Day 63 - Repaying Debts of Gratitude

“Even lowly creatures know enough to repay a debt of gratitude. Thus the bird known as the wild goose will invariably carry out its filial duty to the mother bird when she is about to die. And the fox never forgets its old hillock. If even animals will do such things, then how much more should this be true of human beings?” (WND, pg 337)

I recently read this gosho, “On Prayer” and this particular quote stuck with me. It is very easy to take things for granted. When I’m feeling good, its easy to get caught up in the moment and forget my troubles or even to slack off in chanting Daimoku. Or to forget all the effort, care, knowledge my parent have shared with me, only to repay them with worries and headaches. The same is true with my practice and this great organization we have called the SGI. Due to someone else’s efforts, we have this great organization and are able to practice this Buddhism, which can reveal our unlimited potential and capabilities. This is something I have taken for granted at times. But how do I show my appreciation and repay my debts of gratitude to all? When I think about it, it comes down to me becoming happy. My parents who raised me want me to be happy, the members who took care of me and supported me when I was young would want me to be happy. President Ikeda has sent messages to all of us stating he is praying for our happiness. Most of all, I, myself want to be happy! To become happy I must practice this Buddhism correctly in order for me to clear any doubt that I am more than capable of doing so. That through strengthening my foundation in faith, I have the means to be happy! Happiness for me comes in the form of family and friends, success, and contributing to society. As I continue to strive for these things, I use my foundation in faith as the engine. I must never forget where I came from and all those who supported me along the way. Through this process, I will begin to repay debt of gratitude and share with others, how to do the same.

David Ishii, Vice Zone Young Men’s Leader

Day 64 - The Great Battle

"Sadato was beaten in twelve years. Masakado was overcome in eight. The devil king of the sixth heaven has roused the ten kinds of troops* and, in the midst of the sea of the sufferings of birth and death, is at war with the votary of the Lotus Sutra to stop him from taking possession of and to wrest away from him this impure land where both ordinary people and sages dwell.

It has been twenty or more years now since I found myself in that situation and began the great battle. Not one have I thought of retreat. Among my disciple and followers, however, those who are cowards have for the most part either given in or retreated at heart.

I am at a loss to say how moved I am that though you, the lay nun, have little knowledge of Buddhist doctrines and are fainthearted, until now you have never retreated.” (WND-2,465)

*The ten kinds of troops represent ten kinds of hindrances. The Treatise on the Great Perfection of Wisdom lists them as (1) greed, (2) care and worry, (3) hunger and thirst, (4) love and pleasure, (5) drowsiness and languor, (6) fear, (7)doubt and regret, (8) anger, (9) preoccupation with wealth and fame, (10) arrogance and contempt for others.

Five days ago I received the worst news while standing at the bus stop. I felt as if a roll of saran wrap was placed around my head. I was instantly suffocating in fear. I returned home and began chanting, went to a meeting, came home chanted again and studied with my fellow YWD. The next morning, I began a nine hour toso, to never feel this fear and doubt ever again. A total of five members came throughout the day and chanted with me. In the first 26 hours of hearing the bad news I had chanted 12 hours. I realized I was begrudging my own life by feeling overwhelmed with fear. I was looking at the problem and not at the fact that I have the power to change it. My biggest realization was that I have actual proof that I am practicing correctly. I have also been given a chance to change very deep-rooted family karma.

This weekend I read all of the blog entries and was truly struck by Paul Eddy’s honesty. I would like to include some of my own. The only reason I immediately postured myself to fight was because of the fellow members sitting next to me to chant. From what I hear there is a lot of youth division that are having the floors drop out from under them. I ask you to please call your fellow members, chant together, study together. Right now, we are all fighting so hard with Sensei to ensure that the eternal foundation for kosen-rufu is laid correctly, and as we have all learned, it’s freakin hard. This ain’t no cake walk. Let’s unite to help each other through this so that we are all standing tall together on January 1, 2008. I have re-read Sensei’s poem “The Ninth Wave”, and would like to share with you the vision I see on January 2, 2008 :

The person who is dedicated
To the justice of the true law
Can definitely unleash the power
To crush any stormy obstacle…

The morning of hope and peace awaits
Anybody, any human being
Who is courageous.

You,
Stand up with your new determination!
The great sun of victory
Will certainly wait for you,
Signaling you glory ahead.

Daisaku Ikeda – November 5, 2003

I can see it clear as day, Sensei waving his hands with tears in his eyes at all we are able to accomplish right now, in these next 64 days!! Now is not the time for any of us to be defeated, this is when we tighten our reigns around each, support each other and fight!!

