On Sept. 5, 2001, 41 SGI-USA youth representatives attended a headquarters leaders meeting in Tokyo with Ikeda Sensei in attendance. Ahead of the meeting, the youth had presented Sensei with the newly created SGI-USA youth division flag, solidifying their determination to advance kosen-rufu in the 21st century. They were surprised to find that Sensei had the youth flag displayed onstage, and upon entering the room, he looked at and saluted it.
In the center of the flag, the image of a roaring lion king symbolizes the mentor and represents powerful and courageous advance. The lion also symbolizes the resolve of the youth to advance on the eternal path of the oneness of mentor and disciple.
The golden shield that surrounds the emblem signifies the youth’s vow to fight for justice and to protect the SGI movement. The green laurels within the shield represent the youth’s resolve to realize peace through promoting culture and education, and also stand for the victory of the common people.
The SGI colors—blue for peace, yellow for glory and red for victory—serve as the foundation for the shield itself, corresponding to a strong foundation of faith and conviction in the eternal advancement of the SGI.
In an exchange with the SGI-USA youth leader at the meeting, Sensei said to him, and by extension, all the youth of America: “Together, you and me, let’s accomplish kosen-rufu” (Oct. 10, 2003, Seize the Day, p. A).
As the representatives flew home, they were unexpectedly rerouted to Canada due to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, and they remained there for three days. When they finally departed for home, they learned that Sensei had named them the Ever-Victorious Group. Led by the youth, the SGI-USA ignited the spirit of shakubuku as the means to transform the land.
Two years later, Sensei established Sept. 5 as SGI-USA Youth Day—a milestone that was announced at a nationwide youth meeting, bringing together 1,500 youth by video and phone. In his message marking this establishment, Sensei wrote:
I firmly believe it is America’s mission … to spread Nichiren Buddhism to the rest of the world, sending the groundswell of peace and happiness to every corner of the Earth. Above all, it is my American youth who will play the main role in this endeavor. (See sidebar.)
SGI-USA Youth Day marks a day for youth to reflect on and deepen their sense of mission to create peace in their country by advancing kosen-rufu courageously with and for their eternal mentor.
—Prepared by the World Tribune staff
Ikeda Sensei sent the following message to a nationwide SGI-USA youth meeting, held on Sept. 6, 2003, during which it was announced that Sensei declared Sept. 5 as SGI-USA Youth Day.
As my successors, all of you, the SGI-USA youth, are holding aloft your proud “banner of Soka” and “banner of peace and happiness” over the land of America! My sincerest congratulations to you on holding your youth general meeting!
From today’s general meeting onward, Sept. 5 will be designated “SGI-USA Youth Division Day.” Youth will kick off a new advancement each year on this date. Once again, my heartfelt congratulations on your new departure!
Together with my trusted youth leaders, please make joyful, cheerful progress from today, raising the banner of unity and harmony. I also thank you all deeply for your noble efforts and hard work, day in and day out.
Nichiren Buddhism was born in Japan, but I firmly believe it is America’s mission—as a model and center of the world—to spread Nichiren Buddhism to the rest of the world, sending the groundswell of peace and happiness to every corner of the Earth. Above all, it is my American youth who will play the main role in this endeavor.
In American society, where all ethnicities and cultures crisscross, youth, upholding the supreme philosophy of Buddhism, are changing their destiny, helping their friends transform their sorrow into joy, and guiding society toward peace and happiness. These are the dignified, courageous actions of my American youth. I have no doubt that the gaze of the whole world will be upon you and that people the world over will be applauding you.
Kyo of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, Nichiren Daishonin says, may be compared to the leg of the human body. Because we use our legs—walking and moving—to take action for the wide spread of Buddhism, we each come to shine as the genuine embodiment of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, the fundamental Law of life and the universe.
The Daishonin often quotes the following passage from a Buddhist scripture: “To discard the shallow and seek the profound is the way of a person of courage” (“On the Buddha’s Prophecy,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 402). I ask that each of you, my precious American youth, live each day as a courageous lion for a great ideal and purpose, crowning each day with victory toward a life of utmost fulfillment and great glory.
Your victory is my victory. The victory of the American youth is the victory of the world. So please advance with pride, with the unity of “many in body, one in mind.”
Each and every day, I am earnestly praying for your excellent health and splendid development, and for the great success of your endeavors.
My dear SGI-USA youth—may you all enjoy peace and happiness as the foremost model for the world!
Sept. 6, 2003
Daisaku Ikeda
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