hardships and win harmony and happiness through causing the supreme life state of Buddhahood to shine within their lives. Therefore, in the land where we have made our vow, let us now engage in and expand our dialogues and enable the sun of hope to rise in people’s hearts.
My mentor Josei Toda once said, ‘Faith means to tackle each challenge or task confronting you and, one by one, bring each to full completion. This will lead you to open up a vast state of life and open wide the path to victory for your life and kosen-rufu.’
My wish is that the harder the challenge you face, the more you will chant resounding daimoku, ‘the greatest of all joys’ (OTT, 212), and that you will encourage one another wisely and harmoniously so that together the great stories of your human revolution will become known in society.
My wife and I will send daimoku more earnestly than ever to all of you, infinitely precious members, for your good health and for the prosperity of your families.
Daisaku IkedaInstallments: “ High Seas ” 39 – 40
By Ho Goku High Seas39
As Indian nonviolence champion Mahatma Gandhi (1869–1948) once observed: “If by strength is meant brute strength, then, indeed, is woman less brute than man. If by strength is meant moral power, then woman is immeasurably man’s superior. If nonviolence is the law of our being, the future is with woman.”1 Women are the creators of peace. The power of women is indispensable in making the 21st century the century of peace, the century of life, and the century of humanity.
In the fall of 1975, Shin’ichi Yamamoto was making an all-out effort to foster young women for the sake of the future.
On the evening of September 9, members of the young women’s division student bureau were meeting in the main Gohonzon room on the fifth floor of the Soka Culture Center at the Soka Gakkai Headquarters in Shinanomachi, Tokyo. Shin’ichi unexpectedly entered the room and called out: “Well, hello there!”
The young women reacted with surprised cheers and hearty applause.
The young women’s student bureau had once existed as an organizational entity separate from the young women’s division, but in June 1972, they reorganized so that they could practice alongside other young working women of their generation. Their activities at their universities remained unchanged, but in their local communities they could now participate in activities together with other young women’s division members and hold organizational positions within the division. For young women’s division members, the inclusion of the student members was quite inspiring, providing intellectual stimulus and the opportunity to come into contact with new ideas. And for the students, widely interacting with young working women enabled them to learn about life in society and broaden their horizons considerably.
Shin’ichi felt that, with three years having passed since the reorganization of the young women’s student bureau and its activities having become well-established, the time had come to set forth together on a fresh departure.
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On this day, the young women’s student bureau was conducting a leaders meeting in preparation for the annual autumn university festivals around the country. When Shin’ichi appeared in the room, the nationwide young women’s student bureau leader Kimiko Otani was addressing the members. Shin’ichi waited until she’d finished speaking, and then he took the microphone. Many of those present were seeing Shin’ichi in person for the first time. They gazed at him with a mixture of joy and nervousness.
The first words out of Shin’ichi’s mouth were an expression of concern for the members’ parents and family: “Any of you who have parents or family members who are ill, please stay behind after the meeting. I’d like to give some encouragement to you. Please be good to your parents and treasure them. That’s the genuine humane way to behave.”
Buddhism teaches the correct attitude to live by the true path of human life. Then Shin’ichi said with emphasis: “Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism enables us to transform our karma, achieve our human revolution, and contribute to creating a better society. The only way to establish a state of indestructible happiness for oneself and others and to realize lasting peace for all is to further kosen-rufu by sharing this Buddhism with others. Kosen-rufu is the vow of Nichiren Daishonin and the vow of the Soka Gakkai, which advances in perfect accord with the spirit of the Daishonin.
“In ‘The Opening of the Eyes,’ the Daishonin expressed his fierce determination to fulfill that pledge with the words: ‘Let the gods forsake me. Let all persecutions assail me. Still I will give my life for the sake of the Law’ (WND-1, 280).”
Shin’ichi had engraved this passage deeply in his heart when he assumed leadership of the kosen-rufu movement at his inauguration as the Soka Gakkai’s third president on May 3, 1960. This passage resounds like a lion’s roar, conveying the Daishonin’s deep convictions.
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To attain Buddhahood in this lifetime in other words, to establish a life-state of indestructible happiness and open the way toward peace and happiness for all it is essential to live one’s life true to the commitment of kosen-rufu. Great persecutions and obstacles, however, lie in the path of those who seek to fulfill this vow. Therefore, the resolve to never abandon faith is crucial.
Each of the young women in the room would face numerous turning points and important changes in their lives such as landing a job, getting married, bearing children, and so forth. They might find themselves drawn to glamour and excitement and be put off by the steady effort of Buddhist practice. They might get so busy with their jobs and other matters that, before they noticed it, they’d stopped taking part in Gakkai activities. Perhaps their husbands or family members would oppose their faith. They might have a hard time with personal relationships within the organization and get discouraged by that. If they allowed such things to defeat them and alienate them from their Buddhist faith and practice, they could fall away from Buddhism completely.
In “The Opening of the Eyes,” the Daishonin writes about Shariputra and other figures from the sutras who abandoned bodhisattva practice.
In past lives, Shariputra practiced the bodhisattva way for a period of 60 kalpas,2 making offerings to people. When a Brahman appeared and asked him for one of his eyes, Shariputra responded by giving the Brahman his eye. The Brahman smelled the eye and, declaring that it stank, threw it on the ground and crushed it. This convinced Shariputra that it was impossible to save people of this sort and that he should concentrate on seeking only his own enlightenment instead. In spite of having practiced almsgiving for 60 kalpas, Shariputra discarded his bodhisattva practice and lapsed into the Hinayana teachings. This is an instance of abandoning faith.
