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