The autobiographical novel of Daisaku Ikeda, president of SGI. Volumes VII and VIII cover the chronicle of 1962 and 1963, years of great development both in Japan and abroad for the Soka Gakkai. While this sprouts seeds of hope in many countries, in South Korea the spread of Nichiren Buddhism triggers severe persecution of Gakkai members. In 1962, the Bay of Pigs crisis exposed the fragile balance of the Cold War, and only Kennedy's nerves averted the nightmare of an atomic war. The American president wishes to meet with Shin'Äôichi Yamamoto, but this meeting, equally desired by the president of the Soka Gakkai, will be canceled due to interference by some Japanese politicians. In 1963 Kennedy is assassinated in Dallas. The event shocks the whole world and leaves President Yamamoto's heart with the regret of not having been able to dialogue with him; he nevertheless makes his own determination to carry forward the humanitarian ideals so dear to President Kennedy.
