One Europe with Sensei! - SGI-UK E-Bulletin and Podcast

3 5 5 5 5 5
Simona Aru
Inspiring GKI
exhibition
in Swansea
The way to
happiness
in Truro
Anniversary
celebration
in Dorset
Trust through friendship. Peace through trust.
Sweet success
for event in
Teddington
e-bulletin
SGI-UK online news bulletin Issue 59 2.11.2011
South London
vow for the
next 50 years!
Joy for Bexley,
Bromley and
Lewisham
Please send
your news and
pictures to our
email address:
roystone55news
@yahoo.co.uk
The deadline
for items to be
considered for the
next issue is Sunday,
November 13
UK university bestows
honorary doctorate
on President Ikeda
Courtesy of Seikyo Press
One Europe with Sensei!
SGI-Europe members from 28 countries
gathered in Rome to celebrate the 50th
anniversary of European Kosen-rufu,
writes Roy Stone.
4,000 Italian members and 500 more
from across Europe – including more
than 80 from SGI-UK – held a dynamic
European General Meeting on October 22.
Daiki Nakamoto, Chair of the
European Youth Committee, said: “Thank
you all for being here today in Rome,
the last stop during Sensei’s first visit to
Europe. His deep determination and the
prayers he made on European soil in 1961
have changed human history. Among many
other things, we can clearly see the results
here in this hall today. Congratulations to
you all! In gratitude and in response to our
mentor, we have once more walked the
path of Sensei’s first journey, and members
from all over Europe have deepened their
bonds through exchange meetings over
the past 23 days. It fills me with great joy
when I imagine how delighted Sensei must
be to see and hear our joyful reports and
pictures from all over Europe.
“When we look at the current situation
in European society, there is much
hopelessness and resignation about the
future of our continent, and it seems
like we are far away from the happiness
of the people. Yet, through the Three
Presidents, we have inherited the mission
of removing misery from this world. Count
turn to page 2
Hiromasa Ikeda receives the award from
Professor Kealey on behalf of his father
SGI President Ikeda was conferred
with an honorary doctorate by
the University of Buckingham on
October 25.
President Ikeda has previously
received two honorary degrees from UK
universities – Glasgow University in 1994
and Queens University Belfast in 2009.
This is the first time he has received a
degree from a university in England.
Full story page 4
TO MY FRIENDS
All over Japan and the world, young
people throughout the SGI are
enthusiastically playing active roles in
our activities for Kosen-rufu. Please
create a great history of growth and
development in our movement! You are
indeed the brilliant hope for the future.
– Daisaku Ikeda, October 29, 2011
l This special 50th anniversary issue
includes an extra page

SGI-UK online news bulletin Issue 59 2.11.2011 Page 2
One Europe with Sensei!
from page 1
Coudenhove-Kalergi had a vision of no
wars and no conflict. He said, ‘The unified
Europe that we are endeavouring to create
should not just be a unified body in terms
of politics and economy, but it must be one
that unites human spirits.’
“Who should lead society and be
an exemplary model of human society?
Sensei envisages that it is us, the members
of SGI Europe, who will fulfil this role,
based on the oneness of mentor and
disciple. Sensei’s expectation of us and
the capacity and power he can see in us is
much, much bigger than we can imagine.
Today, we are standing once more here
in Rome to make a deep vow and a new
departure towards the next 50 years.”
Daiki then read out Sensei’s message
for the European anniversary meetings.
Tae Takahashi, Vice Chair of the
European Youth Committee, said: “On
behalf of the entire Youth Division, I would
like to express my deepest gratitude to
President Ikeda and Mrs Ikeda for the
tireless, unceasing efforts they have
made to build a strong movement of
Kosen-rufu in every single country of
Europe for the last five decades. It is only
thanks to their never-ending prayers and
profound encouragement that today we
can celebrate this important milestone
together in great joy.”
She added: “In his message for the
50th anniversary commemorations held
across Europe this October, Ikeda Sensei
wrote: ‘I am determined to watch over you
eternally and continue sending my earnest
prayers so that all of you, who are united
by deep mystic bonds and share such a
profound, noble mission, shall continue
advancing in harmonious unity, and that
every single one of you without exception
will be able to open up a lofty life-state
as victorious champions of humanity.’
In response to his compassionate call,
today, I pledge to my mentor that I will
respond to the expectations and trust
that he has put in the European members.
Basing myself on our shared motto, “One
Europe with Sensei!” I will become an
individual who genuinely appreciates and
treasures differences. Making diversity the
foundation for an unshakable unity in SGI-
Europe, I will strive so that we become a
shining example for the entire world.
