The following are excerpts from Ikeda Sensei’s speech at the Soka Gakkai Headquarters Leaders Meeting held at the Soka International Friendship Hall in Tokyo, on July 16, 2003. Video footage of the speech was broadcast during the Soka Gakkai Headquarters Leaders Meeting on April 12, 2025. The excerpts were translated from the April 28, 2025, issue of the Seikyo Shimbun, the Soka Gakkai’s daily newspaper.
Thank you all for gathering here today—not only from around Japan but from countries in Europe, Asia, Africa and North and South America as well. I am happy to see all of you in high spirits. Thank you for traveling such long distances.
You have come together for the sake of the Mystic Law—each one of you a person who is working tirelessly for kosen-rufu. The benefit you are accumulating is immeasurable. You are sure to receive boundless benefit throughout this lifetime and throughout eternity.
As indicated in Nichiren Daishonin’s writings, everything we do for the sake of kosen-rufu ultimately contributes to our own well-being and happiness.
Please relax and make yourselves comfortable. Today, I’d like to start by sharing some words from the diary of the renowned author Leo Tolstoy:
All great religions have been spread through the spoken word, and I believe that this is the only way it is possible to transmit true religious faith. Indeed, it is not just spread through speech but, rather, through the medium of people’s lives, a part of their very beings—that is, through transmitting the teachings orally, not through writings or publications.[1]
Tolstoy firmly asserts that the true essence of great religions was spread by the spoken word, a part of our lives. It also perfectly describes how we of the Soka Gakkai share our faith with others.
As you know, on this day (July 16) in 1260, Nichiren Daishonin submitted his treatise “On Establishing the Correct Teaching for the Peace of the Land” to the ruling authorities. In it, he admonished them for associating with corrupt priests who espoused erroneous teachings to the detriment of the nation’s welfare. This is one of our most important anniversaries. Nichiren Buddhism’s ideal of “establishing the correct teaching for the peace of the land” embodies the eternal principles of compassion, justice and peace. It is also the very foundation of the Soka Gakkai spirit.
Because he boldly initiated a struggle to establish the correct teaching and thereby bring peace to the land, the Daishonin encountered harsh persecution. This spirit of the Daishonin is found only in the Soka Gakkai.
Just like Nichiren, the Soka Gakkai has waged a battle armed with philosophy and principle against those malignant forces that seek to debase and denigrate people. We have championed and advanced the cause of humanism.
The first three presidents of the Soka Gakkai—united by the bonds of mentor and disciple—have striven with the same goals and objectives as the Daishonin. We acted in the same way he did. As a result, we encountered all manner of persecution. But together with all of you, our noble fellow members, the Soka Gakkai has been able to calmly triumph over all.
Discussing the concept of “establishing the correct teaching for the peace of the land,” Nichikan commented on the meaning of “peace of the land” as follows: “It encompasses the entire world and the future.[2]
“Peace of the land” does not infer a narrow-minded nationalism. It embodies guidelines for justice and peace that embrace the entire planet and extend into the limitless future of the Latter Day of the Law. In other words, the Daishonin’s landmark treatise sets forth the highest principles and course of action for bringing about happiness and prosperity for all humankind.
In direct accord with his teaching, we have actively pursued the path of dialogue and exchange with the aim of “establishing the correct teaching for the peace of the land” for the sake of the world and humanity. Through such dedicated efforts, the SGI has today grown into a momentous alliance for peace, culture and education in 186 countries and territories.[3]
In 1908, almost a century ago, the famous inventor Thomas Edison sent Tolstoy a phonograph, which was one of his great inventions.
Nearing the age of 80, Tolstoy used this heartfelt gift to record his responses to letters as well as his thoughts and views on various issues, his voice ringing with energy.
One of the recordings contains a draft of the famous article that Tolstoy wrote that same year, titled “I Cannot Be Silent.” Tolstoy spoke out to condemn the daily executions that were being carried out under the repressive regime then in power. Tolstoy raised his voice against this injustice. “A dreadful reality exists. We must summon our courage and fight against it. We must speak out for all that we are worth!”—this was his spirit.
Buddhism teaches that “The voice carries out the work of the Buddha” (The Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings, p. 4). We can accomplish great things with our voice.
The authorities even punished the newspapers that dared print Tolstoy’s just and reasoned arguments. Base articles defaming the great writer were also circulated. This is the unchanging pattern of the malicious persecution encountered by those who stand up for justice. The same still takes place today. That is why we must continue to fight back with words of truth.
“Things cannot continue as they are!” “I cannot remain silent!” Tolstoy’s courageous cry became the cry of tens of thousands and hundreds of thousands of people—their voices resounding powerfully across the land.
On his 80th birthday on Aug. 28, 1908, letters of appreciation and good wishes poured in from people throughout his country—and, indeed, from all corners of the world. One of them from a group of factory workers read: “We, the workers of Russia, proudly consider you a national treasure.”[4]
Praise from the people—this is the true honor. The Soka Gakkai’s advance has been accompanied by just such praise. That’s why our organization is strong. That is why it is never defeated.
Tolstoy declared: “Someone can destroy the place where we live, but the house of the spirit that is forged through pure thoughts and right action stands invincible before eternity. Moreover, nothing can harm the person who dwells in that house.”[5]
The Soka Gakkai is truly a great, indestructible bastion of the spirit. Let us boldly raise one flag of victory after another over this brilliant citadel of justice.
Nichiren Daishonin declares that the Mystic Law is a wondrous means for elevating all of humanity to the life state of Buddhahood and attaining absolute happiness. Our movement for kosen-rufu is a struggle to build lasting, unshakable peace in the world through this great power of Buddhism.
Only by basing ourselves on the Mystic Law can we create a world where peace prevails eternally. It is you, my friends of the youth division, who are living your youth for this profound mission. How noble your lives are! How precious each one of you is!
When you persevere on this supreme path, a life state of everlasting brilliance and victory awaits you.
With my heartfelt prayers for the health, success and happiness of all of you, my dear fellow members, I conclude my speech today.
Thank you. Please stay well.
May 16, 2025 World Tribune, pp. 2–3
References
- Translated from Japanese. Paul Biryukov, Dai Torusutoi (The Great Tolstoy), translated by Hisaichiro Hara, vol. 3 (Tokyo: Keiso Shobo, 1969), p. 175. ↩︎
- Translated from Japanese. Nichikan Shonin, Rissho ankoku ron guki (Commentary on “On Establishing the Correct Teaching for the Peace of the Land”). ↩︎
- Today, the Soka Gakkai’s global movement encompasses 192 countries and territories. ↩︎
- Translated from Japanese. Biryukov, Dai Torusutoi, vol. 3, p. 230. ↩︎
- Translated from Russian. From the 2003 Calendar Commemorating the 175th Anniversary of Tolstoy’s Birth, published by the State L. N. Tolstoy Museum. ↩︎
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