On April 2, 1958, seventeen days after the ceremony on March 16, Mr Toda’s noble life came to an end. March 16 had been a farewell ceremony, the passing of the baton.

It was said by some that after his death, the Soka Gakkai would “disintegrate in mid-air”. But I was determined to make certain his words, his hopes and dreams, came true. I grasped that spiritual baton of the unity of mentor and disciple and I ran with it.

I ran and ran.

A disciple is someone

     who carries out his mentor’s teachings.

A disciple is someone who fulfils his vow.

I have done these things,

      and that is my greatest pride.