“Today, I pledge that I will lead a
victorious life without regrets. Based on
faith in the Gohonzon and on the Gosho, I
will never be defeated. I will keep breaking
through my limits and, with courage, I will
reveal the full potential of my life to help
transform the life-state of all humanity.
“To conclude, I would like to share a
passage from the message President Ikeda
sent to the Youth Culture Festival that was
held in November 2010. He wrote: ‘You
were born to win. You were born to bring
happiness to all. My wish is for each of
you without exception to lead a bright and
fulfilling youth – always aligned with the
Mystic Law and the Soka Gakkai – and to
go on to become towering victors in life
and in society.’
“Youth of Europe: Towards 2030, let’s
show indisputable victories as disciples
of President Ikeda. Do you agree?”
(enthusiastic applause).
Speaking as a representative of the
Italian Youth Division, Daniele Santi said:
“On this occasion we are determined to
express our profound gratitude to Sensei
because we would like this event to
celebrate the progress made so far but,
above all, we would like to make it the
starting point for the next 50 years of
Kosen-rufu in Europe. For the last three
months over 500 members have met every
week to chant daimoku for the protection
and the preparation of this event to
welcome each of the precious fellow
members attending the meeting as if we
turn to page 3
Pictures: Yoichi Masumoto and Simona Aru

SGI-UK online news bulletin Issue 59 2.11.2011 Page 3
One Europe with Sensei! What members said about the European General Meeting
from page 1
l Irene Bocchetta, Vice
l Max Longhin, Vice
were welcoming Sensei himself.”
Women’s Leader for East
Men’s Leader for
President Ikeda was informed of the
Dulwich District: “This
Westminster Chapter,
meeting and also that the membership
was the accomplishment
who is from Ivrea in
in Europe has now grown to more than
of Sensei’s vision 50
Turin province: “It’s
105,000 people from the eight who were
years ago. This is what
all about the heart. It’s
practising when he made his first visit. He
Kosen-rufu looks like.
wonderful we can be
sent a message: “Thank you so much to
All the effort that the Italian members here and that we can transmit this to
everyone. It is an incredible achievement.”
had put into making this a success, all the our members. Every single cell in my
We were joined by SGI General
daimoku, all the months of preparation, it body is energised and I feel a sense of
Director Mr Oba, SGI Women’s Leader Mrs
was tangible, you could feel it.”
appreciation to Sensei.”
Asano and SGI Vice Women’s Leader Mrs
Oguma. Mr Oba and Mrs Asano shared
l Federico Brogi,
profound guidance in faith with us.
a Young Men’s
A film was shown, punctuated by the
Division Area
sound of a heartbeat. Pictures of Sensei
Leader in Rome,
and a reading from President Ikeda in
was responsible
Europe Vol 1, describing his visit to Rome
for looking after
in 1961, brought his spirit into the hall
visiting members
with us.
staying at a hotel
We were moved by great experiences
in the city. He said
and heartfelt performances of both pop
500 support staff
and classical music. We ended by uniting
were involved in
as one to enthusiastically sing Ode to Joy. the weekend, and the visiting members
Later, we enjoyed discussion meetings were taken to 134 different discussion
and dinner at members’ homes. The warm meetings. He said it had been an honour
welcome from all the members was truly to welcome them and he had been
wonderful – and so was the food!
determined to ensure they all enjoyed
I left with an immense sense of their visit and were safe at every
gratitude to President Ikeda and a feeling moment. He said his life had grown as a
that our motto “One Europe with Sensei!” result of the activity and he had vowed to
has become a living reality.
always fight alongside Sensei.
Pictures: Simona Aru
l The meeting was attended by two
members from Albania, where there are
currently eight people practising – six
members and two other people chanting.
Silvana Zanaj, left, and Micol Cimaglia, who
is originally from Rome, said this fantastic
meeting had inspired them to grow the
organisation in Albania.
Inspiring Gandhi King Ikeda exhibition held in Swansea
The Opening Ceremony for the Gandhi King Ikeda,
a Legacy of Building Peace Exhibition took place on
October 18 in Swansea Museum, writes Sue Rogers.
A combined 3,050 people attended the event, which ran until
October 28, and a showing of the exhibition at the Pierhead
building, next to the Welsh Assembly in Cardiff bay from
October 3-16.
Hosted by SGI-UK South Wales and Valleys and West and
South West Wales HQs in conjunction with the museum, the
Swansea ceremony began with a stunning rendition of Calon
Lan (Pure Heart) by the Many Treasures Chorus as they walked
slowly up the stairs to the room where the exhibition was being
held, drawing members of the public up with them.
