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    The New Human Revolution, vol. 30
    The New Human Revolution, vol. 30
    The New Human Revolution, vol. 30
    Ebook837 pages15 hours

    The New Human Revolution, vol. 30

    By Daisaku Ikeda

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    Through this novelized history of the Soka Gakkai—one of the most dynamic, diverse, and empowering movements in the world today—readers will discover the organization's goals and achievements even as they find inspiring and practical Buddhist wisdom for living happily and compassionately in today's world. The book recounts the stories of ordinary individuals who faced tremendous odds in transforming their lives through the practice of Nichiren Buddhism and in bringing Buddhism's humanistic teachings to the world. This inspiring narrative provides readers with the principles with which they can positively transform their own lives for the better and realize enduring happiness for themselves and others.
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherIndependent Publishers Group
    Release dateSep 1, 2021
    ISBN9781946635631
    The New Human Revolution, vol. 30

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      The New Human Revolution, vol. 30 - Daisaku Ikeda

      Great Mountain

      NICHIREN DAISHONIN declared, My wish is that all my disciples make a great vow ( WND -1, 1003). And he said, The ‘great vow’ refers to the propagation of the Lotus Sutra ( OTT , 82). He also predicted that the great pure Law of the Lotus Sutra will be spread far and wide throughout … Jambudvipa [the entire world] ( WND -1, 550).

      We Soka Gakkai members are forging ahead with unwavering commitment toward the realization of worldwide kosen-rufu. Our desire is to bring happiness to everyone in our lives—our families, friends, coworkers, neighbors, and others in our communities.

      It is through our relationships with others that we develop and grow, learn from one another, help and support one another, and cultivate genuine humanity. Therefore, we cannot enjoy happiness for ourselves alone. True happiness is happiness that is shared with others.

      Reaching out to teach another person about Nichiren Buddhism is an expression of our wish for their happiness. Through our sincere, earnest, wholehearted efforts to talk one to one with those around us about our Buddhist practice, we expand our network of happiness and open the way to peace.

      Shin’ichi Yamamoto and the Soka Gakkai delegation who had been visiting India¹ departed Calcutta on the evening of February 16, 1979, and arrived in Hong Kong after ten.

      Shin’ichi had begun his travels for kosen-rufu in Asia eighteen years prior in Hong Kong, and it was there that he was now concluding his last overseas trip before the end of the Seven Bells² (on May 3, 1979).

      The next morning, February 17, as Shin’ichi gazed at the sun rising over Hong Kong—the harbor of peace of kosen-rufu in Asia—he renewed his determination and formulated a vision for worldwide kosen-rufu.

      That evening, he and the delegation attended a welcome banquet hosted by Ma Lin, the vice chancellor of the Chinese University of Hong Kong. Shin’ichi took this opportunity to discuss how Soka University and the Hong Kong university might go about developing academic and educational exchanges.

      Shin’ichi was intent on building many bridges of educational and cultural exchange with other countries, convinced that doing so was crucial for the sake of the twenty-first century and world peace. The future exists right now. How we act and live in this moment—and in each passing day—determines the future.

      A sutra says, If you want to understand what results will be manifested in the future, look at the causes that exist in the present (WND-1, 279).

      It’s now or never! Don’t let this precious moment slip by! This was what Shin’ichi told himself.

      ON FEBRUARY 18, Shin’ichi attended a conference for Soka Gakkai members from Southeast Asia held at a hotel on Hong Kong Island. Sixty-five members had gathered from nine countries, including Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, Indonesia, as well as the two East Asian territories of Hong Kong and Macau. Many of them were dressed in colorful ethnic costumes celebrating the culmination of the Seven Bells and marking a fresh departure for kosen-rufu in Southeast Asia.

      All of the members had overcome great obstacles to pioneer the way for kosen-rufu in their respective countries and territories. Many were Japanese who had immigrated with hardly any knowledge of the local language. But using gestures and the few words they had managed to learn, they had striven to communicate the message of Nichiren Buddhism to others.

      These countries had been invaded by the Japanese military during World War II, and anti-Japanese sentiment was still deeply rooted. Many people reacted with open hostility when they learned that the Soka Gakkai was born in Japan.

      But these early members refused to retreat, no matter how formidable the walls of misunderstanding. They were determined to become happy through their Buddhist practice in the land where they lived. As the only Soka Gakkai members there, they knew that the development of kosen-rufu in their areas would depend solely on their efforts.

      This personal commitment to stand up and take action is the driving force of kosen-rufu. No matter how times may change, there can be no progress without such commitment.

      Though the religious climate, customs, and traditions differed greatly from their own, the Japanese members living in Southeast Asia persisted in their efforts at dialogue, increasing their circle of fellow members first by one person, then two, then dozens, then hundreds, and finally thousands of people.

      Nichiren Daishonin declares that the great Bodhisattvas of the Earth appear "in the beginning of the Latter Day of the Law to teach all the living beings of this continent of Jambudvipa [the entire world] to chant the five characters³ of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, which are the heart of the ‘Life Span’ chapter of the essential teaching [of the Lotus Sutra]" (WND-2, 688).

      All the members in Southeast Asia were unsung ordinary people who were opening the way for kosen-rufu while challenging various personal problems. They were none other than the Bodhisattvas of the Earth, the Buddha’s emissaries with a great mission for kosen-rufu who had appeared in this troubled Latter Day of the Law.

      Shin’ichi regarded the assembled members with the feeling that he was looking at a gathering of Buddhas, and he expressed his deepest appreciation, respect, and praise for them.

      HE SPOKE ABOUT the qualities the members should strive to embody as leaders of kosen-rufu in their respective countries and territories: "Some people live their lives without making any contribution to society, concerned only with their own well-being. Others earnestly strive in their Buddhist practice to promote the teachings of Nichiren Buddhism and realize lasting happiness for themselves and for other people as well. There may still be others, who, though professing faith in the Mystic Law, just go through the motions and avoid making real, wholehearted efforts to advance kosen-rufu.

      "Though you may succeed in fooling others, no one can escape the Buddhist law of cause and effect, which is rigorous and uncompromising. The Gohonzon is aware of everything. As such, from the perspective of Buddhism, your contributions in splendidly blazing new trails as pioneers of kosen-rufu in Asia are incalculable, and the benefits you are accumulating in your lives as a result are truly immense.

      Nichiren Daishonin writes: ‘Be diligent in developing your faith until the last moment of your life. Otherwise you will have regrets’ (WND-1, 1027). That’s why I would like all of you to live proudly with a lifelong commitment to spreading the Mystic Law. If you persevere in your Buddhist practice to the very end, you are certain to attain a state of indestructible happiness and enjoy lives rich in good fortune.

