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Buddhism | Dec 29 2005

Institute of Oriental Philosophy Launches Japanese Web Site

The Institute of Oriental Philosophy (IOP), Hachioji City, Tokyo, recently launched a web site in Japanese. The web site introduces the institute's purpose, mission, activities and academic publications of IOP founder Daisaku Ikeda and research staff. The Lotus Sutra Manuscript Series, compilations of ancient Lotus Sutra fragments that have been ... read more

Buddhism | Dec 27 2005

Soka Gakkai Malaysia and Soka Gakkai Lanka Buddhist Association Hold Entrance-Level Study Examination on Nichiren Buddhism

On December 18, some 4,500 Soka Gakkai Malaysia members sat for a study department entrance-level examination at 32 venues throughout the country. The exam was conducted in English and Chinese. The study material included Nichiren's life and "The Three Kinds of Treasures" (The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin (WND), p. 848-853; ... read more

Humanitarian Activities | Dec 23 2005

Kansai 21st Century Symphonic Orchestra to Hold Free Concert in January 2006

The Soka Gakkai Kansai 21st Century Symphonic Orchestra will hold its annual free concert on Saturday, January 28, 2006 at Kobe Bunka Hall, Chuo Ward, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture. The program will include Gioachino Rossini's "William Tell Overture" and Johann Strauss' "On the Beautiful Blue Danube." The original orchestra debuted ... read more

Buddhism | Dec 20 2005

SGI-Venezuela Holds Youth Festivals; SGI-Chile Launches Fresh Start

In October, over 5,000 SGI-Venezuela youth members gathered for festivals at 13 venues throughout Venezuela. Local orchestras, folk dance groups and musical bands also performed. Based on a theme of "Expanding a Network of Friendship for Humanity's Happiness," participants presented lively performances. On the occasion, SGI-Venezuela presented "Peacebuilders" awards to ... read more

Interfaith | Dec 20 2005

Institute of Oriental Philosophy to Sponsor "Dialogue with the Islamic World" Lecture in Osaka

On January 20, the Institute of Oriental Philosophy will sponsor the third lecture in a series titled, "Dialogue with the Islamic World," in Osaka. Yoshiko Oda, professor in the Faculty of Letters of Kansai University, Osaka Prefecture, will speak on "Islam's Basic Philosophy (tentative translation)." The lecture is free; seats ... read more

Culture | Dec 14 2005

Central China Normal University Former President Zhang Kaiyuan Receives Soka University's Honorary Doctorate

On December 13, Professor Zhang Kaiyuan, renowned modern Chinese historian and former president of the Central China Normal University (CCNU), China, visited Soka University in Hachioji City, Tokyo. Soka University President Masami Wakae, Soka Women's College President Katsuhiko Fukushima and representative teachers and students welcomed Professor Zhang and the guests ... read more

Peace and Disarmament | Dec 11 2005

Coalition of California Black School Board Members and New Haven Unified School District, USA, Commend SGI and SGI President for Nonviolent Education

Morehouse College's "Gandhi, King, Ikeda (GKI): A Legacy of Building Peace," which introduces the human rights and peace activism of three 20th century leaders, Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr. and Daisaku Ikeda, has been touring schools in California, USA, as part of the Coalition of California Black School Board ... read more

Education | Dec 11 2005

Coalition of California Black School Board Members and New Haven Unified School District, USA, Commend SGI and SGI President for Nonviolent Education

Morehouse College's "Gandhi, King, Ikeda (GKI): A Legacy of Building Peace," which introduces the human rights and peace activism of three 20th century leaders, Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr. and Daisaku Ikeda, has been touring schools in California, USA, as part of the Coalition of California Black School Board ... read more

Buddhism | Dec 8 2005

SGI-Spain Holds General Meeting and First Youth Peace and Culture Festival

On December 4, SGI-Spain held a general meeting and its first youth peace and culture festival at a convention center in Madrid. Some 2,000 gathered from all 17 states in Spain. SGI-Spain has grown by twenty-fold in 14 years, as a result of members' sincere and genuine efforts. SGI President Daisaku ... read more

