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Emerge—The young Daisaku Ikeda recites an impromptu poem on Aug. 14, 1947, during his first discussion meeting, where he encountered his mentor, Josei Toda (third from left). He took faith 10 days later. Today, Aug. 24 is celebrated as SGI-USA Men’s Division Day.
Courageous Successors advancing toward the august men’s and young men’s general meetings
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July 13, 2012 |
WORLD TRIBUNE SPECIAL
A Decisive Turning Point in Building a Youthful SGI
whom he taught how to be a filial son, how to view friendship, how to stand up in adversity, and ultimately, how to dedicate his life to the great vow for kosen-rufu. In his study lecture on “The Four Virtues and the Four Debts of Gratitude,” President Ikeda writes:
SGI-USA Men’s Leader
As we enter the final half of 2012 and advance toward the significant date of Nov. 18, 2013, now is a good opportunity as men and young men to refresh our understanding of and determination toward this significant date. Certainly, Nov. 18 marks the completion of the new Soka Gakkai Headquarters, which will become a focal point of faith for both members in Japan and across the world for propagating Nichiren Daishonin’s humanistic teachings. It also serves as an important milestone in solidifying the worldwide foundation of our kosen-rufu movement. For us in the United States, I believe that the most crucial foundation we can build toward that milestone is a great castle of capable people. What then constitutes a capable person? I believe a capable person is one who not only shows great actual proof in society as a result of his or her Buddhist practice, but also engraves the mentor’s guidance in his or her life, practices it and, thus, ensures that it will be passed on to future generations. For us, as men, it is important
that we challenge ourselves to become more capable in society and in our SGI-USA activities by becoming golden pillars of kosen-rufu who can also help foster young men. In this Year of Developing a Youthful SGI, we can do so by helping at least one young man from each district attend the August Men’s and Young Men’s General Meetings, whether as a member or a guest. In his essay “Young Lions, Be Victorious,” SGI President Ikeda speaks about the importance of men and young men uniting their efforts:
shoulder world peace. The youth are
efforts to foster the youth, and the
the ‘eyes’ that will open the future
youth shouldering full responsibility
of humanity. The youth are the
for kosen-rufu—this solemn united
‘great ship’ that will lead all people
spirit of mentor and disciple is the
to happiness. Now more than ever,
starting point of a youthful SGI.
the times call for an alliance of
“During Nichiren Daishonin’s
for truth and justice. Young people
such as Nikko Shonin and Nanjo
are the hope of tomorrow. A soci-
Tokimitsu who, sharing his spirit,
ety’s future is bright when its youth
rose into action alongside him in
are filled with passion and enthusi-
his great struggle and opened the
asm, and cherish lofty ideals. Young
way for a new age.
people shape the times. That is why
“When we read the Daishonin’s
as Buddhists to foster youth who
we can see how painstakingly the
are able to take on that task. “It is also especially crucial for us
tering the young man, and how sin-
in the SGI to ensure a steady flow of
cerely Tokimitsu responded to his
youthful successors who can keenly
teacher’s earnest encouragement”
perceive the pain and suffering of
(to be printed in the October 2012
the times, and pioneer a new age.
Living Buddhism).
This is the only way we will be able to accomplish the noble endeavor
thing to them.
“Now is the time for the members
“I was 19, and my mentor, Josei Toda,
spirit ourselves and strive together
of kosen-rufu. Consequently, genuine leaders of kosen-rufu foster young people and entrust every“We need to maintain a youthful
of the men’s and young men’s divi-
was 47 when I decided on Aug. 24,
with the youth; we need to nurture
sions to unite their efforts and
1947, to follow his lead and embark
young people and confidently
open a new page of kosen-rufu—
on the struggle to propagate
bequeath the future to them. Those
combining the rich experience and
Nichiren Buddhism and realize peace
who consistently work together
conviction of the former, and the
for all humankind. Mr. Toda was in
with the youth to realize noble
passion and initiative of the latter.
his prime at the time—a courageous
shared goals are victors who pos-
If the two divisions work closely
man at the height of his powers.
sess a lofty spirit. In contrast,
“Our shared struggle as mentor
those who use or exploit young
merely double, but multiply expo-
and disciple could also be seen in
people demonstrate the behavior
nentially. This will provide even
today’s terms as a shared struggle
of arrogant, high-handed dictators
greater momentum to kosen-rufu
by a men’s division member and
or lazy, incompetent cowards”
and, without a doubt, play a deci-
a young men’s division member”
(Learning from the Writings: The
sive role in building a youthful Soka
(Oct. 21, 2011, World Tribune, p. 4).
