SGI-New Zealand Young Men Meet - Dec 4-5

On December 4-5, SGI-New Zealand young men's division (YMD) met in Wellington. Participants studied the concept of "Rissho Ankoku" ("On Establishing the Correct Teaching for the Peace of the Land" from Nichiren's writings), as well as discussed the Buddhist concepts, "earthly desires are enlightenment," "relative happiness and absolute happiness" and "oneness of mentor and disciple." Newly appointed SGI-NZ YMD Leader Alfred Ngai called on everyone to be victorious in their lives, based on studying and applying Nichiren Buddhism's humanistic principles.

SGI-NZ young men meet in Wellington

SGI-New Zealand and Rotorua City Cohost Peace Gathering - Dec 12

Koto performance by SGI-New Zealand members

On December 12, SGI-New Zealand and Rotorua City cohosted a peace gathering at the Ikeda-Hall Peace Garden in Rotorua, New Zealand. Ikeda-Hall Peace Garden, a park bearing the names of SGI President Daisaku Ikeda and Mayor Grahame W. Hall, opened in 2000, in commemoration of second Soka Gakkai president Josei Toda's "Declaration for the Abolition of Nuclear Weapons" (September 8, 1957). At the gathering, Rotorua Mayor Kevin Winters expressed his support of the SGI's ideals. Some 170 local residents attended. SGI-New Zealand representatives performed on the koto and quena (wooden flute).