My first meeting with my family

Last night, my sister and my niece came with me to Gosho Study. I was nervous because I didn't know how they would take everything. I explained to them the organization, gongyo and daimoku along with the help of my fellow SGI members. They, we had our Gosho study. I was surprised and amazed that my sister picked up on everything so quickly. I'm happy that my family was there. :D

My First Realization, I Think

Today, while I was doing Daimoku, I discovered that the Gohozon, like the image of the prophet Mohammad, is sacred and that's why there's little to no images of them. Also, like the Muslim faith, Daishonin Buddhiism has many preconceived misconceptions about the true nature of the practice. Sadly, it's fueled by old stereotypes and the misguided act of a few, which only ended up hurting the whole. I concluded that it's up to all of us who practice our faith the right way to take the first steps in showing the world that we're more than a preconceived misconception while showing kindness, dignity and respect to others who practice different faiths at the same time.

:D

Happy News! :D

First of all, congrads are in order for Kazuko-San, an SGI member in Omaha, for the birth of her second grandson! :D His name is Dillon, but Kazuko-San calls him 'D-Chan'. :D Also, Berta, another SGI member in Omaha, came back from her hometown in Spain! :D I saw her at the distinct meeting today and talked about how our hair's changed and how her trip was.

My first New Year's Gosho.

Well, today was my first New Year's Gosho and it was really fun! We did Gongyo, Maiyumi and Kati read the New Year's Gosho, Ebony read tow poems while Katie share her experience practice. Tobey, Sharon, Neil, Claude and I ream a poem while singing 'Higher Than The Sky.' Claude, Katie, Alex, Ebony, Sharon and Erika did a dance to 'Smooth Sailing' I believe the song was. Jennifer gave encouragement, we had gohonzon conferrals and leadership appointments. We saw a DVD of Ikeda-Sensei visited China and reuniting with a friend (I forgot his name. :P) We did a group picture to give to Ikeda-Sensei and we had a potluck. It was a great time and a great success. :D Also today, I bought "For Today & Tomorrow Daily Encouragement" and "The Buddha in the Mirror" by Ikeda-Sensei and some candles. Also, Marie from the store got me a Daimoku Chant, yay! :D Also, Haruko-San gave everyone Potato Soup to take home. :D

Moments & Lifetimes

Tonight, I went to Maiyumi's Graduation party at Nina's house. It was so much fun. Everyone met Maiyumi's family who flew in from Japan. The family dog, Sheba, was there, but she was good, mainly plotting how to get some food. :D I met other SGI members, including a little boy named Skylar, who loves to tease his older sister by playing with her hair. We did Gongyo with Maiyumi's father leading us and Maiyumi opened her present that everyone gave her. I gave her a card with a Tiger's Eye cat shaped necklace inside. It was such a wonderful party that I was sad to leave. It made me forget about my current problems for a while. I think that's the real reason for a party: to bring people together to celebrate and forget one's troubles for a bit. And I think that people don't want a party to end is because it has moments that you wish would last forever.

Barefeet and Jazzhands

Last night, the youth division of SGI Omaha met to discuss ideas for the new year's celebration. Some are doing a tree containing the leaves of our SGI members while others are doing a dance. Towards the end, I went to have a sneak peek of rehearses. I won't spoil anything, but everyone was barefooted and their routine will include jazzhands. I think this will be a great new year's celebration.