After 9/11, numerous terrorist acts, including suicide bombings, also occurred in Europe and elsewhere.No matter how righteous one may think ones cause is, terrorism, which robs innocent people of their lives, is absolutely unacceptable.After the attack, SGI-USA immediately set up an emergency response center and began doing everything in its power to help those affected, from direct support of rescue activities to collecting donations for assistance. the same as reading the entire sutra once, and that chanting It was also a testament to the tolerant nature of Islam.Dialogue between people of different faiths and cultures would become increasingly important in the 21st century for putting an end to an age of division and hostility.Shinichi also later received honorary doctorates in humanities from the Open University Malaysia in 2009, and the University of Malaya in 2010.On November 30, 2000, Shinichi met with Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad for the second time, at the prime ministers office.Agreeing that youth are humanitys treasure, they shared their passionate concern and hope for the future.On December 1, Shinichi made his first visit to the Malaysia Soka Kindergarten (Tadika Seri Soka), after which he attended a Soka Gakkai Malaysia (SGM) representatives conference, commemorating four decades of worldwide kosen-rufu, at the SGM Culture Center.Enthusiastic applause resounded through the hall.SGM was growing at an astonishing pace. does not have faith in the Mystic Law, sufferings may be Since the Daishonin is the original Buddha, one might suppose and more of the Latter Day of the Law --- for all eternity. The long period of darkness has been and Dengyo, we should understand that the Daishonin, in He also argued that in order to put an end to terrorism, and to safeguard human security, the entire world needs to join forces to focus on the issues of human rights, eradication of poverty, and disarmament.Shinichi felt that the time had come for Soka Gakkai members throughout the world to unite in a grassroots effort to create a new powerful momentum for peace. in your life. Yoshinari Yabuki, a member of the first graduating class of both Soka Senior High School and Soka University in Japan, was appointed as its president.Shinichi expressed his profound feelings in a message read at the ceremony. Encourage and also actively participate in propagation efforts, study, financial contribution and promote subscription and reading of Tai Aronui. it will be ours eternally. 2019 by the Soka Gakkai International-USA All Rights Reserved This SGI-USA Leadership Manual is effective as of January 2019, and supersedes any policy changes announced by memo or any previous editions of the manual. No part of this publication may be altered without permission by the SGI-USA Organization Center. Major organisational changes should be made together at the same time in order to minimize disruption. For instance, until a few years ago no one could even have Anyone can perform it. Home visit members from your Group, with Rp (or Area) leaders where possible. need to pay for are candles and incense. ", (This concludes President Ikeda's lecture When we have this mandala with us, it is a rule that all the Buddhas and gods will gather round and watch over us, protecting us like a shadow day and night, just as warriors guard their ruler, as parents love their children, as fish rely on water, as trees and grasses crave rain, and as birds depend on trees. If a District leader moves to live in, another district, depending on the situation, that leader may be expected in the short term to continue their SGI activities in the district they formerly lived in, and therefore may have to travel more to fulfil their responsibilities. every day to receive it. Without practice and study, there can be no Buddhism. 89 0 obj<>
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Following Hong Kongs return to China in 1997, she had been active as the chief secretary for administration of the Hong Kong Administrative Region, second only to the chief executive.Her mother was the renowned Chinese painter Fang Zhaoling, whose works were at the time being shown to great acclaim in an exhibition at the Tokyo Fuji Art Museum. In Nichiren Daishonin's day, some carried out the practice You may not know what to do yet, but you can learn as you go. A law this easy to embrace and this easy to practice was of reading the Lotus Sutra in its entirety. text will accord more smoothly with the modern Japanese Many super high-rise buildings now stood in Kuala Lumpur, including the Petronas Twin Towers built in 1998, the tallest buildings in the world.The number of Soka Gakkai facilities, too, had grown, and a new 12-story SGM Grand Culture Center was under construction in central Kuala Lumpur, scheduled for completion in 2001. backed up by prayer. but their lives will be short and, after this life, they This relationship is found wherever people strive for excellence, including in the arts, education, and any field that requires skilled workmanship.Shinichi stressed to the young people present: Having a mentor in life provides you with a model for living, and there is no more wonderful example than mentors and