Hope-filled Teachings of Nichiren Daishonin, p. 115).
Gakkai” (Sept. 2, 2011, World
Tribune, p. 5).
This is a tradition that started with the Daishonin, who made painstaking efforts to raise his youthful successors, especially the young Nanjo Tokimitsu,
This principle of one man and one young man striving together as equals is very important. It’s not simply a matter of what we, as men, can teach the young men. We can learn a great deal from the young men about the
Fostering Young Men of Faith
As President Ikeda mentions, it is important that the men strive to become great examples for the youth by maintaining a youthful spirit, and not merely try to exercise authority by resting on our laurels. In order to inspire the young men, our lives have to be inspiring. President Ikeda concludes: “The main theme of the Lotus Sutra
by David Witkowski SGI-USA Young Men’s Leader
Hello, everyone! On behalf of the young men’s division members, let me express my deepest appreciation to all the members of the men’s division who have been tirelessly supporting our
growth and victory. Toward Nov. 18, 2013, we are determined to establish in each district a solid core of young men, who can develop strong bonds of friendship rooted in their vow to fight for kosen-rufu together with our eternal mentor, SGI President Ikeda. We envision young men in each district throughout
America enjoying their Buddhist practice, developing conviction in faith through study and supporting one another in introducing friends to Nichiren Buddhism and the SGI-USA. In order to create such a groundswell of young men emerging from the districts, the first step is for the young men’s —Please see Witkowski, p. G
> These meetings will be on the region level at SGI-USA centers, wherever possible.
it is our mission and responsibility
writings to Nanjo Tokimitsu . . . Daishonin devoted himself to fos-
> The men’s and young men’s general meetings will be held from Friday, Aug. 24, to Sunday, Aug. 26.
courageous youth who will stand up
President Ikeda likewise discusses his relationship with his mentor, second Soka Gakkai president Josei Toda, saying:
together, their strength will not
August Men’s and Young Men’s General Meetings Guidelines
“The youth are the ‘pillar’ that will “The mentor making wholehearted
lifetime, it was youthful followers
by Tariq Hasan
spirit to fight alongside our mentor. In his study lecture on “The Dragon Gate,” a letter the Daishonin had written to the young Tokimitsu, President Ikeda describes the great mission the present youth have for the future:
centers around Shakyamuni transmitting the Law to his true successors and entrusting them with the mission to widely propagate it after his passing. Similarly, in Nichiren Daishonin’s writings, we see him praying unceasingly for ‘[those] who can inherit the soul of the Lotus Sutra’ (The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 839), earnestly wishing for his followers’ health and
> The men and young men should take equal responsibility for the planning and execution of these meetings. > The main focus of preparing for these meetings is for men and young men to team up to visit their members and encourage them in faith. > As men, let’s help at least one young man from each district attend the general meetings, whether as a member or a guest.
victory, safety and longevity, and success and growth. His letters abound with instructive and encouraging words for the disciples who will succeed him” (p. 115).
It is quite clear that we are now living in an age where the disciples need to “inherit the soul,” inherit the heart, of the Daishonin’s teachings, never forgetting the great fortune we have to be practicing at this time with a great teacher. Let’s celebrate our August general meetings by making them a decisive turning point in building a youthful SGI. There’s no better way to start than by reaching out to and encouraging the young man right in front us. WT
July 13, 2012 |
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SGI President Daisaku Ikeda’s Essay
Fostering Young
‘Tokimitsus’ of a New Era Nichiren Daishonin went to great lengths to foster his young disciple Nanjo Tokimitsu, who
expresses his great expectations for young people and his desire that his disciples create a youthful SGI, the following excerpted study material centers on the relationship between the
had lost his father at a young age. The Daishonin first met Tokimitsu when he was just 7, and the two reunited nine years later when Tokimitsu, at 16, visited Nichiren at Mt. Minobu in July 1274. In his more than 30 letters to Tokimitsu—the largest number among those addressed to any of
Daishonin and Tokimitsu. President Ikeda writes: “The Daishonin’s guidance to Tokimitsu can also be seen as guidance for all young people in the Latter Day of the Law. Even though youth today are unable to meet
his followers—the Daishonin taught his young disciple important life lessons, including, ultimately,
the Daishonin in person, by studying his writings and exerting themselves for kosen-rufu just as
how to dedicate his life to the great vow for kosen-rufu.
