SGI The New Human Revolution (NHR), Vol. 21, Ch 1 ... - SGI-USA

SGI-USA Men’s Division Monthly MeetingsSuggested study material for February 2009Throughout 2009, we’ll be studying The New Human Revolution, the continuing historical novel bySGI President Ikeda. We continue this month with Volume 21, Chapter 1, which describes the foundingof the SGI organization in January, 1975. This material was printed in the World Tribune specialsection from September 12, 2008. We want to strongly encourage all Men’s Division members tosubscribe to the World Tribune, and also to attend and participate actively in the 4-divisional studymeetings in your local organization.***********************************************SGIThe New Human Revolution (NHR), Vol. 21, Ch 1, Installments 10-19by SGI President IkedaShin’ichi thought at length about the request from the representatives of the peace conferenceplanning committee that, in addition to the IBL, an international body be established that would help itsmembers learn the vital spirit of the Soka Gakkai and provide guidance in Buddhist faith and practice.He had also felt the need for just such an organization, but he believed that it should be created throughthe strong volition of the overseas members themselves.Shin’ichi thought to himself: “The organizations officially established in various countries andterritories operate independent of one another, conducting their own activities in accord with local lawsand customs. That autonomy needs to be respected to the greatest degree possible. On that basis, ifthere is also a strong desire to establish an umbrella organization that supports a deeper study ofBuddhism and the Soka Gakkai spirit and provides guidance and advice, it would not be unreasonable tocreate an international body separate from the IBL.”But Shin’ichi initially refrained from conveying his opinion to the representatives. He wanted toascertain if this proposal was truly the request of members the world over. He continued to ponder thematter: “To maintain and deepen one’s beliefs is ultimately an expression of one’s autonomy and selfmotivation.An organization designed to inspire and guide that faith could only be established throughthe strong free will and consensus of all. If, on the other hand, members around the world felt that suchan organization was being forced upon them, the original purpose would be lost.”* * * * * * *Early on the morning of January 26, the day of the First World Peace Conference, Shin’ichistood on the beach on the island of Guam.He recalled traveling with his mentor, Josei Toda, in the summer of 1954, to Toda’s hometownof Atsuta, a village in Hokkaido. Gazing out at the Japan Sea as the sun set, Toda had said to Shin’ichi,“I will build a solid foundation for kosen-rufu in Japan, but you will pave the way for kosen-rufuthroughout the world.” Shin’ichi had engraved those words in his heard as if they were a finalinjunction.And now, reminiscing on those words, he addressed Toda in his heart: “Sensei! Today membersfrom 51 countries and territories around the globe are assembling for a world peace conference. Kosenrufuis spreading around the world, proclaiming your message of global peace. At today’s conference, itseems I will become the president of the Soka Gakkai International and begin to take the lead, both inname and in reality, of global kosen-rufu. As your representative, I am about to soar into the world.”And on that day, Shin’ichi was indeed appointed the president of the SGI by the unanimousdecision of all the conference participants. That moment marked the dawn of a new and epochal day in