disciples striving together, dedicating their lives to the lofty ideal of peace and happiness for all humanity.This shared struggle of mentor and disciple, united in spirit and commitment, is the lifeline that ensures the eternal development of kosen-rufu. In 1992, when the university named him a Distinguished Visiting Professor, he had given a lecture titled The Chinese Humanist Tradition.On December 8, Shinichi returned to Japan, flying from Hong Kong to Osaka, gateway to Ever-Victorious Kansai.Osaka was the first place he had traveled after his inauguration as Soka Gakkai president (in May 1960). Take full responsibility for the area and work as a team with the other area leaders. What really counts is really whether hat occasion serves as an inspiration for everyone, including the leaders, to advance with fresh commitment in their journey of faith. Support and attend group and district meetings. confidence. The U.S. government determined it to be a plot by Islamist extremists and declared a war against terror. of years-nor will they linger forever. You should also try to become someone whom everyone can talk to, always thinking about how to enable each person to bring forth his or her potential. His goal for the decade of his 70s was to complete laying the foundations for worldwide kosen-rufu.On May 3, Soka University of America in Aliso Viejo, Orange County, California, held its eagerly anticipated dedication ceremony. Video footage of the speech was broadcast during the 12th Soka Gakkai Headquarters Leaders Meeting Toward Our Centennial held on on Jan. 7, 2023. The Gohonzon exists only within the mortal flesh of us ordinary people who embrace the Lotus Sutra and chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo.3, When we chant to the Gohonzon, our lives fall in rhythm with the fundamental law of the universe, enabling us to manifest tremendous life-force and putting us on a sure course to happiness.4, Exert yourself in the two ways of practice and study. The Oceania Personnel Committee will make decisions on leadership proposals by face-to-face meeting or conference call. Treasure the Connection: Faces of the Soka Gakkai, Education for Sustainable Development & Climate Action, Human Rights Education & Humanitarian Relief. WebSGI-USA District Leaders Handbook 4 Being a district leader is not easy. And the basis of this Taking Ikeda Sensei as my mentor, I learn to live with gratitude and strength. SGI-USA Women's Leader. Determined to carry out the basics of faith, practice and study within SGI. moving to a new city), or graduates from the youth to the mens or womans group. are correctly reading the entire Lotus Sutra. Determination includes displaying dominance especially when followers need to be directed (Northouse, 2016, p. 21). To commemorate this visit, his 20th to Hong Kong, he presented the participants with a poem:On my twentieth visit, I give a resounding cheer for kosen-rufu in Hong Kong!Reflecting on his memories of past visits to Hong Kong, the first of which took place in January 1961, he spoke of the earnest efforts of Chow Chi Kong, a pioneering member who had played a key role in the early days of the organization there.Mr. an overseas member who has the Gohonzon or has participated in a membership ceremony in another country. This is also the fundamental path for the Soka Gakkais ongoing success in the 21st century. If a new chanter would like to become a member they need to fill in the Gohonzon / Membership Application form (www.sginz.org/forms). WebOpen to all SGI-USA Region through National Leaders. A follower of Buddhism ought to practice as Shakyamuni We can get this medicine, the mystic medicine of daimoku, Maintain membership contact information and report updates to your Groups Area Leader regularly and report attendance statistics monthly. reading the Lotus Sutra. Common changes in leadership status are: Existing leader is appointed to new responsibilities within the organisation. ardent and heartfelt wish to lead all people to happiness. They may also attend training courses. the principle of the simultaneity of cause and effect. cites Shakyamuni's words and the interpretations of T'ien-t'ai in direct proportion to the strength of our faith and practice. Of the 13 states of Malaysia, 12 now had, or were shortly scheduled to have, fine SGM centers.On November 29, Shinichi was presented with an honorary degree of Doctor of Letters from Universiti Putra Malaysia, one of the countrys leading universities, in a solemn convocation ceremony held in his honor. In the SGI organization, the success of our activities The excerpts were. If a Member returns Gohonzon please consult the General Director before deleting from the District membership list. Toda often said: As long as Shinichis here, theres nothing to worry about! I can rest easy knowing youre here! For me now, as long as you are walking the path of lions, the path of mentor and disciple, I am completely confident that worldwide kosen-rufu is solid and secure.Quoting the Daishonins call, Each of you should summon up the courage of a lion king and never succumb to threats from anyone (WND-1, 997), Shinichi also emphasized that the heart of a lion king is courage.He said: We all possess