Sensei's encounters with world leaders

In “Twenty Years of Encountering: The World Citizen Daisaku Ikeda and Russia”, Dr. Yradimir Ivanovich Tropin, Ex-Vice Chancellor of Moscow State University wrote:

"In concluding this book, I would like to call one more time, Mr. Ikeda, President of SGI, from the bottom of my heart, as 'SENSEI'. Each time 'SENSEI' meets people, he beautifully weaves a precious cloth called 'friendship.' Each encounter with SENSEI, in Moscow and in Japan, is clearly engraved into my memory with a brightness of intelligence. When I look back at my life, and recollect various incidents, I see a particularly shining 'thread' in the cloth made of my life. That thread is none other than Daisaku Ikeda. For me, he is the prime point to find Japan and Japanese, and most importantly, the source of trust, friendship and love for the human being."

In "Memoirs on Maneuvering Russian-Japanese Diplomacy" (By Ivan Kovalenko, Ex-Central Committee of Soviet Communist Party), it was described by the Editor (Mr. Akira Kato) that Kovalenko calls Mr. Ikeda as “Ikeda SENSEI” with a manner showing his utmost respect. The following is the ending of the “Postscript by the Editor” by Mr. Kato:

“After Kovalenko retired in 1988 (subsequent to the suffering from heart attack), he lives happily in an apartment in center city of Moscow with his beautiful wife. He still maintains friendship with Ikeda. Kovalenko told me, ‘Recently, Ikeda SENSEI sent me a book with his autograph. I phoned SGI in Tokyo and was able to talk to SENSEI. When I told him that I always appreciate his kindness, SENSEI said that he is always praying for my health.’ By watching such a happy, smiling face of Kovalenko, I was puzzled why this unprecedented, Communist schemer and Machiavellian respects Ikeda from the bottom of his heart with such seriousness and respect.

Dr. Vorobyova, Senior investigator of the Institute of Oriental Studies in Saint Petersburg, gave a lecture in Osaka in 1996 under the title of “Modern Significance of the Lotus Sutra”. She said

“Look at wonderful photos taken by Ikeda SENSEI! They are truly artistic master works. All charming secrets of nature are expressed in his photos through creative mind of this great man. You can enrich your mind and widen your life conditions by absorbing these spiritual nourishment. By refreshing your mind through these great artistic works, the way you look at your surroundings changes. Your mind is revitalized, and grows. This is what chapter 11 of the Lotus Sutra signifies.”

Dr. Radha Krishnan in India, a scholar of Gandhism, calls Mr. Ikeda “SENSEI.” Chingiz Aitomatov, Russian Ambassador in Luxembourg, respects Mr. Ikeda and calls him “SENSEI.”

SGI President Ikeda connects the hearts of the people by the bond of humanism transcending nationalism and ideologies.