CategoryFrontline News

by John PlummerSpecial to the Tribune  WESTON, Fla., March 21—“I really cannot express how wonderful it is to see all of you.”   With these words, SGI-USA General Director Adin Strauss opened the first conference at the Florida Nature and Culture Center (FNCC) in over two years. One hundred men answered back with a joyful

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 will be held between April 28–June 5, with the theme “Dashing Forward With the ‘Heart of a Lion King.’” Here are

Two new youth leaders were welcomed to the Central Executive Committee: Shota OkajimaEast Territory young men’s leader Amelia GonzalezEast Territory young women’s leader The SGI-USA also announced Olivia Saito, SGI-USA youth leader, will assume the role of SGI-USA youth advisor, focusing on the future and student divisions, and will continue as a CEC participant. There

SGI-USA General Director Adin Strauss gave the following words to open the Central Executive Committee Conference, held on March 5, 2022, at the SGI-USA Headquarters in Santa Monica, Calif. by Adin StraussSGI-USA General Director We will have plenty of opportunities today to discuss our focuses toward 2030, the “District is the Core” and “Propagation Renaissance.”

At the Central Executive Committee Conference, representative leaders discuss ways to strengthen the foundations of our movement for peace.

In the last two weekends of March, youth general meetings themed “Redefining Joy Amid the Times” will be held virtually across the SGI-USA. All young women, young men and nonbinary members and guests ages 12–35 are invited to attend.Contact your local leaders to find out more information!

In-person conferences at the Florida Nature and Culture Center are back, and registration is open for the following language conferences: Chinese (April 1–4) Korean (April 8–11) Japanese (April 22–25) Spanish (April 29–May 2). Register today through your SGI-USA portal.

During the last weekend of March, the youth division will hold general meetings across SGI-USA themed “Redefining Joy Amid the Times.” The meetings will celebrate March 16, Kosen-rufu Day, the day second Soka Gakkai President Josei Toda entrusted the youth division with the future of kosen-rufu in March 1958 (see p. 8). “The March youth general

Every year on Feb. 27, the women of America celebrate SGI-USA Women’s Day by renewing their vow to become happy and help others do the same. On this day in 1990, representative women from across the country joined Ikeda Sensei and Kaneko Ikeda for the First SGI-USA Women’s Division Meeting, held at the former Soka

March 18–21 Men’s Division #1 (Open to all men’s division) April 1–4 Chinese Language Conference April 8–11 Korean Language Conference April 22–25 Japanese Language Conference April 29–May 2 Spanish Language Conference The Florida Nature and Culture Center (FNCC) conferences through the month of April are now open for registration via the SGI-USA member portal at

Key Divisional Activities

FORT LAUDERDALE AND JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA, Nov. 7, 2021—After a 19-month hiatus, the members of the Florida Everglades and North Florida regions reunited in exciting fashion—with new SGI-USA centers. The Florida Everglades Buddhist Center opened in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., on Nov. 7 with 265 members attending in-person and over Zoom. On the same day, 100 members

Register for these in-person conferences through your SGI-USA portal. FEB. 4–7 District Leaders Training #1 (Open to all district leaders) FEB. 25–28 Transforming Karma #1 (Open allotment) MARCH 18–21 Men’s Division #1 (Open to all men’s division)

Starting in January 2022, all district study and discussion meeting material will be available in Living Buddhism. As part of this change, the study magazine will feature expanded options for the monthly discussion meeting presentation material. The SGI-USA in October announced “The District Is the Core” as its focus toward 2030, introducing more resources and

SANTA MONICA, California, Nov. 7, 2021—Members of Los Angeles Coastal North Region, old and new, reunited for the first time in nearly two years to celebrate the grand opening of the SGI-USA Santa Monica Pacific Peace Center. Over 230 participants attended the meeting, including some 140 in person, 20 of whom were guests. From pioneer

Commemorating Nov. 18, the SGI-USA is encouraging its members to join our Sustaining Contribution program or increase their current plan. This program allows individuals to make financial contributions monthly or quarterly. It’s a concrete means to support our kosen-rufu movement for peace! For SGI-USA members who began practicing within the last year and are interested

Starting in November, SGI-USA will go back to recording attendance for the district discussion meetings. Here’s why. When the SGI-USA began its statistics program in 2004, Ikeda Sensei applauded the effort, saying that, since he was the president of the SGI, he was also a member of the SGI-USA. And when his membership card was

El Monte, California, Oct. 3, 2021—Following a year of unprecedented challenges brought on by COVID-19, the members of La Puente and East Los Angeles San Gabriel Valley Regions joyfully celebrated the grand opening of the SGI-USA El Monte Buddhist Center. Over 220 members and guests gathered for the morning and afternoon meetings in person, while

After an 18-month hiatus from in-person activities, nearly 40 SGI-USA Buddhist centers throughout the country have safely opened since August, with more centers opening each month. With the health and safety of the members foremost in mind, the SGI-USA is allowing only persons vaccinated against COVID-19 in our centers at this time. Proof of COVID-19

Seattle, Oct. 3, 2021—Sixty-one years ago, Ikeda Sensei visited Seattle, taking in the Douglas firs dotting the highway and boat traffic winding its way through the Ballard Locks. This past October, the same month as his visit, members from Greater Seattle and East King County regions refreshed their vow to spread peace in their community