Dynamic kick-off for UK students! - SGI-UK E-Bulletin and Podcast

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Manchester
Buddhist
Convention
SGI members take
part in Camden
civic ceremony
Wales and Borders
HQ building our
future together!
Devon members
celebrate
precious history
Building friendship
through faith
in Cornwall
A ‘first’ for newly
formed East
Anglia South HQ
Trust through friendship. Peace through trust.
e-bulletin
SGI-UK online news bulletin Issue 83 7.11.2012
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 18
Masaru Kishino
Dynamic kick-off for UK students!
Student Division members from
across the UK met at the South
London National Centre, Brixton, on
October 20 to strengthen and renew
our faith through Buddhist study
with the theme ‘Towards November
18 2013: Challenge! Joyfully! With
Sensei!’ writes Evan Reinhold.
In total 101 people were in
attendance and the day kicked off with a
great gongyo followed by the traditional
SGI welcome by Area.
November 18 2013 is the completion
date for the new SGI headquarters
building in Tokyo, and President Ikeda
has encouraged us to build foundations
for our own lives as strong as the
foundations for the new HQ.
Thea Petts, Nobuo Shinozuka and
Shen Yue gave inspiring experiences. Yas
Hirayama then lectured on the Gosho
‘On Establishing the Correct Teaching
for the Peace of the Land’, highlighting
the importance of not slandering the
dignity of life. Yas gave us ideas about
how to change society from a Buddhist
perspective and spoke of the importance
of the mentor disciple relationship now
and in the future. Anna Hashimoto
gave a stirring recital of ‘Homage to
Manuel De Falla’ by Bela Kovacs. In
our group meetings we spoke about the
mentor disciple relationship and what
it meant for our lives and our studies.
After more experiences by Hiraki Shiba,
Rushil Sawnhey and Taka Ogasawara,
the meeting ended on a high note
with members who had attended the
European student course performing an
entertainment.
The result of the kick-off meeting
is that each of us is ready to challenge
ourselves in our lives, studies and work,
and to find joy in overcoming obstacles
and sharing this Buddhism with others.
WORDS OF THE WEEK
Make the determination, chant
earnest daimoku, and take
courageous action – this is the
rhythm for victory! Today again,
no matter what might confront
us, brimming with fresh new
determination, let’s chant daimoku
with the great strength of a roaring
lion, and hoist aloft the banner of
indomitable spirit and courage!
– Daisaku Ikeda, November 5-11, 2012
Ronnie Wark
Scotland welcomes
Mrs Takahashi
– see page 2

SGI-UK online news bulletin Issue 83 7.11.2012 Page 2
Donald Cameron
Pictures: Ronnie Wark
Scottish members welcome Mrs Takahashi to General Meeting
SGI-Europe General women’s leader
Mrs Takahashi was welcomed to
Edinburgh on the afternoon of Friday
October 12 by the Scotland Area
leaders, writes Donald Cameron.
She visited a long-standing member
at her home, then took a bus tour of the
city before meeting and encouraging the
Area women’s leader Diane Ring.
The following morning she travelled
to Glasow. She strolled around Glasgow
University, where President Ikeda
received an Honorary Doctorate in 1994.
Lunch was in the home of Scotland’s
General leaders Akemi and Richard
Porteous followed by a visit to the
Botanic Gardens where President Ikeda
was photographed with the members in
1994. Local members gathered in high
spirits around a tree planted in 2004 in
commemoration of President Ikeda’s
visit. The sun broke through the clouds
just before a commemorative photo.
A Scottish song was sung before Mrs
Takahashi returned to Edinburgh, for
the evening, to prepare for the Scottish
General meeting in Perth the following
day.
Jo Murray writes: The 30th Scottish
AGM was held at Perth Concert Hall
on October 14 with the theme ‘One
Europe with Sensei’. Scotland has
hosted its AGM every year since 1983.
For the 30th AGM we welcomed 351
members, guests and children. 49 visitors
were from outside Scotland and had
travelled from as far away as Italy. We
kicked off with a kosen-rufu timeline
dating back to 1971 when the first Soka
Gakkai member arrived in Scotland.
An exhibition in the foyer charted the
history – mostly through changing
hairstyles! Anya Grycuk aged 23 gave an
experience about how she transformed
her feelings of fear and powerlessness.
Firstly she gained ‘impossible’ entry into
university to study her dream subject.
