The New Human Revolution Vol. 30 - The Autobiographical Novel by Daisaku Ikeda
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This volume, which concludes The New Human Revolution, describes many highlights in the history of kosen-rufu: from the events that took place in the first months of 1979 when Shin’ichi Yamamoto, after resigning as president of the Soka Gakkai due to the treacherous plots orchestrated by the Nichiren Shoshu clergy, stood as an unshakeable mountain in the face of those difficulties, launching a new grand phase of the kosen-rufu movement worldwide, to his fifth visit to China in 1980 and to North America, South America, and the Soviet Union the following year; from his trip to Italy in 1981, during which Shin’ichi Yamamoto particularly devoted himself to encouraging and developing young people, to numerous activities in various areas of Japan.
In the concluding chapter, titled The Vow, we find described the events that led to the excommunication of the Soka Gakkai by the Nichiren Shoshu. November 28, 1991, the day of the excommunication, is defined by Shin’ichi as “a historic date, the day of our spiritual independence.” It is also the moment when the Soka Gakkai definitively takes flight towards the twenty-first century as a world religion.
The chapter—and the entire novel—concludes with the description of the central leaders’ meeting on November 12, 2001, during which Shin’ichi made an earnest appeal to the young people, the Bodhisattvas of the Earth who live for the great vow of kosen-rufu, entrusting them with the future of the Soka movement in the world.
In his heart, Shin’ichi appealed to the youth: “Let’s move forward together! Let’s fight as long as we live. Let’s advance with confidence and vigor, resounding the sound of the second series of the Seven Bells.” Within himself, Shin’ichi had a clear vision of the Soka youth, like majestic young eagles, soaring in the dawn light of the third millennium. He saw them flying high, in an uninterrupted flow, towards the immense skies of the world.
Main contents of each chapter
C.1 THE GREAT MOUNTAIN:
On April 24, 1979, Shin’ichi resigns as the third president of the Soka Gakkai. At the end of the central leaders' meeting on May 3, he writes the calligraphies “great mountain” and “great cherry tree.” On May 5, he writes the calligraphy “justice.”
C.2 WAITING FOR THE RIGHT MOMENT:
Shin’ichi vigorously dedicates himself to encouraging members, preparing the opportune moment for a new beginning. In 1980, fellow members from Shikoku and Amami Island travel by boat to Kanagawa, where Shin’ichi Yamamoto was, to meet their mentor.
C.3 IMPETUOUS MOMENTUM:
On April 21, Shin’ichi travels to China for the fifth time. On his way back, he stops in Nagasaki, where he begins a counteroffensive to break the chain of plots and intrigues orchestrated by the Nichiren Shoshu priests. The following year, 1981, he visits North America, South America, and the Soviet Union.
C.4 THE BELL ANNOUNCING THE DAWN:
Various events take place in Europe, including his first visit to Bulgaria. Shin’ichi Yamamoto dedicates himself entirely to training young people in every area. Shin’ichi also visits the United States and Canada.
C.5 CRIES OF VICTORY:
In the Shikoku region, Shin’ichi Yamamoto composes Kurenai no uta, the “Song of Crimson.” In Oita, the poem “Youth, climb the kosen-rufu mountain of the twenty-first century” is presented. Cries of victory also resound in Kumamoto and Atsuta.
C.6 THE VOW:
Shin’ichi Yamamoto holds a series of meetings and dialogues with leaders and thinkers from around the world. The Soka Gakkai takes flight into the twenty-first century as a world religion. During the Central Leaders’ Meeting held on November 12, 2001, at the Toda Memorial Hall in Tokyo, in an atmosphere of great enthusiasm, Shin’ichi makes an earnest appeal to the youth.