Authorechoi

On June 19, 1996, during what was to become Ikeda Sensei’s last visit to America, the SGI-USA Florida Nature and Culture Center (FNCC), in Weston, Florida, opened. Nestled on 125 acres of restored wetlands at the edge of the Everglades, the FNCC is the site of various SGI-USA conferences held throughout the year for each

Battling for hope, I revive old joys and tap new strength.

At the Central Executive Committee Conference, representative leaders discuss creating a wave of joy in the Summer of Shakubuku and rooting ourselves in our communities toward 2030.

Kicking off the Summer of Shakubuku, the SGI-USA will focus on propagating the Mystic Law in our local communities. The World Tribune met with leaders of Buffalo Chapter in upstate New York to hear about the heart behind their efforts to welcome 12 new members this year.  World Tribune: Thank you all for speaking with

Since 2020, the SGI-USA has hosted quarterly American Sign Language (ASL) study meetings for members in the deaf and hard-of-hearing communities and their family and friends interested in learning about Buddhism. The World Tribune met with two SGI-USA members who help coordinate these activities, Katy Saini, of Centreville, Virginia, who is deaf, and Jason Aliberto,

This series highlights how Buddhism can enhance daily living. As Nichiren Daishonin says: “When the skies are clear, the ground is illuminated. Similarly, when one knows the Lotus Sutra, one understands the meaning of all worldly affairs.” If animals could talk, what would they say and do? German author and pacificist Erich Kästner imagined one

The ruins of an ancient fortress stand atop a large rock surrounded by jungle in central Sri Lanka. King Kassapa I selected the rock for his new capital after ascending the throne in 473 ce, fashioning this palace fortress with a gated entry in the shape of an enormous stone lion, earning the bastion its

Ikeda Sensei wrote the following essay on June 30, 2002, commemorating the 45th [now 67th] anniversary of the student division. It was translated from the July 2, 2002, issue of the Soka Gakkai’s daily newspaper, Seikyo Shimbun. A Japanese chief justice once famously said, “It is a shame to be ignorant.” How true this is!

Cam Morose, a Boston school psychologist, found Buddhism at a crucial time when he was struggling with anxiety. In this episode, he shares how Buddhism gave him the roadmap and energy to challenge his inner critic, connect with others and find deeper happiness. Click here to listen. June 14, 2024, World Tribune, p. 4

SAN ANTONIO, MAY 9, 2024—San Antonio’s city council invited a local SGI-USA representative to lead the invocation at the start of their regular meeting.  An invocation is a sermon, prayer or moment of reflection to provide wisdom and unite attendees at the start of an event.  The meeting was led by San Antonio Mayor Ron

In the face of loss, I teach my students, my nephews and myself that all hardship can be transformed into value.

ALISO VIEJO, Calif.—In the fall of 2020, just months into the pandemic, the Soka University of America Class of 2024 began college life in the rarest circumstances, meeting classmates and professors for the first time via Zoom. In his welcome message to the class, SUA founder Daisaku Ikeda said that nothing had ever prevented the

The following excerpts are from Stephen S. Dunham’s keynote address to the 2024 Commencement Ceremony held at Soka University of America (SUA) in Aliso Viejo, Calif., on May 24, 2024. Dunham is the chair of the SUA Board of Trustees, involved in the establishment of SUA since 1992 and a trustee since the university’s opening

Representatives of the SGI-USA Practicing Buddhism as People of African Descent Group recall the history of Juneteenth and how we can honor it as Buddhists.  by Carolyn Colby and Dave GoodmanSGI-USA Practicing Buddhism as People of African Descent Group Women’s and Men’s Leaders At this time of year, we are reflecting on Juneteenth, a day

This series highlights how Buddhism can enhance daily living. As Nichiren Daishonin says: “When the skies are clear, the ground is illuminated. Similarly, when one knows the Lotus Sutra, one understands the meaning of all worldly affairs.” In a 2007 op-ed, Ikeda Sensei wrote:  The vital, vibrant currents of dialogue have the capacity to shake

Among Europe’s fortified sites, Luxembourg served as one of its greatest for centuries. Founded as a small fort in the middle of the 10th century, the City of Luxembourg expanded in the 12th century with settlements and stone fortifications, which then grew in the 14th and 15th centuries. From the Holy Roman Empire to the

The following essay by Ikeda Sensei was translated from the June 3, 1998, issue of the Soka Gakkai’s daily newspaper, Seikyo Shimbun. Sincerity, earnestness, strictness, integrity—these are the words that come to mind whenever I see photographs of Tsunesaburo Makiguchi, father of the Soka movement and first president of the Soka Gakkai. I always discern

The four virtues are (1) filial piety toward one’s father and mother; (2) loyalty to one’s lord; (3) courtesy toward one’s friends; and (4) pity and kindness toward those less fortunate than oneself. “The Four Virtues and the Four Debts of Gratitude,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 2, p. 636 After these words, Nichiren

by James HerrmannSGI-USA MEN’S Leader In January 2022, the SGI-USA men’s division reported to Ikeda Sensei that we established a safety and security group. On that occasion, he sent a congratulatory message and stated the purpose of the group: You are vigilantly safeguarding our SGI centers, the treasure castles of our communities, for the sake

VATICAN CITY—On May 10, 2024, Soka Gakkai President Minoru Harada met Pope Francis at the Apostolic Palace. Their meeting, which lasted 30 minutes, began with warm greetings. President Haradaconveyed his hope that, amid these tumultuous times, religions that seek peace can transcend their differences and work together based on a shared love for humanity. Pope