Fascinating Lotus Sutra exhibition staged - SGI-UK E-Bulletin and ...

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More than
200 Northern
stars shine!
Inspiring day
for Scottish
leaders
Great kick-off
meeting for
students!
Trust through friendship. Peace through trust.
South East
England
Trets course
e-bulletin
SGI-UK online news bulletin Issue 61 7.12.2011
Victorious
Central Area
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Young Eagles
find treasures
of the heart
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Fascinating Lotus Sutra exhibition staged
The Lotus Sutra – A Message of
Peace and Harmonious Co-existence
exhibition was presented at the
London Ikeda Peace Centre (LIPC)
from November 23-27 by the
Institute of Oriental Philosophy
(IOP) and SGI-UK, writes Sanda
McWilliam.
The exhibition was supported by
the Institute of Oriental Manuscripts of
the Russian Academy of Sciences, the
British Library – International Dunhuang
Project, and the Royal Asiastic Society.
Against the backdrop of the historical
spread of Buddhism from India to Asia,
the exhibition explains what Buddhist
manuscripts are, and in particular
how the Lotus Sutra has been widely
embraced by diverse ethnic groups.
Included are some wonderful cave
paintings from Dunhuang in China,
depicting parables from the Lotus Sutra;
for example, the story of the Dragon
King’s daughter being able to instantly
transform herself into a Buddha. In
Dr Halle O’Neal from the University of Kansas, Dr Yoichi Kawada, Director of the IOP in Japan,
and SGI-UK General Director Robert Samuels cut the ribbon at the opening ceremony
addition, the exhibition focuses on how
the Lotus Sutra’s essential message of
peace and coexistence continues to
benefit people today,
An academic symposium organised
by the IOP was held in conjunction with
turn to page 2
TO MY FRIENDS
Come, let’s bring forth that courage
to talk with others about our
philosophy! Together let’s create an
outstanding victory, as the Gosho
says, as “the only memory of your
present life in this human world”.*
December, the last month of the year,
is here. Let’s strive to bring the year
to a fruitful conclusion, challenging
all that we have set out to do and
leaving no regrets behind.
* Gosho: Questions and Answers
about Embracing the Lotus Sutra –
The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin-1,
page 64, “Single-mindedly chant Nammyoho-renge-kyo
and urge others to
do the same; that will remain as the
only memory of your present life in
this human world.”
– Daisaku Ikeda, December 1, 2011
Pictures: James Jordan

SGI-UK online news bulletin Issue 61 7.12.2011 Page 2
Lotus Sutra exhibition
from page 1
the exhibition on Wednesday November
23. The speakers included Dr Yoichi
Kawada, Director of the IOP in Japan,
who gave a paper on contemporary
civilisation and the Lotus Sutra.
Dr Halle O’Neal, from the University
of Kansas in the United States, examined
the Jewelled Stupa Mandalas within the
context of the culture of copying.
Professor Hiroshi Kanno, senior
lecturer at Soka University, gave a talk
on Saddharma and the One Buddha
Vehicle in the Lotus Sutra.
The final speaker of the day,
Professor Max Deeg, of Cardiff
University, looked at the journey of the
Lotus Sutra from being an object of
scholarly interest to a religious text in
the West.
Professor Deeg has translated the
Lotus Sutra into German.
This exhibition was created by the
IOP and has been seen in many parts of
the world.
This version of the exhibition was
redesigned by a member of SGI-UK,
Lloyd Clater, and this version will now
stay in the UK.
The exhibition will move to the Ikeda
New Century Hall at Taplow Court from
December 17.
Above, from left: Dr Yoichi Kawada, Prof Hiroshi Kanno, Dr Halle O’Neal, Prof Max Deeg and
Jamie Cresswell at the seminar. Below: Dr Kawada speaking at the opening ceremony
Louise Read More than 200 Northern stars shine!
On a beautiful sunny afternoon
over 200 shining members gathered
for the Northern Area Assembly,
providing a great springboard for
2012, writes Jenny Church.
Our meeting was held on November
27 at the Mercure Dunkenhalgh Hotel &
Spa near Burnley, Lancashire.
We watched a great video on the
theme of One Europe with Sensei, and
heard a young man’s experience of his
challenge to build a good relationship
with his mother and a woman’s
courageous experience of fighting for
belief and respect for her life.
Lisa Cowan, SGI-UK Young Women’s
Division Leader, gave great inspiration
for a youthful life and a youthful Soka
Gakkai.
A Gohonzon receiving ceremony was
followed by inspiration from UK General
Director Robert Samuels.