The Brahman’s act was so cruel and arrogant that Shariputra’s response would appear reasonable from an ordinary perspective. But Buddhism, which teaches that the Law exists within the heart of each person, does not view things from the relative perspective of whether others or one’s circumstances are good or bad. From the standpoint of the eternal and indestructible Law of life, all that matters is what one does oneself, whether one wins over oneself. That is the measure of everything.
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Shariputra’s heart was being tested when the Brahman who begged for his eye threw it down and trampled on it. Shariputra had practiced for many kalpas, but at the crucial moment he was unable to believe in the profound truth of Buddhism that indeed all people have the potential to attain enlightenment. He was unable to maintain conviction in the Lotus Sutra’s fundamental tenet that all living beings possess the Buddha nature. Encountering this evil influence, the delusion of fundamental darkness arose in his heart and disturbed his faith in the truths of Buddhism. At the crucial moment, Shariputra essentially forgot Shakyamuni’s teaching and was defeated by his own negativity.
Shin’ichi added: “In ‘The Opening of the Eyes,’ Nichiren Daishonin also writes: ‘Whether tempted by good or threatened by evil, if one casts aside the Lotus Sutra, one destines oneself for hell’ (WND-1, 280). To cast aside one’s Buddhist faith and
practice for any reason is to succumb to defeat. This leads to unhappiness, and one will fall into a state of hellish misery. Please never forget this teaching. The Mystic Law is the fundamental Law of the universe. The Daishonin inscribed this in the form of a mandala, which is the Gohonzon. The great path to eternal happiness is found in thoroughgoing faith in the Gohonzon.
“And after this passage, the Daishonin declares: ‘Here I will make a great vow’ (WND-1, 280). Inheriting that spirit, the Soka Gakkai has appeared in order to carry out kosen-rufu in the Latter Day of the Law. As successors within the Gakkai, please dedicate your entire lives to the great vow of kosen-rufu.”
The young women listened intently, determined not to miss a single word.
Shin’ichi continued: “As the Daishonin states in the phrase, ‘Whether tempted by good or threatened by evil,’ devilish functions will use both the carrot and the stick, skillfully combining temptations and threats, as indicated in the lines: ‘I might be offered the rulership of Japan if I would only abandon the Lotus Sutra’ and ‘I might be told that my father and mother will have their heads cut off if I do not recite the Nembutsu.’ But the Daishonin counters: ‘Whatever obstacles I might encounter, so long as persons of wisdom do not prove my teachings to be false, I will never yield!’
(WND-1, 280).”
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Nichiren Daishonin possessed the absolute conviction that his teaching was true and correct, backed up by the three proofs documentary, theoretical, and actual.3 He had thoroughly studied all the sutras and was able to completely refute any and all criticism of his ideas. He was a true champion of debate.
Shin’ichi Yamamoto said with passion: “You may think you’re upholding the supreme teaching, but if you are refuted in argument for it, it isn’t the true and correct teaching. The truth must always win out in the end. That’s why it’s your responsibility and mission, having studied in institutions of higher learning, to become champions of words and to protect the Soka Gakkai and the people. Toward that end, you need to study hard and write prolifically. The time has come for women to create a rising tide of persuasive ideas and public opinion.”
The young women responded enthusiastically. Shin’ichi sensed the youthful spirit and determination resonating in their voices.
“Moreover, in ‘The Opening the Eyes,’ the Daishonin writes: ‘All other troubles are no more to me than dust before the wind’ (WND-1, 280). The Daishonin makes the
3 Three Proofs: Three standards set forth by Nichiren Daishonin for judging the validity of a given Buddhist teaching. Documentary proof means that the doctrine of a particular Buddhist school is based upon or in accord with the sutras. Theoretical proof means that a doctrine is compatible with reason and logic. Actual proof means that the content of a doctrine is borne out by actual result when put into practice.
great declaration that he intends to brush aside the most life-threatening persecutions like dust in the wind and fearlessly fulfill his great vow for kosen-rufu. The Soka Gakkai is the organization acting in complete accord with the Daishonin’s instructions. It has essentially become one of the largest organizations in Japan. It’s only to be expected that we’ll be envied, criticized, and attacked. It’s as inevitable as a ship stirring up a wake by moving forward through the water. Both the Soka Gakkai and I will no doubt continue to be attacked.
“Mr. Toda often used to say: ‘It will probably take 200 years for society to appreciate the real value of the Soka Gakkai. We are an organization unprecedented in all of human history, which is why no one grasps how wonderful we are.’ This is absolutely true. Whatever challenges we face, please don’t be troubled by the ups and downs of daily events but cultivate a long-term perspective and live out your lives true to your convictions.”
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Shin’ichi employed the Daishonin’s treatise “The Opening of the Eyes” to provide instruction on the essence of faith. It was a very profound lecture dealing with how one should lead one’s life. The young women’s student bureau members listened in earnest, deeply absorbing his every word.
Responding to their eagerness, Shin’ichi continued: “While you’re young, you should engage in your Buddhist practice and Soka Gakkai activities wholeheartedly, so you can say you’ve done everything possible, held nothing back, and have no regrets. In Buddhism, we talk about having ‘all one’s desires fulfilled.’ The sense of fulfillment at having fought your hardest for kosen-rufu is the foundation for having ‘all one’s desires fulfilled’ in life and becomes the solid, enduring cornerstone for happiness and benefit on into the future. Moreover, the fulfillment you experience at having dedicated your life to kosen-rufu in this existence will determine your future existence. As such, you need to know there can be no benefit in your future or in your next existence if you abandon faith.”