In the October 26th World tribune, Danny Nagashima wrote: “Mr. Toda’s disciple Daisaku Ikeda writes in his historical novel The Human Revolution: “President Toda faced persecution like a lion. If I am his disciple, then I, like a lion’s cub, must also behave like a lion. The time has come at last for me to prove whether I really am a lion” (p.1627) Now is our time as youth division to fight resolutely for all of humankinds happiness. I am a disciple of Daisaku Ikeda’s and I will fight like a lion and so can you!! YOU CAN DO IT!!!

These next 64 days all depends on how we respond now to the problems we are all facing, and I can tell you this, the winds may be fierce, but I will not be swayed, not in the slightest. I’ll see all of your beautiful faces standing next to me on January 2, 1008.

Stephanie Araiza, Madison Chapter Young Women's Leader

Day 65 - People of Genuine Commitment

"I'd like to share with you a passage from the Daishonin's writing "On Repaying Debts of Gratitude":

If persecutions greater than those that arose during the Buddha's lifetime keep occurring again and again to someone who is not guilty of the slightest fault, then on should realize that that person is a true votary of the Lotus Sutra in the age after the Buddha's passing. (WND-1, 696)

Who, then, in accord with these words, has been persecuted for upholding the Mystic Law in modern times? it is Mr. Makiguchi and Mr. Toda. Both of them directly confronted the militarism of their day - which sought to enforce belief in State Shinto on the Japanese populace-and were imprisoned for their principled stand. Mr. Makiguchi died in prison for his convictions. Mr. Toda endured two years of harsh incarceration. All of Mr. Makiguchi's other disciples were intimidated and fell into a panic. The majority gave up their faith out of fear of persecution.

At times of crisis, one's faith and principles are put to the test and people of genuine commitment are revealed. As the Daishonin states: "Put into flames, a rock simply turns to ashes, but gold becomes pure gold" (WND-1, 497).

Following Mr. Makiguchi's arrest, the Gakkai's top leaders-who had previously claimed to be faithful disciples-suddenly changed their tune, cursing their mentor and sneering behind his back at his troubles. They were cowardly and arrogant individuals.

This is what actually happened."

(SGI President Ikeda's speech at the fourth session of the Nationwide Executive Conference, held on August 8, 2007, attended by regional leaders as well as national divisional representatives)

On Behalf of the Pacific Northwest Zone Youth Team,
Johnnie, David, Yoshi, Irene, Yumi & Shawn

Day 66 - Solidly United

"The correct flow of the heritage of the ultimate Law of life and death is contingent on the struggle of mentor and disciple to realize widespread propagation. In the Latter Day of the Law this is a battle between the Buddha and devilish functions. Without a harmonious community of practitioners solidly united in purpose and brimming with the spirit of mentor and disciple, we cannot hope to triumph in that endeavor." (SGI President Ikeda's Studly Lecture Series, Nov- Dec Living Buddhism, p. 26)

Day 67 - No Regrets, Living the Oneness of Mentor & Disciple

Often times I ask myself as a scientist, “What characteristic distinguishes successful scientists from others?”

My answer has been the same, which is the ability to keep asking “Why?” and its quality.

What about for Buddhist practice? That would be one’s seeking spirit.

It seems obvious but it is not. Why? It’s because my arrogant nature prevents me from seeking the truth.

How can I even recognize my arrogance? It requires a clear mirror. For my job, it can be textbooks, articles, my supervisor, or my colleagues. For my Buddhist practice, it is the Gohonzon, the Writing of Nichiren Daishonin, President Ikeda’s guidance, and experiences from members of SGI. Even if it requires self-reflection and tremendous effort to overcome my arrogance, I will challenge it because I know it will change the course of my life.

I have to graduate from repeated struggles or habits and redirect myself every once a while, because my time with my mentor is really limited.

President Ikeda said, “The heart is what really matters. One simply cannot understand Buddhism without a pure seeking spirit stemming from the depths of one’s heart. When we practice with the awareness that we might only encounter the Gohonzon once in a hundred million or ten billion years, a profound sense of appreciation fills our heart each time we perform gongyo. Nichiren Daishonin, the Buddha of the Latter Day of the Law, manifested the world of Buddhahood in his own heart through living the passage ‘single-mindedly desiring to see the Buddha, not hesitating even if it costs them their lives.’ (WND1 -pp389). We should deeply reflect on what this means. The only way for us to attain Buddhahood is to manifest a spirit of utter selfless devotion, of ‘not hesitating even if it costs us our lives.’ Without this spirit, there can be no Buddhism. To arouse such a spirit in people, the Buddha leaves this existence. This is what is meant by ‘as an expedient means I appear to enter nirvana.’ ”(The Wisdom of the Lotus Sutra vol. IV, pp286)

He goes on to say, “President Toda once remarked: ‘Whose ‘last moment’ do you suppose the line ‘now is the last moment of this life’ refers to? It’s the last moment of the Buddha’s life. How forlorn we would feel if the Buddha ceased to exist. We should summon resolute faith and practice with the sense that we now have to part with the Buddha.’