We shared our determinations for
the year ahead and sang One Europe
With Sensei. It was a joyous day filled
with great hope and determination for
the next 50 years. We awakened to the
truth of our lives, that we are Nammyoho-renge-kyo,
and each of us has the
potential to change evil into good and
bring peace and prosperity to our lands.

SGI-UK online news bulletin Issue 61 7.12.2011 Page 3
Inspiring conference for Scottish leaders in Perth
The first Scotland Area HQ Leaders
Conference was held in Perth on
December 3 with almost 100 per
cent attendance, writes Rosario
Mastrocinque.
General Director Robert Samuels and
new SGI-UK Women’s Division Leader
Justine Marchant began proceedings.
They presented the Contribution to
Global Education Award, on behalf
of Sensei, to Jean Grycuk, Northern
Lights Vice WD HQ Leader. In a moving
presentation Robert read the citation
praising Jean’s outstanding contribution
to humanistic education.
Keiko Kobayashi gave her experience
covering nearly 25 years of practice in
London and Edinburgh. Keiko reported
her determination to serve members and
districts on behalf of Sensei, and also to
connect members with him and with the
Gohonzon.
Justine Marchant introduced
the concept of “Discussion Meeting
Revolution” in which every single person
is treasured, unity is created among
the leaders and the shakubuku spirit is
revealed wherever we are.
Robert Samuels conveyed Sensei’s
Great kick-off meeting for students!
50 wonderful students gathered at
the SGI-UK South London National
Centre on November 5 for the
Student kick-off meeting, writes
Tania Porqueddu.
Ryo Chonabayashi and Dani
Richards, our national student leaders,
opened the day. Sharing the significance
of the meeting in such an important
year, they encouraged students to hold
regional meetings in order to create
unity.
They also reminded us of President
Ikeda’s words: “For what purpose should
one cultivate wisdom May you always
ask yourself this question!”
We then had an inspiring experience
from David Woodger, who shared his
victorious fight in overcoming obstacles
in his youth in order to discover his real
mission, and explained how sharing
the heart of the mentor was the key to
overcoming negativity.
Lisa Cowan, SGI-UK Young Women’s
Division Leader, gave a truly inspiring
lecture on the Gosho “Establishing
the Correct Teaching for the Peace of
the Land”. She encouraged us to take
responsibility for transforming the land
in which we live, precisely as Nichiren
Daishonin did in his lifetime. Such
Alessandro Insaalco
Jean
Grycuk
with her
education
award
regards. He thanked everyone for their
hard work for Kosen-rufu, and invited us
to make fresh new determinations.
Men’s Division Area Leader Donald
Cameron shared his determination to
determination, made by each individual
would, in years to come, inevitably bring
peace to the world.
Lisa also reminded us not to
be distracted by superficiality and
appearances but instead cultivate the
wisdom to break through illusions and
get to the heart of things. It is precisely
within the heart, Lisa further explained,
that causes are made. The kind of heart
that we should develop is one that
constantly seeks happiness for others.
have 1,000 members in Scotland by June
2014, to mark the 20th anniversary of
Sensei’s visit to Scotland.
Lorenzo Mele gave feedback on the
recent seminar for the HQ Study leaders
and Diane Ring prepared us for exciting
Area activities in 2012.
Everything was covered! Thanks to
such valuable feedback, experiences
and vision for the next year, this was
truly a kick-off meeting for 2012.
It was a day full of energy and
everyone left charged to work hard
alongside Sensei in Scotland.
SGI-UK takes part in moving
ceremony at Cenotaph
SGI-UK was asked to represent the
Buddhist community of Southampton
at a moving ceremony to commemorate
those who have given their lives for
their country.
This was arranged by Hampshire
and Isle of Wight HQ Leader David Vane,
who has been a hard-working committee
member of Southampton Council of Faiths
for many years, serving as both Chairman
and Secretary of the organisation.
Six faith groups were included in
the Mayoral procession and each read
something representing their beliefs to a
large crowd gathered at the Cenotaph after
the two-minute Silence.
SGI-UK’s contribution included a quote
from President Ikeda: “From a healed,
peaceful heart, humility is born; from
humility, a willingness to listen to others is
born; from a willingness to listen to others,
mutual understanding is born; and from
mutual understanding, a peaceful society
will be born. Non-violence is the highest
form of humility; it is supreme courage.”
The passage was printed in the order
of service and shared with a large number
of Civic Dignitaries and guests who were
enabled to “meet Sensei” and share his
heart on such a solemn occasion.
