WHY SHOULD I ATTEND BSG / SGI MEETINGS?
Attending meetings is an important aspect of our Buddhist practice. The meetings have been described as an “oasis of happiness” and “source of absolute victory” as they infuse our lives with hope, happiness and great good fortune.
We attend meetings to seek the teachings of Buddhism. This tradition of meetings was also advocated by Nichiren Daishonin, who stated, “Those resolved to seek the way should gather [together] and listen to the contents of this letter” (‘Letter from Teradomari’, wnd-1, 206).
The majority of the meetings are held on a monthly basis in the homes of members. These are small gatherings which allow open-hearted discussion among participants so as to gain a correct understanding of the philosophy.
The core meetings are the discussion meeting and Gosho study meeting. The former provide us an opportunity to listen to experiences of members who share how they challenged various difficulties or situations through their Buddhist practice and were able to transform them into victories. They share their journey of human revolution in the process, of the value they created from a negative situation. It is a forum which allows us to learn from others’ experiences, seek answers to any questions we may have, resolve our doubts and deepen our faith.
In the study meetings, we study the Gosho, the writings of Nichiren Daishonin and Sensei’s guidance. This is practical study, which infuses us with the wisdom, compassion and courage to lead lives of happiness and value.
While attending meetings regularly is a challenge, however, the prayer and struggle to attend them fills our life with good fortune. It also enables us to develop correct faith and practice and experience the great power of the Mystic Law in our life.
Value Creation, February 2016
1 comment:
Thank you for sharing why we do attend meetings as Nichiren encouraged believers with seeking minds to gather and listen to the encouragement together.
Mike Spence
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