May 2026 Living Buddhism

Gongyo—which includes reciting portions of the “Expedient Means” and “Life Span of the Thus Come One” chapters of the Lotus Sutra morning and evening—is part of daily practice for Nichiren Buddhists. This series carries Ikeda Sensei’s explanations of gongyo. This section, part of the prose section of the “Life Span” chapter, is no longer recited

This section features Ikeda Sensei’s seminal guidance to the members of the United States. The following is an excerpt of his speech given at the SGI Representatives Conference in Miami, Florida, February 3, 1993. The full speech can be found in My Dear Friends in America, fourth edition, pp. 251–57.  I am sure that the

Through the power of study and determined prayer, I learn to trust in the power of my own life—to love people as they are and pass that love along. I’m Fumiko Nishino of New York.

The student division members across the country are striving at their place of mission to share Buddhism with their friends and on campus through their genuine friendships. This month, we will hear from two student division members who are leading the way in these efforts. Good Friendships Starts from Being Open Name: Kaiya Alger //

To Unite With Anyone

This year marks the 30th anniversary of Ikeda Sensei’s 27th and final visit to the United States in June 1996. Three members recall how his visit impacted their Buddhist practice and lives. And with appreciation for those experiences, how they are participating in the annual May Commemorative Contribution activity to both financially protect and extend

This lecture is part of the “The Buddhism of the Sun—Illuminating the World” series, originally published in the February 2019 Living Buddhism. It can be found in Champions of Hope. Why did the Soka Gakkai appear in the world? What is its fundamental mission? The answer is nothing other than to realize kosen-rufu, the intent

Let’s Celebrate By Holding Family Discussion Meetings!

Please present the 3-Minute Gosho (pp. 46–47) at your discussion meetings. For the main study portion of the meeting, you can choose to expand on the 3-Minute Gosho or choose from one of the following: 1) What Do You Think? (pp. 48–49)2) Material from any recent issue of the World Tribune or Living Buddhism. 3-Miuntes

Ikeda Wisdom Academy members: • are group through national youth leaders and all student division members.• should have their own copy of The Wisdom of the Lotus Sutra, vol. 5.• are encouraged to read the assigned material before each meeting. May Syllabus:The Wisdom of the Lotus Sutra, vol. 5, pp. 89–118Part Four: “The Bodhisattva Never

Discovering Our Unique Mission by Challenging Ourselves to the Limit

Ikeda Sensei’s serialized novel The New Human Revolution chronicles the history of the Soka Gakkai following his inauguration in 1960 as its third president. It carries practical guidance on how to expand our movement for kosen-rufu and hundreds of experiences of inner transformation. Sensei appears in the novel as Shin’ichi Yamamoto. The following takes place

May is a golden season in Britain, where winter is long. March and April are not yet fully spring. It is May when days grow long and warm. The English expression “March winds and April showers bring May flowers” well describes this transition. … May is a month of youth; it is a time for