All News
Buddhism | Dec 26 2009
SGI-Gabon Establishes New District
On December 26, 2009, SGI members in Gabon established a new district and held a commemorative meeting in the city of Libreville. SGI President Daisaku Ikeda sent a message for the meeting, calling on the members to advance world peace with unity based on a spirit of “many in ... read more
Buddhism | Dec 20 2009
SGI-Côte d'Ivoire Holds Commemorative Meetings
From December 19-20, 2009, SGI-Côte d'Ivoire members held meetings commemorating the start of the 80th year since the establishment of the Soka Gakkai on November 18, 1930. On December 20, a gathering took place in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, where approximately 1,700 representatives from throughout the country gathered. SGI-Côte d'Ivoire General Director ... read more
Buddhism | Dec 20 2009
SGI-Philippines Holds Nationwide Meeting
On December 20, 2009, approximately 700 leaders from SGI-Philippines attended a nationwide meeting at the SGI Philippines Culture Center in Manila. SGI-Philippines National Secretary Ronald Hernandez, Youth Leader Jeremias Zhel Cruz and Young Men's Leader Rodel Paul Sauza were newly appointed at the event. Representatives reported on activities in their ... read more
Sustainable Development | Dec 17 2009
Sustainable Development Exhibition Shown in Carrara, Italy
From December 9-17, 2009, SGI-Italy hosted the "Seeds of Change: Earth Charter and the Human Potential" exhibition in Carrara, Tuscany, Italy. The exhibition was co-sponsored by the province of Massa Carrara and Carrara City. More than 3,300 visited the exhibition, including students from elementary, junior high and high ... read more
Interfaith | Dec 15 2009
SGI Joins Workshop on Faith-Based Organizations and Development in Southeast Asia
From December 14-15, 2009, a representative from the SGI Office of Public Information attended a workshop on "Global Development and Institutions Inspired by Faith in Southeast Asia" co-organized by the Berkeley Center for Religion, Peace and World Affairs at Georgetown University, Washington D.C., and the World Faiths Development Dialogue ... read more
Human Rights | Dec 10 2009
SGI-Luxembourg Participates in International Day of Human Rights
On December 10, 2009, in celebration of the International Day of Human Rights, the Baha'i Center of Luxembourg City and the Organization for the Education of Adults invited representatives of various religious communities to attend an interreligious dialogue with the theme, "The Contribution of Religions to Human Rights." SGI-Luxembourg, a ... read more
Culture | Dec 10 2009
Min-On Concert Association Cosponsors Folk Dance Concert
On December 10, 2009, the Min-On Concert Association cosponsored the 2009 Mekong-Japan folk dance concert hosted by the Japan Asia Fine Arts Association. The event was held at the Tokyo International Forum in Chiyoda, Tokyo. Dance companies from Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam performed traditional court and folk dances, as ... read more
Interfaith | Dec 9 2009
SGI Takes Part in Parliament of the World's Religions
On December 7, 2009, SGI representatives from Australia, Japan and the United States joined voices with Christian, Jewish and Muslim representatives on a panel titled "Nuclear Weapons Abolition: Response and Advocacy by Religious Communities" held during the Parliament of the World's Religions in Melbourne, Australia. The gathering called for ... read more
Press Releases | Dec 8 2009
Faiths Join to Stress Vital Challenge of Nuclear Abolition at Melbourne Parliament of World's Religions
Tokyo, Japan: Buddhist, Christian, Jewish and Muslim representatives joined voices during the Parliament of the World's Religions in Melbourne, Australia, on December 7, calling for moral leadership by the world's religions in the effort to abolish nuclear weapons. Dr. Sue Wareham, former president of the Medical Association for Prevention of ... read more
Buddhism | Dec 5 2009
SGI-UK Holds Volunteer Group Training Sessions at Taplow Court
On November 28, 2009, ninety-three SGI-UK young women from throughout the county and also members of the Lilac Group who provide support for local activities gathered at SGI-UK's Taplow Court Grand Culture Center. The meeting centered on the Buddhist concept of selfless dedication. SGI-UK National Lilac Group leaders Sonia ... read more
Peace and Disarmament | Dec 3 2009
Soka Gakkai Malaysia Hosts Peace Exhibition and Forum
From November 30 to December 3, 2009, Soka Gakkai Malaysia (SGM) displayed the "From a Culture of Violence to a Culture of Peace: Transforming the Human Spirit" exhibition at the Multimedia University (MMU) campus in Cyberjaya, Malaysia. The exhibition was jointly organized by the MMU Chinese Language Society and SGM, ... read more
