What is the purpose of SGI activities?

From one perspective, Buddhist practice means plunging into the midst of the people and striving to strengthen our life force to the greatest extent. The purpose of SGI activities is for each of us to be able to build a strong, invincible, diamond-like self that can overcome every difficulty and blaze a way forward wherever we go. Obstacles are a golden opportunity to quickly forge an inner self that is as indestructible as a diamond, able to endure for eternity.

For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 10/8

What is SGI's fundamental creed?

Buddhism is reason. It doesn't exist apart from society, apart from reality. That is why it is important for each of us to cultivate good judgment and common sense. We must respect and harmonize with society's ways. Respecting the life of each individual, we work among the people. This is the SGI's fundamental creed.

For Today and Tomorrow
Daily Encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda 21/4

Breaking Karmic Chain

by Foo Mow Nam
Malaysia
I started practicing Nichiren Buddhism 30 years ago with a deep desire to be happy. As a young woman then, I thought that meant being happily married to a man of strong financial standing. Money was vitally important to me then as I was born into a poor family. Money had always been an issue and the source of all family squabbles.

So when told that I could chant for anything I ever wanted in life, I thought having money would bring me freedom. I did not realize at that time, understanding karma and enjoying freedom from our karmic suffering are more meaningful than anything else.

Thirty years of sincere practice had indeed brought me many wonderful benefits and positive changes in my life--both conspicuous and inconspicuous. I am indeed happily married and financially secure now although the path had been rocky and difficult.

As I deepened my practice of Nichiren Buddhism, I also began to realize that there is a deep karmic pattern in my family--illness and "premature" death. My mother passed away at the age of 40 due to illness. All three of my younger brothers died, one after the other, of the same illness--liver cancer--and all in their 40s. No words can describe in any way my pain and grief.

The death of my second younger brother, Yong Foo, due to liver cancer was the most painful for me. We were very close. Yong Foo was strong in faith and contributed actively to the advancement of the kosen-rufu movement in Australia, where he and his family had lived for the past 20 years. I had pinned my hope on him to transform our family karma because of his sincere and selfless dedication to the happiness of others.

When Yong Foo informed me, in early 2001, that he had been diagnosed to have the same illness that resulted in the death of his elder brother, I was devastated, but determined to fight alongside him. The treatments began, and coupled with strong daimoku, he battled the illness against all odds, coming very close to death at least three times.

In the following three years until his death in November 2003, Yong Foo exerted more than ever in his efforts for kosen-rufu. He traveled throughout Australia to visit members and to encourage and inspire them with hope and courage, and urged them to develop strong conviction in the Gohonzon. He met with as many youths as possible, and moved them to seek the path of mentor-disciple relationship.

I, on the other hand, fought my own battle. I quickly learned that it is one thing to understand intellectually the theoretical concepts of Buddhism such as karma and the eternity of life, but quite another when you have to grapple with them directly in your own reality.

I studied President Ikeda's guidance to draw hope, and searched for answers from the Gosho for reassurance. During such painful and difficult times, I clung to President Ikeda's comforting words whenever he met with members who had lost someone dear to them. His guidance pointed out to us that as human beings it is natural for us to feel grief and sadness at the loss of someone dear to us. We may even feel that his/her death was premature and unexpected. However, from the viewpoint of the deceased, his/her death is perfectly in rhythm with the eternal law of cause and effect. Therefore, I could bring myself to accept it when President Ikeda said that although to us someone's death may be difficult to understand and accept, from the deceased's standpoint, his/her death is part of his eternal life. Ultimately, everything comes down to our faith. If we wish to live a life that is free of fear, doubt and anxiety it is essential that we understand two vital aspects of life: the dignity of life and the eternity of life.

One thing became very clear to me as I battled my sorrow. This is the realization that it was no accident that I was born into this family, and shared this karmic bond with my parents and siblings. In fact, Buddhism teaches that from the standpoint of karma, due to the causes and effects that we ourselves have made, we have in a sense chosen our parents and consequently connected to our siblings. And Buddhism goes one step beyond this, and offers a dynamically positive outlook: that is, I had vowed in the remote past to experience this suffering so that I may prove the profundity of Nichiren Buddhism.

