SGI-USA Vice General Director Ian McIlraith wrote, in the 1 October World Tribune, about his perspective on SGI President Ikeda's discussion of prospects for the SGI-USA in the 21st century. President Ikeda had met with several top SGI-USA leaders on February 13th in Tokyo.
Mr. McI, deeply pondering President Ikeda's guidance and chanting abundant daimoku, came to the realization, he says, that the keys to the success of SGI-USA are daimoku and caring for the members. Or, as SGI leader Matilda Buck called it, 'Soka Care'.
But what, exactly, IS Soka Care? Some seem to think that it's visiting members at their home, doing gongyo with them, encouraging them to participate in activities, engaging them in dialog. This has been the SGI-USA mantra for years. Is it working? The slow growth of the PG area seems to indicate that it is not. The faces at kosenrufu gongyo each month are very familiar. Old friends greet old friends. Members have their favorite spot to sit. But maybe I shouldn't 'speak' for the area but, instead, look at the Bowie district. Are we growing? Not really. How come? That's the 64,000 dollar question. Our district chief isn't around much. This isn't necessarily a problem except that a crucial link with the SGI-USA heirarchy may be broken. This can't be a good thing. Maybe we're not on the receiving end of the much vaunted Soka Care.
Here are some questions that merit discussion:
1. What do the members expect from the leaders?
2. What kind of discussion meetings should we have? Can we expect members to prepare for the meeting?
3. How can we genuinely promote study?
4. How can the membership be invigorated to participate?
Tuesday, October 12, 2004
Sunday, September 26, 2004
The Need for Philosophy
In a recent Living Buddhism interview with philosopher and author of 'Plato, not Prozac' Lou Marinoff, Mr. Marinoff explains his view.
Everybody has a philosophy of life, he says, but if you ask people what their philosophy of life is, most peolpe don't know. If they don't know what their own beliefs are, then they're blind. They're stumbling through life. The purpose of dialog, then, would be to remove the blindfold.
He says that all of us are going to experience things that are not pleasant. We know this, and yet the question remains, "What do you do with it?" Buddhism is so valuable because it teaches us to let go, to disown these harmful things. We don't have to act on our inpulses, we don't have to act on our anger. We can disown them.
But before we can disown them, we have to own them; sit and see where they come from and how to let them go, then you can disown them.
People need to have more opportunity to understrand how to deal with circumstances. Many teachings exist for handling success, but not many good teachings exist for handling failure.
Buddhism is different from other major religions by its compatibility with them all, whereas they're not compatible with each other. In Buddhism we find people who come from Christian, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim and other traditions. Buddhism is not contending against anything - it's embracing humanity.
Everybody has a philosophy of life, he says, but if you ask people what their philosophy of life is, most peolpe don't know. If they don't know what their own beliefs are, then they're blind. They're stumbling through life. The purpose of dialog, then, would be to remove the blindfold.
He says that all of us are going to experience things that are not pleasant. We know this, and yet the question remains, "What do you do with it?" Buddhism is so valuable because it teaches us to let go, to disown these harmful things. We don't have to act on our inpulses, we don't have to act on our anger. We can disown them.
But before we can disown them, we have to own them; sit and see where they come from and how to let them go, then you can disown them.
People need to have more opportunity to understrand how to deal with circumstances. Many teachings exist for handling success, but not many good teachings exist for handling failure.
Buddhism is different from other major religions by its compatibility with them all, whereas they're not compatible with each other. In Buddhism we find people who come from Christian, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim and other traditions. Buddhism is not contending against anything - it's embracing humanity.
Sunday, September 12, 2004
Destined to Triumph
The conclusion of President Ikeda's address at the 40th Soka Gakkai Headquarters Leaders meeting appears in the 3 September World Tribune.
After some remarks about the growth of the SGI in several small island communties, he paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Martin Luther King.
He then talked about a book by Giuseppe Mazzini, a leader of the 19th century movement for Italian independence and unity, in which he chronicled the betrayal of youth who had been fighting for justice and liberty. Mazzini called upon the youth of Italy to fight and win.
Nichiren Daishonin states, "It is not one's allies but one's powerful enemies who assist one's progress". Only by struggling against opposing forces can we grow stronger.
Mazzini also stated to never give in to despair or dejection. What matters is the present and, even more importantly, the future.
Mazzini further states, "There can be ... no possible violation of the laws that rule the universe." Nothing in the universe, President Ikeda says, is a match for us since we uphold the Mystic Law and are dedicated to truth and justice.
After some words about SUA, President Ikeda encourages us to live courageously and live victorius lives.
