All News
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
Interfaith | Jun 7 2009
SGI-Spain Members Attend Vesak Celebration
On June 7, 2009, several SGI-Spain members attended a Vesak celebration organized by the Buddhist Association Joint Committee of Catalonia (CCEB). Vesak (pronounced way-sak) is a traditional event that commemorates the Buddha's birth, death and enlightenment. In one of a series of presentations, SGI-Spain members explained Shakyamuni's teaching that all ... read more
Education | Jun 6 2009
Taiwan Soka Association Hosts Lecture on Value-creating Pedagogy
On June 6, 2009, Taiwan Soka Association (TSA) held a public lecture, "The Source and Development of the Pedagogy of Value Creation," and invited renowned Taiwanese psychologist and educator Professor Liu Kun-huei as the keynote speaker. Members of TSA's academics and educators groups as well as Ming Chuan University ... read more
Sustainable Development | Jun 6 2009
SGI-Canada Members in Vancouver Participate in Park Clean-up
On June 6, 2009, 24 volunteers, including 13 SGI-Canada members, participated in a park clean-up effort as part of the annual Keep Vancouver Spectacular project in Vancouver, Canada. Participants filled 14 bags of garbage in Vancouver's Grandview Park. Following the clean-up effort, a post-event celebration was held for participants. Keep ... read more
Sustainable Development | Jun 6 2009
Tree Planting Held in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
On June 6, 2009, municipal authorities and members of SGI-Mexico commemorated World Environment Day (June 5) by gathering at the Manuel J. Clouthier Park in San Miguel de Allende in central Mexico, and planted an ahuehuete tree (Montezuma Cypress)—native to Mexico and famous for living up to 400 years ... read more
Culture | Jun 5 2009
Exhibition Commemorating the Late Princess Galyani, Sister of Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Held in Thailand
From May 4-13, 2009, an exhibition commemorating the late Princess Galyani Vadhana took place in Bangkok, Thailand. Soka Gakkai Thailand (SGT) supported the exhibition at the invitation of the Thai Ministry of Culture. Princess Galyani, who passed away in January 2008, and SGI President Daisaku Ikeda had met on ... read more
Sustainable Development | Jun 2 2009
Climate Change Specialist Dr. Habiba Gitay Speaks at SGI-USA's Culture of Peace Distinguished Speakers Series
In her lecture, Dr. Gitay emphasized that climate change produces consequences that affect everyone and spoke about how subtle changes, such as switching to more efficient heating and cooling systems, recycling, using public transportation and buying locally grown produce can make significant differences. Dr. Gitay also noted cases of ... read more
Buddhism | May 31 2009
SGI Young Women Inaugurate Leadership Training Groups
On April 25, SGI-Denmark also launched a young women's leadership training group, while SGI-Poland inaugurated a similar group on May 31. The SGI-Poland young women leaders held one-on-one dialogues with members and engaged in Buddhist study, deepening their sense of mission toward creating lasting world peace. SGI-Brazil's young women also ... read more
Education | May 31 2009
Soka Gakkai Malaysia Conducts Educators' Seminar 2009
On May 30 and 31, 2009, Soka Gakkai Malaysia (SGM) members gathered at their culture center in Cheras for their annual educators' seminar, titled the "Spirit of Mentor-Disciple and Education." SGM General Director Choo Kong Fei spoke about the mentor-disciple relationship as the prime point of Soka humanistic education. SGI President ... read more
Buddhism | May 30 2009
SGI-Russia Establishes New Districts
SGI-Russia members in Vladivostok SGI-Russia members in St. Petersburg Adding to its four districts in the capital city Moscow, SGI-Russia recently established new districts in St. Petersburg, Vladivostok ... read more
Education | May 29 2009
Study Material for High School Students in Taiwan References SGI's Antinuclear Exhibition
Recently, Nan-I Publishing Company, Taiwan, included a question related to the exhibition "From a Culture of Violence to a Culture of Peace: Transforming the Human Spirit" in one of their textbooks geared to helping high school students prepare for their civics examinations. The exhibition, created by SGI in 2007, has ... read more
Peace and Disarmament | May 29 2009
"From a Culture of Violence to a Culture of Peace: Transforming the Human Spirit" Exhibition Held in Paraguay
From May 25-29, 2009, SGI's exhibition "From a Culture of Violence to a Culture of Peace: Transforming the Human Spirit" was shown at the General Andrés Rodríguez National School in Asunción, Paraguay founded by former Paraguayan President Andrés Rodríguez. School Principal Alberto Vila Maldonado proposed holding the exhibition based on ... read more