      Shin’ichi then offered three points for them to bear in mind as leaders of the global movement for kosen-rufu.

      "First, remember that all our members possess the honorable life state of Buddhahood. While there are various leadership positions in the Soka Gakkai to ensure the coordinated functioning of the organization, all of us are equal as human beings; no one is superior or inferior to anyone else. Never think that your role as a leader in our organization gives you the right to speak to others harshly or disrespectfully.

      "Second, never let the pursuit of personal profit intrude on the realm of faith and cause trouble over conflicts of interest in the Soka Gakkai.

      Third, remember that the happiness of the members is our goal and that the organization is nothing more than a means to achieving that end. In that context, it’s all right to be strict about such things as attitude toward faith. But in running the organization, always solicit everyone’s opinions, respect each person’s autonomy, and aim to create a democratic and harmonious organization.

      SHIN’ICHI THOUGHT to himself: All those gathered here today have the lofty mission of illuminating Asia, imparting the light of happiness to people through sharing Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism of the Sun. Their actions and growth will determine the success of kosen-rufu in their respective lands. I want all of them to hone their abilities even more and develop into wise and courageous leaders of kosen-rufu—each one possessing the strength of a thousand.

      He continued speaking with great emphasis: "We are living in the realm of faith. Therefore, we must unite based on the Gohonzon, with faith as our foremost guide. If we allow ourselves to be ruled by our emotions, jealousy and conflict are bound to arise. That is a sign that the devilish functions within us have taken control and we have strayed from the teachings of Buddhism. Uniting together entails a struggle with these inner devils, and achieving unity of purpose is proof that we have done our human revolution, exercising self-mastery and winning over our own negativity.

      "I hope that, as leaders, you will have big hearts, deeply caring about your members, respecting your societies, and loving the lands in which you live. Kosen-rufu means each of you, who base your lives on the supreme teaching of Nichiren Buddhism, becoming a pillar of spiritual support, a pillar of trust, and a pillar of social conscience in your respective lands.

      "There are sure to be numerous difficulties and obstacles on the road to kosen-rufu. We may encounter opposition and persecution owing to others’ ignorance and misunderstanding of the Soka Gakkai. Some members may discard their faith; they may even betray or try to sow disunity in the organization. The devil king of the sixth heaven⁴ is always aiming to destroy the movement for kosen-rufu in ways that we cannot anticipate.

      "But whatever challenges arise, believe in the Gohonzon and dedicate your lives to kosen-rufu, together with the Soka Gakkai, the organization striving in accord with the Buddha’s intent. By battling and triumphing over great adversity, you will gain limitless benefit and build an indestructible foundation for happiness. It will also lead to remarkable progress in the development of kosen-rufu in your respective lands.

      Faith is courage. Please advance boldly, with the heart of a lion king. I ask that you share the Buddhism of the Sun with faith like radiant sunlight and pioneer the way for worldwide kosen-rufu.

      It was a heartfelt, prayerful appeal.

      ON THE MORNING of February 19, Shin’ichi Yamamoto paid a courtesy call on the governor of Hong Kong, Sir Murray MacLehose, at his official residence. The governor had heard about Shin’ichi through correspondence from his friend Sir Michael Wilford, the British ambassador to Japan, and he was looking forward to their meeting.

      Shin’ichi and the governor had a lively conversation, discussing the policy successes and state of social welfare in Hong Kong, which was enjoying growing prosperity.

      The governor also served as the chancellor of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, so their conversation also touched on the educational exchange taking place between the university and Soka University.

      Shin’ichi expressed his deep gratitude for the governor’s support as the university’s chancellor and frankly shared his feelings with him: "I think that the educational exchange between our two universities should be aimed at enabling young people to forge friendships, freely exchange their thoughts on the world’s future, and advance together in a spirit of mutual cooperation.

      Through such exchange, I wish to foster capable individuals who, transcending differences of nationality, race, religion, customs, and traditions, can share one another’s hardships, sufferings, and joys as fellow human beings and work together for common goals.

      The governor expressed his hearty agreement.

      The world, after all, comes down to human relationships. If we can remember that we are all human beings, we should be able to communicate, understand, and empathize with one another.

      Only a little more than two decades remained until the start of the twenty-first century. There were many matters that Shin’ichi felt he urgently needed to act on for the sake of world peace and the future of humanity. He just wished he had more time. Life is a battle against time.

      That afternoon, Shin’ichi and the delegation traveling with him attended a culture festival held by the Hong Kong members at the Academic Community Hall in Kowloon.

      A total of 556 members participated in the festival, passionately expressing their wish for peace in Asia through colorful and riveting performances that included a traditional Chinese court dance, a harvest dance, a lion dance, and choral and musical performances.

      The vibrant energy of those who wish and act for people’s happiness is the creative source that gives rise to art and culture.

      THE PERFORMERS were culturally diverse, and comprised those of Chinese, British, and Japanese backgrounds. In the finale, everyone took the stage—even the stage crew in their safety helmets and the other support staff—linked arms, and enthusiastically sang The Song of Kosen-rufu in Hong Kong. To Shin’ichi, it was a picture of genuine human harmony.

      In the eighteen years since the first Soka Gakkai district had been established in Hong Kong, the membership had grown to the extent they were able to hold such a large and splendid culture festival.

      Shin’ichi wished to make even greater efforts for the movement’s development around the world. But he was so busy that it was very difficult to find time in his schedule to travel outside of Japan. If I could really focus on each country now, he thought, dramatic progress in kosen-rufu, in world peace, would be possible. I mustn’t let this chance pass me by!

      Shin’ichi, who was seated in the audience, stood to speak.

      "All people are equal; all are members of the human family. This is the teaching of Nichiren Buddhism, which we practice, and I firmly believe that today’s performances are a symbol of that truth.

      "We are practicing Buddhism to become happy, to attain lasting fulfillment. In addition, we are practicing to form bonds of friendship with others in our society and expand our network for peace.

      "Your joyous and vibrant expressions today reflect the happiness and sense of purpose filling your lives. Your solid unity is a microcosm of peace forged through friendship. This I wish to declare for all to hear!

      Building world peace is our mission as practitioners of Nichiren Buddhism. But peace is not something abstract or removed from our lives; it is found in widening our circles of friendship and trust in our neighborhoods and communities, and in creating a model of human harmony there. I hope that, from here in Hong Kong, you will make the sun of a Century of Peace rise.

      Shin’ichi was convinced that a beacon of peace that would illuminate the twenty-first century had been built in Hong Kong.

