President Ikeda's message for November 18 - SGI-UK E-Bulletin and ...

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Hundreds sit
study exams
around UK
Captains of
the Seven
Seas!
Gift of 1930
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Men’s Division
looks forward
to 2011
Inspiration
for Dedicated
Keibi group
German visitors
welcomed to
Taplow Court
Trust through friendship. Peace through trust.
e-bulletin
SGI-UK online news bulletin Issue No 36 17.11.2010
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November 28
President Ikeda’s message for November 18
I’d like to congratulate all of you, my dear fellow SGI
members, on your festive meeting to celebrate the 80th
anniversary of the Soka Gakkai’s founding. My wife and
I, here at the Soka Gakkai Headquarters, are thinking of
you and picturing your bright faces and happy smiles as
you gather for this memorable event.
In a letter to his followers who remained steadfast in their
faith despite government oppression during the Atsuhara
Persecution, Nichiren Daishonin writes: “Each of you should
summon up the courage of a lion king and never succumb to
threats from anyone. The lion king fears no other beast, nor
do its cubs. Slanderers are like barking foxes, but Nichiren’s
followers are like roaring lions.” (WND-1, 997)
The history of the first 80 years of the Soka Gakkai
exemplifies this noble spirit. The Soka Gakkai began on
November 18, 1930, from just two individuals – founding
president Tsunesaburo Makiguchi and his disciple Josei
Toda. Fourteen years later, on November 18, 1944, President
Makiguchi died in prison for his beliefs, a victim of the
repressive wartime crackdown on freedom of belief by the
Japanese militarist authorities. Mr Toda, who had been arrested
alongside his mentor, survived the ordeal of imprisonment and
went on to rebuild the Soka Gakkai. He later entrusted the
organisation’s future to me as his successor, declaring shortly
before his death (in April 1958): “Kosen-rufu can definitely be
achieved if there is even one young person who is willing to
give their life to it wholeheartedly.”
The heritage of Nichiren Daishonin’s compassion and
courage, his commitment to enabling ordinary people to attain
enlightenment, was revived in modern times through the
selfless dedication to propagating the Law embodied by the
first three presidents, linked by the profound bonds of mentor
and disciple. The essence of Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism
began to flow vibrantly in the unsurpassed spirit of mentor
and disciple that now pervades the SGI. Today, our movement
has spread to 192 countries and territories around the globe,
a development I am sure would bring immense joy to Mr
Makiguchi and Mr Toda.
Buddhism is win or lose. The Daishonin writes: “Strengthen
your faith day by day and month after month. Should you
slacken in your resolve even a bit, devils will take advantage”
(WND-1, 997). I hope all of our members will heed these words,
arouse strong faith, and together with me write a heroic, golden
history of life in this world as they work for the sake of others’
happiness, Kosen-rufu, society, as well as their own happiness.
We are living in a time that is undergoing swift and often
turbulent change. Life is an uninterrupted series of struggles.
Some of you may now be facing daunting challenges and
hardships in your families or places of work. By practicing the
Daishonin’s Buddhism, however, we can transform our karma
and change poison into medicine. Nothing that happens in
the lives of those who are striving earnestly in faith is without
meaning.
When the Daishonin faced life-threatening persecution and
turn to page 2
WORDS OF THE WEEK
Hurray for the triumphant 80th anniversary!
Hurray for all of our most respectworthy
SGI members! “The treasures of the heart” are
indeed immeasurable. Now, let’s strengthen our
faith more than ever, and advance victoriously
ever onwards!
– Daisaku Ikeda, November 15-21, 2010
Courtesy of Seikyo Press

SGI-UK online news bulletin Issue No 36 17.11.2010 Page 2
SGI President Ikeda’s
message for November 18
from page 1
was exiled to the remote island of Sado,
he wrote that this development perhaps
actually saved him from losing his life in
armed conflict that subsequently broke out
in Kamakura. Even if we should encounter
some unanticipated hardship, the Daishonin
confidently assures us: “Great disaster
without fail changes into great fortune”
(WND-1, 824). Those who remain steadfast
in their Buddhist practice will be victorious
in the end.
All of you are exerting yourselves
for Kosen-rufu, striving for world peace
based on the humanistic ideals of Nichiren
Daishonin’s Buddhism. You are all
incredibly precious and respectworthy
individuals, and you are sure to receive
protection from all Buddhas and
bodhisattvas, the positive forces of the
universe embodied in the Gohonzon.
Moreover, the good fortune and benefit you
accumulate through faith are sure to flow
on to your family and loved ones as well
as your descendants in future generations,
contributing to their happiness and
prosperity.
Just as countless bodhisattvas emerged
from beneath the earth in the Lotus
Sutra and astonished and impressed the
assembly with their dignified appearance,
now youthful Bodhisattvas of the Earth
are emerging in ever increasing numbers
around the globe. Like the flow of a
mighty river that nourishes the earth as it
advances along its course, the second act of
Dear wonderful Youth Division members!
