Kansai Campaign (pp 50-midcol2 52)
‘The leaders meeting of the Osaka Chapter was held as scheduled in the Kanmin Kaikan in Kita ward. It was overflowing with joy and enthusiasm. Nothing is more glorious than a gathering of people who have fought to their hearts content. For the previous few months the Osaka members had continued to act exactly as Shin’ichi Yamamoto had instructed, finding their own hidden power through his encouragement. Although still young in faith, they had been able to save 9,002 anguished families. They were in high spirits because of this, their faced shining with signs of revitalization – the very picture of Bodhisattvas of the Earth emerging in Kansai.’
Return with us now to those thrilling days of yesteryear… In the last days of April 1956, during a time when friendlier relations existed between the Sokagakkai and the Head Temple, President Toda, Shinichi and all the other senior leaders gathered at Taisekiji.
(Curious about the temple issue? Read about it at Soka Spirit (SGI-USA) or at Soka Spirit (Independent) or SGI-USA Soka Spirit .)
On the afternoon of April 20, a ceremony was held to announce the inauguration of the 65th High Priest, Nichijun Horigome, attended by 200 Sokagakkai leaders and some 3000 believers from the Hokkeko lay society. President Toda vowed to work for kosenrufu as long as he lived. Other activities took place including the airing of the treasures.
Nichijun had steadfastly opposed the WWII militaristic government’s effort to unify Nichiren Shoshu with the Minobu sect. Another group of priests conspired to proclaim that the True Buddha was merely a transient form of the Shinto goddess, Amaterasu. Nichijun’s valiant effort succeeded in saving Nichiren Buddhism from such defilement. He had deeply impressed both Josei Toda and Tsunesaburo Makiguchi.
Ceremonies commemorating the High Priests inauguration continued until the 30th with 700,000 Sokagakkai members making the pilgrimage to Taisekiji during this period.
Meanwhile, back at headquarters, business was booming. April shakubuku results were being reported: Osaka chapter – 9,002; Sakai chapter – 1,111. Shinichi was certain that 10,000 converts by the Osaka chapter would be possible in the May campaign.
The Osaka Chapter leader’s meeting was held as scheduled amid boundless enthusiasm. Five men representing the district chiefs gave animated resolutions. Shinichi spoke at length about Napoleon Bonaparte, extolling his victories but in the end, Shinichi said, Napoleon could not overcome his fate without knowledge of the mystic law. Finally, Shinichi strongly encouraged the members to achieve victory in May.
Points to ponder
Nichijun’s defense of Nichiren Shoshu from the militaristic government.
The wartime government imposed crisis at the Head Temple.
The activities at the Head Temple during April 1956.
Osaka Chapter leaders meeting.
Shinichi’s remarks about Napolean.
Saturday, August 26, 2006
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
Devil Defeated
Devil Defeated (pp 48-49)
‘Their enthusiasm and vigor seemed to have no limit. They were elated – almost overly so. They were intoxicated by the new strength they had discovered through their practice. At times they even felt annoyed by the guidance from the Tokyo leaders who had cared for them so far. On their part, the leaders from Tokyo were delighted to see things going so well. They overestimated their own ability to give guidance and from time to time goaded the Osaka members on to work harder. The local leaders grew loath to be ordered about by the Tokyoites. The Tokyo leaders felt highly indignant at the hostility they sensed in the locals. Friction frequently arose between the two. Their feud began to cause unexpected slips to occur in their activities, and they openly criticized each other for the errors.’
Who knows what evil lurks …?
A Tokyo leader and a local leader got into a heated argument. Shinichi, overhearing their rant, waited until they ran out of steam. Then he began to chew out the Tokyo leader, saying, in effect, that they should be friends, not enemies. The leader from Tokyo, realizing his mistake, apologized profusely. The Osaka guy, observing the behavior of the man from Tokyo, also became remorseful. Tension and silence prevailed.
Turning to the Osaka leaders, Shinichi scolded them as well, pointing out their arrogance and saying that they had forgotten the real enemy.
‘Misfortune comes from one’s mouth and ruins him, but fortune comes from one’s mind and makes him worthy of respect’
Quoting from the New Year’s Gosho, Shinichi continued his guidance, reading from the gosho On Itai Doshin as well. At last Shinichi felt that the devil had been defeated.
‘The tide of propagation, which rose higher and higher all over Osaka in April, kept the few Nichiren Shoshu temples in the prefecture extremely busy. Jomyji Temple in Miyakojima, for instance, was inundated every day with people desiring to receive the Gohonzon and those who introduced them to the faith. As a result, the nearby Sakuranomiya Station was crowded from morning til night.