      SHIN’ICHI AND the delegation arrived at Narita International Airport after their trip to India and Hong Kong at seven in the evening on February 20.

      Shin’ichi was thinking: Soon, the Seven Bells will be over and a new phase of four five-year periods leading up to the twenty-first century will begin. This is the time to make a powerful running start! We have to accelerate at full throttle to take flight anew. It’s all the more important, therefore, that we stay on guard and pay the closest attention to every detail. I’m going to exert myself even more in encouraging members so that they can unite their hearts and advance with hope. I’m going to meet with as many members as possible and share with them the Soka Gakkai spirit of dedicating one’s life to kosen-rufu!

      On February 21, the day after his return to Japan, Shin’ichi concentrated on writing articles about his trip to India that several newspapers had requested he contribute. On February 22, after encouraging members from Nordic countries who were visiting Japan, he departed for a guidance tour of Chiba Prefecture. On February 25, he took commemorative photographs with members from Yamanashi and Ibaraki Prefectures who were meeting at the Soka Culture Center in Shinanomachi, Tokyo.

      Two days later, on February 27, he traveled to Kanagawa Prefecture to take part in a meeting with Shonan Zone women’s block⁵ leaders at the Shonan Culture Center in Fujisawa City. After that, he did gongyo and offered guidance at a commemorative event—in three separate sessions—marking the sixteenth anniversary of Fujisawa Chapter, also held at the culture center. The next day, he attended two sessions commemorating the opening of the Odawara Culture Center.

      Shin’ichi spent his days rushing ahead at full speed, without a moment’s pause.

      Around this time, Nichiren Shoshu priests throughout the country were once again beginning to attack and criticize the Soka Gakkai. Shin’ichi was at pains to figure out what could be done to protect the members. At the Soka Gakkai leaders meeting commemorating its forty-eighth anniversary, held the previous November 7, the Soka Gakkai and Nichiren Shoshu had reaffirmed their commitment to harmony between priesthood and laity. This was supposed to have resolved the previous conflict.⁶ But shortly after that meeting, some Japanese tabloid magazines began to run stories alleging that the Soka Gakkai’s reconciliation effort was a sham. Behind the articles was a plot to incite attacks on the Soka Gakkai.

      The path of Soka lions is always steep and treacherous.

      NICHIREN SHOSHU PRIESTS were desperate to find anything they could use to justify attacking the Soka Gakkai. At the beginning of 1979, they cited a student division leader calling on members to clearly demonstrate that the Soka Gakkai is right and just as proof that the Soka Gakkai wasn’t at all contrite.

      On January 28, the second national general meeting for danto members—Nichiren Shoshu lay believers who were critical of the Soka Gakkai—was held at the head temple, Taiseki-ji. Some 230 priests and five thousand danto members attended. There it was maintained that the Soka Gakkai was guilty of slandering the Law and that there could be no reconciliation or compromise with it on that account.

      The Soka Gakkai, however, continued to exercise great patience and forbearance for the sake of harmony, acting with utmost care and restraint in its dealings with the priesthood.

      Then, in early March, a secretary to the high priest phoned Soka Gakkai vice president Eisuke Akizuki, saying: Soka Gakkai vice president Genji Samejima has been making various statements about the problems between the priesthood and the Soka Gakkai. The high priest and many of us have been surprised by his remarks. We will inquire about them in writing and request that you reply.

      He was referring to irresponsible statements made by Samejima at a meeting in Omuta in Fukuoka Prefecture, on March 6, that had been held to promote harmony between the Soka Gakkai and the priesthood. On numerous other occasions, too, his thoughtless words and actions had caused much pain to the pure-hearted Kyushu members.

      At the meeting in question, he had said things such as The head temple is little more than a big tourist lodge and The priesthood’s criticisms are nothing but groundless suspicions motivated by jealousy. Not only did he recklessly air such personal views, but he declared that they were the opinions of all the Soka Gakkai vice presidents.

      This was communicated to the priesthood and naturally caused an uproar. Declaring Samejima’s remarks to be insolent, both the Nichiren Shoshu Administrative Office and Internal Affairs Department sent letters of inquiry to the Soka Gakkai.

      Nichiren Daishonin writes, Misfortune comes from one’s mouth and ruins one (WND-1, 1137). Arrogance and carelessness cause misfortunes that can not only bring about one’s own downfall but destroy the movement for kosen-rufu as well. These extremely ill-advised remarks by a single Soka Gakkai leader gave priests who sought to control and subjugate the laity the perfect ammunition for attacking the Soka Gakkai.

      The voyage of kosen-rufu is always over stormy seas.

      SINCE GENJI SAMEJIMA was a Soka Gakkai vice president, Shin’ichi, as the organization’s president, became the primary target of the priesthood’s protest.

      Priests of Nichiren Shoshu loudly claimed it was clear from Samejima’s remarks that neither the Soka Gakkai nor President Yamamoto felt any contrition for what had happened and that they never had any intention of sincerely supporting the priesthood.

      The Soka Gakkai had been trying hard to resolve the situation, but now all their sincere efforts were brought to nothing.

      Shin’ichi held the position of chief representative of all Nichiren Shoshu lay organizations, and priests began to demand that he be asked to step down from that post. Some even sent letters denouncing him.

      Then at the end of March 1979, the Hokkeko Federation, an association of Hokkeko lay groups affiliated with Nichiren Shoshu, called an emergency meeting of its directors. They adopted a recommendation calling for the Soka Gakkai president to step down as the chief representative and sent a letter to him to that effect.

      In addition, ex-Soka Gakkai members who had become danto members actively called on President Yamamoto to take full responsibility by resigning.

      April 2 marked the twenty-first anniversary of the death of Josei Toda, the second Soka Gakkai president. Memorial services were held at the Soka Gakkai Headquarters in Tokyo and at the main Soka Gakkai centers in each ward and prefecture throughout Japan. The cherry blossoms were in full bloom, swaying gracefully in the spring breeze.

      Shin’ichi participated in the memorial service at the Soka Gakkai Headquarters Annex in Shinanomachi, Tokyo, along with Kiyoshi Jujo, the general director, Eisuke Akizuki, and Toda’s close family.

      This memorial fell at a time of great turmoil for the Soka Gakkai. But knowing that he had realized all of his mentor’s dreams, Shin’ichi’s heart was as clear and bright as the blue sky. He was satisfied with the way he had lived his life thus far as a disciple of Toda. Genuine disciples are always able to face their mentor in their hearts with pride and joy.

