February Women’s Division Meeting
Sensei’s Message
Our beloved members of the SGI-USA, the “suns of happiness and victory” of the global kosen-rufu movement! We sincerely congratulate you on holding your hope-filled discussion meetings that concurrently celebrate the annual women’s general meetings! We truly appreciate the attendance of our distinguished guests and friends. From Japan, we are closely watching over your activities that herald the arrival of spring, feeling as if we were proudly singing songs and advancing together with all of you toward the brilliant future. There are steep valleys of suffering and rocky mountains of adversity in the long journey of our lives. Some of you may be struggling in the midst of the rough waves of the global economic recession. However, no matter what difficult situation you are in, if you are resolved to never be defeated and maintain your strong determination, you will definitely be able to break through the thick wall of any difficulty.
A life based on solid optimism will not experience defeat. You will definitely obtain victory in the long run. Nichiren Daishonin states, “If one’s mind is strong, then their protection is great” (The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 2, p. 668). He also says, “Fortune comes from one’s heart and makes one worthy of respect” (The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 1137). Faith is the ultimate driving force to enable us to absolutely win in our lives. Those who embrace the Mystic Law will create a most glorious history of victory, even through the worst crisis. The spirit of “Soka,” or value creation, lies in our striving to create a prosperous society as exemplary
citizens by upholding the great philosophy of life; that is, the great philosophy of hope and happiness. Further, “Soka” refers to the beautiful solidarity of those who strive to build absolute happiness for themselves and others by extending the utmost praise and encouragement to as many friends as possible. In particular, nothing is more precious than women and young women advancing side by side, basing themselves on their prayers of justice and mutual encouragement. Our mentor, President Toda, declared, “Neither one hundred preaching sessions nor one hundred books can ever beat a lively woman who
embraces the Mystic Law.”
Each one of you has the most precious and respectable capability and profound mission. We sincerely ask you to have strong confidence that your advancement will transform your family, community and society. With this conviction, please accomplish one victory after another in your lives. Please take good care of yourselves! Please stay in excellent health and high spirits! We are sending our sincere prayers to all of you, our cherished and treasured comrades in faith.
Daisaku and Kaneko Ikeda
February 2009
