March 16th is upon us. President Ikeda writes, "March 16th is the eternal
starting point of true cause, when all disciples stand up to be counted.
For me, each day is a day of fresh commitment, each day is March 16th."
(WT, 3/27/98)
This passage may signify that March 16th for youth, far from being a mere
"meeting" or religious holiday, is in fact a new departure for our
personal growth and that of our friends, family and fellow SGI comrades.
James Herrmann, SGI-USA Youth Division Chief, emphasized the importance of
creating joy in our daily lives towards these youth-sponsored introductory
meetings being held across the country this March. In a similar vein,
SGI-USA General Director Danny Nagashima stated that our movement to
expand our great kosen-rufu movement is possible only to the extent each
one of us as individuals "deepens our prayer, our joy, and our passion to
work [for kosen-rufu]." (LB, 1/00)
As students, we are accustomed to setting goals and striving to achieve
them in our respective fields. Sometimes others' set the mark for us to
reach; sometimes is it we, ourselves, that design our own set of
benchmarks that will lead to excellence. It is our hope that each student
offer something unique to their March meeting, whether by bringing a
guest, doing a home visit, challenging a difficult class, infusing the
meeting with a fresh perspective--- in other words, creating the cause to
experience a joyful growth spurt in their lives.

Boston, Wendy, Daisaku, and Maggie.

Excerpt from "Questions and Answers on Faith: Some Thoughts on Depression"
By Ted Morino

"Life-to-life dialogue, which I admit is not easy, can help us examine
ourselves more thoroughly. It can enable us to recognize weaknesses and
distortions within and see what needs to be changed. Through
life-affirming dialogue, we can also stimulate a new sense of purpose and
passion toward living.
Buddhism teaches that chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo should be done with a
positive orientation. When we have strong desires in our hearts, clear
goals in our minds and solid determination in our lives, our innate
Buddhahood will definitely be activated enough to supersede the negative
forces that cause depression.
It is within this context that we should understand that the Lotus Sutra
is the best medicine. The force of our Buddha nature must prevail for us
to become happy.
It is safe to say that, when we start living with hope for the future, we
will have already begun overcoming our depression. In addition, if we pray
for the happiness of others and take action on their behalf, we have
already regained our mental health on a fundamental level.
It is not proper, then, to say 'just chant' to those who suffer from
depression. Chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo with a weak life force, with no
knowledge of how our lives need to be changed or developed may not bring
about a true solution. Chanting is more meaningful when we have a clear
goal and solid determination; praying in this manner enables us to tap the
wisdom to know what to do and the life force to put forth the effort
needed to accomplish our dreams.
It is important to recognize that courage is the key to our happiness.
This is often what is missing in the lives of those who fall prey to
depression. As the Daishonin’s 'Reply to Kyo’o' reads: 'Believe in this
mandala with all your heart. Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is like the roar of a
lion. What sickness can therefore be an obstacle?' (WND, 412). With faith
in the Gohonzon as our center, all our problems that have generated
depression in our lives can be wiped out."

The following is an unofficial translation of highlights from a recent
question and answer session between SGI President Daisaku Ikeda and the
Kansai Soka high school and junior high school students.

Student:  What does it mean to fight together with the mentor?

President Ikeda:  It is not necessary to contemplate too deeply about
this.  I strictly encourage adults about the spirit to fight alongside the
mentor.  In particular this is strict encouragement to those adults who
despite having received the favor from many individuals and becoming
recognized forget their mentor or teacher, those who betray their mentors,
and to those who participate in acts of injustice.  You are the future.  I
want you to study hard and achieve the grades you set out for yourselves. 
Herein, lies your “fight alongside the mentor”……Live true to yourself. 
This is more than enough for you at this time.

Student:  What is your dream Sensei?

President Ikeda:  Only human beings possess the right to dream.  A life
without dreams is like ash.  A person without dreams will not be a victor.
 They will become a loser.  Possess dreams!  Have hope! In any case, only
through arduous effort can you accomplish your dreams.  In cases where
circumstances in society may be dire, one may not be able to accomplish
their dream.  Furthermore, there may be issues of one’s karma, things as
common mortals we cannot perceive that prevents us from achieving our
dream.  In other words, there may be cases where one cannot achieve their
dream but continue living to accomplish that dream.  This is the true path
of youth, the path of actual proof in one’s growth in life.  My dream is
to make President Toda’s dreams a reality.  President Toda is my
mentor…..Just as the sun rises, just as the moon rises, as the morning
comes as well as the evening, there is an absolute rhythm to the universe.
 The basis of the law of the universe is Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo.  The entire
universe moves with the rhythm of Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo.  I am connected to
my mentor through the rhythm of Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo.  I must make the
dreams and ideals of my mentor a reality.  I must make efforts towards
this endeavor. If your dreams do not allow you to advance then your “true
dreams” are based on selfish desires and ego….Within “true dreams” lies
happiness, justice, compassion for others and peace.  Things built upon
and created from these four extensions of happiness, justice, compassion
for others and peace are “true dreams”.

Student:  For three years words that have touched my heart are “Struggle
and hope occur simultaneously.  When one challenges themselves an
opportunity is born.”  Sensei, what words remain in your heart?

President Ikeda:  What I would like to leave with you today is ‘victory’. 
Life is an eternal battle.  To win is joyful and glorious.  To lose is
pitiable.  Anything you set yourself out to do is fine but achieve victory
each step along the way.  ‘Victory’ does not mean to become rich or to
achieve a certain status in society.  There are many people who despite
having riches and status fall into the path of evil and corruption.  So
what does it mean to win in life?  True or ultimate victory lies in
winning over yourself.  It does not lie in how others view you or how you
compare to others.  Victory belongs to those who can say “I lived true to
myself!”, “I am the ruler of my spirit!”……..Youth is a time of worry.  It
is a time of action and it is a time to burn with hope.  It is a time when
one’s hopes and worries are in battle with one another.  Therefore, you
must not lose to your worries becoming corrupt, losing in life, and
causing worry or sadness for your parents and family.  Those who win over
their worries, those who pursue the path to advance their hopes and dreams
are people of glory.  There is not a single individual that does not worry
or struggle.  No matter how big or small there will always be struggles. 
To worry, to struggle is a natural part of life. Therefore, we must not
lose to our worries.  Take action and complete the goals you have set for
yourself.