As a Bodhisattva of the Earth, I have taken on, of my own free will, the "great vow" of the Buddha to triumph over this karma in my family, and help others do the same. It is my unique mission, and only I can fulfill it.

But, what does it mean to win, in concrete terms?

I learned that "being victorious" does not always mean getting what we chant for. Rather, being victorious means learning to feel joy even in the midst of great suffering.

I believe my younger brother had indeed triumphed over his illness and karma, and prolonged his life through his practice of Nichiren Buddhism. Most importantly, he had lived meaningfully until the last moment of his life.

I was able to be with Yong Foo during the last few days of his life, and the great good fortune we have built through the practice became evident. In fact, his illness had become almost insignificant to him as he directed his whole life towards encouraging and inspiring everyone around him with his sharp wit, humor and compassion. Yong Foo also did not experience unbearable pain normally associated with cancer patients. In fact, he ended up most of the time comforting all of us.

That evening before Yong Foo went into coma, he sung a birthday song to his beloved wife Janice, and telephoned his siblings in Malaysia as he knew he would not be able to see them again.

He passed away peacefully the following day after being in coma for a short period. By this time, despite my deep sorrow, I was ready to let him go. I came to see that his sick body needed a new lease of life. Most importantly, he had triumphed and fulfilled his mission in this lifetime, and was ready to move on to his next mission for kosen-rufu. I bid farewell to my beloved brother, and promised that we will meet again in our next lives for kosen-rufu. With a drop of tear rolling down the side of his cheek, he breathed his last.

Members from all over Australia attended Yong Foo's funeral, which was absolutely dignified with the chanting of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo reverberating throughout the Sydney Culture Centre. Hundreds of members across Australia had been deeply touched by Yong Foo's life--his passion for life, his fighting spirit, and most importantly his determination and actions for kosen-rufu.

Through the karmic bond that we shared, I have finally understood the deep significance of Nichiren Buddhism.

I now know the answer and meaning of my karmic suffering--I was given the opportunity, together with my siblings, to break the karmic cycle caused by our shared slander of the Law. But most significantly, our ultimate triumph over this is to prove, without a shadow of doubt, the greatness and profundity of Nichiren Buddhism.

[Adapted from Winning in Life, Soka Gakkai Malaysia, 2004]

Wisdom isn't knowledge that causes suffering for others; it is enlightened insight for improving one's own life as well as the lives of others

The SGI is a gathering of ordinary people. We struggle to ensure that the people are not despised and exploited by the powerful. To help all people become strong and wise, we are developing a network of peace and culture and putting great effort into education. By nature, the people are strong, wise, cheerful and warm. Religious faith has the power to draw out those qualities. The purpose of faith is not to turn people into sheep; it is to make them wise. Wisdom isn't knowledge that causes suffering for others; it is enlightened insight for improving one's own life as well as the lives of others.

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda 3/5

Encourage our children maintain their connection to the Gohonzon and the SGI for their entire lives

Sometimes your children may not be able to do gongyo, but there is no reason for parents to become overly concerned or agitated about this. There are times when chanting only three daimoku is sufficient. To continue practicing [even though gongyo may not be consistent] is far more important. What matters is that the children maintain their connection to the Gohonzon and the SGI for their entire lives. 12/12

The SGI is a world of humanity

Let us do our utmost to sustain the wonderfully warm atmosphere of the SGI—an atmosphere where members feel free to discuss whatever is on their minds. Unless we do so, our organization will stop growing, stop developing. The SGI is a world of humanity—of the heart, of faith, of compassion. It is a world of unity and mutual inspiration. That is why it is strong. If we continue to value and promote these qualities, the SGI will continue to grow and develop forever. I want to declare here and now the atmosphere where we can discuss anything is fundamental to the SGI. 18/3

Mission of SGI

As SGI members our work, our mission, is clear. We have the unparalleled task of working for the happiness of all humanity in an endeavor we call kosen-rufu. To participate in SGI activities and challenge ourselves earnestly on the path of our mission are the greatest happiness. It all comes down to whether we can appreciate this point. 12/3

Courage and confidence

In his later years, President Toda often told his disciples: "Be courageous in faith! No matter what other people may say, advance boldly! Lead confident lives! Make courage the Gakkai's eternal emblem!" This was the spirit with which he charged us before he died. Faith is the source of true strength and courage. Without courage and confidence we cannot be said to have genuine faith. 20/2

Your are what you want to be

The moment we resolve "I will become healthy!" "I will become strong!" "I will work cheerfully for kosen-rufu!" our lives begin to move in that direction. We have to make up our minds.

