2021 Year In Review: Part 4

Nov. 12 World Tribune: Sensei and Mrs. Ikeda Recite Gongyo at the Soka Gakkai Headquarters

A rainbow appears in the evening sky above the Hall of the Great Vow for Kosen-rufu, Tokyo, May 17, 2021. Photo by Seikyo Press.

Ahead of the Soka Gakkai’s founding month, celebrating 30 years since the Soka Gakkai achieved spiritual independence from the Nichiren Shoshu priesthood, Sensei and Mrs. Ikeda visit the Soka Gakkai Headquarters in Tokyo and recite gongyo on Oct. 28. Just a week prior, on Oct. 20, Sensei and Mrs. Ikeda encourage Kansai Soka Elementary School sixth-graders who were on a field trip to Shinanomachi, Tokyo.

Nov. 18 World Tribune: Commemorating 30 Years of Spiritual Independence

Unity—SGI-USA members rejoice at the November Kosen-rufu Gongyo Meeting at the Baltimore Buddhist Center, Baltimore, Nov. 7, 2021. Photo by Rob Hendry.

Celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Soka Gakkai’s spiritual independence from the Nichiren Shoshu priesthood, the SGI-USA national leaders discuss the history of the split from the priesthood and the essence of our Buddhist practice with the Soka Gakkai.

Dec. 3 World Tribune: Commemorating November 18

Sensei composes three poems to commemorate Nov. 18, the 91st anniversary of the Soka Gakkai’s founding, stating in one: “On the journey of mentor and disciple, / living, striving and winning / based on the Gosho— / how radiant are your smiles / as Bodhisattvas of the Earth!”

Dec. 3 World Tribune: Pacific Peace Center Opens

Joy—Members of Los Angeles Coastal North Region celebrate the grand opening of the new Santa Monica Pacific Peace Center, Santa Monica, Calif., Nov. 7, 2021. Photo by Yvonne Ng.

On Nov. 7, members from Los Angeles Coastal North Region reunite in person for the first time in nearly two years to celebrate the grand opening of the SGI-USA Santa Monica Pacific Peace Center.

Dec. 10 World Tribune: Making Dynamic Progress Through Compassion and Wisdom

The theme for 2022, the Year of Youth and Dynamic Progress, is announced on Nov. 18 at the Fifth Soka Gakkai Headquarters Leaders Meeting Toward Our Centennial, commemorating the Soka Gakkai’s 91st anniversary. At the meeting, Sensei introduces three calligraphies: “The Treasure of the Teaching of Nichiren Buddhism,” “The Wings of Wisdom for Kosen-rufu” and “The Brilliant Skies of Heavenly Emissaries.”

Dec. 10 World Tribune: Florida Everglades and North Florida Open

Celebration—Members of Florida Everglades Region celebrate the grand opening of the new Florida Everglades Buddhist Center in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Nov. 7, 2021. Photo by Mary Delia.

SGI-USA members welcome their friends to the new center, Jacksonville, Fla., Nov. 7, 2021. Photo by Tina Warner.

Florida Zone opens two centers on Nov. 7, welcoming members from the Florida Everglades and North Florida to their new castles of kosen-rufu.