The Hall of the Great Vow for Kosen-rufu
Hosshaku Kempon Editorial Team would like to take this opportunity to wish all the Chinese readers ‘A Happy and Prosperous Horse Year!’
In view of the recent breakthrough of readership pertaining to Jay Hou’s special reports, we wish to take pleasure by publishing this special editorial as a sense of gratitude to our precious readers. Right after the reports of Jay Hou’s incident were published, we received emails enquiring on the significance of the Hall of the Great Vow for Kosen-rufu. According to the content of their emails, the senders mentioned that SSA top leaders shared nothing on its significance. Henceforth, we take it upon our challenge to raise the awareness of the Hall of the Great Vow for Kosen-rufu, so that more and more of the true practitioners in Singapore will look forward to visit this magnificent edifice, standing proudly in Shinanomachi, Tokyo.
The Hall of the Great Vow for Kosen-rufu was officially opened on November 18, 2013. Its opening commemorated the founding of the Soka Gakkai in 1930 and the 69th anniversary of the passing of first Soka Gakkai President Tsunesaburo Makiguchi. It serves as ground zero for SGI's movement for worldwide Kosen-rufu and signifies a new phase in the development of the SGI as an international movement of lay practitioners of Nichiren Buddhism.
This new building has eight pillars on its southern and northern sides, symbolizing the eight character passage from the Lotus Sutra which reads: "You should rise and greet them from afar, showing them the same respect you would a Buddha." This signifies the key spirit of Soka Gakkai in treasuring each member as if he were a Buddha. It is equivalent to the spirit of one should without fail show the practitioners of the Lotus Sutra the kind of respect one would show to a Buddha.
On November 5, SGI President Ikeda presided over the Gohonzon enshrining ceremony in this hall together with President Harada and other top Soka Gakkai leaders. Three days later on November 8, a commemorative gongyo meeting was held in this hall, led by President Harada. In attendance were the 330 SGI leaders from 85 countries and territories around the world. In his message for this occasion, President Ikeda expressed his hope that the new hall will be a place where world citizens of the Mystic Law come together in rich diversity to pray and renew their commitment to work for the happiness and security of the people, the flourishing of society, the realization of world peace and the transformation of the destiny of all humankind.
We are proud and honored to announce that SSA top leaders were among the 330 SGI representatives from 85 countries participating in this gongyo meeting. They were among the earliest party to hear this enlightening message of President Ikeda and encounter the first hand experience of this awe-inspiring event. Yet the significance and spirit of this wonderful edifice was not officially announced to our fellow members and leaders of SSA.
· What is the basis for not imparting them?
· Do the top leaders fret over the fact that the Hall of the Great Vow for Kosen-rufu in Japan will outweigh the value and significance of Soka Peace Centre in Singapore and thereby abating the merit of the top leaders for building it?
It will be a great injustice to our mentor, President Ikeda if the facts relating to this lofty edifice are intentionally or unintentionally withheld from the true practitioners of Singapore. We, hereby, share the details of the building uninhibitedly.
In his message, President Ikeda stated, “This year marks 70 years since the Soka Gakkai’s first and second presidents, Tsunesaburo Makiguchi and Josei Toda, were arrested and imprisoned by the wartime Japanese militarist authorities for refusing to compromise their beliefs (in July 1943). The completion of this grand and stately hall on this significant milestone is an indisputable testimony to the victory of the mentors and disciples of Soka.”
“President Makiguchi, who resisted wartime militarism and died in prison for his beliefs, had vowed to realize the Daishonin’s ideal of “establishing the correct teaching for the peace of the land.” Making his vow my own, I began and developed a diverse global network of people committed to the values of peace, culture, and education.”
[The Great Vow for the Happiness of All Humanity]
Why did Sensei propose to call this new building, the Hall of the Great Vow for Kosen-rufu?
In his message, President Ikeda stated, “During his life-threatening exile on Sado Island, the Daishonin declared: “I will make a great vow” (WND-1, 280). He pledged to be the pillar, the eyes, the great ship that would save all people from suffering, praying single-mindedly for the realization of Kosen-rufu. The “great vow” he made is none other than the great vow for the propagation of the Lotus Sutra—that is, the great vow for Kosen-rufu.”
