Encounters and Dialogues with Distinguished Figures
1. With Philippine Presidents
Dialogue with President Aquino of the Philippines
SGI President Ikeda paid a courtesy call on President Corazon Aquino of
the Philippines in the morning of April 22, 1991 at the Malacañang Palace.
Greeting the Philippine president as the “mother of the Philippines and
great mother of the world”, President Ikeda presented President Aquino
with a poem entitled, “Crown with Glory the Mother of the Philippines”
that he had written to commemorate the occasion of their first meeting.
In the course of their discussion and among other topics, they talked about
their expectations for an expanded friendship and exchange between Japan
and the Philippines, and the need for a fresh perspective on human life
to match the dawning of an “age of women”. President Ikeda also mentioned
that the people of the Philippines, whose country boasts the world’s most
majestic sunrises and sunsets, have treasures of unparalleled beauty in
their hearts. In the coming of the age of nonviolence and culture, women
will no doubt be expected to play still more active roles in society. Commenting
on Mrs. Aquino’s wisdom and the sense she projects of being one with the
people, President Ikeda wrote in his poem:
With President Aquino
…People Power
is also the power of women
who stood proud and unflinching –
the flame of conviction burning fierce in their eyes –
before the thunderous approach of tanks
protecting their children’s future…
…the dawn of new democracy!
The curtain rises on a new era of the common man!
We must never forget, however,
that revolution is not
the realization of a goal
so much as a departure toward one…
…You who make the heart
of the common people your own!
Mother of the Philippines
like the pure white ‘sampaguita’ flower!...
President Aquino, as one of the world’s leading women, also imparted a
message to all women. “It is up to each person to take a close look at
himself and discover who he is, what his goals in life are, and the role that best
suits him”. As the dialogue between the representatives of the common people
in Japan and the Philippines came to an end, the waves of history could
be heard in the distance washing on the shores of a new humanistic era
of the people… The Age of Asia and the Pacific: Dialogue with President Ramos
On May 10, 1993, President Ikeda celebrated the 1st year anniversary of
President Ramos’ induction at the Malacañang palace. In his dialogue with
President Ramos, President Ikeda expressed his expectations for the Philippines
as a prosperous country like an “emerging dragon” in the new millennium
through the people’s strength. President Ikeda mentioned that the geographical
location of the Philippines gives it the mission of peace and that the
Filipinos have the potential to realize this. President Ramos also shared
his valuable insights about Japan describing it as an “anchor” in the age
of Asia and the Pacific. In their conversation, Ikeda President Ikeda
also emphasized the importance of culture and education in promoting understanding
between Japan and the Philippines. A Meeting with Former President Ramos in Soka University, Tokyo, Japan
October 29, 1998 – After bestowing an honorary doctorate upon President
Ramos in Soka University, President Ikeda welcomed him and his wife in
the Tokyo Makiguchi Memorial Hall. President Ikeda praised Mr. Ramos for
being an advocate of public revolution and then moved on to discuss the
basis of democracy with former president Ramos. In their dialogue they
agreed that the foundation of democracy is the ordinary people and by empowering
them, the nation will eventually develop. A Meeting in Tokyo with President Estrada
In June 4, 1999, President Ikeda had a dialogue with Philippine President
Estrada in Tokyo. President Estrada expressed his conviction in developing
the nation in cooperation with the people. In connection with
President Estrada’s words, President Ikeda strongly emphasized that working
with the common people is the basic prerequisite for a leader to be called “a
man of justice”. A Meeting with President Ramos in Makiguchi Memorial Hall
With President Ramos
President Ikeda met former president Fidel Ramos at Makiguchi Memorial Hall, Tokyo, in March 23, 2000.
In their dialogue, they reached a conclusion that it is the common people
who were the primary actors in effecting change in the 21st century.
They also emphasized the worth and dignity that each individual possess and that every leader must have a concrete vision of how to empower the common people.
2. The Orders of the Knights of Rizal
The Conferment Ceremony of the Knights of Rizal Grand Cross
Before the conferment ceremony on November 8, 1996, President Ikeda had
a dialogue with the Supreme Commander of the Order of the Knights of Rizal,
Mr. Quiambao, at the Tokyo Makiguchi Memorial Hall.
