Women shine! - SGI-UK E-Bulletin and Podcast

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Essex
women
celebrate
Glorious
Guitars
Galore
Tsunami
orphans visit
Taplow Court
Day of joy and
friendship for
northern stars
Exhibition
at Truro
Cathedral
Family
Day in
Deptford
Trust through friendship. Peace through trust.
Ayse Hasan
e-bulletin
SGI-UK online news bulletin Issue No25 2.6.2010
Women shine!
Women’s Division members held
joyful events in May to celebrate
SGI-UK Women’s Day.
60 women, including 18 guests,
gathered in Fraddon, Cornwall, to
celebrate Women’s Day on May 31,
writes Liz Summers. The energy and
joy were palpable, with a talk from
Stephanie Ball, an experience, songs, and
most of all, cake and laughter! Sensei
was right; we were “shining brightly and
cheerfully” with “rays of hope”.
Brixton and Heart of Southwark
HQ held a WD Friendship Day on May 31
with the theme The Power to Transform,
writes Angela McDowall.
70 people attended including 20
guests, who were treated to some
wonderful experiences, entertainments
and an opportunity to talk heart to heart
with other women. Many of the members
and guests were inspired to transform
something deep in their own lives.
South London Central HQ
Women’s Division members held a
Friendship Day on May 29, writes Tony
Charalambous. Parents, carers and
children were directed to creative work
Women of Brixton & Heart of Southwark HQ
Donovan Chamberlayne
stations inspired by the song Love Train
by the O’Jays – from badge making, face
painting and cake decorating, to writing
friendship and love messages for family
turn to page 2
Children join the Love Train in South London
Download the
e-bulletin at
www.sgi-uk.info
Joyful celebration in Cornwall on May 31
TO MY FRIENDS
“I take my stand,” “Take yours, too.”
Let us stand solidly together, striving
and advancing shoulder-to-shoulder
alongside all the members of our
district and chapter! Together let us
enact an inspiring drama of victory, as
we strive towards the achievement of
our common goal of Kosen-rufu!
President Ikeda, May 25, 2010
Please send your news and
pictures to our email address:
roystone55news@yahoo.co.uk
Jo May

Clive Brown
SGI-UK online news bulletin Issue No25 2.6.2010 Page 2
Celebrations for joyful women of Essex Chapter, above, and Constable Chapter, below
from page 1
and friends around London and across
the world.
While the Women’s Division members
and their guests spent some time in the
main butsuma the children continued
with their activities which culminated
in a fashion styling activity and a dance
workshop. The children learned a dance
routine which they presented to their
delighted parents, carers and other SGI
members at the end of the afternoon.
The children made new friends, and
had great fun expressing themselves with
the support of a dedicated team of men,
women and Youth Division members.
44 Essex Chapter women had
a great time at Great Leighs Primary
School surrounded by meadows with
buttercups and daisies in profusion on
a glorious day, write Mary Porter and
Annette Tan. There were exciting and
moving experiences proving amazing
benefit from faith in Nichiren Buddhism;
a Conversation Cafe engaging everyone
in discussion and getting to know
different people.
This was followed by a shared buffet
come banquet! Members of the Men’s
Division supported the day by looking
after the children, sound equipment
and taking a wonderful photograph.
Jennie Peters-Smith shared guidance
from Sensei: “Enjoying the midday sun
we perspire from our efforts as we
energetically make our way over hills
and valleys in our pursuit of happiness.”
30 Women’s Division members of
Constable Chapter and their guests
gathered in the sunshine in Rattlesden,
Suffolk, on Saturday May 22 to celebrate
this occasion at a Ladies Who Lunch
party, writes Pauline Baker.
