Both practice and study arise from faith, The great pure Law of the Lotus Sutra will be spread far and wide throughout Japan and all the other countries of Jambudvipa, This Gohonzon is the essence of the Lotus Sutra and the eye of all the scriptures. Mr. Chow made arduous and tireless efforts to continue encouraging his fellow members.Shinichi continued: In a letter to the leader of a certain area, he wrote: Its important to create many opportunities to speak with members heart to heart. It began military action in Afghanistan, where collaborators in the plot were thought to be hiding. Contribute to the community as model citizens. People who base themselves on prayer are sincere. eternal happiness. 0000015402 00000 n
daimoku throughout our lives. I want to practice Nichiren Buddhism within the SGI. Leadership forms are available on line at www.sginz.org/forms, or by email or hardcopy. Support development of Districts, Areas and Regions through training and personal action, including fostering capable Group leaders. Teachers T'ien-t'ai and Dengyo," he pointed out. of a river can be used to produce fire. The crucial thing is not the organisation per se, but whether the determination to achieve kosen-rufu is established in the hearts of the members. What matters most is that you embrace the Gohonzon throughout your life.1, To accept is easy; to continue is difficult. and seeding at the same time, illustrates this principle Law we need never resign ourselves to defeat. Those claiming to be the Daishonin's followers If a members moves overseas the member status should be changed from Member to Overseas. We should never forget the faith of the person involved. Take full responsibility for the area and work as a team with the other Region Leaders. Even though one neither reads nor studies the sutra, chanting 9N I1hj,Ohu{>1I,j : d1|Iy.Wx]"_j+7i$4&6?e66n@!LJJpy..bj,HcX@l:[FI@Z U"|5 00B!1YI;e.-`X5Ag
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we should study Nichiren Daishonin's writings with a spirit The best solution for the sake of the members, How to provide more effective support to members practice of faith, The best role for the person being considered as a leader. realm. Prayer It is tantamount to slandering the Gohonzon. membership status become Overseas. 1. What youll need, first and foremost, is a strong determination to help each person in the district become happy. This group takes an active role in major events involving the public, such as by facilitating publicity, communicating with local government and dignitaries, and by organising the openings of exhibitions etc. fulfilled. In 1992, when the university named him a Distinguished Visiting Professor, he had given a lecture titled The Chinese Humanist Tradition.On December 8, Shinichi returned to Japan, flying from Hong Kong to Osaka, gateway to Ever-Victorious Kansai.Osaka was the first place he had traveled after his inauguration as Soka Gakkai president (in May 1960). years." The fourth crashed en route to its target. Therefore, youth have a responsibility to develop into lionhearted champions who will protect the people. Everything has its essential Encourage and also actively participate in propagation efforts, study, financial contribution and promote subscription and reading of Tai Aronui. The excerpts were. Conduct steady propagation activities based on established SGI membership guidelines, while encouraging new members growth in faith. (The author Communication is the lifeblood of leadership. My leaders in SSA encouraged me to stop thinking about my salary woes and to immerse myself in SSA activities as I have LS14, 201. in time. Vice-leaders are full participants in their leadership level including attending planning meetings, representing the central figure where necessary, and holding the same rights and responsibilities as the central figure they are supporting. cleanses and expands the heart, and instills character. Prayers are invisible, but if we pray steadfastly they In some circumstances, it may be necessary to appoint a vice leader to support the current central figure. Barbara Snyder. SGINZ is structured to be able to support the faith, practice and study of its members; while SGINZ is an egalitarian organisation in nature. The event organiser should submit a proposal to the National Planning Committee for approval prior to any event promotion. Weba Leader in SGI Canada, even if the Individual has been with SGI Canada for less than a year. Those who impatiently pursue only visible gains, A new institution of higher learning with the mission of fostering global citizens committed to world peace was born. appears in Major Writings or other previously published Call us at 855-SGI-2030 / 855-744-2030 and we'll gladly assist you Mon-Fri from 9am-5pm Pacific. in your life. Promote unity, taking care to respect the opinions of women. Within one year of joining, I found myself totally involved and immersed in the organization. they appear to be true priests. At the Hong KongMacau executive conference, Shinichi spoke of the brilliant history of the kosen-rufu movement in Hong Kong: My journey to realize the Daishonins prediction of the westward transmission of Buddhism began here in Hong Kong. Please try to include the following points. You must not only persevere yourself; you must also teach others. When members move into the district, they should be included in membership list and an update sent to the SGINZ Office, this applies for: Members Moving out of the District membership list. proof of attaining Buddhahood. translations. This is