Soka Gakkai Gratitude
by Nicki La Rosa
Tsunesaburo Makiguchi and Josei Toda ‘Rocked their Era,’ so that we could Rock ours. Under the most unimaginable circumstances in war-torn Japan, they refused to accept the state imposed religion and were arrested as ‘thought criminals.’ They risked their lives to protect and propagate the Mystic Law. This was so that all living beings could call forth their Buddha nature. True disciples of the Daishonin, we owe a tremendous debt of Gratitude to Mr. Makaguchi (who after 500 days in prison, passed away at 73 yrs of age), and our Mentor’s beloved mentor, Josei Toda, who was released from jail in 1945, determined to rebuild the Gakkai that we are today. Let’s honor them with our vow for kosen-rufu, and decide to never be defeated by any obstacle!
http://www.sgi- usa.org/memberresources/resources/indiatoamerica/originsofsokagakkai.php )

"Soka Gakkai Gratitude"

We can only imagine how it must have been,
Locked up in a 19 foot prison pen;

Firm in your resolve that we could have it all
So Resolute, your Faith in the Mystic Law.

“Myo,” to be open, endowed, to revive,
Though your body imprisoned, your heart survived.

For 500 days you continued to pray;
Knowing the causes you made would be effects in this day!

Oppressors beset you, yet you endured so long,
While your prayer for reform grew even more strong!

One loyal disciple went with you to jail,
Determined the Gakkai would prevail!

In its mission to create value, amidst such great strife,
Awakening Bodhisattvas that honor all life.

80 years worth of sand has passed through the glass
And hour by hour we still hold steadfast;

Turning poison to medicine is the Lotus Sutra’s way;
Nam Myoho Renge Kyo, the Gakkai flourishes today!

Oh Sensei’s Sensei’s Sensei, do you know what you’ve begun?
12 million and growing; human revolution’s so much fun!

With deep gratitude we dedicate this poem of praise
For your Pure, Firm, Boundless and Superior ways!

~ Nicki La Rosa 2008 (revised 2010)Thank you!