The Florida Nature and Culture Center (FNCC) is located in Weston, Florida. It’s a place where SGI-USA members can go to connect with other members from all over the United States and the Caribbean. It’s an opportunity to rejuvenate and refresh our practice. I decided to go to the Behind-the-Scenes Conference many years ago. It is a conference for young women and young men who support the SGI-USA behind the scenes. During my practice I continued to do Byakuren duties. I began to see the value in supporting behind the scenes and it no longer seemed pointless but instead became a way for me to support everyone who came into the community center. My job was to make every single member feel welcome. I also volunteered to clean the community center so that the members could enjoy a clean space when they came to participate in activities. With this shift in my attitude, I decided to go to the FNCC for the first time. When I arrived at the Fort Lauderdale airport, I was greeted by members of the youth division. They greeted us and took us to the bus that would drive us to the Center in Weston. It was a long flight for me. I didn’t fly direct because it was cheaper not to. So, what would have been a two-and-a-half-hour flight became a six- or seven-hour trip. But it was worth it. When I arrived at the FNCC I was struck by its beauty. It is located in the everglades. There was plenty of beautiful vegetation including palm trees and lotus flowers. The weather was amazing and there was even a swimming pool and jacuzzi available for use.
We would spend the mornings and afternoons studying different Buddhist concepts and deepening our study of the philosophy of Nichiren Buddhism. There is so much to study as we practice together. There are the three pillars of Buddhism which are faith, practice and study. I am particularly strong in practice and faith. I love to chant, and I do believe in the power of Nichiren Buddhism. Study has always been harder for me to follow through with. Although I do read the Gosho, the Writings of Nichiren Daishonin every day. There are also publications that we read as well. These include the monthly magazine Living Buddhism and our weekly newspaper The World Tribune. Although, when I do study, I do get a lot out of it. In fact, when I read The World Tribune, I felt like our mentor and president Daisaku Ikeda was talking directly to me.
SGI President Daisaku Ikeda was responsible for building the Florida Nature and Culture Center. It was built under his supervision to ensure that everything was perfect for our members. Spending time at the FNCC is like having a short retreat to paradise where we can make friends, learn more about Buddhism and deepen our faith. I have been going to the FNCC for many years. Even though that is the case, every time I visit FNCC it is like I am seeing it for the first time. I always appreciate it’s beaty and breathtaking environment. I also always chant a lot of daimoku or nam myoho renge kyo when I visit. There is a chanting room that is open 24 hours a day. I will often get up early so I can chant abundantly before having breakfast and starting our study sessions.
Another thing that is amazing about the FNCC is the food. Everyone always talks about it who visits there. They are also very accommodating when it comes to people’s diets. They have vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options. I don’t have any dietary restrictions so I can freely enjoy their delicious meals. Going to FNCC always jump starts my Buddhist practice. Whenever I come back from FNCC, I always return encouraged, invigorated and determined to take action. I come back with the FNCC glow. It’s now June 11th and I haven’t been to FNCC since last May for the Spanish Language Conference. I am returned to the Spanish Language Conference this September. At the last conference I made the determination that when I returned to FNCC I would be completely bilingual. I would also love other Spanish speaking members from Buffalo to accompany me. Since I have been going to the Spanish Language Conferences, I have been the only person to come from Buffalo. I am determined that I still have time left to change this!