he teaches, they can grow into people who live with the same spirit as he did” (December 2011
In celebration of SGI-USA Men’s Division Day on Aug. 24, and as SGI President Ikeda continually
A compassionate teacher fosters youth. There is no teacher as wonderful as Nichiren Daishonin. Reading between the lines of this letter [“On the Offering of a Mud Pie”], we can sense his compassionate spirit to warmly watch over Nanjo Tokimitsu in his father’s stead. Indeed, in the many subsequent letters that he wrote to his young disciple, the
Daishonin not only teaches him about Buddhist principles but also offers detailed advice to guide him in his life and self-development. In “The Four Virtues and the Four Debts of Gratitude,” for instance, seeking to teach Tokimitsu the proper conduct for a person of wisdom, he outlines the four virtues of ancient China—namely, (1) filial piety toward one’s father and mother; (2) loyalty to one’s lord; (3) courtesy toward one’s
Living Buddhism, p. 28).
friends; and (4) pity and kindness toward those less fortunate than oneself (see The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 2, p. 636). The Daishonin remarks that even when one cannot do anything concrete for one’s parents’ benefit, one can at the very least offer them a smile two or three times a day. This is an example of the kind of advice, brimming with the spirit of humanistic education, that the Daishonin frequently gave Tokimitsu to help him
become a person of outstanding character. My mentor, Second Soka Gakkai president Josei Toda, also regularly emphasized the importance of being good sons and daughters, and this has been a constant focus of my guidance, as well. I have consistently called on young people to bring joy to their parents who care for them and to express their heartfelt appreciation to them. I have always believed —Please see Guidance, p. D
July 13, 2012 |
WORLD TRIBUNE SPECIAL
PHOTOS BY LUCY ESTEPHANOS
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Golden ties—(Left) South Zone Men join members of the Gajokai Academy for a joint training meeting at the SGI-USA Atlanta Center, June 16. (Right) East Territory Young Men’s Leader Josh Joffee expresses his appreciation to the men, who helped visit and encourage young men to join the behind-the-scenes training and support group. The men presented each academy member with a red tie to symbolize their shared commitment to kosen-rufu. The young men responded in kind by presenting the men with gold ties, representing their role as the ‘golden pillars’ of the SGI-USA.
( Guidance, continued from p. C )
this to be crucial to the process of youth growing into fine adults. Later in his youth, Tokimitsu would face great adversity—his home province of Suruga becoming the stage for the Atsuhara Persecution. Throughout, the Daishonin did his utmost to train and foster Tokimitsu, praying for the spiritual and personal growth of his young disciple. When harassment of the Daishonin’s followers in the Suruga area began to intensify, there were evidently people who tried to convince Tokimitsu with seemingly justifiable arguments to abandon his faith. In response, the Daishonin gave Tokimitsu detailed advice on the course of action he should take, instructing him to remain true to his beliefs. At the same time, he instilled a broader vision in his disciple’s heart, telling him that someday “the entire Japanese nation will simultaneously take faith in the Lotus Sutra” (WND-1, 800)—a declaration that the time of kosen-rufu would definitely come. On another occasion during the Atsuhara Persecution, the Daishonin lauded Tokimitsu as “Ueno the Worthy” for his unflagging efforts and urged him to dedicate his life to the “great vow” of kosen-rufu. And later, when the lingering effects of that persecution were still being
felt, the Daishonin reassured Tokimitsu with words of hope for the future, writing, “Though we may suffer for a while, ultimately delight awaits us” (WND-2, 882). When a son was born to Tokimitsu, the Daishonin proposed that he be named “Hiwaka Gozen” (see WND-2, 884). Tokimitsu’s happiness, however, was short-lived; tragedy struck soon after when his younger brother Shichiro Goro died suddenly (see WND-2, 887). The government authorities in Kamakura also imposed heavy additional obligations on Tokimitsu (such as punitive taxes on his estate and demands to supply men for unpaid labor for public works), resulting in great economic hardship for him and his family. In addition, Tokimitsu faced numerous personal challenges, including serious illness. However, with the Daishonin’s wholehearted encouragement each time, he was able to surmount every obstacle. We could say that at each crucial juncture in his turbulent youth, Tokimitsu received guidance from the Daishonin on vital points of faith for prevailing over the particular difficulty confronting him— whether it was persecution arising from his efforts for kosen-rufu or some personal karmic challenge in his own life. Amid a relentless storm of obstacles and
Upcoming Men’s Conferences These conferences are open to all members of the men’s division, and will focus on providing every man who attends with a clear understanding of how to create victory in every aspect of his life through practicing Nichiren Buddhism based on the oneness of mentor and disciple.
