All News
Peace and Disarmament | Sep 10 2009
Conflict Resolution Expert Dr. Fathali Moghaddam Speaks at SGI-USA's Culture of Peace Distinguished Speakers Series
On September 10, 2009—the eve of the eighth anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks—150 people gathered at the SGI-USA Washington, D.C. Culture Center to hear a lecture on the themes of peace and violence by Fathali Moghaddam, a professor in the department of psychology and the director of the ... read more
Peace and Disarmament | Sep 10 2009
SGI President Ikeda Issues Nuclear Abolition Proposal
On September 8, 2009, SGI President Daisaku Ikeda issued a proposal outlining concrete steps toward nuclear abolition, in commemoration of the 52nd anniversary of second Soka Gakkai President Josei Toda's antinuclear declaration. Mr. Ikeda's proposal, titled "Building Global Solidarity Toward Nuclear Abolition," outlines five key steps: 1. The five declared nuclear-weapon states ... read more
Culture | Sep 10 2009
"Beyond the Horizon" Photo Exhibition Held in Accra, Ghana
From September 7-10, 2009, "Beyond the Horizon," an exhibition of photographs taken by the Hato-kai, a group of Soka Gakkai members working on ocean-going vessels, was shown at the Regional Maritime University (RMU) in Accra, Ghana. RMU is a specialized organ of the Maritime Organization of West and Central ... read more
Peace and Disarmament | Sep 8 2009
Symposiums on SGI President Daisaku Ikeda's 2009 Peace Proposal Held in Thiruvananthapuram and New Delhi, India
On August 1, 2009, a discussion of SGI President Daisaku Ikeda's 2009 Peace Proposal, "Toward Humanitarian Competition: A New Current in History," took place in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, in southern India. Dr. N. Radhakrishnan, a prominent social activist and chair of the Indian Council of Gandhian Studies, New Delhi, organized ... read more
Press Releases | Sep 8 2009
SGI President Issues Five-Point Plan Toward Nuclear Abolition
Tokyo, Japan: Daisaku Ikeda, president of the Soka Gakkai International (SGI) Buddhist association, issued a proposal Sept. 8 outlining concrete steps toward the abolition of nuclear weapons. A vocal opponent of these inhumane weapons for more than 50 years, he stresses that we now have a unique opportunity to ... read more
Buddhism | Sep 6 2009
Taiwan Soka Association Holds Study Examination
On September 6, 2009, Taiwan Soka Association (TSA) held study examinations at 31 venues throughout Taiwan for those who had previously passed entrance-level examinations. Some 4,000 candidates were tested on their knowledge and understanding of Buddhist history, the Lotus Sutra, concepts and core beliefs relating to Nichiren Buddhism and ... read more
Buddhism | Sep 5 2009
SGI-Fiji Holds District General Meeting
On September 5, 2009, SGI-Fiji members gathered for their fourth district general meeting in Lautoka City, Fiji. The district was first established in 2005. During the annual gathering, members shared experiences, including one woman who talked about using her Buddhist practice to overcome difficulties at work and transform her workplace ... read more
Humanitarian Activities | Aug 31 2009
Taiwan Soka Association Members Volunteer for Typhoon Relief
On August 9, the Taiwan Soka Association (TSA) created temporary emergency centers in five of its community centers in the cities of Tainan, Chiayi and Kaohsiung Cities, located in the disaster area. Local TSA ... read more
Education | Aug 29 2009
SGI-Chile Youth Hold Seminar on Science and Buddhism
On August 29, 2009, SGI-Chile youth members held a seminar on science and Buddhism at the SGI-Chile Culture Center in Santiago, and welcomed astronomer Faviola Molina as a guest speaker. Prof. Molina received her Bachelors Degree in Physics from the Universidad de Los Andes in Mérida, Venezuela, acquiring her Masters ... read more
Education | Aug 27 2009
SGI-Bolivia Hosts Education Seminars
On August 27, 2009, SGI-Bolivia conducted a youth education seminar at the Guadalupe Secondary School in the municipality of Concepción, Bolivia. Approximately 350 students attended. After reading Daisaku Ikeda's book Conversations with Youth and learning about SGI's contributions to peace, culture and education, Guadalupe Secondary School principal Sister Elvy Cortez ... read more
Humanitarian Activities | Aug 26 2009
Taiwan Soka Association Aids In Singapore's Mercy Relief Efforts
On August 7 and 8, 2009, Typhoon Morakot brought massive devastation to the southern regions of Taiwan. Floods caused huge loss of life and isolated many towns and villages. In response, Mercy Relief, a humanitarian organization based in Singapore, donated water purification devices to disaster victims in Taiwan. Taiwan ... read more
Humanitarian Activities | Aug 23 2009
