WHAT: 6th Annual MLK Youth Parade

WHEN: Saturday, January 14, 2012
Participants Report Time: 10AM
Starting time: 12PM

WHERE: Downtown Houston
Location: Originating @ 1300 Holman Street-Houston,Texas-77004

WHY: For the sake of kosen-rufu, we will walk the path of peace with the heart of a lion king. For the sake of the members, we will create indestructible unity and build eternal bond of friendship. For the sake of Sensei, we will show actual proof in our daily lives through faith, practice, & study. For the sake of our future, we will become trusted and capable leaders in society.

WHO: As this is the MLK YOUTH Parade, we are encouraging all Youth & Future Division SGI members and any young friends and guests to participate in the parade by joining one of the performance groups:

1. Dance
2. Tall Flags
3. Drums (Drum Line, Taiko Drums, African Drums)
4. Brass band

No experience is necessary!

UPCOMING REHEARSALS:

Location: Houston Buddhist Center
3465 West Alabama // Houston, Texas 77027

Friday, January 6
7 – 8:30pm: Taiko

Saturday, January 7
10:00am – 12:00pm: Dance, Tall Flags
11:00am - 12:30pm: Brass Band
11:00am - 12:30pm: Drum Line
11:30am – 1:00pm: African Drums

Sunday, January 8

FINAL OUTDOOR REHEARSAL for the MLK Youth Parade at Lamar High School parking lot. This is a mandatory* rehearsal for everyone who wants to be in the parade.

Timeline on Sunday:
8:00 AM - ALL YOUTH (including Future Division) meet at HBC and check in with their performing groups
9:00 AM - Daimoku & Gongyo
9:30 AM - Outdoor Rehearsal Orientation
9:50 AM - All youth leave for Lamar High School by foot (the school is within short walking distance); ESD will be transported by car to school either by parents or designated parent
10:15 AM - Rehearsal Starts
11:30 AM - Break for Lunch
12:00 PM - ESD are picked up by parents and taken back to HBC; T-shirts distributed to ESD and parents
12:00 PM - Resume rehearsal
2:00 PM - Rehearsal ends; clean up
2:15 PM - Youth walk back to HBC
2:45 PM - Meet in Main Gohonzon room to offer rehearsal feedback
3:00 PM - Evening Gongyo
3:15 PM - End Daimoku; T-shirts distributed to everyone who ordered a shirt.

(Parental consent forms are required for any youth below the age of 18 who wishes to participate in the parade)

Any youth or Men’s and Women’s division interested in participating or for additional information contact Region Youth leaders Tony Lee at tgcymd.2010@gmail.com and KC Scharnberg at kcscharnberg@gmail.com

Download and print your own MLK altar card in Adobe PDF format here: SGI-HOUSTON-MLK-YOUTH-PARADE-ALTARCARD

Since our Rock the Era movement began 2 ½ years ago, the youth of the SGI-USA have developed significantly, in particular the Ikeda Youth Ensemble. 31,000 youthful successors emerged throughout the country in July of last year at our entrustment ceremonies, 5,800 who were performers. Two months after these historic entrustment ceremonies, on September 22, 2010, President Ikeda gave the youth performing groups of America the name: Ikeda Youth Ensemble.

Looking toward 2013, 2030 and beyond, we are determined that the Ikeda Youth Ensemble will become world-renowned, inspiring hope and courage throughout human society. In order to take the Ikeda Youth Ensemble to the next level, we will be holding an SGI-USA National Ikeda Youth Ensemble Competition this coming summer at the Junior High and High School and Ikeda Youth Ensemble Conference at Soka University of America, June 22-25, 2012! Each territory will compete in several categories including: Fife and Drum Corps/Brass Band, Chorus, Dance and Taiko drums for the national trophy.

Our own Texas-Oklahoma Zone is putting together Zone IYE teams in order to first compete at the Central Territory level in Chicago.

UPCOMING AUDITION:
Venue - Houston Buddhist Center
4:45pm-9pm  IYE Auditions for TGC Region
To audition, please contact Beth Chen at beth76@hotmail.com to reserve a time.

This audition is for Youth Division that would like to be a part of the Zone Ikeda Youth Ensemble. There will be an Ikeda Youth Ensemble Competition in 2012 held at Soka University of America!! One ensemble per category per territory will be invited to attend as conference competitor/attendee at SUA.

