Paul Monaco .org

Here’s a powerful 911-centric video written by Eddie Moore and produced by Wayne Duncan at Studio-D in SanDiego Californa.

We must all continue to focus on peace.  Looking back on history, we’ve achieved a great deal towards that goal.  This proves it can be done but we must not stop now.  It’s the powerful messages in videos like this that keeps peace, and the need for it in the forefront of our minds.

Time: April 19, 2009 from 3:30pm to 5:30pm
Location: AMC Loews Boston Common, at the Boston International Film Festival
Organized By: Darin Nellis and Cory Taylor, SGI members

Event Description:
“The Power of the Powerless” will be screened in Session 10 of the Boston International Film Festival on Sunday April 19th at 3:30 PM (film actually starts at 4pm) at the AMC Loews Boston Common, 175 Tremont St. Boston, MA 02111.

Acclaimed actor Jeremy Irons, who narrates the film offered these words of praise: “So much of history has been airbrushed. It is an exhilarating experience to watch the brutal honesty of The Power of the Powerless as it documents the momentous changes in Czechoslovakia since the Second World War. To witness fallible human beings make their way through this period of turmoil, in all their hopelessness, fear and bravery, is a truly uplifting experience. I was proud to be, in a small way, involved.”

Even if you are not in Boston for the premiere, please invite your friends living in the Boston area to attend. The Director, Cory Taylor, and Producer, Darin Nellis, will be there and would be very happy to greet your friends and/or family at the screening.

Here is a short synopsis of The Power of the Powerless:

History has shown that societies, which fail to address past injustices are tragically destined to repeat the same mistakes. Narrated by Academy Award winner Jeremy Irons, The Power of the Powerless, examines the harmful effects of erasing history, twenty years after the fall of communism in Czechoslovakia. Contrasting the experiences of those who fought against the communist regime, with the silent majority who supported it, The Power of the Powerless investigates why many Czechs today don’t want their communist past dug up, and exposes the alarming impact this is having on young people. Featuring original interviews with dissidents such as former President Vaclav Havel, this film tells the inspirational story of the Velvet Revolution of 1989, and asks why Czech youth aren’t being taught their own history.

See more details and RSVP on:  SGI Buddhism

About SGI Buddhism
SGI Buddhism – SGI community created by independent members of SGI. This is not an official site of the SGI Buddhism organization.

As you can see by many of the comments that have been posted to this blog from its inception in 2007, many believers are rooted firmly to the practice as it was when it was presented to them for the first time. This need not, and should not be the case!

As the Lotus Sutra was written, Shakyamuni took it through many incarnations. At times even discarding multiple chapters and openly admitting the he was wrong. The true power of this practice is that it is based on truth. At times, we know things to be true that we cannot explain but when an explanation becomes apparent we adjust our teachings.

In the Roman era of Greek Gods it was taught that the great god Mercury rode his chariot across the sky pulling the sun behind him. At that time, this was true. The sun did travel across the sky and the logic of the time dictated that someone must be responsible for that action. As man became more sophisticated, the principles of astronomy was taught and of course today, nobody believe that Mercury is towing the sun across the sky.

The presentation above by Jennifer 8. Lee depicts the migration of Chinese food to the west. Just as Americanized Chinese food may not be recognized as a native product, Buddhism may change just as dramatically. Does this make it any less powerful or effective then it’s ancient ancestor? The Gohonzon was scribed on paper, not chiseled in stone.

Impermanence is the constant.

Some Background 

So the story goes on.  Several months ago I was quite upset at the lay Buddhist organization I belong to the Soka Gakkai.  A conflict arose between them and the Nichiren Shosho Temple which lead to the excommunication of the SGI.  As a relative newcomer to Nichiren Buddhism and not having prior exposure to each group, I could see valid arguments from both sides but the heated verbal attacks coming from both sides was truly a test of my faith if not my commitment to the SGI.

I’ve explored other Nichiren organizations such as the Kempon Hokke but have found that they have issues with both SGI and NST.  I even have been sent their liturgy and study material which I found superior to that of the SGI’s.  For a moment I was seriously considering changing my affiliation to them but when I saw a particularly angry form of hate from one of the members against the SGI I knew that was not the right direction to pursue.

The Evil Raises Its Head

By nature of being born a human being we simple are not perfect.  As adults, we have all said or done something in our lives that we have come to regret or knew was simply wrong.  As a Buddhist I don’t seek “forgiveness” but rather try to understand what has happened, attempt to correct any damage that may have resulted from it and determine how to not repeat the error.

