All News
Humanitarian Activities | Jul 18 2008
Taiwan Soka Association Members Assist Flood Victims
On July 17 and 18, 2008, Typhoon Kalmaegi struck Taiwan, bringing heavy flooding and landslides to the central and southern parts of the country. Kalmaegi, the first typhoon to hit Taiwan this year, brought torrential downpours said to be the worst in a decade. The typhoon left at least 20 ... read more
Culture | Jul 14 2008
Commemorative Cultural Festival Held in Indonesia; SGI Representatives Meet with Indonesian Vice President Jusuf Kalla
On July 13, 2008, the "Religious Art Festival for Peace" took place at the Jakarta International Event and Convention Centre, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Japan. The musical extravaganza was co-organized by Soka Gakkai Indonesia (SGI-Indonesia), the Indonesian Muslim Artists and Culturalists ... read more
Buddhism | Jul 11 2008
German Translation of Selected Writings of Nichiren Published
SGI-Germany recently published German translations of selected works of Nichiren. Translated and edited from The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, the English edition of Nichiren's writings, the German version contains 36 letters and treatises, including "On Attaining Buddhahood in This Lifetime," "Letter from Sado" and "The Object of Devotion for Observing ... read more
Buddhism | Jul 10 2008
Discussion Meeting Tradition Continues Throughout Japan
At monthly discussion meetings during July 2008, Soka Gakkai national and regional leaders attended meetings in their respective locales throughout Japan. The discussion meeting is a tradition that began with the Soka Gakkai's inception. National Women's Leader Asami Mitsui participated at a meeting of Wakakusa District, Chiba, on July 9. Following ... read more
Sustainable Development | Jul 7 2008
"21st Century Environment Exhibition" Opens in Tokyo and Hyogo Prefecture
On July 4, 2008, the "21st Century Environment Exhibition," which supports the United Nations' Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (2005-2014), opened at the Shibuya Tobu Hotel in Tokyo. Many guests attended the opening ceremony. Nguyen Thi Thu Ha, Japanese bureau chief of "The Voice of Vietnam," a Vietnamese state ... read more
Buddhism | Jul 6 2008
SGI-Dominican Republic Members Meet Throughout the Country
On July 6, 2008, some 1,000 SGI-Dominican Republic members gathered for meetings throughout the country, commemorating July 3, Day of Mentor and Disciple, as well as the month of youth. In preparing for the meetings, youth members engaged in one-on-one dialogues to expand their network of friendship. SGI-Dominican Republic Young Men's ... read more
Humanitarian Activities | Jul 5 2008
Soka Gakkai Members Support Earthquake Relief Efforts in Japan
On June 14, 2008, a massive earthquake of upper 6 on the Japanese seismic scale of 7 struck the Tohoku region of northeastern Japan and left 12 people dead, 10 missing and over 440 injured as of July 3. The Iwate-Miyagi Inland Earthquake destroyed roads and a 95-meter bridge, cutting ... read more
Sustainable Development | Jul 5 2008
SGI-Canada Earth Charter Committee Launches "Summer of Sustainability" in Vancouver
From July 3 to 5, 2008, SGI-Canada's Vancouver-based Earth Charter Committee launched its "Summer of Sustainability" campaign at the city's Central City Shopping Center, distributing a checklist of 50 actions people can take to engage with others in the community and reduce their carbon footprint--the direct effect one's actions and ... read more
Education | Jul 4 2008
SGI-Taiwan Sponsors Two Summer Camps at Rural Elementary Schools
On July 3 and 4, 2008, Taiwan Soka Association (TSA) sponsored "Soka Joy Summer Camps" at Green Island Elementary School in Taitung County and Tai-ba-lang Elementary School in Hualien County, Taiwan. The schools, both of which share limited educational resources, are located in rural areas--one on a remote island ... read more
Peace and Disarmament | Jul 1 2008
SGI-USA Youth Support Local Peace Event in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
On July 1, 2008, more than 125 people attended the opening ceremony for the exhibition "A World Free From Nuclear Weapons Is Possible" at the Lesley University Hall Atrium in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. The Peaceable Schools Summer Institute at Lesley University and the City of Cambridge Peace Commission cosponsored the ... read more
Peace and Disarmament | Jul 1 2008
Soka Gakkai Women's Peace Committee Sponsors "Culture of Peace Forum"
On July 1, 2008, the Soka Gakkai Women's Peace Committee (WPC) hosted a "Culture of Peace Forum" at the Soka Gakkai Higashimurayama Culture Center, Tokyo. In her opening remarks, WPC Vice Chair Nobuko Ishii expressed her wish that the forum would offer the participants opportunities to further reflect on what ... read more
