Random Mid-Week Post

A very happy Thursday to you all. During my daily ritual of avoiding studying, I stumbled across this little meme:

While amusing, I also thought it quite apt for me as I've done plenty daimoku this morning but very little studying (action). Perhaps this will spur some of you on to take that action that you've been putting off for whatever reason. 

Anyway, enjoy your weekend and hopefully I'll see many of you at a discussion meeting next week. I'll be e-mailing you all with the topic for this month very soon (and there will likely be another blog post, too). 

NMRK.

Activities w/c 10/12/12

"Our lives are fundamentally one with the universal life itself. All the treasures of the universe exist within each person; each person is an infinitely respectworthy entity. Therefore, through our mind of faith we can transform ourselves and our family, and we can change our community, our country and the entire world in the direction of hope, happiness and peace." Daisaku Ikeda

Good evening, Buddhas. We have just one activity this week and I hope that many of you can attend:

District Daimoku - Tuesday, 19.00-20.00 at Fred & Elizabeth's

An important opportunity for the great members of this district to get together and chant for the growth, strength and, most importantly, unity of Dundee & Tayside. Only when we have the spirit of "many in body, one in mind" can we blaze a trail forward for the sake of kosen rufu. I hope to see you there. Gongyo at 7.30pm.

The district leaders will also be having a meeting on Thursday evening. If there's anything you think we should be discussing specifically, give your divisional leader a call to talk about it.

I sincerely hope you are all achieving great victories in undertaking your own human revolution. As long as you chant Nam Myoho Renge Kyo with strong faith in your heart, you will definitely win.

Activities w/c 03/12/12

Well, we're into the final month of this, the "Year of Developing a Youthful SGI" - are you all feeling youthful? Less than a month left to shakubuku that friend from work, to complete that daimoku chart or to have that tremendous victory in your studies that you determined to have at the start of the year. Maybe you're just looking forward to spending some time with family this festive period. Let's all win in December!

We've got a couple of activities this week to get you out of your cosy, warm home (and into someone else's). If the snow and ice are getting you down, a good Gongyo and a gab with friends will surely raise your spirits.

District Daimoku - Tuesday, 19.00-20.10 at Rosie's
We'll be dedicating the first of our district tozos of the month to the Gandhi King Ikeda Exhibition, coming to Dundee in 2014. The daimoku chart is coming along nicely and Tuesday night good give it a real boost. Gongyo at 7.30pm; full hour of chanting.

Planning Meeting - Thursday, 19.00-21.00 at Fred & Elizabeth's
District leaders are encouraging as many members as possible to come along to planning this month. There is much to discuss, for example, regarding the growth of the district as we go into 2013. If you can spare the evening, your participation in this activity would be greatly appreciated. As always, if you want to volunteer to take on a responsibility at an activity, contact your district leader. Gongyo at 7.30pm.

And I shan't say much more than that as I must go study. Hoping to see your happy faces very soon.

Choose Life Group [1 of 6]

On Sunday 25th November, around fifty Youth Division members from across the whole of the UK gathered at Taplow Court Grand Culture Centre for the first meeting of the Choose Life study group. The group comprises young people, mostly aged under twenty-five, representing each Area (of which Scotland is one) of SGI-UK and they will be studying Choose Life, a dialogue between British historian Arnold Toynbee and SGI President Daisaku Ikeda which took place in the 1970s. They will meet every two months for one year, with different sections of the dialogue being studied at each.

The Choose Life Group is the first of its kind in the UK since the turn of the century. It is hoped that those involved will become great champions of dialogue and take the spirit of the group back to their respective corners of the UK to inspire countless others. Not only this, the formation of the group is also a great cause for the development of the study movement within SGI-UK.

Activities w/c 26/11/12

Another late update but I actually have a good excuse this time (details to follow soon!). Discussion Meeting Week was a huge success, with 16 members and guests attending across the two meetings. The topic, concerning actual proof, brought out a lot of great, inspirational experiences of differing kinds. I'm only sorry I couldn't make it to both.

I know everyone's looking forward to the festive period of December - Dundee was buzzing at the Light Night on Friday - but we're not quite done with November yet. It's been a wonderful month in the district, with lots of varied and joyful activities which many members participated in. As we approach the end of the year, let's carry on the tremendous spirit that has developed here in the past year and look to the future with strong determinations.