Events
1900: Josei Toda, the Soka Gakkai's second president, is born.
1996: Toda Institute for Global Peace and Policy Research founded by SGI President Ikeda in Tokyo; offices opened in Hawaii in 1997. 11/2

Buddhist study is the soul of the SGI

Education definitely changes people's lives. This is why the SGI is so earnest when it comes to Buddhist study, which is the highest field of learning; it is the study of human beings and the foremost education. Buddhist study is the soul of the SGI. 12/6

Graphic Designer on Wheels

Graphic Designer on Wheels
By Shohei Yasuda, Japan

"Since I became a member of Soka Gakkai ten years ago, my attitude towards life has totally changed," says Shohei Yasuda, who suffered a debilitating brain tumor twenty years ago. Shohei, 40, a Soka Gakkai young men's leader in his local organization, talks about how he transformed his inner life and his outward circumstances.

Having competed in the National Kendo Championship as a junior high school student, I had always been supremely confident in my athletic strength and prowess. At 19, I moved to Tokyo from my home in Akita Prefecture to study at a vocational design school. It was then I began to notice that something was not quite right about my health.

I began stumbling for no discernable reason and also experienced extreme exhaustion. After some tests I was diagnosed with a brain tumor. I went through two 20-hour surgeries. Although the tumors were successfully removed, I was left with a motor function disorder below the knees in both legs.

After two years of rigorous rehabilitation I finally returned to my daily life--but in a wheelchair. I had some very trying moments and I often felt bitter. But thanks to my classmates at the design school who were always encouraging and supporting me, I somehow persevered. One of those classmates was Emiko (39) (currently a local Soka Gakkai women's leader), whom I married in 1994 at age 27.

With her family joining the Soka Gakkai soon after she was born, I knew Emiko was devoted to her practice of Buddhism. I was quite surprised, however, to see her bring her Buddhist altar along with her furniture when she moved in with me in my hometown in Akita Prefecture where I had returned upon graduation. Gradually, though, I began to respect her faith and was able to deepen my understanding of Buddhism. She took me to see a video of a Soka Gakkai leaders' meeting where SGI President Daisaku Ikeda was giving a speech. I was deeply touched by his warmth and compassion. I began to feel that there was something quite unique about this religion.

Looking back, I remember having an overwhelming desire to discover and live with genuine hope even while in the depths of despair at my condition, and it was President Ikeda's encouragement and my direct interaction with Soka Gakkai members that became the wellspring of that hope. Everything about Nichiren Buddhism and the Soka Gakkai went straight to my heart. "Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is like the roar of a lion. What sickness can therefore be an obstacle?" This passage from one of Nichiren's letters of encouragement to a believer hit me like a thunderbolt. I learned from this that by practicing Buddhism one can achieve a life state of absolute happiness and remain strong without being affected by external circumstances. Amazed, I thought, "Maybe I too can lead such a life." I began to believe that my life had tremendous potential that I had to reveal.

But when I was being more realistic, I would tell myself, "No, it's not possible." To be honest, I was simply worried whether I could actually recite the Lotus Sutra every morning and evening. The more seriously I thought about giving the practice a try, the more I lost confidence. But I also realized that I was just making excuses. I seemed to lack the courage to take up this practice with which I could create and realize my dreams. I was putting limitations on my life.
I'm embarrassed to talk about this now, but I couldn't even bring myself to say I'd like to give the practice a try. Instead, I waited for my wife to ask me, and then played the part of a reluctant husband who had been browbeaten into taking up her faith. It was the third year of our marriage. Although the step I took to join was a small one, the change that I experienced was dramatic. I found myself feeling, "I want to become a designer who can convey my message to the world!" "I want to create designs that move people's hearts!"

Until then, I always thought of my work merely as a way to earn a living. After I started practicing Nichiren Buddhism, my work became much more meaningful. I found myself aspiring toward a distinct dream. It was as if a candle was suddenly lit within my life. With the belief that "no prayer will go unanswered," I put my full effort into even the smallest project.

