"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
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