After President Toda died, those who had not listened carefully to these words were filled with regret, wishing that they had done more while he was still alive.

‘Now is the last moment of this life’ is an exhortation to struggle intensely for kosen-rufu with the thought that now is the last moment of the mentor’s life. It is a truly fortunate thing to work for kosen-rufu together with and supported by a mentor. Someone who doesn’t understand this point cannot be called a true disciple.

Those who realize this and devote themselves in earnest while the mentor is alive correspond to the children in the parable who have not lost their senses. Those who fail to realize this correspond to the children in whom the poison has penetrated deeply.” (ibid, pp286-287)

It continues, “The ‘Life Span’ chapter is the crystallization of the Buddha’s immense compassion to try to teach us about the oneness of mentor and disciple. The mentor is the Buddha enlightened since the remote past. The disciples, made up of all people, are also Buddhas from the remote past. How can people be made to realize this?—that is the Buddha’s constant thought as expressed in the chapter’s closing lines, Mai ji sa ze nen. There is no such thing as a mentor who does not wish for his disciples to become truly outstanding in their own right. However, it is difficult for the disciples to grasp the mentor’s spirit. No matter how much a parent is concerned about a child, the child rarely shares the same degree of concern for the parent. They become one only when they share mutual concern.” (ibid, pp287)

After reading this strict guidance, finally I was convinced that I am living in such a profound time in Buddhist history. How exciting! How fortunate I am to have such a profound mentor in my life! This must be what I have been wishing for from the remote past.

Now, I determine to be the genuine disciple who protects mentor.
Now, I determine to never slacken, even a bit.
Now, I determine to live my life to the fullest.
Then, I will report to my mentor that I have “no regrets” in my life, at the end of my present lifetime.

Yoshi Koguchi, Pacific Northwest Vice Zone Young Men's Leader

Day 68 - Daily Gosho

"Life is the foremost of all treasures. It is expounded that even the treasures of the entire major world system cannot equal the value of one's body and life. Even the treasures that fill the major world system are no substitute for life."

From The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin
"The Gift of Rice"

Day 69 - Poison into Medicine

“Now if you wish to attain Buddhahood, you have only to lower the banner of your arrogance, cast aside the staff of your anger, and devote yourself exclusively to the one vehicle of the Lotus Sutra. Worldly fame and profit are mere baubles of your present existence, and arrogance and prejudice are ties that will fetter you in the next one. Ah, you should be ashamed of them! And you should fear them, too!” (Questions and Answers about Embracing the Lotus Sutra, WND-I, 58-59)

If there was ever a Gosho passage I feel was written specially for me- it is this one. And if there was ever a time I felt I needed to apply it to my life, and make this writing my own- that time is NOW. On some level, I have always known that I have deep-rooted anger & insecurity issues. Personal challenges that I have been facing recently have really brought these issues to the forefront of my life.

I sincerely hope what I am about to say does not discourage anyone, for that is certainly not my intent. But I do want to ‘keep it real’. Upon being asked to submit something for this blog, I was reading through the Gosho passages and determinations shared by fellow Youth Division leaders. Reading these, I started to think about my life- what does the “Bullet Train” mean to me? Am I even on the train? I want to be….or honestly, I feel like I SHOULD want to be. Why the “should”? Why doesn’t it feel natural to me, like it seems to be for others? Do I feel my leadership responsibilities are an obligation? Why am I a leader? …. Why am I even practicing? All my doubts came to the surface. As I battled to answer these questions, to resolve my doubts, I realized Nichiren Daishonin starts this quote by saying “IF YOU WISH….”. I realized that the moment I start to challenge my life is when “I determine” that no matter how hard, even impossible it appears for me to win, I MUST WIN! This desire- to win, to want to overcome problems that have forever plagued our lives, is something very basic, very fundamental to our practice; at the same time, very easy to forget.

I want to overcome my personal challenges of anger, arrogance and insecurities ruling my life, so that I can encourage young men in my area – that using this practice, any poison can be changed into medicine. In fact, we come to appreciate the ‘poison’, for without it, we cannot have the ‘medicine’. This is my deep determination towards January 2nd, 2008. Achieving a victory in this challenge is my response to Sensei!

