CategoryFrontline News

Commemorating Veterans Day, the SGI-USA Military Personnel Group will host a nationwide webinar on Nov. 15 (details below). This gathering, themed “In Pursuit of Peace,” is open to all SGI-USA members, as well as their friends and family. A panel of SGI-USA members from across the U.S. will share their experiences and discuss life in

Toward 2030

SGI-USA’s new digital ecosystem for American youth

Living Buddhism: This year has been challenging on many fronts, with the COVID-19 pandemic, the economic fallout and the racial injustice we see in American society. Ikeda Sensei recently underscored the importance of the next 10 years, toward the 100th anniversary of the Soka Gakkai’s founding, as a time of change. He says in part:

In these uncertain and turbulent times, members have been utilizing the SGI-USA publications more than ever to encourage their friends, family and fellow Buddhists. Through such efforts, many guests have subscribed to learn more about our practice of Nichiren Buddhism, while members across the country have renewed their subscriptions to refresh their faith. Ikeda Sensei gave

In August, men’s division members held lively virtual gatherings throughout each of the SGI-USA’s 109 regions. These meetings celebrated the 73rd anniversary of Ikeda Sensei’s joining the Soka Gakkai on Aug. 24, 1947. In his message, Sensei said in part: In this most trying time, please challenge yourselves with joyful enthusiasm and continue to chant resounding

SGI youth from around the world will gather on Sept. 27 at 1 p.m. PT / 3 p.m. CT / 4 p.m. ET for a virtual World Youth General Meeting, hosted by the Soka Gakkai in Japan. The event will celebrate the 60th anniversary of Oct. 2, 1960, when Ikeda Sensei, at age 32, took his

The SGI-USA will host a virtual encouragement meeting for members and guests who are working as first responders (EMTs, paramedics, firefighters, law enforcement, etc.) on Sept. 13 at 1 p.m. PT/ 3 p.m. CT/ 4 p.m. ET. The meeting will last approximately one hour and will include an experience, Q&A session and encouragement. Participants must register

A palpable sense of joy and excitement emanated from homes throughout the country on Aug. 9, when some 3,000 elementary school division (ESD) members, families and supporters gathered for the virtual SGI-USA ESD meeting, themed “One Youth. Infinite Hope. Now More Than Ever!” In a warm welcome, SGI- USA future division leaders Ian McIlraith, Kazuyo Nakagawa

During this critical juncture in turning the tide of our country’s history of deeply rooted racism, the SGI-USA People of African Descent group (POAD) hosted a dynamic, live webinar on Aug. 8, drawing nearly 5,000 members and guests, who joined “The Conversation We Need to Transform Our Country.” Ikeda Sensei sent a powerful message to the

SGI youth from around the world will gather on Sept. 27 at 1 p.m. PT / 3 p.m. CT / 4 p.m. ET for a virtual World Youth General Meeting, hosted by the Soka Gakkai in Japan. The event will celebrate the 60th anniversary of Oct. 2, 1960, when Ikeda Sensei, at age 32, took his

by Adin Strauss, Naoko Leslie, Kevin Moncrief, Olivia Saito, Ryo Kuroki, Maya GunaseharanSGI-USA Leaders To our precious SGI-USA members: First of all, allow us to extend one more time a very heartfelt Thank you! for your incredible support during our May Commemorative Contribution period amid these most extraordinary and trying times. It’s been more than five

During a nationwide executive leaders conference on July 8, Soka Gakkai President Minoru Harada announced plans for a virtual worldwide youth general meeting to be held in late September. The gathering, which will be hosted by the Soka Gakkai in Japan, will commemorate the 60th anniversary of World Peace Day on Oct. 2. On Oct. 2,

In the midst of the great challenges facing society, 1,181 junior high and high school division (JHHS) members and guests, as well as SGI-USA youth leaders from around the country, joyfully gathered by videoconference on June 28 to celebrate Future Division Month. Under the theme “Suns of Hope: Illuminating the Future Toward 2030,” the participants held

by Naoko LeslieSGI-USA Women’s Leader As we continue to witness the horrendous news of racial discrimination, such as the brutal killing of George Floyd, it is clear that we must strengthen the forces of good and expand the ranks of capable people leading our kosen-rufu movement. On Feb. 11, 1990, Nelson Mandela, a champion of human rights,

by Adin StraussSGI-USA General Director To our wonderful and irreplaceable SGI-USA members, It’s hard to find the words to fully express our gratitude for your sincere participation in this year’s May Commemorative Contribution activity, especially amid times that no one could have anticipated. I am reminded, once again, that the Soka Gakkai remains strong because of the

by Adin StraussSGI-USA General Director We entered June with heart-wrenching images of civil unrest unfolding in cities throughout the U.S., following the death of George Floyd, who died in custody, handcuffed and unarmed. On May 29, the SGI-USA national leadership team responded with a statement in which we expressed our sadness and outrage at this blatant disregard

For the past few days we have been trying to process what we’ve felt upon hearing the news of George Floyd’s death. George Floyd was a son, a family member and a friend. Our condolences are with Mr. Floyd’s family and community as they deal with this tragic loss. This man should not have died. We

by Olivia Saito, Maya Gunaseharan and Ryo KurokiSGI-USA Youth Leaders At the beginning of this significant year of 2020, we, the youth of the SGI-USA, made a call to action—a cry from the depths of our beings to call forth and raise a new generation of peacemakers, who have both the philosophy and means to transform our

by Naoko LeslieSGI-USA Women’s Leader With the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, our lives as parents have drastically changed—kids have no school, and they are home! In my household, pillow fights have become a daily routine between our teenage daughter, Miki, and second-grade son, Nobuki. Playdates with friends take place via FaceTime, and their teachers began online