Apologies to the Women's Division members for not getting this post out before their meeting this evening. I hope everyone had a lovely time. Still, there are two more activities this week to help motivate us to strengthen our faith:

Basics of Buddhism - Wednesday, 19.00-20.30 at Uni. of Dundee Chaplaincy
Our last Basics of the year will be a discussion about what is known in Buddhist terms as esho funi, or "the oneness of self and environment", lead by Rosie. These meetings are a really great opportunity for people new to the practice, those interested in finding out more about this kind of Buddhism in general and even members just looking for a kick-start in the Buddhist studies. Slow Gongyo at 7.30pm.

Kosen-Rufu Gongyo - Sunday, 10.30-11.30 at Callum's
Another last of the year. We're back in the city centre this weekend at the slightly earlier time of 10.30am to chant in unity for this great cause that will lead to the happiness of all humanity. What better way to spend your Sunday morning than this? If you need any more incentive, we'll be watching an SGI DVD afterwards. Doors open at 10.20am for Gongyo at 10.30.

Have a victorious week, shining bodhisattvas of Dundee & Tayside!

December Schedule

Activities w/c 19/11/12

A very good evening to you all. Hope you've all had as lovely a weekend as I have (although all that fun has put me a little behind on uni work). Once again, it's that wonderful time of the month we like to call "Discussion Meeting Week" and, sure enough, we are having two discussion meetings.

Discussion Meeting 1 - Wednesday, 19.00-21.00 at Callum's. Gongyo at 7.30pm.

Discussion Meeting 2 - Sunday, 13.00-15.00 at Rosie's. Gongyo at 1.30pm.

What will we be discussing this month? Well, although the Art of Living has stopped suggesting topics for us, they do always have quite punchy titles and those at the planning meeting really quite liked this month's. Therefore, the topic for discussion this month is:

The Power of Proof

One of the best things about this practice is that we can see it working in our daily lives; we can prove the practice to ourselves. At our discussion meetings this month, let's all be resolved to share truly inspirational experiences of showing actual proof. Your MCs will be kicking off the meeting by speaking a little bit about the Actual Proof Campaign, launched last month by the Youth Division.

Alas, that's not all. There will also be TWO morning chanting sessions this week, with daimoku dedicated to the Gandhi-King-Ikeda Exhibition which we are bringing to Dundee in 2014. They will be on Monday and Friday, 07.00-08.00. Join us at Rosie's or from home (but let Rosie know so that she can add it to our collective chart).

Have a victorious week!

Founding of the Soka Gakkai

This day marks the 82nd anniversary of the founding of the Soka Gakkai.

Tsunesaburo Makiguchi, first president of the Soka Gakkai, and his disciple Josei Toda (second president) published the first in a series of writings outlining the system of soka, or value-creating pedagogy, on November 18, 1930, and this date marks the founding of the Soka Kyoiku Gakkai--the Society for Value-Creating Education. The word "soka," which was coined by Toda and Makiguchi, is a combination of Chinese characters meaning "create" and "value."

November 18 has come to symbolize a day when each individual strengthens their own determination and sense of responsibility to contribute to the welfare of society and world peace in the spirit of the three founding presidents of the Soka Gakkai. The members of the SGI are committed to putting into action the ideals and teachings of Nichiren Buddhism and becoming protagonists of peace within their local communities.

Read the full article about this very important day in the history of our organisation on the SGI website HERE.

Are You Practising Properly?

Good morning, all! I got my scanner working again and so I can share this with you. I found this (quite amusing) cartoon when going through some of my old Buddhist stuff from when I received Gohonzon. It reminded me that we can all slip into some bad habits when we are chanting; I now keep this advice in mind when in front of my Gohonzon.

The specifics here are not what is important. The point is to remember to act respectfully in front of the Gohonzon and, as a consequence, to respect our own Buddhahood and that of others. (Click here to see a larger version).

Happy chanting! Nam-myoho-renge-kyo.

