MESSAGE

My beloved members of the Soka family in India whom I cherish and respect
with all my heart,

Heartiest congratulations on your holding of this brilliant BSG General

Meeting today, an event, I believe, will take the lead in opening the way for
worldwide kosen-rufu and in marking a dynamic start towards 2020, the “Year of
Advancement and Capable People”.

I also extend my sincere appreciation to everyone who has gathered at the 265
venues across India for the simulcast and also to all of you who have gathered at this
new auditorium in the Soka Bodhi Tree Garden, which is the very embodiment of the
profound significance of westward transmission as well as a place where fellow
members around the world yearn to visit. Thank you so much for your admirable
efforts.
My heartfelt thanks also go to all BTS members who are supporting this event
at the respective venues in every way possible. Thank you so much indeed!

This year, all of you, the members of BSG, have achieved phenomenal
development that serves as a role model to all. In particular, the dynamic growth and
achievement of the youth division have been truly marvelous. There is no doubt that
you have helped set in motion, a great wave of inspiration across the whole of Japan
and the entire world. I would also like to report to you that my wife, Kaneko, is
sending her resounding applause specially to the noble members of the Women’s and
Young Women’s Divisions for your inspiring efforts in expanding your beautiful
network.

Nichiren Daishonin, the original Buddha of the Latter Day, states: “The
wonderful means of truly putting an end to the physical and spiritual obstacles of all
living beings is none other than Nam-myoho-renge-kyo.” (WND-1, p. 842)

No matter how much we’re suffering, as long as we continue chanting

Nam-myoho-renge-kyo for the happiness of others and ourselves, there is no hardship
that cannot be overcome. Furthermore, the more adversities you overcome through
faith in the Mystic Law, the greater your life state will open forth and expand. You
can develop a life state of absolute happiness, which is a state of being in which
living itself is a joy.

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 Such conviction and testimonies of faith will become a source of powerful
encouragement to those who are experiencing great hardships and suffering,
illuminating their lives with the light of hope and courage. It will certainly call forth
countless fellow Bodhisattvas of the Earth to emerge. As such, I ask that you continue
forging ahead while chanting daimoku through and through no matter what happens
by regarding “both suffering and joy as facts of life”. (cf WND, p. 681) I would like
you to become a person who says, “I love chanting daimoku with all my heart”. A
person who is dedicated to chanting daimoku is one who has a heart that is like the
clear blue sky. Such an individual is one who enjoys the greatest joy, happiness and
victory. What is most important is to continue living our lives with faith as our basis.

India is the great land of the spirit. It is a country overflowing with infinite
potential and hope for the future. There is no doubt that the grassroots movement of
kosen-rufu that we are advancing today will surely become a powerful current like
the mighty Ganges with the passage of time.

I believe that it is a well-known fact that the great champion of Indian

independence Mahatma Gandhi once said, “Good travels at a snail's pace.” There was
also an occasion when Gandhi responded to critical voices asserting that it is
impossible to save everyone by saying, “If we can touch one person's life and save
that life, that is the great change that we can effect.”

This principle that Gandhi upheld resonates perfectly with the spirit “to
cherish and encourage each individual” that we hold close to our hearts in carrying
out our daily Gakkai activities. Though it is a very down-to-earth and
time-consuming undertaking, effecting an inner transformation in the life of a single
human being constitutes the very first and biggest step forward in changing the
future.

The time has finally arrived when all of us, the members of BSG, will make
substantial contribution to the betterment of our communities, society and humankind
by becoming the beacon of hope and encouragement to the people around us.

As such, I ask that you expand the network of peace and happiness by striving
together with ever greater harmony and unity based on the spirit of many in body but
one in mind while chronicling a golden history of kosen-rufu as well as your own
human revolution.

Please advance hand in hand, together with our youth, taking young strides
with a youthful spirit.
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 Please send my warmest regards to your family and members in your
organizations upon your return.

I will be sending daimoku with all my heart to each and every one of you.

Please stay well and be in high spirits always!

December 1, 2019

Daisaku Ikeda
President, Soka Gakkai International

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All rights reserved. This document can be photocopied for the exclusive use of activities of Bharat Soka Gakkai. This report may not be forwarded, circulated
through email or internet to any person other than the recipients of this report.