Criteria for those wanting to join a team:

• Be an SGI-USA youth division member.
• Be active in their districts.
• Maintain a consistent practice.
• Is or becomes an active member of their local Ikeda Youth Ensemble.
• Qualify for the group with an acceptable level of skill.
• Can attend the Junior High and High School and Ikeda Youth Ensemble
• Conference at SUA, June 22-25, 2012 (Each person will be responsible for the cost of the conference and airfare/travel expenses).

Size of each team:

Dance: 10
Taiko: 10
Fife & Drum 15
Brass Band: 15
Chorus: 10

Audition Material for Brass Band / Fife & Drum Corps

Forever Sensei:
All instruments: beginning - m. 21

Crimson Dawn:
Flute: pick ups to m. 12 - m. 26
Oboe: pick ups to m. 12 - m. 26
Bb Clarinet: pick ups to m. 12 - m. 26
Bass Clarinet: G - End
Alto Saxophone: B - D
Tenor Saxophone: m.13 - m. 28
Bari Saxophone: G-End
French Horn: G - End
Trumpet: pick ups to m. 12 - m. 26
Trombone: G - End
Baritone: G - End
Tuba: G - End

Audition Material for Chorus:

Forever Sensei: first verse (m. 2 - 21)
Rise: 3rd verse (we are the heroes…) - End

Audition Material for Taiko:

Material of your choice

Audition Material for Dance:

Material of your choice

We hope that this annual Ikeda Youth Ensemble competition will generate excitement and pride in each local organization. This is an opportunity to grow and challenge ourselves in faith as well as in our performance skill and technique.

The Florida Nature and Culture Center (FNCC), located in the peaceful Everglades, opened in 1996 as a facility for SGI-USA members to refresh their spirit and determination to practice Nichiren Buddhism. As SGI President Daisaku Ikeda commented: “There should be time for sleeping and time for chanting. People should leave energized and filled with hope.”

The FNCC is located on 125 acres of restored wetlands surrounding Toda Lake. Here amid the Live Oak trees and Sabal Palms native to the Florida landscape, discussions on Buddhism, philosophy and everyday life take place in a relaxing atmosphere. Members from across the country enjoy bicycle rides throughout the grounds, swimming in the pool and incredible food.

“If you have the opportunity to go to the Florida Nature and Culture Center, don’t waste it!  I have been four times in seven years of practice, and each time I was able to take my practice to another level. If you are stagnant, go. If you are suffering, go. If you’re a new member, go. If you’re a leader, go. The FNCC is for everyone. You will return renewed, refreshed, and redetermined to fight and absolutely WIN in every aspect of your life. Buddhism is win or lose. Going to FNCC is a definite WIN.”
-Nicole D. Collier, Southeastern Region

The Florida Nature and Culture Center (FNCC), located in the peaceful Everglades, opened in 1996 as a facility for SGI-USA members to refresh their spirit and determination to practice Nichiren Buddhism. As SGI President Daisaku Ikeda commented: “There should be time for sleeping and time for chanting. People should leave energized and filled with hope.”

The FNCC is located on 125 acres of restored wetlands surrounding Toda Lake. Here amid the Live Oak trees and Sabal Palms native to the Florida landscape, discussions on Buddhism, philosophy and everyday life take place in a relaxing atmosphere. Members from across the country enjoy bicycle rides throughout the grounds, swimming in the pool and incredible food.

“If you have the opportunity to go to the Florida Nature and Culture Center, don’t waste it!  I have been four times in seven years of practice, and each time I was able to take my practice to another level. If you are stagnant, go. If you are suffering, go. If you’re a new member, go. If you’re a leader, go. The FNCC is for everyone. You will return renewed, refreshed, and redetermined to fight and absolutely WIN in every aspect of your life. Buddhism is win or lose. Going to FNCC is a definite WIN.”
-Nicole D. Collier, Southeastern Region

2011 SCHEDULE

]]> http://sgi-houston.org/fncc-schedule-2011/feed/ http://sgi-houston.org/rock-the-era/ http://sgi-houston.org/rock-the-era/#comments Sun, 06 Jun 2010 10:55:07 +0000 sgiadmin http://sgi-houston.org/?p=945

The youth of SGI USA Texas Gulf Coast Region will be participating along with 8,000 youth from the central part of the United States in the DECISIVE VICTORY YOUTH CULTURE FESTIVAL in Chicago on July 10^th, 2010.