      The seventh of the Seven Bells, the series of consecutive seven-year periods of development articulated by his mentor, was coming to a close. Like a river flowing into the sea, the great current of kosen-rufu had begun to flow to the entire world. A solid foundation had been built so that the Soka Gakkai could soar into the twenty-first century, and the organization was entering a new stage.

      Shin’ichi sternly reminded himself to be ready for the even fiercer onslaughts of devilish functions that were certain to arise as kosen-rufu continued to advance.

      AS HE CHANTED for his mentor during the memorial service, Shin’ichi envisioned Toda gazing at him. He could hear his mentor say: Shin’ichi, I’m counting on you to achieve worldwide kosen-rufu! Have no fear! Boldly pursue the great path of your mission!

      Courage rose in his heart. He felt a surge of strength course through his being.

      I am Mr. Toda’s disciple! I am the heir of this heroic lion king who stood up alone for kosen-rufu! Whatever may happen, I will faithfully transmit Nichiren Buddhism and the Soka Gakkai spirit! I will fight to protect the members, the noble children of the Buddha!

      When Shin’ichi returned home after the memorial service, he pondered the problems between the Soka Gakkai and the Nichiren Shoshu priesthood.

      The Soka Gakkai had always done its utmost to protect and support Nichiren Shoshu, which had flourished as a result. In addition, the Soka Gakkai had devoted great energy to widely spreading the ideals and principles of Nichiren Buddhism in society with the aim of achieving kosen-rufu. But Nichiren Shoshu priests looked down on the Gakkai members and continued to criticize and attack the organization at every turn. They nitpicked about things that its members had said or done, claiming that the Gakkai was distorting the teachings or slandering the Law. There was not the slightest compassion in their actions.

      Soka Gakkai members had put up with the priests’ highhanded, disrespectful treatment, holding back their indignation and frustration. When he thought of this, Shin’ichi couldn’t sit still and do nothing.

      For the sake of maintaining harmony between the priesthood and laity and protecting its members, the Soka Gakkai had made every possible effort to try to resolve the situation. It had listened patiently to and accepted the priesthood’s claims. Yet the priesthood persisted in its attacks.

      There was a deeply engrained culture in Nichiren Shoshu—fostered over centuries of the temple-parishioner system⁷ in Japan—that held that priests were superior to lay practitioners. Since the Soka Gakkai’s early days, the priesthood had brandished its clerical authority and caused suffering to Gakkai members on numerous occasions.

      This completely went against the spirit of Nichiren Daishonin. With such statements as All disciples and lay supporters of Nichiren … transcending all differences among themselves … (WND-1, 217), the Daishonin asserted throughout his writings that priests and lay practitioners are all equal.

      Nichiren Buddhism is a teaching of equality that tears down discriminatory barriers.

      NICHIREN TAUGHT that all people equally possess the Buddha nature, and he revealed the way by which anyone can attain enlightenment—that is, establish a life state of absolute happiness. He elucidated the core principles of human equality and respect for the dignity of life. This is what makes Nichiren Buddhism a universal teaching that can serve as the foundation for building peace for all humankind.

      Shin’ichi sensed that behind the priests’ domineering attitude toward the lay believers lurked a frighteningly treacherous nature.

      During World War II, when Japan’s authoritarian rulers increasingly sought to enforce thought control on the population, Nichiren Shoshu agreed to accept the Shinto talisman dedicated to the Sun Goddess. The Soka Gakkai’s first and second presidents, Tsunesaburo Makiguchi and Josei Toda, however, steadfastly upheld the correct teachings and principles of Nichiren Buddhism. As a result, they were jailed by the militarist government, and Makiguchi later died in prison for his beliefs. The priesthood reacted to these developments by taking numerous shameful measures against the Soka Gakkai, such as banning its members from making pilgrimages to the head temple.

      Yet despite that history, the Soka Gakkai after the war sincerely did everything it could to support and protect Nichiren Shoshu, believing that doing so was for the good of kosen-rufu.

      But the priests, who claimed to be Nichiren’s disciples, harassed and oppressed the Soka Gakkai, which did nothing but selflessly propagate the Law, just as the Daishonin had instructed. This unthinkable state of affairs had persisted from the prewar days.

      When viewed in the light of Buddhism, however, the situation becomes absolutely clear. The Daishonin tells us who it is that will destroy Buddhism: Neither non-Buddhists nor the enemies of Buddhism can destroy the correct teaching of the Thus Come One, 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).

      It is the followers of Buddhism who will destroy it, not non-Buddhists and others who denounce Buddhism. The Lotus Sutra states that evil demons will take possession of others (LSOC, 233), describing how the devil king of the sixth heaven will take possession of priests who will then sow confusion and disunity among believers. In this scenario, those wearing priestly robes will trample on the Daishonin’s spirit and obstruct kosen-rufu.

      So it was that, during Toda’s lifetime, too, the Soka Gakkai suffered unreasonable attacks from Nichiren Shoshu priests.

      Shin’ichi was reminded of a stern warning delivered by his mentor: Kosen-rufu will never advance without the Soka Gakkai. Those who seek to destroy the Soka Gakkai, a harmonious community of practitioners, are in fact obstructing kosen-rufu!

      AFTER REFLECTING on how the Soka Gakkai always followed the path of correct practice, Shin’ichi Yamamoto then turned his attention to the immediate, urgent problem confronting the organization.

      He thought: Our top priority right now must be to put a stop to the priests’ reprehensible attacks and protect the members. That’s why we have accepted the priesthood’s various demands until now, acquiescing every time.

      Whenever he learned of arrogant priests in different parts of the country behaving abusively toward Soka Gakkai members, it tore at his heart. He could picture the faces of anguished members and hear their cries of sorrow and outrage. Everything the Soka Gakkai had done to break out of this situation had now been brought to nothing by the irresponsible words of Vice President Samejima.

      Shin’ichi thought: The Soka Gakkai is the organization that Mr. Toda declared to be more precious than his own life. I absolutely must protect the Soka Gakkai and its members. What’s the best way to do that?

      He wasn’t afraid to bear the brunt of the priesthood’s attacks if it meant protecting his beloved fellow members. He had vowed from the day of his inauguration as third president that he would take full responsibility if anything happened. That vow remained unchanged.

      The Soka Gakkai was experiencing a period of unprecedented development. It had become, in name and reality, the king of the religious world in Japan and a strong and sure force for peace. The grassroots network of Soka Gakkai members was beginning to spread all around the globe.

