The New Human Revolution, Vol. 6

By Daisaku Ikeda

Through this novelized history of the Soka Gakkai—one of the most dynamic, diverse, and empowering movements in the world today—readers will discover the organization's goals and achievements even as they find inspiring and practical Buddhist wisdom for living happily and compassionately in today's world. The book recounts the stories of ordinary individuals who faced tremendous odds in transforming their lives through the practice of Nichiren Buddhism and in bringing Buddhism's humanistic teachings to the world. This inspiring narrative provides readers with the principles with which they can positively transform their own lives for the better and realize enduring happiness for themselves and others.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Independent Publishers Group
• Release date: Aug 1, 2019
• ISBN: 9781946635235

Book preview

2006).

Treasure Land

THE NEW CENTURY will be played out on a vast global stage. In far-flung corners of the world, friends suffer the agonies of war, mothers succumb to grief, and starving children cry for food.

Spring water bubbling up can transform a desert into an oasis. Similarly, the compassion and wisdom that well up from the human heart can transform this planet into a realm of peace and happiness, an eternal treasure land. We call this triumph of humanism kosen-rufu.

On January 29, 1962, Shin’ichi Yamamoto set off for the Middle East. He left from Tokyo International Airport at Haneda at eleven in the morning aboard Scandinavia Airlines Flight 84. The first stopover would be in Manila, the Philippines.

Shin’ichi’s schedule included visits to seven countries: Iran, Iraq, Turkey, Greece, Egypt, Pakistan, and Thailand. His first destination was Tehran, Iran’s capital. His primary purpose was to offer guidance to Soka Gakkai members living there and to investigate firsthand the religious and social conditions.

This time, only youth leaders accompanied him—Eisuke Akizuki, the youth division leader, and two other young men, Yusuke Yoshikawa and Akira Kuroki, all three of whom were Soka Gakkai directors.

Someone especially delighted by Shin’ichi’s planned visit was Torazo Kawarazaki, a specialist in Arab affairs and a teacher of Arabic at the Tokyo University of Foreign Studies. Kawarazaki later compiled, edited, and published the first Arabic Japanese dictionary. Shin’ichi met Kawarazaki for the first time on January 27, just two days before he departed.

Earlier that day, the Oriental Science Institute was inaugurated in a ceremony at the headquarters of the Seikyo Shimbun, the Soka Gakkai’s newspaper. This research center crystallized an idea Shin’ichi conceived and proposed during a visit to Asian countries the previous year.

It would promote research on the cultural heritage of Asia and compile academic material on Eastern thought and philosophy. It would be the forerunner of a variety of cultural organizations that the Soka Gakkai would eventually establish.

At the inauguration, Shin’ichi voiced his hope that the institute would become a seat of knowledge that would produce many internationally respected researchers and give rise to a fresh cultural tradition. He presented each of the staff with an official institute pin and then affixed one to his own lapel. He wished to show that he regarded himself as an institute member firmly committed to fostering capable researchers.

Shin’ichi met with Kawarazaki at the Soka Gakkai Headquarters immediately afterward. A local leader had asked Shin’ichi to encourage Kawarazaki, a member in his area. Shin’ichi was the first to set himself to the task of developing academicians.

TORAZO KAWARAZAKI, mustached and wearing dark-framed spectacles, was in his late forties, a friendly looking man with an impressive build. Shin’ichi greeted him courteously. He hoped that this expert on Arab affairs might give him some useful advice for his upcoming trip.

Thank you very much for taking time to visit me here.

Not at all, not at all, Kawarazaki said with a vibrant, booming voice. It’s my pleasure. I’m thrilled to hear that you will soon be visiting some Arab nations. The Arab world is my second homeland.

In his youth, Kawarazaki worked for Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which sent him to Egypt to study at Cairo University. After graduating with a degree in Arabic, he worked for Japanese missions in Egypt and Iraq, deepening his knowledge of Arab culture.

After World War II, having tired of being a bureaucrat, he quit the ministry and for some time suffered financially. His wife and son, moreover, contracted tuberculosis.