On that occasion, Dr. Ikeda was very thankful for the great kindness of the Order of the Knights of Rizal in bestowing the honor.
He expressed his determination to spread the spirit of Dr. Jose Rizal in
promoting peace in the world and happiness of humanity.
"We rarely have a ‘real hero’ in the world. Materialism nowadays has
driven away the value of the spirit and morality. I’d like to change this
course. To accomplish it, we should learn from the real hero, Dr. Jose
Rizal," President Ikeda articulated.
The Rizal International Peace Award Ceremony
In response to receiving the Rizal International Peace Award on October 9, 1998, President Ikeda mentioned that humanity have two great paths towards the future as opened up by Dr. Jose Rizal.
First is the path of victory of the common people and second, the path of unity of the youth.
The Supreme Commander of The Order of the Knights of Rizal visits President
Ikeda in Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture
President Ikeda welcomed Mr. Quiambao, the former Supreme Commander of
the Order of the Knights of Rizal and his party in Chubu International
Women Center, Aichi, on November 14, 1998. President Ikeda wholeheartedly
praised them for their efforts in fostering the youth and at the same time
stressing the essence of the Knights of Rizal motto, “The power of the
heart is indestructible”. In response, Mr. Quiambao praised President Ikeda
for spreading the philosophy of value creation throughout the globe and
described him as a cosmopolitan and a universal man who enthusiastically
spreads the spirit of Dr. Jose Rizal.
“The Distinct Encounters”
On February 2, 2000, President Ikeda had a dialogue about Dr. Jose Rizal
with Mr. Quiambao in Okinawa Training Center. Focusing on Rizal’s spirit
of reformation and literature, President Ikeda and Mr. Quiambao discussed
a variety of things from Rizal’s childhood to the very last moment of his
life. President Ikeda repeatedly stated his conviction of dedicating himself
to ceaselessly spreading the spirit of Dr. Jose Rizal throughout the world.
Their dialogue was later published in 2001 entitled, “Distinct Encounters”.
3. Others
President Ikeda Meets with the President of the Cultural Center of the Philippines
Manila, April 23, 1991 – Praising the beautiful, humane hearts of the Filipino
people, President Ikeda said, during his meeting with Maria T.E. Roxas,
president of the Cultural Center of the Philippines and Nicanor Tiongson,
artistic director and professor at the University of the Philippines, that
in the interest of deepening mutual understanding between their countries,
he wanted to do what he could to widely expose the Japanese people to the
rich, humanistic culture of the Philippines. The Cultural Center president
highly praised the activities of the SGI and the Min-On Concert Association
(which was founded by President Ikeda), noting that they share the same
goal as the Cultural Center, that is, to contribute to international goodwill
and peace through the promotion of cultural exchange. A Meeting with Tagaytay City Mayor Tolentino
On the 10th of October in 1998, President Ikeda and the Honorable Mayor
Tolentino of Tagaytay City discussed the mission of a politician.
In their dialogue, they agreed that it is truly crucial to be reminded
of one’s mission and be aware of the spirit of one’s foundations no matter
what political line or organization a politician belongs to.
President Ikeda was truly thankful for the effort of Tagaytay City in its promotion of friendship between the two countries.
They ended their dialogue with a promise to create a better future between the Philippines and Japan.
A Dialogue with a Chief Justice and two Presidents
On March 15, 2002, President Ikeda met the Chief Justice of the Supreme
Court Mr. Hilario Davide, Supreme Commander of the Order of the Knights
of Rizal Mr. Quiambao, and President of Araneta University Mr. Concepcion,
at the Seikyo Shimbun building in Tokyo. In their dialogue, they discussed
the importance of humanism in society. Aside from this, the vital role
of women in fostering a bright hope in society was also highlighted. The
guests were deeply impressed with the activities of SGI that truly empowers
women. They also talked about the role of the youth in creating a hope-filled
nation throughout the world. Citing the life of Mr. Davide, who was
seriously poor when he was a child, President Ikeda stated that real happiness
does not come from social status but more on the process of overcoming
life’s adversities. It was also emphasized in their dialogue that the devotion
towards the common people is a vital quality that a leader should possess.
Honorary Doctorate bestowed upon the SGI President Daisaku Ikeda
1. University of the Philippines (April 21, 1991)
The University of the Philippines conferred the Honorary Doctorate of Law
upon SGI President Daisaku Ikeda on April 21, 1991.