so that the wording of the English When a new membership application is approved the Gohonzon is conferred at an SGI meeting usually by the Groups District or Senior Leader on this special day for the new member. It is like the sun and the moon in the heavens, a great ruler on earth, the heart in a human being, the wish-granting jewel among treasures, and the pillar of a house. Whether the flow of kosen-rufu will grow into a mighty river nourishing the world throughout the ten thousand years and more of the Latter Day of the Law depends entirely on the disciples who will carry on their mentors work.Mr. members who moved overseas to stay there. At least one member of the couple must be an SGINZ member. At Thus, if you ceaselessly chant daimoku, you will be continually The SGI organisation in New Zealand was officially established in 1994. that he could have simply described his enlightenment directly. ), If accepted, ask the new leader to keep the proposal confidential until announced, Proposal level leader from the Group completes Leadership Details form for the appointment and submits it to the office, Inform only those involved in the appointment process that the appointment will go ahead (otherwise keep it confidential), Choose the time and place for the official announcement of the new leader, A leader from a recommendation level or above announces the new leadership position at time/place previously decided, The new position is effective from the time it is announced, Region (or National if applicable) updates the organisation chart Google doc, This should be completed by the candidate after agreeing to accept the responsibility, then forwarded within their Group to the National Planning Committee (NPC). By the same token, This information is a useful barometer for the health of SGINZ and is used in activity reports to the Charities Commission of New Zealand. This can be delegated to vice National or Region leaders. all right. tr9#@30:X--XJ_>2b!M+%Z[-7:' )
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Its preferable that the new units be given names that are relevant and appropriate to the geographic of the unit. Lotus Sutra enables anyone to manifest Buddhahood in their Shinichi Yamamoto contributed a poem to the New Years Day edition of the Seikyo Shimbun:As the new century unfolds, our new stage will be the entire world. Lasting peace is humanitys cherished wish, but it remains an extremely difficult goal that has never been realized. chant will naturally vary somewhat over time. 3. In general it is desirable that leaders are promoted sequentially through the leadership levels, that is, from the Rp Leader to district, district to Area and so on. or if you had to wait in line for hours, people would come Where there are no Area or Region Leaders, National leaders should support by acting as the Groups Area/Region Leader. must never give up. When an appointment is made to allow the leader to fulfil dual responsibilities (existing and new), a vacancy is not created. Note: SGINZ activities have priority for Centre usage. It is like the sun and the moon in the heavens, a great ruler on earth, the heart in a human being, the wish-granting jewel among treasures, and the pillar of a house. Just because a district or area is getting large is not sufficient reason to create new Rp, Districts or Areas. In the SGI organization, the success of our activities After 9/11, numerous terrorist acts, including suicide bombings, also occurred in Europe and elsewhere.No matter how righteous one may think ones cause is, terrorism, which robs innocent people of their lives, is absolutely unacceptable.After the attack, SGI-USA immediately set up an emergency response center and began doing everything in its power to help those affected, from direct support of rescue activities to collecting donations for assistance. Two were flown into the World Trade Center in New York City and another into the Pentagon, the U.S. Defense Department headquarters. Also foster capable leaders. A practice that only certain people can carry out goes against Take full responsibility for the Area and work as a team with the other Area Leaders. was contained in the title alone. One Essential Phrase (2). But that is precisely why the Soka Gakkai appeared! SGI organisations outside Japan will have no involvement whatsoever in political activities. ], The
Buddhism of Nichiren Daishonin, From
India to America: A History, Back to Previous The Oceania Personnel Committee will make decisions on leadership proposals by face-to-face meeting or conference call. This form is kept in the local SGI Centre then updated with any future leadership appointments. All your efforts will turn into your own benefit and good fortune., President Ikeda, The New Human Revolution Vol. 0000015008 00000 n
As the Daishonin says, "A candle and its findings. A home visit should be carried out by the decision level leaders. Toda often said: As long as Shinichis here, theres nothing to worry about! I can rest easy knowing youre here! For me now, as long as you are walking the path of lions, the path of mentor and disciple, I am completely confident that worldwide kosen-rufu is solid and secure.Quoting the Daishonins call, Each of you should summon up the courage of a lion king and never succumb to threats from anyone (WND-1, 997), Shinichi also emphasized that the heart of a lion king is courage.He said: We all possess courage. The World Tribune and Living Buddhism are available in a digital flipbook format. (6) A third-states, "In the evil age of the Latter (5) Another reads, "[if a bodhisattva] in 0000002176 00000 n
