CategoryFrontline News

Tucson, Ariz., May 1—In a joyful ceremony, the resilience of the Southwest Zone members shone through with the long-awaited grand opening of the new Tucson Buddhist Center.  Due to COVID-19, the grand opening had been postponed twice, once in November 2021, and again in January 2022. But, each time, the members redetermined to patiently await

At the Central Executive Committee Conference, significant changes to reopening are approved.

by Maya Gunaseharan SGI-USA Young Women’s Leader I would first like to express my deepest appreciation to all SGI-USA members for their support of the young women toward the anniversary of our division’s founding on July 19. With no shortage of crises in society resulting from the disregard of human life, the difficulty of this

by Ryo Kuroki SGI-USA Young Men’s Leader In December 2019, Ikeda Sensei conveyed the significant role SGI members would play to transform our global society toward the Soka Gakkai’s centennial in 2030. Calling forth the need to transform great evil into great good, he said, “The 10-year period from the 90th to the 100th anniversaries

On June 5, 2022, SGI-USA’s West and Central territories livestreamed kosen-rufu gongyo meetings at the Los Angeles Friendship Center and Chicago Culture Center, respectively, where new territory leadership appointments were announced. Below are summaries of the new leaders’ determinations toward the Soka Gakkai’s centennial in 2030. James Herrmann West Territory Leader Two-and-a-half years have already

No national-level Juneteenth celebration will be held in June. In lieu of this, each territory (East, Central and West) may either hold Juneteenth events or Black history commemorative events between September and November to highlight milestones in the fight for equality and justice. For more information, please contact your territory People of African Descent Group

by Adin Strauss SGI-USA General Director To our wonderful SGI-USA members, Thank you so very much for your support of our May Commemorative Contribution activity this year. Your incredible sincerity shone through even the challenging situations that we are all facing now. You are so greatly appreciated! Dean Nisha Botchwey of the University of Minnesota’s

On June 10, 2022, to commemorate the women’s division’s 71st anniversary, the SGI-USA women will conduct a gongyo and daimoku relay from their homes any time between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m. in their local time zones. Collectively, they will pray for the following: 1) the peace of the land and the world; 2) to

NEW YORK, May 1—With tears of joy, the members of Queens Region celebrated the long-anticipated opening of the SGI-USA Queens Buddhist Center, with over 260 members and guests gathering in person and an additional 240 joining the festivities virtually. The meeting opened with a message from Ikeda Sensei, who called the center the result of

We are shocked and saddened by the senseless violence that is taking place, including the horrendous shootings in Uvalde, Texas, and Buffalo, New York. Violence in any form is intolerable; violence against people peacefully shopping in a grocery store because of their race is outrageous; and violence against children and those who support and protect them, in the

This month, we celebrate 65 years since second Soka Gakkai President Josei Toda founded the student division on June 30, 1957. SGI-USA student division members are striving to expose their friends on campus to the power of Nichiren Buddhism to discover the great purpose of their lives. Ikeda Sensei recalled guidance from Mr. Toda on

The May Commemorative Contribution activity is an opportunity for us to renew our vow as Bodhisattvas of the Earth to advance our movement for peace by contributing financially to the SGI-USA. This year, it is being held from April 28 to June 5, with the theme “Dashing Forward With the ‘Heart of a Lion King.’”

Buddhability, SGI-USA’s online ecosystem for young people, is inspiring a new generation to believe in themselves against all odds.

by Erica Kondo Assistant Chief Financial Officer On behalf of the SGI-USA, I would like to sincerely thank you for your heartfelt financial offerings to support the organization. Because of your unwavering support, we have continued expanding our kosen-rufu movement in America, as well as in the Caribbean and Guam, amid the global pandemic.  In

As we continue our important work to support the Buddhist practice and development of our members while reaching out to those who are seeking a philosophy of hope, financial resources serve an indispensable role.  Member Care Efforts The SGI-USA continues to provide licensed Zoom accounts to each chapter, region, zone and territory, as well as

Message From SGI-USA General Director Adin Strauss and SGI-USA Youth Advisor Olivia Saito

Register for these in-person conferences through the SGI-USA portal. May 13–16 Young Men’s Division #1 (Chapter Through National Leaders) May 20–23 District Leader’s Training #1 June 3–6 Courageous Freedom Group July 8–11 Young Women’s Division #1 (Chapter Through National Leaders) July 22–25 Transforming Karma Into Mission #1 Aug. 5–8 Practicing Buddhism as People of African Descent

An unprecedented two-year pause in conferences at the Florida Nature and Culture Center (FNCC) was difficult for many members. However, pandemic conditions provided an ideal opportunity to modernize and beautify the campus, its first significant renovation.  Of note are the installations of a new ceiling and flooring in the dining hall, as well as new

“With all the global conflict and crises, there couldn’t be a more crucial time to reaffirm the purpose of our movement. We need a valid, life-affirming philosophy in order to transform the reality of society,” said Peter Karuppiah, SGI-USA’s student division young men’s leader.  It is in this spirit that the SGI-USA student division will

A report on the March 2022 youth general meetings.