I remember an incident that took place many years ago, when the Soka Gakkai was still a small organisation. My mentor, Josei Toda’s business was in dire straits: we had no money, no capable staff, and were at rock bottom.

One day, Mr Toda suddenly plucked a flower nearby and put it in my shirt pocket, as if it were a medal of honour. I was spending my days striving desperately and completely alone to serve, fight for, and protect my mentor.

Mr Toda said to me: “I’m sorry for all the trouble I’ve caused you. You’re really doing a fine job, Daisaku.” Some snickered at my floral medal of honour, but to me it was an award for kosen-rufu presented by my mentor in kosen-rufu. No tribute could have been greater.