Encouragement
Write A ‘Wonderful Story’ That Will Endure For All Time!
Let’s bring forth a strong life force and together make this a historic year.
In this issue
Experience
Developing Conviction in My Potential
by Byeong Hwa Yun Minneapolis Faith is—to fear nothing, to stand unswayed, the power to surmount any obstacle. Faith is the source from which all solutions flow. Faith is the engine that propels us in the thrilling voyage of life, a life victorious and transcendent. (Ikeda Sensei, Nov. 6, World Tribune insert, p. C) In
Encouragement
Ikeda Sensei Pens 2021 New Year’s Poems
Ikeda Sensei composed the following poems to celebrate the start of 2021. They were translated from the Jan. 1 issue of the Seikyo Shimbun, the Soka Gakkai’s daily newspaper. Members of Soka, lion’s roar resounding in oneness with the Daishonin, are elevating and guiding humanity to the treasure land of peace. • • • As
Encouragement
Advancing With Courage and Hope Toward a New Dawn
The following essay by Ikeda Sensei was originally published in the Dec. 25 issue of the Seikyo Shimbun, the Soka Gakkai’s daily newspaper. I am like the unrivaled red maple leaves. I once presented this poem to an elderly pioneer member who was challenging himself valiantly in his personal life and society. How dazzling, impressive
News
Montgomery Honors Ikeda Sensei
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
News
The Buddhist Perspective on Mental Health
The newest episode of the SGI-USA’s podcast “Buddhist Solutions for Life’s Problems” covers its viewers’ most requested topic of 2020—the Buddhist perspective on mental health. The episode is available on all major podcast platforms and at buddhistsolutions.org.
Buddhist Study
The Resolve to Protect the Soka Gakkai and the Members
Nov. 28, 2021, will mark 30 years since the Nichiren Shoshu priesthood excommunicated 10 million SGI members, signifying our spiritual independence from the authoritarian priesthood. Leading up to this anniversary, this series will focus on important themes and events related to the priesthood issue based on key excerpts from The New Human Revolution, volume 30.
Buddhist Study
A Brave and Vigorous Spirit
Yumyo shojin.
Profiles
Happy Just as I Am
by Crystal Mae Fraser 32 years old Denver A really pivotal moment was in my first year of Buddhist practice in 2014. At that time, I began to love myself for who I was and came out to my family as a lesbian. For so long, I had been fearful of not being accepted, but
Lessons
Challenging Ourselves Together
The following story was adapted from Ikeda Sensei’s guidance in The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 3, p. 155–56. One day, a woman went to see Mahatma Gandhi to urge him to speak to her son. The boy, around 7 years old, was very fond of sweets and consumed them in great quantities,
Q&A
Q: I can’t afford to give my children the opportunities that others have, and I fear they’ll fall behind.
A: I want the young fathers and mothers among you to thrive with your children, surmounting difficulties. Your children’s education may cost you a lot of money. And you may live in cramped quarters. Moreover, your children are probably often so boisterous that you are not well rested. However, these are mere trifles. Your duty
Frontline News
New Leadership Appointments
The following national appointments were made on Jan. 1: SGI-USA Future Division The Future Division comprises members in elementary, junior high and high schools. The group’s mission is to foster future leaders toward the Soka Gakkai’s 100th anniversary on Nov. 18, 2030. Ai Nishino Young Women’s Future Division Leader SGI-USA Parents Group The Parents Group