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Fighting toward my dream of becoming an educator, I come to understand my mother as a great teacher.

Stories from the frontlines of our movement.

by Shota Okajima SGI-USA Young Men’s Division Leader In 2011, the SGI-USA Young Men’s Division established the Gajokai and Soka Group academies. The goal was to raise many capable young men as successors who would develop the spirit to seek their mentor by participating in these behind-the-scenes training groups. In 2019, to refresh its training

The Contemplation of the Mind-Ground Sutra states: “If you want to understand the causes that existed in the past, look at the results as they are manifested in the present. And if you want to understand what results will be manifested in the future, look at the causes that exist in the present.” —“The Opening

by Erica Kondo Assistant Chief Financial Officer On behalf of the SGI-USA, I want to express our appreciation for your sincere financial offerings to support the organization. Because of your amazing support, we have further expanded our kosen-rufu movement in the U.S., the Caribbean and Marianas Islands.  In 2022, members’ financial contributions accounted for over

This essay by Ikeda Sensei was published in the March 27, 2023, issue of the Soka Gakkai’s daily newspaper, Seikyo Shimbun. Part one is published in the May 3, 2023, World Tribune.  This March marks the 12th anniversary of the devastating March 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami. I wish to offer my sincerest prayers once

George Wong, of San Francisco, California, tells us how his Buddhist practice has allowed him to turn his difficulties with school and self-worth into a solid foundation for his life. Click here to listen. May 12, 2023, World Tribune, p. 4

BROOKLINE, Mass., April 17, 2023—More than 70 members and guests gathered at the New England Buddhist Center in Brookline, Massachusetts, for a Culture of Peace Distinguished Speaker Series lecture entitled “Applying Daisaku Ikeda’s Philosophy of Peace: Inner Transformation, Dialogue, and Global Citizenship.” Alexander Harang, co-president of International Peace and Understanding and Soka University of America

Basing everything on prayer, family reveals to me that my life itself is the treasure tower.

Messages, testimonials and more on the Soka Gakkai’s enduring efforts for nuclear abolition.

by Amelia Gonzalez SGI-USA Young Women’s Leader From April 14 to 17, young women’s leaders from throughout the SGI-USA gathered at the Florida Nature and Culture Center for the 2023 Young Women’s Division Leaders Conference, despite what major news outlets termed a “1-in-1,000-year rainfall event” that hit nearby Fort Lauderdale the week of the conference. Nichiren

by Shota Okajima SGI-USA Young Men’s Leader From as far north as Portland, Oregon, and as far south as Jamaica, young men’s leaders traveled to Florida with incredible seeking spirit. They gathered to refresh themselves and unite at the April 21–23 Young Men’s Division Leaders Conference held at the SGI-USA Florida Nature and Culture Center. 

Never seek this Gohonzon outside yourself. The Gohonzon exists only within the mortal flesh of us ordinary people who embrace the Lotus Sutra and chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. —“The Real Aspect of the Gohonzon,”The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 832 Henceforth I ask not good-fortune, I myself am good fortune,” Walt Whitman sings. Our lives

by Lee Malone SGI-USA Many Treasures Group Vice Men’s Leader World Tribune: Thank you, Lee, for speaking with us. You have practiced Nichiren Buddhism for several decades. How can longtime members stay refreshed in faith? Lee Malone: As we get older, things become more difficult. The mind is still there, but it’s hard to do

Ira Helfand was awarded the Gandhi, King, Ikeda Community Builder’s Prize on April 13, 2023, at a ceremony in Atlanta, Georgia. The following excerpts are from his acceptance address. Dr. Helfand is the co-president of the International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War, which received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1985.  When the Cold

Known as ‘the Pearl of the Adriatic,’ Dubrovnik, rich in culture and history, dates back to the first century when Roman refugees founded it, linking Roman and Slavic civilizations. Though the city has passed through Roman, Byzantine and Venetian hands over the centuries, it largely maintained its independence as a city-state, making major contributions to

This essay by Ikeda Sensei was published in the March 27, 2023, issue of the Soka Gakkai’s daily newspaper, Seikyo Shimbun.  The power to create history is born of deep life-to-life connections. In particular, the courageous efforts of successors who respond to the trust placed in them by their predecessors open a new age.  In

Words of Encouragement From Ikeda Sensei

5/3 Soka Gakkai Day In 1951, Josei Toda was inaugurated as second Soka Gakkai president and declared his lifetime membership goal of 750,000 households. On May 3, 1960, 32-year-old Daisaku Ikeda was inaugurated as third Soka Gakkai president, vowing to advance kosen-rufu on his mentor’s behalf.  (See The Human Revolution, “Blazing Sun” chapter and “New

The following was adapted from sokaglobal.org  TOKYO, April 27, 2023—Daisaku Ikeda, Buddhist philosopher, peacebuilder and president of the Soka Gakkai International, issued a statement calling on the leaders of the G7 countries meeting in Hiroshima from May 19 to 21 to take bold steps toward resolving the conflict in Ukraine and guarantee the security of