The training course consisted of lectures on the Oneness of Mentor and Disciple Relationship, the Future Division and the Gosho entitled "The Drum at the Gate of Thunder." The session on Future Division which was lectured by Vice General Director Hiromasa Ikeda was a first in the Training Course and it focused on fostering the Future Division.

The Key Points in Fostering the Future Division
Mr. Hiromasa Ikeda mentioned some key points in fostering the Future Division.
1. Let the lives of those who will shoulder the future shine brightly like the sun.
2. Future division members should focus on their studies. Try to support the children indirectly.
3. Never be strict with children; make sure that the children can act freely and make them feel comfortable.
4. If they’re not doing gongyo, you should not make them feel guilty. You just tell them to chant daimoku three times instead. Learn to awaken their faith on their own because if they feel that “this practice is limiting my life” – then this defeats the purpose.

The 21st Headquarters Leaders Meeting
Among the highlights of the Training Course was the 21st SGI Commemorative Headquarters Leaders Meeting with SGI President Daisaku Ikeda.
The Commemorative HQ Leaders Meeting was held at Tokyo Makiguchi Hall. Before the meeting started, SGI General Director Oba and the Women’s Division leaders gave an award for selected participants. Among the selected participants, 2 Philippine representatives were chosen: Julette Dadal who received a golden pin and Cecilia Cabauatan who received a crown.
Reports on activities like Shakubuku, High School and Future Divisions, and other Youth Division movements from countries like America, Korea, Benin and Thailand were very encouraging and overwhelming. These reports really show that the SGI Youth Division members from around the world are advancing with the spirit of the Oneness of Mentor and Disciple.

Q & A Session
Also during our session with Soka Gakkai President Harada, some participants were given a chance to ask some questions. One of the leaders from India asked Mr. Harada about the meaning of “It is the heart that is important. (The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin Vol. l, p.1000)”.

Q. What is the meaning of “It is the heart that is important?”
A. The meaning of this is the faith that we have with the Gohonzon. We believe and embrace the Gohonzon, the power of the Buddha, the embodiment of our soul.

Then we were very happy to have encountered the Newly Appointed YWD Chief of Japan - Ms. Kumazawa during our commemorative dinner at restaurant. And we’re glad that we had the opportunity to ask her several questions.

Q. What is the right way in doing shakubuku?
A. There is a difference in the situation of each country. The Philippines has a way of doing Kosen-rufu. As such, there is no need to compare the Philippines with Europe, America or Japan. Ikeda-Sensei often encourages the YWD saying, "Oftentimes you can't do shakubuku but there's no need to be impatient." The important thing is to shine with vigor and that many people will be motivated to practice faith because of you. Even if some youth can't join the SGI because their parents are opposed, the seed of Buddhahood is already planted. The important thing is to continue to chant for that person. When you look at the situation that a youth isn't an SGI member, if this person has faith in the Gohonzon then this person can be considered to already be a member. I would like to encourage the YWD members to continue to share to other people with the objective of planting the seeds of Buddhism to many people. Eventually in the future, when we become senior division members, there maybe people whom we have planted the seeds of Buddhism upon at present who will start practicing. Don't be attached to the number of shakubuku. Instead, the YWD members should summon courage to plant seeds of Buddhism to other people.

Q. What is the significance of Ikeda-Sensei's giving strict guidance to the top leaders?
A. This question is very important but I don't think that there's an answer to this question. First of all, Ikeda-Sensei is trying to teach us how strict the Mentor and Disciple relationship is. The bond of Mentor and Disciple exists between the three mentors of Soka Gakkai. During the time when Soka Gakkai 1st President Makiguchi was imprisoned, 2nd President Toda was determined to offer his life to his mentor. And because of this bond, Ikeda-Sensei too, as the 3rd President, is determined to offer his life to President Toda. Ikeda-Sensei is trying to teach us this noble world of Mentor and Disciple. And although he received continuous strict guidance from his mentor; but to us, he remains warm and encouraging. Because Ikeda-Sensei trusts all of you that is why he can show you how strict he can be. If Ikeda-Sensei is strict with you, then that means he trusts you.

"I Yearn for the Next Shin'ichi Yamamoto to Appear!"
The SGI Youth Training Course 2008 was a great success. Youth Division members from around the world are full of convictions to continue to contribute for World Peace in their respective countries. As Ikeda-Sensei shared in his message for the Opening Ceremony: “All I ask is for an endless procession of true disciples to emerge, the men and women who will build new stages for this Second Act of World Kosen-rufu and fulfill their respective roles! I yearn for the next Shin'ichi Yamamoto to appear!"