Activities w/c 12/11/12

Many apologies for the lack of recent posts; it has been a very busy time with the Grade 1 and 2 Study Courses only drawing to a close with the exams yesterday. Well done to all those who took part in the courses for exerting yourselves in the "two ways of practice and study" (WND-1, 383).

There was something I wanted to share with you all on Friday but my scanner seems not to be working so it may be a few days before I am able to do so. Regardless, we have a couple of great activities coming up this week and we also commemorate 82 years since the founding of the Soka Kyoiku Gakkai by Tsunesaburo Makiguchi and Josei Toda on the 18th November (I'll do a commemorative post with lots more info at the weekend). 


Men's Division Meeting - Monday, 19.00-21.00 at Fred's
The manliest meeting of the month. All the MD members should have already been informed about this so I shan't say much other than to extend my sincere wish that you all have a joy-filled and inspirational meeting.

District Daimoku - Tuesday, 19.00-20.00 at Alessandro and Natalya's
Our second district tozo of the month, chanting for the growth of the district and happiness of all its members. Let's make a great effort to come together in the spirit of "many in body, one in mind". Gongyo at 7.30pm.

Chapter Study - Sunday, 13.00-16.00 at Castlegreen Leisure Centre, Broughty Ferry
The last Chapter Study of the year returns to our own district this month and promises to be utterly brilliant (even if the weather doesn't). Prue Bucknall, Northern Lights Women's Leader, will be giving a lecture on "The Blessings of the Lotus Sutra" and chapter leaders have piqued our curiosity with the possibility of "other special things" at the end of the meeting. Special Gongyo to begin at 1.30pm.


I hope that you are all being victorious in this very significant month. I look forward to speaking with you all very soon. I'll leave you with a wee Gosho quote that I quite liked:

"It is the way of ordinary people that, even though they spur themselves on to arouse the aspiration for enlightenment and wish for happiness in the next life, they exert themselves no more than one or two out of all the hours of the day, and this only after reminding themselves to do so. As for myself, I read the Lotus Sutra without having to remember to, and practice it even when I do not read its words aloud." (WND-1, 43)

Activities w/c 05/12/12

After a wonderful Kosen-Rufu Gongyo in Broughty Ferry, I think we're geared up for a great week ahead. For some of us it will be a week of study, with the Grade 1 and 2 exams taking place on Sunday in Kirkcaldy - best of luck to all those involved this year, and remember to prepare with plenty of daimoku.

As I mentioned in an e-mail I sent out earlier this week, the venue of the Planning Meeting has changed from Alan's to Rosie's, so please update that on your schedules (the blog version has been updated).

Peacebuilders Exhibition Chanting - Monday, 07.00-08.00 at Rosie's (or own home)
The daimoku campaign for the success of the district's endeavour to bring the Gandhi-King-Ikeda Exhibition to Dundee in 2014 goes on. As always, you are welcome to join us at Rosie's or domei. Please let Rosie know of any daimoku you do for this cause so that it can be added to the chart. Gongyo at 7.30am.

District Daimoku - Tuesday, 19.00-20.00 at Rosie's
The first of two district chanting meetings this month, with this one again dedicated to the GKI Exhibition. Hoping that many of you will come and share in the great joy of chanting with a united purpose. Gongyo at 7.30pm.

Planning Meeting - Thursday, 19.00-20.30 at Rosie's
Your chance to contribute to the organisation of activities in the district during this month and next. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to participate - this is your district, after all. If you are unable to make it but would like to volunteer to host a meeting or take on a responsibility such as being MC or sharing a quote, please contact one of the district leaders before the meeting. Gongyo at 7.30pm.

Hopefully Rosie won't get sick of the sight of us all after this week. Massive thank you to her for opening her home up time and time again for the sake of kosen-rufu in Dundee.

I look forward to when we will next meet. Nam Myoho Renge Kyo.

My Favourite Gosho: Callum

This is a new feature for the blog which I'm trying out and that I hope many of you will get involved with. The idea is to support each other in study through sharing our own positive experiences. Studying can seem like a momentous task but it needn't be arduous. Indeed, it can be a great joy to study and we can do it in little, bite-size chunks. The important thing is not to be defeated in study but to carry on making great efforts to deepen our knowledge and, ultimately, our faith.

