This new study series will cover Soka Spirit topics to be presented by a youth or student division member at Soka 2030 meetings on the last Sunday of each month.
The Soka Gakkai’s history is defined by the shared commitment to uphold life’s dignity and Nichiren Daishonin’s teachings—even amid persecution.
This spirit was exemplified during World War II, when founding Soka Gakkai President Tsunesaburo Makiguchi and his disciple, Josei Toda, directly opposed the Japanese militarist regime and the compromising actions of the Nichiren Shoshu priesthood.
In 1943, the authorities demanded that religious groups in Japan—including Nichiren Shoshu—enshrine a spiritual talisman of Shinto, the state religion.
The priesthood complied, enshrining it at their head temple. They also supported Japan’s war efforts by conducting monthly ceremonies for military victories, donating copper to be turned into bullets and altering Nichiren’s writings to appease the state—revealing a pattern of doctrinal compromise and spiritual cowardice.
Courageously Upholding Faith Amid Opposition
In stark contrast, Mr. Makiguchi and Mr. Toda rejected the Shinto talisman, refusing to betray Nichiren’s teaching. The priests not only barred them from the head temple but also reported them to authorities, leading to their arrest as “thought” criminals in July 1943.
Since beginning his Buddhist practice, Mr. Makiguchi had criticized Nichiren Shoshu’s focus on self-preservation. He ensured that the Soka Gakkai and the guidance of its members remain independent from the priesthood.
He upheld unyielding faith—even sharing Buddhism with his interrogators—until he passed away in prison on Nov. 18, 1944.
After his release in July 1945, Mr. Toda resolved to spread Nichiren Buddhism widely. Despite the priesthood’s wartime betrayal, he sought reconciliation for the sake of kosen-rufu, supporting the struggling head temple, going so far as to construct and donate temples.
At the same time, he strongly condemned the corrupt priests who had lost their passion for kosen-rufu. Despite his efforts, the priesthood’s fundamental nature remained unchanged.
Under Ikeda Sensei’s leadership as third president, the Soka Gakkai grew exponentially, as did the priesthood’s authoritarianism and the degree to which it strayed from the Daishonin’s spirit. Tensions escalated to the point that Sensei resigned as Soka Gakkai president on April 24, 1979, to shield members from the priests’ attacks—an act echoing the wartime resolve of Mr. Makiguchi and Mr. Toda.
Even after this, Sensei and the Soka Gakkai members continued supporting the priests and pursuing dialogue with them. By 1990, they had donated more than 350 temples to Nichiren Shoshu.
Nevertheless, on Nov. 28, 1991, the priesthood excommunicated millions of Soka Gakkai members. Though meant as punishment, this act marked the Soka Gakkai’s spiritual liberation. Today, members celebrate Nov. 28 as a turning point for affirming that the heart of Buddhism lies with those committed to advancing kosen-rufu.
Mentor and Disciple—A Shared Vow for Humanity’s Happiness
In truth, the Soka Gakkai had long surpassed the priesthood in spreading Nichiren Buddhism. By excommunicating the SGI, the priests severed their own ties to the global kosen-rufu movement.
Sensei says:
The purpose of religion is to help each person become happy. But even a teaching whose original intent was to promote human happiness may start to restrict people. Even the Lotus Sutra could be used incorrectly to justify discrimination.
What is necessary to prevent the danger of such distortion from occurring? It is the mentor-disciple relationship. It is the disciple’s inheritance of the resolute spirit and faith of the mentor to lead people to happiness. (The Wisdom of the Lotus Sutra, vol. 6, pp. 258–59)
Reflecting on the Soka Gakkai’s history with the Nichiren Shoshu priesthood, we learn a vital lesson: Position and authority do not equate to what’s right or true. The genuine protectors of the Mystic Law were not those donning robes but those who endured persecution to uphold Nichiren’s spirit.
Today, as SGI members grounded in faith, dialogue and the oneness of mentor and disciple, we inherit the legacy of our three eternal mentors—who showed that the correct teaching is upheld not by title or status, but by courageous, committed action for the happiness of all people and lasting peace.
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