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?