The presentation was made in conjunction with the university’s 80th commencement
ceremony, held at the Diliman campus in Quezon City.
A total of about 2,500 faculty members, students and guests attended the
ceremony.
Dr. Abueva explained that the Honorary Doctorate in Law being presented to Mr. Ikeda was the most prestigious of all degrees awarded by the university. In his greetings, Mr. Ikeda heartily praised the University’s effort to promote education and the brilliant tradition it has established since its foundation in 1908.
He said that he sincerely prayed for the
glorious prosperity of the University of the Philippines and of all those
present, adding that
he sensed that the people of the Philippines,
whose country boasts of the world’s most majestic sunrises and sunsets,
have
treasures of unparalleled beauty in their
hearts.
Prior to the presentation of the Honorary Doctorate, Mr. Ikeda attended the commencement ceremony for the College of Business Administration to deliver a commemorative lecture entitled “Peace and Business: Toward a Universal Spirit of Fairness and
Justice”. It was also the 75th anniversary
of this College.
On University of the Philippines
University of the Philippines (UP) was founded
in 1908. As the highest seat of learning in the Philippines, UP has exhibited
its
excellence in academia and other related activities as well as having fostered a large number of capable individuals who are
remarkably active in all areas of society.
The Summary – Mr. Ikeda’s lecture "Peace and Business: Toward a Universal
Spirit of Fairness and Justice"
"Control your business; don’t let it
control you". This is Mr. Ikeda's long cherished saying. In his lecture,
Mr. Ikeda shared some of
his thoughts based on the perspective of
“world citizenship”, the ideal espoused by the great Filipino hero Jose
Rizal. He highlighted
the fact that business, by its very nature, has as its prime objectives of economic efficiency and the pursuit of profit.
“If a businessman allows himself to be controlled
by his business, and thinks only in terms of corporations and capital,
it will lead
him to fight for profits – a behavior which
has also frequently caused wars to be fought”. He also stressed out that
in business, it is
very crucial to always consider the greater, holistic interest of the entire planet and of humankind. Having this in mind, it would
even enable one to make judgment through
the willingness to rise to the nobility of self-sacrifice that transcends
personal gain
and profit.
2. De La Salle University (March 18, 1997)
De La Salle University conferred the Honorary Doctorate of Humanities upon
SGI President Daisaku Ikeda. The conferment ceremony was held during the
commencement exercises of Soka University and Soka Women’s College in Tokyo
in March 18, 1997.
On De La Salle University De La Salle University was founded in 1911. "De La Salle" is
the founder's name, who was a French pastor and educator who lived in the
17th to 18th century.
On January 22, 1996, Brother Andrew Gonzalez, the President of De La Salle University, visited Soka University to conclude an academic corporation between De La Salle University and Soka University.
In the campus of DLSU, there is a memorial for the victims of the Japanese Army during World War II. In March 1996, the students
of Soka University offered flowers to this memorial.
This, according to Dr. Gonzalez, was the very first time for Japanese nationals
to have done such an act. In February 10,
1998, Mr. Ikeda also visited De La Salle University and he too, offered
flowers to this
memorial.
The Summary – Mr. Ikeda’s Speech The time when the Reverend De La Salle lived
was at the zenith of the Bourbon dynasty. Behind their glory, however,
people
suffered from a series of wars and famines.
Amid such disorder, the Reverend De La Salle deserted his property and
career as a
priest to dedicate his life to education for the people’s sake. It was a struggle to cultivate the human mind to emancipate him
from within. Inevitably, he was bound to
be the target of the old power. It was the people who protected him from
that power
in the critical time to resume his school.
Casting away one’s life for the people to share the pleasures and hardships
of life and
win their trust – this is what it means to
lead a truly glorious way of life.
During World War II, the arrogant Japanese
military invaded the beautiful nation of the Philippines and devastated
an
immeasurable number of precious lives. There
is a memorial to the victims in the campus of De La Salle University. We
must never
forget this tragic history. In the very foundations
of Soka University lies the spirit of President Makiguchi, who fearlessly
fought
against Japanese nationalism and died in
prison, as a result. Soka University will transcend nations and nationalism
to construct an
eternal solidarity of human beings.
