CategoryBuddhist Study

We are “lighting a fire for others” through offering our time, resources and support, and that very flame illuminates our own lives with courage, wisdom, good fortune and benefits. Nichiren Daishonin writes, “If one lights a fire for others, one will brighten one’s own way.” In this single sentence, he captures a vital dynamic of

This study series covers Soka Spirit topics to be presented by a youth or student division member at Soka 2030 meetings on the last Sunday of each month. Often the biggest issue about a problem is not knowing we can solve it. Amid the challenges we face in our personal lives and in society, Nichiren

Gongyo—which includes reciting portions of the “Expedient Means” and “Life Span of the Thus Come One” chapters of the Lotus Sutra morning and evening—is part of daily practice for Nichiren Buddhists. This series carries Ikeda Sensei’s explanations of gongyo. This section, part of the prose section of the “Life Span” chapter, is no longer recited

This new series, prepared by the SGI-USA Study Department, features timeless stories in Nichiren Daishonin’s writings (called the Gosho) that continue to offer practical wisdom for us today. Once upon a time in the ancient city of Rajagriha, an old woman saw a long procession of carts carrying flax oil—an offering by King Ajatashatru to

This study series covers Soka Spirit topics to be presented by a youth or student division member at Soka 2030 meetings on the last Sunday of each month. Facing and overcoming persecution has been a vital part of the Soka Gakkai’s legacy, confirming its identity and mission. Shakyamuni Buddha, Nichiren Daishonin and, more recently, the

Have you ever felt joy after pouring your heart into a project and hearing someone say: “You were amazing!” or “That was great!” Or perhaps you’ve held the door open for someone just in time and been met with a heartfelt “Thank you!” Such seemingly small moments can stay with us, reminding us that offering

This new series, prepared by the SGI-USA Study Department, features timeless stories in Nichiren Daishonin’s writings (called the Gosho) that continue to offer practical wisdom for us today. High in the snowy Himalayan mountains lived a bird called the “cold-suffering bird” (kankucho). Every night it shivered in the freezing cold and promised itself that once

Gongyo—which includes reciting portions of the “Expedient Means” and “Life Span of the Thus Come One” chapters of the Lotus Sutra morning and evening—is part of daily practice for Nichiren Buddhists. This series carries Ikeda Sensei’s explanations of gongyo. This section, part of the prose section of the “Life Span” chapter, is no longer recited

This study series covers Soka Spirit topics to be presented by a youth or student division member at Soka 2030 meetings on the last Sunday of each month. In the late 1970s, as environmental conditions worsened in rural Kenya, Wangari Maathai encouraged local women to join her in planting trees. Despite resistance from both governmental

This study series covers Soka Spirit topics to be presented by a youth or student division member at Soka 2030 meetings on the last Sunday of each month. Across cultures, devils are seen as beings that do harm or hinder good. In Buddhist literature and art, too, they take terrifying forms.  Nichiren Buddhism, however, views

Gongyo—which includes reciting portions of the “Expedient Means” and “Life Span of the Thus Come One” chapters of the Lotus Sutra morning and evening—is part of daily practice for Nichiren Buddhists. This series carries Ikeda Sensei’s explanations of gongyo. This section, part of the prose section of the “Life Span” chapter, is no longer recited

This study series covers Soka Spirit topics to be presented by a youth or student division member at Soka 2030 meetings on the last Sunday of each month. A simple yet powerful starting point in Nichiren Buddhism is our belief that every person possesses inherent goodness—what we call our Buddha nature. Still, it can be

Gongyo—which includes reciting portions of the “Expedient Means” and “Life Span of the Thus Come One” chapters of the Lotus Sutra morning and evening—is part of daily practice for Nichiren Buddhists. This series carries Ikeda Sensei’s explanations of gongyo. This section, part of the prose section of the “Life Span” chapter, is no longer recited

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

This study series covers Soka Spirit topics to be presented by a youth or student division member at Soka 2030 meetings on the last Sunday of each month. Practicing Nichiren Buddhism gives us a way to overcome challenges, turn problems into opportunities for growth and help others do the same. That of course requires both

Gongyo—which includes reciting portions of the “Expedient Means” and “Life Span of the Thus Come One” chapters of the Lotus Sutra morning and evening—is part of daily practice for Nichiren Buddhists. This series carries Ikeda Sensei’s explanations of gongyo. This section, part of the prose section of the “Life Span” chapter, is no longer recited

This study series explores Soka Spirit topics to be presented by a youth or student division member at Soka 2030 meetings. Because the last official day of SGI-USA activities is Dec. 15, this article can be presented at Dec. 14 Soka 2030 meetings. From ugly sweater parties and gift exchanges to company celebrations and large

This series, prepared by the SGI-USA Study Department, aims to answer questions about the basics of Nichiren Buddhism. It’s easy to understand the benefits of a consistent Buddhist practice—but putting it into action can sometimes be a challenge. Drawing inspiration from the writings of Nichiren Daishonin and the guidance of Ikeda Sensei, let’s explore how

Gongyo—which includes reciting portions of the “Expedient Means” and “Life Span of the Thus Come One” chapters of the Lotus Sutra morning and evening—is part of daily practice for Nichiren Buddhists. This series carries Ikeda Sensei’s explanations of gongyo. This section, part of the prose section of the “Life Span” chapter, is no longer recited

This study series explores Soka Spirit topics to be presented by a youth or student division member at Soka 2030 meetings. Since some locales may not hold meetings the last Sunday of this month due to the holidays, this article can be presented at Nov. 23 Soka 2030 meetings. If Nichiren’s compassion is truly great