His wife first heard about Nichiren Buddhism from a relative who could no longer bear to see them remain in such pitiful straits. She started practicing in the summer of 1953; in April the following year, she finally persuaded her husband to take faith.

Torazo Kawarazaki had no real interest in the Soka Gakkai then; he simply wanted to do whatever might please his wife, whom he loved.

Around that time, Japan and many other countries took great interest in developing Arab oil resources; Kawarazaki gained a position with a petroleum company. Another oil concern later recruited him, and he eventually became a senior research advisor, a job that entailed traveling throughout the Arab world. He also contributed to the development of the first Arab oil well started by a Japanese company. Not long afterward he taught Arabic at the Tokyo University of Foreign Studies in addition to working in the commercial sector.

Kawarazaki animatedly told Shin’ichi about the situation in the Middle East.

Many, as you may know, describe the Middle East as the most volatile place in the world, he said. "One reason for this is the rivalry between Eastern and Western powers scrambling for control over oil-rich Arab nations.

"The Arab nations have been rather late in gaining independence after long colonial rule by various European powers. Consequently, there is a strong trend toward achieving Arab unity. This has caused an upsurge in Arab nationalism.

"B UT AS Arab unity strengthened under Islam, a deepening rift developed between the Arab nations and the Jewish state of Israel. Also, as seen by the withdrawal of Syria from the United Arab Republic, ¹ many obstacles remain along the path to Arab unity.

"In addition, the vast wealth many Arab nations gained through the exploitation of oil resources has led to sharp inequalities between the rich and poor. The likelihood of revolt is extremely high. In short, in the Middle East we can find the whole spectrum of possible confrontation—the Cold War, ethnic conflict, religious strife, class struggle, and the list goes on.

"Geographically, too, the Middle East has served as a bridge linking Asia, Europe, and Africa. Arab nations make up a significant part of the forty-eight-nation Afro-Asian Group, which has now gained membership in the United Nations. In fact, you could say that developments in the Arab world will have a key impact on world peace.

"But Japanese government officials, politicians, and business leaders see Arab nations solely as suppliers of oil. They are indifferent to what happens there, so long as it doesn’t adversely affect Japan’s oil supply. That is truly regrettable.

The average Japanese knows very little about the Arab world. I really feel Japan should consider what it can do to promote exchange with Middle Eastern countries—existing as they do at opposite ends of Asia—and how they can mutually assist one another. I believe that this would give rise to a human solidarity transcending borders. And if such exchanges extended around the globe, this would contribute to developing the foundations for world peace.

I agree with you completely, Shin’ichi said. "I can sense your love for the Arab world. One of my reasons for visiting is to initiate such exchange. Peace is not something complex or extraordinary. It begins by forging heart-to-heart ties. This is where cultural exchange will be very important.

I want to open the way for an exchange of peace and culture between Japan and the Arab nations. In Japan, American and European culture tends to get all the attention—to the exclusion of virtually all other cultures. But there are other countries in the world. The Arab nations have a unique culture. I think that there are many things that Japan should learn from them.

Exactly, Kawarazaki said with a smile, his eyes twinkling. That’s precisely my feeling, President Yamamoto.

SHIN’ICHI and Kawarazaki enjoyed a lively discussion. Theirs was a dynamic meeting of minds. Actually, Shin’ichi said, I just came from an event formally establishing the Oriental Science Institute. The institute’s purpose will be to conduct research into the cultures, religions, and peoples of the world with a special focus on Asia. Its ultimate aim is to promote mutual understanding among people and contribute to peace in Asia and throughout the world.

Did the Soka Gakkai create this Oriental Science Institute?

Shin’ichi nodded with a smile. Yes, it did. The Soka Gakkai founded and will sponsor it. We believe that developing mutual understanding requires studying and learning about each country’s cultures and peoples. The mission of religion is to bring happiness to all people and to actualize world peace. The Soka Gakkai is seriously committed to finding ways to achieve this.

Kawarazaki straightened in his chair. "President Yamamoto, it seems I have misunderstood the Soka Gakkai. To be honest, somewhere in my heart I saw it as a religious group interested only in increasing its membership with the sales pitch that chanting enables one to overcome illness and the like. When I started practicing, I thought it not beyond the bounds of possibility that one could cure illness through faith and that quite probably the benefit of the Gohonzon everyone talked about did exist.