After an electric gongyo and daimoku
led by SGI-UK vice national Women’s
Division leader Sue Marcus, followed by
some very inspiring and timely guidance
from her, everyone spilled out into the
garden to enjoy a delicious lunch from
a wonderful array of exotic dishes
provided through everyone’s generous
contribution. Many friendships were
renewed and new friendships made. The
woman sprinting across the lawn, below,
is Lili Armstrong, the member most
mature in years but youngest in heart!
Our guests included our younger
sisters from the Youth Division – we
always invite them to our celebrations.
Women of Bristol HQ celebrated
with an inspiring meeting, writes
Kazuko Ioyama. Dotty Lapham, South
West Women’s Area leader, gave an
encouraging and inspiring talk. 37
women attended, including five naitoku,
plus two guests.
Anti-nuclear
exhibition
in the UK
SGI-UK General Director Robert
Samuels writes:
The exhibition “From a Culture
of Violence to a Culture of Peace:
Transforming the Human Spirit” was
created in 2007 to commemorate the
50th anniversary of second Soka Gakkai
President Toda’s declaration calling for
the abolition of nuclear weapons on
September 8 1957.
This exhibition will be mounted in
the foyer of Ikeda New Century Hall at
Taplow Court this week.
The exhibition will be on view during
the Taplow Court Open Days on the first
Sundays of June, July and August from
2-5.30pm.
More information about the
exhibition will be given in future editions
of the e-bulletin.
Ikeda Kayo Kai Day
SGI-UK national Young Women’s
Division leader Lisa Cowan writes:
Last year it was announced that
June 4 would be Worldwide Ikeda Kayo
Kai Day. A day where young women
across the world could deepen their
vow to advance Kosen-rufu through
becoming absolutely happy themselves
and supporting others to do the same.
This year, Ikeda Kayo Kai
celebrations are happening locally. My
vision is that on or around June 4, each
young woman is able to find her own
way to deepen her awareness of being an
Ikeda Kayo Kai member. Imagine each of
us becoming the kind of woman Sensei
describes:
“Absolutely nothing can stand in the
way of women who know ‘the greatest
of all joys’, which comes from chanting
Nam-myoho-renge-kyo (Record of the
Orally Transmitted Teachings, 212). The
presence and example of women whose
lives have been revitalized through such
joy can become a powerful source of
inspiration for many others.” (NL7387)
This opportunity to renew and
refresh our determinations comes
almost halfway through this significant
year. Let’s not miss the opportunity to
build the most wonderful foundation
for the future. Many congratulations on
Worldwide Ikeda Kayo Kai Day!

A Buddhist magazine
June 2010
Price £3
Issue no. 108
SGI-UK online news bulletin Issue No25 2.6.2010 Page 3
Glorious Guitars Galore
On the evening of Sunday May 30,
SGI-UK members from London and
the regions who are all professional
musicians came together on stage
in Ikeda New Century Hall and paid
homage to a much-loved musical
instrument, the guitar, writes
concert producer Annie Odell.
Guitars Galore embraced several
different musical genres and cultures,
bringing together an eclectic mix of
classical guitar works, folk, world, jazz
rock and blues. Our aim was to delight
the audience, and share with them a
heartfelt human experience. The love of
the guitar was the unifying theme, and, by
implication, the love of all humanity.
Our audience of some 320 members,
guests and visitors from the local
area showed their appreciation with
thunderous applause and rousing cheers
– and many individuals who spoke to us
afterwards commented not just on the
quality of the performances, but also the
warmth and humanity that came across.
We were so fortunate to have a
dedicated and hard-working production
team there: members who work
professionally in the theatre, film and
recording industry, who found time
in their busy schedules to ensure that
the performances were enhanced with
On May 24, Taplow Court hosted a
visit by five tsunami orphans and three
helpers from Thailand, writes Mike
Yeadon. They came from their home
in Thailand which they share with
67 other children orphaned by the
tsunami to thank various organisations
in the UK who support them. SGI-UK
was asked to help by one of our friends
from the Anglo Thai Friendship Society
to provide a day out for the children.
