Deadlock
“Frankly speaking,” Toda went on calmly, “our campaign in Tokyo is deadlocked. Who is to blame for it? If you pursue this question, you’ll probably come up with the name of one person or another. In the final analysis, however, the responsibility rests with me because I am the president, and as such I am in a position to grasp the situation better than anyone else.”
Ryoichi Sawada, a YMD Corps chief, was responsible for the election campaign in Tokyo. At a Suiko Kai meeting in late May, Josei Toda was shocked to find Ryoichi in low spirits. Apparently veteran leaders felt it beneath their dignity to follow a young man’s leadership. Toda would have to take action to save both the Tokyo campaign and the young Sawada.
President Toda began to relate the story of the Five-storied Pagoda at the Head Temple by asking if anyone new the circumstances which led to its construction. He then related what had caused Itakura Katsuzumi to make the offering that financed the pagoda.
The Five-storied Pagoda – the story behind the story
As related by Josei Toda May ’56
In late 1637, Christians rose up in revolt in what is now known as the Shimabara Revolt. The shogunate sent Itakura Shigemasa to command the troops to put down the revolt. Itakura was a petty daimyo and the feudal lords of Kyushu considered it beneath their dignity to fight under his direction.
In desperation, the shogunate decided to send high ranking Matsudaira Izunokami Nobutsuna to be commander-in-chief. Humiliated by his pending demotion, Itakura led an all-out attack on the enemy and he was killed.
Some one hundred years later a descendant of Itakura made a donation to the Head Temple for the repose of his ancestor. With this offering the Five-storied Pagoda was built during the time of the 31st High Priest, Nichiin Shonin.
Using this story as an introduction, Toda explained that the Tokyo campaign was deadlocked. He said that henceforth Sawada would only be responsible for metropolitan Tokyo. Yukio Ishiwata would have overall responsibility for the campaign.
Sawada devoted himself to activities even more strenuously than before. Yet the organization in Tokyo was destined to be thrown into chaos. Stay tuned…
Points to ponder
President Toda’s approach to the deadlock
Sawada’s dilemma
Monday, October 30, 2006
Sunday, October 29, 2006
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?
Sunday, October 15, 2006
Shirota's Campaign
Shirota’s Campaign (midcol 1 69 – midcol 1 71)(1436 – 1441)
‘Shirota and the new converts decided on their course of action. The two gamblers would be sent to prison in the near future. When they were released, they would go to see Shirota and receive their Gohonzon. Shirota was thoroughly satisfied.’
Shinichi, continuing his talk, encouraged the leaders to do their best. Fresh energy flowed throughout Osaka permeating the discussion meetings that day and night. Josie Toda changed his schedule and remained in Osaka. He openly displayed his anger about the unreasonable arrests, decrying the absurdities of the government and touting the necessity of good statesmen. He affirmed the validity of righteous faith, assuring the members that victory was certain.
Meanwhile, Fujita Shirota resolved to chant daimoku and conduct shakubuku as his religious activity in jail, just as the two presidents had done. He engaged in lengthy discussions with his cell mates. One day the ‘boss’ decided to do gongyo with Shirota. Then another man asked to join the group. The jailers were flabbergasted!
Shirota was exuberant!
Points to ponder
Shinichi’s guidance based on the gosho, ‘On Persecutions Befalling the Buddha’.
President Toda’s anger regarding the political conspiracy against the Sokagakkai.
Shirota’s resolve.
‘Shirota and the new converts decided on their course of action. The two gamblers would be sent to prison in the near future. When they were released, they would go to see Shirota and receive their Gohonzon. Shirota was thoroughly satisfied.’
Shinichi, continuing his talk, encouraged the leaders to do their best. Fresh energy flowed throughout Osaka permeating the discussion meetings that day and night. Josie Toda changed his schedule and remained in Osaka. He openly displayed his anger about the unreasonable arrests, decrying the absurdities of the government and touting the necessity of good statesmen. He affirmed the validity of righteous faith, assuring the members that victory was certain.
Meanwhile, Fujita Shirota resolved to chant daimoku and conduct shakubuku as his religious activity in jail, just as the two presidents had done. He engaged in lengthy discussions with his cell mates. One day the ‘boss’ decided to do gongyo with Shirota. Then another man asked to join the group. The jailers were flabbergasted!
Shirota was exuberant!
Points to ponder
Shinichi’s guidance based on the gosho, ‘On Persecutions Befalling the Buddha’.
President Toda’s anger regarding the political conspiracy against the Sokagakkai.
Shirota’s resolve.
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
Agony in Osaka
Agony in Osaka (67 – midcol 1 69)(1432 – 1436)
Shinichi Yamamoto speaking:
“No matter what the problem, we must always seek the solution in our faith, which is as indestructible as a diamond. There is a letter which the Daishonin wrote Shijo Kingo when the latter was having difficulties in his association with his colleagues. In it he said, ‘Employ the strategy of the Lotus Sutra before any other. Then, just as the sutra says, “All enemies are crushed.” These golden words will never prove false. Believe them wholeheartedly… A coward cannot have any of his prayers answered.’ ”
Turmoil. President Toda, Shinichi and other senior leaders were alert to the impact the arrests had on the membership.
Leaders were reluctant to talk at the morning gongyo/gosho lecture. Pressed to report, Tojiro Ueda said that everyone was fine, that the meeting broke up earlier than usual and that he thought the members were secretly frightened. “Isn’t it you who are frightened?”, interrupted Shinichi.
Shinichi then spoke at length, reminding them what their attitude toward faith should be. Some points of his talk:
Points to ponder
Shinichi’s remarks to the Osaka leaders.
