SGI Canada Newsletter, No. 101 - March 22, 2024
SGI Canada Newsletter
Issue no. 101
March 22, 2024
Welcome to the 101st issue of the SGI Canada Newsletter, a bi-weekly summary of news, upcoming events and encouragement. If you are not subscribing to the SGI Canada Newsletter, you may do so by clicking on the button below. Subscriptions are free of charge, and the SGI Canada Newsletter will be emailed directly to you.
Encouragement
Study material for April: “A People-Centred Religion Transmitting the Philosophy of Respect for Life to the Future”
In the article that we will be studying in our districts in April, SGI President Daisaku Ikeda refers to a passage from Nichiren Daishonin’s treatise “On Establishing the Correct Teaching for the Peace of the Land.” In this section, President Ikeda points out the importance of our behaviour as human beings:
Activating People’s Innate Goodness
In “On Establishing the Correct Teaching for the Peace of the Land,” the “fragrance” of the host’s sincere, compassionate intent noticeably changes his dialogue partner, the guest. Power of character, humanity, and sincere behaviour are the keys to opening people’s hearts and broadening dialogue.
These are a reflection not of one’s title or social position, but of how one lives as a human being. As we persist in dialogue to realize kosen-rufu and the ideal of “establishing the correct teaching for the peace of the land,” we, too, before we know it, will attain the noble life states of bodhisattva and Buddhahood, fragrant as an orchid. When we reach out and forge connections with others, we activate the goodness inherent within them.
Mr. Toda held that a crucial condition for a religion to spread is that its practitioners are respected for their humanity. Precisely because we embrace the true teachings of Buddhism, it is crucial first of all to win others’ trust. This is because, as the Daishonin writes, “All the various teachings of the Buddha are spread by persons” (WND-1, 61).
Our Soka movement now encompasses 192 countries and territories because members have faithfully put this guideline into action. They have made positive contributions to their societies as good citizens, earning the trust and friendship of those around them. (New Century, March 2024, pp.31-32)
The complete study article is available in the March 2024 New Century.
News
SGI Canada Youth Division Headed for Amazing Victory!
With just one more meeting to go, it is clear that the Youth Division General Meetings commemorating March 16 (Kosen-rufu Day) will have been a great success, with record numbers of attendees. The meetings have been notable for the friendships created through the One-by-One campaign of home visits, and for the strong support provided by Men’s Group and Women’s Group members.
This amazing victory is proof of the power of dialogue and unity. It will be a model for many future activities!
Members and a guest at the Ottawa-Gatineau
Youth Division General Meeting, March 17, 2024
New Soka Gakkai introductory video
A new 8-minute video introducing the Soka Gakkai has just been released on the Soka Gakkai YouTube channel. It is titled “Soka Gakkai: Buddhism for Daily Life” and covers basic questions such as: What is the Soka Gakkai? What is human revolution? How do members of the Soka Gakkai practise their faith?
The video is available in English at:
Soka Gakkai: Buddhism for Daily Life
We hope you found this newsletter beneficial. Please email your questions or comments to contact@sgicanada.org. Please note that the next SGI Canada Newsletter will appear on April 5, 2024. See you then!