Points to ponder
What caused the friction between the two groups?
Reflect on the gosho quote, ‘Misfortune comes from one’s mouth and ruins him, but fortune comes from one’s mind and makes him worthy of respect’
Consider Shinichi Yamamoto’s approach to solving the crisis.
Read the part about the gosho, On Itai Doshin. Reflect on the importance of unity. Could 800 soldiers really defeat 700,000 troops?
‘Their enthusiasm and vigor seemed to have no limit. They were elated – almost overly so. They were intoxicated by the new strength they had discovered through their practice. At times they even felt annoyed by the guidance from the Tokyo leaders who had cared for them so far. On their part, the leaders from Tokyo were delighted to see things going so well. They overestimated their own ability to give guidance and from time to time goaded the Osaka members on to work harder. The local leaders grew loath to be ordered about by the Tokyoites. The Tokyo leaders felt highly indignant at the hostility they sensed in the locals. Friction frequently arose between the two. Their feud began to cause unexpected slips to occur in their activities, and they openly criticized each other for the errors.’
Who knows what evil lurks …?
A Tokyo leader and a local leader got into a heated argument. Shinichi, overhearing their rant, waited until they ran out of steam. Then he began to chew out the Tokyo leader, saying, in effect, that they should be friends, not enemies. The leader from Tokyo, realizing his mistake, apologized profusely. The Osaka guy, observing the behavior of the man from Tokyo, also became remorseful. Tension and silence prevailed.
Turning to the Osaka leaders, Shinichi scolded them as well, pointing out their arrogance and saying that they had forgotten the real enemy.
‘Misfortune comes from one’s mouth and ruins him, but fortune comes from one’s mind and makes him worthy of respect’
Quoting from the New Year’s Gosho, Shinichi continued his guidance, reading from the gosho On Itai Doshin as well. At last Shinichi felt that the devil had been defeated.
‘The tide of propagation, which rose higher and higher all over Osaka in April, kept the few Nichiren Shoshu temples in the prefecture extremely busy. Jomyji Temple in Miyakojima, for instance, was inundated every day with people desiring to receive the Gohonzon and those who introduced them to the faith. As a result, the nearby Sakuranomiya Station was crowded from morning til night.
Points to ponder
What caused the friction between the two groups?
Reflect on the gosho quote, ‘Misfortune comes from one’s mouth and ruins him, but fortune comes from one’s mind and makes him worthy of respect’
Consider Shinichi Yamamoto’s approach to solving the crisis.
Read the part about the gosho, On Itai Doshin. Reflect on the importance of unity. Could 800 soldiers really defeat 700,000 troops?
Thursday, August 17, 2006
The Joy of Victory
The Joy of Victory (pp midcol1 46-47)
‘… the Soka Gakkai members in Kansai all made a great leap forward. They had never imagined that an outdoor general meeting could end so successfully in such terrible weather. Their confidence increased. They realized that they could do anything if they only tried… They had taken a great leap forward, a leap of joy.
‘… the Kansai members rose up. They plunged into their activities like arrows shot from a tautly-drawn bow. Every evening, discussion meetings, from district level down to unit level, were held all over the city – here in a house in a back alley, there in an apartment in a residential area. It was like so many flowers blooming all at once.’
The Kansai members could hardly believe their great success. They were filled with the joy of victory. All the leading newspapers, which had, until now, pretty much ignored the Sokagakkai, carried an article about the general meeting in their April 9 morning edition. The shakubuku result thus far in April (and it’s only the 9th) was reported to be well over 4000.
The super-energized members began to contact everyone within reach. Discussion meetings were being held in every corner of the land.
Points to ponder
What led to the success of the general meeting?
What can we do to initiate a groundswell of activity?
What do you think of the Asahi Shimbun’s report?
‘… the Soka Gakkai members in Kansai all made a great leap forward. They had never imagined that an outdoor general meeting could end so successfully in such terrible weather. Their confidence increased. They realized that they could do anything if they only tried… They had taken a great leap forward, a leap of joy.
‘… the Kansai members rose up. They plunged into their activities like arrows shot from a tautly-drawn bow. Every evening, discussion meetings, from district level down to unit level, were held all over the city – here in a house in a back alley, there in an apartment in a residential area. It was like so many flowers blooming all at once.’