Paul Eddy, South King Area Young Men's Leader

Day 70 - Daily Gosho & Encouragement

"The sutra known as the Lotus Sutra is a scripture that has no match among all the sacred teachings of the Buddha’s lifetime. And, as indicated by its words “between Buddhas,” it can only be understood between one Buddha and another. Those at the stage of near- perfect enlightenment or below, on down to ordinary mortals, cannot fathom it. This is why Bodhisattva Nagarjuna stated in his Treatise on the Great Perfection of Wisdom that persons below the level of Buddha should simply have faith, and in that way they can attain Buddhahood." (WND-1, 1072)

"The only way to succeed is by first bringing to completion that which is most immediate. This principle applies in all affairs-in our daily lives, our work and our families as well as in the progress of kosen-rufu." (For Today & Tomorrow, Daily Encouragement, Daisaku Ikeda)

Day 71 - Chanting Daimoku No Matter What

In life, of course, there are times when we are unable to win. There may also be times when it seems that we will be crushed by adversity. But even at such moments, we must never allow ourselves to be beaten in our hearts. We must resolve not to be defeated in the future. We practice Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism so that we can be victorious in life.

"Don't concern yourself with vanity or pretension. Just earnestly continue to chant daimoku. That will rouse strong life-force, and brighten your face, too. Just like a jet taking off, your life-state will begin to rise rapidly, because daimoku revs up the engine of your life until it's running at full speed. Always aim for the top, win over yourself, and create a proud record of triumph for all the world to see. That's the way to enjoy an invigorating and fulfilling life.

"Halfhearted effort in faith, halfhearted effort in work will get you nowhere. Keeping your sights set on your chosen goals, exert yourself wholeheartedly in faith, throw yourself wholeheartedly into your work and into polishing your skills. That's the way to win in the end. Let's all win on the stage of our personal mission!"

SGI Newsletter No. 7362, SGI President Ikeda's speech at the First Soka Gakkai Nationwide Youth Division Leaders Meeting, held at the Makiguchi Memorial Hall in Hachioji, Tokyo, on September 22, 2007, translated October 11th, 2007

Day 72 - Responding to Sensei

In SGI President’s book, “A Youthful Diary” he wrote:

“My mentor’s compassion gradually permeates my heart. The love between father and son (daughter), the feelings between mentor and disciple-these bonds defy words. Who else knows this inseparable lifeblood?” (Daisaku Ikeda, A Youthful Diary, p. 433)

How can I respond to Sensei as my mentor in life?

In studying Sensei’s guidance throughout my life, I witnessed his care for humanity in Hawaii. During his visit to Hawaii in 1985, Sensei paid tribute to all those who died at Pearl Harbor and the Japanese American soldiers who fought for their country while their families were being held in prison camps. One of those soldiers was my grandfather. When I showed my grandfather Sensei’s book, The Human Revolution Volume 1, he was very moved that Sensei knew exactly his struggles. I knew that a person like Sensei who truly understood history and worked to create peace could be the person I could call my mentor in life.

What does it mean to be an “essential disciple”? How can we protect Sensei and the SGI? These are questions I have recently asked myself.

Sensei shares, “Mr. Makiguchi and Mr. Toda were true mentor and disciple. Mr. Toda and I were also true mentor and disciple. If the mentor is a lion, then the disciple must be a lion, too. Where today, I ask, are the true disciples to follow in my footsteps! The SGI has no need for cowards who just stand by and watch while their mentor is persecuted, who try to cleverly sidestep criticism and attack” (Daisaku Ikeda, Excerpt from “If the Mentor Is A Lion, So Must Be the Disciple,” World Tribune, Dec. 10, 1999).

I am determined to overcome my weaknesses that limit my happiness and work harder for the happiness of others. We all see the suffering in the world and know that we can make a difference. I don’t want to hesitate to share this great Buddhist practice with anyone! I want to be the one to initiate positive change as a youth in the SGI and in the Pacific Northwest.

With the seriousness to ensure that Kosen-rufu continues throughout eternity, I am determined to live my youth with no regrets. I am a student, so I will study hard. I am a worker, so I will do my best at work. I am a daughter and granddaughter, so I will take great care of my mom and grandma. I am a YWD leader, so I will make sure none of my members are left behind. Let’s all keep encouraging each other and make this time in our lives the most memorable, together with Sensei!

Angie Lead, Great Northwest Region Young Women's Leader

Day 73 - Polishing My Mirror

"A mind now clouded by the illusions of the innate darkness of life is like a tarnished mirror, but when polished it is sure to become like a clear mirror, reflecting the essential nature of phenomena and the true aspect of reality. Arouse deep faith, and diligently polish your mirror day and night. How should you polish it? Only by chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo."

This Gosho passage calls me home whenever I find myself straying down the dark alleyways of my mind. Every time I embark on a great and meaningful campaign in my Buddhist practice, such as the 100-day campaign towards Jan 2, 2008, I really call out all the fundamental darkness from my life. That's when I find myself going back to this passage. By chanting to polish my mirror, I come to realize how I mistook illusions for real, while discarded what was real for an illusion. Chanting with the determination to polish my mirror and see reality for what it "really" is, helps me develop a higher life condition and greater confidence in the power of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo.

