Authorechoi

“What the world needs more than anything else at this moment is an outbreak of good-will and human understanding.” —Jane Addams, pioneering American social worker by Monica Soto OuchiSGI-USA Women’s Leader Happy February! This month, the women and young women are celebrating Feb. 27—SGI-USA Women’s Day and the birthday of SGI Honorary Women’s Leader Kaneko

After beginning her Buddhist practice amid addiction, anger and health struggles, Claudia Tate, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, discovers hope, a new family and a new direction for herself, her teenage son, Jalen, and his friends.

Terrance Osborne was born, in 1974, in New Orleans, a city full of culture that greatly influenced his art. From a young age, he was surrounded by artistic talent and often saw his family creating art while he was at home. Seeing this inspired him to develop a strong passion for art early in his

Each new year brings a powerful opportunity: the chance to start fresh and decide, This is my year to win. Nichiren Buddhism urges us to make determinations—deep, unwavering commitments rooted in faith and courageous action. With prayer and consistent effort, even the boldest dreams become achievable. Having stepped into 2026 with fresh resolutions, let’s renew

by the South Central Zone team What is your zone motto? We are the Happiness Group! Tell us briefly about your zone’s history. South Central Zone was formed in September 2017 when we split from South Zone. Encompassing five states—Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas, Tennessee, Alabama and the Florida Panhandle—our zone was first part of East Territory

The following is from the February 2026 issue of the Daibyakurenge, the Soka Gakkai’s monthly study journal. Ikeda Sensei was always filled with joy whenever February arrived, for it was the month in which his mentor, second Soka Gakkai President Josei Toda, had been born. “Now—let us make this a month of triumph!” he would

How prayer, building trust and courage helped one young woman receive the Gohonzon—and transformed my own life.

Under the banner “One Youth. Infinite Hope.” the SGI-USA youth reintroduce its hope-filled focus to share Buddhism with many young people and help them begin practicing Buddhism. Dear SGI-USA members,  In 2020, the youth of America launched the campaign “One Youth. Infinite Hope.” to initiate efforts to introduce youth to Buddhism, commemorating the 60th anniversary

Fearing first for my son, and then for myself, I draw forth courage and conviction in the power of my life.

Santa Monica, Calif., Jan. 19, 2026—Under the theme “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere,” the Santa Monica community gathered for the 41st Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration—a heartfelt morning of music, reflection and renewed determination to build a more just society. Presented by the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

The following is from a speech at a nationwide representatives conference, Tokyo, Japan, March 29, 1996. It can be found in The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 3, revised edition, chapter 22, installment 3, pp. 47–50. Ikeda Sensei discusses the virtues of the four leaders of the Bodhisattvas of the Earth as they

The following excerpt from The Wisdom of the Lotus Sutra, vol. 5, can also be found in The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 3, revised edition, chapter 22, installment 1, pp. 31, 37–40. Soka Gakkai members’ greatest pride is their mission and vow as Bodhisattvas of the Earth. Ikeda Sensei has described the

Born in New Jersey in 1940, Joan Snyder is known for her abstract paintings characterized by expressive brushstrokes. In contrast to her earlier artworks, which focused on landscapes such as farm scenes, Snyder later developed a more personal artistic style that incorporates materials and symbolic imagery, helping her gain wider recognition. Snyder grew up with

by the New Jersey Zone team What is your zone motto? Raising Capable People in the Garden of Soka With Ikeda Sensei! Tell us briefly about your zone’s history. New Jersey was previously part of Tri-State Zone, which included New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware. In 2010, the zone hosted the East Territory Rock the Era

This series, prepared by the SGI-USA Study Department, aims to answer questions about the basics of Nichiren Buddhism. We all crave comfort—and so do our brains! Studies show that we prefer familiar thoughts and feelings, often resisting advice. Yet research also reveals that staying open to input accelerates our growth. Such tendencies signal how seeking

The World Tribune sat down with Greater Montclair Chapter Women’s Leader Jenna Pacheco to learn how supporting the next generation transformed her faith, leadership and life. How did you start practicing Nichiren Buddhism? Jenna Pacheco: I grew up in a family that practices Buddhism, but when I turned 18, I determined to prove chanting didn’t

Advancing kosen-rufu through heartfelt connection, the SGI-USA youth petition expresses a shared commitment to peace. Thousands of members have already stepped up by pledging to introduce one new youth in 2026.

Gaining and losing a fortune, I discover that I’ve always had the means to build a winning life.

Soka University of America alumni Michael Sasaki (Class of 2005) and Miho Saito (Class of 2014) are being recognized internationally for their short film The Brain That Cried Wolf, a work that approaches mental health, identity and fear with honesty, humor and compassion. The film was recently named runner-up for Best LGBTQIA Short Film at

The following excerpts are from The Wisdom of the Lotus Sutra, vols. 3 and 5. They can also be found in The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 3, revised edition, chapter 22, installment 1, pp. 31–40. Soka Gakkai members’ greatest pride is their mission and vow as Bodhisattvas of the Earth. Ikeda Sensei