After some remarks about the growth of the SGI in several small island communties, he paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Martin Luther King.
He then talked about a book by Giuseppe Mazzini, a leader of the 19th century movement for Italian independence and unity, in which he chronicled the betrayal of youth who had been fighting for justice and liberty. Mazzini called upon the youth of Italy to fight and win.
Nichiren Daishonin states, "It is not one's allies but one's powerful enemies who assist one's progress". Only by struggling against opposing forces can we grow stronger.
Mazzini also stated to never give in to despair or dejection. What matters is the present and, even more importantly, the future.
Mazzini further states, "There can be ... no possible violation of the laws that rule the universe." Nothing in the universe, President Ikeda says, is a match for us since we uphold the Mystic Law and are dedicated to truth and justice.
After some words about SUA, President Ikeda encourages us to live courageously and live victorius lives.
Wednesday, September 08, 2004
Heart of a Lion King
The Bowie discussion meeting for September will feature the July Living Buddhism article 'Having the Heart of a Lion King Is the Key to Victory'. This is the cornerstone of 'changing karma into mission', the theme of this LB issue.
President Ikeda has said that overcoming hardships leads to immense benefit. The article cites several examples, including Alexander the Great, the farmers of Atsuhara, the experience of a men's division member and others..
A quote from the gosho, 'On Persecutions Befalling the Sage', encourages us to summon up the courage of a lion king. Each of us inherently possesses the heart of a lion king but we must awaken it within ourselves. The key is resolute faith that grows stonger 'day by day and month after month'.
Please study this article to gain its full impact.
See you Friday.
President Ikeda has said that overcoming hardships leads to immense benefit. The article cites several examples, including Alexander the Great, the farmers of Atsuhara, the experience of a men's division member and others..
A quote from the gosho, 'On Persecutions Befalling the Sage', encourages us to summon up the courage of a lion king. Each of us inherently possesses the heart of a lion king but we must awaken it within ourselves. The key is resolute faith that grows stonger 'day by day and month after month'.
Please study this article to gain its full impact.
See you Friday.
Wednesday, September 01, 2004
World Peace Prayer
Hi!
Kosenrufu gongyo will be held Sunday 5 September at 10am at the DC Community Center. This will be a combined DC and PG area meeting.
Nobuko & Joe
Tuesday, July 20, 2004
Bowie Study Meeting
Study meeting Friday! At Denise Greene’s,
Study material is ‘The Mirror and the Lamp’. World Tribune 25 June, page 7.
Thursday, July 01, 2004
World Peace Gongyo
Celebrate Independence Day with us at Kosenrufu Gongyo Sunday 10am at the DC Community Center.
Wednesday, June 16, 2004
Memorial
Friday’s discussion meeting will include a memorial service for Kasumi McMillian. Please join us in remembering Kasumi. Kathy Aiken will attend.
Thursday, June 03, 2004
World Peace Prayer
The PG Area Kosenrufu Gongyo will be held this Saturday, 5 June, at 7pm at the DCCC.
The DC Area will host another Kosenrufu Gongyo meeting on Sunday at 10am.
Wednesday, May 05, 2004
Bowie Meeting
The
Nobuko and Joe
Thursday, April 29, 2004
Kofu Gongyo amd Mini Study
Women’s Division Mini Study Friday 30 April at Kinuko’s. Please read the Human Revolution articles in the March World Tribunes.
Nobuko & Joe
Tuesday, April 06, 2004
Bowie Meeting
The April Bowie Discussion will be held this Friday, April 9th. The discussion will be on the World Tribune article, “Shine Fearlessly”, in the 27 February issue on page 2.
Hope to see you then!
FW: Our Benefit
You might want to watch this ...
-----Original Message-----
From: Michael Aiken [mailto:aikenphoto@tcs.wap.org]
Sent: Thursday, April 01, 2004 2:19 PM
To: mlange; morgan, caroline; Nanami Vittor; Pat Black-Childress; PAT
SEBRELL; Patrica Elam; Philip Neri Lyons; Philip ROSENBERG; Phill Wilder;
Pun, Angela; Ralph Mathews; Robert Hughes; Robin Meader; Rosie Motsuzuki;
Sallie Lucas; Sandi Stokes; Sandra Nakasone; Sarah Fultz; Savita
Krishnamurthy; Scott Gingras; sdoty13@comcast.net; SFCOLTON@aol.com;
SGI--William Smith; SGI-Wade Teter; sharon fletcher; Sheila Gatchell; Sherry
Edgeworth; Sherry Terao; Stacey N. Smith; Steve Wunder; Tammy Frazier;
thomas childress; Tia Waller-Pryde; Tony Goodlette; Valeri Leet; Vicki
Harris; wolpertj@hotmail.com; Yoshino Hisako; Zelda Bell
Subject: Our Benefit
Hello Everyone! I have returned from my art shows in Florida. They were
a tremendous success and I am so encouraged about the results. I did
very well ! The weather was perfect!