SGI-Canada Youth Volunteer at Benefit Concert for Free the Children
On August 23, 2009, SGI-Canada youth participated as volunteers at the Free the Children benefit concert held at the Segal Centre for the Performing Arts in Montreal, Canada. Free the Children, an organization dedicated to upholding the rights of children around the world, sponsored the concert to raise funds for ... read more
Buddhism | Aug 23 2009
SGI-Sierra Leone Hosts Buddhist Seminar
On August 23, 2009, SGI members in Freetown, the Republic of Sierra Leone, hosted a seminar on Nichiren Buddhism. This was the second seminar conducted this year. Local members invited their friends, enabling them to gain a deeper understanding of the SGI and Nichiren Buddhism. A question and answer session was ... read more
Buddhism | Aug 23 2009
Annual SGI-Europe Summer Courses Held in Southern France and Denmark
From July 30 to August 3, 2009, men and women attended their respective annual summer courses at the SGI European Center in Trets, southern France. A session for college and university students followed from August 8-11 and one for youth members was held from August 19-23. Some 500 people ... read more
Buddhism | Aug 23 2009
SGI-USA Las Vegas Community Center Opens In Nevada
From August 21-23, 2009, more than 1,200 people came together to commemorate the opening of the newly built SGI-USA Las Vegas Community Center in Nevada. Four celebrations were held over a period of three days. Youth members commemorated the opening by creating a time capsule containing personal goals and determinations ... read more
Buddhism | Aug 22 2009
Brasil Seikyo Celebrates Its 2,000th Issue
On August 22, 2009, the 2,000th issue of the Brasil Seikyo, SGI-Brazil's weekly paper, was published. The publication was launched on May 3, 1965, as a monthly periodical called Nova Era, and was subsequently renamed Brasil Seikyo on April 15, 1966. The newspaper is subscribed to throughout Brazil as ... read more
Sustainable Development | Aug 22 2009
SGI-Canada Youth Support Tree Planting
On August 22, 2009, approximately 60 SGI-Canada youth members and friends participated in an annual tree planting activity held in Alton, Ontario, in collaboration with the Credit Valley Conservation (CVC). Some 400 trees were planted on the CVC site within a few hours. A CVC coordinator commented that it would ... read more
Buddhism | Aug 16 2009
SGI-Ghana Members Gather for General Meeting and Youth Culture Festival
From August 15-16, 2009, SGI-Ghana held a general meeting and the third Youth Culture Festival in Sunyani, Ghana. Some 120 SGI-Ghana members and friends participated in the events together with representatives from Nigeria and Togo. Traditional dances and songs, gymnastics and other performances were part of the festival on August ... read more
Buddhism | Aug 15 2009
SGI-Uganda Holds Annual General Meeting
On August 15, 2009, SGI-Uganda members held their annual general meeting in Kampala, Uganda. The theme for this year's meeting was "Youth and Victory: Taking the First Step." Participants studied Nichiren's writing "Letter to Niike," in which he encourages his followers to maintain a diligent practice throughout their lives. ... read more
Culture | Aug 15 2009
SGI-Brazil's Ikeda Symphony of Humanism Holds Concert in Araraquara
On August 15, 2009, SGI-Brazil's Ikeda Symphony of Humanism held a concert celebrating the 192nd anniversary of incorporation for the city of Araraquara at the Mayor Benedito de Oliveira amphitheatre in Araraquara, in southeast Brazil. The 75 symphony orchestra members performed 10 compositions, followed by an encore and a ... read more
Culture | Aug 9 2009
Singapore Soka Association Participates in 44th National Day Parade
On August 9, 2009, Singapore Soka Association (SSA) members participated in the country's annual National Day Parade, commemorating the 44th year of Singapore's independence. Approximately 680 SSA women members took part in the event. The parade was broadcast live throughout the country and watched by millions. Performances included digital projections, ... read more
Peace and Disarmament | Aug 9 2009
Soka Gakkai Holds Memorial Services for Hiroshima and Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Victims
On August 6, 2009, commemorating the 64th anniversary of the dropping of the first atomic bomb, a service in solemn tribute to war victims was conducted at the Soka Gakkai Hiroshima Peace Memorial Hall. Soka Gakkai representatives attended the ceremony together with atomic bomb survivors (hibakusha), bereaved families and ... read more
Buddhism | Aug 9 2009
Soka Gakkai Holds Memorial Services for Hiroshima and Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Victims