Human Rights | Dec 8 2005

"Human Rights in the 21st Century" Exhibition Opens in Tokyo

"Human Rights in the 21st Century--Treasuring Each Individual," which supports the UN's World Program for Human Rights Education, opened on December 7 at the United Nations (UN) Gallery in the UN House in Shibuya Ward, Tokyo. United Nations Information Center (UNIC) and Soka Gakkai cohosted the exhibit, commemorating International Human ... read more

Press Releases | Dec 5 2005

Human Rights Exhibit Opens at UN Gallery in Shibuya

Tokyo, Japan: The lay Buddhist organization Soka Gakkai and the United Nations Information Centre in Japan are co-organizers of the exhibition "Human Rights in the 21st Century--Treasuring Each Individual," a human rights education exhibition that premieres in Tokyo at the UN Gallery in the UN House in Shibuya from December ... read more

Buddhism | Dec 4 2005

Bharat (India) Soka Gakkai and SGI-Mexico Hold Study Examination, Respectively; SGI-Philippines Studies "Orally Transmitted Teachings"; SGI-USA Launches Buddhist Learning Review

An examinee reviews his answers following the exam SGI-Philippines members study The Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings with Mr. Takimoto In the Philippines, SGI-Philippines Advisor Yasunori Takimoto led a study of The Record of the Orally Transmitted Teachings for SGI-Philippines student division members, at the SGI-Philippines Culture Center, on November 28. ... read more

Buddhism | Nov 30 2005

SGI-Taiwan Changhua Culture Center Opens; Changhua County Commends SGI President

On November 18, SGI-Taiwan Changhua Culture Center opened in Changhua County, Taiwan, commemorating the 75th anniversary of Soka Gakkai's founding. Some 600 SGI-Taiwan members attended the opening from throughout the country. Changhua, located in central Taiwan, is known as "the grain store of Taiwan." In 2002, Changhua Province conferred an ... read more

Sustainable Development | Nov 30 2005

"Seeds of Change" Environmental Exhibit Opens in Dubai, UAE

On November 17, an environmental exhibition titled "Seeds of Change: The Earth Charter and Human Potential," which highlights the Earth Charter as a "map" pointing the way toward sustainable living, opened at the Dubai Knowledge Village in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The exhibition depicts the need for sustainable ... read more

Buddhism | Nov 29 2005

SGI-Nepal Members Celebrate 10th Anniversary of SGI President's Visit to Nepal

On November 19, SGI-Nepal members met at the SGI-Nepal Peace Center for their eleventh general meeting and celebrated the tenth anniversary of SGI President Daisaku Ikeda's October 1995 visit to Nepal. SGI-Nepal was officially established as a religious corporation in April 1998 following recognition in 1993 as a social and ... read more

Education | Nov 28 2005

Taiwan Ministry of Education Commends SGI-Taiwan for Sixth Time

The Taiwan Ministry of Education selected SGI-Taiwan as one of 32 organizations and individuals to receive its Excellent Community and Education Organization Awards. This prestigious honor is given annually to selected social, educational, cultural and religious organizations in Taiwan for outstanding contributions to advancing social education. This was SGI-Taiwan's sixth ... read more

Education | Nov 28 2005

SGI Children's Picture Book Exhibition Opens in Edmonton, Canada

On October 31-November 5, "Read Me a Story!," an exhibit showcasing children's storybooks and folk tales from around the world showed at the City Hall in Edmonton, Canada. The event was cosponsored by the United Nations Association in Canada-Edmonton Branch, Mahatma Gandhi Canadian Foundation for World Peace and SGI-Canada's Edmonton ... read more

Peace and Disarmament | Nov 27 2005

Soka Gakkai Women's Peace Committee Hosts Culture of Peace Forums

On November 26, the Soka Gakkai Women's Peace Committee sponsored "Culture of Peace" forums in Tokyo, Saitama and Shizuoka. Some 1,500 attended the forum at the Amyu Tachikawa Hall in Tachikawa City, Tokyo. Five women shared their experiences that included a first hand account of war and involvement in a ... read more