I wanted to let you know that Maryland Public Television MPT/PBS will
be showcasing me this month. The show is called ?Artworks This Week?. It
will air on April 7th at 7 PM and again on April 10th at 9 AM. I am very
excited about it. It's the cable channel 22 in Maryland. It is listed in
the TV guides. I hope you will have the opportunity to see it. Please
let me know what you think! Kathy
-----Original Message-----
From: Michael Aiken [mailto:aikenphoto@tcs.wap.org]
Sent: Thursday, April 01, 2004 2:19 PM
To: mlange; morgan, caroline; Nanami Vittor; Pat Black-Childress; PAT
SEBRELL; Patrica Elam; Philip Neri Lyons; Philip ROSENBERG; Phill Wilder;
Pun, Angela; Ralph Mathews; Robert Hughes; Robin Meader; Rosie Motsuzuki;
Sallie Lucas; Sandi Stokes; Sandra Nakasone; Sarah Fultz; Savita
Krishnamurthy; Scott Gingras; sdoty13@comcast.net; SFCOLTON@aol.com;
SGI--William Smith; SGI-Wade Teter; sharon fletcher; Sheila Gatchell; Sherry
Edgeworth; Sherry Terao; Stacey N. Smith; Steve Wunder; Tammy Frazier;
thomas childress; Tia Waller-Pryde; Tony Goodlette; Valeri Leet; Vicki
Harris; wolpertj@hotmail.com; Yoshino Hisako; Zelda Bell
Subject: Our Benefit
Hello Everyone! I have returned from my art shows in Florida. They were
a tremendous success and I am so encouraged about the results. I did
very well ! The weather was perfect!
I wanted to let you know that Maryland Public Television MPT/PBS will
be showcasing me this month. The show is called ?Artworks This Week?. It
will air on April 7th at 7 PM and again on April 10th at 9 AM. I am very
excited about it. It's the cable channel 22 in Maryland. It is listed in
the TV guides. I hope you will have the opportunity to see it. Please
let me know what you think! Kathy
Thursday, April 01, 2004
Kofu Gongyo
Don’t forget, Kosenrufu Gongyo for PG Area this Saturday, 3 April, at 7pm.
DC Area will host Sunday at 10am
Daylight savings time starts this weekend.
Wednesday, March 24, 2004
Shiela Edwards
Shiela Edwards will be at DCCC on 27 March at 10am for a Soka Spirit Issue meeting. All are invited.
Joe & Nobuko
Tuesday, March 09, 2004
Our meeting
Our Bowie discussion meeting will be held on Saturday, yes, Saturday the 13th at the Wolpert’s. Please come. The topic is from the February Living Buddhism article “Buddhism and Christianity”, a new series debuting this month. The question of the month is, “Do Nichiren Buddhists believe in God?” Even if you don’t have the LB or don’t have the time to read it, it’s likely that each of us has some idea about God, or god. Greg Martin, who wrote the article, used the capitalized form. Come and let us know what you think. What better way to spend a Saturday evening. Ken Hodge is planning to attend.
Monday, February 16, 2004
Men's Division Meeting
The Men’s Division will meet at 10am Sunday 22 Feb at the DC Community Center. Details of the agenda are unknown but a request for info yielded the following response:
“I had tried to express at the last world peace gongyo that we would be having roundtable group discussions on issues that "hold us back". we also spoke to our theme of "Reawakening our Practice" and at that same presentation I said we would be starting with Gongyo followed by discussion workgroups and light refreshments.”
No word on how long the meeting is scheduled to last.
Sunday, February 15, 2004
RE: TUESDAY 17 Feb 04 PG MD/YMD planners
Is there an agenda for the meeting? How long will it last? All I know so far
is that it starts at 10am on the 22nd. Phil encouraged us to call everyone
about the meeting but it would really help if we could say something
besides, "We're having a meeting and you should come."
Some of the guys might need extra motivation to get out of bed early on a
Sunday morning (at least its early for me) and go to a meeting that,
historically, is not real interesting unless you are fully convinced that
the road to kosenrufu is the only one to travel. There are other lifestyles
and most of us are persuing one of the others.
