"In any struggle, speed is of the essence. The challenge lies in making the most of the limited time available. The Chinese classic Shi Chi (Record of History) states: 'It is hard to find the right opportunity and easy to lose it.' That is why Shin'ichi always acted with the conviction that now is the time, never delaying or postponing."The New Human Revolution--Vol. 21: Chap. 2,People's Diplomacy 24, trans. April 10th, 2008
Responding swiftly is of utmost importance. Moving with lightning speed very often determines whether we are victorious or not. Swiftly and accurately, let's take all the necessary action in order for us to be absolutely victorious.
hi my dearest HGS-ians..am personally counting down to 9 + 3 more days wher i will officially be known as kovan mbr instead of hgs.. using wadever time i have to do the most with all of you. lets all think and act as one, together with Sensei's heart in mind. Unless theleaders are united and motivated, striving joyously for the members' happiness, there can be no true growth within the organisation. Lets not procrastinate or point fingers at others but take each and every matter into our own hands. Sensei never waited for the other leaders. The Lion is not afraid of loneliness.. this is what i use to encourage myself whenever i feel very tired and lonely. Gambatte lo!! we muz show actual proof(s) and become kings and queens of happiness!! ^^
Also encourage all of you to contribute to this growing-cobwebs blog. lets make sure every bit of effort we put in does not go wasted by reachin out to our mbrs with great concern and compassion instead of juz pushing for attendance. =)
Love, weili
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Friday, April 18, 2008
Yamaguchi Campaign
Lets learn together from Sensei the key to victory from one of the famous and unprecedented battle : Yamaguchi campaign.
(Unofficial Translation of “Yamaguchi Toso”, Daibyaku Renge, October 2003,
by K-O Region Translation Group)
--- “President Toda has given the direction that we will carry out the overall Shakubuku
Campaign in Yamaguchi from the next month. I, as the general staff, will fight like Yoshitsune,
like Shinsaku. Let me fight the battle for the Law, which will remain in the history.” ---- SGI
President Ikeda, in the “Youthful Diary” dated Sept. 5, 1956.
The Yamaguchi Campaign followed directly after the “Battle of Osaka” unfolded. The period of
the Campaign was only from October 1956 to January of the next year, 1957. It was a short
decisive battle, fought only three times. The SGI President was 28 years old.
♦ Testimony: Yoshio Fusaki (Tsurumii Chapter Corp Leader at that time)
I went to Osaka frequently for business at that time. During the Yamaguchi campaign, I headed
to an inn in Yamaguchi where Sensei was staying, on the way from Osaka where I was
conducting business. However, when he saw me, Sensei told me to go home. My mind went
blank and I did not know what to do. I went back to my room and thought about why Sensei told
me that. I came to realize that my heart was not ready to fight alongside Sensei. I was coming to Yamaguchi with a feeling that I was still on my business trip. During dinner, I appealed to Sensei “Sensei, I am very sorry. Please let me fight with you.” As I look back, Sensei’s determination at that time was that much more fervent and earnest. Sensei once mentioned that he can see whether a person is serious or not just by listening to his footsteps in the hallway.
Ever since, I have made this guidance my life’s motto. President Ikeda described this episode to
the representatives of the dispatched members as follows:
“Depending on the person, it is important to be strict and say what needs to be said. True strength comes forth once a strong determination to challenge both work and activities to fullest is made. He was not utilizing all of his capability because he did not make up his mind to fight. He can appreciate the true worth of coming to Yamaguchi once we help him expand his true strength and capabilities.” Hearing this story, the dispatched members were very moved by President Ikeda’s compassion toward this member.
Not just using strategies or methodologies!
Members from Adachi Chapter (in Tokyo) fought at Ube City. But they had a difficult time
there. After 10 days, their Shakubuku result was zero. The person in charge struggled. After he returned to Tokyo, he continually visited President Ikeda in Ichigaya city.
He had to wait there awhile to meet with President Ikeda since he was busy meeting with
someone else. While he was waiting, he was thinking, “How I should report?”, or “Will he teach
me good strategy?”.
Then, President Ikeda entered. He immediately explained his dead-end situation to Sensei.