Human Rights | Nov 23 2005

Exhibition in Support of the UN's World Program for Human Rights Education Opens in Osaka

"Human Rights in the 21st Century--Treasuring Each Individual" (working title) created by the Soka Gakkai youth division, was launched on November 22 at the Osaka Business Park Hall (MID Theatre) in Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture. The United Nations Information Center, UNICEF Office in Japan and National Federation of UNESCO Association ... read more

Human Rights | Nov 22 2005

Kansai Youth Peace Conference Hosts Lecture on the United Nations and Human Rights

On November 21, Soka Gakkai's Kansai Youth Peace Conference hosted the third lecture in a youth seminar series at the Osaka Chuo Culture Center in Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture, commemorating the "Human Rights for Hope in the 21st Century (tentative translation)" exhibition, which opened today in Osaka City. The United ... read more

Education | Nov 22 2005

San Diego County Board of Education, USA, Commends SGI President and Mrs. Ikeda

San Diego County Board of Education, California, USA, commended SGI President Daisaku Ikeda and Mrs. Kaneko Ikeda, for their educational contributions. The conferral took place on November 9 in San Diego, during the Board's regular meeting. SGI-USA Vice General Director Ian McIlraith received a certificate, on Mr. and Mrs. Ikeda's ... read more

Sustainable Development | Nov 20 2005

Earth Charter Conference Held in Amsterdam, Netherlands

On November 7-9, nearly 400 representatives of nations and non-governmental organizations from throughout the world participated in the "Earth Charter +5 Conference" in Amsterdam, Netherlands, which took place five years after the launch of the Earth Charter. The event organizers included the Netherlands National Committee for International Cooperation and Sustainable ... read more

Buddhism | Nov 19 2005

Soka Gakkai Holds Prayer Services to Commemorate November 18, Anniversary of Soka Gakkai's Founding and First Soka Gakkai President's Passing

On November 18, Soka Gakkai held prayer services throughout Japan to commemorate the 75th anniversary of its founding, as well as the death of first Soka Gakkai President Tsunesaburo Makiguchi (1871-1944). SGI President Daisaku Ikeda attended a meeting at the Tokyo Makiguchi Memorial Hall in Hachioji, Tokyo, along with representatives. ... read more

Peace and Disarmament | Nov 16 2005

Gabriel René Moreno Autonomous University's Legal, Political and Social Research Center, Bolivia, Commends SGI President for Peace Contributions

The Legal, Political and Social Research Center, associated with the Gabriel René Moreno Autonomous University (UAGRM: Universidad Autonoma Gabriel René Moreno), Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia, commended SGI President Daisaku Ikeda for his humanitarian activities for world peace. The conferral took place on October 28 during the university's annual ... read more

Peace and Disarmament | Nov 14 2005

American Futurist Dr. Hazel Henderson Meets Soka Gakkai President and Lectures

On November 13, Soka Gakkai President Einosuke Akiya met with Dr. Hazel Henderson, world renowned futurist, evolutionary economist, worldwide syndicated columnist and consultant on sustainable development, at the Josei Toda International Center in Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo. Dr. Henderson stated it is important for women to gain equal opportunities to participate ... read more

Culture | Nov 12 2005

SGI-Mexico Participates in International Conference on Global Issues in Cuba Commemorating José Martí's 152 Birthday

From October 25 to 27, over 170 delegates from 32 countries, including SGI-Mexico Youth Division Chief Daisuke Inoue, attended an international conference titled "With and for the Good of All" at the Havana Conference Center, Cuba, to pursue resolutions to global issues based on the legacy of Cuba's national hero, ... read more

Education | Nov 10 2005

John Dewey Society Former President Lectures at Soka Schools in Tokyo

On November 9, Dr. David T. Hansen, former president of the John Dewey Society and professor at Teachers College, Columbia University, USA, visited Soka Schools in Kodaira City, Tokyo. Soka Schools students, teachers and staff welcomed Dr. Hansen. The schools' koto club members performed for him. Founded in 1935, the ... read more