Buddhism | Nov 29 2009
Soka Gakkai Members Throughout Japan Take Elementary Level and Youth Study Exams
On November 29, 2009, 180,000 candidates at 1,669 venues throughout Japan took either the Elementary-Level Study Exam or the Level 3 Youth Study Exam. The exams aim to encourage members to broaden their understanding of Buddhism. SGI President Daisaku Ikeda sent a message to all examinees and staff members ... read more
Buddhism | Nov 29 2009
SGI-Norway Appoints New Leaders
On November 29, 2009, SGI-Norway held a general meeting in Oslo, at which SGI-Norway General Director Aud Digernes, Women's Leader Trine Furu Berg and Women's Secretary-General Katarina Wilmot were newly appointed. Ms. Digernes shared her strong determination to devote herself to encouraging members and to work wholeheartedly towards creating ... read more
Buddhism | Nov 29 2009
Bharat (India) Soka Gakkai Members Hold General Meeting
On November 29, 2009, approximately 600 gathered for the 35th Bharat Soka Gakkai (BSG) General Meeting at the Soka Bodhi Tree Garden in New Delhi, India. East India General Area 1 chief Mr. Dipak Das spoke about the importance of building solidarity among friends and his own personal efforts to ... read more
Education | Nov 28 2009
Lecture on Mind-Body Connection and Medicine Held in Malaysia
On November 28, 2009, a lecture titled "Creating A Century of Life: The Significance of Mind-Body Interaction" was held at the Wisma Kebudayaan Soka Gakkai Malaysia (SGM) Center in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The event was hosted by Dr Amir Farid Isahak, chairman of the Interfaith Spiritual Fellowship (INSAF). Dr. ... read more
Peace and Disarmament | Nov 23 2009
Toda Institute Holds International Conference on the Power of Dialogue
From November 22-23, 2009, the Toda Institute for Global Peace and Policy Research held a conference on "The Power of Dialogue in a Time of Global Crisis" at Soka University in Hachioji, Tokyo. Scholars specializing in peace and environmental studies gathered to discuss how true intra- and inter-civilizational dialogue ... read more
Buddhism | Nov 22 2009
Brazil, Mexico and the Netherlands Celebrate Soka Gakkai Day
On November 15, 2009, SGI-Netherlands held a leaders meeting in Zeist, commemorating the anniversary of the establishment of the Soka Gakkai (November 18, 1930). A youth training session was attended by members from throughout the country, focusing on the themes of leadership, how to raise capable successors and the ... read more
Buddhism | Nov 15 2009
SGI Autumn Training Session Held in Tokyo, Japan
On November 12, 2009, 250 leaders from 60 countries and territories participated in the opening meeting of the 2009 SGI Autumn Training Session at the Soka International Friendship Hall in Sendagaya, Tokyo. In his message to the SGI members attending the training course, SGI President Daisaku Ikeda expressed his appreciation ... read more
Buddhism | Nov 15 2009
SGI-Korea Youth and Men Gather Throughout the Country
On November 15, 2009, SGI-Korea youth members attended general meetings based on a theme of realizing true victory in one's life through a lifelong spirit to learn from one's mentor. Meetings were held at 124 venues throughout South Korea. Over 10,000 young men and women participated, including many college students. ... read more
Buddhism | Nov 15 2009
SGI-UK Members Challenge Study Exam on Key Concepts of Nichiren Buddhism
On November 15, 2009, hundreds of SGI-UK members demonstrated their understanding of Nichiren Buddhism by taking the Level 1 study exam, held at 60 venues around the country. Examinees spent the last several months preparing by attending study sessions to supplement their own individual efforts. Over 3,000 members have ... read more
Buddhism | Nov 14 2009
Leaders from 60 Countries and Territories Gather in Japan for SGI General Meeting
On November 14, 2009, Soka Gakkai's monthly leaders meeting coincided with the SGI general meeting held at the Tokyo Makiguchi Memorial Hall in Hachioji, Japan, commemorating the Soka Gakkai's 79th anniversary (November 18, 1930). SGI President Daisaku Ikeda attended along with Soka Gakkai President Minoru Harada, SGI General Director ... read more
Education | Nov 14 2009
Ikeda Center for Peace, Learning, and Dialogue Holds Forum
On November 14, the Ikeda Center for Peace, Learning, and Dialogue (formerly the Boston Research Center for the 21st Century) held its Sixth Annual Ikeda Forum for Intercultural Dialogue, titled "John Dewey, Daisaku Ikeda, and the Quest for a New Humanism." The forum marked the 150th anniversary of John Dewey's ... read more
Interfaith | Nov 14 2009
Three Faiths Community Education Conference Held in U.K.
