First of all, on behalf of all Junior Division’s PIC I’d like to say Thank you to all of you Junior Division members!

I’d like to thank all of you for bringing us never-ending joy not just throughout this Graduation camp.

And also the countless unforgettable memories we created throughout the past six years of our Junior Division meetings.

Next, let all of us give all the PICs present here a big round of applause. For this graduation camp, there are 119 PICs who put in a lot of efforts for the sake of the preparation of this Graduation Camp especially our Camp Leader, Hong Yun ko ko, who have strenuously put all his efforts in organizing a safe and smooth Graduation Camp. Let us thank them again!

There was one occasion where a mother shared the final conclusion of her daughter’s own experience in which her daughter wrote:

I greatly thank Daisaku Ikeda for introducing Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism to the whole world, if it weren’t for him, my parents won’t join Soka Gakkai and wouldn’t practise this Buddhism, if my parents didn’t practise and my sickness will never be cured.

What I wanted to say is, without Nichiren Daishonin, we won’t have our three presidents!

In yesterday’s activity, I believe all of you learnt Nichiren Daishonin and President Ikeda’s spirit! They have worked their hearts out in overcoming numerous struggles all for the sake of changing the destiny of humanity and to enable every one of us to live a happier life. But as for this great cause, do you think it is only up to Ikeda Sensei alone to accomplish it?

Let s go back to 65 years ago when Japan lost the war where the whole society is in pain and sufferings. A weak and frail middle aged man who was jailed because of opposing against war was released from prison. At that time, out of anger he shouts out that he wanted to rebuild Soka Gakkai and start over again to bring the light of courage and hope to society. This is a truly unbelievable / unthinkable matter, that person is Josei Toda.

Two years later, a youth in his 19s obliged to follow Mr. Toda and went through tough times one after another together. Mr. Toda passed on all his knowledge and the essence of his wisdom to this youth. Their mentor and discipleship spirit surpasses time, space and location unceasingly undertaking the role playing the heartwarming yet beautiful melody of mentor and discipleship. He is the successor of Mr. Toda and he is Daisaku Ikeda.

About 15 years later, a youth who pursues freedom and dislike to participate in any meeting activities under some coincidence and encouragement, he participated in our association’s workforce recruitment interview. When he was on the way going for the examination he met Ikeda Sensei, sensei told him that he must do his best and to strive together with our mentor in the future. Since that day onwards for 40 years, every step he took and his every action ensues his life mentors’ guidance 100% and that no matter which country his mentor visited, he always closely follows and safeguards his mentor engaging in the struggles. How come a young man who pursues freedom is willing to wholeheartedly give up his life to his life’s mentor? He said it is because he was touched by his mentor’s kindness, noble qualities and a lofty value towards life. This man here is merely just representing one of Ikeda’s many disciples.

For that reason, world peace cannot be achieved by just relying on one generation of people. We have our first president Tsunesaburo Makiguchi, second president Josei Toda and third president Daisaku Ikeda. Therefore who will be next to carry on this unfinished mission? You’re right! It’s us. Ikeda sensei is 82 this year but he still renders unremitting efforts directing us in this world stage of kosen rufu. But 50 years later he will be 132 years old and at that time he will no longer be in this world. So who will be entrusted the future of kosen rufu? It is each and every single one of us!

President Ikeda placed very high hopes on us; he holds aspirations for our growth and continuously does his utmost in guiding us, so we mustn’t disappoint him.

This year all of you have already entered the secondary years and you are no longer children. You should start to learn to be considerate and accept others. Whereas in your home, you should learn to ‘take responsibility’ and ‘be willing to contribute’, not just blindly accepting other people’s contribution. Such person is a truly mature individual.

Last week a senior shared with me a few stories. All those stories are related to Junior Division members’ heart-warming experience of how they shoulder part of their family’s financial problem and how they lessen their parents’ worries. I was deeply touched listening to it. A young mind carrying a firm resolve, once they stand up with a firm determination they can definitely produce an unimaginable and uplifting outcome which can touch everyone else! Some people may come from an adverse upbringing while some people are tortured by sickness; all these are part of life. Similarly to what I shared just now about the Junior Division member who overcame the sufferings of cancer, as long as we muster up the courage with an unshakable 100% faith towards ourselves and Gohonzon, all of you can definitely achieve the victory of overcoming everything just as he how did! There is nothing in this world that is predestined and nothing in this world is impossible. The most important thing is that we do our utmost! Unwaveringly and persist in our struggles and our life will definitely be full of brilliance!

Finally, I wish all of you that you will be able to cherish all adversities which will fuel your growth and at the same time continuously train yourselves to become a very exceptional capable person in your secondary life. Please remain in our Junior Division and become other children’s role model and together with the other seniors let us all take up the responsibility and contribute in the task of fostering people for the sake of our organization’s future pillars / support!

Do your best!
Thank you!


Junior Division Chief FooKC
20th March 2010

Labels: f. thoughts of chief