I can literally divide my life into two halves, one before I encountered Nicherin Daishonin Buddhism and one after. This life defining Philosophy has given me the strength to take control of my environment, my happiness, my karmas. It's given be a leap of faith, a leap of faith backed by reason and logic.
Today on your birthday, Sensei, I thank you for being the best mentor anyone can ever have. When everything seems topsy turvy and devastated, your guidance and words of Hope, come in like the light through the crack, brightening the darkest corners. With you I have shared my hopes, dreams, fears, angst, tears and mystically your words have given me the life force to sail through.
You have inspired me through your own life struggles, to dream for the impossible, to go after the cherished and to make a difference in the society. You have empowered us with hope, wisdom, courage and compassion to face each life struggle with the spirit of the lion, to enjoy the suffering as much as the joy, to awaken to our kosen rufu mission, to smile through hostility, to emerge and inspire others to emerge as Boddhisatwas.
I hereby express my profound gratitude for your support, for your warm embrace even when I slackened, for your prayers, for your writings, for making me master of my own destiny and dreams.
In this Year of Expansion, I am gonna literally, come out as blue deeper than indigo. One of those hundreds and thousands of Shinichi's, I will rise to fulfil my vow. I will make you proud as Ikeda Kayo Kai.
Happy Birthday Sensei! To your long and healthy life!