We meet at the community center every 2^nd and 4^th Sunday Rock the Era Meeting to have fun, study, and rehearse for this historic performance.

Performance groups:

· Brass Band

· Dance

· Chorus

· Taiko Drums

· Elementary School Division Fan Dance (ESD - Age: 12 years and younger)

· Byakuren, Gajokai, and Soka Group (BSG - Supporting behind the scene)

Performance Group	Rehearsal Schedule
Brass Band	· Sunday, June 13, 2010 from 10 am to 1 pm · Saturday, June 19, 2010 from Noon to 2 pm · Sunday, June 27, 2010 from 10 am to 1 pm
Dance	· Saturday, June 12, 2010 from 11 am to 4 pm · Sunday, June 13, 2010 from 10 am to 2 pm · Tuesday, June 15, 2010 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm · Saturday, June 19, 2010 from Noon to 3 pm · Saturday, June 26, 2010 from 3 to 6 pm · Sunday, June 27, 2010 from10 am to 1 pm · Tuesday, June 15, 2010 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm
Chorus	· Sunday, June 13, 2010 from 10 am to 1 pm · Saturday, June 20, 2010 from 11:30 am to 1 pm · Sunday, June 27, 2010 from 10 am to 1 pm · Saturday, July 3, 2010 from 12:30 to 2 pm (optional)
Taiko Drums	· Sunday, June 13, 2010 from 10 am to 1 pm · Thursday, June 17, 2010 from 6:30 to 8 pm · Sunday, June 27, 2010 from10 am to 1 pm · Thursday, July 1, 2010 from 6:30 to 8 pm
ESD	· Sunday, June 13, 2010 from 10 am to 1 pm · Sunday, June 27, 2010 from10 am to 1 pm
BSG	· Sunday, June 13, 2010 from 10 am to 1 pm · Sunday, June 27, 2010 from10 am to 1 pm

Everyone & Anyone is welcomed to join.

For more information about July Festival: http://www.sgicentral.org/

]]> http://sgi-houston.org/rock-the-era/feed/ http://sgi-houston.org/houston-pride/ http://sgi-houston.org/houston-pride/#comments Sun, 06 Jun 2010 04:27:05 +0000 sgiadmin http://sgi-houston.org/?p=874 The SGI-USA Houston Chapter is excited to participate in the 2010 Houston Pride Parade on Saturday, June 26!!!

The Pride Festival is the single largest community event that supports Houston’s gay and lesbian community and friends. Admission is free and each year the Pride Festival & Parade brings out approximately 150,000 people.

The SGI-USA Houston Chapter will be participating in the night time Parade from 8:45 pm to 11:00 pm along Westheimer Street.

Pride NOT Prejudice
Houston LGBT Pride Parade
June 26, 2010
8:45 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.

SGI-Houston is proud to announce our participation in 2010 Pride Parade, themed Pride Not Prejudice. We would like to invite SGI members, guests, friends and family to join in our support of Houston’s LGBT community by helping to plan and participate in this year’s Parade Day festivities.

Saturday, June 26, 2010 - Parade Day Schedule
2:00 p.m. - Meet at Community Center for daimoku and brief planning meeting
5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. - caravan/carpool to parade site
8:45 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. - march in parade

In addition to Parade Day activities, two planning meetings will be held in preparation for the festival. Meetings are open to all SGI members and guests who would like to offer input, ideas, or just lend their general support.

Parade Planning Meetings
Tuesday, June 15, 2010 - 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010 - 7:00 p.m.

There will also be an SGI introduction meeting held at the SGI-Houston Community Center in conjunction with the festival. We would like to follow up on our efforts at the parade, introduce new guests to SGI and our wonderful mentor, Daisaku Ikeda, and to show our commitment to continuing our support of the Houston LGBT community.

Introduction Meeting
Sunday, June 27, 2010 - 2:30 p.m.

There will be sign-up sheets posted at the community center for all of those who would like to participate at the parade and support the introduction meeting.

Please get involved and prove the true POWER and HUMANISTIC SPIRIT of this practice!