“Seven centuries after the Daishonin first proclaimed his teaching; the Soka Gakkai appeared in modern times—at the very height of this age of conflict that is the Latter Day of the Law—taking upon itself the mission to accomplish the great vow for Kosen-rufu in exact accord with Nichiren Daishonin’s spirit. It is truly the organization carrying out the Buddha’s will and decree.”
“The heart of the great vow for kosen-rufu and the life-state of Buddhahood are one and the same. Therefore, when we dedicate our lives to this vow, we can bring forth the supreme nobility, strength, and greatness of our lives. When we remain true to this vow, the limitless courage, wisdom, and compassion of the Buddha flow forth from within us. When we wholeheartedly strive to realize this vow, the “poison” of even the most difficult challenge can be transformed into “medicine,” and karma transformed into mission.”
“The Joju Gohonzon enshrined in the altar here is the “banner of propagation of the Lotus Sutra” (WND-1, 831) upheld by the Soka Gakkai, which is dedicated to this great vow. It bears the inscription ‘For the Fulfillment of the Great Vow for Kosen-rufu through the Compassionate Propagation of the Great Law.’”
[The Great Vow for the Happiness of All Humanity]
In his message, President Ikeda mentioned that as the true disciple of President Toda, he protected this Joju Gohonzon, enshrined in the Mentor-Disciple Hall of the former Soka Gakkai Headquarters building, by engaging himself to realize the fulfillment of the great vow for Kosen-Rufu through the compassionate propagation of the great Law.
President Ikeda continued, “I chanted constantly before this Gohonzon, praying for the happiness, health, and longevity of all our members and for them to successfully carry out their human revolution and attain Buddhahood in this lifetime. And, looking toward the distant future of our movement, I continued my efforts to create a solid and unending flow of capable successors and took decisive leadership to thoroughly ensure the eternal perpetuation of the Law.”
“And now this time has come, and we are able to see the long-awaited completion of this towering citadel of mentor and disciple.”
“This is truly a golden place of assembly like that described in the Lotus Sutra, as Bodhisattvas of the Earth from around the world joyously gather to chant before the Kosen-rufu Gohonzon enshrined here—causing the life-state of Buddhahood that is one with the great vow from time without beginning to shine forth brightly like the morning sun—and make a fresh departure with brand-new energy and commitment’”
“I, therefore, propose that, from this day forward, this hall be called the Hall of the Great Vow for Kosen-rufu, and that we joyfully initiate a fresh dynamic advance, spreading hope and justice, toward a new era of worldwide Kosen-rufu.”
[The Great Vow for the Happiness of All Humanity]
President Ikeda has reassured us that this towering citadel is the crystallization of the victory of the mentors and disciples of Soka. This grand and stately hall, as President Ikeda calls it, will be a place where we reaffirm ourselves as genuine disciples of President Ikeda and renew our Vow for Kosen-rufu, thereby making a fresh departure with brand-new energy and commitment. For this reason, the Hall of the Great Vow for Kosen-rufu belongs to all the genuine disciples of President Ikeda across the globe.
Henceforth, none of the architectural building built in any of the SGI countries, can be used to replace or act as replica to this lofty edifice. Nothing can substitute this sublime spirit of the Oneness of Mentor and Disciple, which we can unveil from this lofty hall. No…not even our Soka Peace Centre, which has just obtained the Temporary Occupation Permit, can replicate it! As a consequence, nobody including SSA top leaders or the HQ staffs shall in anyway derail us from visiting this lofty edifice.
Finally, we wish to accredit this special editorial to Jay Hou for setting precedence in Japan by displaying the unrelenting spirit to break through all obstacles hindering him from setting foot on this wonderful Hall of the Great Vow for Kosen-rufu. If it happens that you were to meet him on the street or in our Soka Centres, please greet him with the spirit of "You should rise and greet them from afar, showing them the same respect you would a Buddha."We are certain our top leaders and HQ staffs will learn and follow from our example. Believe or not…JUST DO IT.