When some problem arose, the frequency of his letters would increase to one every other day, and sometimes one every day.Though very busy in his job as the president of a trading company, he was not only active as a central figure of the organization for kosen-rufu in Hong Kong, but also continued to write letters of encouragement to members in other parts of Asia. Also foster capable Group leaders. Even if someone has practiced hard for many years, if he As a general guideline a minimum of 3 months should pass following movement from one regional area to another before appointing a leadership responsibility in the new location. NOTE: For District Leader appointments the leader from the Oceania Personnel Committee (the decision making level) is not required to home visit the candidate. WebFoster leaders of pacifism in the world. translation of the original Japanese Gosho. Through prayer, hope turns into confidence. WebBharat Soka Gakkai (BSG) is the Indian affiliate of Soka Gakkai International (SGI), a global association of grassroots organizations that seeks to promote the values of peace and WND-2, 884). SGI-USA General At age 88, together with four-time Grammy award winner Esperanza Spalding, he has completed his first opera, SGI-USA member Michele LaMontagne is the second woman to reach the rank of brigadier general in the New Mexico National Guard and its first female commander. the people have become enemies of the Lotus Sutra and foes transferable or applicable to the new group. this when we remember that fire can be produced by a stone The people do not realize that the priests misunderstand take action for kosen-rufu are the Buddha's emissaries. SGI-USA General Director. does not have faith in the Mystic Law, sufferings may be OceaniaPersonnel Committee recommends the appointment to SGI Japan. The creation or combination of an organisational unit must be approved by the relevant levels before any leaders can be recommended or announcements made. Our present sufferings, Communicate with President Ikeda regularly. I also departed from and returned via Hong Kong when I made my first visit to mainland China, from the end of May to mid-June 1974, to build a golden bridge of friendship between China and Japan.Moreover, the Chinese University of Hong Kong was the very first of the 73 universities with which Soka University today participates in academic and educational exchanges. 0000002141 00000 n
to happiness. How can that happiness and good Use of such names facilitates understanding and communication. (function(){var g=this,h=function(b,d){var a=b.split(". Who are the facilitators? So prayer is not a feeble consolation; it is a powerful, Why? March 3, 2023,World Tribune,pp.67. The Gohonzon exists only within the mortal flesh of us ordinary people who embrace the Lotus Sutra and chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo.3, When we chant to the Gohonzon, our lives fall in rhythm with the fundamental law of the universe, enabling us to manifest tremendous life-force and putting us on a sure course to happiness.4, Exert yourself in the two ways of practice and study. Therefore, it is important that we offer prayers with great refers to [its practice] "in the Latter Day of the But with the Mystic LS17, 242. Those in Advisor positions are responsible for supporting and giving guidance where requested to Leaders and members in the area they are Advisor for. 8. Each District has a person responsible for recording the monthly District Discussion Meeting attendance. The World Tribune spoke with her about her Buddhist practice and experience as a vaccine researcher during the coronavirus pandemic. Buddhism and trust them without the slightest doubt because But Buddhahood lies in continuing faith, Never seek this Gohonzon outside yourself. You must not only persevere yourself; you must also teach others. Please enter your Password to log in Password FORGOT PASSWORD ? As a leader, it is important to mobilize the people from the Buddhist gods and all Buddhas. Rp, Districts, Areas, etc are created in response to the current situation where more effective support would assist the members practice. SGI members fall into the category of those who continuously slander the Law and thus are to be continuously reproved. 2. The womens and young womens division members, as vanguards of the century of women, had held a Womens Peace Convention.All of these activities were motivated by the members deep sense of mission as Buddhist practitioners dedicated to exemplifying the principle that Buddhism is manifested in society.General Director Koe said: It is all because we have striven with sincerity and goodwill, and have regarded each moment as decisive.In his speech on that day, Shinichi stressed that the treasures of the heart endure eternally, throughout the three existences of past, present, and future, and that the palace of true happiness resides within us.He also presented members with a poem:The worlds supreme capital of victory, Malaysia. field. We can also encourage members who are are struggling or who feel discouraged to seek guidance from a more experienced leader. If a District leader moves to live in, another district, depending on the situation, that leader may be expected in the short term to continue their SGI activities in the district they formerly lived in, and therefore may have to travel more to fulfil their responsibilities. Please eternally safeguard your solid unity. ought to do as Nichiren Daishonin says. As indicated by the word "ceaselessly" in this a sense of profound fulfillment. xb```f``" l@q!Jl|:R;L~1!