Saturday, I finally got out of the house (long story) and hitched a ride with fellow SGI members to head off
to the SGI Culture Center. There was a Chicago Zone District-Region Leader meeting from 6:15 to 7:30, and I didn't want to miss it. I haven't been going to a lot of events this month. So, I bit the bullet, slathered on some eyeshadow, and got my chant on in the Peace Room before the meeting. My head was in a lot of places, but my heart was concentrated on the horrible tragedy of Flight MH17, and all the related trauma. I'm sure everyone else felt the same way, and it was great to have so many people in the room chanting Daimoku.
I did my best to get the highlights of the events of the meeting, scribbling away in my little pink notebook. It was indeed a blog-worthy meeting, because I absorbed some great encouragement as a YWD leader, and what it means to remain positive in the face of adversity. That's the one thing this Buddhism continues to teach--courage, strength, and a positive attitude. It's a little unusual, because I tend to worry about everything before I can really get my hands wet. Anyway, notes!
As always, there are opening notes and statements before the experiences reflected by SGI members. We started out with the following:
I did my best to get the highlights of the events of the meeting, scribbling away in my little pink notebook. It was indeed a blog-worthy meeting, because I absorbed some great encouragement as a YWD leader, and what it means to remain positive in the face of adversity. That's the one thing this Buddhism continues to teach--courage, strength, and a positive attitude. It's a little unusual, because I tend to worry about everything before I can really get my hands wet. Anyway, notes!
As always, there are opening notes and statements before the experiences reflected by SGI members. We started out with the following:
- Vows made by the youth that are tied with Sensei will come true. To accomplish this goal, we must join together with energy, and cheer as Bodhisattvas of the Earth to reach our goals.
- We must share this Buddhism with as many people as we can, with energy and hope for success.
- Pres. Toda started: "No matter what difficulties we may encounter, if we challenge ourselves as Nichiren teaches, we'll be able to overcome them. To win by directly connecting our lives with the Daishonin through his writings--that is the Soka Gakkai Spirit." (Living Buddhism, August 2014, pg.6)
Then, of course, we had a few experiences.
- Marissa G., the YWD Leader of Berwyn shared her experience inspiring others around her to join the practice, as well as meeting a former member and getting her to practice again.
- Marissa went about her Shakubuku mission by contacting everyone she knew from her job. She started to text and call 11 people--youth, men's, and women's division, as well as non-members.
- When she ran into the former member at an event, she invited her to join the group. (This woman stopped practicing around the time SGI-USA was separated from Shoshu Priesthood)
- 6 people ended up coming to a meeting with Marissa, who did not let the rest of the no-shows defeat her mission. One of her guests felt so bad about oversleeping, and rushed to show up. Although she ended up going to the Chicago Cultural Center instead, she still went to the SGI Center, did Gongyo, took a tour.
Marissa told us that people around her started talking about all the benefits and improvements that were showing up in their lives because of her sharing Buddhism with them. The lady she brought to the meeting started to show deeper interest in the practice. The former member decided to attend meetings again. Marissa learned one thing from her experiences--caring for and encouraging others in and out of practice was very important.
The next experience was from Yuko Hayes. Yuko talked about a new member from Jefferson Park who joined the practice Sept. 6, 2013. Her name was Patricia. Patricia needed to undergo a very serious heart surgery, which troubled Yuko. She wondered why her friend had such a heavy karma at the beginning of her practice.
- Ever the caring friend, Yuko went to chant by Patricia's bedside. Despite interruptions from doctors and nurses who needed to check up on Patricia, Yuko did not stop her chanting.
- As she chanted, she eventually introduced Patricia's mother to the practice. In return, her mom gave a contribution.
- Yuko's concern for her friend moved her to fax President Ikeda and other members to chant with her, and possibly extend words of encouragement. As Yuko chanted relentlessly, she began to shakubuku those around her.
- Eventually, Patricia's health improved. Although she had kidney damage, Yuko told Patricia's mother not to believe the doctor's predictions. (He said Patricia would have all kinds of trouble, and would require dialysis.) Instead, she said "have faith in her recovery."
Yuko reminded us that in the phrase "Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo", "Myo" means to revive. ("Myo" is the name of the mystic nature of life. Also stands for the Dharma nature or enlightenment.) Also, the Mystic Law transcends death and suffering, leading to peace of mind. With that in mind, by December 21st of 2013, Patricia regained consciousness. Yuko had been chanting for over ten hours for her well-being. She continued chanting until Patricia was discharged in April of this year. Yuko reports that her friend is able to walk, talk, and function on her own. As a result, her family decided to come to a meeting. Patricia's brother decided he wanted to receive his Gohonzon. His son also wants to participate.
We all learned so much from those experiences. It was specifically interesting to me, because I've been facing financial hardships for a long time. As well as hardships with writing, creating, and getting people to view my work. There's been a LOT of obstacles to throw me off track, just like those who shared their experiences. The kind of things that make you want to give up! But, how can we win if one gives up? The things worth working for are the hardest!
- It's very important to always care, and never to give up.
- The SGI meetings we attend turn suffering into hope. Enormous efforts go into meetings, but they also give hope to members as they go home. The smallest words of encouragement can change frowns into smiles, confusion into understanding.
- The more leaders that are in districts and regions, the more people there are to lead the way and brighten communities.
"I am supporting you and watching over all of you. If you are weak, become strong. If you are timing, become brave. Just start as you are. Nothing is more noble and inspiring than when such courageous individuals stand up holding aloft the banner of The Law. All momentous stories begin from hardship. Overcoming hesitation is the first step in taking on any challenge. Adversity exists so we can experience true joy. With confidence and true vigor, take a step forward! Now is the time!"
--Shin'ichi Yamamoto (Living Buddhism, Aug. 2014, pg. 47)
After the experiences and remarks, we watched an animation called New Human Revolution Episode 3. It was pretty much an animation recalling the hardships Sensei Ikeda and his mentor Josei Toda faced with business failures, as well as the deep bond between student and mentor. The animation, however, focused on how the young Ikeda's faith and determination helped his mentor get through troubling times. He became the "sword" at his side. The lights were off, so I didn't really get to take notes like I wanted to. However, it was interesting to see the history I'd already read about put into emotional context.
I really liked how the animation showed a young Sensei Ikeda blossoming from a timid young man, to one determined to do whatever it took to help out his mentor, President Toda. He stood by his side in both business and Soka Gakkai affairs, vowing to do his part (and sometimes forgetting about himself). All the while, Toda was shaping Ikeda to become the next future leader.
After the movie, there were brief words of encouragement:
- "Live each day so that you can reach your highest living condition."
- "Develop faith and realize the true struggle is always just ahead."
- "Find determination as a leader to spread and propagate kosen-rufu. Be cheerful, energetic, and motivated!"
And THEN, you know what happened? Oh my goodness. The youth in the house had to sing two songs. The first was a song called Youth with a Noble Vow. They passed out the verses to this song earlier in the meeting, so everyone could sing along. I was NOT expecting to be on that stage, lol. (I never am...I should
know by now!) THEN, we sang Forever Sensei before closing with Sansho. I can't sing worth a diddly, but I do like that song. :3 I find myself humming it or quietly muttering the words all the time at home.
It was a good meeting, and I'm glad I got out of the house to visit with the SGI fam. It was very nice, and was great to hear words of encouragement. It's amazing how the answers to your problems seem to hit you at meetings and discussion meetings. Things just have a way of speaking to you to get the thought process rolling again.