      Through Buddhist study that emphasized practical relevance to daily life, the members had established the principles of Nichiren Buddhism as their guiding philosophy. Many outstanding individuals had emerged and were playing active roles in every sphere of society, inspired by a deep commitment to kosen-rufu. In addition, the Soka Gakkai’s multifaceted, socially engaged movement for peace, culture, and education was gaining widespread recognition, and the circle of understanding and praise for the organization was widening significantly.

      In that way, the Soka Gakkai entered 1979—the year in which the Seven Bells would come to a close—enjoying unparalleled development.

      Working toward that achievement, Shin’ichi had prided himself on always being able to report victoriously to his mentor, Josei Toda. His commitment to responding to his mentor was what drove him.

      FOR SOME TIME, Shin’ichi had been considering handing over the reins of the Soka Gakkai presidency to someone else.

      When one person shoulders a responsibility for an extended period, it can be difficult for successors to develop. To ensure the eternal transmission of the Mystic Law, he wanted to create without delay a stream of successors.

      In 1970, after serving as president for just over a decade, he had informed the executive leadership a number of times of his intention to step down at some point. But they had been against the idea, insisting that the presidency was a lifelong appointment.

      Then, in 1974, he handed over to the Soka Gakkai’s general director his post of chief representative of the religious corporation. On that occasion, and later in 1977, he again brought up the subject of passing on the post of Soka Gakkai president, but both times, the executive leadership insisted he stay on.

      Now, the nineteenth anniversary of his inauguration was approaching and the Seven Bells were also coming to a close. He had been thinking again about handing the post of president to someone new when the right time presented itself. He was just fifty-one and, fortunately, remained in good health. He could still support and encourage everyone after stepping down.

      When Shin’ichi as a Buddhist thought about the world situation, it was clear he still had much work to do.

      He wanted to take more substantial and broad-ranging action for world peace. He felt it important to meet and engage in dialogue with many more world leaders. He wanted to put even greater energy into promoting culture and education based on the ideals of Nichiren Buddhism. Above all, he felt the time had come to develop in earnest the worldwide movement for kosen-rufu.

      But if he began to play a more international role, the next Soka Gakkai president and the rest of the executive leadership to whom he would entrust the baton of kosen-rufu in Japan would have rough seas to navigate. Although the Soka Gakkai was enjoying unprecedented growth at that time, dark clouds loomed and stormy winds were blowing. It would not be an easy voyage. Challenging trials would be inevitable. The leaders carrying on after him would need to recognize devilish forces with the clear eyes of faith and have the determination and initiative to boldly take them on and forge ahead. Shin’ichi wanted everyone to have courage now more than ever.

      The ancient Roman philosopher Seneca said, The assaults of adversity do not weaken the spirit of a brave [person].⁸

      SHIN’ICHI YAMAMOTO attended a meeting of Seikyo Shimbun distributors in the afternoon of April 3. Though harsh challenges were assailing the Soka Gakkai, Shin’ichi continued his efforts undaunted.

      With the wish that these members with a noble mission would become proud victors in life, Shin’ichi addressed the gathering: "Your work starts before dawn, and I am sure you tend to be short on sleep. But please do your best to take care of your health so that you can carry out your mission safely each day.

      "The key to avoiding accidents is to observe the basics in both faith and daily life. Neglecting the basics is a sign of carelessness and actually arises from arrogance. Especially, in the realm of faith, those who neglect the basics, who are consumed by a desire for fame and fortune, and who try to get by with the least amount of effort always stumble in the end. But don’t forget that though they may fool others, no one can escape the strict Buddhist law of cause and effect.

      "I hope that you will diligently practice the basics in every area, remain unswayed by circumstances, give sincere, serious, and wholehearted attention to dealing with each challenge you face, and triumph over all. As you repeat that process, your life will begin to shine brightly. I’d like you to have confidence in this.

      "Running a local distribution center is hard, unglamorous work that often goes unrecognized, and it rarely allows you to take a vacation. Moreover, it comes with a heavy responsibility. But because of your efforts and those of the members who deliver the paper, people can read the Seikyo Shimbun, and kosen-rufu advances.

      As you continue in your work, confident that the Buddhas and heavenly deities are aware of all your efforts, I am chanting for your well-being and safety every day, with the greatest respect and admiration.

      Wherever there were sincere members, Shin’ichi never hesitated to encourage them, no matter how tired he was. He had decided to commit his life to encouraging people and sharing Buddhism with them, regardless of the situation he found himself in.

      ON THE EVENING of April 4, Isamu Nomura, the youth division leader, received a telephone call from the attorney Tomomasa Yamawaki, who was serving as the liaison between the priesthood and the Soka Gakkai. Yamawaki said he urgently wished to provide an update on how things stood with the priesthood.

      Nomura, together with General Director Jujo, met with Yamawaki to hear what he had to say.

      With a troubled expression, Yamawaki began: "Because of Vice President Samejima’s statements, the priesthood is preparing to launch an all-out attack on the Soka Gakkai. To resolve the situation, Mr. Samejima naturally will have to be dealt with, but that won’t be enough. President Yamamoto will most likely have to resign, not only as the head of all Nichiren Shoshu lay organizations but also as Soka Gakkai president. The young priests who are critical of the Soka Gakkai will not let up in their attacks unless he does so.

      Think of what will happen if the priesthood’s anger continues to grow. You need to be prepared for the worst. High Priest Nittatsu is also very upset about this most recent incident.

      The words prepared for the worst pierced Jujo’s heart. Samejima’s careless remarks had ruined all the Soka Gakkai’s earnest efforts to restore harmonious relations with the priesthood; they had become an easy mark for those scheming to take control of the Soka Gakkai.

      Jujo contacted Shin’ichi, briefly relayed what Yamawaki had said, and requested that an emergency executive conference be convened.

      Clouds blanketed the sky, but the cherry trees stood with regal majesty, branches outstretched in full bloom.

      On the morning of April 5, Shin’ichi attended a Soka Gakkai executive conference at the Tachikawa Culture Center in Tokyo. Its purpose was to discuss how to handle the ongoing problems with the priesthood. Jujo was there, along with several other top leaders. They all looked heavyhearted.

      The meeting began with a report on the assessment made by Yamawaki, followed by an update on the recent moves by various Nichiren Shoshu priests. Shin’ichi thought that at last the devilish functions had revealed their hand. It was a plot to force him to resign as president and drive a wedge between him and the members, between mentor and disciples. It was, ultimately, nothing other than an attempt to destroy the Soka Gakkai, the organization advancing kosen-rufu in exact accord with the Buddha’s intent.

      It is crucial to see through the maneuverings of devilish functions with the eyes of faith.

      HE LOOKED intently at each of the leaders. They all wore expressions of deep concern, but none spoke. There was a long silence.