Rosario Mastrocinque

A Buddhist magazine
December 2011
Price £3
Issue no. 126
Janice Warman
Yoichi Masumoto
Helen Sharkey
SGI-UK online news bulletin Issue 61 7.12.2011 Page 4
News round-up
World News
l South East England Area held a training course at the SGI centre in Trets from
November 13-17. Yvonne Brigenshaw writes: Brave people spoke clearly about
their experiences, some of these of a painful nature. Many people had life-changing
breakthroughs, including myself. We enjoyed videos showing the history of Kosen-rufu
in Europe. Much clarity was given about Gosho passages, about what makes us Buddhas
in this lifetime; intimately and informally explained by Jim Cowan. Robert Samuels’
talk was very encouraging and reassuring that the more we practise this Buddhism the
correct pathway will be constant, no matter what obstacles may arise in our lifetimes.
We travelled back to England, with renewed vigour and wisdom gained in order to
take us along our pathways with positive attitude and fresh incentives. We cleaned and
polished not only our ‘mirrors’, but the mirrors and every room and floor and crevice of
Trets that we could find ready for the next Bodhisattvas to visit, discover and enjoy!
l Central England Area held a joyous and victorious Leaders Assembly and Kick-off
Meeting on November 26 in brilliant sunlight at Taplow Court, writes Sue Yeadon.
More than 300 leaders attended in great spirits. Robert Samuels began the meeting
by celebrating with the Central England leaders “the best growth per district in the
country”, encouraging us to continue to lead the way in the UK. He shared that Sensei is
in good health and continuing to lead the way for Kosen-rufu and that it is the time when
we as disciples must stand up. He also shared the direction for Europe and encouraged
us to make our districts joyful with the spirit of mentor and disciple. There were three
great experiences of members overcoming their difficulties and developing their lives
through fighting in the district, plus encouragement from the area leaders for 2012.
l Young Eagles from North London
Area explored the wilds of Trent Park
in Enfield in search of the Treasures
of the Heart on November 26, writes
Carl Hodson. With vibrant energy, the
Eagles flew into action seeking clues to
the treasure. Suddenly, a tree that had
toppled over but is continuing to grow
showed us the spirit to never give up.
The grand oak tree all on its own in an
open field became the spirit to stand
alone. Many more treasures were found
along the way including a sparkling
jewel of inner strength. Finally, the
Eagles reached the obelisk of victory and
discovered some real buried treasure!
Carl Hodson
Well, it turned out to be chocolate coins
but everyone was happy, as all that
detective work had made us hungry.
We finished off the journey with a great
game of footie. And we had found real
treasure. But it had been hiding in our
hearts all along, not underground!
l Members of Harmony district in
Northern Ireland welcomed SGI-Ireland
members from North Dublin district for
a wonderful European exchange meeting
in November. We had an amazing day,
with good food, old friendships renewed
and new friendships established. The
picture was taken on Reagh Island.
Tokyo, Japan: The Russian State
University of Trade and Economics
presented an honorary doctorate to
President Ikeda in recognition of his
contributions to ennobling people’s
hearts through philosophy. The
university delegation visited Soka
University and presented the Certificate
to Hideo Yamamoto, Soka University
president, who accepted the honour on
behalf of Sensei on November 18.
Tokyo, Japan: The ground-breaking
ceremony for the Soka Gakkai’s new
Headquarters Building took place on
November 18, commemorating the
founding day of the organisation. The HQ
is to be completed in November 2013.
Wellington, New Zealand: The Seeds
of Hope: Visions of Sustainability, Steps
Toward Change exhibition was held at
The Parliament House on November 19.
The opening ceremony was attended
by members of parliament, Mayor Celia
Wade-Brown of Wellington and other
dignitaries, as well as some 300 SGI
members.
Hundreds of members
take 2011 study exams
l 509 SGI-UK members took the Grade
1 Study Exam held at venues around
the country on November 13, and 196
members took the Grade 3 exam.
December Art of Living:
Paving the way to Peace
Paving the way to peace
In his message to
the 50th anniversary
celebrations held in
Germany President
Ikeda wrote:
“I sincerely ask you,
the members of my beloved SGI family in
Europe, to resolutely chant the daimoku
of the lion’s roar undefeated by anything.
Please accumulate innumerable
‘treasures of the heart’… and continue
to make a triumphant advance joyfully
and harmoniously. Please know that
the advance you make in Europe is
the advance of the whole world. I am
continuing to send daimoku to all of
you, my disciples in Europe whom I
wholeheartedly respect. Now, aiming
towards the next 50th anniversary of
European Kosen-rufu, let’s pave the way
to create a new history of victory upon
victory!”
AoL offers study, guidance and
inspiration so that, bringing this
significant year to a great conclusion*,
we are part of the network ‘Paving the
way to Peace’.
(* And get a flying start on 2012!)