On November 14, 2009, a "Three Faiths Community Education Conference" was held at the SGI-UK South London National Center by young Buddhists, Muslims and Christians. The event was an offshoot of the Three Faiths project which was initiated by SGI-UK in 2008 to address concerns about racial discrimination and ... read more
Humanitarian Activities | Nov 12 2009
Taiwan Soka Association Wins National Civic Service Award
On November 12, 2009, the Taiwan Soka Association (TSA) received theNational Civic Service Award from the Premier of Taiwan, Wu Den-yih. The award ceremony took place at the Grand Hotel in Taipei, Taiwan. Created by the Federation of Non-Profit Associations under Taiwan's Ministry of the Interior, the National Civic ... read more
Peace and Disarmament | Nov 11 2009
Dr. Jeffrey Boutwell of the Pugwash Conferences on Science and World Affairs Speaks at SGI-USA's Culture of Peace Distinguished Speakers Series
On November 11, 2009, Dr. Jeffrey Boutwell, the executive director of the Pugwash Conferences on Science and World Affairs for the last 10 years, spoke at the SGI-USA Washington, D.C., Culture Center before some 100 people. His talk marked the first anniversary of the Culture of Peace Distinguished Speakers ... read more
Peace and Disarmament | Nov 8 2009
SGI-Sweden Join International Conference on Nuclear Disarmament
From November 6-8, 2009, SGI-Sweden participated in an international conference on nuclear disarmament together with 17 organizations including the International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War and the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom, in Stockholm, Sweden. The Sweden Pugwash Committee and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs ... read more
Education | Oct 31 2009
SGI-UK Educators Gather for Annual Meeting
On October 31, 2009, the annual SGI-UK Education Division meeting was held at the London Ikeda Peace Center. The title of this year's event was "Humanistic Education for a Peaceful Society and the Happiness of Humankind." Education Division Men's Leader Nigel Straker shared how his life as a teacher had changed ... read more
Humanitarian Activities | Oct 31 2009
SGI-Philippines Members Assist with Typhoon Relief
During the months of September and October, 2009 SGI-Philippines members promptly organized a relief effort in response to the damage caused by tropical storm Ondoy that hit the city of Manila in the Philippines on September 26, dumping a reported 34 centimeters of rain – equivalent to a month's worth ... read more
Peace and Disarmament | Oct 30 2009
"Building a Culture of Peace for the Children of the World" Exhibition Opens in Guwahati, India
From October 10-16, 2009, the "Building a Culture of Peace for the Children of the World" exhibition was officially on show at the Pragjyoti ITA Centre for Performing Arts in Guwahati, India. The exhibit subsequently toured three other venues in the city until October 30. Governor of Meghalaya State, His ... read more
Peace and Disarmament | Oct 28 2009
"From a Culture of Violence to a Culture of Peace: Transforming the Human Spirit" Exhibition Shown in Fukuoka, Japan
On October 28, 2009, the exhibition "From a Culture of Violence to a Culture of Peace: Transforming the Human Spirit" was shown at the Kyushu Auditorium in Fukuoka, Japan. This is the first time the exhibition has been shown in Japan. Among those attending the opening were several representative ... read more
Humanitarian Activities | Oct 26 2009
Cultural Group from China Participates in Taiwan Soka Association Charity Concert
On September 25 and 26, 2009, Taiwan Soka Association (TSA) put on a charity concert to raise funds for reconstruction work in areas devastated by flooding in August this year. The event, held at the National Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, featured the Chinese Ethnic Minority Culture and Art Association, ... read more
Education | Oct 26 2009
Singapore Soka Association Youth Participate in Educational Project in Mainland China
From October 11-26, 2009, twenty-one youth representatives from Singapore Soka Association (SSA) participated in the Youth Expedition Project organized by the Singapore National Youth Council. Participants in the initiative, named "Project Shine," traveled to the Changzhi Township, Shanxi Province, China, to help build facilities for a local school, Chang ... read more
Buddhism | Oct 26 2009
2009 SGI Youth Autumn Training Session in Tokyo
From October 22-26, 2009, 200 SGI youth members from 50 countries participated in an autumn leadership training course in Tokyo, Japan. The opening ceremony and welcome took place at the Soka International Friendship Hall in Sendagaya, on October 22. At the initial meeting, several appointments were made. Naoki Nishi was ... read more
Buddhism | Oct 24 2009
Soka Gakkai Holds Monthly Leaders Meeting in Tokyo