3. University of the City of Manila (February
11, 1998)
University of the City of Manila conferred its Honorary Doctorate of Humanities
upon GI President Daisaku Ikeda. The Conferment ceremony was held in University
of the City of Manila, the Philippines, on February 11, 1998.
On University of the City of Manila
University of the City of Manila was founded in 1967. This University is well known as the first university in Asia which has initiated the remission of tuition fees. The University of the City of Manila is called the “University dedicated to people”, for it opened its gates of learning to the underprivileged students so that they can give full play to their potentials.
The Summary – Mr. Ikeda’s Speech Dr. Jose Rizal called on his friends to invest their energy in promoting the education of the people. University of the City of Manila upholds this spirit of Dr. Rizal’s. Today, February 11, is the gladdest day for me in a year, because it is the birthday of Mr. Josei
Toda who is my mentor. Mr. Toda’s long-cherished
wish was to spread the light of peace over the Asian people in this unsettled
time. Mr. Toda was also an educator who loved
young people so dearly. Every morning he would teach me all branches of
knowledge; this lecture of "Toda University"
lasted for ten years. I gladly offer this honor to Mr. Toda.
Mr. Toda's humanitarianism is thoroughly
based on the dignity of life. He led a people’s movement for peace with
the conviction
that life is an absolute and supreme entity. The exploration into life and the change of human beings themselves are the very
basis of everything. Exploration of knowledge
has brought affluence and convenience to humanity, but at the same time
it has
also incurred great danger. In order to utilize
knowledge and information for the sake of happiness and peace of humanity,
it is
vital to bring forth wisdom and compassion that all people possess in their very lives. To tap life, which is the biggest frontier in
the 21st century, is the great mission of
humanistic education.
4. Angeles University (February 5, 2000)
Angeles University conferred an Honorary Doctorate of Humanities upon Dr.
Ikeda. The conferment ceremony was held following the finale of the "World
Peace Culture Convention" in Okinawa, Japan, in February 5, 2000.
The president of Angeles University, in his awarding speech, observed that Dr. Ikeda's strikingly excellent quality of sincerity enabled him to win the admiration and honor from around the world.
On Angeles University
Angeles University was founded in 1962 by Madame Angeles, the mother of the President of Angeles University. This University started as the first private high school in the city, but it had to be closed down two years later.
However, Madame Angeles never succumbed to such difficulties. Instead,
she sacrificed her own property in order to rebuild the
school. She declared that if we establish
a school, we could save many people, especially the underprivileged. Thanks
to their
sacrifice and dedication, now their school has achieved a remarkable milestone and developed into a general university. In the
basic tenets of Angeles University lies the
idea of dedication to the people and services for the greater cause of
community.
5. University of Southern Philippines (October 2, 2000)
University of Southern Philippines conferred an Honorary Doctorate of Humanities upon SGI President Daisaku Ikeda. The conferment ceremony was held in Tokyo Makiguchi Memorial Hall, Tokyo, on October 27, 2001. University of Southern Philippines also conferred the “Rizal Peace Award” upon Mr. Ikeda as its first awardee on October 2, 2000 in Tokyo.
On University of Southern Philippines University of Southern Philippines was founded in response to people’s
passionate desire for education in Cebu City in 1927. This University follows
the spirit of the Filipino hero, Jose Rizal and is proud of its museum
which keeps precious relics and mementos of Rizal.
The Summary – Mr. Ikeda’s Speech “I will dedicate everything to the happiness
of all”—this is the very spirit of Dr. Jose Rizal, and the spirit of Soka
Gakkai. Soka
Gakkai has achieved remarkable development, all because we had this spirit of working not for one’s self but solely for others.
Herein lies the most upright way of life.
“If you try to change society, change yourself first”—this is the spirit
that University
of Southern Philippines upholds. In order
to create the 21st century as the century of peace and education, let us
create the
histories of our own human revolution, as
well as create a new Soka Gakkai and a new society.
6. Gregorio Araneta University (March 14, 2002)
Gregorio Araneta University conferred an Honorary Doctorate of Humanities
upon SGI President Daisaku Ikeda. The conferment ceremony was held in the
head office of Seikyo Newspaper in Tokyo on March 14, 2002, with the attendance
of distinguished guests – Mr. Quiambao, the former Supreme Commander of
the Order of the Knights of Rizal, and his wife, Mr. Davide, Chief Justice
of the Philippines, and his wife.
