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Buddhist encounters lead to New York and the realization that I hold the key to the Buddha land.

Soka Heritage Hall, which chronicles the history of Soka University of America (SUA) and the heritage and founders of Soka education, opened on campus this October. “Visitors to the hall will embark on a journey of SUA’s heritage and the vision of the founders of Soka education, Tsunesaburo Makiguchi, Josei Toda and Daisaku Ikeda,” SUA

This episode covers the topic of appreciation, which is central to Buddhism in so many ways and yet easier to talk about than truly practice, especially when it comes to the tough circumstances in our lives. Doris Edwards, of Philadelphia, who has been chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo for many years, discusses the Buddhist perspective on appreciation and

11th Soka Gakkai Headquarters Leaders Meeting

Just an hour drive from Las Vegas lies the Valley of Fire State Park in Overton, Nevada, a world-renowned geologic wonderland. When the sun sets each evening, over 40,000 acres of bright red Aztec sandstone glow in the warm light, making the entire valley look like it was set on fire. In 1935, the area

Adapted from Ikeda Sensei’s guidance in The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 2, revised edition, pp. 282–85 1) Buddhist study helps us deepen our faith Buddhist study is a beacon illuminating the path of faith. Even the complex workings of negative forces that arise to assail us are clearly revealed for what they

A Buddhist parable describes a one-eyed turtle who lives at the bottom of the sea. He has neither limbs nor flippers, his belly is as hot as heated iron, and his back is as cold as the Snow Mountains. He yearns day and night to cool his belly and warm his back. The sacred red

by Ray Gutoski Tampa, Fla. I encountered Nichiren Buddhism in 1967 in New York, on the lawn of Stony Brook University’s Earth and Science building, where students were holding an introductory meeting. I’d thought it was interesting, potentially quite meaningful, but I didn’t take it seriously until later that same year, when out of the

If in a single moment of life we exhaust the pains and trials of millions of kalpas, then instant after instant there will arise in us the three Buddha bodies with which we are eternally endowed. Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is just such a “diligent” practice. The Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings, p. 214 Nichiren Daishonin dedicated

SGI-USA member Francisco Estrada-Belli, of New Orleans, is a research professor in the Middle American Research Institute at Tulane University. He is known for his expertise in Maya archaeology, remote sensing, geographic information systems and spatial analysis using digital technologies such as LiDAR (light detection and ranging). He is a National Geographic Explorer and has

Nichiren Daishonin asserts: Though one might point at the earth and miss it, though one might bind up the sky, though the tides might cease to ebb and flow and the sun rise in the west, it could never come about that the prayers of the practitioner of the Lotus Sutra would go unanswered. So

Trading perfection for resilience, I become a person of strength.

Ninety-two years ago, on Nov. 18, 1930, Tsunesaburo Makiguchi, first president of the Soka Gakkai, and his disciple, Josei Toda, published the first volume of The System of Value-Creating Education (Jpn Soka kyoikugaku taikei ). This date came to be known as the founding day of the Soka Kyoiku Gakkai—the Society for Value-Creating Education. Informed

In episode 89, Dave Drake, of New York, shares his journey with seeking the approval of others, both in his personal life and as a musician. This episode is filled with practical insights about how to apply the practice of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo to transform the desire for approval into a life state of humility, appreciation,

The following essay by Ikeda Sensei was originally published in the Oct. 26, 2022, issue of the Soka Gakkai’s daily newspaper, Seikyo Shimbun. Our movement for kosen-rufu is about building a culture of peace. As part of that endeavor, we hold a wide range of exhibitions around the world. Twenty years have passed since the

White Mountain National Forest was established in 1914 after concerned visitors began discussing how to preserve the area that was heavily logged and damaged. The protected area now covers 800,000 acres across New Hampshire and western Maine. Well known for its majestic alpine peaks and breathtaking scenery, the national forest is home to Mount Washington,

A: The literal meaning of honzon is object of devotion. Go is an honorific. Even people who declare that they are not religious will surely have something that they value or esteem most highly. Whatever people cherish most dearly—that is their object of fundamental respect, or object of devotion. …  What you make the object

by Doris Edwards East Territory Many Treasures Group leader World Tribune: Thank you, Doris, for sharing your experiences with us.  Doris Edwards: Thank you for this wonderful opportunity. We Many Treasures Group members are, as I like to say, in our third stage of youth!  WT: One of the guidelines for the Many Treasures Group

It is the heart that is important. No matter how earnestly Nichiren prays for you, if you lack faith, it will be like trying to set fire to wet tinder. Spur yourself to muster the power of faith. “The Strategy of the Lotus Sutra,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, pp. 1000–01 The Italian

by Oona Friedland Detroit Serving as Byakuren has deepened my relationship with Ikeda Sensei, with the SGI-USA and with our global movement. Not being a participant in the meeting, but watching it through the eyes of the members we are supporting, taught me the importance of being there to facilitate a safe and harmonious space