MD Q&A with Mr Tanegawa
Ans: Balancing our time is an eternal problem. It¡¯s definitely difficult to draw a balance. However, when we look at Ikeda sensei¡¯s struggle, it becomes clear how we should fight in such a situation.
Ikeda sensei for the first 5 years of his life as a Gakkai member had to support Toda sensei so that the latter could repay huge loans and establish his business. Because of this he could not attend Gakkai meetings regularly. To the extent that some members started spreading rumour that Ikeda has discarded faith. However, he struggled to attend zadenkai in the nearby areas and did his best to encourage others.
Around 1953, he was appointed as a YMD chapter chief in Kamata but he still had difficulty in attending meetings. However, he wrote postcards or sent telegrams of encouragement to members, who were overjoyed and surprised to receive such messages.
Everyone knew he was so busy with many things but his struggle to still encourage others through any means possible encouraged the members thoroughly. Members understood sensei¡¯s urgency and responded by fighting hard in KR activities.
Taking responsibility in Gakkai is not dependent on the availability of time; it boils down to the0„2ichinen0„2of leaders.
Experience of a YMD who had a key responsibility of managing wires at a TV station. Because of the criticality of his job, he could not attend any meetings at all. One day he thought of taking guidance on this issue from Ikeda sensei¡he met him at the kansai HQ. He explained to sensei in great detail his complete situation and his frustration. After listening to his entire, long story very patiently, sensei just told him: ¡°you have no choice but to give your 100% to both, work and faith.¡± Just one sentence guidance. The YMD was very disappointed with this very short guidance because he felt that he already knew it. However, on his way back, he mulled over it¡he gradually realised that he was0„2actually giving up on his activities citing his busy work schedule as an excuse. He then and there made a determination to actually start giving his 100% to both (work and KR activities). When he started praying like this, he gradually started to find time to attend meetings.
There¡¯s no comparison of the benefits we receive when we CONTINUE to practice in the midst of unfavourable conditions.
Through such a struggle, you are actually forging your life and polishing your ability to give deeper guidance to others.
Ans: Balancing our time is an eternal problem. It¡¯s definitely difficult to draw a balance. However, when we look at Ikeda sensei¡¯s struggle, it becomes clear how we should fight in such a situation.
Ikeda sensei for the first 5 years of his life as a Gakkai member had to support Toda sensei so that the latter could repay huge loans and establish his business. Because of this he could not attend Gakkai meetings regularly. To the extent that some members started spreading rumour that Ikeda has discarded faith. However, he struggled to attend zadenkai in the nearby areas and did his best to encourage others.
Around 1953, he was appointed as a YMD chapter chief in Kamata but he still had difficulty in attending meetings. However, he wrote postcards or sent telegrams of encouragement to members, who were overjoyed and surprised to receive such messages.
Everyone knew he was so busy with many things but his struggle to still encourage others through any means possible encouraged the members thoroughly. Members understood sensei¡¯s urgency and responded by fighting hard in KR activities.
Taking responsibility in Gakkai is not dependent on the availability of time; it boils down to the0„2ichinen0„2of leaders.
Experience of a YMD who had a key responsibility of managing wires at a TV station. Because of the criticality of his job, he could not attend any meetings at all. One day he thought of taking guidance on this issue from Ikeda sensei¡he met him at the kansai HQ. He explained to sensei in great detail his complete situation and his frustration. After listening to his entire, long story very patiently, sensei just told him: ¡°you have no choice but to give your 100% to both, work and faith.¡± Just one sentence guidance. The YMD was very disappointed with this very short guidance because he felt that he already knew it. However, on his way back, he mulled over it¡he gradually realised that he was0„2actually giving up on his activities citing his busy work schedule as an excuse. He then and there made a determination to actually start giving his 100% to both (work and KR activities). When he started praying like this, he gradually started to find time to attend meetings.
There¡¯s no comparison of the benefits we receive when we CONTINUE to practice in the midst of unfavourable conditions.
Through such a struggle, you are actually forging your life and polishing your ability to give deeper guidance to others.