On Gregorio Araneta University Gregorio Araneta University was founded by Mr. Salvador Araneta in 1946.
“Gregorio Araneta” is the name of his father who served as the Minister
of Law as the first Filipino under America, and dedicated his later years
to education. Mr. Salvador, who succeeded to his father’s will, founded
the university to foster the youth who contribute to the independence and
peace of the Philippines.
The Summary – Mr. Ikeda’s Speech As Dr. Salvador, the founder of Gregorio
Araneta University, said that the path to peace starts with each one of
us, the great
change of the world starts with the great
change within one single human being. Once, the brutal Japanese military
invaded
the Philippines and destroyed an inestimable number of precious lives, including Dr. Salvador’s siblings. Gregorio Araneta
University rose from such an indescribable
tragedy to initiate the holy work of humanistic education. Fighting thoroughly
against
nationalism – this is the very soul of Soka
Gakkai following the first president Makiguchi, a martyr to peace.
Dr. Jose Rizal maintained that a human being’s
duty today is to dedicate oneself for the salvation of all humanity. Chief
Justice
Davide tells us that what renders a human
being most human is his contribution, and encourages us to take courageous
action
for those who are suffering. Let us advance
together, carrying an eternal hope, in realizing the peace of the world.
7. Capitol University (June 6, 2004)
Capitol University conferred an Honorary Doctorate of Humanities upon SGI President Daisaku Ikeda. The conferment ceremony was held after the general meeting of Soka Gakkai in Tokyo on June 6, 2004.
On Capitol University
Capitol University was founded in 1971, by Madame Laureana San Pedro Rosales, a great educator as well as a survivor of the Bataan Death March, one of the worst atrocities of the Pacific War. She has established many educational institutions including Capitol University in Mindanao Island. Capitol University carries a mission of fostering a “total person.”
The Summary – Mr. Ikeda’s Speech
Today, June 6, is the 133rd birthday of the
Soka Gakkai’s founding president Tsunesaburo Makiguchi, who died in prison
as a consequence of his opposition to Japanese
military government during World War II. I would like to offer this honor
from
Capitol University to my illustrious predecessor.
In April of 1942, the Japanese Army perpetrated
the Bataan Death March wherein they forced the American and Filipino
prisoners as well as civilians to walk nearly 100 kilometers without sufficient water or rest; they relentlessly killed those who
collapsed on the spot. As many as 20,000
people are believed to have been killed by this brutality. Madame Rosales,
surviving
this hellish march with her mother and siblings,
made a firm vow: Education is crucial; I will dedicate my life to fostering
the
development and growth of people who can contribute to world peace! Overcoming every difficulty, she established the
university dedicated to the happiness and
peace of all humanity.
Victory is simply never accepting defeat, no matter what. Being undefeated is victory. Never give up, never losing hope –
that is the key to winning and the essential
philosophy of all experts in the art of happiness. Let us advance together
with
our revered teachers from Capitol University
in creating a world free of war, violence, and killing and filled instead
with
profound respect for the value and dignity
of life.
8. Batangas State University (March 19, 2005)
Batangas State University conferred an Honorary Doctorate of Pedagogy upon
SGI President Daisaku Ikeda. The conferment ceremony was held at the commencement
ceremony of Soka University and Soka Women’s College on March 19, 2005,
in Tokyo.
On Batangas State University
Batangas University is located in the Province of Batangas which the Japanese
military invaded and devastated during World War II. The precursor of Batangas
State University was founded in 1903, which was promoted to Batangas State
University in 2001.
The Summary – Mr. Ikeda’s Speech
A person who knows how to repay his debt
of gratitude is a person who has true intelligence as well as a graduate
of Soka
education. Mr. Tsunesaburo Makiguchi, the
father of Soka education, argued that people can be divided into three:
the first type
are those whom people do not care about whether they are around or not; the second type are those whom people do not want
to stay; the third type are those whom people
absolutely want to stay around. I would like all of you to be the kind
of people
whom others want to stay, just as I was in
my youth. Those who live such kind of life are truly happy people. It is
in order to
attain happiness that you have studied.