Ashish Java, Seattle Metro Young Men’s Leader

Day 74 - Look to the Palace Within

Addressing the Young Women in Tokyo Japan on December 13th, 1992 President Ikeda says, "The purpose of life is to attain happiness. Happiness is something that you feel inside. It is something you have to build for yourself. It is something that lives within you. That is why the state of your own inner realm, your life, is so crucial to being happy. Happiness is not in some far-off place. Happiness exists within your own life, within a single thought in your mind. You yourself are the most noble and precious of all. You have no need to be envious of anyone or to long for things far away. Faith and one's single minded desire to achieve kosen-rufu are what makes this "self" of yours shine its brightest and develop to it's greatest potential; they are what fill you with good fortune, satisfaction and eternal joy. This is the essence of true happiness. A palace exists within your own life. When you open that palace, you can be happy wherever you are." (Joy of Living, Selected Speeches of Pres. Ikeda for the YWD)

I received this book as a gift when I first began practicing...and after two and a half years of practice, I think I finally get it. I guess that's why practice makes perfect!

Since I've been back from the AMAZING Soka Spirit conference it seems as if nothing but everything has happened all at once, good and bad wrapped into three weeks of karmic backlash. And you know what? I LOVE IT! The challenges that are presented to me every day get me revved up and I truly enjoy sitting in front of my Gohonzon attempting to understand them. I feel happier than I have been in a long while. Now I am only looking forward; what can be done, what will I do, how can I do it!? I know now that with strong faith, Nam-myoho-renge-kyo and courage I can do anything and I can open the palace within.

Courtney Crutcher, Yakima District Young Women's Leader

Day 75 - Creating Unshakable Unity

"Even an individual at cross purposes with himself is certain to end in failure. Yet a hundred or even a thousand people can definitely attain their goal, if they are of one mind." (WND-I, 618)

Everyday, I do my best to balance my work, my personal life and SGI activities, and it is a challenge to give 100% in everything. So, especially at these times, I think of this quote from the Gosho. When I'm divided in my focus, I don't seem to accomplish as much as I hoped. But by reading this quote and reminding myself that the unity of this organization starts with me, I find the energy to continue to challenge everything in my life by realizing unity in my own heart. So I will continue to chant wholeheartedly for the victory of Seattle Metro Region and strive to create unshakable unity starting with myself.

Yoji Konno
Seattle Area Young Men’s Leader

Day 76 - Seeking Enlightenment from Within

I am determined to seek my enlightenment from within and not base my individual value on approval from others.

In President Ikeda’s message to the 2007 Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender FNCC Conference he wrote, “Buddhism encourages the cherry or the peach, for instance, to live their respective existences in a natural, cheerful manner appropriate to their unique identities. You don’t have to compare yourselves with others. You should blossom as you are.”

Ever since reading this part of President Ikeda’s message I’ve felt more empowered than ever to deeply appreciate my life, just as I am. And yet I continue to struggle to understand my own value as a human being. Toward January 1st, I want to revolutionize my own life more than ever before and confidently share my heart with others in a “cheerful manner” appropriate to my unique identity.

Brad W. Larsen, Oregon Region Young Men’s Leader

Day 77 - Acting as a Bodhisattva

I am determined to become organized and responsible for my life. And to no longer use obstacles as excuses for not moving forward.

President Ikeda states, "We can change even painful destiny into mission. The Lotus Sutra teaches this strong and resilient way of life. This is what "The Teacher of the Law" chapter explains when it speaks of the great Bodhisattva who, while capable of being born into pure lands if they so desired, choose instead to be born into impure worlds so that they can expound the Lotus Sutra to help the suffering. We who now spread the Mystic Law in this world are the Bodhisattvas to whom the sutra refers. We are enacting a grand drama that we ourselves chose." (The Wisdom of the Lotus Sutra, Vol. II, p. 184-185)

I am more determined to overcome my problems. We all inherit abilities and disabilities from our parents and families. To show actual proof in our Buddhist practice, what could be more powerful than overcoming disabilities? It is a wonderful opportunity to fully engage in shakabuku'ing my family through my experience. I know that beyond this wall is a vast open space where my talents, in this lifetime, can flourish.

Chelsia Berry, Tacoma Area Young Women's Leader

Day 78 - Heritage of the Ultimate Law of Life

"All disciples and lay supporters of Nichiren should chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo with the spirit of many in body but one in mind, transcending all differences among themselves to become as inseparable as fish and the water in which they swim. This spiritual bond is the basis for the universal transmission of the ultimate law of life and death. Herein lies the true goal of Nichiren’s propagation. When you are so united, even the great desire for widespread propagation can be fulfilled. But if any of Nichiren’s disciples disrupt the unity of many in body but one in mind, they would be like warriors who destroy their own castle from within."