      Prompted by Shin’ichi for his opinion, one of the leaders finally murmured, You can’t go against the flow of the times ….

      A sharp pain shot through Shin’ichi’s heart—What cowardice! he thought.

      Shin’ichi was prepared to bow in apology to the priesthood if that would bring an end to the turmoil. He realized he might have no choice but to resign. He also knew how hard everyone had tried to resolve the situation. Still, he found it pitiful that they should now view the unfolding events as the flow of the times.

      If we just allow ourselves to be swept along by circumstances, he thought, then what’s happened to the Soka Gakkai spirit? What matters is the powerful inner determination to protect the Soka Gakkai with our lives, for the sake of kosen-rufu!

      Shin’ichi broke the continuing silence, saying sternly: "All right, I will resign as the head of all Nichiren Shoshu lay organizations and as the president of the Soka Gakkai. I’ll take full responsibility. That’s what you’re suggesting, isn’t it? That will settle everything, right?

      But it must be the Soka Gakkai, not the priesthood, that decides when its president steps down. My resignation as president is something I have been thinking about for a long time to open the way for the Soka Gakkai’s future.

      Shin’ichi believed that they must not set a precedent in which the priesthood could pressure a Soka Gakkai president to resign. If that were to happen, he felt, it would be an eternal blot on the priesthood’s own history. It was, after all, the Soka Gakkai, through its sincere support, that had saved the priesthood from virtual ruin in the postwar period.

      And more important, the Soka Gakkai, with Shin’ichi’s leadership, was the one and only organization acting in accord with the Buddha’s intent—advancing kosen-rufu with selfless dedication just as the Daishonin taught, spreading the Mystic Law throughout the entire world.

      One leader, overcome with emotion at Shin’ichi’s words, said: Sensei! I am so sorry….

      The path of kosen-rufu entails an intense and unrelenting struggle with the devil king of the sixth heaven. Precisely because the Soka Gakkai has been able, through faith in the Mystic Law, to recognize, fight, and defeat the workings of the devil king, it has succeeded in creating a great tide of kosen-rufu.

      SHORTLY BEFORE his death, Josei Toda had instructed his disciples to protect the third president throughout their lives. Doing so, he said, would ensure the achievement of kosen-rufu. It was key to the unity that would open the way to continuous victory.

      It wasn’t that Shin’ichi Yamamoto wanted to be protected, but he was shocked to the core that everyone seemed to have forgotten this spirit their mentor had taught them for the sake of kosen-rufu.

      Thinking of the future and with a prayer in his heart, Shin’ichi said to the top leaders present: I am a lion! I’m not afraid of anything. You need to be lions too! Otherwise, the members will suffer. Walk the great path of Soka mentor and disciple with dauntless courage and a strong fighting spirit. If you have that firm commitment, nothing will ever shake the Soka Gakkai. President Toda is watching!

      Shin’ichi then stood up and left the room.

      From a window, he could see cherry blossoms dancing in the breeze. Stopping to gaze at them, Shin’ichi thought back to the momentous struggles waged by Tsunesaburo Makiguchi and Josei Toda as mentor and disciple.

      In June 1943, fearing persecution by the militarist authorities who were seeking to unite the country around State Shinto for the war effort, Nichiren Shoshu urged the Soka Gakkai to go along, at least outwardly, with the government’s demand that they enshrine a Shinto talisman dedicated to the Sun Goddess.

      Makiguchi refused and prepared to remonstrate with the authorities, ready to face the inevitable persecution that would result. At that time, his disciple, Josei Toda, also resolved firmly to continue propagating the Mystic Law even at the risk of his life. Toda was later arrested and imprisoned along with Makiguchi. He prayed fervently in his solitary prison cell that he could bear the brunt of all charges so that Makiguchi would be released as soon as possible.

      While Nichiren Shoshu became submerged in the polluted current of slander of the Law, the spiritual unity of mentor and disciple shared by Makiguchi and Toda safeguarded the correct teachings of Nichiren Daishonin. Makiguchi died in prison, but Toda lived to be released. Carrying on his mentor’s earnest wish, he rebuilt the Soka Gakkai and paved the way for the eternal propagation of Nichiren Buddhism.

      The mentor in the Soka Gakkai is the leader of the Bodhisattvas of the Earth who appear in the present age with a vow to widely propagate the Mystic Law; the mentor also serves as the main axle for the advance of kosen-rufu. When the disciples’ resolve aligns with that of the mentor, the wheels of kosen-rufu begin to move powerfully. That’s why the unity of mentor and disciples is the lifeline of the Soka Gakkai.

      SHIN’ICHI RECALLED the incident that took place in April 1952, during the head temple’s festivities for the seven hundredth anniversary of the establishment of the Daishonin’s teachings.

      Soka Gakkai youth division members discovered Jiko Kasahara, an individual the priesthood had supposedly expelled from its ranks.

      During World War II, Kasahara, then a Nichiren Shoshu priest, opportunistically espoused the erroneous doctrine that Buddhism is subordinate to Shinto. Seeking to court favor with the militarist authorities, he betrayed the Daishonin’s teachings. His actions at that time triggered the government’s oppression of the Soka Gakkai and ultimately led to Makiguchi dying in prison.

      Having found Kasahara, the youth took him to Makiguchi’s grave and pressed him to admit the error of his doctrine. This incident caused an uproar in the priesthood.

      It was revealed that Nichiren Shoshu had secretly reinstated Kasahara as a priest, thus turning a blind eye to his fallacious doctrine that fundamentally distorted the Daishonin’s teachings.

      In response to the incident, the priesthood convened a meeting of the Nichiren Shoshu Council, whose members adopted a resolution describing what happened as a disgraceful incident unprecedented since the head temple’s founding.

      They declared that the Soka Gakkai president had assaulted Kasahara, troubled the high priest, and disturbed the faith of the lay followers visiting the head temple; and they called for Toda to submit a written apology, be dismissed from the position of senior lay representative of Nichiren Shoshu, and be barred from visiting the head temple.

      While protecting the unrepentant priest who had trampled on the Daishonin’s teachings, the Nichiren Shoshu Council sought to take harsh disciplinary action against Toda, who had tried to correct that wrong.

      Shin’ichi and other disciples of Toda rose up to defend Toda, demanding that the council’s resolution be rescinded. They met individually with the members of the council and explained what had actually taken place with Kasahara, stressing the injustice of the resolution and requesting that it be withdrawn.

      In these encounters, Shin’ichi was always polite, but inside he was burning with outrage. He thought: "The council is seeking to single out President Toda for punishment, dismissing him as senior lay representative of Nichiren Shoshu and barring him from visiting the head temple. In that way, they are trying to drive a wedge between him as president and the members.