Whether or not you can struggle with difficulties
decides your life. In order to be victorious, you must appreciate the value
of labor; fiddling and idling is the enemy;
arrogance is the path to defeat in life – this applies both to individuals
and organizations. Only by
overcoming difficulties, can you be victorious.
Dr. Toynbee told me that true happiness and satisfaction lie in the action you take for the sake of people and the world. I would
like you to put all your heart into the path of your own mission, without leaving any regret. No matter what, those who are
victorious in the end are true winners. I
hope you win in your own lives as experts in the art of happiness and of
victory!
As Dr. Jose Rizal observed that a courageous
heart and unyielding resolution are the keys to victory, making a desperate
effort
with a firm resolution enable you surely
to open the path to victory.
9. Pampanga Agricultural College (March 16, 2006)
Pampanga Agricultural College conferred an Honorary Doctorate of Humanities
upon SGI President Daisaku Ikeda. The conferment ceremony was held during
the commencement exercises of Soka High School in Tokyo on March 16, 2006.
On Pampanga Agricultural College
Pampanga Agricultural College is located in the Province of Pampanga, the
midland of Luzon Island, where great farming districts spread. Pampanga
Agricultural College was founded in 1885. The graduates are active in various
fields such as agriculture, veterinary, and education.
Pampanga was extensively bombed by the Japanese military on December 8, 1941, the day when the Pacific War broke out.
The campus of Pampanga Agricultural College was also invaded by them and was used as their station. The then President of the College was the grandfather of the present President Batad. He survived the Bataan Death March, and resumed the school after
the war to foster capable persons who would
contribute to peace.
The Summary – Mr. Ikeda’s Speech
The greatest person is a person of filial
piety as well as a person of learning, i.e. one who has both excellent
intelligence and
consideration for others. Then, what is true
filial piety? It is to never get defeated in any difficulties; that wherever
you may be
right now, you will be victorious in the
end. The victory of the graduate is a victory of the alma mater and of
the parents. My only
wish is that you will win an absolute victory
and for you to be good to your parents.
The grandfather and father of the president, Dr. Batad, also served as the President of the College. The steady foundation of the College was laid down by these three generations. During World War II, the Japanese military devastated the noble campus of the College. This history of barbarity is a dishonor to Japan, which we must never forget. I would like to declare clearly that it is the
three mentors and disciples of Soka education
who fought firmly against the diabolic nature of Japanese nationalism.
When the agricultural grounds around Pampanga province suffered great damage from the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo in 1991,
Pampanga Agricultural College took the lead
for the revival of the agriculture industry. This noble history tells us
that learning is
indeed the source of good action; learning
exists for justice of humanity; and learning is the principle of victory
in one’s life.
Lastly, I would like to share with you the
words of the father of Dr. Batad – “those who are firmly resolved to win
will win.”
10. University of Rizal System (November 24, 2006)
It was from the Philippines that the historic 201st Honorary Doctorate was bestowed on President Ikeda. And this came from University of Rizal System as it conferred its Honorary Doctorate of Humanities upon President Ikeda. The conferment ceremony was held in the head office of the Seikyo Newspaper building in Tokyo on November 24, 2006.
On University of Rizal System
University of Rizal System is located in the province of Rizal, which carries
the name of the national hero. The precursor of the University of Rizal
System was founded in 1956, and then it was integrated with other universities
in the same province to become what it is at present in 2001.
The Summary – Mr. Ikeda’s Speech
I have met and discussed with leading women scholars and leaders around the world. Still, I was especially moved by the speech
of President De Leon, whom I greatly admire
as the supreme mother of education.
In the power of education and culture, we human beings, can find hope. I am convinced that those who have this divine power
of education and culture are women. I remember
the history of educational revolution by the Filipino women in the town
of
Malolos. They upheld Dr. Rizal’s spirit as
their own and courageously claimed for their right to receive education
and the
establishment of a school, which had been oppressed by the colonial rulers. Despite threats and disturbance by arrogant priests
and the power, the women of Malolos never flinched. They patiently continued the movement and finally achieved their dream
in 1889.
I am glad to say that an academic cooperation
between University of Rizal System and Soka University has been concluded,
which
is the 101st school for Soka University.
Firmly unified with my revered teachers, I will further exert myself for
peace and justice,
and for the excellent outcome of education
and culture.
