History of Soka Gakkai & The Three Presidents — Part 4
The History of Soka Gakkai & The Three Presidents — Part 4
In the previous parts, we learned about the lives and struggles of the first three presidents of Soka Gakkai and the powerful mentor-disciple spirit connecting them.
Makiguchi Sensei stood up for his convictions in the face of persecution.
Toda Sensei rebuilt Soka Gakkai and fulfilled his vow of achieving 750,000 households.
After Toda Sensei's passing, Daisaku Ikeda inherited the baton of kosen-rufu .
This part explores how Ikeda Sensei carried forward his mentor's vision and opened the path toward worldwide kosen-rufu .
May 3, 1960 — Inauguration of the Third President of Soka Gakkai
After Toda Sensei's death, Daisaku Ikeda took full responsibility for the management and leadership of Soka Gakkai .
On May 3, 1960 , he was inaugurated as the organization's third president .
There is a significant connection between this date and Toda Sensei's inauguration.
Exactly nine years earlier, on May 3, 1951 , Josei Toda had been inaugurated as the second president of Soka Gakkai.
With Ikeda Sensei's inauguration, a new period of great development for Soka Gakkai began.
October 2, 1960 — The First Step Toward Worldwide Kosen-rufu
Just a few months after becoming president, Ikeda Sensei took an important step toward fulfilling the vision of worldwide kosen-rufu.
On October 2, 1960 , he left Japan and traveled to North and South America .
This marked the first step in his journey to spread the teachings of Nichiren Buddhism around the world.
His travels continued.
January 1961
He visited Hong Kong, India and other destinations in Asia .
October 1961
He traveled to Europe .
Through these journeys, Ikeda Sensei continued opening a path toward the spread of the Mystic Law throughout the world .
Transmitting the History Through Writing
Ikeda Sensei also began writing in 1965 under the pen name:
“Ho Goku”
He began writing The Human Revolution , which comprises 12 volumes.
The purpose was to correctly transmit the history and spirit of Soka Gakkai to future generations .
The Human Revolution portrays the efforts and struggles of the three founding presidents of Soka Gakkai as they strove to build a foundation for the happiness and peace of humankind .
The New Human Revolution
Ikeda Sensei also wrote:
The New Human Revolution
This work comprises 30 volumes and portrays Ikeda Sensei's journey to spread kosen-rufu worldwide .
Through these works, the history, struggles and spirit of Soka Gakkai could be transmitted to future generations.
January 26 — Establishment of Soka Gakkai International
After World War II, Toda Sensei changed the organization's name from Soka Kyoiku Gakkai to Soka Gakkai .
The intent was to advance kosen-rufu, develop numerous capable individuals and enable them to play important roles in various fields of society.
With this intent, Soka Gakkai created specialized groups for people working in different fields, including:
Educators
Scientists
Artists
Writers
Physicians
Soka Gakkai also formed an independent political party known as Komeito in 1964 .
It also founded institutions such as:
Institute of Oriental Philosophy
Min-On Concert Association
Tokyo Fuji Art Museum
Ikeda Sensei also established a system of educational institutions that included:
Kindergartens
Junior and senior high schools
Colleges
University
Dialogue for Peace, Culture and Education
Ikeda Sensei also conducted dialogues with various leaders around the world, focusing on:
Peace
Culture
Education
He initiated dialogues with China and, in 1974 and 1975 , at the height of the Cold War, initiated visits to China, the Soviet Union and the United States .
Through dialogue with leaders in these countries, he sought to open a path toward peace and friendship .
These efforts reflected the vision he had inherited from his mentor, Toda Sensei.
Toda Sensei had envisioned that Soka Gakkai would one day become an important mainstay for the flourishing of peace and culture for all humankind .
Ikeda Sensei continued working toward realizing this vision.
January 26, 1975 — Establishment of Soka Gakkai International
A major milestone in the development of worldwide kosen-rufu came on:
January 26, 1975
Soka Gakkai members representing 51 countries and territories gathered in Guam.
At this gathering, they established:
Soka Gakkai International (SGI)
Daisaku Ikeda was appointed as its president.
This marked an important step in the development of a worldwide movement based on the ideals of peace, culture, education and kosen-rufu .
Ikeda Sensei pursued this development while keeping his mentor Toda Sensei's dreams and vision firmly in his heart.
A Succession of Awards and Honors
Beginning in 1983 , on January 26, commemorating SGI Day, Ikeda Sensei issued an annual peace proposal .
These proposals have been valued by many people around the world.
Ikeda Sensei also:
Delivered more than 30 lectures at universities and institutions around the world.
Conducted more than 1,600 dialogues with world leaders, thinkers and cultural figures.
His dialogue with Professor Toynbee was published in approximately 30 languages and received praise as:
“A guidepost for global culture”
and:
“A textbook for humanity.”
The Power of Dialogue
These dialogues helped connect different cultures and promote:
Mutual respect
Mutual understanding
Friendship
Stronger bonds between people
Through dialogue, Ikeda Sensei sought to encourage mutual understanding and respect and to create a foundation for peace.
SGI Charter and the Toda Peace Institute
In 1995 , the SGI Charter was adopted, making clear the principles of humanism that SGI stands for.
In 1996 , the Toda Peace Institute was founded, focusing on the legacy of the teachings and principles of Josei Toda .
These developments continued the broader vision of contributing to:
Peace → Culture → Education
Recognition Around the World
Across the world, societies, communities, organizations and nations have acknowledged SGI's contributions and efforts toward:
Peace
Culture
Education
Many parks and centers have also been named after the first three presidents in recognition of their commitment.