"But it never seemed to me that the Soka Gakkai made practical efforts to address the peace issue. There are, as you know, so many religious leaders who pay lip service to the peace cause but very few who make serious efforts to achieve that goal. I am impressed, though, by what you have just told me.

Actually, I came to see you today only so as not to disappoint my wife. She insisted that I come see you, since you had kindly said you wanted to meet me. Besides, she told me you were going to the Middle East shortly. I thought perhaps it wouldn’t do any harm in just going one time to see the president of the organization to which my wife belongs. But that was very arrogant and unfair of me. I was looking at the Soka Gakkai with prejudiced eyes, not even bothering to ascertain the facts for myself. I am very sorry about my attitude.

Kawarazaki bowed deeply in a gesture of apology.

Shin’ichi assured him there was no need to apologize. If one does not know the reality of a situation, it is only natural to have misunderstandings. So, Mr. Kawarazaki, you’ve never chanted, then?

No. I’ve been a member in name only.

SHIN’ICHI then began to talk about Buddhism calmly: "Buddhism teaches that each person is inherently a Buddha worthy of supreme respect, that everyone has an equal right to become happy. In short, it is a humanistic philosophy, a philosophy of peace, expounding the equality of all humankind. Buddhism also teaches how we can tap the compassion, wisdom, and life force of the Buddha within us.

"All of us have our own ideals and convictions and are working with all our might to realize them. But it is human nature that, despite our best intentions to bring forth compassion in all our dealings, we can sometimes succumb to self-interest.

Life is full of setbacks and impasses. The key to happiness lies ultimately in having the strength to never succumb to anything, to calmly triumph over any obstacle. That is why Buddhist practice is so crucial.

Yes, I see, Kawarazaki said. As a matter of fact, I am experiencing a deadlock myself. I always wanted to devote my life to working for the Arab world’s benefit, but it seems I’ve been fighting a losing battle. Whenever I propose cultural enterprises and exchanges to enhance Japanese understanding of Arab people and culture, I am greeted with complete indifference. The hurdles are enormous. Perhaps I’m just being unrealistic. This thought depresses me.

Shin’ichi answered emphatically: Mr. Kawarazaki, I feel the reason your wife urged you to embrace Buddhism is that she wholeheartedly wants you to realize this dream. Surely she knows and understands, more than anyone, your deep love for the Arab world. I think you would agree that she is your greatest supporter. I heard you resigned from a position at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs some years ago. I would be willing to bet that your wife never uttered a word of complaint but fully supported your decision.

Kawarazaki nodded. You’re right. I put her through a lot. We fell on hard times. Yet despite her weak health, she took it all in stride without complaint. She scrimped and saved to make ends meet.

Your wife’s wish is to see you realize your dream of contributing to the Arab world. You mustn’t give up. Though it is only human to meet with deadlocks, there are no deadlocks in Buddhism.

SHIN’ICHI spoke earnestly. With a deep wish for the success of this exceptionally talented man, he said: "All people are born with a mission. I think your mission is to build a bridge of friendship and culture linking Japan and the Arab nations. Of course, there may be a limit to what an ordinary citizen, a nonpolitician, can do to benefit other countries. But by teaching Arabic to Japanese students and communicating the culture and spirit of that part of the world’s people to the Japanese, you are most definitely opening the way for great exchanges in the future.

It all depends on how passionately committed you are to this. Enthusiasm inspires others; it is contagious. The thing to do is cultivate people who share the same aspiration as you. Your wife would be saddened to hear you speak of giving up your dream; you would be letting her down if you did so.

Large tears glistened in the eyes of this expert on Arab affairs.

You have an enormous mission to fulfill, Shin’ichi continued. To foster the spirit of humanism in people’s hearts, paving the way to peace and building a bridge of cultural exchange is what Buddhism is all about. I will do my best to support you. Let’s devote this precious, irreplaceable lifetime to working for world peace and for a hope-filled future.

