$oka Gakkai (U.S.A.) International ($GI) Cult Event , at IKEDA Auditorium -
"President Ikeda always emphasizes the power of song .... "
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"Good Morning & Welcome.
The Sunflower Chorus would like to pay tribute to our SGI President & Mentor Daisaku Ikeda.
He's an educator, author and recipient of over 240 honorary degrees AND the United Nations Peace Award.
Under his leadership, the SGI has grown its present membership of more than 12 million people in 192 countries and territories.
Nichiren Buddhism is a teaching conveyed through the Mentor-Disciple relationship. The oneness, or shared commitment of Mentor & Disciple, forms the essence of our Buddhist practice.
Our song today, is confirmation that SENSEI, our BELOVED TEACHER, although separated by distance, is ETERNALLY, FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS."
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Notice the chorus members' serious sense of purpose and determined head nodding, as the song is introduced. Thereafter, a slow (creepiest version I've ever heard), heavy version of "Forever Dear Leader." It picks up after the first verse, with the audience starting to clap along.
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The power of a song, indeed. The power to brainwash and take hold over you.
- Hitch