"Nichiren has been trying to awaken all the people of Japan to faith in the Lotus Sutra so that they too can share the heritage and attain Buddhahood. But instead they have persecuted me in various ways and finally had me banished to this island. You have followed Nichiren, however, and met with suffering as a result. It pains me deeply to think of your anguish. Gold can be neither burned by fire nor corroded or swept away by water, but iron is vulnerable to both. A worthy person is like gold, a fool like iron. You are like pure gold because you embrace the “gold” of the Lotus Sutra. The sutra states, “Just as among all the mountains, Mount Sumeru is foremost, so this Lotus Sutra is likewise.” It also states, “The good fortune you gain thereby . . . cannot be burned by fire or washed away by water.”

"It must be ties of karma from the distant past that have destined you to become my disciple at a time like this. Shakyamuni and Many Treasures certainly realized this truth. The sutra’s statement, “Those persons who had heard the Law dwelled here and there in various Buddha lands, constantly reborn in company with their teachers,” cannot be false in any way."

This is my favorite Gosho as it explains to me what unity, upholding this practice, and the oneness of mentor and disciple is. When I read these passages I realize how developing the oneness of mentor and disciple with President Ikeda helps me to develop the conviction to uphold this practice correctly and develop great relationships with everyone. I believe, through this writing, there is no coincidence why we were born together at this time with President Ikeda. It shows that when we truly embrace this practice with the mentor’s heart we become like “pure gold” and the fortune we accumulate cannot be washed away by anything! I feel when we become united with every member from our children, to the youth, to the men and women, to the pioneers with our mentor’s vow for kosen-rufu we can truly eradicate suffering and bring joy to every corner of this beautiful planet. I feel so appreciative and have the deepest gratitude to be fighting with each of you and Sensei towards January 1, 2008!

Thank you so much,

Johnnie Robbins, Pacific Northwest Zone Young Men’s Leader

Day 79 - Drum at the Gate of Thunder

"It is a thousand ri across the sea and mountains from Sado Province to this province. You, as a woman, have held fast to your faith in the Lotus Sutra; and over the years you have repeatedly sent your husband here to visit me in your place. Surely the Lotus Sutra, Shakyamuni, Many Treasures, and the Buddhas of the ten directions know of your devotion. For example, though the moon is forty thousand yojanas high in the heavens, its reflection appears instantly in a pond on earth; and the sound of the drum at the Gate of Thunder is immediately heard a thousand, ten thousand ri in the distance. Though you remain in Sado, your heart has come to this province."

"The way of attaining Buddhahood is just like this. Though we live in the impure land, our hearts reside in the pure land of Eagle Peak. Merely seeing each other’s face would in itself be insignificant. It is the heart that is important. Someday let us meet at Eagle Peak, where Shakyamuni Buddha dwells. Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, Nam-myoho-renge-kyo."

I discovered this gosho in 2004 after looking for anything to encourage me, and what a treasure I found! The whole year before I had begun chanting not only why I needed a mentor in life, but why it should be President Ikeda. He didn't know me, so how could he understand my struggles and pains? After studying this quote and chanting daimoku, I realized that meeting President Ikeda, "would in itself be insignificant" and "It is the heart that is important." So, instead of basing this relationship on whether I can see or meet President Ikeda, I could develop this relationship in my heart. I then determined, the relationship that the lay nun Sennichi had with Nichiren, I wanted with President Ikeda. Since then I have been doing my best to develop this relationship to not only become a better human being, but work on behalf of others becoming happy. How fortunate I am to have such a wonderful mentor!

Shawn Boyd, Pacific Northwest Zone Young Women's Leader

Day 80 - It's getting HOT in here!

It's getting hot in here - there must be bodhisattvas in the atmosphere!

Isn't this a beautiful picture of bodhisattvas gathered from around our zone? In the October 12th World Tribune we were fortunate enough to have an article outlining our Youth Soka Spirit Leaders Conference. Check it out!

We wanted to share the following quote from Sensei, which sums up the training from this conference.

"The Soka Gakkai today has forged the world's foremost alliance of ordinary citizens working for peace. I have no personal wants or needs; my sole wish is for capable individuals. I want capable and talented leaders."

"If leaders are lacking in wisdom and good judgment, they can be easily deceived by fraudsters. This is a frightening prospect. There have been a number of unscrupulous individuals who gained prominence and respectable positions in society through the support of the Soka Gakkai and the, corrupted by their own ambitions for status and power, eventually turned on and attacked our organization. They all had the character traits people who try to get away with making no effort themselves and instead shift all the hard work to others' shoulders. This is a manifestation of the devilish nature of power, the desire to dominate others and to command their obedience. They all manifested a hellish state of being, inflicting pain and suffering on our members. They acted as devilish functions obstructing kosen-rufu. This inherently wicked nature needs to be nipped in the bud wherever it might appear." (September 28, 2007, World Tribune)

On Behalf of the Zone Youth Team,
Johnnie, David, Yoshi, Yumi, Irene & Shawn

Day 81 - Challenging Every Aspect

Hello. My name is Aisha Williams and I live in Oakland, Ca. I am honored to be a part of the West Territory leadership team. I also had the great pleasure of participating in the PNW Youth Soka Spirit Conference. GO PNW!!