Eventually, I became acquainted with a senior designer working in Tokyo who entrusted me with a project for a major company. This became the breakthrough in my career. After that I received several offers for major projects that marked important milestones in my work. New avenues were opening in my life but the excitement was short-lived.

My wife, who had been unable to adapt to the harsh climate in the north, became increasingly frail. I was torn between my concern for my wife's health, which meant moving to a warmer area, and my blossoming career. By then with my Buddhist practice I was a stronger and more positive person. I decided to pray and search for a way to achieve both. I chanted with the "roar of a lion." I finally made the choice to leave my home in northern Japan. With the support of my family and friends, we moved to my wife's hometown, Matsudo City, in Chiba Prefecture where the climate is warmer.

I realize now that having a sound philosophy made a huge difference when I had to make the "right" choice at a pivotal crossroads in my life. There are so many people who shy away from making daunting decisions and just let their life take them wherever it leads. Changing directions in life, though, brings new challenges. Being disabled, I was always battling the anxiety of whether I could find a new job. To my surprise, things turned out smoother than I had anticipated. I secured a job at a design firm in a barrier-free environment. The conditions were great. The firm even arranged a private parking space for me.

Five years have passed since we moved to Chiba. Every day at work has been a series of trials and tribulations and victories. My wife is also a designer, and she and I have cried together, laughed together and rejoiced together. Our life has been one big roller coaster ride. Now, after five years of practicing Nichiren Buddhism, I feel my horizons have expanded and I have developed a higher and deeper perspective on life, which I believe is reflected in my work.

In January 2005, I took another courageous step and launched my own design firm. I have been blessed with stimulating projects such as creating an official website for an art museum. The Shizuoka Tourism Board gave me an award for the website I designed for a recreation facility. Through my work, I have conveyed my message to many people, which has been my heartfelt dream. This is all because I was able to cultivate my own life, for which I am deeply grateful.
Last year marked my second decade of becoming disabled and the tenth anniversary of my joining Soka Gakkai. I may be physically disabled but in my heart I am freer than anyone else! In partnership with my wife, I am determined to develop myself even more and live my life together with my fellow SGI members and my mentor, who taught me how to put the philosophy of Nichiren Buddhism into practice.

[Adapted from an experience appearing in the September 6, 2006 issue of the Seikyo Shimbun, Soka Gakkai, Japan]

Genuine Change in Society Begins with "Human Revolution"

Genuine Change in Society Begins with "Human Revolution"
By David Woodger, UK

David Woodger, 43, lecturer at the Department of Professional and Community Education at Goldsmiths College, University of London, and an SGI-UK men's leader, is actively engaged in efforts to improve the daily lives and educational opportunities of Londons's minority black community. Himself a victim of racial discrimination, growing up as a British Indian in British society, David talks about how his Buddhist practice helped him to transform his deep anger and resentment into a joyful life devoted to battling the true causes of racism.

Every time he was abused and bullied at school and in the neighborhood, David would feel heaviness in his heart. "Why do I have to go through this?..." he would ask himself. David was born of Indian parents but because they could not look after him, when he was three months old he was placed for adoption.


"My English parents, who were white, brought me up with much love and care. When I started going to primary school, however, I began to realize I was different from others. I was looked at and treated differently."

When he entered secondary school, David was a victim of constant racial prejudice-his classmates continued to harass and verbally abuse him. His anguish intensified.

When he entered secondary school, David was a victim of constant racial prejudice-his classmates continued to harass and verbally abuse him. His anguish intensified.

After graduating from university, David began working for a non-governmental organization committed to uprooting racial discrimination. He became absorbed in his work as a social activist in the black community. But no matter how hard he tried he could not see a way to change deeply engrained racial prejudices.

"What else am I supposed to do?" he despaired. Filled with deep antagonism toward society, David meanwhile suffered from humiliation and a sense of powerlessness from his tireless work against the authorities with little change.

It was around then that David met a senior at work who shared with him a different viewpoint on the problem of racism. His view was that although racial minorities have been known to instigate public disturbances in the U.K., and many are unemployed, they aren't entirely at fault. He also said racism was a sign of social decay and reflected the local officials' exclusivist attitudes and sentiments towards minorities. He continued, "Whether someone is a minority or an authority, what's required is an inner transformation and a shift in mindset. That's what it'll take to bring about genuine change in society."

