SGI-New Zealand Holds First National Training Course - May 28-30

SGI-New Zealand national training course

SGI-New Zealand held its first national training course May 28-30 at the SGI-New Zealand Culture Center in Auckland. In May, Setsuko Gordon was appointed SGI-New Zealand women's division (WD) leader and former WD Leader Jessica Phuang, vice general director, respectively. At the gathering, participants studied Buddhist terms and concepts, such as Gohonzon (the fundamental object of respect in Nichiren Buddhism), ichinen sanzen (three thousand realms in a momentary state of existence) and the spirit of mentor and disciple. Participants discussed how to overcome sansho shima ("three obstacles and four devils," which emerge without fail in the course of Buddhist practice). In the evening of May 29, participants attended discussion meetings in Auckland and developed friendships with local SGI members. On May 30, 350 representatives gathered to commemorate the 40th anniversary of SGI President Daisaku Ikeda's visit to Oceania. Representatives shared their experiences of Buddhist practice. Others presented musical performances. SGI-Oceania Chair Richard Sasaki encouraged everyone to lead lives of absolute happiness with their Buddhist practice, as opposed to one that is dependent on relative happiness, which is fleeting. SGI-New Zealand General Director James Wallace called on everyone to advance together, awakening to a mission of striving for the happiness of others and themselves.