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.