      Without President Toda, who will advance kosen-rufu? We must protect him, no matter what. He has always staunchly upheld the truth and is completely innocent of any wrongdoing. We cannot allow the priesthood to punish him!

      This was not only the fierce determination of Shin’ichi but that of the Soka Gakkai’s top leaders and youth division leaders as well.

      The devilish functions seeking to destroy kosen-rufu always plot to sever the bonds of mentor and disciple.

      HEARING THE sincere and well-reasoned explanations of Shin’ichi and Toda’s other disciples, many of the Nichiren Shoshu Council members changed their minds and agreed with revoking the resolution to discipline the Soka Gakkai president. Further, the high priest, Nissho, did not act on the resolution.

      Overcoming this incident served to further strengthen the united spirit of mentor and disciple in the Soka Gakkai. Uplifted by the headwinds of adversity, it launched forward majestically toward achieving Toda’s goal of 750,000 households.

      Returning to the present, what concerned Shin’ichi now was that he could not discern in the top leaders a resolute spirit of mentor and disciple to dedicate one’s life to kosen-rufu, the passionate fighting spirit of the Soka Gakkai.

      The following day, April 6, Shin’ichi went to the head temple to participate in its annual scroll-airing ceremony. There he met with the high priest and informed him of his intention to resign as the head of all Nichiren Shoshu lay organizations and also as Soka Gakkai president.

      For Shin’ichi, his key priority was to protect the members from the attacks of self-serving priests. Even if he stepped down as president, he was fully confident that the younger generation of members would carry the Soka Gakkai’s torch of kosen-rufu and boldly take their place on the grand stage of the twenty-first century.

      When one has successors, one has no worries or regrets. Leaders who know that there are youth to succeed them are happy and confident, because then a bright, hope-filled future lies ahead.

      On the afternoon of April 7, Shin’ichi welcomed a twenty-member delegation of the All-China Youth Federation in front of a cherry tree named for Zhou Enlai, which was in beautiful bloom, near the Pond of Literature on the Soka University campus.

      At ten that morning, the group of Chinese youth had visited the Seikyo Shimbun Building in Shinanomachi, Tokyo. After receiving a warm welcome from a group of Soka Gakkai youth, the delegation engaged in discussions with them to promote friendly exchange between China and Japan that would endure for generations. Following that event, they went to Soka University, where Shin’ichi was awaiting them.

      Shin’ichi keenly felt that this was the time to bring people around the globe together through a philosophy of peace. Whatever happened, whatever storms of adversity arose, he was determined to continue his work of building bridges of peace throughout the world

      SHIN’ICHI YAMAMOTO said hello in Chinese and thanked the group for coming.

      He heartily embraced the youth delegation leader, Gao Zhanxiang, who was wearing a Mao suit, and shook hands with each of the delegation members.

      Gao said excitedly: We have been looking forward to meeting you, President Yamamoto, and now our dream has come true. We admire the efforts you have made to build bridges of friendship between China and Japan.

      In response, Shin’ichi explained for Gao and the others the origins of the Zhou Cherry Tree: "This cherry tree was planted on November 2, 1975, with our prayers for the health of Premier Zhou Enlai and the wish for lasting peace and friendship between our two countries. At my suggestion, the actual planting was done by students from the People’s Republic of China who had come to study at Soka University.

      "A year earlier, in December 1974, Premier Zhou met with me at the hospital in Beijing where he was being treated. Despite his illness, he spoke of his earnest wish for friendly relations between China and Japan and for world peace. During our meeting, he reflected nostalgically that he had left Japan in the season of the cherry blossoms.

      I urged him to visit Japan and see the cherry blossoms again, to which he replied that he would like to do so but that it would probably be impossible. His expression at that moment was tinged with sad regret. That’s why I proposed planting a cherry tree, of which he was so fond, and asked the Chinese students, who carried on his vision, to do the planting.

      Ties of friendship are woven from the threads of sincerity.

      The young people from the Chinese delegation listened carefully and nodded as Shin’ichi spoke.

      He continued: "Premier Zhou died in January 1976, about two months after this cherry tree was planted. In my profound sorrow at the news, I made a vow. That was to devote my entire being to the friendship between China and Japan, which had been his cherished wish, and do everything possible to see that it endured forever.

      With that determination, I decided to look for the opportunity to plant two more cherry trees with young Chinese leaders in honor of both Premier Zhou and his wife, Deng Yingchao. In fact, we have made preparations to do so today, and I would like to ask you to assist me now in planting those trees with gratitude for these two great leaders and a shared vow for everlasting friendship.

      SHIN’ICHI PERSONALLY guided the members of the All-China Youth Federation delegation to the site.

      A short distance from the Zhou Cherry Tree, two cherry trees were readied for the tree-planting ceremony, a mound of fresh soil piled in front of them. The trees were about thirteen feet tall and were adorned with pale pink blossoms. The one on the left was the Zhou Enlai Cherry Tree, and the one on the right, the Deng Yingchao Cherry Tree.

      With the members of the visiting delegation and a group of Soka University students looking on, the tree-planting ceremony began. Shin’ichi and delegation leader Gao Zhanxiang were handed shovels, with which they placed soil at the base of the trees. When they were finished, the young people applauded.

      Now, let’s all take a picture together! Shin’ichi suggested. Everyone gathered in front of the trees for a group photo.

      Looking deeply moved, Gao began to speak. A young interpreter then translated his words into Japanese: President Yamamoto, the Zhou Cherry Tree and this pair of trees dedicated to Zhou Enlai and Deng Yingchao, husband and wife, eloquently convey the sincerity of your concern and actions for peace and friendship with China. I am overwhelmed with emotion. I would like to express my gratitude with an impromptu poem.

      He began to recite sonorously in Chinese:

      Visiting our eastern neighbor

      in the season of cherry blossoms,

      we feel the deepest consideration and truest affection.

      Admiring the blossoms,

      we appreciate all the more those who planted the trees,

      as when drinking water,

      we think often of those who dug the well.

      Gao’s resonant voice was very moving. Shin’ichi was touched and humbled by this expression of gratitude. The origin of true friendship is mutual appreciation.

      After his return to China, Gao composed a poem recording the joy he had felt on visiting Japan:

      The contacts between close neighbors,

      separated only by a narrow strip of water,

      flow inexhaustibly;

      the flower of friendship

      remains forever in springtime.

      He also began to study Japanese with his son. He was confident that friendly exchange between the people of China and Japan would continue forever.