“As Nichiren Daishonin states: ‘Through the example of one person, all living beings become equal.’ Buddhism upholds equality and expounds supreme humanism. All human beings have equal rights. There is no difference whatsoever in their inherent dignity. So no matter what you may face please live with pride, confidence, and courage.”
– SGI President, Daisaku Ikeda, LGBT Conference 2001

Experience for 2010 Women’s Division General Meeting

 When I began practicing in 1976, at the beginning of each meeting, we used to recite the famous passage from Kaimoku Sho or in English, “The Opening of the Eyes” gosho from Volume 1 of the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin which says, “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. Do not have doubts simply because you do not enjoy an easy and secure existence in this life. This is what I have taught my disciples morning and evening, and yet they begin to harbor doubts and abandon their faith. Foolish men are likely to forget the promises they have made when the crucial moment comes.”

            I recited this passage in both Japanese and in English but I had no real idea what it truly meant or that I would come to live what it says. I could not understand why the members around me throughout my years of practice would attain all these material benefits but somehow I didn’t. I practiced with all my might or at least that’s what I thought. I went to every meeting, many times everyday of every week that there was one. I went to meetings in Japanese, meetings for Men’s Division, meetings that required staying to make costumes or get guidance at 3 or 4 in the morning. I attended daimoku sessions during my lunch break. I even went to a meeting during an unprecedented ice storm and was the only member to show up. I did Ushitora (midnight) gongyo countless times! I always was eager to do activities for Kosen Rufu (world peace) and I sought guidance so often, I was once criticized for it because I was always seeking and never absorbing.

            Then one day my chapter leader told me, “Doris, you can’t just read the gosho and that’s it, everything’s ok. You have to absorb what you read; you have to live the gosho and strengthen your faith.” It still took some time before those words sank in. I still had only a shallow understanding. I kept practicing but I was not standing up on my own. My lazy nature and my fundamental darkness were in control, not me. I began to doubt the power of the Gohonzon and was easily swayed by anything that happened in my life or anything anyone said. I begrudged my life and began to harbor ill feelings. I lost my sense of appreciation and my resolve to win over myself and my circumstances.

My situation worsened and I ended up abandoned and abused, homeless and sick. I suffered with obesity, depression, social anxiety, diabetes, congestive heart failure, gastrointestinal issues and high blood pressure. My husband left me and our children, taking all of the money in our bank account and the monthly bills were due. Shortly after that, I was in a car accident that totaled the car, faced life threatening illnesses three different times that brought me within days of losing my life, then the house we rented flooded and I went through 13 evictions before ending up homeless, living in my car, then in a shelter for 4 months while separated from my children. It was during this same time that one of my daughters was sexually assaulted and the other was admitted to a mental facility for adolescent depression. I was ridiculed, judged and reprimanded for my weight, my race, my behavior and my lack of material wealth. Still, I didn’t get the real message and couldn’t see that real benefit is inconspicuous, but I did continue to practice.

Then, during a pioneer meeting with Mrs. Elliot, I worked up the courage to ask why my life always seemed to be in winter that never turned to spring. This time the guidance didn’t go over my head. It hit me square in my face. I was told that I was being lazy and to begin chanting 2 hours a day. This was easier said than done and I only kept up this new goal for 6 months. But the Gohonzon is absolute and I began to gain the wisdom to see my life with true clarity. When I gave in to my lazy nature again, I became seriously ill and my cardiologist announced to me during a routine visit that I was in danger of literally dropping dead. This was another “wake up call” for me. I began to treasure my life and sincerely appreciate my fortune to practice.

            I started to see how easily I was swayed by my circumstances. I understood why I begrudged my life and regretted my choices. And it all came to me only recently when doubt, fear, worry and lack of appreciation and resolve almost caused me to “forget the promises I had made and abandon my faith.” Under the influence of my fundamental darkness, I considered leaving the organization and abandoning my vow to the Gohonzon and Sensei because I was not leading a peaceful, easy and secure life. I wanted to escape, but I remembered the adversity Sensei and Nichiren Daishonin endured that I had read about so I began to chant with all my heart.

            Suddenly through chanting daily for 3 hours again, studying Sensei’s guidance and the Daishonin’s teachings, and with the tireless support of my children, my leaders and the members of this magnificent organization, I realized that I was living and absorbing the gosho by doing my human revolution. Each hardship I faced and each goal I desired to fulfill was my benefit to show the validity of this Gohonzon to others and to myself. My obstacles are my opportunities to empower and transform myself to change my karma. My life, my mission is to show that no matter what we face or how long it takes, we will “as a matter of course attain Buddhahood” just as the gosho states. And I will never forget the promise I have mad to practice and propagate Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism.