In view of the recent breakthrough of readership pertaining to Jay Hou’s special reports, we wish to take pleasure by publishing this special editorial as a sense of gratitude to our precious readers. Right after the reports of Jay Hou’s incident were published, we received emails enquiring on the significance of the Hall of the Great Vow for Kosen-rufu. According to the content of their emails, the senders mentioned that SSA top leaders shared nothing on its significance. Henceforth, we take it upon our challenge to raise the awareness of the Hall of the Great Vow for Kosen-rufu, so that more and more of the true practitioners in Singapore will look forward to visit this magnificent edifice, standing proudly in Shinanomachi, Tokyo.
The Hall of the Great Vow for Kosen-rufu was officially opened on November 18, 2013. Its opening commemorated the founding of the Soka Gakkai in 1930 and the 69th anniversary of the passing of first Soka Gakkai President Tsunesaburo Makiguchi. It serves as ground zero for SGI's movement for worldwide Kosen-rufu and signifies a new phase in the development of the SGI as an international movement of lay practitioners of Nichiren Buddhism.
This new building has eight pillars on its southern and northern sides, symbolizing the eight character passage from the Lotus Sutra which reads: "You should rise and greet them from afar, showing them the same respect you would a Buddha." This signifies the key spirit of Soka Gakkai in treasuring each member as if he were a Buddha. It is equivalent to the spirit of one should without fail show the practitioners of the Lotus Sutra the kind of respect one would show to a Buddha.
On November 5, SGI President Ikeda presided over the Gohonzon enshrining ceremony in this hall together with President Harada and other top Soka Gakkai leaders. Three days later on November 8, a commemorative gongyo meeting was held in this hall, led by President Harada. In attendance were the 330 SGI leaders from 85 countries and territories around the world. In his message for this occasion, President Ikeda expressed his hope that the new hall will be a place where world citizens of the Mystic Law come together in rich diversity to pray and renew their commitment to work for the happiness and security of the people, the flourishing of society, the realization of world peace and the transformation of the destiny of all humankind.
We are proud and honored to announce that SSA top leaders were among the 330 SGI representatives from 85 countries participating in this gongyo meeting. They were among the earliest party to hear this enlightening message of President Ikeda and encounter the first hand experience of this awe-inspiring event. Yet the significance and spirit of this wonderful edifice was not officially announced to our fellow members and leaders of SSA.
· What is the basis for not imparting them?
· Do the top leaders fret over the fact that the Hall of the Great Vow for Kosen-rufu in Japan will outweigh the value and significance of Soka Peace Centre in Singapore and thereby abating the merit of the top leaders for building it?
It will be a great injustice to our mentor, President Ikeda if the facts relating to this lofty edifice are intentionally or unintentionally withheld from the true practitioners of Singapore. We, hereby, share the details of the building uninhibitedly.
In his message, President Ikeda stated, “This year marks 70 years since the Soka Gakkai’s first and second presidents, Tsunesaburo Makiguchi and Josei Toda, were arrested and imprisoned by the wartime Japanese militarist authorities for refusing to compromise their beliefs (in July 1943). The completion of this grand and stately hall on this significant milestone is an indisputable testimony to the victory of the mentors and disciples of Soka.”
“President Makiguchi, who resisted wartime militarism and died in prison for his beliefs, had vowed to realize the Daishonin’s ideal of “establishing the correct teaching for the peace of the land.” Making his vow my own, I began and developed a diverse global network of people committed to the values of peace, culture, and education.”
[The Great Vow for the Happiness of All Humanity]
Why did Sensei propose to call this new building, the Hall of the Great Vow for Kosen-rufu?
In his message, President Ikeda stated, “During his life-threatening exile on Sado Island, the Daishonin declared: “I will make a great vow” (WND-1, 280). He pledged to be the pillar, the eyes, the great ship that would save all people from suffering, praying single-mindedly for the realization of Kosen-rufu. The “great vow” he made is none other than the great vow for the propagation of the Lotus Sutra—that is, the great vow for Kosen-rufu.”
