I decided a while back to try and write about what happens at meetings, in the hopes that maybe someone out there in the world will want to come to the Chicago Cultural Center and see what everything's all about. Or, wherever they are for that matter. There's a lot of ideas in my head, but writing obviously came first. Creating accounts, I think, helps people understand firsthand about what it's like to be a Nichiren Buddhist. It's not a cult by any means! (I've read some pretty trashy opinions about who we are/what we do...yeesh!)
Anyway, enough chatter. Notes!
The meeting for district leaders was so jam-packed full of information and new dates. I did my best to listen and write at the same time. The best part was absorbing all of the knowledge from leaders who've been in practice for years and years.
- To notice the growth within our lives, we must remember the golden rule--practice for ourselves and for others.
- Growth requires action. Requires more than faith alone. We must look at the bigger picture.
- The "strategy" relies on nam-myoho-renge-kyo alone. This is the connection to the Mystic Law.
- Absolute happiness (in comparison to relative happiness) creates a resilient spirit. Maintains it!
- Remember that the absolute is the goal. Relative happiness leans closer to materialistic things that will fade with time.
After announcements, we just had dialogue. I swear, it's like all the questions I have are answered before I can open my mouth. It happens all the time. I think that the only things that haven't been covered yet are dealing with death and depression. I know the approach is to ask head on, but the meek mouse in me is still finding a way to ask about those things. Now, just watch--now that I've put it out into the universe, it's going to come back to me.
When that meeting came to a close, I had one more left. Youth Division Chicago Zone meeting! These are meetings for members who're under 35 (I think. Don't quote me on that!) and include leaders. The room was full of young Nichiren Buddhists and the spirit was definitely in the room. It was wonderful to see everyone together. I wanted to approach them all and say "let's be friends!", lol.
The meeting started off with a brief explanation of what Nichiren Buddhism can do for us. It actually touched down on the same sentiments of the district leaders' meeting about growth. I found that to be so interesting, because there were only two youth in that meeting--myself and Ariel. It's amazing how the philosophy carries itself! Then we had a member who did poetry. It was a beautiful piece about what this Buddhism can do for anyone, and the beauty of walking in faith.
I was SO impressed, and wished I had my own poem to share. I'm not quite there yet. I have written a piece, but I dunno...what he did was so expressive. I'd be up there behind the podium with a soft voice, lol. Working on it. I've yet to speak on that stage!
Then, we had Gohonzon conferral and remarks from those who received. Afterward, Rashida B., a beautiful actress came onstage for an experience. She was feeling troubled about her acting career, and her journey to find a resolve. She decided to fight the struggles and fight for kosen-rufu instead. She reminded us that a vow boils down to two things--desire and resolve.
She was almost in an accident a while back, and it was a very serious one that could have very well taken her life. In a split second while her life was on the line, she began to chant. Her life was indeed spared, and she realized in that moment that her life meant so much more. Benefits began to show up in her life. First, she was able to meet up with a very prestigious agent. Second, because of her practice and resolve to chant, she was able to reveal her greater self.
Next was Martin Mathis. Like most of us, he was struggling with the events of Ferguson. He tried to have dialogue but it wasn't helping him. After talking to his parents, things became clear--it all starts with oneself and spreads out. Sometime later, he ended up having dialogue with a distant neighbor. This chat turned into a friendship. His neighbor found hope from their dialogue. Martin invited him to chant with him, which brought in another neighbor, which created a chain reaction of four more people who were introduced to this Buddhism.
All of the experiences were great. It was a reminder that practice is most important, but action is what gets things in motion. Once again, growth and doing more than walking in faith were showing up during this Youth Division meeting. It was amazing! Then, Robin and Jeff, two members of our Youth Division talked about their experiences in Japan at a youth training course. They were in the care of many SGI leaders in Japan, who gave them encouragement and guidance.
- Buddhism has great fortune. We will never know what happens (meaning, we are not all psychics), which is why we need the philosophy of Nichiren Buddhism to overcome problems to obtain joy.
- Do not embrace weakness. Help yourself to help others.
- Always be yourself to encourage others around you. The highest potential is always within.
- Do not hesitate. Hit the "on" switch first, to ignite determination.
During the session, the youth had a chance to ask the leaders some questions.
How do you encourage those who lack struggles?
Consider growth. We can grow further dealing with our struggles. Using our own struggles as an example may be encouragement. However, a life without struggles is impossible. Everyone has some kind of struggle. Struggles help us grow as people.
What's the difference between confidence and arrogance?
Arrogance is all about looking good. Faith is all about wanting to help others.
Military action in the US--thoughts?
Devilish functions must be overcome by Buddhist philosophy. Dialogue is the most important.
How can we encourage the youth to fight?
Challange and transform oneself as an example.
How do I know I'm on my mission?
Strive to do your best in youth. Work hard at it.
How do I battle struggles?
Understand fundamental darkness. Become an optimist. Chant.
After the experience about the session in Japan, we watched a video called Illuminating Encounters. It was all about youth and the possibilities available to Youth Division SGI members. Basically, what we can do to nurture others around us. Again, that theme of growth! We grow by encouraging others and doing the very best we can on a multitude of levels!
Finally, the meeting closed with encouragement.
- Aim to win.
- Aim to help others.
- All things start with the driving force of prayer.
- Prayer without action is wishful thinking.
After all was said and done, Ariel guided me over to a table I'd seen a million times--the station to send faxes to Sensei Ikeda. I have seen people sit down, write, and send things off to him a million times. I've never done it the entire year I've started my practice. What could I say to our great leader? His wisdom is spread out in the World Tribune, in volumes of The New Human Revolution, and in videos with decades of his work. It was such a big thing!
Because it was personal, I won't go into what was said, but I do have the original copy with me. It was amazing that we have the ability to get into contact with Sensei Ikeda with the push of a button. Speaking of contact, I got to have a long chat with Ariel and Yoko about myself.
I get so long-winded, so I tried to lay out the highlights. The usual--I'm a writer/poet who's trying to be seen and heard. A single lady torn between wanting to date again, and letting my past stop me from getting out there. And, of course, the peaceful soul just trying to live. So, we bounced ideas off of each other, we mused, and I got a LOT of encouragement. I don't know how long we had dialogue, but it reminded me of all the things I'd been missing by not showing up to the Center on a regular basis.
Looking forward to having a lot more to report on!