Education | Jul 1 2008
SGI-Nicaragua Youth Celebrate "Day of the Teacher" with Community Activism
On June 29, 2008, Nicaragua's "Day of the Teacher," SGI-Nicaragua youth visited an education center in Managua where some 70 children with disabilities attend classes. The SGI youth performed music and dances for the children and joined them in games. ... read more
Buddhism | Jun 30 2008
SGI-Netherlands Women Meet
During May and June 2008, over 600 women and young women, including some 160 guests, gathered for SGI-Netherlands women's meetings at 15 venues throughout the country. Beginning last year and with the leadership of SGI-Netherlands Women's Leader Mieke Iwami and Young Women's Leader Nobuko Kotera, the women and young women ... read more
Education | Jun 30 2008
Peace Education Leader Speaks at SGI-USA Culture of Peace Lecture Series
On June 30, 2008, Betty Reardon, a 45-year veteran of the international peace education movement, spoke at the SGI-USA New York Culture Center as part of SGI-USA's Culture of Peace Distinguished Speaker Series. Born in 1929, Ms. Reardon wrote her first essay on peace while in the fifth grade. Among ... read more
Buddhism | Jun 30 2008
SGI-Venezuela Women Meet
During June 2008, some 3,100 SGI-Venezuela women and young women gathered for conferences throughout the country. In the city of Valera, Trujillo State, 500 kilometers west of the capital Caracas, 200 attended the women's conference. Extensive preparations and one-on-one dialogues resulted in increased participation from last year's attendance of 36. ... read more
Buddhism | Jun 29 2008
SGI-Nepal and SGI-Switzerland Women's Meetings
On June 28, 2008, SGI-Nepal women held their 12th general meeting at the SGI-Nepal Peace Center in Kathmandu. Participants sang "Mother" whose lyrics were composed by SGI President Daisaku Ikeda, and the program also included a poetry reading. SGI-Nepal Women's Leader Beema Singh and SGI-Nepal General Director Sahana Shrestha encouraged ... read more
Buddhism | Jun 29 2008
Women's Meetings Held in Latin American Countries
During June 2008, SGI women in several Latin American countries celebrated the 57th anniversary of the formation of the Women's Division (WD). On June 22, some 360 SGI-Bolivia women from Santa Cruz State gathered for a meeting at the SGI-Bolivia Culture Center. In Ecuador, meetings were held on June 21 and ... read more
Peace and Disarmament | Jun 29 2008
Eighth Daisaku Ikeda Annual Lecture Hosted by Singapore Soka Association
The speaker, Professor Jørgen Ørstrøm Møller, visiting senior research fellow at the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies (ISEAS) and adjunct professor at Singapore Management University, shared his insights during a lecture titled "Securing Peace in Asia for the Next 25 Years" to an audience of some 700. Among the attendees ... read more
Interfaith | Jun 29 2008
"British Buddhist Landscape" Conference Held at Taplow Court, UK
Participants and speakers at the British Buddhist Landscape Conference Over the weekend of June 27-29, the Institute of Oriental Philosophy-United Kingdom (IOP-UK) held a conference jointly with the Network of Buddhist Organisations (UK), known as NBO, at SGI-UK's Taplow Court center, on the theme of "The British Buddhist Landscape--Transplantation and Growth." ... read more
Buddhism | Jun 28 2008
SGI-USA West Territory Holds Men's Meeting
On June 28, 2008, some 1,000 men gathered in Oakland, California, USA, to kick off their grassroots efforts aimed at local activities that will take place during August, SGI-USA Men's Division Month. More than 200 men traveled on buses overnight from southern California, including one man in his 80s. Northern California ... read more
Buddhism | Jun 27 2008
Soka Gakkai Members in Remote Islands and Villages Active in Local Communities
Soka Gakkai members in remote islands and mountainous areas in Japan are actively engaging in dialogue and fostering friendships. Many are also active participants in their neighborhood associations, playing pivotal roles in working for the welfare of other residents and contributing to the revitalization of their communities. Typical of these ... read more
Interfaith | Jun 26 2008
SGI-USA Participates in Interfaith Roundtable on Hate Crimes in Southern California, USA
On June 26, 2008, in a suburb of Los Angeles (LA), California, USA, the LA County Human Relations Commission hosted an interfaith roundtable on hate crimes. The commission's Executive Director Robin Toma invited 33 leaders representing a broad diversity of faith communities, among which was SGI-USA. To open the event, Mr. ... read more
Peace and Disarmament | Jun 26 2008
"From a Culture of Violence to a Culture of Peace: Transforming the Human Spirit" Exhibition in Dominican Republic