Nick and Mani Dowsett, HQ Leaders for West and South
West Wales introduced the exhibition, and Roger Gale, Swansea
Council’s exhibitions and events officer at Swansea Museum
gave a welcoming speech wishing us success, saying that without
people like us making efforts like this, peace couldn’t be achieved.
Inspiring readings from Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr and
Daisaku Ikeda were given beautifully by Duncan Betts, Nicky
Delgado and Roger March.
The exhibition was then formally opened in English and
Welsh by two Future Group members, James Lane and Tirion
Dowsett, who encouraged everyone attending the exhibition to
support efforts for peace, saying “this is our goal and dream for
the future”. SGI-UK General Director Robert Samuels thanked
Roger Gale and the Swansea Museum for hosting the exhibition,
and also members of the two headquarters who had worked hard
in order to put on the exhibition. Finally the video Gandhi, King,
Ikeda, Community Builders was shown to more than 60 people.
The event closed with two more songs by the Many Treasures
Chorus, with many visitors joining in when Calon Lan was sung
again. One visitor said the exhibition “opened his eyes”.
The event, which was reported in the local evening
newspaper, the Swansea Evening Post, was held during half
term and many children visited and also spent a lot of time in
the Education Room of the Museum where we had a Garden of
Gratitude and various activities, including paper crane making.
Victory over Violence workshops were also held.
Pictures: Muriel Gallan

SGI-UK online news bulletin Issue 59 2.11.2011 Page 4
Courtesy of Seikyo Press
UK university bestows honorary doctorate on President Ikeda
SGI President Ikeda was conferred with an honorary
doctorate by the University of Buckingham on
October 25.
The award brings the total number of academic honours
awarded to President Ikeda to 317.
The delegation from the university were the Vice-
Chancellor, Professor Terence Kealey; Professor Richard
Langhorne; a former High Sherriff of Buckingham, Mr Peter
Thorogood and Mrs Thorogood; Mrs Anne Matsuoka and Mr
Kazuo Tobisawa.
On the morning of October 25 the university delegation
received a typically warm greeting from senior staff and
students of Soka University. A group of students greeted
them singing Sensei’s poem ‘Haha’ (mother) accompanied by
musicians and two dancers.
Before the honorary degree conferral, on the suggestion of
President Ikeda, the university presented Dr Kealey with the
Award of Highest Honour of Soka University.
After this there was a formal signing of a memorandum of
understanding of the dual degree that will start next year when
five students from Soka University will undertake four years
of study – two at each institution – which will culminate with
them gaining a degree from each institution.
An agreement was also signed on the summer English
programme that has taken place for two years for Soka
University students at Buckingham. Earlier two students
presented Prof Kealey with the students’ Friendship Award.
At the honorary degree ceremony Mr Hiromasa Ikeda
received the doctorate on behalf of his father. He read
President Ikeda’s acceptance speech, which paid respect to
Buckingham University and several of the delegation, and drew
lessons from the motto of the University: “Flying on our own
Wings”.
The previous day the delegation had visited Tokyo Soka
High School and after talking with the heads of each section of
the Tokyo Soka school system, enjoyed a question and answer
session with students.
Many times people declared that these activities were
only a beginning and everyone looks forward to a fruitful
relationship in future years.
Interestingly, the first honorary degree that President Ikeda
has received from an English university comes from the county
where Taplow Court is located – although the postal address is
Berks, Taplow Court lies in South Buckinghamshire.
The University of Buckingham was founded in 1976. It is the
From top: representatives of Soka University and the University of
Buckingham with SGI-UK General Director Robert Samuels and
Vice General Director Kazuo Fujii; Prof Kealey shaking hands with
Prof Yamamoto, President of Soka University; and Prof Kealey
speaking at the conferral ceremony
only independent university in the UK that holds a royal charter
that gives it the power to award its own degrees. It proudly
declares that it focuses “on the teaching of students at a time
when the Government has decided that research should be a
university’s primary goal” though it has research strengths too.
It has about 1,000 students on campus so is a university on a
human scale. Having one of the best staff student ratios in the
world, it heads the league table of student satisfaction.

