Shin’ichi Yamamoto, Ikeda Sensei’s character in The New Human Revolution, meets with some 50 members of the student division amid student demonstrations at the University of Tokyo that turned violent. This scene unfolds in response to a question that a student asked Shin’ichi: “How can we best lead our lives as people dedicated to realizing a better society?” It can be found in The New Human Revolution, volume 14, revised edition, pp. 18–20.
Everyone felt the need for social reform in order to put an end to the government’s oppression of the people. They firmly believed that this was the correct path and the proper attitude for all people of conscience. But they didn’t think that society could be reformed through student demonstrations or by barricading university campuses.
They were also aware that though students might advocate social reform while in school, once they graduated and entered the work force, they would have no choice but to toe the company line. This meant there was a strong possibility of them becoming part of the social structure that maintained the oppression they opposed. In this sense, many student division members were deeply concerned about how best to carry out their reformist ideals.
Shin’ichi responded: “There is no need to conceive of revolution based solely on such historical examples as the French Revolution or the Russian Revolution. It is superficial to think that a new society can be built following the same methods of past revolutions, and it is simply unrealistic to imagine that society can be reformed by waving sticks or using violence of any form. The image of a revolutionary as someone who employs such tactics is completely antiquated. And, personally, I do not wish to see a single young person come to harm!”
Shin’ichi’s words conveyed his true sentiments.
“During the time of the Russian Revolution and the old regime in France, the structure of society was relatively simple, with a handful of rulers controlling all the wealth. But today society in general has developed to a greater extent, becoming much more pluralistic. The distribution of society’s benefits and burdens is also extremely complicated.
“A vast majority of people, while being aware of society’s contradictions and inconsistencies, enjoy a considerable degree of comfort because of the established social order. A violent revolution cannot work in such an atmosphere.”
Shin’ichi looked directly at the member who had asked the question. “I think that the most important issue raised by the student-led All-Campus Joint Struggle Committees is how to surmount the egoism of those in power, as well as that in our own lives. In other words, they are searching for a sure way to triumph over the devilish nature inherent in power and human life.
“Only Buddhism can defeat human egoism and its devilish nature and create an age in which true humanity prevails. For doing so is a struggle to overcome the fundamental darkness inherent in life. Nichiren Daishonin writes, ‘The sharp sword that severs the fundamental darkness inherent in life is none other than the Lotus Sutra’ (“A Comparison of the Lotus and Other Sutras,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 1038). Indeed, the solution lies in carrying out kosen-rufu, a movement in which each individual reveals the great life state of Buddhahood through Buddhist practice and fundamentally transforms his or her life.
“Kosen-rufu is a comprehensive revolution based on the revolution of the individual. It is the process of actualizing the Buddhist spirit of compassion and the philosophy of the sanctity of life in the realms of government, economics, education, art and every area of human endeavor. The purpose of kosen-rufu is to build a society in which science, medicine, law and all other disciplines and systems created by human beings contribute to the happiness of humanity and produce genuine value. That is why, as Buddhists, we must never turn a blind eye to the reality of society.”
The member who had asked the question nodded.
Shin’ichi continued: “In short, the effort to introduce Buddhism to a single individual and thereby transform his or her life is the most gradual and certain path of nonviolent revolution. Furthermore, to live dedicated to kosen-rufu is the best way of life for a genuine reformer.
“It is also by demonstrating your abilities in society and gaining the trust of others that you can introduce Buddhism to others. We are attempting to carry out a new kind of revolution that no one has ever attempted before. And you are the ones who will actually achieve it and build a new age.”
Winning With Others
Name: Vihaan Shah
City: College Park, Maryland
School: University of Maryland, College Park
Living Buddhism: How did you start practicing Buddhism?
Vihaan Shah: My mother started practicing Buddhism in India. I would often see her chanting Nam-myoho- renge-kyo, and one day, I started asking questions. I wanted to know what it was all about. At first, I didn’t understand the essence of this philosophy, but she would ask me to chant with her. In the 11th grade I started chanting for small things like performing well in academics. I then started attending weekly Sunday meetings that were held at my house. The experiences I heard were really life-changing, so my practice grew deeper.
What would you say has been your biggest benefit since practicing Buddhism?
Vihaan: It’s given me a sense of safety, and I have gotten to know who I am. I feel lighter and I have the confidence to win in life. It’s about winning and helping others win as well. My mother taught me early on that I shouldn’t just chant for myself, that I should always chant for others.
Also, I get to connect with people who are facing many different challenges in their lives but are striving to make this world a better place.
When did you move to the U.S.?
Vihaan: I started chanting in 2023 that I would get into a master’s program in the U.S. But I wasn’t just chanting to get into a good school, I was chanting to attend meetings in America and get connected to the SGI here. I got admission into the University of Maryland, College Park, and moved in August 2024.
How has it been?
Vihaan: I’ve had a lot of challenges and learnings. In India I was very dependent on my parents and the luxuries of my home. But I’ve grown a lot, and my Buddhist practice has given me the confidence to thrive in any situation. Now I feel like: Throw whatever challenge at me. I have this practice. I will win!
How did you get involved in the campus club?
Vihaan: I was immediately connected to the current campus club leader when I moved to College Park, and he encouraged me to attend a campus club meeting. I enjoyed my first meeting, and I have been supporting them ever since. I know that sharing this philosophy is one of the greatest things I can do, and campus club meetings have given me the opportunity to do that.
Why do you feel these club meetings are important?
Vihaan: Because they target the youth who will be the future. Today, young people are facing many different challenges in this social media world. They feel the pressure of friends and peers and want to be accepted. Campus club meetings are there to spread this philosophy and connect the students to faith experiences and Ikeda Sensei. Our philosophy gives people a way to find their inner self and win in life by giving them a strong sense of confidence to pursue their dreams.
Recently I invited two of my friends, who attended a meeting with me. They related to the experience that was shared, and the following week, one of my friends and I started chanting together!
I think about how an Instagram reel goes viral. One person enjoys it, passes it on to the next person. I feel like if one student is impacted by this philosophy, achieves victories in life, they will pass it on to a friend. That person will pass it on to three more people and those three will pass it on to nine more.
What are your goals and determinations for the future?
Vihaan: Next school year, I will become the campus club president, and I’m determined to increase the number of people attending our meetings drastically by the time I graduate in May 2026. I also want to make my practice and study stronger and find a very great job that is fulfilling, financially secure and allows me to contribute to society based on Josei Toda’s advice to young people to find a job that fulfills all three criteria.
Buddhism is not just about you winning; it’s about helping other people win as well. I’m determined to help many young people win through sharing Nam-myoho-renge-kyo!
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