"From a Culture of Violence to a Culture of Peace: Transforming the Human Spirit," an exhibition created by the SGI that examines the nuclear weapons issue through the lens of human security, showed from June 12-26, 2008, at the Cibao Grand Theater in Santiago in the Dominican Republic. Some 150 ... read more
Buddhism | Jun 25 2008
Newly Completed SGI-USA Washington, D.C., Culture Center Opened on "Embassy Row"
On June 25, 2008 the newly constructed SGI-USA Washington, D.C., Culture Center was officially opened. Designed by noted architect Bill Hellmuth, the 9,000 square foot center is located alongside embassies from throughout the world on Massachusetts Avenue, also known as "Embassy Row," in the heart of the U.S. capital. Officiating ... read more
Culture | Jun 22 2008
SGI-Brazil Members Participate in Centennial Celebrations of Japanese Immigration in São Paulo and Paraná
On June 21, 2008, an official event celebrating the centennial of Japanese immigration to Brazil took place in São Paulo at the Anhembi Arena, a 500-meter samba parade ground. SGI Vice President Hiromasa Ikeda attended on behalf of SGI President Daisaku Ikeda, who had been invited as a guest of ... read more
Buddhism | Jun 22 2008
SGI Women Celebrate Soka Gakkai Women's Division Day
On June 2, 2008, representative Japanese members met for a nationwide WD leaders' meeting at Soka International Friendship Hall in Sendagaya, Tokyo. The recorded meeting was broadcasted to Soka Gakkai centers throughout Japan on June 5 and 6. The meeting included a message from SGI President Daisaku Ikeda and Mrs. ... read more
Buddhism | Jun 22 2008
SGI-Cuba and SGI-Costa Rica Members Celebrate Anniversaries
In June 2008, SGI-Cuba and SGI-Costa Rica each celebrated the 12th anniversary of SGI President Daisaku Ikeda's first visit to their countries. Mr. Ikeda visited Cuba on June 24, 1996, at the invitation of Cuba's Ministry of Culture. He met with then Cuban President Fidel Castro and discussed educational and ... read more
Peace and Disarmament | Jun 22 2008
SGI-Bolivia Women Promote Peace and Women's Empowerment
On June 22, 2008, some 360 women gathered at the SGI-Bolivia Cultural Center in Santa Cruz for the first SGI-Bolivia Women's National Convention. Sarah Mejía Gonzales, president of the Association of Women's Civic Committees of Santa Cruz Department (CCFP) and CCFP Senior President Piedades Justiniano de Oliva attended. The ... read more
Interfaith | Jun 21 2008
Singapore Soka Association Representative Speaks at Forum on "Religion in Conflict and Cooperation"
Mr. Chan was one of four representatives from various religious traditions who were invited to speak at the forum held on June 21, 2008, at the Harmony Centre@Masjid An-Nahdhah in Bishan, Singapore. Some 90 people attended, including the Turkish Ambassador to Singapore, HE A. Bülent Meriç, religious representatives and students ... read more
Culture | Jun 20 2008
Beyond the Horizon: Photo Exhibition Held at International Maritime Organization Headquarters in London, UK
From June 16-20, 2008, "Beyond the Horizon," an exhibition of photographs taken by the Hato-kai, Soka Gakkai members who work on oceangoing vessels, was shown at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) headquarters in London, UK. Hato-kai and IMO co-organized the event in celebration of the 60th anniversary of the adoption ... read more
Culture | Jun 18 2008
Japanese Art Treasures Exhibited in Brazil on the Centennial of Japanese Immigration
One hundred years ago, Japanese began leaving their country to create new lives in Brazil. Commemorating the centennial of Japanese immigration to Brazil, various events have been taking place in both countries. On June 18, 2008, "Eternal Treasures of Japan--Art of the Samurai" from the collection of Tokyo Fuji Art Museum ... read more
Buddhism | Jun 15 2008
SGI-USA Women in Oakland, California, USA, Complete Year-long Study Program
On June 15, 2008, more than 100 women in the Oakland-East Bay region of California, USA, celebrated the completion of their year-long participation in Sophia Group, a program created for SGI-USA women to deepen their grasp of and conviction in Nichiren Buddhism and to foster bonds of friendship. West Territory Women's ... read more
Buddhism | Jun 15 2008
New Community Center Opens in Berlin, Germany
On June 15, 2008, SGI-Germany members gathered to celebrate the opening of their new Berlin Center. Located in the heart of Berlin, the new center, which has a large prayer hall and conference rooms, will serve as a focal point for activities in SGI-Germany's East Region. At the opening, SGI-Germany ... read more
Buddhism | Jun 15 2008
SGI-Australia Women Meet in Sydney
On June 15, 2008, some 500 SGI-Australia women gathered at their culture center in Sydney. Mayor Le Lam of Auburn City, New South Wales, attending the event as a guest, shared her impression of her recent visit to Soka Women's College in Japan, where she was able to meet with ... read more