The purpose of "My Favourite Gosho" is for members to speak a little about one of the writings of Nichiren Daishonin that has particularly inspired them, that really stays with them in their daily life or that they just find a delight to read. The hope is that this will encourage others to read that same Gosho and that they might take something from it, too.

The SGI website has done a similar thing HERE. I think taking advantage of the bonds of friendships that have formed in the district, this project can have an even greater impact.

Anyway, here's mine:



Title of Gosho: The Recitation of the "Expedient Means" and "Life Span" Chapters (WND-1, 68-75) [LINK]

What is the Gosho about?: This was a letter written in response to a woman who asked the Daishonin about the formalities of her daily practice of Buddhism during her menstrual cycle (the Gosho is sometimes called "Letter on Menstruation"). In it, Nichiren encourages the recitation of the Expedient Means and Life Span chapters of the Lotus Sutra (the two chapters from which the extracts we recite in Gongyo are taken) as part of one's daily practice and also confirms that it is better to chant Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo than Namu-ichijo-myoten ("devotion to the wonderful sutra of the one vehicle").

In this Gosho, the Daishonin talks about how great the benefits that one who recites even a single phrase or word of the Lotus Sutra will receive will be. He tells us that, through upholding the Lotus Sutra in our lives and never turning our backs on it, we can definitely attain Buddhahood and that, conversely, if we do not believe in the Lotus Sutra but slander it, no matter how many good acts we have performed, we will never attain Buddhahood.

In more direct response to the question posed, Nichiren tells the woman that there is no scriptural reason for any change to her practice during menstruation. However, he also speaks about the precept of "following the customs of the region", which means that, as long as we do not commit a seriously offensive act against Buddhism, we should do our best to avoid going against the manners and customs of our country.

What about this Gosho do you like?: From the first time I read this letter, I considered it to be a very important Gosho that I knew I could learn a lot from. Every time I go back to it, I find something new to think about. It really reminds me how fortunate I am to have come into contact with the Lotus Sutra and Nichiren Buddhism in this lifetime and also how important it is to tell as many people as possible about this teaching.

What strikes me about this Gosho is the genuine compassion expressed by the Daishonin and his sincere joy at having received this letter and being able to reply to it. His wish for all people to become happy through the Lotus Sutra is so clear and we can see that he is truly humbled by his disciple's seeking spirit. Nichiren sets a wonderful example to us all of how to see and respect the Buddhahood inherent in each of us.

Not only is this a writing on some of the practicalities of Buddhism, it gives supreme hope for every person who upholds the Lotus Sutra. It is explained precisely why it is not enough to do good deeds alone, but that we must also forge unshakeable faith. This inspires me to keep advancing day after day and to never be defeated, no matter what.

Finally, I find his commentary on "following the customs of the region" very interesting as it really demonstrates how this Buddhism is a practice for daily life. In the SGI, we see how this Buddhism is independent of a particular culture but rather adapts to the culture of those people who embrace it. This makes it clear to me that, through this Buddhism, all people, regardless of background or circumstance, can become happy.

What is/are your favourite quote/s from this Gosho?:

"As for the Lotus Sutra, one may recite the entire sutra of twenty-eight chapters in eight volumes every day; or one may recite only one volume, or one chapter, or one verse, or one phrase, or one word; or one may simply chant the daimoku, Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, only once a day, or chant it only once in the course of a lifetime; or hear someone else chant it only once in a lifetime and rejoice in the hearing, or rejoice in hearing the voice of some else rejoice in the hearing, and so on in this manner to the fiftieth hearer. And... the blessings one would gain would be a hundred, thousand, ten thousand, million times greater than those gained by persons of keen faculties and superior wisdom who study other sutras..." (WND-1, 68)

Activities w/c 29/10/12

We had two fantastically lively and inspirational discussion meetings last week. Let's keep that spirit alive as we see out October and step into November, a very significant month in the history of our organisation. I hope you're all staying warm and safe in these increasingly cold months but are still forging ahead day after day to achieve your personal goals.

Basics of Buddhism - Wednesday, 19.00-20.30 at University of Dundee Chaplaincy
If you're not already out guising, pop along to this month's Basics where we'll be chatting about some of the fundamental concepts in this Buddhism. A great meeting for people wanting to find out a little bit more and to discuss any of those burning questions you have. Slow Gongyo at 7.30pm.