Shin’ichi had been thinking about an idea that he wished to propose at the meeting a change in the ending time for evening meetings: “By the way, I have something I wish to propose to you,” he said. “At present, evening meetings start at 7:00 and end at 9:00. I’d like to suggest that they end at 8:30 instead. An ‘8:30 Movement,’ if you will.
“If meetings end earlier, you’ll have more time at home to study and you can go to bed earlier. The struggle for kosen-rufu is a long-term effort. If you overtire yourselves it will be hard to get up in the morning and the rhythm of your daily lives will be disrupted. Moreover, staying out until late at night will worry your parents and might put you at risk of getting involved in some unfortunate accident or incident. Nichiren Daishonin cautions: ‘Maintain a strict guard at night’ (WND-1, 824).
“With that in mind, would you agree to set 8:30 as the ending time for evening meetings?”
All the members heartily agreed to his proposal. Always concerned about the women’s and young women’s division members, Shin’ichi had continued to ponder what he could do to lighten their burdens by enabling them to return home early.
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Shin’ichi Yamamoto’s proposal for an “8:30 Movement,” by which evening meetings would end at 8:30, was discussed and adopted at a regional leaders conference the next day. That evening, Shin’ichi’s wife Mineko said to him: “Your ‘8:30 Movement’ has been adopted, I see. This is a major reform, and it will lead to a revolution of Soka Gakkai scheduling as well as create value for each individual. I’m sure it will reassure women’s and young women’s division members.”
Shin’ichi smiled and nodded: “Yes, that’s right. As time passes, it will become increasingly clear just how important this ‘8:30 Movement’ is. Ending meetings earlier means that it will be necessary to make sure their content is more fulfilling. It will lead to treating each moment as being more precious than we have up to now, and that’s the driving force for creating value.”
Both Shin’ichi and Mineko prayed fervently every day for the absolute safety of women’s and young women’s division members. It was during their prayers that Shin’ichi came up with the idea of suggesting that evening meetings end at 8:30 in order to make it safer for members. Once an accident occurs, all the efforts up to then are for naught, and the progress of kosen-rufu can be significantly delayed. That’s why consideration in advance to prevent accidents from occurring is so important.
Mineko said: “I think that the Soka Gakkai has grown so much because it has always shown consideration for women, listened to their opinions, and valued them. It’s the women who, from a variety of perspectives, really support the Soka Gakkai.”
“That’s right,” Shin’ichi replied. “The power of women is indeed immense. It’s no exaggeration to say the 21st century will depend upon how successful we are at fostering women leaders. I’m preparing to devote my full energies to raising the capable individuals who will be core leaders of the next young women’s division, and moreover, the women’s division of the 21st century.”
“Yes, that’s the most crucial thing, isn’t it?” said Mineko with a smile.
September 9, the day that Shin’ichi met with the young women’s student bureau members, later became Young Women’s Student Division Day.4
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Fulfill the vow of our youthful days, dedicating ourselves to the noble cause of kosen-rufu.
One cannot develop like a big tree unless the seed of a vow is planted during one’s youth. A vow is the source of growth.
On September 28, 1975, Shin’ichi attended the Gotemba Family Friendship Meeting at the Hakone Training Center in Kanagawa Prefecture. About 3,000 members from Gotemba, Shizuoka Prefecture, assembled in the garden of the training center. The site was surrounded by mountains, and the trees were just beginning to don their autumn colors. There were lively performances by the fife and drum corps, and volunteers played taiko drums and did folk dances. Among the participants were 35 high-spirited members of a young women’s division training group that would be established on that occasion.
Eventually, it was Shin’ichi’s turn to speak. After expressing his hopes for the growth and prosperity of Gotemba, he began to talk about happiness in life, partially as guidance for the young women’s division members.
“There are both happy and painful, sad experiences in life. But continuing to face various tribulations such as sickness and financial worries does not necessarily mean that you must be unhappy. Stout-hearted people who keep advancing filled with hope, determined not to be overcome by their problems and to win out in the end, can transform such sufferings into joy. Daimoku is the fundamental source of the strength you need to cultivate such a stout heart and to manifest a spirit of challenge and joy. As the Daishonin declares: ‘Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is the greatest of all joys’ (OTT, 212). “This is a meeting for the residents of Gotemba. The three Japanese characters in the word ‘Gotemba’ call to mind a palace. In fact, all of you have the most wonderful palace within you, a palace that can never be destroyed. I’m here to tell you that the key to opening that palace is Nam-myoho-renge-kyo and your Buddhist faith and practice.”
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Shin’ichi Yamamoto went on to say with a warm smile: “Gathered here today are people of all ages, from the elderly to little children. This pleasant, peaceful, and harmonious atmosphere is the true picture of the Soka Gakkai. Please make your families microcosms of this ideal.
“Many of the young women’s division members may eventually marry and perhaps live with their husband’s parents. If that happens, please be good to your in-laws and regard them as your benefactors and precious seniors in life. If you treat your elders well, in the future you’ll be treated well. That’s how the law of cause and effect works.
“Mr. Toda offered three eternal guidelines of faith: (1) Faith for a harmonious family; (2) faith for each person to become happy; and (3) faith for surmounting obstacles. Please lead fulfilling lives, without regrets, with those guidelines as your mottoes.”
With that, the Gotemba Family Friendship Meeting came to an end.