Ikeda Sensei has been conferred with numerous honors and medals by:
Nations
Municipalities
Educational institutions
He has also been honored with:
Doctorates
Professorships
Honorary citizenships
from numerous cities and countries.
The New Era of Worldwide Kosen-rufu
A new era of worldwide kosen-rufu began with the completion of:
The Hall of the Great Vow for Kosen-rufu
in November 2013 .
The hall is situated in Shinanomachi, Tokyo .
At the entrance, Ikeda Sensei wrote:
“Kosen-rufu is the path to attaining universal peace and prosperity. It is our great vow from time without beginning for the enlightenment of all people.”
This expresses the fundamental spirit behind the movement for worldwide kosen-rufu.
From Japan to the World
The journey that began with the first three presidents expanded far beyond Japan.
Makiguchi Sensei stood up with a vision of value creation and human happiness.
Toda Sensei rebuilt Soka Gakkai and dedicated himself to kosen-rufu.
Ikeda Sensei inherited that mission and opened a path toward worldwide propagation.
Through Soka Gakkai and SGI, Nichiren Buddhism came to be practiced by people across the world.
The movement continued to contribute to peace, culture and education , with the aim of creating happiness for people and prosperity for society.
The Legacy of the Three Presidents
The history of the first three presidents can be understood as a continuous succession of mentor and disciple.
Makiguchi Sensei
Value Creation
↓
Toda Sensei
Kosen-rufu
↓
Ikeda Sensei
Worldwide Kosen-rufu
Each president inherited the spirit of the preceding mentor and expanded the scope of the movement.
At the heart of this journey remained a commitment to:
Human happiness, peace and the advancement of kosen-rufu.
Key Points to Remember
Daisaku Ikeda became the third president of Soka Gakkai on May 3, 1960 .
May 3 was also the date on which Toda Sensei became the second president in 1951 .
On October 2, 1960 , Ikeda Sensei began his journey toward worldwide kosen-rufu by traveling to North and South America.
In January 1961, he visited Hong Kong, India and other destinations in Asia.
In October 1961, he traveled to Europe.
In 1965 , he began writing The Human Revolution under the pen name Ho Goku .
The Human Revolution comprises 12 volumes .
The New Human Revolution comprises 30 volumes and portrays Ikeda Sensei's journey to spread kosen-rufu worldwide.
Soka Gakkai developed specialized groups for people in fields such as education, science, arts, writing and medicine.
Soka Gakkai established institutions related to philosophy, music, art and education.
Ikeda Sensei conducted dialogues with leaders around the world focusing on peace, culture and education .
In 1974 and 1975 , he visited China, the Soviet Union and the United States.
On January 26, 1975 , representatives from 51 countries and territories gathered in Guam and established Soka Gakkai International .
Ikeda Sensei was appointed president of SGI.
Beginning in 1983 , he issued an annual peace proposal on January 26.
He delivered more than 30 lectures at universities and institutions around the world.
He conducted more than 1,600 dialogues with leaders, thinkers and cultural figures.
The SGI Charter was adopted in 1995.
The Toda Peace Institute was founded in 1996.
The Hall of the Great Vow for Kosen-rufu was completed in November 2013 in Shinanomachi, Tokyo.
The movement for worldwide kosen-rufu seeks to contribute to peace, culture and education .
Timeline
1960
May 3 — Daisaku Ikeda becomes the third president of Soka Gakkai.
October 2 — Ikeda Sensei begins his journey toward worldwide kosen-rufu by traveling to North and South America.
1961
January — Visits Hong Kong, India and other destinations in Asia.
October — Travels to Europe.
1964
Soka Gakkai forms the independent political party Komeito .
1965
Ikeda Sensei begins writing The Human Revolution under the pen name Ho Goku .
1974–1975
Ikeda Sensei visits China, the Soviet Union and the United States and engages in dialogue aimed at opening paths toward peace and friendship.
1975
January 26 — Soka Gakkai International is established in Guam, with representatives from 51 countries and territories.
1983
Ikeda Sensei begins issuing an annual peace proposal on January 26.
1995
The SGI Charter is adopted.
1996
The Toda Peace Institute is founded.
2013
November — The Hall of the Great Vow for Kosen-rufu is completed in Shinanomachi, Tokyo.
From a Local Movement to a Worldwide Movement
The history of Soka Gakkai began with an educator, Makiguchi Sensei , who sought to create value and happiness through education.
It continued through Toda Sensei , who rebuilt the organization after the devastation of World War II and dedicated himself to advancing kosen-rufu.
Then, under Ikeda Sensei , the movement expanded beyond Japan and developed into a worldwide network.
Through efforts in peace, culture and education , the movement sought to contribute to the happiness of people and the prosperity of society.
Today, Nichiren Buddhism shines throughout the world as a source of hope and empowerment .
As expressed in the material:
“Through the efforts of the Soka Gakkai, Nichiren Buddhism now shines as a great source of hope throughout the world, like a sun illuminating all humankind.”
The Journey of the Three Presidents
The story of the first three presidents can be remembered through three stages:
Makiguchi Sensei
→ Value Creation
Toda Sensei
→ Kosen-rufu
Ikeda Sensei
→ Worldwide Kosen-rufu
What began as the determination of one educator eventually developed into a worldwide movement.
And at the heart of that journey remained the same spirit:
A commitment to human happiness, peace and the advancement of kosen-rufu.