{
Men’s #1: Aug. 17–20 Men’s #2: Oct. 12–15 Men’s #3: Dec. 7–10
}
For more information, contact your local zone office or visit www.sgi-usa.org/fncc.
persecution, Tokimitsu staunchly protected his fellow practitioners in Atsuhara. In praise of his efforts, Nichiren declared, “You already resemble the votary of the Lotus Sutra” (WND-1, 1087). Tokimitsu had grown into a fine young leader, forging ahead on the path of kosen-rufu with the same dedicated commitment in faith as the Daishonin. The Daishonin’s guidance to Tokimitsu can also be seen as guidance for all young people in the Latter Day of the Law. Even though youth today are unable to meet the Daishonin in person, by studying his writings and exerting themselves for kosen-rufu just as he teaches, they can grow into people who live with the same spirit that he did. Mr. Toda once asked me which of the Daishonin’s disciples I liked best. When I answered Nanjo Tokimitsu, Mr. Toda smiled and nodded—a moment I count as one of the fond memories of my youth. Now, in the 21st century, taking to heart the Daishonin’s words, “My wish is that all my disciples make a great vow” WND-1, 1003), the young men and women of the SGI in Japan and around the globe are striving energetically to share Nichiren Buddhism with others. They are taking wonderful leadership in our movement, and new youth continue to joyfully join their ranks in growing numbers. I receive countless reports from the youth of their victories and triumphs in their efforts to fulfill the great vow for kosen-rufu. I can imagine how delighted Mr. Toda would surely be to see the brilliant efforts and achievements of so many young “Tokimitsus” throughout the world (December 2011 Living Buddhism, p. 28). Buddhahood is attained through surmounting difficulties. Tokimitsu stood up valiantly to confront the harsh oppression directed toward the Daishonin’s followers during the Atsuhara Persecution. “The Dragon
Gate” is the title of a letter that Nichiren, then 58, wrote to his disciple on Nov. 6, 1279. Tokimitsu was a youthful successor who had started practicing Nichiren Buddhism as a child. From his teens, he looked up to the Daishonin’s leading disciple, Nikko Shonin, as an elder brother, seeking him out for guidance and instruction. Throughout his life, Tokimitsu continued to work tirelessly to propagate the Mystic Law. This letter was written at the very height of the Atsuhara Persecution. At great personal risk, the 21-year-old Tokimitsu bravely protected his fellow practitioners, offering a number of them shelter in his own home. This led to his being targeted by the authorities in various ways. A short time later, they unjustly levied heavy taxes against him. Eventually, he found himself in a situation where he could not even afford a horse for himself, and had difficulty adequately clothing his wife and children. In this letter, Nichiren refers to Tokimitsu [who was also known as Ueno after the village where he lived]—as “Ueno the Worthy” in praise of his dauntless struggle for justice in the face of all obstacles. In the postscript to this letter, Nichiren speaks of his gratitude or wonderment. The original Japanese is vague, and it thus is difficult to interpret the true meaning. One way the sentence can be read is, “I write this letter in deep gratitude for your dedication throughout the events at Atsuhara” (WND-1, 1003). That is, as words praising Tokimitsu for his efforts during the Atsuhara Persecution and thanking him for his devotion. However, it can also be read as, “I write this letter in profound wonderment at the events at Atsuhara.” That would be an expression of awe and wonder at the fact that ordinary farmer believers in Atsuhara were now actually demonstrating their willingness to lay down their lives for their faith in the same selfless spirit that he himself possessed. In that sense, this letter could be regarded
July 13, 2012 |
KAZUE UZAWA
