SGI USA

‘Be Men of Conviction’

By Enoa Reid AIEA, HAWAII

There are times when you have to speak up. You have to stand up for yourself, for what’s right; but it can feel like hell. That’s how it was for me. I’m a chill dude, and I keep to myself. So, when it was time for me to speak up for myself at work as a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) mechanic, I needed courage, conviction.

I’m a member of the Gajokai, a training group for young men who protect the members and the center. The three mottoes of the Gajokai are: “Be men of conviction. Be men of effort. Be men of perseverance.” C.E.P. is how I remember it. For 10 years, I’ve been trying to apply these mottoes to my shifts and in my daily life.

I joined the Gajokai in 2012. Fresh out of high school, I was learning to open and close our center, dump the rubbish, make sure everything is safe. A couple of shifts in, I had forgotten to lock the door, and a leader kindly pointed out my mistake, reminding me that the Gajokai need to be vigilant for the members.

I remember another shift not long after that. The meetings at our center had ended, and we were locking up. But I noticed a car sneak into our garage. I didn’t know who the people were or what they were trying to do. I knew I had to speak up, but I was nervous. I remembered why we do Gajokai—to protect the castle of kosen-rufu and for our own training—so I called up my leader to report, and we went down there together. We told them that our center was closed and they’d have to leave, and they did. I started developing more confidence and courage.

I soon started my career as an apprentice HVAC mechanic, and it was busy. I’d go to school Monday through Thursday, work Fridays and Saturdays and do a Gajokai shift Sundays. I’d do Soka Group shifts during the week, too. It would’ve been easy to quit, but I didn’t. I’m glad I stuck it out. The shifts taught me how to take initiative, think ahead, be in the moment 100% and work hard out of joy, not out of obligation.

And in my career, I kept moving up. After a couple years, I finished school and got my own truck to do HVAC projects and repairs by myself. Then, I was the only guy trusted to service several buildings in an entire area. I received multiple rewards.

This year, I had an opportunity to advance my career beyond being an apprentice, but I needed to speak up for myself if I wanted to take it. Remembering the mottoes of the Gajokai, C.E.P., I decided to summon conviction.

I’m now a journeyman HVAC mechanic, running projects on my own and training apprentices. I credit my entire career to my Buddhist practice and my training as a Gajokai and Soka Group member. Now I want to keep fighting, do my best at work and live with Ikeda Sensei’s spirit.

The shi s taught me how to take initiative, think ahead, be in the moment 100% and work hard out of joy, not out of obligation.

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2022-12-02T08:00:00.0000000Z

2022-12-02T08:00:00.0000000Z

https://sgiusapublications.pressreader.com/article/281582359644989

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