We hope you are in good health and high
spirits in this most significant month of
our 80th anniversary, write Lisa Cowan,
Matthew Kii and Manny Fernandez,
SGI-UK Youth Division Leaders.
As we are sure you know there are
various great opportunities for us to
commemorate this occasion and to deepen
our shared vow together with our mentor
to take the lead in our great movement for
the happiness of the people and peace of
the land as we aim towards 2030 – the 100th
anniversary of Soka Gakkai. We would like
to open another opportunity for anyone who
wishes to participate.
We are in the process of producing our
Youth Division special issue of the Art of
Living for March next year (but the content
needs to be completed by next month!) The
details of the issue are as follows:
Title: Choose Hope! Choose Peace!
Theme: Our movement for peace and
The 43rd HQ Leaders Meeting in Japan on October 16
worldwide Kosen-rufu is moving steadily and
surely forward.
Nichiren Daishonin writes: “Those
who become Nichiren’s disciples and lay
believers should realise the profound karmic
relationship they share with him and spread
the Lotus Sutra as he does. Being known
as a votary of the Lotus Sutra is a bitter, yet
unavoidable, destiny.” (WND-1, 994)
Those who take action for Kosen-rufu with
this awareness and commitment – no matter
where they are or what their circumstances or
age – all share a profound connection with the
Daishonin and possess a noble mission.
With powerful daimoku, unquenchable
courage, and youthful vitality, let’s embark
together on a fresh, vigorous advance toward
the coming Year of Capable People and
Dynamic Development and the triumphant
100th anniversary of the Soka Gakkai in 2030!
My wife and I are praying earnestly
every day for the good health, long life, and
happiness of all our beloved SGI members
around the world. Please stay well.
Daisaku Ikeda, Kaneko Ikeda
In commemoration of November 18, 2010
Youth Division special issue of the Art of Living
Courtesy of Seikyo Press
nuclear abolition based on human revolution
and respect for the dignity of life.
Aim: To respond to Sensei’s call for youth to
establish a global solidarity towards nuclear
abolition by 2015.
We would like to invite YD members to
send in artwork or photography that relates to
this theme. We would like to compile members’
art work as resources for our People’s Decade
activities as an expression of our determination
to establish a lasting peace and a world
without nuclear weapons. We would like to
use some of this artwork for the AoL – for
the cover and inside images. We may also use
members’ submissions in other ways online or
in publications to promote our activities for
a People’s Decade towards nuclear abolition.
If you would like to submit any artwork or
photography please scan it and send it by
December 13 to sgiukyd@gmail.com
Many thanks again for all your efforts. Let’s
have a truly great 80th anniversary month!
Lisa, Matthew and Manny
Am I here now?
This was the first in a series
of questions posed by Prof
Susan Blackmore, during a
fascinating seminar at Taplow
Court on Saturday, November
13, the second in the Creative
Awakening series organised by
the IOP-UK, writes Louise Ellis.
Prof Blackmore, a
psychologist and writer, explained
how the issue of consciousness is
one of the most baffling mysteries
facing scientists today. During
the seminar, she led us on an
experiential journey through
other questions; Is consciousness
an illusion? Who am I? What am I?
Is free will an illusion?
Many academics have
subscribed to a dualistic view
of consciousness, with an inner
subjective “mind”, looking out on
an objective, outer world. This
is known as the “ego theory”,
where there is a continuity of
“self”, of a sense of “me,” which,
although it develops and changes
with new experiences, remains
constant throughout a lifetime,
she explained.
However, the problem ego
theory poses, is that a dissection
of the brain offers no clues as to
how biological processes give
rise to subjective experience.
“When you look inside a brain,
there’s no-one home!” she said.
Prof Blackmore, a pioneer
in consciousness studies, has
practised Zen meditation for 25
years. This has led her toward
the Buddhist concept that a
sense of “self,” an experience of
a continuous “me”, is an illusion.
Some academics have
supported a similar concept,
“bundle theory”, which
describes a bundle of thoughts,
perceptions and feelings as
being tied together, not by a self
or “experiencer”, but simply by
causal relations in the brain. The
idea of a “me,” is simply another
sensation, experienced alongside
all sorts of other feelings.
As the day progressed, Prof
Blackmore led us, through
various means, to directly
experience the limitations of our
perception of self.
This exciting seminar series
will continue next year. More
details are on www.iopuk.org

SGI-UK online news bulletin Issue No 36 17.11.2010 Page 3
Comments from LIPC participants
Hundreds take study exams around the UK
On Sunday, November 14 at 2pm,
hundreds of members across the UK
picked up their pens to participate
in the Grade 1 and 2 study exams,
writes Liz Millar.