David was stunned. These were words he least expected to hear from a "white" person. As they continued their discussions, David began to realize that he had been concentrating on trying to change the system and the attitudes of society at large, which were only surface manifestations of a deeper problem.

Several months later David learned that the senior at work was an SGI member practicing Nichiren Buddhism. One day, at his suggestion, David tried chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. "I'll never forget what happened when I first chanted. All the pent up emotions and feelings that I had been suppressing since childhood came gushing out. I couldn't hold back my tears. I felt liberated from the anger I had hidden inside me towards my birth parents and the hatred towards society. As I continued to chant I began to want to be the kind of activist who could sincerely empathize with those who have experienced the same suffering I went through."

In 1994 David made the decision to join SGI. Soon after, he came across an article in an SGI-UK organization publication about SGI President Daisaku Ikeda's meeting with Nelson Mandela, someone David held in high esteem. In their discussion, Mr. Ikeda touched upon Nichiren, who was born into the lowest caste of Japanese society and therefore was also on the side of the "marginalized." Despite the prestige he could have gained as an educated priest, Nichiren dauntlessly dedicated his life on behalf of the common people to establishing a life philosophy rooted in deep respect for life. David was also deeply moved to learn that during his 27-year imprisonment, Mandela had read a book by Mr. Ikeda. This inspired him to avidly read Mr. Ikeda's writings and fully embrace the practice of Nichiren Buddhism, including participating in local SGI activities.

It was in June 1994 that David first encountered Mr. Ikeda, who was visiting Taplow Court (the SGI-UK Center in the suburbs of London). David was asked to help staff the activities during his stay. Still new to the SGI, David did not know much about the SGI leader, but from witnessing Mr. Ikeda's interaction with the local members, he remembers thinking, "This is the kind of person I can trust and the kind of person I can work with."

As David continued his Buddhist practice, his approach to tackling various issues facing the black community began to change. Whereas before, he would be filled with hatred and hurl his anger at perpetrators of racial discrimination, after he began chanting daily David learned to be more tolerant and opted for patient, tenacious dialogue instead of confrontation. This change bore fruit.

"The same senior officials of local government and organizations that I had been fighting against were now partners with me in working for the betterment of society. We were able to collaborate on projects and gain the government's support in setting up projects and developments in the black community and most importantly encourage white professionals inside public organizations to reflect on their practice and services to black and racial minority communities."

In autumn 1997, David participated in an SGI training session in Tokyo, Japan, where he was able to attend a meeting with Mr. Ikeda once again. This time he was able to report on the breakthroughs he had made in his work.

"Listening to Mr. Ikeda's speech, I was inspired by how he stressed the importance of engaging in dialogues that reach people's hearts and education that fosters people who work for the betterment of society. I made a firm resolve to follow in my mentor's footsteps and reach out to more people and raise awareness toward abolishing racial discrimination in the U.K. I chanted so I could open new avenues in my work in the arena of education."

A year later, David was asked by the University of London to present a talk on racism. Without reserve, he spoke about his own painful experiences of being discriminated against since childhood and of his work in the black community, addressing the causes of racism in public institutions. The students and teachers gained much from his lecture and the university offered him a job as a lecturer in the Department of Professional and Community Education at Goldsmith College.

"I told them I was deeply honored by their offer but that I had to continue my work in the forefront of society."

The university's response was "Of course!" David was hired under exceptional circumstances. His hands-on experience with racial discrimination is reflected in his lectures and research papers, which have gained wide approval. His research papers were carried in several academic journals in the U.K. One titled "Institutional Racism: Holding up a Mirror to Health Practitioners and Managers" was published in the Fondazione Eni Enrico Mattei (FEEM) EURODIV Papers, which comments on cultural diversity in Europe.

When terrorists bombed central London in July 2005, the local Islamic community became the target of harsh criticism and unreasonable bigotry. David continued visiting friends and acquaintances in the Islamic community and strengthened friendships and trust.