On October 24, 2009, Soka Gakkai held its monthly leaders meeting at the Soka Gakkai International Friendship Hall in Sendagaya, Tokyo. In the spirit of youth united in a shared commitment with their mentor, the meeting was held in conjunction with the 1st Nationwide Youth Division Leaders Meeting. SGI President ... read more
Buddhism | Oct 22 2009
Lotus Sutra Exhibition Held in Bangalore, India
The exhibition was co-organized by the Institute of Oriental Philosophy and Bharat Soka Gakkai (BSG), supported by the Institute of Oriental Manuscripts of the Russian Academy of Sciences and the International Academy of Indian Culture. The show displays rare manuscripts, microfilms, facsimile editions, romanized texts and panels depicting parables from ... read more
Peace and Disarmament | Oct 20 2009
Exhibition on Nuclear Abolition Shown in USA, Hong Kong and Canada
On October 5, 2009, the SGI exhibition "From a Culture of Violence to a Culture of Peace: Transforming the Human Spirit" opened at the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies in New Haven, Connecticut, USA. The 36-panel exhibition addresses the dangers of nuclear weapons and the role that ... read more
Humanitarian Activities | Oct 19 2009
SGI-Hong Kong Donates Money to UNICEF to Assist Humanitarian Efforts in the Philippines
On October 19, 2009, SGI-Hong Kong General Director John Ng Chor Yuk and several representatives presented a check for the amount of HKD 79,719.40 (US$14,199) to the UNICEF Hong Kong Committee in response to the damage caused by tropical Storm Ketsana that struck the Philippines in September 2009. Tropical Storm Ketsana ... read more
Education | Oct 18 2009
Forums on Humanistic Education Held in Japan
On October 18, 2009, Soka Gakkai educators sponsored a "Forum on Humanistic Education 2009" at Kimitsu Civic Cultural Hall in Chiba Prefecture, Japan. Soka Gakkai Education Group Chief Hajime Miyamoto and representatives from a local Soka Gakkai educators group in Chiba participated in the event. Sho Takakura, professor emeritus ... read more
Culture | Oct 18 2009
Soka Gakkai Orchestras Win Gold Medals at All-Japan Band Competition
On October 18, 2009, two Soka Gakkai Brass Band music groups entered the "Company and Community Bands" section at the 57th All-Japan Band Competition, held at the Nagoya Congress Center in Nagoya, Japan. The Soka Gakkai Kansai Wind Orchestra from the Kansai region won a gold medal for the twelfth ... read more
Humanitarian Activities | Oct 18 2009
Singapore Soka Association Supports Mercy Relief's Humanitarian Efforts
On October 18, 2009, at Singapore's Senja Soka Center, Singapore Soka Association (SSA) General Director Mr. Ong Bong Chai presented a check to Mercy Relief Vice Chairman Professor Abdul Wahab bin Abdul Rahman in the amount of S$25,292 (US$18,206). The donation was made in support of Mercy Relief's mission to ... read more
Peace and Disarmament | Oct 16 2009
Poet of the Amazon Lectures on SGI President Daisaku Ikeda's Peace Proposals
On October 16, 2009, the renowned Brazilian poet Amedeu Thiago de Mello gave a lecture on SGI President Ikeda's peace proposals at the SGI-Brazil Ikeda Culture Center in São Paulo. Having dedicated himself to the preservation of the Amazon rain forest, Mr. Thiago de Mello expressed his appreciation for Mr. ... read more
Buddhism | Oct 14 2009
Symposium on Society and Religion Held at Chinese Academy of Social Sciences
From October 13-14, 2009, a symposium on society and religion was sponsored by the Institute of Oriental Philosophy (IOP) and the Institute of World Religions of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences（CASS）in Beijing, China. Renowned Buddhist scholar and professor at Peking University Lou Yulie participated in the symposium. More ... read more
Buddhism | Oct 14 2009
Soka Gakkai Young Women's International Group Celebrates Anniversary
On October 14, 2009, Soka Gakkai Japan young women along with SGI members living in Japan commemorated the 30th anniversary of the establishment of Soka Gakkai Young Women's International Group at the Soka Young Women's Center in Shinanomachi, Tokyo. This group was established on October 24, 1979, made up ... read more
Buddhism | Oct 13 2009
Soka Gakkai Holds Memorial Services on the Anniversary of Nichiren's Passing
Memorial services took place throughout Japan on the anniversary of Nichiren's passing (October 13, 1282). The services also commemorated October 12, 1279, the day Nichiren inscribed the Dai-Gohonzon, the object of devotion in Nichiren Buddhism, for all humanity. [Dai means great. Go is an honorific prefix, and honzon means ... read more
Buddhism | Oct 11 2009
SGI-Panama Senior Citizens Group Hold General Meeting
On October 11, 2009, SGI-Panama senior citizen group members met for a general meeting at the SGI-Panama Culture Center in Panama City. About 400 members participated in the meeting which focused on how to maintain a youthful spirit even as one ages. The ... read more
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