The exams, which were held in SGI-
UK centres and local venues, followed an
inspiring study course which members
completed together in their districts,
chapters and HQs to deepen their faith
and understanding of Buddhism.
This is the seventh year that SGI-UK
has held the study exams, which began
in 2004. They were very well attended
and incredibly joyful as members of all
ages put their knowledge to the test!
SGI-UK Vice General Director and
Study Department leader Kazuo Fujii
sent a message to be read to members
taking the exam: “Congratulations on
taking the study examination this year!
I strongly believe that our study
movement is nothing other than a
great movement for transforming the
human spirit and elevating the correct
understanding of life, beginning at the
individual level and gradually affecting
the entire human consciousness; it is an
unprecedented movement in the history
of humankind. You are certainly part of
this great human movement.”
Kazuo added: “President Ikeda wrote
in his editorial in The Daibyukurenge,
Ravi Juneja
Soka stood in the rain at East
London’s venue, Walthamstow Girls’
School, to welcome over 60 exam
participants from East End and North
East London HQs. The atmosphere was
incredibly joyful as members tucked
into a spread of refreshments laid on
by the Women’s Division as they waited
to go into the exams. Boo Prabhaker, Members sit the exam at an East London school
a young woman from Clapton district, admitted to feeling a bit nervous about
taking the Grade 1 exam, but said: “I don’t know whether I’ve passed or
failed, but I’ve enjoyed the course. I spent the whole day studying yesterday in
preparation for today and it really, really helped me to see how I need to deal
with a big obstacle that’s come up in my life, so it’s been amazing.”
Liz Millar
Exam is held at London Ikeda Peace Centre
the study monthly magazine of the
Soka Gakkai: “Our members around the
world are now making diligent efforts to
strengthen their foundation of practice
and study.’”
Kazuo also said: “I would like
to share with you President Ikeda’s
encouragement to the members who
were taking the study examination last
year: ‘Please have confidence in taking
the study exam. Through attending this
study examination, you have already
achieved a victory of life and faith. You
are now creating the history of your life.
Studying Buddhism is the great driving
force of faith and practice for your
life and for your happiness. Chanting
daimoku is the most important thing
to do and I am convinced that Nichiren
Daishonin would without fail praise
you wholeheartedly in your efforts to
undertake the two ways of practice and
study.’”
Pictured are members of South and
East Kent HQ who took part in the
study exams, writes Jiggy Bhore.
Throughout South East England
Area, which has four headquarters,
in six different venues, 65 members
celebrated the end of the study courses
by sitting the exam. The participants
were in high spirits. They had each
overcome many challenges and felt a
profound sense of achievement.
Bristol Women’s Division member Margy Harris, who took Grade 2, said: “I
feel that doing the study course has woken me up because I hadn’t really been
studying a lot. But studying a section of the material each month has been really
inspiring! It’s reminded me why it’s so important to study – I’d been feeling quite
disconnected from other members, but doing this has really changed that.”
Jiggy Bhore
Rita Jorge, Young Women’s
leader, Mildmay District:
“Studying for this taught me the
meaning of ‘not begrudging’ my
life, as I thought I did not have
time to do this. By following it through till
the end I feel more in charge of my own life.
The preparation meetings were an amazing
opportunity to freely ask difficult questions
and bond with other members. It was a way
to introduce weekly ‘serious’ study to my
life. I don’t know if it made me feel more
confident to talk about Buddhism, but for
some reason ever since I started this study I
can’t seem to shut up about it!”
Michael Isaac, Young
Men’s leader, Clissold
District: “I understand much
more concretely how to put
the Gosho’s teachings into
practice. I loved that study was made very
accessible. I feel much more clear with the
challenges of the modern world, in regard
to explaining why things are happening
and what we can do to transform this.”
Karen Ingman, Women’s
Division leader, Tufnell
Park: “I enjoyed it. I woke
up in a high life state today,
it’s made me more joyful. I
enjoy studying with people, it helps me
to take it in more. It’s given me more
than confidence; it’s pressed upon me
the need to put across to new members
the importance of the mentor-disciple
relationship and ‘fighting spirit’.”
Pierre Vero, Men’s Division
vice leader, Clissold District:
“The preparatory meetings were
very helpful, and helped me to
understand the Gosho more
thoroughly. Study puts great perspective on
the issues in my daily life. And I know a bit
more what I’m talking about now!”
Tom Shore, Young Men’s
leader, Mildmay District:
“I’ve gained a fresh outlook
on life. A new perspective.
More strength. By pushing
myself to understand these teachings with
my whole life, I can hopefully show actual
proof through this experience.”
Kaori Lallaway, Young
Women’s leader, North
Islington Chapter: “I
studied for the newer young
women I am responsible for.
I answered questions as though I was
speaking to people; to share my study.”