On August 6, 2009, commemorating the 64th anniversary of the dropping of the first atomic bomb, a service in solemn tribute to war victims was conducted at the Soka Gakkai Hiroshima Peace Memorial Hall. Soka Gakkai representatives attended the ceremony together with atomic bomb survivors (hibakusha), bereaved families and ... read more
Peace and Disarmament | Jul 29 2009
Soka Gakkai Malaysia Selangor Organizes Forum on SGI President's Peace Proposal
On July 29, 2009, Soka Gakkai Malaysia (SGM) Selangor organized a forum to present key points from SGI President Daisaku Ikeda's 2009 peace proposal entitled "Toward Humanitarian Competition: A New Current in History." Student representatives from SGM Selangor presented at the event. ... read more
Peace and Disarmament | Jul 26 2009
Spanish-Language "Victory Over Violence" Exhibition Shown in California, USA
On July 26, 2009, SGI-USA members in Los Angeles, California, hosted a Spanish-language version of the "Victory Over Violence" (VOV) exhibition at the "Peru Comes to You" festival. Thousands attended the daylong festival celebrating the 188th anniversary of Peru's independence from Spanish rule with traditional Peruvian dance and art. Consul ... read more
Buddhism | Jul 26 2009
Lectures on Nichiren Buddhism Held Throughout Europe
From July 17-20, 2009, 461 SGI members from 28 countries in Europe gathered for an SGI-Europe summer study session in a suburb of Milan, Italy. SGI Study Department Chief Katsuji Saito lectured and answered questions on key concepts in Nichiren Buddhism. The lectures were based on Nichiren's writings "Lessening One's ... read more
Sustainable Development | Jul 26 2009
Soka Gakkai Malaysia Johor Organizes Environmental Preservation Lecture on Seahorses
On July 26, 2009, Soka Gakkai Malaysia (SGM) Johor organized an environmental awareness lecture on the preservation of seahorses. Mr. Choo Chee Kuang, a marine science lecturer at the Faculty of Maritime Studies and Marine Science, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu was the guest lecturer. ... read more
Culture | Jul 26 2009
SGI-USA Holds Summer Festival in Chicago, Illinois
On July 26, 2009, SGI-USA members from in and around Chicago, Illinois, held a summer festival; more than 2,000 attended. SGI-USA Women's Leader Linda Johnson opened the event with introductory remarks and an explanation of Nichiren Buddhism. The festival included live music from twelve groups that showcased their diverse talents, ... read more
Buddhism | Jul 19 2009
SGI-Canada Youth Hold Commemorative Meetings
Throughout July 2009, SGI-Canada young women celebrated the Young Women's Group founding day, July 19, 1951. The many gatherings centered around the theme "Break Through: Unlock Your Potential." SGI President Daisaku Ikeda sent a message to the SGI-Canada youth, encouraging them to uphold faith in their inherent potential and ... read more
Buddhism | Jul 16 2009
Soka Gakkai Headquarters Leaders Meeting Held in Tokyo
On July 16, 2009, at Soka Gakkai's monthly leaders' meeting held at the Soka International Friendship Hall in Sendagaya, Tokyo, SGI President Daisaku Ikeda received an honorary doctorate from the Federal University of Rondônia in Brazil. University Rector José Januário de Oliveira Amaral, accompanied by Professor Célio José Borges, ... read more
Peace and Disarmament | Jul 12 2009
"Transforming the Human Spirit" Festival Held in West Hollywood, California, USA
On July 12, 2009, some 500 SGI-USA members and guests participated in a festival titled "Transforming the Human Spirit" at West Hollywood's Plummer Park. The local SGI-USA organization sponsored the daylong event that featured panel discussions and SGI-USA's exhibition "From a Culture of Violence to a Culture of Peace: Transforming ... read more
Human Rights | Jul 11 2009
SGI-USA Santa Barbara, California, Participates in Pride Festival
On July 11, 2009, SGI-USA members participated in the Pacific Pride Festival at Chase Palm Park in Santa Barbara, California, marking the first time that the local SGI-USA organization took part in the event. Organized to celebrate the diversity of Santa Barbara's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community, the ... read more
Culture | Jul 10 2009
SGI-Korea Choirs Win Awards at International Competition
From July 8-10, 2009, the World Choir Championships took place in Gyeongnam, South Korea. The INTERKULTUR Foundation and South Korea's Gyeongnam Province organized the event, in which 193 groups from 29 countries and territories participated. SGI-Korea Boys' and Girls' Sunrise Chorus received a silver diploma in the children's choir category. ... read more
Culture | Jul 5 2009
SGI Organizations in Hong Kong and Malaysia Hold Art Exhibitions
