The following is from the October 2026 issue of the Soka Gakkai’s monthly study journal, Daibyakurenge.
It was Ikeda Sensei who made Nichiren Daishonin’s solemn mandate for the worldwide spread of the Mystic Law a reality.
In October 1961, he made his first visit to Europe. With only a handful of members there at the time, he chanted fervently, seeking to permeate the very land with daimoku, and wholeheartedly encouraged the few fellow members he met.
On Oct. 8, he visited the Berlin Wall, a symbol of the Cold War division between East and West, declaring: “I am sure that in 30 years this Berlin Wall will no longer stand.” His words were neither a mere prediction nor simply a hope: They expressed his firm conviction that people could come together as one, as well as his resolve to forge an ever-growing solidarity for peace.
Determined to open the way to a brighter future, Sensei continued to travel around the world. He engaged in dialogue with national leaders from both the Eastern and Western blocs, fostering friendship and advancing a philosophy of humanism. In 1989, the Berlin Wall finally fell, bringing the Cold War to an end. In the years that followed, he continued his diplomatic efforts as a private citizen, meeting with Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev and Richard von Weizsäcker, the first president of the newly unified Germany, among many others.
Today, our growing network of Bodhisattvas of the Earth extends throughout Europe. With the resounding call “One Europe with Sensei!” members are actively contributing to their communities and societies as they strive to build an ideal realm of human harmony.
This month marks the 70th anniversary of the start of the Yamaguchi Campaign.
Spreading out a map of Japan [and indicating Yamaguchi Prefecture in the west of Japan’s main island], second Soka Gakkai President Josei Toda said to his disciple: “Daisaku, you go to Yamaguchi and stir up a whirlwind of guidance and propagation!” Without a moment’s hesitation, his disciple replied: “Yes! Leave it to me!” Looking over the map and together envisioning the future advance of kosen-rufu, mentor and disciple were instantly united in spirit and resolve. With that, victory was assured.
Eager to strive alongside Sensei, members from across Japan joyfully volunteered to travel to Yamaguchi and take part in the campaign. Many of the local members had only recently begun practicing Buddhism, but, inspired by Sensei’s youthful leadership, they united with him and threw themselves wholeheartedly into the effort. By the end of the campaign, the membership in Yamaguchi had increased nearly tenfold from the initial 430 households.
What Sensei taught them was the joy of faith and an unyielding determination to share Buddhism with others. He also taught them the importance of unity among members and the spirit of mentor and disciple. The “wall of self-imposed limitations” always lies within ourselves, but encouraged by Sensei’s conviction that “You can definitely do it!” the members broke down the walls within their own hearts. In doing so, they were able to surmount the obstacles impeding the advance of kosen-rufu.
My fellow Bodhisattvas of the Earth, stand up with courage and stir up a whirlwind of dialogue, with the firm conviction that the driving force for worldwide kosen-rufu exists within your heart and that your community is the stage for transforming the course of human history.
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