Religion of Tuesday, 31 August 2010

Source: GNA

Buddhists hold seminar in Brong Ahafo

Dormaa-Ahenkro (B/A) Aug. 31, GNA - A three-day seminar for 23 members of the Men's Division Buddhist of Soka Gakkai International (SGI) in Brong-Ahafo ended in Dormaa-Ahenkro at the weekend.

It was organised by the Brong-Ahafo Regional Chapter of SGI, a lay organisation that promotes Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhist teachings for peace and happiness.

The seminar, which was under the theme: "Faith, Practice and Study", was the first since Buddhism was introduced in Brong-Ahafo more than 30 years ago as all earlier programmes for the northern sector were held in Kumasi.

Mr. Kwabena Awuah, national youth leader of SGI, read a message from Mr. Bobson Godonu, General Director of the organisation, who stressed that the Men's division was the bedrock or the golden pillars of SGI.

Greater participation in Buddhist activities is therefore expected of the division in the region, he added.

Lecturing on: "The Purpose of Practice', Mr. Awuah defined two categories of those who practice Buddhism, saying the first group of "practitioners" practice the Mystic Law and teaches others, while the other group, the "mere believers' only care for themselves.

Mr. Awuah advised members of the Men Division to inculcate in their children the practice of Buddhism.

Warrant Officer Class One James Yaw Oppong, Brong Ahafo Regional chapter leader and Mr. Thomas Kwabena Adjei, in-charge of Chiraa district, who jointly lectured on: "The Role of The Men's Division in SGI", advised participants to set outstanding examples for others to emulate.

The two leaders urged their fellow participants to work as models of Faith for other divisions - women, youth and successors - to follow and enjoined them not to behave half-heartedly or abandon their faith because that could cause others to lose sight of their goals and perhaps even abandon their faith.