Then, realising she was facing the same
difficulties whether she was living in
Scotland or Mexico, described how she
roared into action using a heartfelt vow
and connection to her mentor to change
her circumstances and to have her
prayers answered.
After songs rocked the stage and
Gohonzons were conferred, our special
guest, Mrs Takahashi gave a Gosho
lecture ‘On the Treasure Tower’ and an
experience of her first encounter with
her mentor.
She shared her personal struggle to
overcome feelings – 45 years ago – that
she had no self-confidence and was living
an empty life, lacking significance. This
changed within one year with a decision
to challenge all the things she found most
difficult, to chant for an encounter with
her mentor and to understand the essence
of faith. After reflecting on her year, Mrs
Takahashi said she read the New Year
poem by President Ikeda “that resonated
strongly and I felt a deep emotion which
is still active in my heart now”.
We finished with a wonderful show
from our children who had been able to
view the meeting on a TV link into the
children’s room.

Munish Mehta
SGI-UK online news bulletin Issue 83 7.11.2012 Page 3
Inspirational dialogues at Manchester Buddhist Convention
SGI Manchester HQ participated in the Manchester
Buddhist Convention and had inspirational dialogues and
exchange of views with other Buddhist sects at the St
Peter’s Chaplaincy, Manchester, writes Wooi Seng Voon.
On Saturday, October 13, SGI-UK once again had the
opportunity to share with others the meaning of Nichiren
Buddhism and how we put our philosophy into action which
was in tune with theme of the convention – ‘The Buddha In Our
Midst’.
We used the DVD ‘Our Shared Humanity’ to demonstrate
how Buddhism is being practised in society by our fellow
members all over the world, which drew praise from fellow
participants.
To bring home the importance of having and revealing our
innate Buddhahood, we shared four experiences covering the
topics: Earthly Desires are Enlightenment; Oneness of Life
SGI-UK members take part in Camden Civic Jubilee Celebration
SGI-UK member Lew Llewellyn
writes about how he became involved
in the Mayor of Camden’s Civic
Jubliee Celebration:
I joined planning for the event in the
Mayor’s Parlour at Camden Town Hall
as a member of Camden Faith Leaders
Forum representing SGI-UK Camden.
The Mayor wanted a new type of
civic ceremony with a multi-faith content
representing the six decades of the
Queen’s rule.
A civic procession was held inside
St Mary Magdalene’s Church, and the
Driving forward kosen-rufu in UK!
Did you know that the ‘Great Wheel Turning Kings’
existed in the UK They assembled on October 13 at
Taplow Court, writes Naruo Yoshikawa.
It was the inspirational meeting for the Dedicated
Transport Group (DTG). “We all left more inspired and
determined to drive forward kosen-rufu with Sensei,” said a
DTG member. We began with a powerful gongyo and daimoku,
followed by stunning experiences, exciting activity reports,
great direction and guidance, “hot off the press” inspiration
from an SGI training meeting held just a few days before in
Japan, dynamic discussions, tasty food and more.
If you would like to find out about DTG, call conference
services at Taplow and ask for DTG contact details.
evening’s events included choirs from
three local schools, readings and music
from the Islamic, Christian, Jewish and
other faith communities.
and its Environment; Changing Poison into Medicine; and the
Mentor and Disciple Relationship.
Our path of practising Buddhism as an intrinsic part of our
daily life inspired those who attended our session and some
even suggested that others should learn from our philosophy.
In view of the positive feedback, SGI Manchester members will
certainly participate in such future conventions.
I gave a reading from the introduction
by Daisaku Ikeda to ‘The Record of
the Orally Transmitted Teachings’ then
Women’s Division member Evie Sanidas
sang a truly beautiful song of hers, ‘(I’ll)
Stand by You’, for which she received
endless praise.
The Mayor was absolutely delighted
with the efforts we had made to support
her.
Our participation in the event was
part of the efforts that members in
Camden are making to raise awareness
of SGI and President Ikeda.
Inspiration for HQ administrators
HQ adminstrators from Leeds, Lancaster, Morpeth, West
Coast, Glasgow and St Andrews attended an inspiration
day in Edinburgh on October 28, writes Jonathan Young.
We were ably supported by Munish Mehta and Douglas
Catarino from Taplow Court and Donald Cameron, Scottish Area
Men’s Division leader. Cammi explained how important it is to
know about where the members are so they can be cared for and
encouraged. This year is the 60th anniversary of the Statistics
Department in the Soka Gakkai which has the same function that
our HQ administrators perform. We spoke about how we can
improve the way we look after member statistics and take these
forward to support the next 50 years of Kosen-rufu in Europe.
