Kosen-Rufu, Nam-myoho-renge-kyo

"Literally, it means to widely declare and spread (Buddhism); to secure lasting peace and happiness for all humankind through the propagation of Nichiren Buddhism. More broadly, kosen-rufu refers to the process of establishing the humanistic ideals of Nichiren Buddhism in society. (World Tribune, April 11, 2003)

As a practicing Buddhist, I have realized the humanistic principles of Nichiren Buddhism are present in all major religions. I have chosen this practice because it has allowed me to gain a true understanding of my life. Like a mirror, it has allowed me to observe my best and worst tendencies, and make the obvious choice for self-improvement and gradual enlightenment. I have reached a turning point, approaching 50 years, where I feel life beginning stage two, giving me an opportunity to utilize the positive knowledge I have compiled, pushing the negative forces (worlds), characterized by ego and desires, deep into my sub-consciousness where I can readily observe and temper selfish behavior into positive life energy. Our most selfish desires can lead to our enlightenment.

Considering the desperate situation in the world currently, where illusion, ego and selfish desire seem to captivate our attention; war, hunger, disease, corporate dishonesty and a blatant disregard for the sanctity of all life, I have pondered the question, "What role do I play and how may I help to improve this dire human catastrophe of events?"

As masses take to the streets throughout the world, protesting the politics of war and devaluation of human life, I, following the lessons of my Buddhist practice, believe it is of utmost importance to begin with the care and spiritual nurturing of each individual person. It's simpleJ If all people would believe in and propagate the sanctity of all life, The foremost principle of Buddhism, and a principle theoretically present in all religions, there would be no war or conflict, only peaceful dialog when seemingly critical and dangerous situations arise. This must be accomplished by each of us sharing and cultivating these ideals in every person we come into contact with. This is the gradual road towards world peace. This is the true meaning of kosen-rufu. We must change our way of thinking to alter the catastrophic events plaguing the world today.

I have re-evaluated my life and 30 year career as a professional musician, singer and percussionist and am happy to be in a period of the re-construction of my goals and in particular the direction of Defunkt Music. Overwhelmed with super egoist attitude and a tendency towards selfish gratification and non-sensical accumulation of accolades and things, I now recognize my real mission to serve the development of humanity for the remaining duration of my life.

Previously, Defunkt Music was primarily concerned with concerts, club dates and the illusive reward of commercial success. Now, we turn our complete energy and focus towards developing creative workshops to share and communicate with as many people, in as many situations as possible, throughout the world. We especially want to reach and share positive energy and valuable life experience with young people of all ages and cultural backgrounds. The children are our future.

To meet this challenge, we have initially designed primarily workshops focusing on music, but designed to benefit musicians of all skill and proficiency levels. We see each participant as an invaluable contributor to our own personal development and vow to devote our time, energy and talent to each unique individual, appreciating the differences between people, highlighting the humanistic values and similarities in all people and all living things in the universe.

Initially, we begin with four (4) workshop models in music, as described in further detail in this brochure and on our website. Eventually, we will expand to incorporate other creative and humanistic workshops in fashion, film, dance nature appreciation, and martial arts and "friendship workshops" for the sick, elderly, underprivileged and orphan children, and people incarcerated. These workshops will strive diligently to instill the qualities of compassion, tolerance, a yearning for education and utilization of continued dialog in all situations, no matter how grave and seemingly hopeless. We will develop the determination to exhibit a "never, never, give up attitude". This is vital, to develop confidence and self-esteem. These are the qualities that will nurture in every human being a strong faith, thereby enabling the participants to continue the cycle of cause and effect by sharing their newly discovered confidence and compassion with others.

After a period of developing, documenting and perfecting our curriculum in the workshops, our ultimate goal is to create a summer camp in The Netherlands for Arts, Compassion and Humanities dedicated to my deceased brother and jazz legend Lester Bowie so that we may solicit to and accommodate participants worldwide to work and grow together towards the goal of kosen-rufu or world peace. We will invite instructors to the camp from throughout the world who have proven not only through their artistic achievements but their undaunting commitment to a peaceful world where respect and co-existence between all human beings is foremost, furthermore an innate uplifting of our personal life condition that will enable every single person to attain enlightenment, undoubtedly developing our nature of compassion allowing us to take responsibility for all living things on this earth and in the universe. This is how we will achieve the "Peace of the Land". We welcome you, my friends, to join us in our journey, honoring and respecting others, planting the seeds peace in our lives for eternity.

Nam-myoho-renge-kyo

Nam
Devotion to summon life force within us, and fuse it with the life force of the universe, drawing from it infinite energy for compassionate action.

Myoho
Mystic law of the Universe. Means to open and revive the state of Buddhahood within ourselves and others.

Renge
Simultaneity of cause and effect. Whatever action we take, the unseen effect is immediately lodged in our lives to become manifest at the appropriate time.

Kyo
Teaching of Buddha. Means sound and vibration connecting all life throughout the universe.