Phu also wanted to share the determination he made
at the Nov. 18 commemorative meeting for the Willow Glen District he
belongs to: "I'd like to share my impressions of having attended the
SGI-USA Youth Grand Culture Festival in Los Angeles in September this
year. This festival was our youth division's kickoff toward victory in the
21st century. For all the youthful participants and the men and women who
supported us, it was a time to make fresh determinations: a time to stand
up, get in gear and take action for our personal lives and the great cause
of world peace. Members came from all over the United States and Japan for
the event. Some took center stage during the performances; others
dedicated themselves behind the scenes -- that's where I worked. In all
aspects of the show, both members and leaders worked together side by side
as equals. I learned a lot from this. It was a thrilling, fulfilling
experience. SGI President Ikeda has said that he's taught the youth
division all that we need to stand up. Over the years, he has shared
countless guidance and encouragement based on the profound philosophy of
Buddhism. It is time to put these lessons into practice! Doing so for the
festival, we learned much that we can apply in our daily lives, eventually
taking our places on the world stage. President Ikeda has been encouraging
us to overcome our hesitation and take the baton of leadership. We did so
during the culture festival. So many people were encouraged; tears flowed
after the performances. Each act depicted defining moments in U.S.
history. This emphasized the SGI's pursuit of peace, culture and
education. As moving as this was, the real battle is what the youth
division does after the culture festival. I am determined to bring home
the lessons I learned to Willow Glen District. My main concern is that we
develop true friendships. To do this, three things will be important: No.
1 is dialogue. Through dialogue, we can develop appreciation, respect and
trust for one another. No. 2 is to include new friends in our dialogue. By
bringing guests to our activities, we will naturally challenge ourselves
to create fresh, energetic meetings, where people feel free to voice their
ideas and concerns. No. 3 is for younger members to be supported in
creating strong, healthy foundations for their happiness. I appreciate the
older members who do this. I also know that to develop our foundations, we
need to study the Buddhist philosophy of life. This includes the need for
us to clearly understand the differences between the SGI and the Nichiren
Shoshu priesthood. We must prove the SGI's intention to help people secure
their happiness. I'd like to add that to complete our foundations, we’ll
need what I call the three A's for Buddhist Practice: Appreciation for
obstacles, which make us stronger as we overcome them; Actions that we
take for ourselves and others; and Advancement with confidence in our
ultimate victory. In closing, I'd like to quote SGI President Ikeda from
the Oct. 15 World Tribune, page 4: 'I hope that you continue, always with
bright smiles and high spirits, to be good friends to one another, to
share with and encourage one another as you build a grand human network of
trust. Please continue to shine in your communities, your school and your
places of work, as you energetically engage in activities to make society
a better place for all.'" Do you have a determination that you want to
share in Student Waves? Send it to studentdiv@sgi-usa.org.