The first time I’ve heard one of our leaders talk about another member in a slanderous way I was shocked, but knowing we are human I chose to simply let it go and chant for the situation to correct itself.  The second time it happened I chose to bring it up anonymously in an online community.  I found that this seems to be the way of the leadership and the topic was quickly muffled.

Now it has come up yet again, this time in close quarters.   I was the only member no talking about this non-present member.  Other then myself, everyone else either was or had held some position of leadership.   With hindsight being 20/20 I should have spoken up right then. I didn’t and now I ashamed at that.

Our group is very close and tight nit.  I really have nobody to talk to about it or to report it to.  Sure I could go up the leadership ladder in the organization to complain but past experience tells me nothing will become of it.  Besides, the people involved really are very nice and through my practice has helped me out quite a bit.

What really gets me is these people themselfs belong to groups that have been targeted by hate in our society and I would think make them that much more aware of the concequences their actions can lead to.

I’ve intentionally been a bit vague in this post as I really don’t intend to call anyone out in this forum, mearly I wanted to vent this out for myself and perhaps ferret out anyone else who’s a member of the SGI that has had similar experiences. 

The Buddhism of Nichiren Daishonin is a sound principle and worth of anyone study.  It is based on individual happiness and peace.  Nichiren gave us this practice to enable all of us to become enlightened.  Regular everyday people, working, raising families and living life as we all do.  He showed that you need not be a monk or priest studying the Sutras for a lifetime, you simply need chant Nam Myoho Renge Kyo.

Yes, there’s more to it then that I I am always eager to share that with anyone who asks (and those that don’t) but it was not the focust of thsi post.

So What Will I Do?

You know I really don’t know.  I’d like to think if (when) it happens again I’ll have the courage to stand up against the injustice.  But then again, maybe I won’t.  I know I should.

I do know I must now chant more Daimoku.  Nam Myoho Renge Kyo – Nam Myoho Renge Kyo – Name Myoho Renge Kyo

Many people take the project management approach to achieving their goals.  They look at exactly where they want to be, where they are now and plot an intricate path towards that goal.

Life however, isn’t a controled environment and many times along your projects timeline you’ll encounter unforseen events that put you at a crossroad and in a position to make potentially difficult choices.

To avoid these decisions (which can at times make you consider abandoning your goal alltogether) consider taking a more nautical approach.

Climb high atop your mast and get a visual on that island (your goal).  You’re probably far enough away from it where you haven’t yet made a decision as to which beach you want to land on, but you do know that is where you want to be.  Use your rudder and rigging to keep moving in the general direction of the island.  Remember sometimes as you tack back and forth to take advantage of the prevailing winds and currents it may appear you are travelling in the wrong direction by an untrained eye.  But you know in fact you’re making progress.

Once you can make out the vegitation on the island get back up on that mast with your binoculars and fine tune your plan.  Figure out just which beach you want to land on and make note of any potential underwater obstructions that could undermine your plans.

It is always far easier to make minor adjustments then abrupt course changes.  Navigate towards your goals as you would pilot a ship, not as an NYC cab driver.

*Flickr Photo used under Creative Commons license – By Seyahmas

I received an email from my old friend Laurie Larson about a movement to petition President Barak Obama to instate the position of “Secretary of the Arts” which I was unaware of.

Many countries have had Minsters of Arts or Culture for centimes, The United States has never created such a position. This would help our educatin policies, and research has shown that keeing arts and music in the schools greatly reduces the dropout epidemic that is sweeping America.

If you can spare a moment, please take a look and sign this petition if you agree.

Related links: Quincy Jones Post, Official Laurie Larson Website

A Fistful Of Dollars: The Story of a Kiva.org Loan from Kieran Ball on Vimeo.

A Fistful Of Dollars: The Story of a Kiva.org Loan from Kieran Ball on Vimeo.

I’ve been a supporter and contributor to the Kiva.org project for a few years now. It dovetails nicely with my “Hand Up no Hand Out” philosophy.

This Vimeo video by Kieran Ball shows the path of a $25 loan from London, England to Preak Tamao village, Cambodia.

You can read more about this video on Kieran’s blog.