Kawarazaki nodded repeatedly, his eyes moist. He took off his glasses to wipe away the tears and, in a voice filled with fresh resolve, said: I am currently compiling an Arabic Japanese dictionary. No such work yet exists. The publishing companies I’ve contacted have shown no interest, saying it just wouldn’t be profitable. As a result, I’ll probably have to publish it at my own expense. But I will definitely complete this project, and I promise to present you with a copy.

Thank you very much. What a truly commendable undertaking! It will definitely be a valuable asset for future generations. But because so many people today find motivation only in immediate gain or loss, very few may appreciate your painstaking effort. All too often contemporaries ignore or criticize the work of pioneers.

I am greatly encouraged by your kind words.

Incidentally, Mr. Kawarazaki, I am struck by your deep affinity for the Arab world. You are probably more an Arab than a real Arab. Maybe you were an Arab in your previous existence.

I’ve thought so too, Kawarazaki said with a boisterous laugh. I’m honored that you should think so.

SHIN’ICHI asked Kawarazaki about the climate and customs of the various Arab countries and for any travel advice. Their meeting ended with a promise to meet again.

Returning home that day, Kawarazaki immediately sat before the Gohonzon and chanted three times. He then declared to his family, I’m going to practice with you starting today!

Through his encounter with Shin’ichi, Kawarazaki, a passionate champion of the Arab world, became a dedicated champion of kosen-rufu.

During the flight, Shin’ichi recalled his meeting with Kawarazaki and tried to imagine the countries he would be visiting. The plane arrived in Manila for its first stopover shortly after two, January 29. They had left Tokyo only a little more than four hours earlier. Continuing passengers, including Shin’ichi and his party, had about a thirty-to-forty-minute wait ahead of them in an airport transit lounge.

Back in Tokyo, the streets had been icy. Everyone had their overcoat collars turned up to keep out the bitter winter chill. But in Manila, it was a humid seventy-nine. Dressed in winter suits, Shin’ichi and his companions perspired heavily and gulped cold soft drinks.

Weren’t we supposed to be meeting with some Philippine members here? Shin’ichi asked. A Manila District of the Soka Gakkai had been established the previous May.

Yes, Eisuke Akizuki replied. That’s what we were told by the Overseas Department. Ten minutes and then twenty passed, but still no members arrived.

I wonder what happened to them? Shin’ichi said. Mr. Kuroki, would you mind looking around for them outside? A short while later Kuroki returned. I couldn’t see anyone that might be them.

Shin’ichi had been eagerly looking forward to talking with the Philippine members for the first time. Admittedly, he would only have had about a half hour. But the briefest words or encounter can either inspire people in faith or cause them to turn their back on it.

The briefest interaction can forge a powerful resolution in people’s hearts, giving them the strength and confidence to move forward on their own—or can momentarily undermine their determination, setting them on a downhill course.

Knowing this, Shin’ichi had resolved to pour all his energy into this encounter and wholeheartedly encourage each person.

SOON they heard the boarding call for their flight. What a shame we couldn’t meet them! Shin’ichi said.

As they stepped onto the tarmac, they heard someone calling out behind them: Sensei! Sensei! Turning around, Shin’ichi caught sight of several people waving eagerly from the observation deck. The Philippine members were calling out and waving to him.

Shin’ichi stopped to wave back and called out: Hello, everyone! Thank you so much for coming. Please take care! Let’s meet again! As he made his way to the plane, Shin’ichi turned back to wave again and again, wishing to engrave each face forever in his memory. Looking out the window after taking his seat, Shin’ichi saw that they were still waving with all their might. So he continued to wave back until the plane took off.

A little later, Akizuki, who was sitting next to him, said, I think they were all set to meet us but probably weren’t allowed in the transit lounge.

That must be the case. I feel really bad about disappointing them.

There was only a small number of members in the Philippines. They had no doubt been bravely supporting and encouraging one another to advance in faith while they strove in their activities. How eagerly they must have looked forward to meeting him. They had probably waited for several hours for his flight, some having taken time off work. Shin’ichi was bitterly disappointed and filled with regret that they hadn’t gotten together. Recalling each member’s face, Shin’ichi chanted in his heart for their good health and success.