President Ikeda said, “Once you have determined to do Shakubuku, it’s important not to be defeated by your own weakness. Faith is, in other words, determination and practice.” At the next campaign the following month, the members in Adachi Chapter achieved great victory through “acting calmly and unflappably”, thorough “Shakubuku and persuasive dialogue”.
There is guidance from President Ikeda. It says, “Most important thing is to have strong Ichinen
to win no matter what, or to really have fighting spirit. When we pray deeply with focusing this point, all our action will not be failed. We can advance toward the eternal victory.”
♦Testimony: Tatsuko Kitakaze (Unit Leader in Fukuoka Chapter at that time)
Early afternoon on October 9th, I hurried to Toyokan in Kitakyushu City from Fukuoka.
As soon as I arrived at the Toyokan, Sensei asked me various questions in succession such as:
“What is your strong point?” “How about your shortcomings?” To my reply, Sensei said, “ Your
shortcoming is carelessness, isn’t it?” As I wondered how he knew that, he told me that he had
read the leaders’ card, in which I had described myself. Before he came to Yamaguchi he had read about each one of the dispatched members. I was surprised with his mindfulness. The first thing I learned from President Ikeda was the importance of preparation before facing battles.
He also looked at the health column of my card. I reported that because I had been suffering
from scrofulous tendency, and was told that I would die before I would turn 7 years old.
Then Sensei said, “The bodhisattva of the earth is originally born with strong body. I had suffered from tuberculoses, occasionally coughing up blood, but decided that I was strong and healthy.”
Later, I understood the reason why President Ikeda told me that story at that moment. He
pointed out to me that I was preoccupied with the idea of my sickness and my health problems.
Since then, I decided that I was robust, that I was in robust health. Then, I actually became healthy.
Sensei continued with questions. “What is your hobby?” I replied, “My hobbies are listening to
music and reading books.” “Which composer do you like?” “I like Beethoven.” “Do you know
in what thought and with what feeling he composed his music?” I was at a loss for a reply.
I was also asked about my reading. As I told him that I love to read Tolstoy, he pressed me for
specific answer by saying, “Tell me some of his works.” As I answered, he repeatedly asked me,
“And what else?” “And what else?”
When I answered, “Crime and Punishment” he stopped asking. Crime and Punishment was
written by Dostoevsky, not by Tolstoy. He pointed out that I should not be haphazard, but should be thorough. I reflected on my tendency of leaving things half done.
On that day training for me as a leader began. Sensei said, “Come see me every day while I am
in Shimonoseki.” From then on, I started commuting to Shimonoseki though I was working at a
department store in Hakata. It was too good for me that President Ikeda had waited for my
arrival before starting Gongyo at the meetings. I was touched by Sensei’s persistent wish for
youth to grow.
♦Testimony: Toshie Shirai (Women’s District Leader in Koiwa Chapter at the time)
With the war, it went down hill for my family. My father worked even with his illness and my
mother sold candies in front of a train station and earned very little money. Although my
family’s situation, which had hit rock bottom, began improving a little, it still amazes me how I
participated in the campaign without having a steady job. Sensei introduced us to the local
members. At an inn in Ube, Sensei told everyone that I came from a very prestigious family. ---
Coming from a prestigious family – I repeatedly said it to myself to digest it. Sensei’s words
became the light of hope.
♦Testimony: Hatsue Miyazaki (Chapter Board Member for Bunkyo Chapter at that time)
Though the members from Bunkyo Chapter came to Yamaguchi triumphantly, we could not
accomplish the Shakubuku of even one household. Sensei came at the time when we were in great trouble. When Gongyo began at the stronghold, I felt the force was getting stronger as we chanted in the same rhythm with Sensei. As soon as gongyo was finished, Sensei turned around and said, “You will be able to successfully Shakubuku starting from tomorrow.” He sounded very confident. With these words, we became one and exclaimed, “Let’s do it!” From that day forth, things progressed as Sensei had predicted.
♦Testimony: Toshie Usui (In charge of districts in Koiwa Chapter at that time)
We did gongyo and chanted with Sensei in the morning and then we were sent off from the
stronghold in the city of Ube with Sensei telling us, “Do your best!” We walked all day long.
We talked and talked but people didn't care for what we said. When we came back tired and woeful Sensei welcomed us back to the stronghold with warmth.
We could not raise our faces, because tears of shame were running down our cheeks.
