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Rudolph F. Ingerle (1879–1950) was an Austrian-born American landscape painter celebrated for his colorful landscapes. Based in Chicago, he became especially known for painting the Great Smoky Mountains, part of the Appalachian Mountains along the Tennessee–North Carolina border. Known as the “Painter of the Smokies,” Ingerle received numerous honors and served as president of the

On Oct. 2, 1960, Ikeda Sensei traveled to the United States as his first step for worldwide kosen-rufu. The first discussion meeting in the United States took place that day. Fewer than 30 people, including children, gathered. At the end of the meeting, Sensei proposed the establishment of the first district outside of Japan, the

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the Yamaguchi Campaign. From October 1956 through January 1957, 28-year-old Daisaku Ikeda traveled throughout Yamaguchi Prefecture, encouraging members who had been isolated in their Buddhist practice. Through his prayer, resolve and one-to-one encouragement, a membership of 430 households grew to 4,073, and a foundation was established for the

The following is from the October 2026 issue of the Soka Gakkai’s monthly study journal, Daibyakurenge. It was Ikeda Sensei who made Nichiren Daishonin’s solemn mandate for the worldwide spread of the Mystic Law a reality. In October 1961, he made his first visit to Europe. With only a handful of members there at the

The following excerpts are from Ikeda Sensei’s essay that was originally published in the Sept. 23, 2021, issue of the Soka Gakkai’s daily newspaper, Seikyo Shimbun. On the occasion of the autumn equinox [traditionally a time for memorial services for the deceased in Japan], I offered solemn prayers for all our noble fellow members who

Learning to deeply respect my life, I grasp my mission to care for people.

The following is from a speech at an SGI representatives conference in Miami, Florida, Feb. 3, 1993. It can be found in The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 2, revised edition, chapter 13, installment 4, pp. 71–77. In a speech celebrating the establishment of the SGI-USA’s future division, Ikeda Sensei offers six points

The following is from The New Human Revolution, vol. 1, “Pioneers” chapter. It can also be found in The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 2, revised edition, chapter 12, installment 3, pp. 37–42. In the novel The New Human Revolution, at a Q&A session in Brazil with members who had immigrated there from Japan,

ALISO VIEJO, Calif.—Soka University of America (SUA) announced a major expansion of the Soka Opportunity Plan, its undergraduate financial aid guarantee. Beginning with the 2027–28 academic year, total family income of $200,000 or less annually will qualify for 100% tuition coverage, more than doubling the previous $90,000 threshold for full-tuition eligibility. Every admitted undergraduate will

Lifted up by the people of my beloved Detroit, I vow to give back to my city.

Nichiren Daishonin proclaims: “I, Nichiren, have inscribed my life in sumi ink, so believe in the Gohonzon with your whole heart” (“Reply to Kyo’o,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 412). Honzon means “object of fundamental respect or devotion,” while the prefix go is an honorific meaning “worthy of respect.” Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is the

The Japanese word for mission means to “use one’s life.” Ikeda Sensei says that we were each born with a unique mission to fulfill and those who remember it are strong. The following excerpts are from Ikeda Sensei’s guidance in Discussions on Youth, new edition, pp. 9–11. A: The important thing is to be patient,

This series, prepared by the SGI-USA Study Department, features timeless stories in Nichiren Daishonin’s writings (also called the Gosho) that continue to offer practical wisdom for us today. The mighty warrior General Li Kuang, whose mother had been devoured by a tiger, shot an arrow at the stone he believed was the tiger. The arrow

Audiobook versions of The New Human Revolution volumes 14 and 15 are now available for purchase on Amazon, Audible and Apple Books. The 30-volume series is now halfway complete on audio. Chapter titles in volumes 14 and 15 include “Wisdom and Courage,” “Mission” and “Soka University.” Happy listening! September 18, 2026 World Tribune, p. 11

Born in Philadelphia in 1892, Edward Stuart Davis was introduced to the art world at an early age. His mother worked as a professional sculptor, while his father was the art editor for a newspaper. Raised in an environment that actively encouraged creative expression, Davis developed a passion for the visual arts during his childhood.

William Wendt (1865–1946) was an American painter who became one of Southern California’s leading landscape artists. Born in Germany, he immigrated to Chicago in 1880. Largely self-taught, Wendt briefly studied at the Art Institute of Chicago before eventually making California the focus of his life and art. After marrying sculptor Julia Bracken in 1906, Wendt

Sierra Canyon alumnus Spencer Parham from Utah was hit with a problem that almost derailed his Division 1 (D1) college aspirations. Today, he shares his experience of how chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo helped him excel as a busy student athlete. Click here to watch the video. September 11, 2026 World Tribune, p. 11

From July to November, the SGI-USA women are studying Ikeda Sensei’s lecture series The Five Eternal Guidelines of the Soka Gakkai at our America Victory Daimoku Group chanting sessions. The study passage for October follows. In the course of our lives, we can’t anticipate what challenges await us. The important thing is to embody a

This study series covers Soka Spirit topics to be presented by a youth or student division member at Soka 2030 meetings on the last Sunday of each month. Have you ever seen someone being treated unfairly and wondered what to do? Maybe a friend was mocked online or someone was deliberately left out of an

The participants of the Practicing Buddhism as People of African Descent Conference imagined their lives and the world in 2030 and beyond during their annual conference, held Aug. 28–31, at the Florida Nature and Culture Center. Employing creativity and artistic expression, they made collages that included guidance and photos from the SGI-USA publications, plus their