SGI President Daisaku Ikeda
June 29, 2001

To all of you, my dear friends of the SGI-USA Academics Division and Educators Division, who bring the light of hope to the twenty-first century through humanistic education--let me express my heartfelt congratulations on this gathering of seeking minds! I sincerely thank you for your noble, untiring dedication day in and day out.

First Soka Gakkai President Tsunesaburo Makiguchi once said, "Education cannot be successful without the most excellent, outstanding human resources. Education is the highest, most difficult skill and art of human life, for it is directed toward the most precious object in the world, that is, the supreme treasure called life."

Education becomes possible only through earnest interaction and collaboration among persons of character. So I ask that each of you pray more than anyone for the development and happiness of your students and challenge yourself to revolutionize the state of your life.

As Nichiren Daishonin states, "The purpose of the appearance in this world of Shakyamuni Buddha, the lord of teachings, lies in his behavior as a human being" (The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, p. 852). The enlightenment of a Buddha becomes apparent nowhere but in his or her humane conduct. So shine with life's abundant vigor and, through your wisdom, send forth the refreshing breeze of an educational Renaissance into American society!

Upon your shoulders rests the noble mission to bring the future to blossom in the twenty-first century and beyond. You are so precious and worthy. I am seriously praying every day for your excellent health and further success. Please convey my sincerest regards to your families and friends, whom I love deeply.