Saturday, October 28, 2006
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
Freedom
Freedom
‘To Shirota, the hell of a jail cell was a garden where flowers of Buddhist dialog blossomed. To him, it was a place to train himself by doing gongyo, chanting and shakubuku. If his detention was nothing but a brief scene in the drama of his life, the jail was a battleground where he must put up a desperate fight. He would not retreat a step in the face of unreasonable interrogation. Hearing of his valor, the three other members, detained in separate cells, also fought just as courageously. As the result, the police completely failed in their attempt to find alleged accomplices.’
Many Soka Gakkai members visited their four friends and sent various items to their cells to ease the incarceration. Shirota became more and more intimate with his fellow inmates. Meanwhile, Shinichi Yamamoto carried out extensive activities visiting as many activity centers as he could to encourage the members gathered at each place.
By May 20th the members’ spirits were at an all time high. The devil’s influence was gone. The arrests had actually strengthened the unity of the members.
On May 25th, the four detainees were released and came to the Kansai headquarters in high spirits. Members present welcomed them as heroes. Shinichi also congratulated them on their release but he also explained to them their expiation of karma. As a result of Shinichi’s guidance, The four were able to resume their responsibilities with renewed vigor.
In Tokyo, Josei Toda was concerned about the activities there. There were, of course, many discussion meetings, but it seemed as if they were being held merely because they were scheduled. Toda realized that something must be done. He pondered deeply…
Points to ponder
Shirota’s determination even while incarcerated.
Was Shinichi’s guidance to the four appropriate?
What was Persident Toda’s dilemma?
‘To Shirota, the hell of a jail cell was a garden where flowers of Buddhist dialog blossomed. To him, it was a place to train himself by doing gongyo, chanting and shakubuku. If his detention was nothing but a brief scene in the drama of his life, the jail was a battleground where he must put up a desperate fight. He would not retreat a step in the face of unreasonable interrogation. Hearing of his valor, the three other members, detained in separate cells, also fought just as courageously. As the result, the police completely failed in their attempt to find alleged accomplices.’
Many Soka Gakkai members visited their four friends and sent various items to their cells to ease the incarceration. Shirota became more and more intimate with his fellow inmates. Meanwhile, Shinichi Yamamoto carried out extensive activities visiting as many activity centers as he could to encourage the members gathered at each place.
By May 20th the members’ spirits were at an all time high. The devil’s influence was gone. The arrests had actually strengthened the unity of the members.
On May 25th, the four detainees were released and came to the Kansai headquarters in high spirits. Members present welcomed them as heroes. Shinichi also congratulated them on their release but he also explained to them their expiation of karma. As a result of Shinichi’s guidance, The four were able to resume their responsibilities with renewed vigor.
In Tokyo, Josei Toda was concerned about the activities there. There were, of course, many discussion meetings, but it seemed as if they were being held merely because they were scheduled. Toda realized that something must be done. He pondered deeply…
Points to ponder
Shirota’s determination even while incarcerated.
Was Shinichi’s guidance to the four appropriate?
What was Persident Toda’s dilemma?
Friday, October 20, 2006
Shirota's Struggle
Shirota’s Struggle
‘Be the man of men of the century,
Be a virile son of the Orient,
Be a youth with a global vision,
Live your life as if it were a drama.’
This section details the early life of Fujiya Shirota. Born in ’31 his father was a dentist. The third son of six children, his father died suddenly when he was 12. Due to finances he was unable to continue his education beyond middle school. He found employment with Goro Sagawa’s dental supply store.
Things did not go well. Business was poor, money was tight. He joined the Sokagakkai. When in the company of youth division members, he was in high spirits, but outside of gakkai activities he was sorrowful.
In January 1955, Yoshihiko Oya, one of Shirota’s juniors, was appointed chief of a reorganized corps. Shirota was hurt by being passed over for the appointment but managed to devote himself to gakkai activities.
Not unaware of Shirota’s troubles, Shinichi Yamamoto was able to meet with him at the Kansai headquarters. Shirota opened up to Shinichi and told him everything that happened. Shinichi, for his part, related some of the obstacles that he had faced – many of which paralleled Shirota’s own problems.
Finally, Shinichi encouraged Shirota to continue his efforts for kosenrufu. He pledged to do so. He fought valiantly in the campaign of April and May, which was why he now found himself in the detention house.
Points to ponder
The importance of guidance from senior leaders.
What is the state of ‘Soka Care’ in today’s SGI?
Members participating in activities seem to be receptive to guidance. What about inactive members?
‘Be the man of men of the century,
Be a virile son of the Orient,
Be a youth with a global vision,
Live your life as if it were a drama.’
This section details the early life of Fujiya Shirota. Born in ’31 his father was a dentist. The third son of six children, his father died suddenly when he was 12. Due to finances he was unable to continue his education beyond middle school. He found employment with Goro Sagawa’s dental supply store.
Things did not go well. Business was poor, money was tight. He joined the Sokagakkai. When in the company of youth division members, he was in high spirits, but outside of gakkai activities he was sorrowful.
In January 1955, Yoshihiko Oya, one of Shirota’s juniors, was appointed chief of a reorganized corps. Shirota was hurt by being passed over for the appointment but managed to devote himself to gakkai activities.
Not unaware of Shirota’s troubles, Shinichi Yamamoto was able to meet with him at the Kansai headquarters. Shirota opened up to Shinichi and told him everything that happened. Shinichi, for his part, related some of the obstacles that he had faced – many of which paralleled Shirota’s own problems.
Finally, Shinichi encouraged Shirota to continue his efforts for kosenrufu. He pledged to do so. He fought valiantly in the campaign of April and May, which was why he now found himself in the detention house.
Points to ponder
The importance of guidance from senior leaders.
What is the state of ‘Soka Care’ in today’s SGI?
Members participating in activities seem to be receptive to guidance. What about inactive members?