The 30 Jan World Tribune includes a speech delivered by President Ikeda in
which he quotes second president Josei Toda as saying, "The things you do
for yourself are also for the sake of kosen-rufu and the world, so I hope
that you'll put most of your effort in faith toward your own happiness and
whatever is left over toward kosen-rufu." This has been reiterated by
President Ikeda on numerous occassions when he described SGI activities as
liesure time activities.
It turns out that liesure times are those times when there's nothing good on
TV (which is considered by some to be all the time, but you can get the
idea). The point is that we might have to make time to do activities. What
can I tell members and friends that will encourage them to make time for
this meeting.
>Dear Prince George's Area Stalwarts,
>I will be out of town this weekend--not everyone has
>responded to my earlier message--must make a decision
>and hope you will all support to make it a good one.
>
>Please let us meet at DC CC 7 PM on the coming TUESDAY
>17 FEb 04 to walk through the flow of our meeting and
>final coords etc.
>
>Thank you so much,
>Chanting for Prince George's men and young men to
>awaken and be ready for Spring!!!
>
>Phill
>
>__________________________________
>Do you Yahoo!?
>Yahoo! Finance: Get your refund fast by filing online.
>http://taxes.yahoo.com/filing.html
_________________________________________________________________
Optimize your Internet experience to the max with the new MSN Premium
Internet Software. http://click.atdmt.com/AVE/go/onm00200359ave/direct/01/
is that it starts at 10am on the 22nd. Phil encouraged us to call everyone
about the meeting but it would really help if we could say something
besides, "We're having a meeting and you should come."
Some of the guys might need extra motivation to get out of bed early on a
Sunday morning (at least its early for me) and go to a meeting that,
historically, is not real interesting unless you are fully convinced that
the road to kosenrufu is the only one to travel. There are other lifestyles
and most of us are persuing one of the others.
The 30 Jan World Tribune includes a speech delivered by President Ikeda in
which he quotes second president Josei Toda as saying, "The things you do
for yourself are also for the sake of kosen-rufu and the world, so I hope
that you'll put most of your effort in faith toward your own happiness and
whatever is left over toward kosen-rufu." This has been reiterated by
President Ikeda on numerous occassions when he described SGI activities as
liesure time activities.
It turns out that liesure times are those times when there's nothing good on
TV (which is considered by some to be all the time, but you can get the
idea). The point is that we might have to make time to do activities. What
can I tell members and friends that will encourage them to make time for
this meeting.
>Dear Prince George's Area Stalwarts,
>I will be out of town this weekend--not everyone has
>responded to my earlier message--must make a decision
>and hope you will all support to make it a good one.
>
>Please let us meet at DC CC 7 PM on the coming TUESDAY
>17 FEb 04 to walk through the flow of our meeting and
>final coords etc.
>
>Thank you so much,
>Chanting for Prince George's men and young men to
>awaken and be ready for Spring!!!
>
>Phill
>
>__________________________________
>Do you Yahoo!?
>Yahoo! Finance: Get your refund fast by filing online.
>http://taxes.yahoo.com/filing.html
_________________________________________________________________
Optimize your Internet experience to the max with the new MSN Premium
Internet Software. http://click.atdmt.com/AVE/go/onm00200359ave/direct/01/
Monday, February 09, 2004
Discussion Meeting
Bowie discussion meeting Friday the 13th! 7pm. Wolpert’s.
Wendy and Jay’s study topic
plus
Overcoming Obstacles – January Living Buddhism p17.
and, time permitting,
Points to ponder about faith (see World Tribune for 30 Jan):
Faith for a harmonious family
Faith for each person to become happy
Faith for surmounting obstacles
Tuesday, February 03, 2004
World Peace Gongyo
This month’s Kosenrufu Gongyo, hosted by PG Area, will be held on Saturday 7 Feb at 7pm. DC Area will host on Sun at 10am.
Monday, January 26, 2004
Planning Meeting
The 27 Jan Bowie Planning meeting is cancelled due to expected bad weather. Also, parking is very limited because of last night’s snowfall. Have an idea for our next discussion? Let us know. Call.
Saturday, January 24, 2004
Yokota Cancelled
But he will be attending Montgomery’s kofu Gongyo at 10am. Sorry for the late notification.
Monday, January 19, 2004
Study Meeting
The Bowie District study meeting will be held Friday 23 Jan at Kinuko's. The Gosho is an extract from 'How Those Initially Aspiring to the Way Can Attain Buddhahood through the Lotus Sutra'
Tweety Bird Gosho.doc
Tweety Bird Gosho.doc