The conference was one of the most joyful in the world! The theme of the conference was “People of Wisdom – building an oasis of hope, trust and friendship.” President Ikeda sent a message encouraging the 145 Culture Department participants to remain engaged in society among the common people. He quoted Nichiren who stated “Unlike most people, in the course of spreading these doctrines of mine, I Nichiren, have occasion to meet with a great many persons (The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin,vol. 2. p. 778).” President Ikeda also encouraged Culture Department members to live out our precious existences by “engaging ourselves in heart to heart courageous and inspiring dialogue” – thus widening a circle of peace, friendship and trust.
Dr. Eric Hauber spoke on the oneness of mentor and disciple. He also introduced major concepts contained within President Ikeda’s 2009 Peace Proposal (please see the link on the home page of the culture department web site to the peace proposal). Eric responded to questions with refreshing and wise perspectives that each participant could apply to their own challenges. SGI-USA General Director Danny Nagashima and SGI-USA Women’s Division Leader Linda Johnson both provided strong, clear and encouraging videos, as they were not able to attend the conference themselves. The experiences presented at the meeting of turning misfortune into incredible advancements were inspiring to all those present.
As a major part of the conference, participants held small group dialogues on key concepts contained in President Ikeda’s 2009 Peace Proposal. One concept, Humanitarian Competition was a revolutionary idea originally set forth by Tsunesoburo Makaguchi as a new paradigm to help overcome the current world economic and social crisis and to allow society to advance in a positive and sustainable way. Other concepts discussed included the danger in the spirit of abstraction (denying the humanity of others) and value of inner universality (creating value where we are right now as a cause to change the world). These dialogues allowed members to more deeply understand, articulate, and nourish the determination to apply these concepts contained within the peace proposal to their professional and personal lives.
There were about 40 individuals from a variety of health care disciplines around the country representing the Healing Arts who participated at this conference. The Healing Arts members, during a break out session, formed small groups to further the Peace Proposal, “The Two Kinds of Illnesses” (from the writing of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p.919) and “Compassion Fatigue” that care givers may experience.
One very hopeful part of the meeting was observing wonderful vigorous youth division participants jumping right in to assist with the conference. As graduate students and new professionals, they expressed how the Culture Department conference was very meaningful and encouraging. They are determined to take an even more active role in next year’s conference, 2010. It will mark the 20th anniversary of the SGI-USA Culture Department. Hope to see you there!
Dr. Rochelle Wilson and Dr. Keith Shulman
July 10, 2009 at 5:31 pm |
great conference, sgharing guide with others. will come back next year and annually. I am making a vow..