Sensei then said, “Shakubuku is the most difficult of all the difficult tasks. That is why we receive benefits and build fortune. You can’t feel defeated just because you couldn’t accomplish it today. You can accomplish your goals tomorrow!” I felt revived by his strong encouragements. I sat left-behind Sensei at the next morning's gongyo. "I will do it today!” I chanted for my life. He turned around when we were chanting and said into my ear, “You chant in the same rhythm as the leader”. I blushed then, and realized it was an important guidance to receive as a Soka Gakkai member. When I left the stronghold, He told me “you can do it today!”
My courage multiplied by 100 and I took off to the city. I accomplished Shakubuku with my desperate efforts to win and came back with the last train. I came back and ran to the second floor to report the news to sensei. Right when I opened the door where everyone was, Sensei said “Congratulations!” Tears of joy dropped from my face this time.
How Can We Achieve a Great, High Life-condition Like That of a Sensei?
Observing President Ikeda’s actions forging ahead, gaining the trust of anyone who comes into
contact with him along the way, a leader in Fukuoka Chapter was prompted to ask President
Ikeda, “How should we carry out our practice in order to achieve a great, high life-condition like that of yours?”
“I have always prayed for growth of those districts and chapters that were struggling the most.”
President Ikeda answered. Voluntarily he would go into areas with the least growth, assuming
the responsibility of realizing Kosen-rufu of these areas on his own. This leader often
wondered, “Why do they always assign me to the worst areas?” However, President Ikeda’s
response to his question led him to seriously reflect on his weakness.
♦Testimony: Kazuko Takeuchi (Sakai Chapter Board Member at that time)
I participated from Sakai chapter. I went to Hagi city relying on few personal connections within
the chapter.
The place was bound by old customs and propagation was not proceeding well. When it came to a deadlock, some members started to say “I want to go home!” During this time of struggle, Sensei came to Takagiya Inn. Right away, he smiled and said “That’s all right! You can do shakubuku from tomorrow!” Then he continued. “If you have decided to do shakubuku, the you definitely can do it!! Let’s spend time tonight without thinking about the result of Shakubuku. Let’s strive for Kosen-rufu joyously together.” He talked with every person warmly and gave them guidance. For me, he wrote a postcard to my husband who was staying at home. I learned in my heart that not to be narrow minded only by adhering to the result of Shakubuku. The joy which we can share with all members to accomplish the great mission for kosen-rufu together is much more important.” All the members’ hearts became one. Then we could do Shakubuku as if the fog cleared completely. It inspired us with hope. Later, we did 49 Shakubuku within 3 days. When I went back to my home, I saw the postcard from sensei. It read: “Your wife is fighting brilliantly for Kosen-rufu of Sanyo Area in Hagi City. I can imagine the inconveniences that you may face in her absence. However, please recognize that this battle will serve to build the foundation for the establishment of a new chapter supported by the delegates of the Thus Come One. I am praying that you will receive great honors and benefits.”
My husband understood Sensei’s wish for him to welcome me home as if he were welcoming the Buddha. My husband welcomed me with a warm smile and said, “You look divine! It was just like the Buddha came home.”
Everyone is waiting
President Ikeda traveled around Yamaguchi. Transportation in Yamaguchi was by train and by
bus. However, the connections were very bad. A woman who welcomed President Ikeda at
Chitose Inn, a base in Tokuyama, recalled: “When Sensei arrived, he said ‘I am tired.’ Beads of sweat stood out on his face. At that time, many people had already gathered. Sensei wiped the perspiration from his face and said ‘everyone is waiting. I should not take a rest.’ Then he entered the room, saying ‘Hello everyone, how are you?’ with a powerful voice. It was miraculous because he had almost collapsed from exhaustion.”
♦ Testimony: Yoshiaki Matsui (Matsushima Chapter District Secretary at that time)
At a dispatched place, Sensei entrusted his bag to me. When I held it, it was lighter than I
thought. I was thinking that it had to be heavy because of Gosho and books. But when I peeked in through an opening, there were many medicine bottles. He took a leadership role in the battle even though he was in poor health.