How many people have something in their life they want to transform in the next 81 days? I personally want to transform every aspect of my life in the next 81 days. Is that possible? With this powerful Gohonzon, a great teacher, and a warm SGI family I know it is. President Ikeda says, “Each day is a new challenge. Each day is an opportunity to train and renew ourselves.”

I want to challenge every aspect of my life every day. I want to feel like Sensei and I are doing kosen rufu together all of the time. Why do I want to feel this way? I feel that it is the most joyful way to live as well as it is the guaranteed way for me to absolutely win.

In the Chubu Kansai poem, Sensei says – “When you unite your heart with a great teacher of kosen rufu strength will well forth and a path will be opened without fail. When your heart, your resolve is in sync with your mentor, you can manifest your inherent power and potential without limit”.

I don’t know if I can sync my heart with Sensei but I’m going to try my best. I want to see many paths open in my life. I know I am going to win from now until January 1st. I know Pacific Northwest Zone will win as well. Let’s all win together with our teacher Daisaku Ikeda.

Aisha Williams, Vice Territory Young Women's Leader

Day 82 - Employ the Strategy of the Lotus Sutra

"Employ the strategy of the Lotus Sutra before any other. “All others who bear you enmity or malice will likewise be wiped out.” These golden words will never prove false. The heart of strategy and swordsmanship derives from the Mystic Law. Have profound faith. A coward cannot have any of his prayers answered." (WND, 1001)

This is one of my favorite quotes from Nichiren Daishonin’s writings. Many times my own fundamental darkens appears as fear in my life and holds me back but in this quote the Daishonin explains that courage derived from faith in the Mystic Law is not only the key to any battle but also guarantees absolute victory.

Pablo Figueroa, Tacoma Area Young Men's Leader

Day 83 - Laying the Eternal Foundation

I remember at the beginning of this year when I first heard that Sensei declared by January 2nd, 2008, he will have laid the eternal foundation for world-wide kosen-rufu. What!?! To me, that was a big statement, which I could not seem to wrap my head or heart around.

I began chanting to figure out for myself what Sensei meant. Was it that every person on the planet would be practicing Nichiren Buddhism by New Year’s 2008? Was it that this Buddhism would be practiced in every country in the world? Nothing seemed to make sense.

Recently, I received a copy of Sensei’s message for the 2007 Mentor & Disciple FNCC Conference and with it came my answer. “Kosen-rufu means that each of you must become a victor in life”, Sensei wrote. My answer: If I challenge, this year, every aspect of my life with earnest prayer, all-out effort and gratitude to my mentor, I will have laid the foundation for my own eternal happiness.

In these next 83 days, I can choose one of two options: total victory or defeat. I have been internally battling with my fear of not only looking at what it is in my life I need to change, but more so, owning up to the realization that I owe nothing less to myself but to “win without fail and without exception”.

Please see part of Sensei’s message from the 2007 Mentor & Disciple FNCC Conference:

“The way of the mentor and disciple is not mere idealism. It is reflected in the way you live your lives. It is the challenge of maintaining a seeking spirit throughout your lives. I believe that the spirit of the oneness of mentor and disciple is manifested in the hearts of my comrades.

In living my life, I am constantly engaged in a dialogue with my mentor, President Toda, who is always alive in my heart. Disciples are the most important. That is what President Toda taught. I am certain that all of you, disciples of the essential teaching of the second act of kosen-rufu, will win without fail and without exception. Kosen-rufu means that each of you must become a victor in life. No matter what problems you may have at this moment, please continue to advance strongly and cheerfully.” (Mentor & Disciple FNCC Message Daisaku Ikeda, Sept 21, 2007)

Justine Piontek, Seattle Metro Region Young Women’s Leader

Day 84 - Standing Alone with Sensei in Our Hearts

In President Ikeda's October 2nd Message he states, "I have been scaling the mountain of this great goal wholeheartedly with the determination to give courage to everyone, share justice with everyone and help everyone to live a wonderful life. I have been selflessly devoted to meeting with and inspiring people one by one with the vow to create a Soka family where 100 people take one step forward together rather than one person alone advancing one hundred steps.

The rise of the people means that each of us must stand up alone and live our lives with courage, exerting the right that each of us possesses as a human being. One’s status, title or position is not important. What is important is to establish ourselves courageously among the people.

