The New Human Revolution Vol. 27
The year 1978, which was designated as the "Year of Study" and whose events are described in this volume, saw Shin'ichi Yamamoto engaged in a series of trips to various prefectures and regions of Japan. In meeting with members and leaders, Shin'ichi takes every opportunity to extend warm encouragement and guidance to them, in which he lavishes his whole being, never sparing himself. During meetings, sometimes even informal ones, Shin'ichi reiterates the fundamental principles that underlie the Soka Gakkai, such as the importance of personal encouragement and the meaning and function of discussion meetings. He also pledges to visit the pioneers in those areas, whose homes for years have served as the base of operations for local activities, to thank them personally. In addition, on April 9, 1978, the Soka Elementary School in Tokyo is inaugurated: Shin'ichi Yamamoto thus sees realized the goal, so dear to his teacher Toda and the first president of the Soka Gakkai Tsunesaburo Makiguchi, of the completion of an entire Soka school system, from kindergarten to postgraduate studies, based on Makiguchi's educational ideals. For Shin'ichi, it is also the realization of his commitment to raising capable individuals, based on the belief that young people are the leaders of the future.
When we live based on the great vow of the Buddha,
then, whatever vicissitudes we may encounter,
we will always be protected and our lives
will begin to shine with an increasingly intense light.
Daisaku Ikeda