SGI-UK Study Department
Criteria for Study Lecturers

Criteria

In "The True Aspect of all Phenomena,' Nichiren Daishonin wrote: "Believe in the
Gohonzon, the supreme object of devotion in all Jambudvipa. Be sure to strengthen
Your faith, and receive the protection of Shakyamuni, Many Treasures, and the Buddhas of 
the ten directions. Exert yourself in the two ways of practice and study. Without practice and 
study there can be no Buddhism. You must not only persevere yourself; you must also teach 
others. 130th practice and study arise from faith. Teach others to the best of your ability, even 
if it is only, a single sentence or phrase [WND p 386].   The purpose of taking responsibility 
for lecturing in the SGI movement is to transmit the spirit of Nichiren Daishonin, to represent 
the three founding Presidents, and to encourage others to deepen their faith in the Gohonzon.

In May 2002 SGI-Europe Chairman Mr. Hasegawa described the ideal spirit of a lecturer as 
follows: 'What matters most is whether or not the life condition of the person giving the 
lecture is full of enthusiasm and passion. If the person is not really fighting and acting in the 
organisation, the fighting spirit will not be there to inspire others."

The monthly study meeting is the prime opportunity to give the members of SGI-UK
and their guests inspiration rooted in the spirit of Nichiren Daishonin and the Three
Presidents.  Therefore it is important that lectures arc well prepared, and delivered in a
way that encourages al1 who attend to develop self-motivated and unshakeable faith.  Ideally, 
our members will also be encouraged to establish daily study in their lives, so that they do not 
merely rely on the lecture for that inspiration.  Lecturing is therefore much more than making 
a presentation in any other field, and is a role that should be taken with a deep sense of 
responsibility.

SGI-UK Study Lecturers will:
1.	Have a responsibility within SGI-UK.  ('Responsibility' means one where the appointment 
has been made by HQ leaders.)
2.	Be approved by one of the lecturer's Men's and Women's Division Area or Regional 
Directors.
3.	Be appointed for a period of three years, at the end of which their tenure as a lecturer will 
be reconsidered.
4.	Be actively involved in the Kosen-rufu movement.
5.	Demonstrate actual proof of Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism.
6.	Have passed the SGI-UK Study Lecturer's Exam.
7.	Have assisted in three lectures and have led two lectures prior to being appointed as a 
Lecturer, one of which is observed by the Area or Regional Director mentioned in 
paragraph 2
8.	Demonstrate competence in the preparation and delivery of a lecture.  "Competence" 
means thorough preparation based on the preparation lecture, using appropriate materials, 
explaining Buddhist principles clearly and accurately, and successfully encouraging those 
attending the lecture.

Assistant Study Lecturers will be those members of SGI-UK who are training to fulfil the 
above criteria.

October 2003