Shin’ichi planned to hold a gongyo session with the members of the young women’s division training group. As he walked toward the training center’s Gohonzon room, he said with a broad smile to his wife Mineko: “Today is decisive in creating the current of successors for the 21st century. In the past, Mr. Toda established the Kayo-kai (Flower-Sun Group) for young women’s division members, and both he and I have devoted our energies to fostering them. Those members are now the core leaders of the women’s division and the driving force of the Soka Gakkai. The members here today will be great women leaders of the 21st century. They’re first-rate youth of diverse talents, the cream of the crop carefully sought out and selected from the entire young women’s division.”
In May 1975, Soka Gakkai nationwide young women’s division leader Ikuko Tabata had approached Shin’ichi with a special request. With a decisive expression, she said to Shin’ichi: “Sensei, we’d like to establish a special group within the young women’s division to foster the next core of leaders.”
Shin’ichi’s eyes immediately flashed with excitement: “All right, let’s do it!” He had been waiting for just such a request.
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With a smile, Shin’ichi said to Tabata: “Even those with exceptional potential will fail to develop to the fullest or to become truly well-rounded individuals if we don’t do anything. A diamond only sparkles after the stone is first discovered and then carefully polished to perfection. This recent May 3, the Shin’ichi-kai was founded for the young men’s division and the young men’s student division members, to foster the core leaders of the next generation. Let’s also establish a group for the young women’s division that will raise not only the next core leaders of the division but also the future core leaders of the women’s division and further, leaders who will shoulder the 21st century.”
Tabata was relieved, because establishing a special group within the young women’s division was the conclusion that top leaders of the division had arrived at after thinking long and hard about how they could contribute to the future. But Shin’ichi’s idea far transcended their original aim, seeking to foster the leaders who
would shoulder the 21st century.
At the beginning of July, Shin’ichi spoke with about 10 young women’s division representatives. At that time, Tabata asked Shin’ichi’s opinion about how the members of the new group should be selected.
“Well, let’s see,” began Shin’ichi. “Let’s make the membership limited, maybe only 30 or 40. We can start in Tokyo and gradually expand it to other regions of Japan. In the regional groups, there should probably be about 10 or 20 members.”
Then Sachie Fujiya, young women’s division secretary, asked: “We’d like to hear what you think about the criteria for selecting participants as well.”
“Yes, that’s vital. Everything depends upon whom you select. The first consideration should be individuals who have the potential to be active in society and become leaders in their chosen fields, not just those whom you think would make good Gakkai leaders. In other words, why don’t you assemble a varied group from the perspective of the importance of ‘manifesting Buddhism in society’?”
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Shin’ichi Yamamoto continued to suggest criteria for selecting members of the young women’s division training group: “I’d also suggest you select young women with a good understanding of the Buddhist teachings. President Toda urged members of the young women’s division to base themselves on study. By this he meant that they should establish a firm philosophy for their lives. Without grasping the life philosophy that is found in Buddhist study, it’s difficult to understand important guidance or instruction based on Buddhism.
“And the most important criterion is to select people who have firmly determined to dedicate their lives to the mission of kosen-rufu. Without this firm inner resolve, a person is likely to be overly influenced by their passing moods and circumstances, and it’s unrewarding to train such a person.
“Personal charm is also an important factor the kind of person whom others feel refreshed and invigorated being around, and who inspires others to emulate them.”
Then, looking at the members’ faces, Shin’ichi added: “The essential thing is for the top leaders of the young women’s division to work together to find promising candidates. Searching for capable individuals will test your ability to evaluate others’ character and your life-state.
“When you gaze up at a towering mountain from its base, you can’t fully appreciate how high it is, but when you see it from a height, you realize its true size. In the same way, if you don’t have the ability to identify capable individuals and your life-state is low, you won’t be able to appreciate the outstanding qualities of others. To do that, you need to reflect deeply on yourself, chant daimoku, and elevate your own state of life.
“Eventually we’ll expand this training group to every region of Japan, but we’re
in no hurry. Don’t rush things. Take some two years, and work together to find the best candidates before you start the new group. I’m looking forward to watching you create the core leaders of our movement for the 21st century.”
Nationwide young women’s division leader Ikuko Tabata replied, her voice brimming with determination: “Yes. We’ll all work together to create a group of women who will lead the world.”
By entrusting the top leaders of the young women’s division with the task of selecting members for the new group, Shin’ichi wished to foster their capacity to evaluate people and develop their life-conditions.
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The top leaders of the young women’s division got hard to work selecting members for the training group. Following regular meetings, they held special discussion sessions with members in attendance. They also visited the homes of those members whom they thought were promising candidates. They also kept in constant touch with each other, exchanging information when they found suitable candidates and conferring about the best ways to foster them.
Finding capable individuals requires polishing one’s ability to identify others’ strengths. Towards that end, one needs to have the humility to overcome one’s own arrogance and be prepared to learn from others which is nothing other than the struggle to carry out one’s own human revolution.
As they looked for capable individuals, the top leaders of the young women’s division came to notice something. One of them said: “Though only a limited number of members can join this training group, there are actually many other members with outstanding qualities and capabilities in the young women’s division. I think that President Yamamoto wished to teach us this through the process of having us look for promising candidates for the group.”
Another remarked: “No doubt President Yamamoto would like to directly foster every single member of the young women’s division on his own. But that’s simply not possible, and so by fostering representatives of the group, I believe he wants to teach us that spirit and how to raise others.”
Fostering others leads to one’s own growth. As Mr. Toda taught: “You have to be on the lookout for talent, and then develop it. As you strive for kosen-rufu together, you help each other grow.”