♦ Testimony: Mitsui Hiasa (lived in Ube City at that time, joined Soka Gakkai in June, 1956)
It was October. I walked to Matsuya Inn in Ube City wearing old wooden clogs and carrying my
daughter. I think it was about 7 miles away from my tiny house. Sensei asked me “How old are
you?” I said, “I am 28 years old.” I must have looked terrible, because I was poor and dusty all
over, with disheveled hair. Sensei said, “If you have faith, you will be youthful.” Because of that statement, I stood up and changed my life condition.
more to share.. ultimately the key is to actualising our mentors' word and exerting our utmost without giving up. Sensei has showned actual proof of achieving victory when we possess the correct Oneness of mentor and disciple spirit. Now it is our turn.
(Unofficial Translation of “Yamaguchi Toso”, Daibyaku Renge, October 2003,
by K-O Region Translation Group)
--- “President Toda has given the direction that we will carry out the overall Shakubuku
Campaign in Yamaguchi from the next month. I, as the general staff, will fight like Yoshitsune,
like Shinsaku. Let me fight the battle for the Law, which will remain in the history.” ---- SGI
President Ikeda, in the “Youthful Diary” dated Sept. 5, 1956.
The Yamaguchi Campaign followed directly after the “Battle of Osaka” unfolded. The period of
the Campaign was only from October 1956 to January of the next year, 1957. It was a short
decisive battle, fought only three times. The SGI President was 28 years old.
♦ Testimony: Yoshio Fusaki (Tsurumii Chapter Corp Leader at that time)
I went to Osaka frequently for business at that time. During the Yamaguchi campaign, I headed
to an inn in Yamaguchi where Sensei was staying, on the way from Osaka where I was
conducting business. However, when he saw me, Sensei told me to go home. My mind went
blank and I did not know what to do. I went back to my room and thought about why Sensei told
me that. I came to realize that my heart was not ready to fight alongside Sensei. I was coming to Yamaguchi with a feeling that I was still on my business trip. During dinner, I appealed to Sensei “Sensei, I am very sorry. Please let me fight with you.” As I look back, Sensei’s determination at that time was that much more fervent and earnest. Sensei once mentioned that he can see whether a person is serious or not just by listening to his footsteps in the hallway.
Ever since, I have made this guidance my life’s motto. President Ikeda described this episode to
the representatives of the dispatched members as follows:
“Depending on the person, it is important to be strict and say what needs to be said. True strength comes forth once a strong determination to challenge both work and activities to fullest is made. He was not utilizing all of his capability because he did not make up his mind to fight. He can appreciate the true worth of coming to Yamaguchi once we help him expand his true strength and capabilities.” Hearing this story, the dispatched members were very moved by President Ikeda’s compassion toward this member.
Not just using strategies or methodologies!
Members from Adachi Chapter (in Tokyo) fought at Ube City. But they had a difficult time
there. After 10 days, their Shakubuku result was zero. The person in charge struggled. After he returned to Tokyo, he continually visited President Ikeda in Ichigaya city.
He had to wait there awhile to meet with President Ikeda since he was busy meeting with
someone else. While he was waiting, he was thinking, “How I should report?”, or “Will he teach
me good strategy?”.
Then, President Ikeda entered. He immediately explained his dead-end situation to Sensei.
President Ikeda said, “Once you have determined to do Shakubuku, it’s important not to be defeated by your own weakness. Faith is, in other words, determination and practice.” At the next campaign the following month, the members in Adachi Chapter achieved great victory through “acting calmly and unflappably”, thorough “Shakubuku and persuasive dialogue”.
There is guidance from President Ikeda. It says, “Most important thing is to have strong Ichinen
to win no matter what, or to really have fighting spirit. When we pray deeply with focusing this point, all our action will not be failed. We can advance toward the eternal victory.”
♦Testimony: Tatsuko Kitakaze (Unit Leader in Fukuoka Chapter at that time)
Early afternoon on October 9th, I hurried to Toyokan in Kitakyushu City from Fukuoka.
As soon as I arrived at the Toyokan, Sensei asked me various questions in succession such as:
“What is your strong point?” “How about your shortcomings?” To my reply, Sensei said, “ Your
shortcoming is carelessness, isn’t it?” As I wondered how he knew that, he told me that he had
read the leaders’ card, in which I had described myself. Before he came to Yamaguchi he had read about each one of the dispatched members. I was surprised with his mindfulness. The first thing I learned from President Ikeda was the importance of preparation before facing battles.