So here I am, at the start of a new year already late at gathering my thoughts about my determinations for the year.  Of course since I’ve spent much of 2008 questioning the organization around my Buddhist practice it’s only reasonable to also question some of the rituals as well, such as formulating our determinations.  Shakyamuni himself rewrote many sutras after believing them complete and many others have made adjustments to the practice to reflect the current culture.  As long as the practice remains controlled by logic, proof and the mystic law it is by nature an aspect of Buddhism.

So do we really need to define a determination or goal for the coming year?  I believe this is a question that needs to be answered individually.  In my case, the benefits I’ve received through out last year…  Financial rewards, New Car, My own home… have all manifested as a direct result of my practice and focus on the essence of Buddhism and chanting Nam Myoho Renge Kyo to the Gohonzon.  My local Soka Gakkai leadership tells me I must focus on the organization by attending meetings and participating.  Subscribing to publications.  Recruiting new members.  But I believe this is not necessary.  Nichiren writes that if we chant Nam Myoho Renge Kyo, acknowledging the powers of the mystic law and telling other people of this practice as best as we can, even a single word or phrase that we can become a Bodhisattva of the earth, in this lifetime.  

This said, I believe that rather than arbitrarily focusing on a new direction in my life I continue on this very fruitfull path that I am on now and concentrate on focusing and fine-tuning my practice and awareness of my environment.  Harnessing all that I’ve learned through this practice to bring happiness to everyone I possibly can and in the process elevating my own life so I can make this cause with even greater victory.

I’ve come a long way.  Reading back through my writings you can see that I have become cynical and skeptical over the past few years, but I have never once doubted the validity and benefits of this practice.

So to put it simply.  My determination for 2009 is focus.

I’d love to hear your determinations.  (Or if you’re not yet a Buddhist practitioner and prefer to call it your New Years resolution, that’s fine too!)

Creative Commons Photo Credit: Spunfunkster

Congratulations and best wishes at this festive start of the Year of Youth and Victory.

As the sun of Soka continues to illuminate the world with the fresh yet timeless light of a new dawn, it is revealing a clear path of hope and good fortune for all humanity. I am confident that it will shine on with ever-greater brilliance into the farthest reaches of human history.

Let us proudly embark on another year of momentous triumphs, as we aim toward the 80th anniversary of the Soka Gakkai and the 35th anniversary of the SGI in 2010!

In 1974, 35 years ago, I visited China and the Soviet Union, which were then in a state of considerable tension. In Japan, a storm of criticism descended upon me. Failing to understand my motives, many questioned my traveling to nations that rejected religion. Nevertheless, I met and spoke with innumerable ordinary citizens in China and the Soviet Union, forging bonds of friendship. For it was my firm belief that amicable exchange among the people of the world, transcending all differences, is the way to build an unshakable foundation for peace. I also engaged in frank discussions with the leaders of both nations.

The following year, in January 1975, I flew to the United States and also had meaningful dialogues with leaders there who held the keys to peace. That very month, the SGI was founded on Guam, the final stop on my U.S. visit. In other words, it was established in the midst of my efforts to bring the United States, China and the Soviet Union closer together through dialogue in a world shrouded by the dark clouds of the Cold War.

History teaches us the bitter lesson that coercive balances of power and attempts to resolve conflicts through military force only create greater division. Choosing dialogue is the key to building peace and achieving a victory of our inner humanity. Since the founding of the SGI, this truth has continued to ring out vibrantly across the globe as the cry of world citizens.

René Dubos, the eminent French-American microbiologist whom I met at the recommendation of British historian Arnold J. Toynbee, warned, “Despite our scientific and technological triumphs we suffer from a loss of nerve and have become a conservative society satisfied with continuing on our present course.”

Humankind today needs courage and hope to choose a new path of change—for the sake of achieving sustainable development and for lasting peace. The noble mission of the SGI is to impart the energy of courage and the philosophy of hope to societies around the world.

Our movement is not something abstract or beyond the scope of daily life. It is manifested in our relationships with those in our immediate surroundings, the people around us, in our neighborhoods, communities and societies. It is a movement that spreads from individual to individual, through sincere and earnest one-on-one dialogue.

Dr. N. Radhakrishnan, a leading Gandhian scholar and champion of human rights with whom I have shared many discussions, has also observed that true dialogue transforms clashing views from wedges dividing people into bridges linking them. I have met and spoken with thousands of leaders and thinkers of every nationality, ethnic background, religion and ideology. In each of those encounters, the greater the differences between us, the more I concentrated on trying to understand as deeply as possible the other person’s thoughts and feelings. I also strove to act in a spirit of sincere and genuine friendship.