They looked around the house and
heard about the King of Thailand
staying there in 1891. They also visited
Ikeda New Century Hall, heard about
Nichiren Buddhism and told us about
their Buddhist practice in Thailand.
They then spent time in the gardens
Unity in Diversity was the theme for
a gathering of over 100 Lesbian, Gay
Bisexual and Transgender members
and supporters of Rainbow activities
at Taplow Court on May 23, write
David Carpenter and Martyn Shaw.
The weather was glorious and the
grounds were a magnificent spot for
our lunch break. Great encouragement
was given by Kazuo Fujii in his lecture
on the Gosho On Establishing the
Correct Teaching For the Peace of the
Land. There were also three moving
Houria Niati
Jessica Miller
Andrew Creevy
excellent lighting, sound reinforcement,
and projection on to the video screen
so that people at the back of the hall
could get close-up views of what was
happening on stage.
Conference Services, Seven Seas, our
action team of wonderful Soka, Lilac,
Transport, Guardian, front of house,
external relations and canteen Buddhas
all please take a bow! It could not have
happened without you.
As has been the case for the last
three years, all proceeds after costs will
be donated to Unicef.
We are always interested in hearing
from any SGI-UK members working
professionally in the music industry,
theatre, film, TV etc, who would be
willing to contribute to future cultural
activities at Taplow Court. Please
contact sanda.mcwilliam@sgi-uk.org
taking lots of photos. After a good lunch
the children performed a beautiful Thai
dance for everyone. They left in good
spirits with bags of gifts.
and inspiring experiences. It was a
most joyful opportunity for renewing
old friendships and making new
friends with representatives from all
parts of the UK.
Art Of Living
inspiration day
On Saturday May 22 an ‘Inspiration
and Appreciation’ meeting took
place at Taplow Court for all the
members who offer their time
and effort to support the content,
production and distribution of the
Art of Living magazine.
Representatives from the editorial
team, photographers and designers,
proof readers, the people who record
Talking Art of Living (for partially
sighted members), subscription team
and packers received a message from
SGI President Ikeda thanking them
for all their hard work and offered
refreshments for the meeting at which it
was announced that, due to the uplift in
sales, the Art of Living print run has been
increased again this year by 500 taking it
to 6,500 copies per month.
Inspiration came from SGI-UK Vice
General Director Kazuo Fujii followed
by further expressions of appreciation
relayed from the comments and emails
sent from members around the world.
A new project was launched to
create an Art of Living image library of
member’s photographic and illustrative
work. So this is a call to all keen
photographers and illustrators – if you
would like to receive information on
how to send work for potential inclusion
in the Art of Living – please email
AOLDesign@sgi-uk.org
June AoL:
Illness
gives rise to
the resolve
to attain
the way
illness
gives rise to the
resolve to
attain the way
June’s Art of Living looks at the
Buddhist perspective on health and
illness. In the Buddhism in Action
series Barbara Cahill explores the
writings of Nichiren Daishonin and
the guidance of President Ikeda to
share insights on how to face this
important aspect of life as well as
sharing her experience of more than
45 years of Buddhist practice.
And as we head towards the half-way
point of the year our study this month,
SGI President Ikeda’s lecture on Letter to
the Brothers, offers invaluable guidance
and advice so that we can continue to
work towards making this year “the
greatest year of our lives!”

Rod Leach
John Cormican
SGI-UK online news bulletin Issue No25 2.6.2010 Page 4
Countrywide News
World News
Truro Cathedral was the latest
venue to host SGI’s Seeds of Change
exhibition in support of the Earth
Charter from May 17-28, writes
Gabrielle Hawkes. Building on the
relationship developed through
inter-faith activities, members asked
for space to show the exhibition and
met with an enthusiastic response.