as the Daishonin’s response to all the Atsuhara followers who had aroused such deep faith, and that he addressed it to Tokimitsu as their representative. In either case, this writing praises the selfless efforts of successors and teaches that the great vow or shared commitment of mentor and disciple pulses in this way of practice. In this letter, the Daishonin emphasizes that attaining Buddhahood entails overcoming many hurdles and difficulties. To make his point, he draws analogies from the ancient Chinese tale of the Dragon Gate waterfall and the history of the Taira clan in Japan. He also gives an example from the Buddhist scriptures on the difficulty of attaining Buddhahood, citing the story of how Shariputra, one of Shakyamuni’s 10 major disciples, regressed in his Buddhist practice in a past existence. Some sources place the legendary Dragon Gate on the upper or middle reaches of the Yellow River. It was held that carp that managed to climb the falls would become dragons. In this letter, the Daishonin describes the Dragon Gate as 100 feet high and 0.6 miles wide. In some of his other writings [see “Letter to Akimoto” (WND-1, 1021) and “Climbing Up Dragon Gate” (WND-2, 673)], he describes it as being 1,000 feet high and located on Mount T’ien-t’ai. Given these divergences, it is difficult for us to come up with a definitive picture of the falls. Be that as it may, however, the story goes that the force of the current is so intense that most of the carp are unsuccessful in their attempts to climb the falls, no matter how many times they try. Moreover, birds of prey and fishermen lie in wait to catch them. Only a carp that can overcome all these challenges and reach the top of the waterfall can become a dragon with the power to control the rain and thunderclouds. This story is related in the Chinese historical text The Book of the Later Han. In many countries in the East to this day, the expression “climbing the Dragon Gate” is used to indicate surmounting difficult hurdles or high barriers to gain success in society or one’s profession. Through this example, Nichiren highlights for Tokimitsu that remaining steadfast in one’s Buddhist practice to the very end is an undertaking fraught with as many difficulties as a carp faces in climbing the Dragon Gate and turning into a dragon. The strong currents of the waterfall that drive the fish back can be likened to the conditions of an evil age defiled by the five impurities as
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GEORGE NAKAMURA
www.sgi-usa.org
described in the Lotus Sutra; while the birds of prey and fishermen can be likened to the three obstacles and four devils and the three powerful enemies that hinder one’s efforts to attain Buddhahood. Persevering in faith in the evil age of the Latter Day of the Law is like swimming upstream against a powerful current. It is hard enough just to resist the insidious forces exerted by our own earthly desires
and fundamental darkness. Shakyamuni compared these forces to a strong current or flood. Nichiren explains that this is even more true in the Latter Day, when even seemingly remarkable human wisdom and ingenuity can be inundated by an inexorable tide of deluded impulses fueled by the three poisons of greed, anger and foolishness—an ever-growing tide that wreaks havoc as a force of evil
Solid allies—Men and young men’s division members renew their pledge to support one another at kickoff meetings across the country, including (above) Phoenix and New York.
(see WND-1, 1121). Precisely because it is so difficult to carry out faith in the Mystic Law in such an age, the bond of mentor and disciple in Buddhism takes on decisive importance. Likewise, a harmonious community of fellow practitioners solidly united in purpose—in what Nichiren terms “the spirit of many in body, one in mind”—is also indispensable. The Soka Gakkai possesses the bond of mentor and disciple that is strong enough to withstand any adversity. And its members—noble ordinary people who are polishing their lives by striving in faith with the same commitment as their mentor—are allied together in solid unity. Moreover, countless members, like magnificent dragons born through the triumphant ascent of the waterfall, are leading lives of profound dignity and confidence forged through continually challenging themselves in their faith and self-development (Learning from the Writings: The Hopefilled Teachings of Nichiren Daishonin, pp. 117–120). WT
Precisely because it is so difficult to carry out faith in the Mystic Law in such an age, the bond of mentor and disciple in Buddhism takes on decisive importance. Likewise, a harmonious community of fellow practitioners solidly united in purpose—in what Nichiren terms ‘the spirit of many in body, one in mind’—is also indispensable.
