Lets create a joyous Era of Dialogue!!

something that i chanced upon dialogues and lets really learn from our comrades in USA.

Sensei says:
"In his writings, Nichiren Daishonin states, 'I praise myself, for I cannot hold back the upsurge of joy in my life' (Gosho Zenshu, p. 334). The essence of Buddhism lies in the joy of faith. In other words, being able to truly enjoy ourselves reflects the essence of Buddhism. Fully enjoying your devotion to the Mystic Law, brimming with confidence, please always be cheerful in spreading the seeds of happiness across your country and constructing a truly peaceful paradise in this land of freedom and justice, this land of America."

In excerpts from his speech at the 2nd CEC SGI-USA, General Director Danny Nagashima says: "After everything that has happened since Sept. 11, our fellow citizens are suffering. They are looking for the answers to life, the solutions to problems big and small. And we have the solution. We must realize the urgency to propagate the Law for the sake of all humankind. Why do people get up each day, work and raise families? They are looking for happy, fulfilling lives. But in the Latter Day of the Law, their owninner negativity keeps them from finding it. They are seeking the Gohonzon, no doubt about it. This is our conviction, this is our mission -- and this is our joy."

From her speech at the 2nd CEC SGI-USA, Women's Leader Matilda Buck shares: "Genuine dialogue is founded on listening -- not trying to convince someone by a barrage of words. Doctors are finding that listening has a healing power. As we truly listen with openness and respect for another, we cleanse and heal our own lives of pettiness and egotism. As we listen to another, we help to heal the pain of separation that many of us carry. As we listen, we empower others, empower them toward hope and revitalization."

In an excerpt from part of her speech at the 2nd CEC, SGI-USA Young Women's Leader Wendy DeSouza comments: "This weekend, the young women's leaders resolved to devote ourselves to sharing and promoting the World Tribune in 2002. Toward this task, I have self-appointed myself as SGI-USA Women's Leader Matilda Buck's apprentice. I would like to ask all the young women to unite in accomplishing an unprecedented victory in inspiring thousands more of our members to subscribe to the World Tribune. We can only do this by tapping into the treasure trove of wisdom found in the women's division members."

From his speech at the 2nd CEC focusing on joyful propagation, SGI-USA Young Men's Leader Steve Mortan expresses: "It is my determination and prayer that the SGI-USA youth will experience personal joy and confidently share this Buddhism. When President Ikeda was in his 20's, he completely dedicated himself to propagation, determined to help those who were suffering the most. Through this intense training in spreading the Law, he was able to develop his life. Inspired by President Ikeda's life, let's create our own stories of an American shakubuku spirit which we can share with our future generations. With our personal victory, let's us bring President and Mrs. Ikeda back home to America."


~ON DIALOGUES~
In his article about the newly established $20 million Wosk Center for Dialogue at Simon Fraser University in downtown Vancouver and the importance of dialogue, Toda Institute for Global Peace and Policy Research Director Majid Tehranian writes: "What is the magic of dialogue? … Dialogue begins with the assumption that 'truth' or 'meaning' is not the monopoly of any single person or group. Truth (with a small 't') must betherefore negotiated among contending parties. To do so, it is necessary for the parties to any dispute to enter an open-minded conversation on their conflicting perceptions of the situation at issue. Dialogue is thus a contemplative process in which parties to a dispute listen more than talk."