by the Pennsylvania Zone team
What is your zone motto? Making History With Ikeda Sensei Through a Youthful Organization!
Tell us briefly about your zone’s history. Our history began in the late 1960s with a handful of pioneer women who introduced some members of the Pennsylvania Ballet Company in Philadelphia to Nichiren Buddhism. That marked the birth of our movement for kosen-rufu. From the 1970s to the 1990s, the membership grew and spread throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware. In 2011, Pennsylvania Zone was formed consisting of members in Pennsylvania and Delaware.
Do you have a Buddhist center in your zone? Yes. The Philadelphia Buddhist Center.
Does your zone have a particular point of pride? Philadelphia is known as the birthplace of the United States, as it was where the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776 and the U.S. Constitution was drafted in 1787. It also served as the nation’s first capital and played a central role in shaping America’s founding ideals. This year marks 250 years of Philadelphia in its role as the birthplace of the United States.
Also, in June 1981 while staying in Long Island, New York, Sensei named the young men supporting from Philadelphia the “Diamond Group,” writing the name on a paper now framed at the Philadelphia Buddhist Center.
What is your prime point with Sensei as a zone? Hosting the Rock the Era Youth Festival in 2010 and fighting all out for youth participation in the 50,000 Lions of Justice Festival in 2018 inspired us even more to raise young people. With the spirit of responding to Sensei’s call to foster capable successors, our members continue striving to support and encourage youth so they can stand up with confidence, inherit the mentor’s vision and lead the future of peace.
Do you have something that is unique to your zone? Pennsylvania Zone spans a broad and diverse region that includes the entire state of Pennsylvania as well as Delaware. Its geography ranges from the major urban centers of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh to historic towns, coastal communities, mountains and rural farmland.
This diversity is reflected in the people of the zone—members come from many cultural backgrounds and professions, united by a strong spirit of community and encouragement. Known for their warmth, perseverance and sincerity, members across the zone are dedicated to fostering friendship and dialogue while advancing hope and unity throughout their communities.
What is your zone’s vision toward 2030? We are determined to introduce 300 youth to the practice by 2028 and 500 youth by 2030, steadily expanding a vibrant network of young people who will lead the future of kosen-rufu by engraving the essential activity focus of:
• doing shakubuku rooted in friendship;
• strengthening our youth; and
• strengthening our community.
Through sincere dialogue, friendship and united prayer, we will create opportunities for youth across Pennsylvania Zone to encounter this Buddhism and develop hope, courage and purpose in their lives. With the spirit of raising capable successors, we aim to help realize a truly youthful Soka Gakkai in our zone and across America, advancing the great movement for peace far into the future.
March 20, 2026 World Tribune, p. 10
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