Peace and Disarmament | May 29 2009
"Building a Culture of Peace for the Children of the World" Exhibition Held in Florida, USA
From May 23-29, 2009, SGI's exhibition "Building a Culture of Peace for the Children of the World" was shown at the Northwest Florida State College in Niceville, Florida, USA. Prior to the show, three cities in Florida--Niceville, Fort Walton Beach and Crestview--declared May as "Culture of Peace Month" in ... read more
Sustainable Development | May 25 2009
"Seeds of Change" Exhibition Held in the Netherlands, Switzerland and Italy
"Seeds of Change" exhibition held in the Netherlands "Seeds of Change" exhibition held in Switzerland From April 21 to May 18, 2009, the "Seeds of Change: The Earth Charter and Human Potential" exhibition created by SGI and the Earth Charter Initiative was on view at the public library of Roosendaal ... read more
Humanitarian Activities | May 24 2009
Soka Gakkai Malaysia Johor Organizes Charity Sales Event
On May 24, 2009, members of Soka Gakkai Malaysia (SGM) Johor organized a charity sales event in Johor's capital city, Johor Bahru, to raise funds for single mothers. The event took place during May to commemorate Mother's Day, held on the second Sunday in May. More than 4,000 people ... read more
Buddhism | May 24 2009
Korean Festival Held in Iowa, USA
On May 24, 2009, more than 200 SGI-USA members and guests attended the first SGI-USA Midwest Zone Korean Festival, held at the Iowa City Public Library, Iowa, USA. Some participants drove from Michigan--three states away--while several young men and women traveled from the neighboring states of Illinois, Nebraska and ... read more
Buddhism | May 24 2009
SGI-Argentina Holds Study Exam; Leaders Meet in Buenos Aires
On May 3, 2009, SGI-Argentina held an elementary-level study examination on Nichiren Buddhism at 31 venues throughout the country. The study material included two of Nichiren's letters to his followers--"Reply to Sairen-bo" and "Reply to Ueno." After the exam, a participant who recently began practicing Nichiren Buddhism commented, "I ... read more
Human Rights | May 24 2009
SGI Representative Lectures on Human Rights Education in Budapest
SGI representative to the United Nations, Geneva, Kazunari Fujii, gave a lecture at an Asia-Europe training session for youth leaders on "The Role of Human Rights Education in Intercultural Dialogue--an Asia-Europe perspective," held from May 17-24, 2009, at the Council of Europe European Youth Centre in Budapest, Hungary. The ... read more
Interfaith | May 23 2009
Singapore Soka Association Youth Participate in Interfaith Dialogue
On May 23, 2009, two Singapore Soka Association (SSA) Youth Division representatives, together with youth leaders from various religious traditions, engaged in an interfaith session organized by the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) at the Harmony Centre. The special session was held in conjunction with a visit by ... read more
Buddhism | May 19 2009
SGI-Korea Holds Study Sessions on Nichiren Buddhism
From May 18-19, 2009, SGI-Korea held study sessions on Nichiren Buddhism at the SGI-Korea headquarters building in Seoul. Some 1,200 SGI-Korea representatives attended the conference. SGI Study Department Chief Katsuji Saito traveled from Japan and lectured on several of Nichiren's writings. On May 18, representative leaders from the Seoul metropolitan ... read more
Buddhism | May 17 2009
SGI-Paraguay Men Hold Training Session
On May 17, 2009, SGI-Paraguay men gathered for a training session at the SGI-Paraguay Culture Center in Asunción, Paraguay. SGI-Paraguay General Director Kaoru Kurita attended together with 64 representatives. Two participants shared how they have improved their circumstances based on their practice of Nichiren Buddhism. This was followed with study ... read more
Buddhism | May 17 2009
SGI-Belgium Appoints New Youth Leaders
On May 17, 2009, SGI-Belgium members gathered to make a fresh start with new national leaders at the SGI-Belgium Culture Center in Brussels, Belgium. The organization has recently developed into a general headquarters. SGI-Belgium consists of some 50 different ethnicities and nationalities, and one third of the membership is young ... read more
Buddhism | May 16 2009
Lotus Sutra Exhibition Held in Catalonia, Spain
The exhibition, held for the first time in Spain, was the opening event for the fourth Catalan Parliament of Religions scheduled for June 2009, a preparatory gathering ahead of the Parliament of the World's Religions to be held in Melbourne, Australia, in December 2009. The exhibition displayed facsimiles and romanized texts ... read more
Buddhism | May 16 2009
SGI-UK and SGI-Portugal Hold Leaders Training Sessions
