By Shin’ichi Yamamoto1By Shin’ichi Yamamoto1

March 16　̶The Eternal Starting Point 　　of Mentor and Disciple

March 16　̶The Eternal Starting Point 　　of Mentor and Disciple

　　Great　　youthful champions̶ 　　dedicate 　　your youth　　to kosen-rufu.

“Youth are the world of tomorrow.”2 These are words that first Indian prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru (1889‒1964) spoke to Japanese students when he visited Japan in 1957. They resounded with me and I recorded them in my diary at the time. The future resides in the hearts of youth. That is why I have made it my mission to bring the light of hope, courage, and strength to shine in the lives of young people like an immortal sun. If this does not happen, who will brightly illuminate the world of tomorrow?

When young people stand up with great purpose, a new age begins. That moment is now. This March, the Soka Gakkai has made a powerful fresh departure with the appointment of new leaders brimming with the vibrant spirit of oneness of mentor and disciple. Taking to heart the Daishonin’s words, “The ‘great vow’ refers to the propagation of the Lotus Sutra” (OTT, 82), my true disciples in the youth division are now vigorously stepping forth. The sun of the youth, who celebrate March 16 in this second act of kosen-rufu, now shines brilliantly.

Let’s begin our struggle, just as we did at the time of that first momentous ceremony of Soka mentor and disciples 50 years ago!

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　　Let us gaze up 　　at Mount Fuji,　　mentor and disciple together.　　Live with a mighty heart　　into the future.

The Light of the Century of HumanityThe Light of the Century of Humanity

About a week into the month of March in 1958, my mentor President Toda, who was staying at the Rikyo-bo lodging at the head temple, told me that his friend Japanese Prime Minister Nobusuke Kishi (1896‒1987) would pay us a visit on March 16. Mr. Toda then gave me instructions for arranging a gathering to greet the prime minister on that day. “This is a good opportunity,” he said. “Why don’t we invite the youth division to come to the head temple that day? Let’s conduct a ceremony that will serve as a trial run̶a dress rehearsal̶for kosen-rufu in preparation for the future.” Kosen-rufu is the loftiest undertaking of all, one that will open wide the way to peace and happiness for all humankind. Because this is such an infinitely noble endeavor, it will also be subject to unprecedented persecution by the three powerful enemies. This is taught in the Lotus Sutra. By triumphing in these great struggles, however, it would be possible to win the understanding and support of discerning and thoughtful leaders around the world. This was clear in light of Nichiren Daishonin’s assertion that protective deities such as Brahma and Shakra would also gather to pay their respects (cf. WND-2, 987). Envisaging such future development, Mr. Toda called the planned youth meeting

“a dress rehearsal for kosen-rufu.” He said: “I’m thinking of March 16 as the occasion on which I will formally transfer the mission for achieving kosen-rufu to you, the youth. I want you to take charge of this event, Daisaku. Give it your best and do whatever you feel is appropriate.” A tremendous thrill ran through me at that moment, because I knew that “formally transfer the mission” meant that the meeting would be a ceremony in which the mission of our Soka movement was passed from the mentor to the disciples. The goal of achieving a membership of 750,000 households, which Mr. Toda had set forth when he was inaugurated as the second president of the Soka Gakkai in 1951, had already been achieved. Now he was preparing for a final crowning effort. Therefore, he decided to conduct this all-important dress rehearsal for kosen-rufu together with his beloved young disciples. Normally when a group or organization welcomed a top government official like the prime minister, the high-ranking officers or executives would be in the forefront. But Mr. Toda’s thinking was different. He wasn’t concerned with top leaders or celebrities. His first thought was to have the youth welcome the prime minister and to put me in charge of organizing the event. Mr. Toda had an abiding love and deep trust for the youth.

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Whenever I have a meeting scheduled with some noted figure, I always try to have

members of the youth division join me in greeting them. This is the Soka spirit. The other day, when I was reunited with State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan of the People’s Republic of China, I welcomed him in the early spring sunshine together with 150 youth representatives at the Seikyo Shimbun building (in Shinanomachi, Tokyo, on February 22). Seeing the bright, happy faces of those young people, State Councilor Tang was overjoyed and sensed the hope-filled future of friendship between

members of the youth division join me in greeting them. This is the Soka spirit. The other day, when I was reunited with State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan of the People’s Republic of China, I welcomed him in the early spring sunshine together with 150 youth representatives at the Seikyo Shimbun building (in Shinanomachi, Tokyo, on February 22). Seeing the bright, happy faces of those young people, State Councilor Tang was overjoyed and sensed the hope-filled future of friendship between our two countries. Youthful successors are my treasure and pride, and the treasure of all humanity. President Toda confidently told the youth: “You possess the world’s supreme philosophy that can save all humanity. As Josei Toda’s disciples, you are already world leaders!” From the perspective of the lofty mission of Soka, there is no need to be intimidated by any president or prime minister. As the Danish philosopher Søren Kierkegaard (1813‒55) wrote: “What, then, is true human greatness? Surely it is greatness of heart. We do not by rights say that someone is great who has much power and dominion, yes, even if there lived or had lived a king whose sovereignty was over the whole world.”3

With me, his direct disciple, in the forefront, Mr. Toda proudly and jubilantly wished to show the world that the dynamic young people participating in the ceremony of March 16 were the Soka Gakkai.

