
"There is not the
slightest discrepancy between the teachings of Nichiren
Daishonin and Mr. Makiguchi's concepts.... I would not say he underwent a
transformation after encountering the Lotus Sutra. Rather, I am convinced he
had been an emissary of the Buddha all along and, through the teaching of
that sutra, became awakened to and could reveal his true status. I am
overwhelmed with awe for such a great teacher."
He also wrote later
"In
retrospect of the 700-some-year history of Nichiren Shoshu, and
comparing its past to the current situation surrounding our sect, I think we
are in a totally new age. Thanks to the Soka Gakkai's efforts in shakubuku,
the True Law has spread throughout the country to an unprecedented degree.
We can now witness the unheard-of expansion of Nichiren Shoshu. It seems to
me that future historians will define the first 700 years of Nichiren Shoshu
as an age in which the priesthood protected the Law for kosen-rufu. In the
past there were times when Nichiren Shoshu achieved a certain degree of
prosperity, but it happened only within the realm of protecting the Law."
The Photo
below is an early Gakkai meeting in 1932. In the center is Rev Horigome prior
to becoming the 65th High Priest. Tsunesaburo Makiguchi is on his right and
Josei Toda is on his left. By 1957 this tiny group had grown to 750,000
Bodhisattvas.

Below is a Photo of Josei Toda with retired 59th High Priest Nichiko Shonin (Rev. Hori) the Great High Priest who wrote the History of the Fuji Sect and with Toda, and assisted by Rev. Horigome, compiled the Gosho Zenshu, the first gosho compiled in the history of Taisekiji.

Below Josei Toda and 65th High Priest Nichijun (Rev. Horigome)

Below Daisku Ikeda and Josei Toda at a Youth meeting at Taisekiji in 1954
