SGI-Nepal Conducts Buddhist Seminar; SGI-Sri Lanka Holds Study Exams

With this year marking the 55th anniversary of the publication of Nichiren Daishonin Gosho Zenshu (the complete works of Nichiren in classical Japanese), which has been translated and published in ten languages to date, SGI organizations throughout the world are holding seminars and examinations on Nichiren's writings and Buddhist principles.

On June 30, 2007, SGI-Nepal members gathered for a seminar on Buddhism in Pokhara, located around 200 kilometers west of Kathmandu. Participants studied the Buddhist concepts of "repaying one's debt of gratitude" and "earthly desires are enlightenment." The program also included a study of the core Buddhist principle of the "oneness of mentor and disciple," or the spirit of a disciple to inherit the will of and share in the mentor's struggle to advance peace and the blossoming of human potential.

Young Men's Leader Navin Manandhar commented that the day-long seminar had been a source of tremendous inspiration and joy for everyone attending and enabled them to deepen their conviction in Nichiren Buddhism. High School Division Leader Rajendra Maharjan felt the study of Buddhism is indispensable for creating value in life and that he looked forward to many more seminars.

In Sri Lanka, candidates from around the nation gathered in June at the SGI-Sri Lanka Culture Center in Colombo for Study Department entrance- and beginning-level Buddhist examinations.

[Adapted from an article in the July 30, 2007 issue of the Seikyo Shimbun, Soka Gakkai, Japan]