CategoryNews

by Mitch Bogen Correspondent Cambridge, Mass.—The first “virtual” Ikeda Forum for Intercultural Dialogue demonstrated the very concept it explored: value creation. With an in-person gathering not possible, the Ikeda Center for Peace, Learning, and Dialogue took the Dec. 10 event online—the positive result being that more than 300 global citizens from 27 countries were able

The following report was adapted from sokaglobal.org. In his 39th annual peace proposal, SGI President Ikeda calls for increased global cooperation on the COVID-19 pandemic, the climate crisis and the elimination of nuclear weapons. TOKYO, Jan. 26—SGI President Ikeda released his 39th annual peace proposal, “Value Creation in a Time of Crisis,” marking the anniversary

The new dawn blooms as we free it For there is always light, if only we’re brave enough to see it If only we’re brave enough to be it. Amanda Gorman, the first National Youth Poet Laureate, closed her poem “The Hill We Climb” with these words on Inauguration Day, Jan. 20. On this same

The Jan. 21 issue of the Seikyo Shimbun, the Soka Gakkai’s daily newspaper, reported that SGI President Ikeda sent a congratulatory message to Joseph Biden, who was inaugurated on Jan. 20 as the 46th president of the United States. In his message, President Ikeda noted that the Japanese people will never forget how, 10 years

Soka University of America in Aliso Viejo, California, began serving as a mass COVID-19 vaccination site on Jan. 23. The campus became Orange County’s second Super Point of Dispensing location, following Disneyland. Orange County residents must register at othena.com and confirm an appointment time for the SUA site. On May 3, 2001, SUA opened its

A U.N. treaty banning nuclear weapons is now international law. The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) went into effect on Jan. 22 for the more than 50 member states that had ratified it. Soka Gakkai President Minoru Harada issued a statement, on behalf of SGI members worldwide, welcoming this unprecedented milestone. Nuclear

On New Year’s Day, the city of Montgomery saluted Ikeda Sensei’s 93rd birthday (Jan. 2 Japan time) declaring him an honorary citizen of Alabama’s capital. The proclamation, issued by Mayor Steven L. Reed, states that for over 70 years, Sensei has “continuously advanced a movement for peace and social justice through non-violent social change” while

Don’t miss out on this great book-bundle deal for The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, parts 1–3, at bookstore.sgi-usa.org for $10! Gleaned from more than 50 years of Ikeda Sensei’s works, this series provides an endless source of hope and courage. They cover the topics of happiness, human revolution, kosen-rufu and world peace. Save

The Ikeda Center for Peace, Learning, and Dialogue in Cambridge, Massachusetts, introduces its new executive director, Kevin Maher. He succeeds Virginia Benson, who has served as the executive director for 19 of the center’s 27 years and will become the senior executive advisor. Mr. Maher has worked at the institute since 2002 and resides just

JANUARY 1 WORLD TRIBUNE Advancing Wisely, Harmoniously and Joyfully! In his New Year’s message, Ikeda Sensei calls on SGI members to focus on three key points based on strong prayer and unity: 1. “Advance together wisely, harmoniously and joyfully, accumulating ‘treasures of the heart!’” 2. “Advance, calling forth new capable Bodhisattvas of the Earth and

To our precious readers: Our sincerest gratitude to you for subscribing to, studying and sharing the SGI-USA publications! With this month’s issue, Living Buddhism introduces an updated look, including a new logo, fonts and a change of pace to the magazine designed to make it more readable and inspiring for members and guests. We remain

Hiroshima Atomic bomb survivor Setsuko Thurlow cried tears of joy when she learned that, on Oct. 24, the U.N. Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons had reached the 50th member state required for its entry into force. The treaty, the first international instrument to comprehensively ban nuclear weapons, will have legal force and effect

This holiday season, get great deals on essential book bundles from bookstore.sgi-usa.org. Enhance your Buddhist practice or gift a friend. Offer lasts until Dec. 31, 2020. Don’t miss out! The New Human Revolution, vols. 1–3 $36.00 $29.95 The first three of the 30-volume series, which chronicles the history of the worldwide spread of Nichiren Buddhism.

10/8 Tokyo Soka Gakkai President Minoru Harada met with Ambassador of Russia to Japan Mikhail Galuzin at the Embassy of the Russian Federation to Japan. The ambassador, who was an exchange student at Soka University in Japan from 1982–83, expressed his gratitude to Ikeda Sensei for his contributions to Japan-Russia relations. 10/11 Tokyo Beatrice Fihn—the

On Oct. 2, the 60th anniversary of Ikeda Sensei’s first visit to America, the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board, Neighborhood Associations and local SGI-USA members dedicated the Cherry Tree Peace Grove at Loring Park. The peace grove honors the three founding Soka Gakkai presidents, Tsunesaburo Makiguchi, Josei Toda and Daisaku Ikeda. In March, Minneapolis Mayor

by Mitch Bogen Special to the World Tribune Cambridge, Mass.—Undaunted by the ongoing restrictions of the coronavirus pandemic, the Ikeda Center for Peace, Learning, and Dialogue held its fourth virtual dialogue event of the year on Sept. 24. Nearly 180 participants from 19 countries joined the Zoom gathering, themed “Climate Hope: Awareness into Action!” The

Audio aid now available for SGI-USA publications.

On Sept. 21, Arbor Day in Brazil, the Soka Institute for Environmental Studies and Research of the Amazon launched an initiative to honor COVID-19 victims in Brazil by planting one tree for every person who passed away. More than 100,000 trees will be planted over a four-year period. President of the Soka Institute Edison Akira

U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Colleges 2021” ranks Soka University of America in a tie for 28th among national liberal arts colleges and fourth among liberal arts colleges in California. SUA also came in at No. 1 for study abroad and No. 4 for faculty resources. Daisaku Ikeda founded SUA’s undergraduate program in Aliso

With gratitude for your support, individuals who subscribe to or renew their SGI-USA publications through the end of September will receive a complimentary gift. The subscription includes the World Tribune weekly newspaper and Living Buddhism monthly study magazine and access to their content on worldtribune.org. How guests can subscribe:→ Call the SGI-USA Member Services Center at 855-744-2030If possible, please have your sponsor’s name