Buddhism | Nov 3 2005

Soka Gakkai Holds Monthly Leaders' Meeting

On November 2, Soka Gakkai held its monthly leaders' meeting, which commemorated November 18, Soka Gakkai's 75th anniversary. The meeting, coinciding with the 30th SGI General Meeting, took place at the Tokyo Makiguchi Memorial Hall in Hachioji, Tokyo. SGI President Daisaku Ikeda, Soka Gakkai President Einosuke Akiya, other executive leaders ... read more

Culture | Nov 1 2005

"Napoleon the Great: Cultural Brilliance and Spiritual Legacy" Previews at Tokyo Fuji Art Museum, Hachioji, Tokyo

Musée Masséna Nice, France Deutsches Historiches Museum, Berlin, Germany Portrait of Empress Josephine by Antoine-Jean Gros (1771-1835) Portrait of Emperor Napoleon by François Gérard (1770-1837) A preview of "Napoleon and his Time: The Sublime Triumph of Culture" an exhibition organized by the Tokyo Fuji Art Museum (TFAM), took place at the Hachioji museum on ... read more

Sustainable Development | Oct 31 2005

Osaka Soka Gakkai to Sponsor Exhibition in Support of the UN's World Program for Human Rights Education

From November 22, Osaka Soka Gakkai will sponsor the "Human Rights in the 21st Century--Treasuring Each Individual" (working title) in Osaka. The exhibition supports the United Nations' World Program for Human Rights Education, adopted unanimously at the UN general assembly in October 2004 at the conclusion of the UN Decade ... read more

Human Rights | Oct 31 2005

Osaka Soka Gakkai to Sponsor Exhibition in Support of the UN's World Program for Human Rights Education

From November 22, Osaka Soka Gakkai will sponsor the "Human Rights in the 21st Century--Treasuring Each Individual" (working title) in Osaka. The exhibition supports the United Nations' World Program for Human Rights Education, adopted unanimously at the UN general assembly in October 2004 at the conclusion of the UN Decade ... read more

Buddhism | Oct 28 2005

SGI-Portugal Grows to Four Chapters

SGI-Portugal members at recent general meeting On October 23, SGI-Portugal held a general meeting in Lisbon to commemorate its 40th anniversary. Since SGI President Daisaku Ikeda first visited Portugal on October 27, 1965, the organization has developed, based on his encouragement to engage in activities and exchanges infused with the spirit ... read more

Culture | Oct 27 2005

SGI-Austria Culture Center Celebrates Tenth Anniversary with an Open House

Chamber orchestra presents music by Schubert Poetry reading On September 24, SGI-Austria held an open house for nearby residents at the SGI-Austria Culture Center in Vienna, Austria, celebrating the center's tenth anniversary. Local residents were treated to professional actors reading poetry by Goethe and SGI President Daisaku Ikeda and a chamber music ... read more

Human Rights | Oct 26 2005

SGI Mourns Loss of American Civil Rights Leader Rosa Parks

On behalf of SGI members in 190 countries, SGI President Daisaku Ikeda sent his condolences to the family of Rosa Parks, American civil rights heroine, who died October 24 in Detroit, Michigan, USA. Mrs. Parks was 92. In his message, Mr. Ikeda expressed his heartfelt sympathies to the Parks family ... read more

Sustainable Development | Oct 23 2005

"Dialogue with Nature" Shown at Regional Libraries in Singapore

From October 5-15, "Dialogue with Nature," an exhibition of SGI President Daisaku Ikeda's nature and scenic photographs taken by during his travels in Japan and abroad, opened at regional libraries in Singapore. The Jurong Regional Library opening on October 5 was graced by 160 members and guests, including Kwek Leng ... read more

Education | Oct 23 2005

Education Department to Sponsor Exhibition on Humanistic Education in November

Commemorating Soka Gakkai's 75th anniversary (November 18), the Soka Gakkai Education Department will sponsor "Radiant Children and Humanistic Education" (tentative translation), an exhibition on Soka Education, covering the educational philosophies of first and second Soka Gakkai presidents Tsunesaburo Makiguchi and Josei Toda, and SGI President Daisaku Ikeda, who has made ... read more