By early September, the members of the Tokyo-based group had been selected. Shin’ichi closely examined the membership card of each of them. They had different positions in the organization, and they were indeed a very diverse group. The oldest was 24 and the youngest was 18. About half of them were university students. With eyes sparkling, Shin’ichi said to his wife Mineko: “They’ll all be in their mid-forties to around fifty when the 21st century arrives.”
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Nationwide young women’s division leader Ikuko Tabata and the other top leaders of the division also began to select members for the new training group in Kansai, Kyushu, Chugoku, Chubu, and other regions. The leaders in charge of the various regions visited those places repeatedly. Then on September 28, 1975, the Tokyo-based group held its inauguration meeting.
When Shin’ichi Yamamoto entered the Gohonzon room at the Hakone Training Center in Kanagawa Prefecture, the members greeted him enthusiastically. “All right, let’s do gongyo,” said Shin’ichi. “It’s a new beginning for all of you! Let’s pray for your future success.”
Gongyo began.
Shin’ichi prayed earnestly that each and every member present, without exception, would spread their wings of personal mission and live out their lives with unwavering dedication to kosen-rufu. He also prayed deeply for their health, the fruition of all their hopes, and the prosperity of their families.
After gongyo, Shin’ichi and his wife Mineko went to the dining hall and joined the participants in enjoying box lunches that had been prepared for them. Then an informal discussion session, held as part of the inauguration, began in the meeting room. Shin’ichi opened the meeting by saying: “Let’s start by choosing a name for this group.”
Tabata spoke up immediately: “How about Seishun-kai (Spring of Youth Group)?”
“Seishun-kai? Yes, that’s good,” Shin’ichi replied. “You’re all in your youth, after all. And next year will be the Soka Gakkai’s Year of Health and Youth. So I think that’s a very good idea! Let’s settle on that. Does everyone agree?”
They all replied in the affirmative, their voices ringing with joy and enthusiasm.
“Genuine Buddhists spend their lives seeking the way of Buddhism, fighting for what’s right, and advancing. In others words, they are youthful all their lives. This group will foster the core of the young women’s division and the future successors of the women’s division, which is what really supports the Soka Gakkai.”
Shin’ichi’s voice reverberated with a solemn tone.
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Shin’ichi emphasized the importance of reading books in one’s youth as a way that the members of the Seishun-kai could develop themselves into leaders of the 21st century:
“It’s important to read good books, but I’d suggest you start with the Gosho, as the way to build a strong framework of a sound life philosophy. There may be passages that are hard to understand, but if you read all of Nichiren Daishonin’s writings, you’ll acquire confidence. I strongly recommend that you set a goal for yourselves of, for example, consistently spending 30 minutes a day reading the Gosho, or reading some five pages a day. When you come across parts you don’t understand, you can get together and have a discussion about it and study together.
“I’ve also published many books of articles, essays, dialogues, and Gosho lectures. I’ve dedicated myself to this effort with the hope of illuminating the true path of faith and the way of humanity, while explaining Buddhism in contemporary terms and offering solutions for overcoming the problems our society faces. You have a mission to carry on this task and create a new path for the 21st century. In this sense, I’d like you to open a further vista for the future by closely reading my writings and giving them earnest thought I’ll continue to write on a wide variety of subjects for both you and future generations.”
When women gain conviction through Buddhist faith enabling them to live out their lives dedicated to kosen-rufu, the future of the country as well as the family the foundation of society is also reinforced. Traditionally in Japanese society, women were regarded as playing a secondary role, but in actuality they supported society. That’s why the Daishonin writes: “Women support others and thereby cause others to support them” (WND-1, 501).
Entrusting the 21st century to his listeners, Shin’ichi said: “In the future, you’ll experience many of life’s milestones, including perhaps marriage. Whatever happens, keep gathering as the Seishun-kai. Make your first reunion 10 years from now, in 1985, and keep doing so into the 21st century, meeting and encouraging each other.”
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Bringing his talk to an end, Shin’ichi Yamamoto said to the assembled members: “I’d like to respond to questions from you now. Please, ask anything you like.”
Looking intently at each member there, he considered the 21st century and thought to himself: “All here will become the core members of the women’s division. The future nationwide women’s division leader is probably right here in this room. The thing that really matters is what these women will do when they become leaders. Will they be able to create happiness for others and a prosperous society through making the humanistic philosophy of Buddhism the philosophy of the coming age? Will Soka women be able to sink their roots deep into their communities and societies and stir a groundswell of kosen-rufu that far surpasses what exists today? The path of kosen-rufu entails a fierce struggle. If leaders become arrogant, complacent, careless,
or interested only in eking by with minimum effort and taking the easy way out, the movement for kosen-rufu will decline. Their generation has an important responsibility to shoulder kosen-rufu in the first years of the 21st century. Their determination, growth, and struggle will make or break the 21st century. They hold the key to whether the Soka Gakkai will endure forever or not.”
When he thought about this, Shin’ichi felt strength rising within him, and he reaffirmed his determination to devote every ounce of his energy to fostering these young women.
A member raised her hand with a question. Her name was Nobuyo Karino, and she seemed to be a good-natured student. She said: “I’m a first-year student at a music university, and I’m wondering whether I should aim for a career as a professional musician for the sake of kosen-rufu.”
Shin’ichi replied in a supportive tone: “At one time or another, everyone puzzles about what direction to take in the future. Don’t worry too much about it. For the time being, just devote your full energies to what you need to do in both your music and your Gakkai activities. From the perspective of faith, it is important to accumulate good fortune by striving in your Buddhist practice and polishing yourself during your youth.”