[Adapted from an article in the January 8, 2007 issue of the Seikyo Shimbun, Soka Gakkai, Japan]

Fighting My Delusions

Fighting My Delusions
By Paola Ciuffoletti Furunovic, Serbia

I felt no hunger, I couldn't sleep, I stopped laughing; I couldn't find any sense in anything I did, in my work, in words, in life. My mind was chained in an infinite series of negative thoughts in which everything lost its usual dimensions and happiness seemed like a mirage, completely unobtainable.

In the first three years of university I had thrown myself into life and work, enjoying everything. Was it possible that this was also me? I had fallen sick with a disease I had never experienced before, an illness of life which I did not know how to fight, known as depression.

At that time, I got in touch with my close friend Daniela. Several months before she had told me about her Buddhist practice, so I asked her, "Are you still doing that thing? If so, I'll come with you to a meeting." That was 2000, and the start of a big change for me.

In the past seven years, thanks to my regular activities in the "SGI gym," first in Italy and now Serbia, I have learned to look inside myself and see that every person needs to be understood and respected as a unique "universe"; that every one of us is a Buddha. I know that through my Buddhist practice I can embrace everyone, even people who are far away, as what matters most is the sincerity of our heart and mind. I also learned that everything in our lives can be used in a positive way. It all depends on us.

Recently, depression knocked at my door again. This time I was completely shocked, asking, "Am I right back where I was seven years ago? What's going on? This isn't possible, after all my sincere efforts for others!" However, I was then able to understand that obstacles will always face us just at the moment when we are making great progress and that our weakest points are naturally where we are most vulnerable. The negative aspects of our lives will lead us to the deluded belief that reality is only as we perceive it in such moments; small, vile and meaningless. But it is not like that. In those dark moments, when everything seems useless, it is good to remember that these thoughts and perceptions are nothing but illusions of the mind.

This time I was quicker to recover: I wanted to win over this, and win right now. I made efforts to help others, and sought advice and support in my faith; suddenly I understood the deeper meaning of this--that I can use it to encourage other people in the same situation. And then came the realization that, in the Buddhist scheme of things, the state of Buddhahood also exists within the world of hell, at the same time. The important thing is to be able to remember this at the crucial moment and not give up.

Now when I am suffering, the first thing I do is search out my fellow Buddhists, so we can practice together. For someone like me, who found it very difficult to say what I felt, this has been an extraordinary change. I had always felt that to look for help from others was the equivalent of capitulation, and to admit that I was feeling bad was a defeat. To be able to share both joy and suffering with others is today a great victory.

I feel deep gratitude to all those who have encouraged me, and I would like to offer a fresh breath of hope to all those who have given up, as I had before. I am determined to build a harmonious family and experience happiness in any circumstances. I feel fortunate to live in this wonderful country of Serbia together with my husband and son, and to be part of the small group of SGI members here.

[Adapted from SGI Quarterly, October 2007]

Learning How To Expand My Capacity

Learning How To Expand My Capacity
By Wing Lee, USA

Wing Lee transforms his introverted nature into self-confidence and opens the door to a successful career.

I lost my father to kidney disease when I was seven. He was a loving parent, a devoted husband and a sincere, genuine man.

My father ran a small print shop business for my grandfather in Hong Kong. During the last three years of his life, my father's condition worsened until he was bedridden. My grandparents, however, offered no assistance, and two days after my father died, they disowned my mother and me. We were left with nothing, not even a place to stay.

While looking for work, my mother ran into a friend. When she learned about our situation, she immediately introduced my mother to the SGI. My mother had pretty much given up on religion after trying many while my father was ill. With nothing left to lose, she decided to give Nichiren Buddhism a try.

Soon after my mother started chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, my father's business associates contacted her. They had learned what my grandparents had done and wanted to help my mother open her own printing business. My father's clients also called and said they would support her.

This was a bold venture for a single woman to undertake in Hong Kong in the early 1970s. But with confidence and wisdom gained from her prayers, she opened her own business. My mother worked countless hours, often doing hard manual labor, to reestablish our lives.

With my mother's hectic work schedule, I was usually at home alone. I took up hobbies I could do alone--photography, reading and computer programming. I got so used to being by myself, though, that I became an introvert. I shied away from social activities and had problems expressing myself to others.