Buddhism | Oct 21 2005

SGI-Australia Has New Leadership Line-up

General Director Greg Johns Women's Leader Elizabeth Bowen Youth Leader David Tan Young Men's Leader Gerard Yap Young Women's Leader Rachel Khoo(incumbent) SGI-Australia held a national representatives meeting on October 15-16 at its Sydney center to kick off the next 50 years of the organization's development. New national leaders were announced, as follows: General Director ... read more

Press Releases | Oct 18 2005

Soka Gakkai Donates US$30,000 for Pakistan Earthquake Relief

Tokyo, Japan: Soka Gakkai Vice General Director Minoru Harada and Vice President Kenji Yoshigo visited the Pakistan Embassy in Tokyo on October 17 to express condolences for the country's loss and donate US$30,000 (3,400,000 yen) to the President's Relief Fund for Earthquake Victims for those affected by the devastating earthquake ... read more

Humanitarian Activities | Oct 18 2005

Soka Gakkai Donates Funds for Pakistan Earthquake Relief

Soka Gakkai decided to donate 3.4 million yen (approx. US$ 30,000) to aid victims of the recent large-scale earthquake in Pakistan. On October 17, Soka Gakkai representatives, headed by Vice General Director Minoru Harada, called on Ambassador Kamran Niaz at the Pakistan Embassy in Minato Ward, Tokyo, to deliver the ... read more

Interfaith | Oct 17 2005

Institute of Oriental Philosophy Cosponsors Symposium with Harvard University's Yenching Institute and Center for the Study of World Religions

On October 7, the Institute of Oriental Philosophy (IOP), Hachioji, Tokyo, sponsored with Harvard University's Yenching Institute and Center for the Study of World Religions (CSWR) a symposium entitled "Perspectives on Religion and Globalization." Some 50 Harvard scholars discussed the role of religion in coping with various issues of the ... read more

Buddhism | Oct 14 2005

SGI-Bolivia Hosts Entrance Level Study Examination

On September 18, some 250 SGI-Bolivia members sat for an entrance level study examination at 21 venues throughout Bolivia. The study material included "The Strategy of the Lotus Sutra" from Nichiren's writings; the life of Nichiren Daishonin; Soka Gakkai's history; and basic Buddhist concepts, including the "ten worlds." ... read more

Human Rights | Oct 13 2005

Soka Gakkai President Meets United Nations Children's Rights Committee Chair

On October 12, Soka Gakkai President Einosuke Akiya met with Professor Jacob E. Doek, chair of the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC), at the Josei Toda International Center in Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo. CRC, a committee of international experts in the field of human rights, was ... read more

Education | Oct 13 2005

Diadema Regional Education Board, Brazil, Recognizes SGI's Educational Contributions

Diadema Regional Education Board, Diadema City, São Paulo State, Brazil, supervises the curricula and programs of the city's public elementary through high schools. In Diadema, five out of 67 public schools have been implementing the Makiguchi Education Project, developed by the SGI-Brazil (BSGI) Education Division, based on the ideas of ... read more

Culture | Oct 7 2005

BRC Sponsors "'Talking Back' to Whitman: Poetry Matters" to Commemorate 150th Anniversary of Leaves of Grass

On October 1, 2005 the Boston Research Center for the 21st Century (BRC) sponsored "'Talking Back' to Whitman: Poetry Matters," the second annual Ikeda Forum for Intercultural Dialogue, at its center in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. Commemorating the 150th anniversary this year of Whitman's masterpiece, Leaves of Grass, scholars and poets ... read more

Buddhism | Oct 5 2005

SGI-Thailand Youth Hold Southeast Asia Exchange; SGI-USA Youth Hold General Meeting in Los Angeles, California

SGI Southeast Asia youth held a friendship exchange session in Bangkok, Thailand, from September 23-25, 2005. The event followed exchanges between Singapore Soka Association (SSA) and SGI-Thailand in November 2004 and May 2005, and aimed to unite the SGI youth of the Southeast Asian countries. At the recent event, youth ... read more