“The one who is strongest is the one who stands alone in the world.” This is an axiom of Norwegian writer Henrik Johan Ibsen. Please remember that a courageous person who resolutely stands alone for justice serves as the sunrise to illuminate countless people.

You, the members of the West Territory, are pioneers of the global propagation of Buddhism. Please advance joyfully and brightly, devoting your golden lives to our great cause every day in a manner that will enable you to create the amount of value that would be equivalent to that of ten thousand people."

On Behalf of the Pacific Northwest Youth Zone Team,
Johnnie, David, Yoshi, Yumi, Irene & Shawn

Day 85 - Determined to do Shakubuku

I desperately wanted to respond to my mentor in every aspect of my practice, especially in propagation, on the day he came to Seattle to bring the mission of kosen-rufu to Pacific Northwest. On October 6, Olympic Cascade Region Youth Division held a youth-led introductory meeting at the Tacoma Community Center where 6 wonderful guests attended. This was truly an amazing turn out and every single guest expressed his/her wish to return. Our region has always struggled with Shakubuku and our results have been one of the lowest (nationally) for a long time. We definitely have deep karma that's been preventing us from growing joyfully as an organization. However, as my mentor told me in his July 8th message, I am no longer willing to allow neither myself nor any of my youth to be bound by the fetters of the past. Rather, we are ready to create our own unique history in this Region, together with Sensei. It is my strong determination that I will be able to assist my members in anyway I can so they will find joy in every aspect of their practice and lives.

I would like to share one of my favorite encouragements from Sensei.

"When your determination changes, everything will begin to move in the direction you desire. The moment you resolve to be victorious, every nerve and fiber in your being will immediately orient itself toward your success. On the other hand, if you think, 'This is never going to workout,' then at that instant every cell in your being will be deflated and give up the fight. Then everything really will move in the direction of failure." (Faith Into Action, p. 108)

Yoko Moses, Olympic Cascade Young Women's Leader

Day 86 - All Aboard

I am ready to get on the bullet train toward January 1, 2008. This is the day that my victory of the next 100 days will become a reality. How fast will the next 100 days go by? Probably as fast as a bullet train! As stated in the West Territory message on this theme: "Now West Territory 's is dashing towards the last 100 days of 2007 with the theme "All Aboard the Bullet Train to Victory! My 100 Days with Sensei !" This is based on an analogy SGI President Ikeda once shared about the difference between a regular train and a bullet train. On a regular train, the first car (engine) pulls the rest of the railcars to gain speed, while on the bullet train; each car contains its own engine. When the bullet train cars are united, the train can travel 3 or 4 times faster than a regular train. Let's ride the bullet train together with Sensei in this 2nd Act of Worldwide Kosen Rufu!" I can hear the train whistle blowing so let's get on before we're left on the platform. Yumi Konno, Vice Zone YWD Leader

All Aboard the Bullet Train To Victory!!!

1) October Kosen-Rufu Gongyo Is The Kickoff For The Next 100 Days

There are Kosen-Rufu Gongyo meetings, commemorative meetings, and youth celebrations happening throughout West Territory during the month of October. Let’s use all of these activities to invite back guests who attended summer activities. Let’s encourage as many new friends as possible to begin their practice at these significant gatherings. And remember: success at our November General Meetings begins with planning in October. Based on President Ikeda’s determination “…that the sounds of victory will reverberate in every corner of every district in your zone,” let’s ensure every district has a victory and can reply to President Ikeda.

2) Joyful November General Meetings with Gohonzon Conferrals in Every District

We want to create the greatest discussion meetings that deepen the faith of all who attend. We want everyone to ride the bullet train to victory, enabling every district to hold a Gohonzon Conferral in the month of November. Let’s especially focus our efforts on helping those districts that have not been able to introduce anyone to the practice this year, to have a Gohonzon conferral at their November District General Meetings.

3) New Year's Day Gongyo

We want to commemorate Sensei's 80th birthday by having many people receive the Gohonzon at New Year's Gongyo Celebrations. In November, the SGI-USA welcomes thousands of guests to our meetings. Let’s use December to help them begin their practice and ultimately to receive their Gohonzon on Jan. 1, 2008. Let’s empower each District to make its own propagation goal and celebrate together with President Ikeda on Jan. 1st.

Thank you!

The West Territory Team

Sensei Visits Seattle - October 6, 1960

On October 6th, 1960, President Ikeda landed in Seattle to bring the mission of kosen-rufu to the Pacific Northwest. President Ikeda planted the seeds of buddhist humanism in the lives of many sincere members who would take the lead for introducing Buddhism to others around our zone. As a result our zone has 4 regions with almost 200 districts. Let's celebrate this momentous occasion together with Sensei throughout this weekend and kickoff the next 100 days towards January 1st!

Let's keep fighting towards October 6th to welcome one new member in every district!

On Behalf of the Pacific Northwest Zone Team