I did, however, attend SGI youth activities in Hong Kong and received tremendous support from the local members. Even so, by my late teens, I still had not established my own Buddhist practice and lived a rather sheltered life.

My mother, becoming aware of my self-centered nature and my dependence on her, decided to send me to the United States to pursue my college education. While I'm sure was difficult to send her only child thousands of miles away to a foreign land, I know now that she did it out of deep compassion for my growth and happiness.

I attended two semesters at the University of Oklahoma and later transferred to the University of Texas in Austin to study computer science. In both cities, I was immediately embraced by the SGI-USA members and invited to district meetings. I began learning more about the practice and faith of Nichiren Buddhism as I listened to people from all walks of life share their experiences.

I was given many opportunities to participate in district activities. Initially, I wasn't comfortable speaking in front of others, but because my leaders were so sincere and supportive, I felt I should at least try. The first time I read aloud from the World Tribune at a meeting, I held the newspaper in front of my face to avoid eye contact with others. But as I repeatedly challenged my shyness and continued to chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, I became more comfortable speaking at meetings. I eventually assumed responsibility as a young men's leader in the district.
My young men's leader in Austin was also a fellow student at the university. He had a strong sense of mission to work galongsideh SGI President Daisaku Ikeda to create peace. He inspired me to study President Ikeda's writings as well as the fundamentals of Nichiren Buddhism. He patiently took time to explain various Buddhist topics in ways that I could relate to. I began to apply what I was learning to my daily life.

As I became more active in SGI-USA, I found that the activities in which I supported "from behind the scenes" furthered my growth to a greater degree. Like other youth members of the activity support groups, I stood in the parking lot greeting members as they arrived for meetings and as they returned home. Through my efforts, I gained a deeper understanding of President Ikeda's behavior--how he ceaselessly shows his deepest appreciation for others' efforts--and I was able to expand my own capacity to care for the people around me.

These activities constantly offered me new challenges. I planned monthly world peace prayer meetings and coordinated logistics for numerous major events. With each new responsibility, I gained more confidence in myself and learned how to work cooperatively with others--skills one cannot learn in the world of academia alone.

My Buddhist practice propelled me to complete a double degree in Information Systems and Management at the University of Texas in Austin in 1990 and then land a great job. Even though the U.S. was in an economic recession, I secured more than 20 interviews and was offered jobs from four highly regarded companies. Meanwhile, many of my classmates from other countries couldn't find jobs and had to return to their homelands.

I have been with a leading telecommunications company for close to 14 years and have enjoyed a trailblazing career. I led the development of the software infrastructure for the company's core network and played a key role in the launch of the nation's first high-speed wireless data network in 2001. I now oversee the company's technology innovation activities.

I've been invited to speak at nearly 40 industry conferences across four continents and serve on advisory boards at numerous high-tech companies. I was also awarded six U.S. patents for my inventions in communications technology and have 20 more pending applications at the U.S. Patent Office. As a result of the value I've created for the company, I am the unique recipient of both the company's highest technical achievement and business leadership awards.

One of my most gratifying professional recognitions was being named Asian American Engineer of the Year at the 2002 National Engineers Week, along with Nobel Laureate Leo Esaki and former Chancellor of the University of California at Berkeley, Chang-Lin Tein.

I'm confident that the wisdom and fortune I have gained through supporting and protecting my local SGI organization and taking care of members directed my life toward developing a momentous career. The values I learned from President Ikeda, likewise, have enabled me to be a humanistic, yet effective leader in the role I play at work. Most importantly, I have learned how to overcome obstacles through the power of prayer and taking action. I learned how to be victorious in my daily life, using my Buddhist practice to bring out the limitless capability inherent in my life.

Not only has my career blossomed, the previous shy introvert is now married to a caring and beautiful woman, Carol, and we have two darling daughters, Vanessa and Serena. We are very grateful to our mentor in life, President Ikeda, for providing us with the most wonderful organization in which to practice Nichiren Buddhism--the global family of the SGI. And I am so appreciative for the wisdom and compassion that my mother had for me at such a critical time in my life.

[Adapted from an article in the March 21, 2008 issue of the World Tribune, SGI-USA; photo courtesy of the World Tribune]

Making a Difference

Making a Difference
By Lulu McLennan, U.K.