Tojiro Ueda’s account of the discussion meeting.
The difficulty of caring for thousands of new members in such an oppressive environment.
Shinichi Yamamoto speaking:
“No matter what the problem, we must always seek the solution in our faith, which is as indestructible as a diamond. There is a letter which the Daishonin wrote Shijo Kingo when the latter was having difficulties in his association with his colleagues. In it he said, ‘Employ the strategy of the Lotus Sutra before any other. Then, just as the sutra says, “All enemies are crushed.” These golden words will never prove false. Believe them wholeheartedly… A coward cannot have any of his prayers answered.’ ”
Turmoil. President Toda, Shinichi and other senior leaders were alert to the impact the arrests had on the membership.
Leaders were reluctant to talk at the morning gongyo/gosho lecture. Pressed to report, Tojiro Ueda said that everyone was fine, that the meeting broke up earlier than usual and that he thought the members were secretly frightened. “Isn’t it you who are frightened?”, interrupted Shinichi.
Shinichi then spoke at length, reminding them what their attitude toward faith should be. Some points of his talk:
- The most pressing question is how quickly we can cope with this situation and how effectively we can fight against it.
- We must always seek a solution in our faith.
- The Daishonin warns that a common mortal must meet various obstacles on the road to Buddhahood.
- Each of us must summon up the courage of a lion and never succumb to threats from manyone.
- We must reaffirm the prime point of faith and advanced kosenrufu in a dignified manner.
Points to ponder
Shinichi’s remarks to the Osaka leaders.
Tojiro Ueda’s account of the discussion meeting.
The difficulty of caring for thousands of new members in such an oppressive environment.
Thursday, October 05, 2006
Sokagakkai Under Attack
Sokagakkai Under Attack (midcol 1 64 – 66)1427 – 1432)
"As practice progresses and understanding grows, the three obstacles and four devils emerge in confusing form, vying with one another to interfere . . . . One should be neither influenced nor frightened by them. If one falls under their influence, one will be led into the paths of evil. If one is frightened by them, one will be prevented from practicing the correct teaching." (WND, page 501, quoting from ‘Great Concentration and Insight’ in Letter to the Brothers)
The sudden arrests, on the morning of May 15th, on the erroneous assumption that previously resolved incidents had been part of some coordinated action, received widespread newspaper coverage. Headlines such as “Soka Gakkai – Strong Arm Religious Body” and “Soka Gakkai Kansai Headquarters Wins Believers by Strong-arm Tactics; Police to Nab Six” appeared.
It’s likely that the actions of other religious sects contributed to the gakkai member round-up. The conversion of 9,000 households by the Osaka chapter during April came as a shock to leaders of other sects and they no doubt felt an urgent need to ‘protect’ their membership rolls. It was rumored that a federation of other sects had formed a ‘committee to cope with the Nichiren Shoshu Soka Gakkai.’
The incident could have a serious impact on the members, in particular those newly converted. Shinichi and other top leaders in the Kansai headquarters rose resolutely to crush the devilish maneuvering of those in power.
President Toda was in Osaka at the time and he was scheduled to give a gosho lecture on the 15th. The lecture was on the gosho, ‘On Omens.’ Some main points are:
Points to ponder
Was the arrest of the six members unreasonable? Why? Read the account of President Toda’s lecture.
Imagine yourself being arrested in circumstances such as Shirota’s. How do you think you would react.
"As practice progresses and understanding grows, the three obstacles and four devils emerge in confusing form, vying with one another to interfere . . . . One should be neither influenced nor frightened by them. If one falls under their influence, one will be led into the paths of evil. If one is frightened by them, one will be prevented from practicing the correct teaching." (WND, page 501, quoting from ‘Great Concentration and Insight’ in Letter to the Brothers)
The sudden arrests, on the morning of May 15th, on the erroneous assumption that previously resolved incidents had been part of some coordinated action, received widespread newspaper coverage. Headlines such as “Soka Gakkai – Strong Arm Religious Body” and “Soka Gakkai Kansai Headquarters Wins Believers by Strong-arm Tactics; Police to Nab Six” appeared.
It’s likely that the actions of other religious sects contributed to the gakkai member round-up. The conversion of 9,000 households by the Osaka chapter during April came as a shock to leaders of other sects and they no doubt felt an urgent need to ‘protect’ their membership rolls. It was rumored that a federation of other sects had formed a ‘committee to cope with the Nichiren Shoshu Soka Gakkai.’
The incident could have a serious impact on the members, in particular those newly converted. Shinichi and other top leaders in the Kansai headquarters rose resolutely to crush the devilish maneuvering of those in power.
President Toda was in Osaka at the time and he was scheduled to give a gosho lecture on the 15th. The lecture was on the gosho, ‘On Omens.’ Some main points are:
- An event is always preceded by an omen
- When Sakyamuni was about to preach the Lotus Sutra, there appeared great omens without precedent in the previous 42 years.
- When Sakyamuni expounded the essential teaching, as huge treasure tower appeared from the earth and hung in the air.
- Greater omens exist inn the Latter Day because there are many more evil people, and more wicked, than there were in Sakyamuni’s day.
- The Daishonin severely criticized the social situation in his time from the standpoint of the inseparability of life and its environment
- Because the people of Kansai have been propagating the Lotus Sutra, omens must appear. One such occurred today with the unreasonable arrest of our friends.
Points to ponder
Was the arrest of the six members unreasonable? Why? Read the account of President Toda’s lecture.
Imagine yourself being arrested in circumstances such as Shirota’s. How do you think you would react.