November Commemorative Meeting Held for 2007
Appreciating the Founding fathers of Soka
Today, SGI's traditions of November 18th commemorative meeting was held at James' and Annie's house. The meeting started off with introduction of the guests to the meeting - overall there were 17 guests in attendance! The basics of the practice was shared by Ken, where he talked about the absolute happiness and the fact that with this Buddhism, it's possible to take charge of one's destinity and open the path for your own happiness. He also shared about what the SGI as an organization is, and the fact that it is now spread over 190 countries and territories. The meeting then proceed to sonorous Daimoku and Gongyo. The theme of the meeting was "Appreciation and Creativity" - the MC, Domenico, introduced the theme, and the brief history of the founding fathers of Soka, Tsunesaburo Makiguchi, Jose Toda, and Daisaku Ikeda. Mariella then further introduced Makiguchi, and what kind of legacy he left behind for the SGI members to engage in Peace, Culture, and Education movement throughout the world. There were 3 experiences from the members, by Carel, Genearo, and Mariella. The experiences were about personal breakthoughs in their lives. Maureen Cervelli, the Women Division region leader, came to give a guidance which touched heart of members and the guests alike.
The main feature of the meeting was the Thanksgiving dinner! There were traditional Thanksgiving food like turkey, home made cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, candied yams, stuffings, green beans, salads, gravy, etc. The members and the guest really enjoyed the food, sitting in the desk and the backyard of the house, and had lively dialogs and enjoyed the music. Here are some of the photos:
