THE SIGNIFICANCE OF MARCH 16, KOSEN-RUFU DAY
March 16 is a symbolic day for Soka Gakkai and SGI members, commemorating the occasion on March 16, 1958, when Josei Toda, second president of the Soka Gakkai, then in frail health, made an impassioned speech to 6,000 Soka Gakkai youth, entrusting them with the responsibility for the future of the Soka Gakkai and its efforts to contribute to the creation of a peaceful world and promote understanding of the humanistic philosophy of Nichiren Buddhism. In particular, Toda's closest follower, Daisaku Ikeda (current SGI President), took on this responsibility, eventually becoming the third president of the Soka Gakkai in 1960 at the age of 32 and helping to develop the Soka Gakkai as a movement promoting peace, culture and education.
March 16 is now viewed within the Soka Gakkai and the SGI as a day of new departures, "of eternal beginnings and perpetual hope." It is also an occasion for focusing on fostering capable youth.
Mr. Ikeda has stated, "It is a time when people renew their profound resolution to accomplish kosen-rufu, a time when they put their minds together and make a fresh start."
President Ikeda says:
"As you all know, March 16 is the eternal prime point of mentor and disciple — it is the day when the youth stand up and shoulder full responsibility for the realization of kosen-rufu. I hope that each
of you, in your respective countries and regions, will become a leader determined to show proof of the principle that faith manifests itself in society, who works to create a strong alliance of people committed to justice and humanism.
It is important to have the awareness and sense of responsibility of
a protagonist of kosen-rufu—the active attitude that "the SGI is part of me" rather than the more passive stance "I am part of the SGI." From the time I was a young man, irrespective of my organizational position, I regarded any and all matters relating to the Soka Gakkai as my personal responsibility. I worried, thought, and chanted about how we could best advance kosen-rufu."
March 16, Kosen-rufu Day.
"The spirit of this day lies not in magnificent ceremonies or high-sounding words. It lies in being victorious. That is the most crucial thing in all endeavors. In life and in kosen-rufu, we either win or lose. I would like you to be absolute victors in both. No matter what excuses we try to make, giving in to defeat brings misery and loses us the respect of others. I hope each of you without exception will adorn your life with indestructible triumph."
Now, President Ikeda is calling out to his disciples: "Stand up! Take responsibility for the next 50 years!"
What is the future of the disciples? The baton has been handed over to the disciples. Let's create history.
