Third SGI-Oceania Conference Held in Australia

The third SGI-Oceania Peace Conference was held in Gold Coast, Australia, on August 22-24, 2008. Some 370 SGI representatives gathered for the meeting from 14 countries and territories throughout Oceania, including New Zealand, Republic of Palau, Federated States of Micronesia, Tonga, New Caledonia, Fiji Islands, Cook Islands, Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea and Tuvalu. SGI President Daisaku Ikeda sent a congratulatory message in which he encouraged the SGI-Oceania members to create peace, happiness and hope in their lives and in their countries. SGI-General Director Yoshitaka Oba attended.

At the conference, participants studied the "Heritage of the Ultimate Law of Life" from Nichiren's writings. Representatives shared how they overcame difficulties through their daily practice of Nichiren Buddhism. During a question and answer session, attendees discussed the significance of the present moment and how to further their understanding of Nichiren's philosophy. SGI-New Caledonia members presented traditional dances and SGI-Australia young women's flag team performed.

[Adapted from an article in the September 13, 2008 issue of the Seikyo Shimbun, Soka Gakkai, Japan]