Happy New Year!
Welcome to the
Year of Expansion
in the New Era of Kosen Rufu!
I just read an experience in the World Tribune, January 2015, page 25.
It's about a gentleman names Joe Perez.
He was born in the 1930's in Cuba, and wanted to come to America, but had no funds to do so. He found a way to come here by enlisting in the United States Army, and met his wife Junko while stationed in Japan. She practiced Buddhism, and he became an SGI member in 1972.
Through his business relations he traveled with the Mayor of San Antonio to Japan, and was intent on introducing the Mayor to SGI President Daisaku Ikeda, the man many of us call Sensei, or teacher.
I don't have time to detail what happened, but there was a backlash in San Antonio for making this introduction because the Japanese companies in San Antonio were caught up in anti SGI sentiment, and his business in San Antonio ended, so he had to start over.
Through his darkest times he says:
"Sensei's example to use faith first
and take action to change my situation
is what sustained me.
When I received guidance from a senior in faith
he encouraged me to read The Human Revolution.
He said that while reading,
I should replace Shin'ichi yamamoto
(the pen name of Daisaku Ikeda)
with Joe Perez.
Studying about the history
and conviction of the founding SGI presidents
inspired me to deepen my shared vow
with Sensei to advance kosen-rufu -
a grand undertaking that,
because of its goal to empower humanity,
is fraught with obstacles.
I determined to prove to the world
that my mentor is a great man
who has benefited humanity in irreplaceable ways,
and that we all can - and should - do the same!"
Because of his strong determination,
Joe Perez was able to
introduce Daisaku Ikeda to Rosa Parks,
and Fidel Castro,
and eventually helped the United States and Cuba
restore diplomatic relations through his travel company.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Mr Perez's experience really inspires me.
When Rosa Parks and Sensei met the world shifted a bit. Do you know she said meeting Daisaku Ikeda gave her great hope for this planet...the first great hope she had had in some time? And it inspired countless people worldwide. Daisaku Ikeda meeting Castro was also truly inspirational. And this man made it happen.
We can all be sharing in Daisaku Ikeda's vision - not just from the sidelines. We can all be taking steps to actualize kosen rufu every day.
I'm running to the Chicago Culture Center now to take part in the 1:00 New Year's Day Gongyo, along with my son and fellow members. I hope all of you are able to join with your Gakkai family today! Nam-myoho-renge-kyo! Here's to a powerful new year for us all!