About three hours after leaving Manila, the plane arrived at its next stopover, Bangkok, Thailand. A district had also been established there the previous May. Shin’ichi had made plans to meet with local members during this stopover too. As the group stepped from the plane, the ninety-degree humidity assaulted them.

A dozen or so members met Shin’ichi in the airport lobby. Together they moved to an airport restaurant to chat. Three of the members had only recently started practicing Buddhism, one man having joined just the day before. There were also five young women. It was clear that they had been developing steadily in the year since Shin’ichi’s first visit.

I AM very happy to meet you all, Shin’ichi said. "You must feel lonely sometimes with so few members here. But please be assured that in the near future, Thailand, along with Hong Kong, will be an important center of our kosen-rufu movement in Southeast Asia. I will do everything in my power to support you.

We have to leave soon today, but on our way back from Iran, Iraq, Turkey, Greece, Egypt, and Pakistan, we will return to Bangkok for an overnight stopover. So let’s hold a discussion meeting at that time.

The central figure of the Thai women, Anne Miyako Raiz, smiled and said: There are currently twenty-one households practicing in Bangkok. I’ll contact those who aren’t here today and make sure they attend.

There’s no need to pressure everyone into coming. Just those who can make it will be fine.

Noticing her maternity dress, he asked, Pardon my asking, but you’re expecting a baby soon, aren’t you?

Yes.

"Please go easy on yourself too. Make sure that you get plenty of rest so that you can give birth to a happy, healthy baby.

"Let me add how absolutely important it is to avoid placing unreasonable demands on the members or behaving in a way that offends or causes misunderstanding. Here, in a country where the Soka Gakkai is unknown, people will form impressions about our organization based only on your attitude and behavior. If your speech or conduct lacks courtesy or common sense, people will conclude that this is what the Gakkai and Nichiren Buddhism are all about.

"So it’s important to exercise wisdom and good sense in pursuing your Buddhist practice. Take into account this country’s culture, customs, and traditions. If the Soka Gakkai comes to be perceived as extreme or antisocial, it will set our movement here back ten or twenty years.

Leaders must act responsibly. It’s only natural to be enthusiastic in our activities. But if we think enthusiasm is enough, then all our efforts will just be self-serving. Before we do something, we have to stop and think. We have to reflect carefully on the meaning and consequences of our actions. We have to look ahead. In other words, it’s important to use wisdom. And wisdom arises from a strong sense of responsibility.

Shin’ichi’s greatest concern was that Japanese members living in foreign countries and holding leadership positions might, through lack of thought, inadvertently cause friction with their local communities. The ones to suffer most would be the members living in those countries.

TIME flew. Are we all right with time? Shin’ichi asked one youth leader accompanying him.

Akira Kuroki looked at his watch and gasped: My goodness! I’m sorry. It’s almost departure time.

Is it? In that case, let’s all meet again at the discussion meeting when we return.

When Shin’ichi and the others got to the boarding gate, they found the waiting area empty. A clock read the exact departure time. They hurried across the tarmac, sweating in the oppressive heat.

Akizuki asked, The plane won’t take off without us, will it?

I’m not sure, Kuroki said. They may be very strict about that sort of thing.

An airport attendant signaled them to hurry and they all broke into a run.

I guess we’ll make it after all, YusukeYoshikawa said.

The moment they boarded the plane, the door closed behind them. It took a while before they could get their breath back.

Akizuki turned to Shin’ichi and said: I or one of the others should have checked the time sooner. I’m very sorry.

These things happen, Shin’ichi said. Whenever we go abroad, everyone’s so relaxed that we forget who is supposed to be keeping us organized. I guess we’ll always remember coming to Bangkok and having to run a marathon!

Everyone laughed.

Failing to keep track of the time had been a serious oversight. Had the youth been oblivious to or completely unfazed by their negligence, Shin’ichi no doubt would have strictly pointed it out to them. But he knew they regretted what had happened, so he tried to make them feel better.

One important responsibility of a leader is to guide people in a way that they will take care not to repeat their mistakes, that they will work with enthusiasm and enjoy what they are doing.

Approximately two and a half hours later, the plane arrived at Calcutta, India.

AFTER a