“Seven centuries after the Daishonin first proclaimed his teaching; the Soka Gakkai appeared in modern times—at the very height of this age of conflict that is the Latter Day of the Law—taking upon itself the mission to accomplish the great vow for Kosen-rufu in exact accord with Nichiren Daishonin’s spirit. It is truly the organization carrying out the Buddha’s will and decree.”
“The heart of the great vow for kosen-rufu and the life-state of Buddhahood are one and the same. Therefore, when we dedicate our lives to this vow, we can bring forth the supreme nobility, strength, and greatness of our lives. When we remain true to this vow, the limitless courage, wisdom, and compassion of the Buddha flow forth from within us. When we wholeheartedly strive to realize this vow, the “poison” of even the most difficult challenge can be transformed into “medicine,” and karma transformed into mission.”
“The Joju Gohonzon enshrined in the altar here is the “banner of propagation of the Lotus Sutra” (WND-1, 831) upheld by the Soka Gakkai, which is dedicated to this great vow. It bears the inscription ‘For the Fulfillment of the Great Vow for Kosen-rufu through the Compassionate Propagation of the Great Law.’”
[The Great Vow for the Happiness of All Humanity]
In his message, President Ikeda mentioned that as the true disciple of President Toda, he protected this Joju Gohonzon, enshrined in the Mentor-Disciple Hall of the former Soka Gakkai Headquarters building, by engaging himself to realize the fulfillment of the great vow for Kosen-Rufu through the compassionate propagation of the great Law.
President Ikeda continued, “I chanted constantly before this Gohonzon, praying for the happiness, health, and longevity of all our members and for them to successfully carry out their human revolution and attain Buddhahood in this lifetime. And, looking toward the distant future of our movement, I continued my efforts to create a solid and unending flow of capable successors and took decisive leadership to thoroughly ensure the eternal perpetuation of the Law.”
“And now this time has come, and we are able to see the long-awaited completion of this towering citadel of mentor and disciple.”
“This is truly a golden place of assembly like that described in the Lotus Sutra, as Bodhisattvas of the Earth from around the world joyously gather to chant before the Kosen-rufu Gohonzon enshrined here—causing the life-state of Buddhahood that is one with the great vow from time without beginning to shine forth brightly like the morning sun—and make a fresh departure with brand-new energy and commitment’”
“I, therefore, propose that, from this day forward, this hall be called the Hall of the Great Vow for Kosen-rufu, and that we joyfully initiate a fresh dynamic advance, spreading hope and justice, toward a new era of worldwide Kosen-rufu.”
[The Great Vow for the Happiness of All Humanity]
President Ikeda has reassured us that this towering citadel is the crystallization of the victory of the mentors and disciples of Soka. This grand and stately hall, as President Ikeda calls it, will be a place where we reaffirm ourselves as genuine disciples of President Ikeda and renew our Vow for Kosen-rufu, thereby making a fresh departure with brand-new energy and commitment. For this reason, the Hall of the Great Vow for Kosen-rufu belongs to all the genuine disciples of President Ikeda across the globe.
Henceforth, none of the architectural building built in any of the SGI countries, can be used to replace or act as replica to this lofty edifice. Nothing can substitute this sublime spirit of the Oneness of Mentor and Disciple, which we can unveil from this lofty hall. No…not even our Soka Peace Centre, which has just obtained the Temporary Occupation Permit, can replicate it! As a consequence, nobody including SSA top leaders or the HQ staffs shall in anyway derail us from visiting this lofty edifice.
Finally, we wish to accredit this special editorial to Jay Hou for setting precedence in Japan by displaying the unrelenting spirit to break through all obstacles hindering him from setting foot on this wonderful Hall of the Great Vow for Kosen-rufu. If it happens that you were to meet him on the street or in our Soka Centres, please greet him with the spirit of "You should rise and greet them from afar, showing them the same respect you would a Buddha."We are certain our top leaders and HQ staffs will learn and follow from our example. Believe or not…JUST DO IT.
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