Dave Thomas, Men’s
Division vice leader,
South Islington Chapter:
“It was a very exciting
and joyful experience.
The questions are specific to Buddhism
in society so it is now easier to talk to
people about this practice.”
Interviews and pictures: Ravi Juneja

A Buddhist magazine
November 2010
Price £3
Issue no. 113
Simon Addinsell
SGI-UK online news bulletin Issue No 36 17.11.2010 Page 4
News round-up
World News
23 young women and 15 young men
Tokyo, Japan: Soka University held
attended SGI-UK Seven Seas group’s
its 40th anniversary celebration on
training day at Taplow Court on
November 7, while Soka Women’s
November 6 with the theme The 80th
College celebrated its 25th anniversary
Anniversary of the Soka Gakkai’s
on the same day.
Founding – The Chance in a Million to
Tokyo: The 1st Africa Conference of the
Solidify our Vow as Sensei’s Disciples,
New Era was held at the Soka Gakkai
writes Neil O’Doherty. The group takes responsibility for the coordination
headquarters on November 4 with SGI
and smooth running of activities at SGI-UK centres. Manny Fernandez
leaders from 12 African countries.
encouraged us to be “Captains of the Seven Seas” in our activities both in
Tokyo: Xi’an Peihua University Women’s
our centres and our districts, which are great castles of Kosen-rufu.
School appointed Mrs Kaneko Ikeda
Sanda McWilliam, Joanna Dalzell,
honorary president in recognition of her
Robert Harrap and Antonio Di
accomplishments in promoting world
Muro, leaders of London General
peace together with President Ikeda. The
Area, with an original issue of the
honour was accepted by representatives
London newspaper The Times from
from Soka Women’s College on
November 18 1930 which they have
November 9.
given as a present on behalf of all
Tokyo: The annual SGI Autumn Training
the members in London to President
Course opened on November 2 with 250
Ikeda to mark the 80th anniversary
representatives from 65 countries and
of the founding of the Soka Gakkai.
territories attending. In a message to the
Men’s Division area and regional
members, President Ikeda stated: “I will
leaders met on November 13 to
forever cherish the fact that you have
celebrate November 18, and to discuss
battled by [my] side for all these years.
activities for the Men’s Division in
I ask that you embrace my spirit as your
2011, writes SGI-UK Men’s Divison
own and boldly lead your respective
leader Robert Harrap. We want to
organisations to even greater heights of
encourage men to make a great
success.”
contribution to our local discussion
Tokyo: The Soka Gakkai held its
meetings and to create a tradition of
monthly Headquarters Leaders Meeting
inspiring divisional meetings based on
on November 3, celebrating its 80th
President Ikeda’s monthly editorial.
anniversary with a youth culture
festival at the Soka University campus
in Hachioji. An SGI General Meeting
was also held. President Ikeda sent a
message and poem to commemorate the
occasion.
One Heart with Sensei
was the theme of a
gathering of 60 plus
members of the Dedicated
Keibi Group on November
6 at Taplow Court, writes
Martyn Shaw. David
Woodger lectured on The
Art of Winning, which he sees as the way of fighting our fundamental darkness
Len East
by selfless dedication to others and forging the spirit of mentor and disciple.
West London Centre now has a thriving
Dedicated Keibi Group of 80 members,
writes Roger Thomas. On October 30 its
first training session took place. West
London Women’s Division Area leader
Catia Isaia, quoting Sensei, said they
were “Lords of the castle” of Kosen-rufu.
10 members from SGI Germany visited Taplow
Court on October 23 to learn how SGI-UK
welcomes people to our centres and use our
experience for their centres’ development.
They also paid a visit to the Mentor and
Disciple room and were moved by the exhibits.
Four people, pictured, received
Gohonzon at the monthly
ceremony at the South London
National Centre on November
7. Others who received
Gohonzon this month included
55 people at Taplow Court and
two in Northern Ireland.
Matthew Barker
Catia Isaia
Transforming
the land
• Celebrating the eightieth
anniversary of the founding
of the Soka Gakkai
• Buddhism in action:
focus on environment
November
Art of Living:
Transforming
the Land
As we celebrate the 80th anniversary
of the founding of Soka Gakkai and
the historic achievement of the three
founding presidents, November’s
AoL looks forward to the opening
of a new era of the Kosen-rufu
movement around the world.
Together with great study and
guidance from President Ikeda and My
80th Anniversary Campaign experiences
from SGI-UK members, the AoL carries
an article by guest writer, Rabbi Jeffrey
Newman, Director of Earth Charter UK.
Can you help out in the canteen?
Can you help once a month or at a
moment’s notice to serve lunch in the
canteen at weekends at SGI-UK National
Centre, Taplow Court? If so please call
Annemarie Smith on 01189455412 for
more details or email annemarie28@
hotmail.com with all your details.