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Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony is the roar of the spirit of that great musical genius, who proclaimed, “At the end of the suffering, there is joy!” —Ikeda Sensei Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 was inspired by German poet Friedrich Schiller’s “Ode to Joy,” which extolled the triumph of humanity. At 22, Beethoven attempted to set

While many national flags use motifs drawn from the sky—sun, moon, stars—the Soka Gakkai’s tricolor flag symbolizes one world where all live in peace and harmony. The red of the flag stands for victory, yellow for glory and blue for peace. SGI members everywhere have been advancing cheerfully, waving this tricolor flag. … The path

“The great Renaissance artist and inventor Leonardo da Vinci (1452–1519) dreamed of the possibility of human flight—symbolizing his desire to see the human spirit soar to the loftiest heights. He believed in people’s resilience to transform the harshest winds of adversity into an uplifting force. “Humans are truly wondrous beings, because they possess the innate

“While systems depending on hard power have succeeded by using established tools of coercion to move people toward certain goals, the success of soft power is based on volition. It is an internally generated energy of will created through consensus and understanding among people. The processes of soft power unleash the inner energies of the

“The bond of mentor and disciple transcends the bounds of this existence. As long as my mentor is in my heart, I know I will never be defeated.”[1] —Ikeda Sensei July 3, 1945—second Soka Gakkai President Josei Toda was released from prison, where he had been detained for refusing to submit to the wartime Japanese

On June 16, 1981, Ikeda Sensei arrived in New York, his first visit there in six years. His trip took place not long after he had stepped down as third Soka Gakkai president on April 24, 1979, to shield the members from the authoritarian machinations of the priesthood.[1] The New York organization was hit hard

“To enable every precious individual, without exception, to become happy—that is the spirit of Soka illuminating May 3.”[1]—Ikeda Sensei Seven decades ago, after triumphing over a series of harsh business challenges, Josei Toda was inaugurated as second Soka Gakkai President. At his inaugural meeting on May 3, 1951, he determined to completely renew the Soka

“In any age when people come to the fore, you will find newspapers providing the impetus.”[1]—Ikeda Sensei [Josei Toda] was always thinking about the future of kosen-rufu. At a time when his business was facing serious financial challenges, he set out to start a newspaper that would communicate the essence of Nichiren Buddhism. The first

March 16 is the eternal starting point of true cause, when all disciples stand up to be counted. For me, each day is a day of fresh commitment; each day is March 16.[1]—Ikeda Sensei In the predawn chill of March 16, 1958, 6,000 youth gathered at the foot of Mount Fuji with their mentor, second

A noble gatheringlike fragrantwhite lilies,for you arepure-heartedfriends”[1]—Ikeda Sensei On June 10, 1951, second Soka Gakkai President Josei Toda established the women’s division. At the inaugural meeting, he composed this poem as an expression of his gratitude for the members who arranged beautiful white lilies, their fragrance wafting throughout the room. The white lily has since

In this auspicious year of 2021, we commemorate the following significant anniversaries: February 16 800 years since Nichiren Daishonin’s birth April 2 50th anniversary of Soka University, Japan May 3 70th anniversary of Josei Toda’s inauguration as second Soka Gakkai president May 3 20th anniversary of Soka University of America June 6 150th anniversary of

“When each of us becomes a lion, we can triumph over any form of adversity. Lions are strong. They fear nothing.”—Ikeda Sensei The lion symbolizes the qualities of courage, strength and perseverance that we aim to achieve through Buddhist practice. Nichiren Daishonin, who opened the way for all people to attain Buddhahood, referred to himself

“As long as the African people continue to struggle with daunting challenges, then as fellow human beings and global citizens we should share their sufferings.”[1]–Ikeda Sensei In this month’s issue, we feature an interview with Dr. Mamphela Ramphele, co-president of the Club of Rome. Table Mountain in South Africa, home to Dr. Ramphele, graces this

“Kosen-rufu will definitely be achieved if even one young person is willing to dedicate their entire life to it.”1—Second Soka Gakkai President Josei Toda July is the month of youth for the Soka Gakkai—the month in which the young men’s and young women’s divisions were founded on July 11 and 19, 1951, respectively, and a

“My dear future division members! My precious friends! You are destined to be the noble protagonists of our movement when the Soka Gakkai celebrates its glorious 100th anniversary in 2030.”—Ikeda Sensei For 60 years, Ikeda Sensei has ceaselessly encouraged the members of the future division, which includes the elementary school, and junior high and high

“This moment and the place where you are right now is what matter. When committed disciples rise into action with a self-reliant spirit, the sure flame of Soka will burn and spread brightly from where they are, from that very moment.” —SGI President Ikeda May 3, Soka Gakkai Day, is considered a New Year’s Day

One person awakening to their buddhahood can change the world—introducing the SGI-USA’s new, hope-filled focus. by Olivia Saito, Maya Gunaseharan and Ryo Kuroki SGI-USA Youth Leaders Message from the SGI-USA youth leaders This is a call to action from the youth of America. It is a cry from the depths of our beings to call