by James Herrmann
SGI-USA MEN’S Leader
In January 2022, the SGI-USA men’s division reported to Ikeda Sensei that we established a safety and security group. On that occasion, he sent a congratulatory message and stated the purpose of the group:
You are vigilantly safeguarding our SGI centers, the treasure castles of our communities, for the sake of kosen-rufu and our fellow members amid your busy schedules. Your efforts undoubtedly will be acknowledged by the Buddhas and bodhisattvas throughout the universe.
I ask that, while ensuring that all activities are conducted safely, you warmly welcome all those who come to our centers, upholding the spirit of the Lotus Sutra to “rise and greet them from afar, showing them the same respect you would a Buddha” (see The Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings, pp. 192–93).
Now in the tradition of our mentor’s spirit, we are naming the men’s safety and security group the King Castle Group (Ojokai) after the group created by Sensei in Japan. This name change will come with new guidelines, dress code and logo.
The new logo (see left) embodies the spirit of this group: a shield to protect; a golden castle resembling a pillar; its two sides representing mentor and disciple; and a crown to convey pride and dignity. It reflects Sensei’s hopes for its members:
Ojokai (King Castle Group) is a men’s division training group whose members are responsible for providing security for our centers. In their greetings there is a sense of security and openheartedness that comes from supporting a family while fighting as “golden pillars” amid the storms and tumult of society.[1]
In March 2013, Sensei established four guidelines, as follows:
Ojokai—Victory of mentor and disciple.
Ojokai—Strictly protecting the Soka Gakkai.
Ojokai—The members first and foremost.
Ojokai—Pillars of society and the community.[2]
With the new name, King Castle Group, and these four guidelines, let us—as SGI-USA men’s division—bring forth renewed vigor and determination to protect and support our members. Thank you!
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