Life is limited. Hence, how we live and change our lives is very important. In it, fostering capable people is the noblest and most precious way of life!

How old is sensei now? And you children, how old are you now? Do you know who Toda Sensei is? Who introduced him to us all? What is his relation with Ikeda Sensei? You’re right, it is Ikeda Sensei. How old would Ikeda sensei be 50 years later? And how old will you be then? Ikeda sensei introduced the greatness of his mentor’s to everyone who doesn’t have the chance to know him. Then, who will be the one to introduce the greatness of Ikeda Sensei’s contribution in the future?


In this short conversation, we enable the children to realize their mission as a disciple. But prior to this, they must first have a sound knowledge of Toda Sensei and Ikeda Sensei. In the course of fostering capable people, there are often times where we would encounter unforeseen difficulties or problems. It is exactly during this time - the resolute faith to never be defeated can guide the children towards a victorious life!

There are a lot of people giving excuses saying that they don’t have the time or that they are busy; an excuse which they became habituated to. But the key is not on you having ample time! Having plenty of time won’t affect whether we could nurture a very bright child. On the contrary, even though we are short of time， if we have a sharp mind, we can naturally engage an insightful conversation with the children.

Having plans or ideals is of course a good thing. But if we only carry a concept, we cannot foster a true individual. In reality, it is only going through our actions and efforts, our sweat, tears and laughter together – through our interaction with others, we are able to improve ourselves and grow. When we guide others through our own actions and words, then that is the true education. Education is not about planning tactics on a piece of paper like a general. We must act. This method of educating individuals will then be an endeavour filled with spirit and not soulless.

Say for example, as Junior Division PIC, we meet children once a month only and we don’t have the opportunity engage in an in-depth conversation with them. May I ask how could the children open up their hearts to us to let us into their world? Or how can we instill our mentors’ guidance to the next generation? It is only through our act of concern; the children will be able to feel our sincerity.

Try to change your approach on encouraging children! When there is a Junior Division member who doesn’t wish to cooperate in the activity saying words like: ‘You’re such a naughty child’. This way you are simply labeling a negative impression on the child. Hence, I hope that all of you could encourage them and say: ‘You can do better!’

Besides one to one sincere dialogue, the important thing mutual trust. Regardless of who they are every one of them has a mission which only they can fulfill and all children are emerging buds with aptitude. The best fertilizer to enable these buds to grow is to believe in them. Some of them may grow very fast whereas some needs to go through a certain time length then rapidly progress. Therefore, we must firmly believe that there will definitely be the day when they will sprout and make the most of their own unique capability. Patiently and warmly encourage them!

Children naturally possess the impetus to expand their life and grow. Due to some external factors, they will have an unexpected rapid growth. Basically, fostering a child is to correctly guide the life force of theirs and enable it to violently flow like a torrent. Please help them eliminate their obstacles!

Regardless of whether it is on education or parenting, all these are time consuming. Even though you may earnestly work hard for it, the result may not appear immediately. But we can definitely leave behind a fact and that is planting the seed of abundance and happiness in the children’s hearts.

Labels: e. Words of mentor