Authorjhsu

Words of Encouragement From Ikeda Sensei

The following essay excerpts were published in the Dec. 28, 2022, issue of the Soka Gakkai’s daily newspaper, Seikyo Shimbun. At the November headquarters leaders meeting commemorating the Soka Gakkai’s founding [held on Nov. 12, 2022], the Soka Gloria Wind Orchestra and Kansai Wind Orchestra gave a stirring performance of the fourth movement of Beethoven’s

by World Tribune staff LOS ANGELES—Wayne Shorter, the legendary American jazz saxophonist and composer, and a devoted SGI-USA member for five decades, died on March 2, 2023, at 89. Mr. Shorter earned worldwide recognition for his mastery of the saxophone, including 12 Grammy Awards, culminating in a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014 for his

To deplore our circumstances reflects a mind that is controlled by its environment.

On the northern island of Luzon, the living cultural landscape of the Ifugao Rice Terraces stretches across the face of the Philippine Cordillera mountains. For over 2,000 years, the Ifugao people have passed the terraces down from generation to generation, alongside intricate irrigation and farming systems and ritual practices that remain virtually unchanged—an enduring representation

The Ikeda Wisdom Academy, a study program for SGI-USA youth leaders, successfully concluded its fifth class in February 2023 with a study exam. For the past two years, the academy studied Ikeda Sensei’s lectures on some of Nichiren Daishonin’s essential writings in the first two volumes of The Teachings for Victory, including “Letter from Sado,”

Shakyamuni Buddha who attained enlightenment countless kalpas ago, the Lotus Sutra that leads all people to Buddhahood, and we ordinary human beings are in no way different or separate from one another. To chant Myoho-renge-kyo with this realization is to inherit the ultimate Law of life and death. “The Heritage of the Ultimate Law of

Representatives from the Byakuren and Soka Group share how supporting an SGI-USA activity behind the scenes enabled them to break through their personal challenges. Both supported “EMERGE,” a Southern California youth meeting commemorating the 30th anniversary of Ikeda Sensei’s poem “Sun of Jiyu Over a New Land,” held on Jan. 29, 2023, at the SGI-USA

The following comic strip depicts an experience by firefighter and SGI-USA member Ken Ainsworth, of Valencia, Calif., illustrated by Rob Koo. March 3, 2023, World Tribune, pp.6–7

Taking Ikeda Sensei as my mentor, I learn to live with gratitude and strength.

In this episode, Melanie Santiago, of Denver, talks about how she encountered Buddhism at 13 when she was going through a tumultuous time. Her Buddhist practice helped her shift her life state from one of suffering and victimhood to one of empowerment. Listen now to learn how to orient your life toward a healthy path,

Asle Toje, deputy leader of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, the council tasked with selecting the annual Nobel Peace Prize recipient, visited Soka University of America (SUA) in late January to tour the campus, speak with faculty and work closely with students. After several days, he sat down for an open dialogue with Alexander Harang, an

3/5 Founding of the Men’s Division  In 1966, 750 representative Soka Gakkai members gathered with Ikeda Sensei at the Soka Gakkai headquarters in Tokyo to mark  the establishment of the men’s division. Sensei expressed his expectations of the men: “Become golden pillars supporting the citadel of Soka. … If the men’s division develops remarkably and

The following are excerpts from Ikeda Sensei’s speech at the Fifth Soka Gakkai Headquarters Leaders Meeting held at the Tokyo Makiguchi Memorial Hall in Tokyo in March 2007. Video footage of the speech was broadcast during the 12th Soka Gakkai Headquarters Leaders Meeting Toward Our Centennial held on on Jan. 7, 2023. The excerpts were

La Grand-Place, in Brussels, Belgium, showcases the “architectural jewel” that blends styles of Western art and architecture. While the earliest written reference of the spectacular market square dates to the 12th century, the plaza was destroyed in 1695 by the troops of Louis XIV. Under the supervision of the city magistrate, a rebuilding campaign restored

Establishing the teaching for unlocking the great human potential of all people.

Nam-myoho-renge-kyo is like the roar of a lion. What sickness can therefore be an obstacle? “Reply to Kyo’o,” The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, vol. 1, p. 412 Sometimes illness may strike us, or some unexpected hardship may throw our lives into disarray. When those times come, let us be prepared, remembering Nichiren Daishonin’s declaration: “Nam-myoho-renge-kyo

by Maya Gunaseharan and Shota Okajima SGI-USA Youth Leaders To the precious members of the SGI-USA, thank you for your unending support of the youth!  On March 16, we commemorate 65 years since second Soka Gakkai President Josei Toda passed the baton of kosen-rufu to the youth. In 1958, amid their own struggles, the youth

Southern California youth gather to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Ikeda Sensei’s poem “The Sun of Jiyu Over a New Land.”

Facing my father’s illness, I learn how to hold my ground and triumph in faith.