I am 28 years old and have the good fortune to have been born into a family that practices Nichiren Buddhism. However, I have had an ongoing struggle with actually practicing this Buddhism, in other words I had an abundance of doubt, asked a lot of questions and had a lot of encouragement from other people. For most of my life, I have had a practice "like fire," which means that when I felt inspired or had a big problem, I would chant. The rest of the time a couple of minutes' chanting a day was more than enough. I really believed Nichiren Buddhism worked for other people--just not for me.

In 2006, I decided to join the group of young women who support the smooth running of activities from behind the scenes at the SGI-UK national center, Taplow Court. I really enjoy this activity and I think it was a last-ditch attempt to develop a solid Buddhist practice. Everyone told me it would change my life but I didn't want my life to change. I already had a great job, a great family and a great boyfriend!

As part of our activity we were encouraged to study the first two volumes of The New Human Revolution, written by SGI President Daisaku Ikeda. This is an account of how Nichiren Buddhism spread across the world. I found the books very inspiring but I was initially uncomfortable with so much of the books being about Mr. Ikeda's activities.

I work as a pediatric nurse in the children's emergency department at a South London Hospital, which is on the border of Lambeth and Southwark, two of the more deprived London boroughs. There are many children whose lives are affected by violence and other problems associated
with such deprivation. We often deal with unpleasant situations, which I found I started getting used to. I seldom felt sad about the things I saw. My colleagues also seemed to be unaffected too. And they felt bored and unappreciated. On the whole we were quite an unhappy bunch.

At the beginning of this year my mum was part of a group who went to Japan for a Buddhist study course. I was surprised by how her trip affected me--I found that I wanted to chant more. I also felt that I really should begin to understand the mentor-disciple relationship, an important concept in Buddhism.

It became clear to me that I had very little faith in my ability to make a difference. And I began to see why President Ikeda writes so confidently. He has done amazing things, met great people and works hard to create a peaceful world. He has done all of this because he had a great mentor in Josei Toda. Why wouldn't somebody write proudly of those experiences? Also, he achieved these things as an ordinary human being, with lots of problems and struggles along the way. So he is in a sense saying, "If I can do these things, so could any of us!"

Soon after this realization, I very quickly had an overwhelming sense that something needed to change at work. How could I make a difference? I found myself writing a proposal, which I called "A Vision of Peace," for the children's area in the emergency department.

This proposal came directly from my chanting and from my heart. It began with a quotation from President Ikeda: "If we seem to be weathering an endless winter, we must not abandon hope, as long as we have hope, spring will come without fail."

One of my ideas was to create a "dream tree" where all the children, parents and staff could write a hope or dream on a leaf and put it on the tree. I decided to give the proposal to the Accident and Emergency consultant, the matron, the nursing manager and all the people I work with.

I chanted, then went to work the next day, armed with my vision of peace and a trembling hand. I walked in to find that there had been a terrible death overnight. So I had a moment of doubt, which I overcame and then began giving out my vision.

Later in the day the matron came down to tell me how inspiring he found my ideas and asked when I could get started. The consultant was pleased that somebody was thinking outside of the box.

A young woman in my local SGI-UK district painted a beautiful tree, which I attached to the wall in the middle of the night in February, along with the quote from President Ikeda that had originally inspired me. The staff on the night shift were so excited and they wrote amazing dreams for the future.

The tree is now literally full of children's, parents' and staff's dreams and we are planning to paint a dream sea.

I want to make even more of a difference with my life from this moment onwards. I will not accept that children are born wanting to kill as some seem to think--it must be learned behavior. I'm determined to use my life to ensure that somehow the children of Southwark and Lambeth learn a different way, as after all prevention is better than cure. If we are able to change just one person's day or give one child the ability to believe in their dreams, then we have been able to do so much more than just treat an illness or fix a wound. At the end of the day, health is much more than just the absence of illness.

Now I can see that even the small amount of chanting I did, along with the continuous support of my family and many SGI members has not been wasted. With a growing appreciation for the mentor-disciple relationship, I now have the kind of commitment to my Buddhist practice that I have always wanted and this is my greatest benefit. I can't wait to see what happens next!

[Adapted from an article in the January 2008 issue of the Art of Living, SGI-UK]