$# i%OI%M0&Is,:c$8h' dnS- The membership list should be maintained by each Group in the District (Future Group, UHG Young Mens, UHG Young Womens, Mens, Womens, Young Mens, Young Womens leaders). Note the criteria for receiving Gohonzon/membership. light in our lives. To put yourself down is to denigrate the world of Buddhahood A General Director is appointed by SGI to lead the organisation. What matters most is that you embrace the Gohonzon throughout your life, To accept is easy; to continue is difficult. Before Shinichis entrance, General Director Koe Hau Fan had declared: My friends, weve achieved brilliant success!In recent years, SGM members had been involved in many outreach activities. happy without fail in both body and spirit, the place would HTMk0:vcZ In fact, its ascent has already begun. This Member Resources site is a password Because these aberrant Reset Password Need help? Key activities include regular study presentations, providing support for SGINZ training courses, providing study materials to encourage members faith and practice and holding study examinations to encourage us in our study of Nichiren Daishonins Buddhism. unplugged. Sociology looks at social phenomena. passage from "The One Essential Phrase" (4), the Determined to carry out the basics of faith, practice and study within SGI. Discover hope for change. need to have great confidence and live with great hope, LS23, 288. (The district leader is very important which is why the Personnel Committee makes the final decision, rather than the National). Undertake specific individual assignments at District or Area level to maintain direct involvement with members. Home visit and support your Groups Area Leaders in fulfilling their responsibilities, with emphasis on Group based meetings and home visits. A written resignation should be submitted to the decision level responsible for making the original appointment. ardent and heartfelt wish to lead all people to happiness. Later, it actively engaged in interfaith dialogues with other religious groups to promote tolerance and understanding.Working for peace, protesting war, and putting a stop to violencethis is a common path for human beings that transcends religious dogma. 7. Of the 13 states of Malaysia, 12 now had, or were shortly scheduled to have, fine SGM centers.On November 29, Shinichi was presented with an honorary degree of Doctor of Letters from Universiti Putra Malaysia, one of the countrys leading universities, in a solemn convocation ceremony held in his honor. Loan Omamori (portable) Gohonzons are usually available to borrow for short durations from SGI centres for local members with an approved application form; there is also a form available for those who would like to apply for a permanent Omamori Gohonzon, these applications are considered case by case by the National Planning Committee. Quoted for 2 February in For Today and Tomorrow: daily encouragement, 2 The Difficulty of Sustaining Faith WND Vol 1, p471, 3 The Real Aspect of The Gohonzon WND Vol 1 p832, 4 The New Human Revolution Vol 19 Chapter 3, Sunlight 24, 5 The True Aspect of All Phenomena WND Vol 1 p836, 6 The Selection of the Time WND Vol 1, p550, 7 On Upholding Faith in the Gohonzon WND Vol 1, p624. instructs. He quotes sutra passages and cites the interpretations of SGI Japan makes the decision about the appointment. Promote activities to disassociate followers from the Nikken Sect. Home visits are the only way to do this. Moreover, if we succeed in 6. Kaneko and I extend our heartiest congratulations on the holding of the SGI-New Zealand Senior Leaders Training Course where eminent leaders of kosen-rufu have gathered in Wellington. SGI-USA Men's Leader. To resolutely protect the harmonious unity of the SGI, and to ensure that each member can practice correct faith and advance along the path of complete fulfilment in life, SGI leaders in each country should bear these 12 points in mind. us confidence that what he says is correct. The organiser will arrange a koha to SGINZ if applicable. WebSGI-USA Leadership Manual Other Responsibilities of Member Care Advisors Member Care Advisors can support the line leadership by taking other roles, with the approval in advance of line leaders at the same level or higher. But that by itself is meaningless. The primary role of National leaders is to support members and leaders in your Group and coordinate Nationwide activities. Support and attend Group and District meetings. ", (This concludes President Ikeda's lecture New members who receive Gohonzon/membership. A Board of Trustees is appointed by SGI. If from the outset the neophyte doubted everything a thousand daimoku is the same as reading the sutra a thousand (e in b)&&0
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See website www.sginz.org for details. 3. Read and share articles from Tai Aronui (our national publication) and other SGI publications. Daisaku IkedaThis completes the 30th and final volume of The New Human Revolution. the 22nd, 30th and 50th centuries, and for the 10,000 years Therefore, he Foster leaders for the creative coexistence of nature and humanity. It can only be achieved when that mission is passed on from the mentor to the disciples, who in turn pass it on to the disciples of future generations. The practice of chanting daimoku embodies the Buddha's lead the happiest life? "),c=g;a[0]in c||!c.execScript||c.execScript("var "+a[0]);for(var e;a.length&&(e=a.shift());)a.length||void 0===d?c[e]?c=c[e]:c=c[e]={}:c[e]=d};var l=function(b){var d=b.length;if(0