CategoryDaily Life

What we might consider a conversation and a dialogue are poles apart.

Nelson Mandela (1918–2013)Anti-apartheid activist and first democratically elected president of South Africa President Nelson Mandela dedicated his life to securing the freedom of the people of South Africa by confronting the apartheid regime, which violently oppressed Black South Africans. Starting in 1652, Dutch and British colonists slowly annexed trade ports and other strategic areas of

Brian Angulo •  New York Reading Choose Life was my first deep dive into Ikeda Sensei’s dialogues. In reading this dialogue, I learned how I can relate Buddhist philosophy to global issues. I was impressed by how Arnold J. Toynbee and Sensei came from different cultural, religious and linguistic backgrounds but were able to find

The following points were adapted from Ikeda Sensei’s essay “Walking the Cherry Blossom Path of Soka With Open Hearts,” pp. 2–3. 1) Help new members learn the Soka Gakkai spirit To bring forth the fresh power and ideas of our new members, it’s vital that we continue fostering and encouraging each person. “The task of

A primary function of the Soka Gakkai is to provide a network of care for every member to carry out their Buddhist practice joyfully and overcome their hardships. Crucial to its success in this endeavor is the active support of senior members, who can provide a lifeline for those younger in faith. This is the

What’s your determination for next month’s general meeting?” “Let’s fight toward March 16!” If you’ve been around the Soka community for a while, you’ve likely heard comments like these.  Whether you’re ready to take on a new challenge or hesitant to move your life in a new direction, it’s important to understand why we emphasize

In volume 16 of  The New Human Revolution, Ikeda Sensei meets with members in Okinawa who are energetically carrying out their Buddhist practice despite their advanced age. Encouraged by their spirit, Sensei offers these words. “Older people have great strength. Their tremendous life experience gives them a fundamental wisdom about living. They also have an

These points were adapted from Ikeda Sensei’s guidance in the April 8, 2016, World Tribune, p. 3. Advance preparation It is the person who prepares in advance who succeeds. The most important and fundamental preparation is gongyo and chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. No matter how clever you may be at improvising, certain victory will not be yours

These points were adapted from Ikeda Sensei’s guidance. Refer to The New Human Revolution, vol. 25, pp. 187–92 for more. 1) The emcee’s voice should be stirring, powerful and brimming with life force. “Emcees must have the determination to bear full responsibility for the meeting and use their voices to transform the atmosphere into a

The elderly members who compose the Soka Gakkai’s Many Treasures Group have devoted their lives to kosen-rufu, working for the happiness of their fellow human beings and for the sake of Buddhism and peace. As a result, they enjoy the immeasurable good fortune of long life and the protection of all Buddhas throughout the universe;

A strong inner self is the key to happiness.

Looking for a podcast to boost your health and wellness in the new year? Among the 250 top-rated shows on iTunes, you can find ones to tame anxiety, listen to your inner child, listen to your gut, relax with white noise and green-drink your way to wellness. Add to that the plethora of like-minded books,

These following points are adapted from Ikeda Sensei’s essay published in the Sept. 20, 2009, and Sept. 21, 2009, issues of the Soka Gakkai’s daily newspaper, Seikyo Shimbun. 1) Pray For My Community’s Prosperity Chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo to ensure that my city is safe and peaceful, and that my neighbors and fellow residents are protected. 2)

Lessons from the Kamata Campaign that we can apply today.

Some friendships are so iconic that they can only be understood in pairs. Frodo and Sam. Cher and Dionne. Maverick and Goose. They reinforce for us the value of friendship, of having a ride-or-die, to share life’s rollercoaster highs and lows (even if those lows take you to the gates of Mordor). To be sure,

Guidance for Soka Women

Nine keys to fostering capable people in the Year of Youth and Dynamic Progress.

The eternal formula for achieving personal victory and transforming our land.

Feb. 16 will mark 800 years since Nichiren Daishonin’s birth. In his nearly 61 years of life, the founder of Nichiren Buddhism established a Buddhist practice accessible to all people that, centuries later, has spread and is practiced by people throughout the world. After two years of uncertainties and challenges brought on by the coronavirus

New Year’s resolutions have existed, in some form, for around 4,000 years. (Think ancient Babylonians making promises to the gods to return borrowed objects and pay off debts.) And while these resolutions have decidedly religious origins, today, they are largely promises we make to ourselves. Perhaps being the only one to hold ourselves accountable is