SGI-UK online news bulletin Issue 59 2.11.2011 Page 5
News round-up
World news
l An introductory evening was held at the chapter
Tokyo, Japan: Jinggangshan University
house of Truro Cathedral attended by around 100
of China presented President Ikeda
people, many of whom were first time guests, writes
with the title of Honorary Professor in
Tom Henderson Smith. The event on September 29
recognition of his contributions to Sinowas
organised by Three Rivers District with support
Japanese friendship and promotion of
from members across Cornwall. The evening
peace. Soka University President Hideo
featured not only introductory talks and experiences
Yamamoto accepted the citation on the
but also musical offerings by two SGI members –
SGI president’s behalf on October 20.
Annabel Bennett, a talented pianist from St Merryn
Moscow, Russia: SGI-Russia held
and singer-songwriter Howard Jones, Men’s HQ Leader of Somerset. Guests received a general meeting on September 17
a vivid introduction to Nichiren Buddhism, hearing that chanting Nam-myoho-rengekyo
draws out our true or Buddha self, the source of our greatest happiness.
anniversary of SGI President Ikeda’s first
commemorating September 8, the
visit to the former USSR 37 years ago.
l Dorset and Channel Islands
HQ met on October 9 in the
heart of the Dorset countryside
to celebrate 50 years of Kosenrufu
in Europe and look ahead to
the next 50 years, writes Laura
Bosworth. We were moved and
entertained by the reminiscences
of seven Dorset pioneers. Jane Stoggles and Gary Driver spoke about establishing a
strong connection with Sensei through their efforts to understand the spirit of mentor
and disciple. We had the opportunity to see an exhibition of wonderful photographs
celebrating the life of the late European Chairman Dr Yamazaki, as well as photographs
of pioneer members and from recent discussion meetings.
Tom Henderson Smith
Ken Hawkins
The Lotus Sutra –
Message of Peace and
Harmonious Coexistence
l On October 16, more than 60 members of Riverside
Chapter and guests joined in a celebration of Sensei’s
first visit to Europe with an “intro” event at Elleray
Hall in Teddington which took the form of a musical
entertainment, tea and discussion groups, writes
Frances Spurrier. Months of daimoku paid off with
an amazing afternoon of singing, poetry readings, music and face painting for
the children. We showed SGI videos, answered visitors’ questions and curated an
exhibition of photography. Cakes and sandwiches reached tottering piles, while we
held discussions on topics such as Love, Hope and Karma written on cup cakes.
Several guests voiced an interest in attending discussion meetings.
Christian Morrell
l To celebrate the 50th anniversary of
European Kosen-rufu, Greater London
South HQ met at the South London
National Centre on October 16 for
an event led by the Youth Division,
with the theme Building the Future
– Creating Communities based on
Courage, Compassion and Wisdom,
writes Vittoria Zuin. Members from each of our 10 districts (including a newly
formed one!) related how they were inspired by Sensei’s poem for the UK. We made
solid determinations for ourselves and our communities. Entertainment and
powerful experiences filled a memorable day. All around faces were brimming
with a renewed energy in looking forward to the next 50 years!
l Sunshine and blue skies welcomed
53 of us to Taplow Court for the Bexley,
Bromley and Lewisham HQ course
on September 23-25, writes Dianne
Delvaille. Vice National Young Women’s
Leader Emily Proctor challenged
us to be active, rather than passive
Bodhisattvas and to seek out the one
overarching thing that holds us back – and to fight it! We had the pleasure of seeing
our HQ production of the ‘BBL Song’ DVD we made for Sensei and enjoyed a riproaring
cultural evening. We rounded off a truly momentous course with
invitations to share our personal determinations and visions for the future. We
received beautiful cards with a photograph of Taplow Court, printed with our
theme Creating Victory After Victory – Where We Are As We Are.
Andrea Callingham
Ele Loizdes
As part of its 50th anniversary
celebration the IOP is presenting
an exhibition, ‘The Lotus Sutra –
Message of Peace and Harmonious
Coexistence’, in the UK. The
exhibition is being presented jointly
with SGI-UK.
It will be on display at the London
Ikeda Peace Centre, Wakefield Street,
London WC1N 1PG. [Nearest tube
stations: Kings Cross, Russell Square
or Euston] from Wednesday to Friday
November 23 to 25 13.00 to 19.00,
Saturday and Sunday 26 and 27 11.00 to
17.00. There will be an opportunity to
see the exhibition on display at Taplow
Court in December.
November Art of Living:
Network of Happiness
November Art of
Living looks at
the opportunities
SGI activities
give us to train
our lives so that
we elevate our
life-condition,
establish
happiness and
the bodhisattva spirit as the core
of our lives and, as a result, attain
Buddhahood in this lifetime!
Exploring the purpose of Buddhist
study, contribution and the discussion
meeting movement AoL looks at the
growing SGI ‘Network of Happiness’ .