Wooi Seng Voon
Brian Rose

Lee Walker
Gary McNeillie
Peter Robinson
SGI-UK online news bulletin Issue 83 7.11.2012 Page 4
Courses round-up
World News
Shanghai, China: From October 27–28,
some 270 people, including 100 scholars
from 43 universities and institutions,
attended the Seventh International
Academic Symposium on Daisaku
Ikeda’s philosophy, titled ‘Modern
Education in the Context of Multicultural
Intercommunication’. The event, which
commemorated the 40th anniversary
of the normalisation of diplomatic
relations between China and Japan,
was co-sponsored by Shanghai Normal
University (SNU) and Soka University
and held at the SNU campus. A total
• 91 members from all corners of the Wales and The Borders Area met at Taplow of 72 research papers were discussed.
Court from September 21-23 for a joyful course with the theme ‘Building our Future President Ikeda sent a message.
History Together’, writes Len East. Study lectures from Manny Fernandez and Fiona Tauranga, New Zealand: The SGI and
Harrow kept us engrossed as they shared their experiences of practising Nichiren Earth Charter’s joint exhibition ‘Seeds
Buddhism. 2 new Youth Division members, Stephen Sherwood and Lynwen Brown, of Hope: Visions of sustainability, steps
received Gohonzon. We enjoyed an unusual and hugely enjoyable entertainment with toward change’ opened at the Goddards
each of the groups interpreting titles of well-known (and not so well-known) Goshos. Centre in Tauranga, New Zealand, on
A Q&A was held with Ricky Baynes who also shared his experiences of being with October 18. The opening ceremony
Sensei. A special treat was in store for us in the closing ceremony; the Glorious Life was held at a nearby art gallery with 80
Chorus – who just happened to be passing! – came in and captivated us with 2 songs. guests in attendance, including Stuart
Crosby, mayor of Tauranga, and Graham
Hassall, national president of the United
Nations Association of New Zealand. The
exhibition will run until November 10.
Ji’an, China: On October 28, a Daisaku
Ikeda Research Centre opened at
Jinggangshan University, located in the
city of Ji’an in southeastern China. The
research centre was established with the
aim of engaging in research on President
Ikeda’s philosophy and ideals from a
• 76 Youth Division members from South West London had the most joyful
variety of perspectives, including his
and inspiring summer course from August 4-5 in the beautiful countryside in
leadership in the fields of peace, culture
Buckinghamshire, writes Alessandra Soccutti. Our theme was ‘Creating Unshakable and education, and his efforts for China-
Happiness for Oneself and Others Through Faith, Practice and Study’. Every moment Japan friendship.
was permeated with a sense of unity and joy. The lectures and experiences were Tokyo, Japan: A ceremony marking
warm and inspiring. Lisa Cowan, national Young Women’s leader, urged us to become the completion of the new Soka Culture
unshakable, and to transform suffering into happiness. The course ended with 5 Centre was held in Shinanomachi, Tokyo,
Young Women receiving Gohonzon and 17 people subscribing to the Art of Living. on October 19. Soka Gakkai President
We left with a great sense of gratitude to Sensei for enabling us to practice this Minoru Harada and representatives
Buddhism, and through it, to become the happiest people we can possibly be. from the companies involved in the
construction of the centre attended. The
official opening ceremony will be held on
November 18.
Tokyo, Japan: On October 24, President
Ikeda was awarded the title of Honorary
Professor by Kazakh National University
in recognition of his outstanding
support of scientific and intellectual
development at Soka University. The
conferral ceremony took place at
Soka University and was attended by
Ramazanov Tlekkabul Sabitovich, vice
rector for Research-Innovation Affairs at
• This year’s South East Area Men’s Course returned to the ‘Village,’ a hotel near Kazakh National University; Batyrkhan
Maidstone, writes Paul Marchant. Amid weekend parties, 50 SGI men responded to Kurmanseit, Minister-Counsellor
Sensei’s encouragement, intoning deep, sonorous daimoku that resonated within the of the Embassy of the Republic of
very fabric of the building. Our theme, ‘Choose Courage and Take Action’, was given Kazakhstan in Japan; and Soka University
rich expression in the experiences, including courageous achievements supporting representatives. Soka University
the Olympics and Paralympics – Andrew Ogilvy Forbes led the group that won the President Hideo Yamamoto accepted the
award for best supporting team and introduced seven people to the practice.
honour on behalf of Sensei.

