“Don’t succumb to cowardice, arrogance, and ingratitude!” –– this has been the call heeded by the Gakkai since the time of Mr Makiguchi and Mr Toda. Buddhism is concerned with winning. Both mentor and disciple have won.​

The first major ordeal President Toda had to endure was his imprisonment [during World War II]. The Soka Gakkai’s membership dropped off sharply, plunging the organisation into the danger of complete collapse. The second major ordeal occurred after the war, when his business ran aground as he was striving to rebuild the Gakkai. Many of his disciples responded by scorning this outstanding mentor, to whom they owed so much. There were despicable people who heaped insults and abuse on him. And there were ingrates who began to slander their mentor at the first sign of trouble, smirking contemptuously and deserting him. These are scenes that are burned into my memory. Even the Soka Gakkai’s general director at the time denigrated our mentor Mr Toda. Yet, as is only to be expected, those who cravenly repaid all Mr Toda had done for them with enmity and spite came to a miserable end.​

“Don’t succumb to cowardice, arrogance, and ingratitude!”––this has been the call heeded by the Gakkai since the time of Mr Makiguchi and Mr Toda. Buddhism is concerned with winning. Both mentor and disciple have won.​

Based on the spirit of oneness of mentor and disciple, I have forged everlasting victory. This fills me with immense pride and satisfaction. I know that my life will continue forever as a true victor who has fought for the sake of kosen-rufu without ever begrudging his life, in the same spirit as the Daishonin. It is my heartfelt wish that all my disciples will do likewise.