Human Rights | Jun 15 2008
SGI Supports and Attends Humphrey's Memorial Dedication
The interactive memorial, situated close to Dr. Humphrey's childhood home and his gravesite, consists of pieces created in stone with running water cascading down their sides, two mahogany wood figures of Humphrey as an adult and as a boy, and bronze birds situated on a bench open to view. A ... read more
Buddhism | Jun 14 2008
SGI-Nepal Holds First Youth Leaders' Meeting
On June 16, 2008, SGI-Nepal's First Youth Leaders' Meeting took place at the SGI-Nepal Peace Center in Kathmandu. Speaking to the participants, SGI-Nepal Youth Leader Navin Manandhar stated that youth should assume responsibility for building peace and encouraged everyone to develop into capable people who can give hope and courage ... read more
Buddhism | Jun 12 2008
SGI-Korea Students Sponsor Culture and Peace Activities on Campuses Nationwide; Decade of Growth Commemorated
May 18, 2008, marks the tenth anniversary of SGI President Daisaku Ikeda's visit to South Korea. SGI-Korea commemorated the milestone with various activities and events in May and June. During June, SGI-Korea students are sponsoring culture and peace activities at 155 colleges and universities nationwide. By June 12, some 44,000 students, ... read more
Humanitarian Activities | Jun 12 2008
SGI-Hong Kong Participates in Memorial Service and Charity Performance for China's Earthquake Victims
On May 21, 2008, SGI-Hong Kong joined other Buddhist groups at a joint memorial service conducted by the Hong Kong Buddhist Association in Hong Kong to pray for the peace and security of areas affected by natural disasters and the repose of victims who have passed away due to natural ... read more
Interfaith | Jun 11 2008
Expert on Confucian Studies Lectures at Taiwan Soka Association's Center
On June 11, 2008, Professor Tu Weiming, a leading authority on Confucian studies and professor of Chinese history and philosophy at Harvard University, delivered a lecture entitled "A Dialogical Civilization and a New Humanism" at Taiwan Soka Association's Jin-Zhou Culture Center in Taipei. Taiwan Soka Association (TSA) General Director Lin ... read more
Humanitarian Activities | Jun 9 2008
SGI-USA Members Deliver Emergency Relief to Flood Victims in Iowa State, USA
For around three weeks from June 8, 2008, Iowa, USA, experienced continuous flooding throughout the state. Cedar Rapids, one of the cities hardest hit by flooding, reported 438 downtown city blocks underwater, including the city government building and the main public library. A relief team, led by SGI-USA Senior Vice General ... read more
Buddhism | Jun 8 2008
SGI-Russia Members Meet in Moscow and St. Petersburg
On June 6, 2008, SGI-Russia members in St. Petersburg gathered for their monthly discussion meeting, sharing how they have challenged to overcome their daily hardships based on their Buddhist practice. Together they deepened their understanding of Nichiren Buddhism through discussing the Buddhist view on life and death. Participants also celebrated ... read more
Buddhism | Jun 8 2008
SGI-Colombia Women Meet for District General Meetings
SGI-Colombia women recently held district general meetings throughout the country to commemorate June 10, Soka Gakkai Women's Division Day. On June 7, 2008, 42 women including 14 guests attended a meeting of El Dorado District. A representative shared how she overcame family discord and created a harmonious home environment through ... read more
Buddhism | Jun 8 2008
SGI-Finland Holds Study Session
On June 7 and 8, 2008, SGI-Finland members met to study Nichiren Buddhism in Helsinki. Led by SGI-Finland Chapter Leader Marjatta Valkama and Men's Leader Kari Kilpeläinen, participants reviewed SGI President Daisaku Ikeda's lecture on "The Drum at the Gate of Thunder," one of Nichiren's writings. In addition, Youth Leader ... read more
Education | Jun 7 2008
Soka Gakkai Opens Educational Counseling Center in Fukushima Prefecture
This year commemorates the 40th anniversary of the establishment of the first Soka Gakkai Educational Counseling Center (SGECC) in 1968. On June 7, 2008, the Soka Gakkai Education Department opened its 34th SGECC at the Soka Gakkai Koriyama Chuo Culture Center in Koriyama, Fukushima Prefecture. Soka Gakkai educators in Fukushima ... read more
Culture | Jun 7 2008
Soka Gakkai Malaysia Organizes Charity Cultural Festival in Sabah State
On June 6 and 7, 2008, Soka Gakkai Malaysia (SGM) held a charity cultural festival at Chancellor Hall on the Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) campus in Kota Kinabalu, capital of Sabah State, east Malaysia. Some 800 SGM youth performed for an audience of about 8,000, who gathered from throughout Malaysia ... read more
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