South Asia-Korea-West Japan Joint Youth Training Course: Youths from Six Countries Forge Indestructible Unity, Illuminating Asia with the Great Light of Buddhism
On 1 February, SGI General Director Yoshiki Tanigawa led a Gosho study and question-and-answer session for youth representatives from West Japan, South Korea, India, Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia at the SGI Asia Culture and Education Centre (SGI ACEC). The youth had gathered the previous day for a joint training course, engaging in vibrant discussions and sharing experiences in advancing kosen-rufu in their respective countries. The training course was held to commemorate the 65th anniversary of kosen-rufu in Asia, following President Ikeda’s first visit of the continent in 1961, as he strived to fulfil second Soka Gakkai president Josei Toda’s aspiration for Asian kosen-rufu.
Mr Tanigawa lectured on the Gosho “On the Buddha’s Prophecy,” which discusses the Budda’s prophecy for the future, specifically, the “westward transmission of Buddhism” as predicted by Nichiren Daishonin. He stressed that it is the Soka Gakkai that is fulfilling this prophecy.
Drawing on President Ikeda’s Gosho lectures, he emphasised that the Latter Day of the Law (referring to our present age) is not a sad era of Buddhism’s decline, but a joyful time in which the Mystic Law will spread widely and all people can attain Buddhahood. He added that its realisation requires both the Law to be propagated – the Lotus Sutra – and the people who propagate it – the practitioners of the Lotus Sutra.
He further stressed that by living for the vow of kosen-rufu, one can attain the life state of a Buddha, calling on participants to take pride in the conviction, “I am the protagonist of ‘the Buddha’s Prophecy’,” and to uphold the vow of propagating the Mystic Law.
While fielding questions, Mr Tanigawa explained that in an era marked by growing division and a loss of hope among young people, the joy experienced through one person’s human revolution can influence others. He encouraged the youth to build connections and expand networks of goodness, urging those struggling with interpersonal challenges to polish their lives to be as resilient as refined gold.
The study session was followed by faith experiences shared by three youth representatives.
Dipayan Dasgupta, a young men’s division member from India, spoke of his victory in being selected for a space research project, completing his PhD thesis and securing a position as a researcher, despite facing family illness.
Thai young women’s division member Nutsuda Jaemprathip shared her journey of graduating with first-class honours while overcoming immense pressure, alongside her mother’s recovery from cancer, affirming that true happiness lies in striving for kosen-rufu.
Yang Jung-hee from South Korea shared how dedicating herself to the happiness of others helped her overcome her own feelings of misfortune. She also made a resolution to foster 100 youth who will awaken to faith, as an expression of gratitude to her mentor President Ikeda.
In her address, SGI young women’s division leader Miyuki Horiguchi called on participants to realise President Ikeda’s vision of laying the foundations for world peace by 2050, starting from Asia, and to pioneer new advances in kosen-rufu in their respective areas.
In closing, Mr Tanigawa encouraged all participants to become true disciples of President Ikeda, never defeated by sorrow, and to continue striving wholeheartedly for the happiness of others.
Sixty-five years ago, in February, before true happiness and peace reached Asia, President Ikeda cried out in his heart: “I’ll do it. I’ll do it no matter what. If I fall along the way, I’ll entrust its completion to the youth, whom I consider extensions of my own being. Come forth, you Shin’ichi Yamamotos, in countless tens, hundreds of thousands!”
Today, youth who awaken to the conviction “I am Shin’ichi Yamamoto” are rising one after another, vowing to illuminate all of Asia with the great light of Buddhism.
Reported by Ting Cheau Ya, photographed by Charlie Low Teck Seng, Ng Yann Fae, Jeffery Lum, Lum Heng
Johor youth division members lining up at the entrance to welcome SGI representatives from various countries, filling the venue with warmth and energy.In the Gosho study and question-and-answer session, SGI General Director Yoshiki Tanigawa urged the youth to forge connections through dialogue and action, and to cultivate hope in life.Young men’s division representative Dipayan Dasgupta, together with other youth representatives from India, raising their fists in determination, expressing their united resolve to strive all-out for kosen-rufu and peace.SGI General Director Yoshiki Tanigawa leading the planting of the “65th Anniversary of Kosen-rufu in Asia Commemorative Tree,” which symbolises the “many in body, one in mind” spirit of SGI members across Asia.South Korean youth representatives posing with the “Korea SGI Tree” at the SGI ACEC after planting it.Youth representatives from six countries calling out, “One world with Sensei! One Asia with Sensei!”
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