The SGI-USA student division celebrated
its third birthday with more than 100 members from across the country
gathering for a nationwide meeting held in two parts on Sept. 24 and 25 at
the Los Angeles Friendship Center. On Sept. 24, the students discussed
student issues like time management, introducing peers to Buddhism,
relationships, career plans and knowing your mission. They also visited
the Soka University of America, Aliso Viejo construction site that day. On
Sept. 25, they discussed what they wanted to do about the temple issue --
both as individuals and as a student division organization. However, there
was not enough time to agree on a joint resolution, so the idea came up to
make this a nationwide project toward Nov. 18, Soka Gakkai Founding Day,
and involve all student division members. In next week's Student Waves,
we'll have all the details. Also on Sept. 25, the students heard a
mini-lecture from Arun Gandhi, who is carrying on his grandfather Mahatma
Gandhi's campaign for non-violence, and attended the 1st SGI-USA Youth
Grand Culture Festival.

 In his message to the culture festival, SGI
President Ikeda says that "wholehearted commitment opens the path to
victory. Earnest sincerity has the power to move people’s hearts. Nothing
is more potent than the solidarity of ordinary citizens. You, as young
people dedicated to justice, have demonstrated this truth. As the great
champion of non-violence Mahatma Gandhi declared, the most powerful rebuke
one can deliver evil is to expand the unity of genuine friendship into the
world. I hope that you will continue, always with bright smiles and high
spirits, to be good friends to one another, to share and encourage one
another as you build a grand human network of trust. Please continue to
shine in your communities, your schools and your places of work, as you
energetically engage in activities to make society a better place for
all." The full message will appear in the Oct. 15 World Tribune. For
information on subscribing to the World Tribune, call 1-800-835-4558 or
e-mail SGISUBS@aol.com.