            I have withstood great adversity to practice but ultimately it was my arrogance that caused my faith to waiver and it was study and daimoku that opened my eyes to why. Together, President Toda and President Ikeda used to study “Letter from Sado” which heralds the mentor/disciple spirit for inspiration during times of adversity. In his lecture on the this gosho (in the 2010 Jan/Feb. Living Buddhism), President Ikeda says, “Nichiren’s writings can rouse an indomitable fighting spirit in the hearts of those buffeted by the bitter winds of suffering and adversity. When his invincible spirit pulses in our lives, nothing can intimidate us. As long as we make a point of reading his writings and internalizing their lessons, no karma can defeat us. And as long as we dedicate ourselves to the way of mentor and disciple, no obstacles or devilish functions can hinder us. Please be confident that by living based on Nichiren’s writings and in accord with the path of a disciple, you can break through any obstacle or limitation.”

Thank you.

My experience began three years ago when I attempted to join the military in order to earn money quickly to pay for school. After months of being given the run around due to having been diagnosed with childhood asthma, I thought, “this is crazy why am I fighting to get in to the military.” So I applied to this mechanics school I kept seeing commercials for on television. Later that week I get a call from the school’s recruiter. He explains to me that the enrollment process requires a screening process for all of its applicants and he will have to ask me a series of questions. Before he begins he says “Here at UTI we want you to understand that you are not a Mechanic you are a Technician.” After the interview he tells me he will call back in a few days to let me know if I am accepted or not. It is November 9^th, I receive a call saying that I had been accepted. Then it hit me, at the age of fourteen my mother died from pancreatic cancer, November 9^th was her birthday. I remembered she always reminded me she never wanted any of her children joining the military. Wait, how am I going to pay for it? I live in Alabama and the school is way out in Texas I’ve got to pack, move, save, plan…..”NO” I say to myself, I will not be defeated. I don’t know how or where the money will be coming from but I am going. When I first arrive in Texas I contact my new district members to start attending meetings, next I get a part time job to pay for my bills. As school gets more involved my hours begin to get cut back and I have to get a second part time job along with school to pay for rent and all other necessities. Its all one HUGE balancing act and I’m fighting to stay on top. As time goes by sleep deprivation starts to get the best of me. I stop coming to meetings all together just to get a full eight hours of sleep on the weekends in order to be rested for the upcoming week. Soon even gongyo falls to getting accomplished every now and then. Everything completely falls apart; my current relationship fails I get laid of from one of my jobs and I start to fall behind on rent. Fortunately my family is able to help me out for a while but even that doesn’t help and the eviction notices start to show up. I contact a fellow member, DeShon, for guidance. He meets me at my apartment for a home visitation. It’s been almost two years since we last saw each other. During our conversation he reminds me that I have forgotten the most important piece to my jumbled puzzle, chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo. After our inspirational reunion I decided I need to do something to always remind me how important this practice is and always will be in my life. I decide to get Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo tattooed on me as it appears on the Gonhonzon. I put it on my forearm because it is the first tattoo I always see to symbolize where the practice is supposed to be in my life, FIRST. After returning from my long hiatus to meetings I learned that there was a youth festival coming up and the hip-hop dance group needed some help. Normally I would have quickly said no and be done with it because I have always had a severe stage freight especially dancing in front of a large crowd, but I remembered a New Year’s resolution I made where I have to say yes to everything I would normally say no to, so I agreed to help out, like I had a choice. I also learned that my graduation was to be the same weekend of the youth festival which made me really nervous. Both the graduation and youth festival came and went without much of a fuss but the real scary part had arrived. I had graduated with no job. The month before graduation I had lost both my jobs due to repeated car trouble and my lease was ending a month after graduation. After falling in love with my new found SGI family and accomplishing so much on my own I made the determination to stay in Texas. I got two interviews but no solid job offers and even though I had fixed my car from its earlier problem another one occurred. No job, no money, and no car. How am I going to get over this huge obstacle? I began thinking maybe I’m supposed to move back home for some reason, maybe there is a bigger issue that needs to be taken care of before I begin this stage of my life, should I give up? I have no car to get to any interview and no money for gas even if I did have the car. I got more guidance from another member who also offered to help me out. They encouraged me to increase my daily one hour of daimoku to two hours. Days go by and still no word on the job offers. My parents finally gave me one week to find a job or else I’d have to move back home because it was starting to do more harm than good staying in Texas with no job. As I chanted I thought to myself I have to make the impossible possible I have to be victorious. Three days left, I get a call for another interview. At this point I was so drained from everything I was beginning to mentally admit defeat. “Ok Gohonzon, I give up, I am putting my complete faith and trust in you. I want to stay here, I want to prove to myself and everyone else that even in the face of Armageddon that I will be victorious.” Two hours after the interview I get a phone call offering me the job with full benefits and insurance with weekends off!!! After accepting and hanging up I completely breakdown I had done it!! I achieved Victory through my faith, determination and devotion to the practice…and now in my victory I stand here as proof of the unlimited power of Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo. Now, I ask you. Will you challenge yourself when life brings you down and you are faced with your obstacles? Will you persevere and make the impossible possible?? I did!!!

