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This Month in Soka Gakkai History (April)

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4/2

Josei Toda’s Passing

In 1958, Second Soka Gakkai President Josei Toda’s noble life of 58 years came to a close. Carrying on the final injunction of founding Soka Gakkai President Tsunesaburo Makiguchi, Mr. Toda had rebuilt the Soka Gakkai and achieved his lifetime membership goal of 750,000 households. This magnificent accomplishment shines eternally in the history of kosen-rufu. (See The Human Revolution, “Tranquil Light” and “New Dawn” chapters; and The New Human Revolution, vol. 4, “Spring Storm” chapter) 

4/2

Founding of Soka University

In November 1950, Mr. Toda spoke to Ikeda Sensei about his wish to establish Soka University and entrusted him with its realization. Sensei poured his entire life into making his mentor’s vision a reality, and on April 2, 1971, Soka University opened in Hachioji, Tokyo. (See NHR-15, “Soka University” chapter)

4/20

Marking the First ‘Seikyo Shimbun’ Issue

In 1951, the first issue of the Seikyo Shimbun was published. Since then, it has developed remarkably, with millions of subscribers and online readers in 210 countries and territories. (See NHR-10, “Bastion of the Pen” chapter; NHR-14, “Mighty River” chapter; NHR-18, “Lion’s Roar” chapter)

4/28

Nichiren Establishes his Teaching

In 1253, at age 32, Nichiren Daishonin declared his teaching of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, the fundamental Law for leading all people in the Latter Day to enlightenment. (See The Human Revolution, “The Seventh Centennial” chapter)

4/28

70 Years of the ‘Nichiren Daishonin Gosho zenshu’

In 1952, out of Josei Toda’s wish to make Nichiren Daishonin’s writings accessible to all people, the Gosho zenshu (The Complete Works of Nichiren Daishonin) was published. On Nov. 18, 2021, the new edition of the Gosho zenshu was published in Japanese. (See The Human Revolution, “Overwhelming Joy” and “The Seventh Centennial chapter”)

I seem to be slowing down with age, but my worries are growing. How can I handle this?

Soka Gakkai Donates to the UN World Food Programme