ONE YOUTH. INFINITE HOPE
SGI-USA national youth team shared a new SGI-USA 2020 theme! Please see the message excerpt below regarding this new theme!
This theme signifies our desire for every member of SGI-USA to awaken to their shared vow for kosen-rufu and introduce ONE YOUTH. This ONE YOUTH will not only have the tools to tap into INFINITE HOPE in their own lives, but they will be the source of INFINITE HOPE for their families, communities and the world at large.
We are determined that each of the 6000 youth will be that ONE YOUTH to create a tangible shift in the trajectory of the times and spread waves of hope throughout our land!
This is the purpose of our shakubuku efforts this year and this is how we want to respond to Sensei in this significant year of 2020!
What about the region motto!?
We know you have district and chapter pride!
Some of your districts even have a cheer. “Broadway Heights! Broadway Heights! Number one in member care!”. Yeah, we see you Taj.
Harlem Heights is embodying our unique spirit too! Since we are fighting to have 125 new youth members begin practicing in 2020, we created the following motto:
Harlem Heights’ new region motto for 2020:
“125 Changemakers in Harlem Heights!!!”
We believe the 125 youth we shakubuku in 2020 will be the changemakers who transform the destiny of Harlem Heights
Let us know what you think about it!
ENCOURAGEMENT BOOST!
Here are a few quotes from a great World Tribune articles you may have missed.
I have a hard time sharing Buddhism with others. What can I do? (link)
An opportunity to make new friends
SGI President Ikeda explains: “Propagation must always take place in the context of deepening friendship and earning the trust of others. Today we live in an age in which there are superficial discussions, but true dialogue is lacking. Propagating Nichiren Buddhism, however, is a true dialogue: a stimulating exchange, based on consideration and concern for our friends, as we invite them to walk with us on the path of true and complete happiness” (August 2016 Living Buddhism, p. 17).
Ultimately, whether people decide to practice or not, our dialogues about Buddhism help us form deeper ties of friendship with those around us. Talking about Buddhism often leads to discussions about profound perspectives on life, how to overcome our suffering and our experiences of personal transformation.
Be an optimistic individual who can share your convictions!
President Ikeda also shares the following insight based on his own experience of sharing Buddhism, stating: “Everything is hard in the beginning. This is only truer of propagating Buddhism, which Nichiren Daishonin describes in his writings as the most difficult of all difficult things. When I was young, my efforts were really just trial and error, but they became the foundation for future success. The important thing is to be determined, positive and optimistic, and to never stop challenging ourselves, no matter what the circumstances. Let’s be invincible optimists!” (August 2016 Living Buddhism, p. 16).
In this sense, sharing Buddhism helps us develop into strong, optimistic individuals who can effectively convey our convictions and beliefs.
President Ikeda’s experience about the first friend who began practicing
I was so frustrated that I searched very hard for the best ways to talk about Buddhism to others. I prayed wholeheartedly, and I continued to propagate [Nichiren] Daishonin’s teachings, each time with the firm resolve to bring one more person to this faith. I can’t begin to measure what valuable experience and training this gave me.
And how overjoyed I was when I finally was able to successfully convince someone to embrace Nichiren Buddhism! I could never describe my elation in words. I decided that I would thoroughly look after them and make sure that they triumphed in life. I had the elementary school teacher come to my home every morning, and we did gongyo and read Nichiren’s writings together before going to work. I also remember fondly how I used to stop by after work to teach my friend gongyo.