BCAF is Houston’s award-winning one-of-a-kind outdoor art gallery is a juried fine art event that boasts 300 acclaimed artists in 19 media formats from throughout the U.S. and the world. Ranked the #3 Festival in the U.S. the event features fine art, multicultural music and dance on the Houston Arts Alliance stage, international food and wine cafes, and interactive art where children and families can discover the fun of making art together.

The crowds were wall to wall as the SGI volunteers entered the event.  Volunteers were greeted with stage performances and continuous multi-cultural musical and dance shows with art demonstrations. There were incredible paintings, handmade jewelry, ceramic art, stained glass murals, sculptures, hand-woven scarves and a Creative Zone for kids’ crafts like rock painting, mask-making, face painting, wax hand souvenirs, beaded necklace and bracelets, and more.

Seventeen SGI-USA Houston members volunteered for the two-day festival. On Day 1, volunteers were assigned duties in the Creative Zone for children to experience the fun of making art projects. Houston’s East and West Area youth division rocked the bat mask-making station sponsored by Buffalo Bayou Partnership, a non-profit organization revitalizing and transforming Buffalo Bayou, Houston’s most significant natural resource. On Day 2, several Houston youth and adult division members were assigned Artist Relief duties where they looked after the artist booths while the artists took breaks for lunch or snacks.

Direct interaction with festival guests of all ages made volunteering all the more fun. So much fun, in fact, that the SGI members did not want to leave even after their shifts ended. It was an awesome day. Each and every one of the volunteers had some new-found appreciation for art and for what goes into organizing a very large public event. SGI Houston is proud to have supported BCAF, of which the proceeds of the festival fund 17 area arts and service nonprofit organizations. So, if you want to ‘experience art’ at its best with a good amount of southern hospitality thrown in, visit the BCAF in March 2010 at Memorial Park in Houston, Texas.

- Contributed by Ashwini Kulkarni

On October 17, a gorgeous 70 degree day in Houston TX, SGI held a YMD 3 on 3 Rock the Era basketball tournament at Crain Park where 15 members participated in a joyful and friendly competition. The tournament included four teams: Houston Heat, Pepperoni, Soka Hoopers, and Teran Brothers. Team Pepperoni was made up of four guests from Pasadena Texas and won the tournament against Team Houston Heat. Team Teran Brothers was the youngest among the four teams and they were smiling all the time even they didn’t win the tournament.

One of the guests, Chien Wang, said after the game that he would definitely come back to do more activities with SGI and bring more guests with him next time. YMD member Sushain Dhawan said that this game brought out the unity of many in body one in mind among everyone and he learned the importance of having great friends in our Buddhist practice. YMD member Go Ochiai, who was planning to drive four hours to Dallas the same day, said there was no way he would miss this opportunity to have a great time with fellow YMD members. Several members from three other divisions came out to show support by taking photos and bringing fruit and water for the activity.

Despite the outcome, everyone is a winner at the end. This activity served as symbols of creating bond through friendship and planting seed for kosen-rufu. Based on President Ikeda’s guidance, each of the 15 young men received tremendous benefit by creating golden memories for their lives and put faith into action through the games.

- Contributed by Tony Lee