He also looked at the health column of my card. I reported that because I had been suffering
from scrofulous tendency, and was told that I would die before I would turn 7 years old.
Then Sensei said, “The bodhisattva of the earth is originally born with strong body. I had suffered from tuberculoses, occasionally coughing up blood, but decided that I was strong and healthy.”
Later, I understood the reason why President Ikeda told me that story at that moment. He
pointed out to me that I was preoccupied with the idea of my sickness and my health problems.
Since then, I decided that I was robust, that I was in robust health. Then, I actually became healthy.
Sensei continued with questions. “What is your hobby?” I replied, “My hobbies are listening to
music and reading books.” “Which composer do you like?” “I like Beethoven.” “Do you know
in what thought and with what feeling he composed his music?” I was at a loss for a reply.
I was also asked about my reading. As I told him that I love to read Tolstoy, he pressed me for
specific answer by saying, “Tell me some of his works.” As I answered, he repeatedly asked me,
“And what else?” “And what else?”
When I answered, “Crime and Punishment” he stopped asking. Crime and Punishment was
written by Dostoevsky, not by Tolstoy. He pointed out that I should not be haphazard, but should be thorough. I reflected on my tendency of leaving things half done.
On that day training for me as a leader began. Sensei said, “Come see me every day while I am
in Shimonoseki.” From then on, I started commuting to Shimonoseki though I was working at a
department store in Hakata. It was too good for me that President Ikeda had waited for my
arrival before starting Gongyo at the meetings. I was touched by Sensei’s persistent wish for
youth to grow.
♦Testimony: Toshie Shirai (Women’s District Leader in Koiwa Chapter at the time)
With the war, it went down hill for my family. My father worked even with his illness and my
mother sold candies in front of a train station and earned very little money. Although my
family’s situation, which had hit rock bottom, began improving a little, it still amazes me how I
participated in the campaign without having a steady job. Sensei introduced us to the local
members. At an inn in Ube, Sensei told everyone that I came from a very prestigious family. ---
Coming from a prestigious family – I repeatedly said it to myself to digest it. Sensei’s words
became the light of hope.
♦Testimony: Hatsue Miyazaki (Chapter Board Member for Bunkyo Chapter at that time)
Though the members from Bunkyo Chapter came to Yamaguchi triumphantly, we could not
accomplish the Shakubuku of even one household. Sensei came at the time when we were in great trouble. When Gongyo began at the stronghold, I felt the force was getting stronger as we chanted in the same rhythm with Sensei. As soon as gongyo was finished, Sensei turned around and said, “You will be able to successfully Shakubuku starting from tomorrow.” He sounded very confident. With these words, we became one and exclaimed, “Let’s do it!” From that day forth, things progressed as Sensei had predicted.
♦Testimony: Toshie Usui (In charge of districts in Koiwa Chapter at that time)
We did gongyo and chanted with Sensei in the morning and then we were sent off from the
stronghold in the city of Ube with Sensei telling us, “Do your best!” We walked all day long.
We talked and talked but people didn't care for what we said. When we came back tired and woeful Sensei welcomed us back to the stronghold with warmth.
We could not raise our faces, because tears of shame were running down our cheeks.
Sensei then said, “Shakubuku is the most difficult of all the difficult tasks. That is why we receive benefits and build fortune. You can’t feel defeated just because you couldn’t accomplish it today. You can accomplish your goals tomorrow!” I felt revived by his strong encouragements. I sat left-behind Sensei at the next morning's gongyo. "I will do it today!” I chanted for my life. He turned around when we were chanting and said into my ear, “You chant in the same rhythm as the leader”. I blushed then, and realized it was an important guidance to receive as a Soka Gakkai member. When I left the stronghold, He told me “you can do it today!”
My courage multiplied by 100 and I took off to the city. I accomplished Shakubuku with my desperate efforts to win and came back with the last train. I came back and ran to the second floor to report the news to sensei. Right when I opened the door where everyone was, Sensei said “Congratulations!” Tears of joy dropped from my face this time.
How Can We Achieve a Great, High Life-condition Like That of a Sensei?