July 13, 2012 |
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Eternal youth—Gregg Wolpert shares how through exerting himself wholeheartedly in young men’s activities, he developed the depth of faith and fortune to build a career running a multibillion dollar real estate portfolio, while remaining forever youthful at heart.
Experience
Embodying the Spirit of Youth by Gregg Wolpert New York
In 1973, I enrolled in college but dropped out my first year. I was almost 18 and bought a one-way ticket to Alaska, convinced that New York was my problem. If I got far enough from home, I reasoned, I would be very happy. My plan was short-lived, and I returned home to the Bronx, where in the summer of 1975, I frequented a bar called the Old Stone Jug. These “Buddhists” would come in the bar and introduce people to the practice of chanting Nam-myohorenge-kyo. After hearing about it every day for an entire summer, I went to a discussion meeting and decided to receive the Gohonzon. By then, I had enrolled in college in Boulder, Colo., which is where I dove into my Buddhist practice. While attending school, I would hitchhike the 40-plus miles from Boulder to Lakewood to do Gajokai and Soka Group shifts at the local SGI-USA center. These young men’s behind-the-scenes activities were the causes that forged my faith and enabled me to build remarkable fortune in my life, even though I didn’t see it at the time. In the early 1980s, I began my professional career at a large commercial real estate company in New York. As one of the early users of computers, I designed a software program that analyzed sophisticated commercial leases and building
promising career to work for a startup. acquisitions, enabling the company to That same day, my former employer’s better manage its property portfolio. largest client, the billionaire real estate Within six months, I was promoted to investor Stanley Stahl, called me and said vice president. that he had wanted to hire me for a long At the same time, I participated wholetime, but felt it unethical because of his heartedly in young men’s activities, which ties to that firm. Now that I resigned, was no easy task. I remember driving all however, he wanted me to work for him. over the Bronx and Westchester to pick This is how I came to work for the Stahl up young men for activities, supporting Organization, a private company with many large-scale movements behind the a multibillion dollar real estate and scenes and, at one point, being the sole banking portfolio. person who could operate the boiler at the I am convinced that what New York Culture Center. I worked seven days a ‘I determined he saw in me was the spirit I week, would leave to attend to develop the learned in the young men’s division to fight behind SGI-USA activities and then same pure the scenes, always do my best return to work afterward, sometimes working all night, practice as my and never give up—a spirit that SGI President Ikeda to help my company acquire mentor, who office buildings. I made is a model for describes in Volume One of The New Human Revolution, the company and its clients how much when addressing a Brazilian a lot of money, and they one human farmer whose crops have rewarded me by simply givbeing can care failed: ing me more work. “People who are deadly Truthfully, I didn’t underfor others.’ serious about what they are stand at the time how much doing are always studying and exerting good fortune I was building through their ingenuity to solve problems. You young men’s activities. When asked to will not be successful if you neglect such participate, my first thought was, Why things. You will be greatly mistaken if can’t you ask someone without a job? It you think that just because you practice didn’t stop my leaders, though, from faith, your fields will yield abundant crops giving me responsibilities to grow as a without any effort on your part. human being. “Buddhism is a teaching of unsurIn the end, it was my Buddhist practice passed reason. Therefore, the strength of that gave me the confidence to pursue your faith must manifest itself in the form a new path. In 1989, I resigned from a
of studying, exercising your ingenuity and making twice as much effort as anyone else. Earnest daimoku [chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo] is the wellspring for the energy to challenge these things” (p. 244). While continuing to exert myself in faith activities, I trained under Mr. Stahl for 10 years, until his death in 1999. My business partner and I were then named co-presidents of the firm, where we now own more than 5 million square feet of office space and 3,000 apartments. Virtually all our commercial and residential real estate interests are first-class assets, including our new real estate developments and seven New York landmarks. The company also owns Cauldwell Wingate, a 100-year-old construction firm, the 50-branch Apple Bank and the Manhattan Athletic Club—all leaders in their respective industries in New York City. In 2006, I had the great fortune to attend an SGI Leaders Training Course in Japan. As an