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　　Advancing　　through joy and sorrow　　toward kosen-rufu, 　　this assembly of comrades̶　　every one a victor.

The news of Mr. Toda’s call for a gathering on March 16 spread like a flash through the youth division. The members, completely one in spirit with me, were perfectly coordinated and united. Overcoming all obstacles, they made every effort to get to the head temple and came together in high spirits. They were determined to join their mentor who embodied the essence of Buddhism, to do whatever they could for this great leader of kosen-rufu. They were all deeply aware that this was the way to demonstrate true faith. Some 6,000 youths gathered with tremendous enthusiasm. They could be said to parallel the Bodhisattvas of the Earth, who are described in the “Emerging from the Earth” (15th) chapter of the Lotus Sutra as being equal in number to the sands of 60,000 Ganges rivers. From before dawn, the young people began arriving in overnight trains and chartered buses. The morning air was cold, and their breath condensed in white puffs. The pork soup that Mr. Toda had arranged to be served to them warmed them to the core. Before the ceremony started, the hearts of the youth were already ablaze.

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From before dawn, the young people began arriving in overnight trains and chartered buses. The morning air was cold, and their breath condensed in white puffs. The pork soup that Mr. Toda had arranged to be served to them warmed them to the core. Before the ceremony started, the hearts of the youth were already ablaze.

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But the ceremony of March 16, which had been so expectantly awaited by my mentor, underwent a sudden change that morning. The prime minister, who was in Hakone in neighboring Kanagawa prefecture, called Mr. Toda to tell him that a diplomatic crisis required his immediate return to Tokyo. However, there was something unnatural about his explanation. Mr. Toda sternly reprimanded the prime minister: “Mr. Kishi, there are 6,000 young people awaiting your arrival; they’ve been preparing for this occasion for some time. You’ll be betraying their trust!” When the political leader apologized, Mr. Toda shouted in outrage: “It’s not me you should be apologizing to ! You should apologizeto those youth!” This was an expression of Mr. Toda’s belief that the youth are a country’s treasure deserving of utmost respect from those in political office. I was deeply touched by his profound love for young people.

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In the end, the prime minister’s visit was canceled. Mr. Toda, out of sympathy for the tremendous efforts of the 6,000 youth who had gathered, wished to stand before them and personally encourage them. He was so physically frail, however, that it was difficult for him to walk. But, riding in the litter his disciples had built for him, he was able to proceed to the meeting. He was truly a Zhuge Liang4 of the Mystic Law as he valiantly demonstrated his eternally victorious and invincible leadership.

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Youth division representatives, mostly from the Tokyo metropolitan area and Shizuoka Prefecture, young men and women with a noble mission, had gathered in front of the Grand Lecture Hall. I called out in my heart: “Mr. Toda, a great force of your youthful disciples who are your successors has assembled. Please be reassured!” Mentor and disciples had come together in a warm and friendly atmosphere, completely united in their resolve to fight for kosen-rufu, just like the assembly on Eagle Peak described in the Lotus Sutra. It was a ceremony at which the disciples made a solemn vow. The life of each and every young person there had begun to move

forward with the strength of a charging lion; they shared the determination of their great mentor who had dedicated his life to propagating the Mystic Law. The prime minister’s wife and son-in-law, having come in the politician’s stead, watched the mentor and his disciples. Or rather, they were intently observing the spirit of these young people, later expressing how impressed they were by our movement that was destined to grow remarkably in the future.

forward with the strength of a charging lion; they shared the determination of their great mentor who had dedicated his life to propagating the Mystic Law. The prime minister’s wife and son-in-law, having come in the politician’s stead, watched the mentor and his disciples. Or rather, they were intently observing the spirit of these young people, later expressing how impressed they were by our movement that was destined to grow remarkably in the future. As the peak of Mount Fuji appeared in the distance on this March 16, Mr. Toda’s voice reverberated like the roar of a mighty lion: “The Soka Gakkai is the king of the religious world!” The spirit of the Soka Gakkai passed on from mentor to disciples is truly that of a monarch, of a lion king. The Daishonin writes:

　　　My wish is that my disciples will be cubs of the lion king, never to be laughed at 　　　by the pack of foxes. It is hard to encounter a master like Nichiren, who since 　　　distant kalpas in the past down to the present day has never begrudged his body 　　　or life in order to expose the faults of his powerful enemies. (WND-2, 1062)

The cubs of the lion king have the potential to become lion kings as well. In order to do so, they need to struggle selflessly, brimming with the spirit of propagating the Daishonin’s Buddhism. Embodying the mentor’s spirit means fighting against and defeating powerful enemies.

　　The essence 　　of leading a noble existence　　is to be found in you 　　who are dedicated　　to kosen-rufu.