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Replying to Karino’s question, Shin’ichi went on to say: “You need to work hard at everything in life. Whether your hard work pays off or not can be a question of your good or bad fortune. For example, even if you become a professional musician, that doesn’t necessarily mean your life will be happy. The way to assure happiness is only to accumulate good fortune. And Buddhist faith and practice is the only way to do that, so you must never stop practicing this Buddhism.
“If you study hard and polish your musical abilities, based on your Buddhist faith and practice, by the time you’re a third-year student you’ll be able to see your future path. If you have the inherent talent and the mission to be a professional musician, that talent will develop and the people around you will praise you and recognize your capabilities.
“Some people start out with the determination that they’ll become a musician, but you don’t have to decide that at this moment. Do, however, make sure to graduate from university.”
Shin’ichi didn’t give the same guidance to everyone. With regard to the actual problems people encounter in life, though they may fundamentally all come down to the same thing, the concrete circumstances are all different, and each person needs different advice on their specific matters. For example, he would have given the following advice to a person who was deeply determined to become a professional
musician and was making every possible effort: “Just keep resolutely doing your best. Strive with undeterred effort. Become a great musician. Make that your mission.”
But based on the nature of Karino’s situation as well as her character, Shin’ichi sensed that other possibilities might lie in store for her, so he told her she didn’t need to decide right away. Shin’ichi always poured his entire being into freely adapting his guidance to the person and the circumstances, thinking about what was the best course for the individual to take and wholeheartedly imparting courage and hope to challenge themselves.
After graduating from university, Karino became a Soka Gakkai Headquarters staff member, and over time fulfilled responsibilities as nationwide young women’s high school division leader, general young women’s division leader, and eventually women’s division leader.
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The next person to ask a question was a young women’s chapter leader: “In my chapter, there are two young women’s vice chapter leaders. Can you please tell me what the relationship between a chapter leader and a vice chapter leader should be?”
Shin’ichi Yamamoto nodded energetically. “That’s a very important question,” he said. “In the future, more and more people will have vice-leadership positions in our organization while remaining active in their respective fields of mission.
“Let me start by clarifying the basic attitude that vice leaders should cultivate. Just because they’re not the central leader, they should never hold back and be passively involved in activities, or distance themselves from the organization. When we grow estranged from the organization, we lose our sense of responsibility. Shouldering a responsibility for kosen-rufu at all times is a real barometer of faith.
“You may think that disengaging yourselves from the organization is nice because you have more freedom, but at the same time you lose the opportunity to polish yourselves, carry out your human revolution, make real progress, and achieve personal growth. As the years go by, the gap between those who have been separated from the organization and those who have remained will be quite conspicuous. Those who distanced themselves from the organization are certain to regret it later.”
Shakyamuni also placed importance on the samgha, or the community of believers, which is regarded as one of the three treasures of Buddhism. Human relationships in this case, the organization provide a genuine place for diligently carrying out Buddhist practice through interacting with others, thereby making the
propagation of the teachings possible.
Shin’ichi said with great fervor: “Mr. Toda held that the Soka Gakkai organization could be considered as ‘Soka Gakkai Buddha.’ The Soka Gakkai has emerged to inherit and carry out Nichiren Daishonin’s instructions to realize kosen-rufu in the eternal future of the Latter Day of the Law. That’s why Mr. Toda said that the Soka Gakkai was more precious to him than his own life.
“Many of those who are vice leaders can’t spend as much time doing Gakkai activities as they may wish, due to various circumstances such as their jobs. But even if their time is limited, they must never retreat even a single step in their determination.”
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Shin’ichi then went on to discuss how the central leader should treat vice leaders: “Central leaders should work closely together with vice leaders with care and concern for them so that they can exercise their abilities to the fullest, without holding back, and so that they feel completely involved. For example, young women’s chapter leaders may think it’s enough to coordinate with young women’s district leaders, but that’s not enough. The unified effort of central and vice leaders will be the driving force for making the organization strong and resilient, no matter what happens.
“Central leaders should constantly confer with vice leaders and make sure that they have the same level of determination and self-awareness. That begins by sharing information, regularly soliciting the opinions and input of the vice leaders, and facilitating their involvement in every possible way. It would be a good idea to assign them to be in charge of something. But always be prepared to take final responsibility yourself.”
Shin’ichi wished to impart the key to successfully running the organization to these young women who would be the leaders of the future.
“No matter how busy a central leader for example, a chapter leader may be, always value the vice leaders, never treat them in a highhanded or domineering fashion, and support them warmly. Even if a vice leader is older than you, treat her with the loving compassion of a parent and support her. That ability to accept and support others is the most important quality for central leaders.”
It can be said that the strength of an organization depends upon the cooperation
and close coordination of central and vice leaders. If the central leaders do everything themselves, they’ll become exhausted and end up burned out. But if they have several vice leaders who are working along with them in a coordinated way, activities can be held in greater depth.
The unity of the organization starts with the unity of central and vice leaders. From there, the unity of “many in body but one in mind” spreads out, and a solid organization, like the stone walls of an unassailable, invincible castle, can be built.
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Next there was a question from a young woman student who was a group leader at her university. The members of her group wouldn’t do what she asked, she said. Shin’ichi replied to her query in a chiding tone: “First, chant daimoku about this. If you continue to chant in earnest, your life-condition will shine, and you’ll become like a magnet drawing people to you, so that they’ll start to listen to you.”
With a puzzled look the young woman replied: “I do chant daimoku in earnest before I go to meet members, but when I suggest that we chant together or do shakubuku together, they just refuse.”
