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.