SGI-USA SF World Peace Day Commemoration '99 : Voice

Every moment is an opportunity to create value
Nori Kajiyama	03/13/99 (Thu) 01:48
Are we having fun yet? I've learned from my seniors in faith a lot about success, taking action, and the immense power of even one individual. For instance, several months ago Jimmy King, our Nat'l High School YMD leader, visited the SF Bay Area on personal vacation time to see a few of his friends here over the weekend. He did just that, but also in a matter of the same two days, he spent time meeting with so many members, attending several activities, as well as creating impromptu mtgs., which was of course hardly a required thing to do on vacation. But I could see that each minute of his life, he was creating value. I'm sure he encouraged many, well over a hundred people, in that short amount of time. Since we all have this potential, this is my motto for this spirit: "EVERY MOMENT is an opportunity to CREATE VALUE" Our New history of our March 16 is still being written...It's not over! Let's challenge EVERY moment even more, encouraging or inviting yet another person, or whatever we can possibly imagine, tapping our wellspring of potential. Let's make this last day the most spectacular, the most effective, and the most memorable of this great journey! Woohoo~! The joy of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is unstoppable! Nori P.S. The New Century Brass Band is gonna move ya with a cool rendition of Forever Sensei and Stevie Wonder tunes "Superstition" and "Sir Duke".
It's now or never!
Wendy Schrader	03/11/99 (Thu) 11:34
Three Days to GO to our incredible meetings! Everyone has been working so hard, it is amazing to see us unite and encourage eachother as youth!! I know we are all facing our own individual struggles, but no matter what happens, lets create a victory always from today, always from this moment! I was just reading this passage from "Reply to Kyo'o": "Kyo'o Gozen's misfortunes will change into fortune. Muster your faith and pray to this Gohonzon. Then what is there that cannot be achieved? You should believe the Lotus Sutra when it says,'This sutra fulfills one's desires. It is the pond's cool, clear water that quenches thirst,'.... If one considers the power of the Lotus Sutra, he will find perpetual youth and eternal life before his eyes." With lives expansive as the Universe itself, let's encourage our friends, lets encourage eachother, let's create a victory in our own lives! See you all on SUNDAY!!!!!!
Struggle is inevitable
Nori Kajiyama	03/11/99 (Thu) 01:20
Just three days left! 12 members and 11 guests from our San Jose chapter youth will be there. Everyone is putting out a lot of effort and even facing the inevitable: sansho-shima! I remind myself from Pres. Ikeda's encouragement that nothing great is easily accomplished, and victory or defeat is determined in crucial moments like this. It's times like these that I remember how tough kosen-rufu can be. After explaining what kosen-rufu is to friends they replied jokingly, "Well, you have your work cut out for you!" "How appropriate!", I thought. But I realized it is only when my life condition is low that it is so painful as "work". So daimoku and talking to others has been key to recharging myself. Of course obstacles are real and it's not always so simple, but let's stick together, let's fight on together, and let's celebrate our efforts together on Sunday! from the kaimoku sho: Although I and my disciples may encounter various difficulties, if we do not harbor doubts in our hearts we will, as a matter of course, attain buddhahood.
Everyone's efforts are really making a difference!
David Eisenberg	03/04/99 (Thu) 14:22
I can totally feel everyone's incredible efforts towards this meeting. It's amazing how when we challenge outselves as Bodhisattvas, the environment reacts to us and so closely mirrors our life conditions. I wanted to share the following from President Ikeda: "When you realize your great mission as Bodhisattvas of the Earth and dedicate your lives to kosen-rufu, the sun that has existed within you from time without beginning will begin to shine forth. All offenses you have committed in past lifetimes will vanish like the mist and you will embark upon wonderful lives permeated by deep joy and happiness." New Human Revolution v. 1 p. 254 This meeting will be a historical event in the history of kosen-rufu in the United States. SGI-USA YMD leader James Herrmann told me that he feels this meeting will create a new momentum for the entire country. Because of all of your awsome efforts, we have wonderful experiences, including Hall of Famer Orlando Cepeda(!), great performances (Brass Band, Fife & Drum, Taiko & Mystic Flavor) and a super presentation by Greg Martin. Thank you everyone that is bustin' butt behind the scenes!!! de
Good Opportunity to Invite Friends
Aisha Williams	03/02/99 (Tue) 14:22
So far I have invited two people and one said that she will be coming. She is a good friend of mine and she has studied various Buddhist philosophies in the past. I am really excited that she will be coming. I am happy that we have this meeting. It is a great opportunity to invite our friends to an exciting SGI meeting. I am sure that she will like the meeting and the spirit of the members. When you know the meeting is going to be great, it is easier to invite people. I hope that two more of my friends can come. Also, Fife and Drum corps, of which I am a member, will be performing too. This meeting is going to be lots of fun.
Everyone has the right to be Happy
Nori Kajiyama	03/02/99 (Tue) 02:19
This web site is most awesome!~ Thank you for everyone's efforts! By sharing the significance and history of SGI's March 16, I am proud to be connecting my friends to the wondrous True Buddhism of Nichiren Daishonin. As I stretch my bodhisattva compassion, I see the development of indestructible happiness. What is kosen-rufu? I realize friendships equals kosen-rufu; I am doing whatever I can to call or say hi to all my friends both within our SGI family and beyond (without sounding too crazy). Time never stands still; every moment counts in these remaining days to inviting another friend. There are so many people that experience suffering in their lives, many without any hope to fight on. Who will share this treasure? Because it is only from us that others will hear the roar of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, we have a great mission. I hold the sword of true happiness! Everyone has the right to be Happy! See you there!~
WOW! 13 Days to GO!!
Wendy Schrader	03/01/99 (Mon) 16:22
So Ed Feasel said that all of us have made an incredible determination!! 1,000 members and 1,000 guests. ITS CRAZY! But I know we can do it. The people of America really want a philosophy that can support their incredible dreams. Let's share Buddhism in our own way as American Youth. Naturally and always with compassion. Lets become truly happy!
Did you already get a cool invitation card?
T.Steve Yasui	02/27/99 (Sat) 21:20
Hi everybody! How are you? Did you already check a cool invitation card for our meeting? It's really great! Thanks Rob Koo for providing this template for everybody. I'll make many copies and use them for my guests!! We still have 2 weeks towards our meeting. Let's try our best, and create another great golden memory!!!