Shin’ichi smiled. “You’re putting the cart before the horse. The first step is to reach out and communicate with them.”
[SGI Newsletter Editor’s Note: Part of this installment has been abbreviated.]
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Shin’ichi said in a clear and understandable manner: “It’s important to encourage members to chant and share Buddhism with others, but you first need to open others’ hearts and befriend them if you want to win their sympathy and understanding. For example, you can start by just inviting someone over to your house for a friendly visit. Or talk about a book you read recently that you enjoyed. Or ask about their father or mother. Everything starts from opening up and coming to know and understand each other as people. Then you can gradually shift the conversation from everyday topics to the philosophy needed to live a good life, and from there you can suggest studying Buddhist philosophy together, or suggest they attend a Gakkai meeting.
“By the way, how old are you?” asked Shin’ichi.
“Nineteen,” replied the young woman.
“Well, then, it is natural that you can’t expect to be an accomplished leader yet. You need to undergo the process of trial and error again and again, work very hard, and acquire experience. All of that will nurture your growth and become a treasure for your life. Just be active, with the determination to tackle every situation with all you’ve got. You can’t become a real leader without that resolve.
“And take care of your health, too. I consider you all as my precious daughters and the treasures of the Soka Gakkai.”
In those final words, the members sensed Shin’ichi’s deep compassion. One hand after another shot up from young women who wished to ask questions or comment.
“Sensei! I have been studying women’s education, and in the process I’ve come to the conclusion that a fine education for women lies in energetically carrying out Gakkai activities as members of the young women’s and women’s divisions.”
Shin’ichi nodded. “Yes, that’s right. That’s exactly true. The direction of women’s education is extremely important for Japan’s future. Please continue to study this. And without a doubt, the young women’s and women’s divisions are outstanding educational institutions for women.”
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The Soka Gakkai is no doubt playing a major role in contemporary society in offering humanistic education. This is an outstanding contribution to social education, not only with respect to children and adolescents but also with regard to women. There are many examples of women who, because of family circumstances, were unable to complete their compulsory education, but after gaining an education through the young women’s and women’s divisions became leaders in their local communities.
Shin’ichi Yamamoto spoke of the social aspect of the women’s education provided by the Soka Gakkai: “The women of the Soka Gakkai are studying various things, based on the Buddhist philosophy of life. They study the subjects of happiness, values, religion, education, and peace, as well as politics, art, and culture. And more than anything they assiduously study human philosophy.
“Additionally, it’s very important to note that, with their awareness of their mission for kosen-rufu, they voluntarily and enthusiastically strive for their friends’ happiness and the prosperity of society. Japanese society offers many types of education for women, but most approaches concentrate solely on imparting a general knowledge and certain specific skills. In other words, of the three qualities of intellect,
emotion, and will, they may foster the intellect, but they can’t offer women a full and well-balanced development, including cultivating the emotions and the will. But the humanistic education offered by the Soka Gakkai combines all three.
“And in our organization, women aren’t only taught, but they also teach, so that everyone is encouraging each other and learning and growing together. Moreover, there is no retirement age in faith, so the Soka Gakkai provides a lasting, lifetime education. For ordinary people, the Soka Gakkai is a foremost educational institution based on humanism. It’s important to preserve and develop this tradition.”
The young women continued to ask questions on how to help the organization grow and other topics, all of which were imbued with a single-minded focus on kosen-rufu. Shin’ichi sensed hope and strength for the future.
As the Korean thinker Jeong Yak Yong (1762–1836) once observed: “If we are firmly determined and advance with utter concentration, we can move even Mount Tai.”5
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After replying to all other the young women’s questions and speaking about how to advance their movement in organizational terms, Shin’ichi said with all his heart: “An organization is a network of human relationships. We need to create bonds with individual members within our organization. If the relationships are only between leaders and members, our organization will be weak. When we really care about everyone we come into contact with as fellow siblings, our organization will be truly humane.
“The way to make our organization strong is to strive to forge ties of trust linking ourselves to everyone else. Become the kind of person whom everyone appreciates for helping them overcome their problems, for encouraging them and giving them hope. That’s what I’ve always done. I’m consistently striving my hardest to establish strong ties with every Soka Gakkai member. I encourage hundreds and thousands of members every day, in one form or another. These ties are what makes the Soka Gakkai strong.
“If this solidarity of individuals is lost, we’ll end up working at cross purposes and the Soka Gakkai will perish. Please never forget this crucial point.”
The young women all looked intently at Shin’ichi, their eyes shining.
Shin’ichi smiled. “All right, let’s take a photograph together. This will be a precious proof of our vow.”
Shin’ichi had the members line up in front as he stood behind them. The shutter clicked and the flash went off. When the photograph was taken, Shin’ichi looked at all the young women and said: “If everyone else disappears, it’ll be fine as long as you remain. I’ll increase the membership up to 10 million again. Let’s do it together. No matter what happens, never stop practicing this Buddhism.”
To commemorate the establishment of the Seishun-kai, Shin’ichi wrote in a decorative placard that all the members had signed:
Members of the Seishun-kai, a group with a marvelous name, be the Gakkai’s future core leaders, be cherry blossoms of the Gakkai.
This day marked the establishment of the core of capable individuals who would form the new Soka women’s movement in the 21st century. It was an important step for building the new century.