expression of my deep appreciation for having President Ikeda as my mentor, I put together a small book containing notes, or paper money, from the American Revolution. Since it was easy to counterfeit money back then— and the British forces did so in an attempt to render them worthless—the notes carried the phrase, “To counterfeit is death.” During the headquarters leaders meeting, President Ikeda mentioned that he had received this gift from me, and the notes were on his desk. I was stunned as he read from the notes, “To counterfeit is death.” For me, I realized that the most important thing is to not have a counterfeit practice. I realized that spiritual death means not having a true practice that is directly connected to the mentor. This meant appreciating on a deeper level that we create fortune not by what we do when others are watching, but by what we do when all alone, motivated solely by our vow for kosen-rufu. I determined to develop the same pure practice as my mentor, who is a model for how much one human being can care for others, and what kind of effort and value one can create as a world citizen. This influenced my decision to contribute financially to Soka University of America, so that I can support my mentor’s dream of raising capable leaders from the ranks of ordinary citizens, who without wealth or political connections can grow into great global citizens and future ambassadors with a deep commitment to peace. Today, when young men come to me for advice, I try to impart to them that they’re in the right organization, they have the right mentor, and they have the greatest religious practice in the world. I tell them to treasure their time in the young men’s division; it’s a special time like no other when they are given countless opportunities to build unbelievable fortune, to accumulate boundless treasures of the heart and to learn to live with the spirit of youth. It’s a spirit that I will strive to embody for the rest of my life. WT
July 13, 2012 |
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www.sgi-usa.org
by Isamu Yoshioka Allentown, Penn.
Experience After graduating from Soka University of America in 2005, I began taking premedical classes at Columbia University to apply to medical school. As my journey toward my long-held dream commenced, I started experiencing severe weight gain and swelling in my legs. In spring 2006, doctors diagnosed me with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, an incurable, sometimes fatal, kidney disease. Seemingly overnight, I began a regimen of endless hospital visits and heavy doses of medication, including steroids, which caused more physical discomfort than the disease itself. I had vowed to my mentor, SGI President Ikeda, that I would pursue medicine as a means to create value in the world. I was now overcome by doubt and fear that I could no longer pursue this path. I chanted Nam-myoho-renge-kyo vigorously in front of the Gohonzon, angry at times at what was happening to me. When I wrote to President Ikeda about my situation, he immediately responded, telling me that he was praying for my health and the victory of my family. I was so grateful for his kindness and felt that I couldn’t let him or my family down. I also realized that my being a patient for the first time gave me a newfound awareness that would help me become a more compassionate doctor. I began chanting with deep appreciation for my kidney disease and resolved to absolutely beat it so that I could continue my schooling. After nearly a year of therapy, my illness went into remission. In fall 2008, I entered Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia. It was then that my real battle began to unfold. Medical school became the most challenging time of my life, both academically and emotionally. I had always excelled at school without exerting much effort. But I found myself studying alongside some of the smartest people I had ever met, and I constantly questioned whether I belonged there. Deep down, I couldn’t bear the thought of disappointing my mentor, my family and my friends. How could I encourage anyone if I failed? I thought. These feelings quadrupled in my last year as residency interview season approached. Residency matching is perhaps the most important part of medical school, and I wasn’t getting nearly as many interview invites as my classmates. I was also
( Witkowski, continued from p. B )
division members to join their strong seniors in faith, the men’s division, in visiting and encouraging one young man after another to stand up in faith with their mentor toward the August Men’s and Young Men’s General Meetings. Let’s strive for at least one young man from each district, whether a member or guest, to attend these general meetings and learn about our mentor’s struggles as a young man to illuminate the correct
Becoming a Doctor of the Mystic Law Winning—Isamu Yoshioka uses his Buddhist practice to transform his doubts into courage, and win over an incurable illness while in medical school. Today, he is living his vow to his mentor to become a ‘doctor of the Mystic Law.’