      Premier Zhou was deeply determined to build friendship that would endure for generations.

      When the baton of friendship is passed from generation to generation, it becomes genuine and indestructible.

      SHIN’ICHI HAD a great deal of respect and admiration for Gao, who was seven years his junior. The friendship they forged in Japan at that time never faded.

      In the autumn of 1992, on the twentieth anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between China and Japan, Shin’ichi made his eighth visit to China. On that occasion, the Chinese Ministry of Culture presented him with its first Contribution to Cultural Exchange Award, in recognition of his endeavors to promote cultural exchange between the two countries.

      At the ceremony, it was Gao Zhanxiang, then the vice minister of culture, who handed Shin’ichi the award certificate. In addition, Gao, who was well versed in poetry, calligraphy, and photography, presented Shin’ichi with a calligraphy he had written, which read, Separated only by a narrow strip of water; the farther the source, the longer the stream.

      Gao later went on to hold numerous other important posts, including member of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, head of the Chinese Art Photography Association, secretary of the Chinese Federation of Literary and Art Circles, and chairman of the Association for the Promotion of Chinese Culture. In these multiple capacities, he devoted himself wholeheartedly to the promotion and development of cultural activities in China.

      He also authored several books, including Wenhua li (The power of culture) and Shehui wenhua lun (Social and cultural theory).

      Gao continued to exchange views on the power of culture with Shin’ichi, and for a year starting in 2010, a dialogue between them, titled Chikyu wo musubu bunkaryoku (The unifying power of culture), was serialized in the Soka Gakkai–affiliated magazine Ushio. Published in book form in 2012, their dialogue focused on the power of culture to act as a force for peace unifying humanity and covered a wide variety of subjects, including the history of exchange between China and Japan, art, culture, and religion.

      Having decided to step down as Soka Gakkai president, Shin’ichi had already turned his attention energetically to the world. The wars and conflicts troubling Asia and other regions deeply pained him. As a Buddhist and a human being, he resolved that now was the time to open the way to peace and human harmony. He also believed that this was the most important challenge in which world leaders and thinkers should join forces.

      Like a great mountain, lofty and dignified, Shin’ichi gazed into the skies of the future. The uproar and commotion that swirled around him registered as little more than the sound of the trees rustling in the breeze.

      ON APRIL 9, a beautiful, clear day, the Ninth Soka University Entrance Ceremony was held. It began at noon, and Shin’ichi Yamamoto, the university’s founder, addressed the entering students, wishing them all bright futures. Speaking on the importance of learning in life, he urged them to always maintain a humble spirit of learning and make the most of their four years at the university.

      In his speech, he introduced a quotation from the German philosopher and sociologist Georg Simmel: To the proud person, it is the absolute degree of his value that counts—to the vain person, it is the relative degree.⁹

      Every individual has unique, absolute, inherent worth deserving of the highest respect and possesses a unique mission. When we take pride in this and dedicate ourselves to our own mission, we experience true joy and zest for living. Therefore, Shin’ichi stressed to the students, genuine success in life is not measured by such relative factors as social status or position. Your life’s worth is not decided by others, he said. You decide your own worth. It is pointless to compare yourself to others and allow yourself to be swayed by relative or temporary assessments, or to be overly concerned with other people’s opinions and the latest trends. That is because, in the end, such things are as fleeting and insubstantial as foam on the waves.

      Shin’ichi concluded by expressing his hope that the students would not be passive or dependent but would actively pursue their chosen path in life in accord with their convictions.

      After the entrance ceremony, Shin’ichi attended a reception for guests. Then, at seven, he went to the front lobby of the Liberal Arts Building. There, four students from China who were to begin studying at the university’s Institute of Japanese Language had just arrived.

      Welcome to Soka University! Shin’ichi greeted them. I offer you my heartiest welcome as its founder. I would also like to thank you very much for choosing to study here.

      In April 1975, Soka University had welcomed its first six students from China. They had been the first students sponsored by the Chinese government to study in Japan since the normalization of relations between the two countries. This was now the third group of students from China to study at Soka University. Those from the first group were already playing active roles in promoting friendship between China and Japan.

      SHIN’ICHI YAMAMOTO addressed the Chinese students: Let’s take a photo to commemorate this occasion.

      Shin’ichi joined the students and accompanying Chinese embassy staff members in a photograph. He shook hands with everyone. As he started to walk with the group toward the entrance, he said to the Chinese students: "This is now your alma mater. If you have any questions, please feel free to confer with your teachers or fellow students.

      "The first two groups of students from China all studied very hard, achieved remarkable growth, and have begun their careers. I hope you will do the same.

      The future of China and Japan rests on your shoulders. By studying hard, you will contribute to a deepening of China’s understanding of Japan. By making friends here, you will deepen Japan’s understanding of China. Let’s work together to build and protect a golden bridge for peace.

      The Chinese students, their eyes shining, nodded eagerly as they listened to Shin’ichi.

      When they exited the building together and reached the two bronze statues that stood in the forecourt, a large group of Soka University students, seeing Shin’ichi and the Chinese students, came over.

      Shin’ichi introduced the Chinese students: This is the third group of Chinese students to study here. Why don’t you welcome them by singing them the Soka University song?

      The Japanese students quickly formed into rows and put their arms on one another’s shoulders, with the Chinese students joining in. Their lively singing rang out in the spring night: Over hills ablaze with scarlet azaleas …

      Shin’ichi and the university president vigorously clapped along. The students swayed side to side, their impassioned voices united in song soaring skyward.

      In his mind’s eye, Shin’ichi visualized the future friendship that would unfold between the people of China and Japan. He saw a beacon of hope lighting the way to peace. The friendly interactions of these young people symbolized the peace that lay ahead for tomorrow’s world.

      For these Chinese students, their first day at Soka University must have been a most memorable one.

      ON APRIL 8, the day before, Deng Yingchao had arrived in Japan. She was the widow of the late Chinese premier Zhou Enlai and a vice chairperson of China’s Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress. She was visiting Japan as the head of a delegation from the National People’s Congress at the invitation of both houses of parliament.

      On April 9, the seventy-five-year-old Deng Yingchao had a busy schedule filled with official meetings, including with parliamentary leaders, with Masayoshi Ohira, the Japanese prime minister, and with the Japanese emperor.

      Shin’ichi met Deng Yingchao at three thirty on April 12, at the State Guest House in Moto-Akasaka, Tokyo. It had been seven months since their last encounter. The previous September, during his fourth visit to China, Shin’ichi had the opportunity to meet with Deng Yingchao twice and talk with her at length. When he asked about her plans

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