Kosen-Rufu Gongyo - Sunday, 11.00-12.00 at Dale and Donna's
We're off to Broughty Ferry again for November's Kosen-Rufu Gongyo, where we come together as a district and a nation to chant for this most noble cause. What better way to start your Sunday than with some vigorous daimoku. Doors open 10.50am, Gongyo at 11.

It will be lovely to see many of your happy faces at either or both of these activities.

Nam Myoho Renge Kyo.

November Schedule

Activities w/c 22/10/12

Good day, wonderful Bodhisattvas of Dundee & Tayside. This coming week is discussion meeting week and you've got two great opportunities to share your challenges and victories with your fellow members. If there's one meeting you go to this month, make it a discussion meeting.

"Ever since the Soka Gakkai was founded in 1930, the discussion meeting has been the central activity."

"The basic function of the discussion meeting is to enable the participants to stimulate each other toward further growth and transformation." [source]

Our mid-week meeting will be on Wednesday, 19.00-21.00 at Rosie's, with Gongyo at 7.30pm.

There will also be a weekend meeting on Sunday, 13.00-15.00 at Elaine's, with Gongyo at 1.30pm.

Don't worry; you don't have to choose between the two because, of course, everyone is welcome to both! Holding two meetings gives member more flexibility to allow as many people as possible to take part in this core activity. Both meetings will have the same topic: 'Improving aspects of our lives through our Buddhist faith and practice.'

Monday morning daimoku for the Peacebuilders Exhibition will also take place as usual tomorrow, 07.00-08.00. Join us at Rosie's or from your own home (and remember to let Rosie know so she can add your daimoku to the chart). Gongyo at 7.30am.

Finally, there will be an HQ Youth Tozo on Saturday, 14.00-17.00 at Callum's and both of our Youth Division Area Leaders will be in attendance. Last month's meeting was fantastic and I'm sure this one will be no different. We'll be chanting and studying together to create unity and form bonds of friendship within Northern Lights HQ. Gongyo at (roughly) 3pm.

The 30th SGI-UK Scotland General Meeting

On Sunday 14th October, people gathered from all across Scotland, and as far as Italy and Czech Republic, for what was truly a General Meeting to remember. The whole day event took place in Perth Concert Hall and was attended by (the last I heard) 373 SGI members and guests, including a tremendous turn-out from out very own district.

It was a jam-packed day which will not soon disappear from the memories of those who attended, though there were a lot of memorable moments. The auditorium was positively buzzing with the vibrant energy of one of the happiest collection of people I've ever seen.

Two exhibitions were on display throughout the day - one from Seeds of Hope and another documenting the history of the kosen-rufu movement in Scotland over the past forty years. Val Steele, who coordinated the history exhibition, and Mike Trevett gave a wonderful account of the SGI in Scotland, sharing their fond memories of how the organisation has grown and flourished in our fair land.

We were then treated to an inspirational and heart-warming experience from Northern Lights' very own Anya Grycuk. More than a few tears were shed during her emotional story of building a strong relationship with her mentor.

The entertainment section saw a brilliant fusion of Scotland and Japan, with songs from the Women's/Young Women's and Men's Divisions and various other musical performances, including a song written and performed by Beinn and Rory Watson of the Young Men's Division. The display of talent was to be awed at.

Dundee & Tayside saw its membership grow by two at the Membership & Gohonzon Receiving Ceremony. What a joyous occasion to begin this tremendous new phase in their lives; I'm sure they will never regret it. A massive congratulations to all those who received on Sunday. Vice National Men's Leader, Naruo Yoshikawa spoke about the significance of the Gohonzon before handing over to our Men's and Women's Division Area Leaders, Donald Cameron and Diane Ring, for some inspiration and a look towards Scotland's bright future.

A quick lunch and we were right back to it for the second part of the day - a lecture from European Women's General Leader, Mrs Takahashi. She made the trip from Germany to speak about President Ikeda's lecture on "On The Treasure Tower" (NL8397), assisted be translator, Michiko Samuels and reader, Fiona Wood. Many were truly touched, in some way, by her lecture and the personal experience she was so kind to share with us.