A Buddhist magazine
November 2012
Price £3
Issue no. 137
Jihan Adem
Tom Henderson Smith
SGI-UK online news bulletin Issue 83 7.11.2012 Page 5
News round-up
• 82 Buddhas from across Devon gathered at Hatherleigh
Village Hall on October 13 to celebrate three and half decades of
kosen-rufu in the county, writes Billie Cornish. With the theme
‘A precious history of my life’ we recalled when Devon first
became a district in 1980, how the first national summer course
was held in the county in 1978, and how Devon was the first
HQ to hold a course at Taplow Court in 1992. A quiz by local
historian Bob Mann and a montage of photos helped to remind
people of all the wonderful activities held over the years. Two
new Youth Division received membership and Gohonzon, there
were talks on the training offered by the SGI to its members –
including Dedicated Lilac, Soka and Keibi – and Barbara Cahill
encouraged members to continue creating a magnificent future
based on the boundless power of the Mystic Law.
Fostering the Future Division:
Soar into the Skies of Hope!
In conjunction with the start of Boys and Girls Hope
News, a new Soka Gakkai children’s newspaper published
monthly in Japan, President Ikeda is writing a special
series for children of primary school age.
The series is being translated into English and published in
the newsletters. In it, Sensei speaks directly to children aged
6 and up, encouraging them and building a connection with
them.
If you know children who would like to read Sensei’s series,
look out for SGI newsletters that end in CE. (The first three are
SGI Newsletter numbers 8548, 8595 and 8640.)
LIPC hosts European Council of
Religious Leaders conference
On Tuesday October 30, the London Ikeda Peace Centre
was host to a day-long conference of the European
Council of Religious Leaders, writes Sanda McWilliam.
The European Council of Religious Leaders brings together
senior religious leaders from Europe’s historical religions:
Judaism, Christianity and Islam together with Buddhists,
Hindus, Sikhs and Zoroastrians.
In a continent where religion has often been seen as a
source of conflict, the council seeks to be a resource for peace.
Sitting on this council as one of the three Buddhist
representatives is Jamie Cresswell, a member of SGI-UK, who
is Chairman of the Network of Buddhist Organisations UK and
President of the European Buddhist Union.
The council express their vision as follows: based in the
shared commitment of the faith traditions to human dignity
and the right to live in peace, to work together to prevent
conflict, to promote peaceful coexistence and to encourage
their communities to do the same – to encourage a common
moral responsibility for the prevention of conflict and the
promotion of dialogue.
• 40 members, guests and 4 Young Eagles, celebrated South
and West Cornwall Chapter Day on October 13 with the theme
‘Building Friendship Through Faith’, writes Frank Massie.
A truly wonderful day began with gongyo and a new Men’s
Division member receiving Gohonzon, which was bestowed
by South West England Area Women’s Division vice leader,
Charlotte Cobbold, who then gave us an inspiring talk. This
was followed by heartfelt experiences by members and a lovely
shared lunch. A highlight was the Young Eagles showing and
explaining the work they had produced during the day, with the
help of a great team of members and guests, led by Fi Perry.
• 35 members from the newly
created East Anglia South HQ
held our first HQ course at
Taplow Court, writes Pauline
Baker. A message from Sensei
was read out, beginning the
course with great encouragement.
Ricky Baynes gave an inspiring
talk after bestowing Gohonzon
on four new Women’s Division
members. As we left at the end of the day, Sunflowers offered
members a gift from President Ikeda. Later we reported on the
course to Sensei, who sent us his best regards.
Sheetal Gulati
November Art of Living:
‘The power of proof’
“A great revolution in a single
human being will help achieve
a change in the destiny of all
mankind.”1
As we celebrate November 18, the
founding day of the Soka Gakkai, the
invitation is offered to set our sights
on November 18 2013 and join an
‘Actual Proof Campaign’. This is an
opportunity to change the momentum
of our society by going for our
The power of proof
dreams and determining to show great actual proof in our lives
through challenging ourselves in Buddhist practice and our
efforts to open our hearts to others. As SGI President Ikeda,
recalling the summer Olympics and Paralympics states:
“Our victories are not just personal victories. They are ‘gold
medals’ of the heart that will bring joy to our fellow members
in 192 countries and territories around the world and inspire
our successors in countless generations to come.”2
1 Foreword to the Human Revolution P.v
2 SGI Newsletter No. 8592, 23 August 2012