applying for positions in emergency medicine—a competitive specialty. I shared my concern with a fellow young men’s division member, who was also struggling in school. He encouraged me to join him in a daily chanting campaign toward March 16, Kosen-rufu Day, which also fell on Match Day, when residency matches were to be announced nationwide. So began my campaign of waking up at 5 a.m. to chant and join our region young men’s encouragement calls, where we studied Nichiren Daishonin’s writings and President Ikeda’s guidance, sharing both our personal struggles and victories. As soon as I finished class, I would go straight to the Gohonzon to continue chanting. Although there never seemed to be enough hours in the day, this sense of shared struggle and determination to win not only for myself, but also for the other young men, gave me tremendous confidence I never knew I had. In all areas of my life, I began taking action more swiftly, making bolder decisions and not feeling as overwhelmed by my circumstances. Weeks into my campaign, however, my
path in life. Following these meetings, let’s aim by February 2013 to have at least one young man from each district join the third class of the Gajokai Academy or Soka Group Academy, which both serve as the driving force to foster young men of solid faith. I offer my deepest thanks once again to all the members of the SGI-USA for supporting the development of each young man. Thank you! WT
deeply ingrained fear of failure still lingered. In fact, I felt that even a moment’s relaxation would plunge me right back into the abyss. Around this time, a senior in faith visited me and shared excerpts from Sensei’s guidance on Nichiren’s letter “On Attaining Buddhahood in This Lifetime”: “As long as we seek the path to enlightenment outside our own lives, whatever practices and good deeds we carry out will deviate from the true essence of Buddhism” (September–October 2011 Living Buddhism, p. 32). Instead of taking full responsibility for my own happiness, I was seeking help from the Gohonzon as an outer entity; I was seeking the Law outside myself. Sensei also says: “The essence of our practice is to perceive the true nature of our lives. To do this we must wage an inner struggle” (p. 32). Even in front of the Gohonzon, my fundamental attitude was to fear failure, to worry about disappointing others and, most importantly, to doubt my Buddhist practice. I had to wage war on my insecurities, and transform my doubts and fears into absolute courage and resolve. In addition to chanting, I knew I needed to take concrete steps toward my goal. This was especially important to me, since I used SGI-USA activities at times as a means to hide from my other responsibilities. So I began making phone calls and writing letters to residency programs. This is, in fact, how I found out that my school’s registrar had forgotten to send out a required document for my application to residency programs. I immediately got in touch with my dean, who explained the situation to the programs, and the very next day, I was getting contacted for interviews. However, I was already several weeks behind my classmates and
was at serious risk of not matching into a residency at all. Despite this, I was surprisingly unfazed. During this time, I applied for a onemonth visiting student rotation at the prestigious Keio University Hospital in Tokyo. When I received my acceptance letter, I learned that my trip was in February—my most crucial month leading up to March 16—Match Day. I determined to make it a month of value creation. When I wasn’t at the hospital in Tokyo, I was meeting local members and attending Soka Gakkai meetings, including a lecture by a doctor’s division member on heart disease and Buddhism. I also spent my last weekend traveling to Iwate Prefecture to volunteer for relief efforts in an area devastated by the March 11, 2011, earthquake and tsunami. All my efforts paid off on March 16, when I was matched into an emergency medicine residency program at Lehigh Valley Hospital in Allentown, Penn. My victories continued to pour in. Two months later, my doctor informed me that I was “completely cured” of my kidney disease—words I never expected her to say. Then, one week after that, on May 21, I graduated from medical school. And on June 13, I began my residency. I know I didn’t accomplish these achievements due to smarts or luck; it was because I never yielded in my vow to my mentor to become a doctor for kosenrufu. I also couldn’t have come this far without the endless support of my family, my friends and my fellow SGI members. For that, I am eternally grateful and am determined to spend the rest of my life repaying my debts of gratitude by striving in my field of mission as a doctor of the Mystic Law. WT
Courageous Successors “Now is the time for the members of the men’s and young men’s divisions to unite their efforts and open a new page of kosen-rufu—combining the rich experience and conviction of the former, and the passion and initiative of the latter. If the two divisions work closely together, their strength will not merely double, but multiply exponentially. This will provide even greater momentum to kosen-rufu and, without a doubt, play a decisive role in building a youthful Soka Gakkai.” —SGI President Ikeda, from the Sept. 2, 2011, World Tribune, p. 5
each one, reach one Toward the August Men’s and Young Men’s General Meetings, each men’s leader is pairing up with one young man to visit members and encourage them in faith, making this significant month a decisive turning point in building a youthful SGI. See SGI President Ikeda's encouragement on fostering youth on p. C.
Men’s Division
Young Men’s Division
GOALS