Pictured here are Canon Philip
Lambert and Cornwall HQ men’s
leader Tom Henderson Smith at
the official opening. In his welcome
to guests, Canon Lambert quoted
from President Ikeda’s essay The
39 members and nine young members of West Wales chapter
met at Penrhiwllan village hall on May 15, writes Eve Merrick-
Williams. The theme was A Bright Future for All Humanity.
Roger and Caroline March moved people to tears with a talk
about their visit to Hiroshima’s peace park in 2008. They were
inspired by paper cranes presented to the Children’s Peace
Memorial. They determined the chapter would present 1,000
cranes to the memorial and brought them to the chapter day.
Hampshire & Isle of Wight
HQ course was held at
Sarisbury Green Community
Centre, writes Steve Day.
20 guests joined us at a
friendship tea to chat about
our Buddhist practice.
Hillingdon HQ members visited the
Mentor and Disciple Room at Taplow
Court on May 2 to celebrate May 3.
Paul Richards
Members and children gathered together for a
Family Day in Deptford on May 16, writes Jane
Roberts. Parents took part in a Q&A with South
East London Area leaders Donnie and Joannie
McLennan, whose compassion and wisdom
through overcoming their challenges as parents
came shining through. The children sang a song
for which they wrote the lyrics called “Courage is
the key to power, never give up, and be brave!”
Pictures: Steve Alcorn
128 leaders gathered on May 9 for
the third Northern Area Leaders
Assembly at a packed Holiday Inn
Hotel in Brighouse, Yorkshire.
Men’s area leader Antonio Levorato
said: “I am determined to battle
the headwinds. To redetermine
and redetermine again, to fulfil my
vision for the Northern Area.” Youth
Leaders added their determination to
a day packed with joy and friendship.
Challenge of Global Empowerment:
Education for a Sustainable
Future, remarking that it expresses
sentiments that they as a faith
community thoroughly endorse.
Catia Isaia, Womens Division Area
leader for West London, and Mark
Tosey, vice Men’s Area leader, at
the Area celebration of May 3 in a
packed Ikeda New Century Hall at
Taplow Court on May 2.
Eve Merrick-Williams
Tokyo, Japan: The Negai (a wish),
a microsatellite developed by Soka
University engineering students carrying
the microfilmed aspirations of some
8,000 children, was launched into
space on May 21 carried by the Japan
Aerospace Exploration Agency Venus
probe Akatsuki.
Toronto, Canada: SGI Canada held
a youth culture festival on May 15 at
the Roy Thomson Hall in Toronto in
partnership with the NGO Free the
Children. Some 2,400 youth attended the
music and dance performance.
Santa Catarina, Brazil: Santa Catarina
State held a commemorative session at
the state council on May 3 in celebration
of President Ikeda’s 50 years of
leadership for peace.
Taplow Court accounts
department staff required
SGI-UK requires 1 person to work fulltime
in the accounts department at
Taplow Court to assist with transaction
processing and preparation of accounts.
For more information and an application
form please contact Sanda McWilliam
on 01628 591208. Completed application
forms must be received by Friday July
30, 2010.
Correction – Young Eagles
Summer Course fee
In the last issue of the e-bulletin the
Young Eagles Summer course fee was
incorrectly stated as £53. The correct
course fee is £65. There is the same
error on any application form that was
received before now. A new application
form has been sent out and is available
from your Young Men’s Division area
or HQ leader. Please accept my sincere
apologies for this mistake and for any
inconvenience caused. This course
fee still represents excellent value for
money for an inspiring residential course
packed full of activities and we look
forward to receiving your application!
Warm regards, Manny Fernandez
SGI-UK Youth Division leader
Working parties
An invitation is extended to all members
to help maintain the grounds at Taplow
Court. Daimoku starts at 10am. Evening
gongyo at 5pm. For daimoku venue
please ask at Seven Seas room in Ikeda
New Century Hall. The next dates are
June 5 and 26. Call the estate office on
01628 591 219. The nature of the work
makes it unsafe for children. We look
forward to seeing you.