Throughout the day, many children and Future Group members had been working very hard on putting together some entertainment and, at the end of Mrs Takahashi's lecture, they burst into the hall, bagpipes blaring. It was wonderful to see the light in the eyes of the young people as they showcased what they had put so much effort into sharing with us.

That was the story of the day but it all couldn't have happened without the input of so many people, especially the outstanding action team led by Niki Taylor. Come 4 o'clock, there was not an unhappy face to be found, true testament to the dedication of countless many to making this an unforgettable day.

I had a great time and I know many of you did, too. Here's to the next thirty years, and beyond!

Activities w/c 15/10/12

Hello, everyone. Sorry that I'm a bit late on this post; it was a busy weekend (as most of you already know) and I'm just getting back into some kind of regular rhythm with university, etc. There are a few activities this week for you to enjoy and through which you can develop great bonds of friendship with your fellow members.

District Daimoku - Tuesday, 19.00-20.00 at Rosie's
A fantastic opportunity to get together as a district and chant with passion and determination to see Dundee & Tayside shining even more brightly than it already is. The members are the district so please chant with your heart that we may grow and flourish. Gongyo at 7.30pm.

Chapter Study - Saturday, 13.00-16.00 at Kirkcaldy Volunteer Centre
We must never forget how important study is in this Buddhism; it is through study that we learn how to face obstacles in our lives and develop the ability to clearly explain this Buddhism to other people so that they, too, can attain Buddhahood in this lifetime. These monthly Gosho lectures are invaluable as motivation to become champions of study. Gongyo at 1.30pm.

That's all for this week. Next week is discussion meeting week (which I, personally, am really looking forward to) when you will have not one, but two opportunities to discuss the greatness of this practice.

I'll be posting some feedback on the General Meeting shortly so that those of you who could not make it can still share in the joy and spirit of what was a tremendous day.

As always, if you would like to share anything on the blog, get in touch with myself or one of the other district leaders. Have a great week.

Nam Myoho Renge Kyo

Inscription of the Dai-Gohonzon

Members of SGI practice Buddhism as taught by the 13th-century Japanese priest Nichiren, which involves a daily practice of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo and sections of the Lotus Sutra in front of a scroll called a Gohonzon. The Gohonzon that members of SGI enshrine in their own homes is based on one originally inscribed by Nichiren on October 12, 1279, known as the Dai-Gohonzon. SGI members commemorate this anniversary each year on October 12.

The Gohonzon represents a physical embodiment, in the form of a mandala, of the eternal and universal law of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, the essence of the Lotus Sutra, and Nichiren's purpose in inscribing it was to make available to all humankind the means to achieve a state of ultimate happiness, or Buddhahood,

The Lotus Sutra reveals that the world of Buddhahood exists as a potentiality in each person at any given moment; it does not lie outside one's daily actions, nor is it divorced from human tendencies. The Gohonzon, which combines Chinese and Sanskrit characters and depicts the Ceremony in the Air described in the Lotus Sutra, illustrates how one can manifest and make predominant the qualities of a Buddha while still possessing qualities of the "lesser" self; tendencies such as animality, anger and hunger.

Nichiren described the Gohonzon as follows: ". . . the five characters of the Lotus Sutra's title are suspended in the center, while the four heavenly kings are seated at the four corners of the treasure tower. Shakyamuni, Many Treasures, and the four leaders of the Bodhisattvas of the Earth are side by side at the top . . . Without exception, all these Buddhas, bodhisattvas, great sages, and, in general, all the various beings of the two worlds and the eight groups . . . dwell in this Gohonzon. Illuminated by the light of the five characters of the Mystic Law, they display the dignified attributes that they inherently possess. This is the object of devotion."  ("The Real Aspect of the Gohonzon," The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin (WND), vol. 1, pp 831-32)