From April 17-19, 2009, SGI-UK women gathered for leaders training sessions in Coventry, UK. Studying some of Nichiren's writings and SGI President Daisaku Ikeda’s recent speeches, participants deepened their understanding of the greatness of living a life based on the shared commitment and struggles of mentor and disciple. ... read more
Sustainable Development | May 16 2009
SGI-USA San Francisco, California, Participates in Renovated Park Celebrations
On May 16, 2009, a reopening celebration was held for Franklin Square Park, a 5.6-acre park in San Francisco, California, USA, bordering the SGI-USA San Francisco Culture Center. Once considered one of the worst city parks in northern California, Franklin Square Park was renovated with $1.2 million in grant money ... read more
Sustainable Development | May 14 2009
SGI-Canada Hosts Booth at World Environmental Education Congress
From May 10-14, 2009, SGI-Canada hosted an exhibition booth at the 5th World Environmental Education Congress, held in Montreal's Palais des Congrès. The annual congress is held in a different country each year, with educators, professors, university students, researchers and community leaders attending. Based on the theme "Earth, Our ... read more
Peace and Disarmament | May 12 2009
SGI Representatives Attend NPT PrepCom in New York
From May 3-12, 2009, an SGI delegation led by Hirotsugu Terasaki, Executive Director of the SGI Office of Peace Affairs, participated in the meetings held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York preparatory to the 2010 Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) Review Conference. The NPT is one of the most ... read more
Peace and Disarmament | May 11 2009
SGI Exhibition Opens at UNESCO Event in Eugene, Oregon, USA
The conference included a panel discussion, during which representatives from various religious and spiritual traditions, including the Muslim, Christian and Jewish faiths, exchanged views on how religious and spiritual communities can address the current ecological crisis. Throughout the weekend, hundreds of visitors viewed the exhibition which was first launched ... read more
Culture | May 10 2009
Tenth Anniversary of Korea-Japan Friendship Monument Celebrated; SGI-Korea Youth Convention Held
On May 10, 2009, Soka Gakkai representatives and Korean residents in Kyushu, Japan, gathered at the Soka Gakkai Fukuoka Training Center, Fukuoka Prefecture, for a commemorative meeting to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the Korea-Japan Friendship Monument. Soka Gakkai Vice President Masaharu Sato announced that May 15, the day ... read more
Buddhism | May 9 2009
SGI-Hong Kong Announces New Leaders
On May 9, 2009, SGI-Hong Kong held a leaders meeting at the SGI-Hong Kong Culture Center. Some 1,500 participated in the event which was also a kick-off for SGI-Hong Kong's 50th anniversary in 2011. General Director John Ng Chor Yuk and Women's Leader Wo Wai Kuen were announced as ... read more
Culture | May 8 2009
"Dialogue with Nature" Photography Exhibition Held in Daegu, South Korea
From April 29 to May 8, 2009, SGI-Korea and Yonhap News Agency cohosted the exhibition "Dialogue with Nature: Photographs by Daisaku Ikeda" at Daegu Exhibition and Convention Center in Daegu Metropolitan City, South Korea. The Korean Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Ministry of Environment, Daegu Metropolitan City, Federation of Artistic ... read more
Sustainable Development | May 8 2009
SGI Hosts Discussion on Climate Change
From May 4-8, 2009, SGI representatives took part in the 17th UN Commission for Sustainable Development (CSD) session held at the UN headquarters in New York, USA. On May 6, SGI and the CSD Education Caucus co-organized a related panel discussion on adapting to climate change entitled "Voices from ... read more
Peace and Disarmament | May 7 2009
Atomic Bombing Survivors Visit SGI-USA's New York Culture Center
On May 7, 2009, SGI-USA's New York Culture Center hosted a visit by five hibakusha (survivors of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki) who had traveled to present their testimonies and speak out against nuclear weapons during the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) PrepCom being held at the United Nations. ... read more
Press Releases | May 5 2009
A Nuclear Weapons-Free World for Children
Soka Gakkai International (SGI) and the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) jointly called on government delegations, meeting at the United Nations this week, to turn the growing international momentum to abolish nuclear weapons into reality. SGI Vice President Hiromasa Ikeda said, "When we make a nuclear weapons-free world ... read more
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