From the state team :)
As you are aware, we are approaching our mentor Daisaku Ikeda's first death anniversary this Friday on the 15th of November, 2024. His death anniversary provides us with a timely reminder to reflect on our commitment to kosenrufu and deepen our mentor & disciple spirit.
From an essay written for publication in a 2009 edition of Seikyo Shimbun, President Ikeda wrote:
"I have always acted in exact accord with the courageous lion's roar of my mentor, and I have honoured the anniversary of his death each year with the actual proof of my victories. The period from April 2 to May 3 (substitute with November 15) is a time for disciples to demonstrate proof of their victories to their mentor. It is also a time for disciples to pledge fresh victory to their mentor and embark on achieving it.
Striving side by side
and winning victories
in this lifetime,
let's advance joyously
in response to our mentor's call."
Our executive team in SGIA has received information from the SGI Headquarters in Japan, encouraging us all members to chant daimoku with deep appreciation, individually on November 15, instead of holding a special gongyo or memorial meeting for this occasion.
Please use this coming Friday to offer sincere daimoku of gratitude to the tremendous efforts of our mentor throughout most of his life for the Gakkai. Doing so privately would also reaffirm our individual personal connection with our mentor and determination to carry on his spirit forward, beyond the centennial of Soka Gakkai's founding.
Thank you!
Sent from my iPhone