The Scottish poet Robert Blair (1699‒1746) wrote: “Those only are the brave that keep their ground, / And keep it to the last.”5

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At that ceremony of March 16 five decades ago, the members of the music corps and the fife and drum corps played rousingly to bring joy to Mr. Toda and inspire their fellow members. There were also youth who spent the entire day supervising the parking lots and overseeing security, never even stepping foot into the square in front of the Grand Lecture Hall, where the ceremony took place. On my behalf, these many fine young men and women supported their fellow members behind the scenes,

ensuring that this historic event was carried out with complete safety and security. Thinking of their mentor, they chanted daimoku in their hearts and prayed earnestly that everyone would be safe and the day a success. I am both overjoyed and reassured that the members of today’s Soka Group, Gajokai, Byakuren Group, and other youth division behind-the-scenes groups are carrying on in the same spirit as their predecessors on that first March 16.

ensuring that this historic event was carried out with complete safety and security. Thinking of their mentor, they chanted daimoku in their hearts and prayed earnestly that everyone would be safe and the day a success. I am both overjoyed and reassured that the members of today’s Soka Group, Gajokai, Byakuren Group, and other youth division behind-the-scenes groups are carrying on in the same spirit as their predecessors on that first March 16. My heart is still warmed when I recall the men’s division members who responded to Mr. Toda’s concern for the youth by preparing and serving them pork soup. I am always praying for the eternal happiness of those among them who have passed away. And my wife and I pray every day for the health and prosperity of the members of the Haku’un-kai (White Cloud Group, which is comprised of professional chefs and cooks who prepare food for large Soka Gakkai events). The Soka Gakkai must always be a youthful organization. The vibrant and creative energy of youth is the real manifestation of “value creation.” Youth committed to refuting the erroneous and revealing the true, youth of honesty and integrity, youth filled with courage and the spirit of challenge, youth who are advancing and winning in their lives̶the brilliantly shining virtues inherent in the lives of such sincere and dedicated youth are the treasures that adorn the Soka Gakkai, an organization that President Toda referred to as “Soka Gakkai Buddha.” The French writer Émile Zola (1840-1902) declared: “Youth! Be always on the side of justice.”6 I also call out to our youth: “Lift up your heads! Be proud! Advance with indomitable strength, as if mounted on a fine steed. Never forget to have courageous faith, a burning passion for kosen-rufu, and a spirit of unity.” That is the way to win the crown of victory. As long as our treasure of the youth division exists, the Soka Gakkai is certain to flourish forever.

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The newspapers on March 17, the day after that landmark ceremony, reported the real reason for the prime minister’s sudden return to Tokyo̶the interference of certain political leaders who were prejudiced against and envious of the Soka Gakkai. We of the youth division were outraged at the deception, corruption, and deviousness of the political world dominated by insidious impulses, and we remembered our mentor’s grave warning: “Youth must keep a close watch on politics!” The political leaders responsible for preventing the prime minister’s visit later lost their power, brought down by corruption and other scandals. Power has an inherently devilish nature, and one must never allow oneself to succumb to its intoxications. As the great English poet John Milton (1608‒74), who was born four centuries ago this year, declared: “The way of bad men to ruin must.”7 The workings

of the law of cause and effect are strict indeed.

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Keenly see through the plotting

of the law of cause and effect are strict indeed.

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　　Keenly see through 　　the plotting　　of base　　and craven individuals　　with the stern eye of the Buddha.

The French author and essayist François duc de La Rochefoucauld (1613‒80) wrote:

　　Almost everyone is pleased to discharge small obligations, and many　　acknowledge medium-sized obligations. But there is hardly anyone who isn’t 　　　　unappreciative of large ones.8

This is a very sobering observation. And in the realm of Buddhism, whose very foundation is recognizing and repaying debts of gratitude, those who repay the greatest debt of gratitude they owe, that to their mentor, with enmity, are committing one of the gravest offenses of all. In “Letter from Sado,” the Daishonin writes: “Neither non-Buddhists nor the enemies of Buddhism can destroy the correct teaching of the Thus Come One [Shakyamuni], but the Buddha’s disciples definitely can. As a sutra says, only worms born of the lion’s body feed on the lion” (WND-1, 302). If ungrateful people areallowed to go unchecked and to proliferate, the realm of Buddhism will be destroyed. That is why it is crucial to fairly and firmly reprimand such individuals and to show the door to those who are unscrupulous and ungrateful. This is the right and duty of youth, who have a fiery passion for justice. The ancient Greek poet Hesiod warned: “An evil plan is most evil for the planner.”9 This resonates with the Buddhist principle that “the injury will rebound upon the originator” (LS25, 304). As you are all aware, nothing is more pitiful than the fate of base individuals who betray their debts of gratitude. When we sincerely strive to repay the vast and boundless debt of gratitude we owe our mentor, the vast and boundless power of the Buddha will well forth from our lives and we will be able to enjoy the vast and boundless protection of the Buddhas and heavenly deities throughout the universe. I hope that our youth division members will steadfastly continue on this unerring path for the victory of Soka mentor and disciples that has been demonstrated over the past 50 years.

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Bringing down the three powerful enemies,only we have the honor ofcarrying out the Buddha’s decree