Observing President Ikeda’s actions forging ahead, gaining the trust of anyone who comes into
contact with him along the way, a leader in Fukuoka Chapter was prompted to ask President
Ikeda, “How should we carry out our practice in order to achieve a great, high life-condition like that of yours?”
“I have always prayed for growth of those districts and chapters that were struggling the most.”
President Ikeda answered. Voluntarily he would go into areas with the least growth, assuming
the responsibility of realizing Kosen-rufu of these areas on his own. This leader often
wondered, “Why do they always assign me to the worst areas?” However, President Ikeda’s
response to his question led him to seriously reflect on his weakness.
♦Testimony: Kazuko Takeuchi (Sakai Chapter Board Member at that time)
I participated from Sakai chapter. I went to Hagi city relying on few personal connections within
the chapter.
The place was bound by old customs and propagation was not proceeding well. When it came to a deadlock, some members started to say “I want to go home!” During this time of struggle, Sensei came to Takagiya Inn. Right away, he smiled and said “That’s all right! You can do shakubuku from tomorrow!” Then he continued. “If you have decided to do shakubuku, the you definitely can do it!! Let’s spend time tonight without thinking about the result of Shakubuku. Let’s strive for Kosen-rufu joyously together.” He talked with every person warmly and gave them guidance. For me, he wrote a postcard to my husband who was staying at home. I learned in my heart that not to be narrow minded only by adhering to the result of Shakubuku. The joy which we can share with all members to accomplish the great mission for kosen-rufu together is much more important.” All the members’ hearts became one. Then we could do Shakubuku as if the fog cleared completely. It inspired us with hope. Later, we did 49 Shakubuku within 3 days. When I went back to my home, I saw the postcard from sensei. It read: “Your wife is fighting brilliantly for Kosen-rufu of Sanyo Area in Hagi City. I can imagine the inconveniences that you may face in her absence. However, please recognize that this battle will serve to build the foundation for the establishment of a new chapter supported by the delegates of the Thus Come One. I am praying that you will receive great honors and benefits.”
My husband understood Sensei’s wish for him to welcome me home as if he were welcoming the Buddha. My husband welcomed me with a warm smile and said, “You look divine! It was just like the Buddha came home.”
Everyone is waiting
President Ikeda traveled around Yamaguchi. Transportation in Yamaguchi was by train and by
bus. However, the connections were very bad. A woman who welcomed President Ikeda at
Chitose Inn, a base in Tokuyama, recalled: “When Sensei arrived, he said ‘I am tired.’ Beads of sweat stood out on his face. At that time, many people had already gathered. Sensei wiped the perspiration from his face and said ‘everyone is waiting. I should not take a rest.’ Then he entered the room, saying ‘Hello everyone, how are you?’ with a powerful voice. It was miraculous because he had almost collapsed from exhaustion.”
♦ Testimony: Yoshiaki Matsui (Matsushima Chapter District Secretary at that time)
At a dispatched place, Sensei entrusted his bag to me. When I held it, it was lighter than I
thought. I was thinking that it had to be heavy because of Gosho and books. But when I peeked in through an opening, there were many medicine bottles. He took a leadership role in the battle even though he was in poor health.
♦ Testimony: Mitsui Hiasa (lived in Ube City at that time, joined Soka Gakkai in June, 1956)
It was October. I walked to Matsuya Inn in Ube City wearing old wooden clogs and carrying my
daughter. I think it was about 7 miles away from my tiny house. Sensei asked me “How old are
you?” I said, “I am 28 years old.” I must have looked terrible, because I was poor and dusty all
over, with disheveled hair. Sensei said, “If you have faith, you will be youthful.” Because of that statement, I stood up and changed my life condition.
more to share.. ultimately the key is to actualising our mentors' word and exerting our utmost without giving up. Sensei has showned actual proof of achieving victory when we possess the correct Oneness of mentor and disciple spirit. Now it is our turn.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
SYC DUTY!
Hello fellow comrades,
please note that HGS chapter are having our SYC duty this coming moday, 14th Apr, 7pm -930pm.
Lets take this opportunity to rally our friends and members and spend a fulfilling and meaningful evening together.
CHEERS!
please note that HGS chapter are having our SYC duty this coming moday, 14th Apr, 7pm -930pm.
Lets take this opportunity to rally our friends and members and spend a fulfilling and meaningful evening together.
CHEERS!
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