The Kansai members could hardly believe their great success. They were filled with the joy of victory. All the leading newspapers, which had, until now, pretty much ignored the Sokagakkai, carried an article about the general meeting in their April 9 morning edition. The shakubuku result thus far in April (and it’s only the 9th) was reported to be well over 4000.
The super-energized members began to contact everyone within reach. Discussion meetings were being held in every corner of the land.
Points to ponder
What led to the success of the general meeting?
What can we do to initiate a groundswell of activity?
What do you think of the Asahi Shimbun’s report?
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
Osaka-Sakai General Meeting
Osaka-Sakai General Meting (pp 44-midcol1 46)
President Toda, “I believe it is up to us to realize that only those who stand up and fight to save the people can be true disciples of Nichiren Daishonin. The Daishonin established the source of kosen-rufu when he inscribed the Dai-Gohonzon for the Main High Sanctuary, and left us the task of widely propagating the true object of worship. It is now the time for us to undertake that mission – the time to accomplish the movement for kosen-rufu by all means.”
1pm, 8 April 1956. The members are in high spirits, singing one gakkai song after another. The Osaka-Sakai general meeting opens in the pelting rain. President Toda precedes the top leaders to the platform. Several speakers are scheduled to address the audience. Due to the inclement weather they have decided to shorten their speeches.
Shinichi stated that the predominant religion or philosophy of a nation forms the foundation for the happiness of the people. He wanted the audience to understand that activities for kosenrufu were completely different from elections conducted for political purposes. Briefly mentioning the history of Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism, and the Daishonin’s declaration of Nam Myoho
Renge Kyo, he encouraged the participants to devote themselves to kosenrufu.
Sakai Chapter Chief Asada expressed his determination to overcome ‘any number of storms and blizzards’.
Josei Toda took the rostrum. He declared that he wished to dispel poverty from all the members in the area. He went on to discuss the evils of false religion in light of Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism; if the people abandon these false religions and take correct faith they will become happy without fail. Without fail! He spoke of Nichiren Daishonin’s remonstration with authority. He further elaborated on his vision for kosenrufu.
Read more of President Toda’s address in Human Revolution Vol X.
Points to ponder
Read President Toda’s comments and think about his vision for kosenrufu and how to attain it. What is our role in this effort?
What is the fundamental purpose of SGI’s belief and practice?
General meetings on a large scale seem to be a thing of the past. What was the importance of activities such as the NSA conventions, regional meetings, etc.? Why are they gone?
President Toda, “I believe it is up to us to realize that only those who stand up and fight to save the people can be true disciples of Nichiren Daishonin. The Daishonin established the source of kosen-rufu when he inscribed the Dai-Gohonzon for the Main High Sanctuary, and left us the task of widely propagating the true object of worship. It is now the time for us to undertake that mission – the time to accomplish the movement for kosen-rufu by all means.”
1pm, 8 April 1956. The members are in high spirits, singing one gakkai song after another. The Osaka-Sakai general meeting opens in the pelting rain. President Toda precedes the top leaders to the platform. Several speakers are scheduled to address the audience. Due to the inclement weather they have decided to shorten their speeches.
Shinichi stated that the predominant religion or philosophy of a nation forms the foundation for the happiness of the people. He wanted the audience to understand that activities for kosenrufu were completely different from elections conducted for political purposes. Briefly mentioning the history of Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism, and the Daishonin’s declaration of Nam Myoho
Renge Kyo, he encouraged the participants to devote themselves to kosenrufu.
Sakai Chapter Chief Asada expressed his determination to overcome ‘any number of storms and blizzards’.
Josei Toda took the rostrum. He declared that he wished to dispel poverty from all the members in the area. He went on to discuss the evils of false religion in light of Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism; if the people abandon these false religions and take correct faith they will become happy without fail. Without fail! He spoke of Nichiren Daishonin’s remonstration with authority. He further elaborated on his vision for kosenrufu.
Read more of President Toda’s address in Human Revolution Vol X.
Points to ponder
Read President Toda’s comments and think about his vision for kosenrufu and how to attain it. What is our role in this effort?
What is the fundamental purpose of SGI’s belief and practice?
General meetings on a large scale seem to be a thing of the past. What was the importance of activities such as the NSA conventions, regional meetings, etc.? Why are they gone?
Thursday, August 03, 2006
Singin' in the Rain
Singin’ in the Rain (pp 41-43)
‘No one can stop anyone or anything that advances with the resoluteness of the dawning sun. Any group, in its pioneering stage, has a force as powerful as a tidal wave. However, the only thing which can enable that current to flow on into eternity is faith.’