For all our infinite diversity, we are all human beings. We all face the same fundamental issues of existence—birth, aging, sickness and death. It is no exaggeration to say that dialogue between civilizations is ultimately a dialogue between human beings, one life touching and communicating with another.

The ancient Roman philosopher Seneca described the effect philosophy should have on our lives: “The first thing which philosophy undertakes to give is fellow-feeling with all [people]; in other words, sympathy and sociability.” These qualities are equally important for us in today’s modern world, where human relationships are becoming increasingly superficial and transitory. We need, in other words, to build a new community that will be an oasis for the human heart. We need to establish and expand a network of friendship brimming with mutual consideration and support. Instead of withdrawing into our own shells, we each need to go out and actively contribute to the prosperity and betterment of society.

The Mystic Law is a powerful source of vitality and creativity for opening the way to such a new age and new society. We of the SGI, sharing the bonds of mentor and disciple and an infinitely profound mission, have energetically demonstrated the essential power of the Mystic Law in communities around the world.

Nichiren Daishonin declares: “Great evil portends the arrival of great good. If all of Jambudvipa [the entire world] were to be thrown into chaos, there could be no doubt that [the Lotus Sutra would] ‘be widely propagated throughout Jambudvipa’ ” (The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 1122). Our world today is facing many daunting challenges, among them pressing global environmental problems and a “once-in-a-century” financial crisis. In the midst of this—with the emergence from the grassroots level of youthful leaders calling for change—we are entering a period of historic transformation and harmony. The world is looking for a unified force of ordinary citizens who will be the linchpins for creating a better society.

You, the members of the SGI, are an invaluable presence in our world. You are stirring a groundswell of dialogue through your patient and persevering efforts and contributing to your communities as pillars of trust, eyes of conscience and great ships of hope. From the perspective of Buddhism, each one of you is a genuine treasure of your country and a precious treasure of humankind.

Nichiren says: “Great joy [is what] one experiences when one understands for the first time that one’s mind from the very beginning has been the Buddha. Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is the greatest of all joys” (The Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings, pp. 211–12). Wherever you bravely venture and reach out to others in dialogue, you bring with you a deepening awareness of the sanctity of life and create ripples of the joy of life that touch countless others.

The great Dutch humanist Erasmus, urging the importance of peace, wrote: “One would imagine that the common name of man might be sufficient to secure concord between all who claim it.” He also stated: “[It would be better to] reflect that this world, the whole of the planet called earth, is the common country of all who live and breathe upon it, if the title of one’s country is sufficient reason for unity among fellow-countrymen.”1 His words resonate deeply with the ideals of our movement.

Our SGI movement for peace, culture, and education in accord with the universal principles of humanism and based on the Mystic Law—a teaching of the supreme dignity and sanctity of life—has spread to 192 countries and territories. The foundations for worldwide kosen-rufu have now been solidly secured. Working together with you, my noble friends, I created the time and set the stage for the global spread of the Daishonin’s Buddhism.

It makes me very happy to see the youth division members, whom I love so dearly, carrying on the baton of peace I have handed to them, and ever more young men and women joining them on the great path of Soka leading into the infinite future.

My mentor, second Soka Gakkai president Josei Toda, called out to us: “Foster capable people! That is the surest path to future victory!” This was his golden rule for success. Strive to foster young people to become even more capable than you are. Shine with the noble spirit of mentor and disciple, and boldly build an unsurpassed citadel of the people dedicated to kosen-rufu and an incomparably strong bastion of Soka youth.

The German author Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749–1832) wrote: “How might I live joyfully and long?” You must always seek the most exalted: The unknown exalted brings about so much, And upon it time and eternity impose no limitation.

Your daily SGI activities—through which you strive to polish and elevate your lives and help others do the same—are a source of infinite value that will shine on with eternal splendor. They constitute admirable and lofty efforts for peace that will adorn your lives with the highest satisfaction, fulfillment, and joy.

My wife and I continue to chant daimoku earnestly that all of you, our precious and cherished members everywhere, will enjoy the best of health, long life, harmony, and happiness, and that your communities and countries will be safe from harm and will prosper and flourish.

Let’s advance together into the New Year, working toward new great victories, our hearts filled with a glorious song of joy!

New Year’s Day 2009

Daisaku Ikeda

SGI President