SGI-USA Houston

Twenty-five years ago in Texas, President Ikeda said, “A happy person is one who creates happy memories in life. A person with a life-condition that will enable him to create happy memories, even in times of suffering or great sadness, will definitely become a winner in life.” (Buddhism Into Action vol. 2, p. 193)

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