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Anthony Elmore

Today is Saturday February 19, 2000 and I am at the Nichiren Shoshu Temple
talking to Mr. William Giles from Beloit, Wisconsin. Bill I first met you at Tozan in
August of 1996. Now I find myself the third year hear in Ghana with you. For the
benefit of those who may watch this video or read this interview on the Proud Black
Buddhist Web site. Why is it that you come to Ghana over and over?

Williams Giles

Well (pause thinking) Kosen Rufu is very, very important. Kosen Rufu should take
place all over the world and Ghana is no exception to Kosen Rufu. Our Temple
here is a wonderful place to come, the people are wonderful and I feel comfortable in
the land. As an African/American I never had the chance to come to African until I
was 50 years of age. Since that time I dedicated myself to come to Africa for the
next 50 years if I am so fortunate to live. My life to the development of Africa,
Africa is so important to my life and to African/Americans all over the world. I think
that with using the power of the Dai-Gohonzon we as African/Americans and
Diaspora all over the world can truly make Africa a very, very wonderful place once
again. It takes work and the work is not an easy task but it is something we should
think and look forward to doing.

Anthony Elmore

Can you explain the spirit of the Buddhist practice here in Ghana?

William Giles

I think that the spirit is that of seeking and you must have the seeking spirit to find
out the essence of this true Buddhism and the desire to propagate the Law. The
Law. (Bill pause for a minute and smile) Maudy. Maude Elmore Devictor arrived
in Ghana from Chicago. Bill continues…..The law is important to all of us.

Anthony Elmore (behind the video Camera)

Hey Maude, Hey Maude!!! Bill Keep going Bill smiles.

Bill Giles

The law is important as you well know and we must continue in that area. So the
spirit here is that of pioneering Spirit for the building and the propagating of the law
here in Africa. I truly believe that with Africa being the seat of civilization, if we can
save Africa, we can save humanity. And I think that keeping the culture clear here
in Ghana is one that can assist in that process.

Anthony Elmore

Let's go over here to Ms. Maude Devictor who just arrived here! Come on the
screen. Look at that brilliant yellow and smile on your face! So Maude I was just
talking to Bill and for the last three years Bill Giles have been coming here to
Ghana and I see that you have made another pilgrimage. Can you please explain
your reason for coming?

Maude

Each year it sort changes as I grow as the temple grow and the membership grow as
things change in the world I know in my heart that it is important for us to illustrate
with our life that people of color under the flag of Buddhism is the only way we will
be able to survive. Also it gives us power in our lives, we can change things that is
effecting us, we are able to travel. We are able to share our experiences with other
members. With Buddhism it gives you the eye to see things other people cannot
see. People who are not Buddhist they know that we have come here from America,
this is our third straight year and I hope that always there will be a member in our
family (meaning Maude and Anthony Elmore are cousins) that will be here to
support the temple here. Also it is important for local people to know that we came
from America not to party, not to be a problem but we came to support Buddhism.

Anthony Elmore

You said some very, very difficult things that are controversial when you said that
Buddhist know some things that others may not know, can you please explain that.

Maude

Through chanting and clearing the dullness from your mind it has been my
experience that political systems tend to want to dull your mind. You will not see
need or your will not see a need for action. You may not be able to be
compassionate because your are hurting and you may not be concern about Bill or
his investments going bad or whatever but Buddhism keeps your humanity up.

Anthony Elmore

What do you advise to Americans watching this video or reading about it on the
Internet?

Maude

You must come to Ghana. You do not know the pressure that you are under in
America because you were born into it.

Anthony Elmore

Do you mean only African/Americans or does that include White people?

Maude

I think all of us, because we are African/American we do not know the other kinds of
pressure that others face. Others could be under the kind of pressure that it is
fashionable that they have that kind of attitude against people of color to be
successful in America. When they come to a place where the government is Black,
the doctor is Black and everything is Black it gives you another perspective.

Anthony Elmore

Bill you got anything to add?

Bill Giles

I just want to say that each person should search their soul, their heart to find their
roots again. When you come to Ghana, when you come to Africa you get grounded.
This process takes place that is unbelievable!!! You have to come here to
experience it and to chant Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo you know that you can make it
anywhere in the world..

Maude

May I say something even when we come back with out pictures and photographs,
people can tell from our face and out skin and the expression in our eyes that we
have had a wonderful experience in Ghana.