Mr. Toda trained young people with great rigor and thoroughness for the sake of the future of kosen-rufu and the happiness of each individual. He firmly believed that capable individuals were only fostered through rigorous training. "Not a single person has achieved greatness without training," he remarked. He also said: "I only trust those who have received training and experienced hardships," and "It's better to experience hard work, you're fortunate if you can, and you'll benefit from it in the end. Those who have not fully exerted themselves or undergone training end up weak and miserable." This is so very true. The people who shine with happiness in the end are those who have struggled harder than most, those who have actively sought out training.
It all comes down to training. Without training, you won't able to bring out your potential when it counts most. What is real training? It is polishing your faith. Developing our abilities to share the Daishonin's Buddhism an engaging others in dialogue are wonderful ways to gain training.
Mr. Toda observed: "All who have received proper guidance and training concerning faith, introducing Buddhism to others, and developing leadership skills have grown to become excellent individuals." He also said: "Unless a diamond is polished, you cannot even tell it's a diamond. What's most important is to polish your faith through earnest struggles. Then you are guaranteed to accumulate immeasurable good fortune." Those who remain steadfast in their faith attain boundless good fortune that is as indestructible as a diamond.
On the other hand, anyone in an important leadership position who neglects to steadily deepen their faith, avoids activities, and exhibits cunning behavior will only end up in a wretched state of ruin. If leaders of this type proliferate, the Soka Gakkai will decline. We must ensure this doesn't happen.
Mr. Toda asserted that the Daishonin's disciples must be as courageous as th cubs of a lion king, saying the more they are trained, the stronger they become. The Gakkai is a gathering of lionhearted individuals. The greater the adversity we encounter, the stronger we become. The more pressure we face, the more vigorous we become. That's what it means to be lionhearted. Stand up with the firmest resolve and exert the powerful force of a charging lion. Be strong of heart and embark on your own personal drama of victory!
(Translated from the August 9, 2007 issue of the Seikyo Shimbun, the Soka Gakkai daily newspaper, and published as SGI Newsletter No. 7321)
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