It had been a dark and stormy night. On April 8, 1956, 20,000 Sokagakkai members were poised for the Osaka-Sakai General Meeting in an open air arena, Rain fell steadily. Members gathered to chant for fair weather. The weather bureau issued a storm warning. And yet, from early morning the members began to assemble.
Leaders were undecided about what to do. Shinichi Yamamoto had prepared a foul weather plan but, seeing the members’ courageous attitude, he was loath to change the plan for the outdoor meeting.
Intense shakubuku had been carried out in the days preceding the general meeting. Shinichi had opened the way for unit chiefs to conduct unit discussion meetings in addition to the ongoing group meetings. Many unit chiefs joyously began conducting meetings in their areas. One unit chief, who lived in Osaka, was in a group based in Kobe, some 20 miles away. He immediately started unit meetings where he lived, inviting friends and neighbors, and achieving a great result.
Decision time approached. Because of the weather Shinichi anguished about keeping to the plan for the outdoor meeting. With sudden realization he gave the go ahead for the outdoor meeting. The crowd roared! The band played on! The townspeople were stunned. The general meeting opened at 1pm.
Read the exiting details in Human Revolution Vol X
Points to ponder
What!!? An outdoor meeting in the wind & rain? The rain that day measured nearly 2”. The wind averaged almost 10mph. The average high temperature in Osaka in April is 59 degrees.
What kind of activities led to the members’ determination?
What revelation enabled Shinichi to allow the outdoor meeting?
Next week: Osaka-Sakai General Meeting.
‘No one can stop anyone or anything that advances with the resoluteness of the dawning sun. Any group, in its pioneering stage, has a force as powerful as a tidal wave. However, the only thing which can enable that current to flow on into eternity is faith.’
It had been a dark and stormy night. On April 8, 1956, 20,000 Sokagakkai members were poised for the Osaka-Sakai General Meeting in an open air arena, Rain fell steadily. Members gathered to chant for fair weather. The weather bureau issued a storm warning. And yet, from early morning the members began to assemble.
Leaders were undecided about what to do. Shinichi Yamamoto had prepared a foul weather plan but, seeing the members’ courageous attitude, he was loath to change the plan for the outdoor meeting.
Intense shakubuku had been carried out in the days preceding the general meeting. Shinichi had opened the way for unit chiefs to conduct unit discussion meetings in addition to the ongoing group meetings. Many unit chiefs joyously began conducting meetings in their areas. One unit chief, who lived in Osaka, was in a group based in Kobe, some 20 miles away. He immediately started unit meetings where he lived, inviting friends and neighbors, and achieving a great result.
Decision time approached. Because of the weather Shinichi anguished about keeping to the plan for the outdoor meeting. With sudden realization he gave the go ahead for the outdoor meeting. The crowd roared! The band played on! The townspeople were stunned. The general meeting opened at 1pm.
Read the exiting details in Human Revolution Vol X
Points to ponder
What!!? An outdoor meeting in the wind & rain? The rain that day measured nearly 2”. The wind averaged almost 10mph. The average high temperature in Osaka in April is 59 degrees.
What kind of activities led to the members’ determination?
What revelation enabled Shinichi to allow the outdoor meeting?
Next week: Osaka-Sakai General Meeting.
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
Human Revolution Study
I have subdivided Leap Forward into 9 sub-chapters for ease of study. It provides bite-sized portions that, taken once a week, will enable completion by the next chapter HR study. I think this is better than trying to feast at the last minute, or taking the anorexic route. I'll publish weekly notes for each section. The page number refer to the penciled numbers on the chapter reproduction.
Sub chapters for Leap Forward
Singin’ in the Rain (pp 41-43)
Osaka-Sakai General Meting (pp 44-midcol1 46)
The Joy of Victory (pp midcol1 46-47)
Devil Defeated (pp 48-49)
Kansai Campaign (pp 50-midcol2 52)
Victorious Kansai (midcol2 52-midcol2 54)
The Sleeping Lion (midcol2 54-55)
Young Lions (pp 56-58)
Kansai Digs In (pp 59-61)
Sub chapters for Leap Forward
Singin’ in the Rain (pp 41-43)
Osaka-Sakai General Meting (pp 44-midcol1 46)
The Joy of Victory (pp midcol1 46-47)
Devil Defeated (pp 48-49)
Kansai Campaign (pp 50-midcol2 52)
Victorious Kansai (midcol2 52-midcol2 54)
The Sleeping Lion (midcol2 54-55)
Young Lions (pp 56-58)
Kansai Digs In (pp 59-61)