On June 5, 2009, the exhibition "Works by Masters of Chinese Painting and Calligraphy from Guangzhou" opened at the SGI-Hong Kong Culture Center. The event, cohosted by SGI-Hong Kong, the Guangzhou Federation of Literary and Art Circles and the Guangzhou People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, featured the paintings ... read more
Buddhism | Jul 5 2009
Bharat (India) Soka Gakkai Young Men Participate in Training Session
From July 4-5, 2009, some 110 Bharat (India) Soka Gakkai (BSG) young men from 15 cities in east India participated in a two-day training session held in Calcutta, India. On day one, based on the theme "with the heart of a lion king," participants deepened their understanding of Nichiren's Buddhism, ... read more
Buddhism | Jul 3 2009
New Soka Gakkai Indonesia Community Centers Open
On July 3, 2009, Soka Gakkai Indonesia opened a new community center in the City of Batam, in Riau Islands Province, Indonesia. Around 500 SGI-Indonesia members and local residents attended the official opening, during which youth members performed songs and dances. Participants at the meeting shared their determinations to ... read more
Education | Jul 2 2009
Taiwan Soka Association Sponsors Summer Camp
On July 1-2, 2009, the Taiwan Soka Association (TSA) sponsored Soka Joy Summer Camp at Gungguan Elementary School in Green Island, Taitung County, Taiwan. The school, located on one of Taiwan's remote islands, has limited educational resources. Some 30 TSA youth members who are college students volunteered their time as ... read more
Culture | Jun 27 2009
SGI-USA Hosts Southeast Asia Festival in Los Angeles, California
The occasion was the SGI-USA Southeast Asian Language Group's sixth Southeast Asian Youth and Family Festival. Live entertainment at the event included a piano performance and a magic act. Among several other performances was "Silamanee," a Thai dance that tells the story of a princess who is on a ... read more
Peace and Disarmament | Jun 21 2009
Kansai Soka Gakkai Students Hold Peace Symposium in Osaka, Japan
On June 21, 2009, the Kansai Soka Gakkai Student Division hosted an international peace symposium at the Soka Gakkai Kansai Culture Center in Osaka, Japan. The event included students from China and India who gave presentations about their respective countries. This was followed by group discussions among students, university ... read more
Peace and Disarmament | Jun 20 2009
Peace Activist Rev. James Lawson Speaks at SGI-USA's Culture of Peace Distinguished Speakers Series
On June 20, 2009, peace activist Rev. James Lawson gave a speech entitled "Striving to Create the Will to Peace" as part of SGI-USA's Culture of Peace Distinguished Speakers Series at the Culture of Peace Resource Center in Santa Monica, California. His talk focused on outlining the means of ... read more
Human Rights | Jun 16 2009
SGI-South Africa Youth Commemorate National Youth Day
On June 16, 2009, SGI-South Africa youth members, together with several thousand local residents, attended a celebration of South Africa's Youth Day in Johannesburg, South Africa. Youth Day is a public holiday in South Africa and commemorates the 1976 Soweto youth uprisings, which played a key role in the ... read more
Interfaith | Jun 14 2009
SGI Representatives Participate in Fourth Catalan Parliament of Religions
On June 14, 2009, the fourth Catalan Parliament of Religions took place at the University of Lleida (UdL: Universitat de Lleida) in Lleida, Catalonia, Spain, as a pre-event for the international Parliament of the World's Religions to be held in Melbourne, Australia, in December 2009. The UNESCO Association of Lleida ... read more
Buddhism | Jun 14 2009
SGI Women Around the World Celebrate Women's Division Day
SGI-Norway women In Brazil, around 72,000 SGI-Brazil (BSGI) women assembled to celebrate June 10 at 6,000 venues across the country. On June 10, 2009, BSGI women representatives gathered to commemorate the Women's Division Day at BSGI's Peace Auditorium in São Paulo. BSGI Women's Leader Sueli Ogawa encouraged each participant to ... read more
Culture | Jun 10 2009
Taiwan Soka Association Hosts Cultural Exchange Conference
Panel speakers included Ming Hwa Yuan Director Chen Sheng-fu, Guo Guang President Chen Chao-hu and Minbunren Chairman Takeshi Niikura. Taiwan Soka Association (TSA) General Director Lin Chao, who chaired the discussion, spoke on SGI's efforts to promote peace, culture and education and described it as an organization dedicated to ... read more
Buddhism | Jun 7 2009
SGI-Panama's Women's Group Meets
During April 2009, younger members of the SGI-Panama Women's Division met at three venues in Panama. On April 28, some 130 gathered at SGI-Panama Culture Center to study Kaneko's Story, a book in which the wife of SGI President Daisaku Ikeda reminisces about her life and the insight she has ... read more
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