SGI-USA Houston

SGI President Ikeda’s Commemorative Message

On the Anniversary of the Soka Gakkai’s Founding, November 18

My dear friends of SGI-USA :

Congratulations on this festive gathering in celebration of the 78th anniversary of the

Soka Gakkai’s founding.

On November 18, 1930, our Soka Gakkai movement was started by Tsunesaburo Makiguchi and Josei Toda. On that day, the compassionate, courageous, and invincible heritage of Nichiren Buddhism’s commitment to relieving the sufferings of all living beings began to flow steadily in the lofty spirit of Soka mentor and disciple that now permeates the SGI.

I can only imagine how delighted and gratified Mr. Makiguchi and Mr. Toda would surely be to know that our noble movement of kosen-rufu has now spread to 192 countries and territories.

Nichiren Daishonin declared his pioneering mission to propagate the Mystic Law at the beginning of the Latter Day and called out: “My disciples, form your ranks and follow me” (WND-1, 765). Heeding this call, Mr. Makiguchi and Mr. Toda dedicated themselves to tirelessly propagating the Daishonin’s teachings, overcoming the numerous persecutions and obstacles predicted in the Lotus Sutra and the Daishonin’s own writings. In this way, they fulfilled their vow to achieve kosen-rufu in contemporary society. As a faithful disciple continuing the work of these two great mentors, I have also devoted my life to taking the lead for worldwide kosen-rufu.

To all of you, my dear fellow members around the globe who have stood up together with me and participated in this worthy endeavor, I offer you my most sincere appreciation and praise. Nichiren Daishonin writes: “If the Law that one embraces is supreme, then the person who embraces it must accordingly be foremost among all others” (WND-1, 61). You, who are striving for kosen-rufu, seeking to create peace in the world based on the principles and ideals of Nichiren Buddhism, are commendable beyond measure. The Gohonzon will surely protect you, and the Buddhas and heavenly deities will come to your aid. The good fortune and benefit you are accumulating through your efforts will also flow on strongly to your families and descendants for generations to come, endowing them with success and prosperity.

Like a mighty river rolling onward as its waters nourish the land, the second act of worldwide kosen-rufu has grown into a full and steady current. And Bodhisattvas of the Earth are emerging joyously in every corner of the globe-just like those that were greeted with astonishment and wondrous admiration by the assembly at the Ceremony in the Air of the Lotus Sutra.

The Daishonin writes: “Those who become Nichiren’s disciples and lay believers should realize the profound karmic relationship they share with him and spread the

Lotus Sutra as he does. Being known as a votary of the Lotus Sutra is . . . [an] unavoidable destiny” (WND-1, 994). All who stand up with this awareness and determination-wherever they may live, whatever their age or their circumstances- are equally people of mission sharing a profound karmic relationship with the Daishonin.

With confident daimoku, abundant courage, and youthful vitality, let us together begin our spirited advance toward the upcoming Year of Youth and Victory in 2009 and the significant milestone of our 80th anniversary in 2010.

My wife and I chant earnestly every single day for the health, long life, and happiness of all the members of SGI-USA.

I’d like to offer a rousing cheer for the SGI, for SGI-USA, for the Soka mentor-disciple spirit, and for our fellow members everywhere.

My best wishes to each and every one of you!

November 2008

Daisaku Ikeda

President

Soka Gakkai International