Nichiren had first established the practice of chanting "Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo" in 1253, and as the years passed his following grew. This, however, attracted persecution from government authorities, leading to the arrest of 20 farmers who were pressured with threats to disavow their belief in Nichiren's teachings. All 20 refused to do so and three of them were eventually beheaded, in what came to be known as the Atsuhara Persecution. It is said that Nichiren inscribed the Dai-Gohonzon in response to the sincere and courageous faith of the ordinary believers. He subsequently inscribed Gohonzon for individual followers, stating, "I, Nichiren, have inscribed my life in sumi ink, so believe in the Gohonzon with your whole heart. The Buddha's will is the Lotus Sutra, but the soul of Nichiren is nothing other than Nam-myoho-renge-kyo." (WND vol. 1, p 412)

Nichiren made clear that the essential teaching of Buddhism is expressed in the phrase "Nam-myoho-renge-kyo." This is why the Gohonzon should not be viewed as an object containing mystical and magical powers, but, rather, as a manifestation of Nichiren's will and desire for all of humanity to attain happiness. This can be achieved through chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo and making steadfast efforts toward improving oneself and helping others do the same.

In reference to this point, SGI President Daisaku Ikeda writes: "Nichiren's contribution was to establish a clear mirror, the Gohonzon, which perfectly reflects the state of Buddhahood inherent in life, and which could thus enable all people, regardless of their circumstances or ability, to draw out and manifest this Buddha nature. Nichiren's use of script rather than images reflects his commitment that this 'mirror' be universal, free of the connotations of race and gender inherent in depictions of specific personages."

(Source: SGI Website)

Chant Around The Clock!

Good evening, all. We are only two short days away from the 30th Scotland Area General Meeting which will take place from 11am - 4pm at Perth Concert Hall on Sunday. 

The action team for the event have organised a wave of daimoku across Scotland for the "amazing success, unity, friendship and happiness" of the meeting. Inverness District are starting a two hour tozo approximately now and then there is a 13-hour marathon across the whole of Scotland tomorrow, including right here in Dundee. Here are the details:

Glasgow: Niki's, 7am - midday
Edinburgh: Estelle's, 10am - 3pm
Central/Falkirk: Michael Seaword's, midday - 5pm.
Dundee: Callum's, 3pm - 8pm
Aberdeen: Vivien's, 3pm - 8pm

There will be Gongyos at midday and 6pm which we encourage you to join in at home if you're not at one of the tozos. 

Everyone is welcome at mine from 3pm onwards for however long you wish to chant. If you don't have my address, give me a call (my number is on the schedule which is sent out by e-mail). 

Hope to see many, if not all, of you at some point over the weekend. 

Nam Myoho Renge Kyo.

Activities w/c 08/10/12

Another lovely week ahead of us:

Gandhi-King-Ikeda Exhibition Daimoku - Monday, 07.00-08.00 at Rosie's / own home
There will be a one hour daimoku session for the success of the district's plans to bring this exhibition to Dundee in 2014. You are very welcome to join us at Rosie's or chant at home. If you do any daimoku dedicated to the exhibition then please let Rosie know and she will add it to the district's collective chart. Start 7am sharp; Gongyo at 7.30.

Special Gongyo - Friday, 19.00-20.00 at Fred & Elizabeth's
Gongyo and daimoku to commemorate the anniversaries of when Nichiren Daishonin inscribed the Dai-Gohonzon (12th Oct, 1279) and Nichiren Daishonin's death (13th Oct, 1282), as well as SGI-UK Day (13th Oct). Gongyo at 7.30pm.

Round The Clock Tozo - Dundee - Saturday, 15.00-20.00 at Callum's
The action team for the Scotland Area General Meeting has organised a series of tozos across Scotland, spanning 13 hours in total, for the success and smooth running of the meeting. One of these will be hosted in Dundee from 3pm-8pm and everyone is welcome to join for as long as they like. More details of the whole event to follow. Gongyo at 6pm.

Scotland Area General Meeting & Lecture - Sunday, 11.00-16.00 at Perth Concert Hall
The big day is finally upon us. A fantastic team has been working hard behind the scenes for the past weeks and months to ensure that this will be a meeting to remember. The General Meeting, including Gohonzon Receiving Ceremony, will take place between 11am and 1pm followed by a lunch break. A lecture will be given by Mrs Takahashi, Women's Division Leader for Europe, between 2pm and 4pm. It's bound to be a good'n.

Have a great week. I hope to see all of you at some point during it.