President Ikeda’s Lecture on ‘The Three Kinds of Treasure’ (From the November 2009 Issue of Daibyakurenge)
Cherishing the Individual: The True Behavior of Buddhist Practitioners
When meeting with a Chinese youth delegation, I was asked about the secret behind the development of the Soka Gakkai. I immediately replied:
“It is because we have cherished every single member!”
This is my unshakeable conviction and lifelong philosophy.
“Cherishing the individual” is the core of Nichiren Buddhism. “One is the mother of ten thousand.” The enlightenment of a single person paves the way for the enlightenment of all people. Nichiren Daishonin taught that the enlightenment of the Dragon King’s daughter opened the way for all women in the Latter Day of the Law to attain Buddhahood. This is known as “exemplifying all through one instance.”
The entire Soka Gakkai is contained within a single member. Therefore, when one individual is revitalized, the entire organization gains vigor. As long as there are openhearted, one-on-one dialogues, the Soka Gakkai will continue to develop eternally.
Offering conviction to those who are lost, hope to those who worry, courage to those in despair, joy to those in grief, wisdom to those in distress, perseverance to those facing setbacks, reassurance to the anxious, and conviction to the hesitant—unceasing encouragement becomes the wellspring of revitalization, the bond of shared struggle, and the first step toward happiness.
Second President Josei Toda was a master of personal guidance.
In the early days, at the branch office of the Soka Gakkai headquarters in Ichigaya, Tokyo, the small room of about four or five tatami mats at the top of the stairs was always packed with members seeking President Toda’s guidance.
Members burdened with financial hardship, illness, family discord, and indescribable sufferings felt relieved upon hearing President Toda’s warm greeting, “What’s the matter?”, and poured out their troubles candidly.
To those who spoke through tears, President Toda constantly gave encouragement: “You’ll be fine!” and “There is no way you won’t become happy through this faith!” He consistently referred to the Gosho, saying, “This is the Daishonin’s teaching, not my own words.” Imbued with his absolute conviction, every visitor left with renewed vitality and confident steps. These individuals transformed their destiny and became ambassadors of happiness in their local communities, encouraging juniors and fostering numerous capable people.
This network of goodness spread from one person to two, three, ten, a hundred, a thousand, and tens of thousands, enveloping Japan with flowers of happiness. Eventually spreading throughout the world, it built the grand alliance of today’s Soka Gakkai and SGI.
Reading the Gosho, we see that the Daishonin offered guidance with precise insight into the personalities and circumstances of his recipients. In “The Three Kinds of Treasure,” his boundless compassion for Shijo Kingo in his greatest adversity is evident in every piece of advice and consideration.
It is as if Kingo were sitting right before the Daishonin, who observed Kingo’s expressions while writing. Offering detailed advice on daily conduct, pinpointing key areas for Kingo’s human revolution, and praising his selfless devotion—at every turn, the Daishonin held Kingo’s image in mind.
Witnessing faces nodding in understanding, reflecting in remorse, blushing with emotion, brightening in relief, or stiffening with firm resolve, the Daishonin engaged each dynamic state of life. He dispelled inner darkness, aroused courage to transform destiny, and imparted wisdom to defeat negativity. Personal guidance is a genuine duel of compassion and conviction—a meeting of life with life. “The Three Kinds of Treasure,” which encouraged Kingo and opened a breakthrough to victory, serves as an authentic textbook of faith guidance for us all.