SGI-Oceania Conference at SGI-New
Zealand Culture Center in Auckland
On September 25, some 800 SGI members
from 17 countries and regions in Oceania gathered for the Second SGI-Oceania
Conference at the SGI-New Zealand Culture Center in Auckland, New
Zealand, commemorating the SGI's 30th anniversary. SGI-Oceania's
membership has grown twofold in the past five years. SGI President
Daisaku Ikeda sent a congratulatory message, in which he encouraged
the SGI members in Oceania to lead victorious lives and to
contribute to society as exemplary citizens. SGI-General Director
Yoshitaka Ohba and SGI North America-Oceania Division Chief Norimasa
Saito attended. At the meeting, representatives shared their
experiences of putting into practice Nichiren Buddhism to overcome
problems. Youth division members introduced the history of the SGI-Oceania.
Mr. Ohba encouraged everyone to derive the power of faith from their
practice to create happy families, live long and healthy lives,
surmount all obstacles, and realize victory in each endeavor. New
Zealand members performed songs and traditional dances of the
Maoris, the indigenous people of New Zealand.
Young Maori dancers
On the previous day, September 24,
representatives attended a training session at the SGI-New Zealand
Culture Center. The SGI-New Zealand band welcomed them with
performances of "Copacabana" and "Morigasaki Beach." SGI-Oceania
Chair Richard Sasaki praised the members for traveling such a long
distance to attend, and called on everyone to make a fresh resolve
to work for the sake of peace and prosperity in the region. Several
members shared their experiences of practicing Nichiren Buddhism and
everyone participated in a questions and answer session. Mr. Ohba
encouraged everyone to advance with unity based on the spirit of
"many in body and one in mind." In the evening, participants
attended discussion meetings in New Zealand and developed
friendships with local SGI members.
Second SGI-Oceania Conference
Held in New Zealand