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After the inauguration of the Seishun-kai in Tokyo on September 28, 1975, similar young women’s training groups were established throughout Japan, in one region after another. In October, they were established in Kansai and Kyushu, in November in Chugoku and Chubu, and in December in Hokkaido and Kanto. In the following year, Seishun-kai groups were established in Kanagawa, Tohoku, and Shin’etsu-Hokuriku, and in September 1977, in Shizuoka, Shikoku, and Okinawa, covering the entire country.
During this period, Sachie Fujiya succeeded Ikuko Tabata as leader of the young women’s division. Under the leadership of these two young women, the main national and regional division leaders devoted themselves to carefully selecting members who would form the core of capable individuals, the Seishun-kai.
Shin’ichi Yamamoto was deeply determined not to waste the steadfast efforts of the young women’s division top leaders to foster the capable individuals who would shoulder the 21st century. He would see to it that members of the groups matured into such outstanding leaders that those in charge of forming the training groups would be startled at how magnificently their efforts had born fruit.
Shin’ichi continued to meet personally with Seishun-kai members at their inaugural meetings and on as many other occasions as possible, directly giving them guidance. He also sent them various guiding mottoes, including: “My daughters, my disciples, don’t be defeated!” (to the Kansai Seishun-kai), and “As my daughters, resolutely dispel all frustration and despair from your lives” (to the Kyushu Seishun-kai).
Whenever he made a regional trip, he involved Seishun-kai members in his activities, having them help him encourage local members and so forth. He wished to demonstrate the true Soka Gakkai spirit to them through his example of encouraging and serving members with his entire being. He made a concerted effort to raise them personally.
In the words of Madame Deng Yingchao (1904–92), the wife of Chinese Premier
Zhou Enlai and someone with whom Shin’ichi and his wife Mineko would later form a deep friendship: “We need to strengthen women’s leadership in our organization, boldly select new leaders, trust them, and patiently train them in the midst of actual struggles. Female leaders fostered among the people in this way will be able to lead millions of women.”6
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Seishun-kai members met on significant occasions, conducting general meetings and gongyo sessions. Whenever possible, Shin’ichi attended their meetings and watched over the members’ growth.
In September 1985, as they celebrated their 10th anniversary, Seishun-kai members gathered from throughout Japan at the Shiba Sports Center in Kawaguchi, Saitama Prefecture, the site of the Soka Gakkai’s Saitama Youth Peace Culture Festival, hoping to meet with Shin’ichi. Around that time, Shin’ichi fell ill and could barely even walk. Nevertheless, he attended the festival, took the microphone, and encouraged the participants with all his might. He also sincerely welcomed dignitaries from China and other guests. In the midst of these activities, he became so exhausted that he could hardly remain on his feet.
Still, Shin’ichi was resolved to meet the Seishun-kai members and inspire them without fail. He walked haltingly down the stairs from the second floor, supporting himself with the stair railing, and headed toward the Seishun-kai members gathered in the lobby. Many of the members had been central leaders during their young women’s division days nationwide division leaders, vice leaders, or region leaders. However, as 10 years had passed since then, the majority of them had married and entered the women’s division, where they were active on the front lines. Some brought their small children with them.
This represented a major change for these members, and it was a challenging period. How they made it through this time of their lives would determine their effectiveness as leaders of kosen-rufu. They were at a crucial moment in life that would affect their future. That’s why Shin’ichi was resolved to meet with them and encourage them, even with just a single word.
When he reached the waiting members, he rallied his last ounce of strength and said: “I’m so happy to meet you all. Don’t be defeated. I’ll be watching you. I’ll never forget you. Let’s look forward to joyously celebrating the 15th and 20th anniversaries of the Seishun-kai!”
Shin’ichi wished to give them a goal to aim for.
After encouraging the Seishun-kai members at the Shiba Sports Center in Kawaguchi, Shin’ichi attended a banquet. Though he really wanted to return to Tokyo as quickly as possible to get some rest, representative Seishun-kai members would also be at the banquet and he felt he had to attend. He hardly ate at all, but just kept repeating this encouragement to them: “Life is a series of challenges. You must win out over them. The 21st century will be crucial. I’m waiting for you.”
He could only stay for 40 or 50 minutes of the banquet, which was scheduled to last about two hours. He had reached the limit of his endurance. A month later, he was hospitalized for a full physical examination.
There would be Seishun-kai events to which Shin’ichi, unable to attend personally, sent Mineko on his behalf. He did everything possible to encourage Seishun-kai members. Both he and Mineko were firmly determined to entrust the 21st century, the century of women, to the Seishun-kai, and in that tireless spirit they encouraged its members and watched over their progress.
The 21st century toward which Seishun-kai members had long kept their focus has at last arrived. They have become the core leaders of the women’s division. They are active in central positions striving for kosen-rufu from women’s division general leader, women’s division leader, women’s division secretary, to nationwide and regional leadership positions. Others are fulfilling important roles in society, such as an elementary school principal and a Diet representative.
Just as they had pledged, Seishun-kai members are now assuming positive roles in the prime of their lives. They have reached a significant period in their lives during which they are fulfilling their missions. The Soka Gakkai and kosen-rufu rests on their shoulders.
Shin’ichi and Mineko vowed in their hearts to remain healthy and to always continue watching over the noble and glorious lives of the Seishun-kai members what they would be accomplishing in life and kosen-rufu as they advance on the path of mentor and disciple.
Today, the traditional spirit of the Seishun-kai has been inherited by the new century’s Kayo-kai, which has been established in Japan and around the world, and is now propelling a mighty current of the Soka women’s movement across the globe.
(This concludes “High Seas,” chapter 3 of volume 22 of The New Human Revolution.)