"Why We Could Fill the Budokan Hall
I know you were all surprised (at the turnout) today. Actually, one of the martial arts styles recently held a world tournament here. However, they only half filled the building, and most of them went home partway through the event. When others are acting that way, why is it that so many people gather together for Shorinji Kempo? Not only have we filled the building, but we've filled the area outside the entrance with people waiting for a chance to get in. Still none of us are going home; why? The staff here say they've never seen the like of it.
The reason why is that we didn't come here to see who is stronger or weaker, right? Right from the start, we are different. To say, "We seek a way," may sound exaggerated or overdone, but the reason you are all staying to the end is that when you do Shorinji Kempo you're seeking for something. Having joined, you began to understand things, and with Kancho (the Head Priest) coming, you though it would be a good chance to see him and hear him talk once before going home.
In most cases, events cannot be held unless money is contributed from outside. This applies to more than just martial arts organizations. Nevertheless, this 30th Anniversary Taikai was made possible based solely on your contributions and assistance. It's a wonderful achievement, isn't it? As a religion believing in self-sufficiency, this has been a perfect demonstration of the true value of our creed.
Moreover, this is the first time in the history of the Budokan Hall that this many people have gathered here... Of course, the times the Beatles and the like have come here are special cases. At other events, they have never filled the hall up to the third and fourth floors. With only our own efforts, we have made an impressive accomplishment. Once more, I would like to take this opportunity to truly rejoice with you all that we did it without outside assistance from anyone.
We can really be confident now, can't we? You can all be confident in your local communities, in your branches, and in your schools. This is proof that when all put in their efforts together and each helps the other, then something will come of our efforts. Those with money give money, and those without money strive to give something even unto their own labor. Shorinji Kempo is succeeding at keeping alive the good side of the Chinese secret societies and Japan's traditional han, kumi, and neighborhood group systems. This is not restricted merely to good times; when something goes wrong we should all stand up for one another and each should help out the other. I hope you all will grow into this spirit of self-reliance and this ability to achieve things, and take it into your homes and your workplaces and your schools, and there join together to strive for something in order to make Japan a better country.
I entreat all of you to take this as a turning point from which to be always helping one another in the way you lead your lives. We want to build, with our own hands, lives of peace and abundance, and so that we might not go to war again, I think Shorinji Kempo must be more and more active.
(1977, from the Shorinji Kempo 30th Anniversary Taikai sermon)