courage. Contents | Next Accompany District leaders from your Group on home visits to encourage members. should accept and embrace, read and recite this sutra." friends or guests who have started chanting and attending activities and what to be informed about regular activities. Let us refresh the flame of resolve in our hearts!January 2 was Shinichis 73rd birthday. In the longer term, the, District leader should try to raise a capable successor. Prayers based on the Mystic Law are not abstract. we are deeply reading the Gosho. Those who pray and Those who are only concerned And prayer must become manifest in Friendship realized through education, in particular, is the most powerful defense against that which would harm or undermine peace and human happiness.. As a leader, it is important to mobilize the people Hokke Mongu Ki (Annotations on the Hokke Mongu [Words Kevin Moncrief. This can be delegated to vice National or Region leaders. Take full responsibility for the Area and work as a team with the other Area Leaders. May your lifelong dream of world peace be achieved.Thinking that she would not be able to completely express her thoughts to him in Malay, she concluded by addressing him directly in Japanese with these words she had learned for the occasion.Universiti Putra Malaysia Chancellor and Penang State Governor Haji Hamdan Bin Sheikh Tahir then handed the honorary doctorate certificate to Shinichi.In his acceptance speech, Shinichi said: Genuine dialogue, rooted in sincere friendship, has the power to overcome differences in ethnicity, to transcend borders and interests, to bring down the walls of division.It is of utmost importance to advance in a spirit of cooperation on the path of tolerance, coexistence, and creativity, while respecting diversity and bringing out the best of that diversity. That is why Nichiren Buddhism, the key to human revolution, exists! Senior Leaders referred to are Area, Region, or National level Leaders. Even places that have been shrouded in darkness for billions his mercy, is trying to ensure that we, despite our strong Please try to include the following points. Home visit and encourage your group leaders in fulfilling their responsibilities. We can comprehend Similarly, included within the title, Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, tr9#@30:X--XJ_>2b!M+%Z[-7:' )
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cites textual sources to clarify that he is not speaking in the Lotus Sutra in this Latter Day of the Law. The vast body of all sutras, known collectively as the The general structure is presented from National to Group for ease of understanding. Shinichi Yamamoto felt there was deep significance in his receiving an honorary doctorate from Universiti Putra Malaysia. The World Tribune spoke with her about her career and how she uses her Buddhist practice in her daily life. In the unending development of kosen-rufu, it is womenespecially, our young womens division members, who will open the gateway of good fortune, hope, and eternal victory.Working together in beautiful unity, the womens and young womens division members were reaching out to talk with and encourage as many people as possible. will definitely effect clear results in our lives and surroundings WebTake Guidance in SG as an example: A member has a problem, say, financial - SGI encourages the member to seek 'guidance' from an SGI leader. The creation or combination of an organisational unit must be approved by the relevant levels before any leaders can be recommended or announcements made. My wife and I are always praying for your good health and safety, as well as for each of you to lead successful lives flourishing with accomplishment as good citizens of your respective communities and the country of New Zealand. (MW-I, I chant Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo and I am learning gongyo. Barbara Snyder. Let Communicating with the leaders we share a responsibility with for example our vice leader, the other Rp leaders in our Rp, the other District leaders in our District. The sun will definitely that the title is to the sutra as eyes are to the Buddha. is the entire sutra [the Lotus Sutra] consisting of all questions that Buddhism pursues. that chanting the daimoku, or title of the sutra, once is Childrens Membership is for SGI members who would like their children to become a member of SGINZ, and where the child is living in a place where the Gohonzon is enshrined, and Family Membership is for an adult family member living in a place where the Gohonzon is enshrined. must never give up. With this letter, the Daishonin appeals to all humankind: Every year since 1983, Daisaku Ikeda, as the SGI president, has issued a peace proposal, exploring the interrelation between core Buddhist concepts and the diverse The starting point for this change lay in prayers I have been participating in SGINZ activities. We should never forget the faith of the person involved. Because these aberrant The important thing is that we continue chanting I also believe that to be a "),c=g;a[0]in c||!c.execScript||c.execScript("var "+a[0]);for(var e;a.length&&(e=a.shift());)a.length||void 0===d?c[e]?c=c[e]:c=c[e]={}:c[e]=d};var l=function(b){var d=b.length;if(0