This section features Ikeda Sensei’s seminal guidance to the members of the SGI-USA. The following is an excerpt of his speech given at an SGI-USA Executive Conference in San Francisco, March 13, 1993. The full speech can be found in My Dear Friends in America, fourth edition, pp. 278–83.
The Birthplace of the United Nations
San Francisco, incidentally, is also the birthplace of the United Nations. Representatives from 50 countries gathered here to sign the Charter (in June 1945).
This year is the United Nations’ International Year of the World’s Indigenous People.
It is interesting to note that the wisdom of North America’s indigenous people is said not only to have played an important part in the realization of the early federation of 13 American states but also to have influenced the drafting of the charter of the United Nations. I am referring to the wisdom of the Iroquois League, a confederation of five (later six) Native American nations.
From around 1000 to 1450, five nations of Native Americans in the northeastern woodlands of the United States mutually agreed to end disputes among themselves and adopted a constitution known as the Great Binding Law. It sparkles with brilliant gems of wisdom. …
Strength of Character Demanded of Leaders
The Great Binding Law of the Iroquois League spelled out the qualities it required of leaders as follows: “The chiefs of the League of Five Nations shall be mentors of the people for all time. The thickness of their skins shall be seven spans, which is to say that they shall be proof against anger, offensive action and criticism.”
This requirement for tolerance and forbearance corresponds to the Buddhist concept of the “armor of endurance” (“On Practicing the Buddha’s Teachings,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 392). The Great Binding Law continues: “Their hearts shall be full of peace and good will and their minds filled with a yearning for the welfare of the people of the League. With endless patience, they shall carry out their duty. Their firmness shall be tempered with a tenderness for their people. Neither anger nor fury shall find lodging in their minds and all their words and actions shall be marked by calm deliberation.”
Each of these points is equally applicable to the leaders of kosen-rufu as well.
It would appear that the chiefs of the League endeavored to lead not by controlling their members with orders or through coercion but through the power of dialogue and character.
According to one historian, when the Native Americans met in a group, it was immediately clear who the leader was. Why? It was certainly not because he was the one putting on the biggest airs. In fact, it was the exact opposite. The chief was the most unassuming and modest in demeanor, generously distributing all that was his among the people.
I hope that all of you will also thoroughly treasure the members.
Leaders Must Be Modest
The second Soka Gakkai president, Josei Toda, said: “It is a mistake to consider yourself of special importance because you have been designated to a position of leadership. The correct attitude, I believe, is for all of us as common mortals to be willing to give and receive guidance from one another. Should there be any leaders who think they are special, send them to see me! …
“Filling your hearts with the Buddha’s compassion, please give sincere and enthusiastic guidance, showing the same caring attitude toward the members as you would toward your own partners or children. Leaders are not automatically entitled to others’ respect. If leaders are respected, it is a benefit from the Gohonzon, and as such we must be truly humble. If this sentiment of profound gratitude permeates our chapter, district, group and unit leaders, then it will communicate itself to the Gohonzon.”
I hope that all of you, striving to be leaders who are loved and respected by the members, will build a garden of peace and harmony that rings with the sound of joyful laughter. …
‘We Are Right Now in the Very Midst of Kosen-rufu’
The Great Binding Law of the Iroquois League also states the following: “Look and listen for the welfare of the whole people and have always in view not only the present but also the coming generations, even those whose faces are yet beneath the surface of the ground, the unborn of the future Nation.”
Tomorrow, you will hold the First SGI-USA Youth General Meeting and formally establish the junior high and high school division. I hope you will further develop the path of successors, using your wisdom and energy.
The SGI’s Mission: Securing the Eternal Welfare of Humanity
Finally, I would like to quote from Nichiren’s writings. The Daishonin warns us, “Strengthen your faith day by day and month after month. Should you slacken in your resolve even a bit, devils will take advantage” (“On Persecutions Befalling the Sage,” WND-1, 997).
I feel that my efforts for kosen-rufu thus far have been small [compared to my vision].
I am determined to exert myself with even greater energy from now on.
In closing, I pledge together with all of you to always advance courageously for the sake of the eternal future, striving to live up to President Toda’s declaration that “the Soka Gakkai’s mission is to secure the eternal welfare of humanity.”
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