SGI Canada Newsletter, No. 128 - April 25, 2025
SGI Canada Newsletter
Issue no. 128
April 25, 2025
Welcome to the 128th 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
Soka Gakkai President Minoru Harada’s Editorial - “Let’s Advance Together along the Great Path of Mentor and Disciple”
In his editorial in the May issue of Daibyakurenge, the Soka Gakkai monthly study journal, Soka Gakkai President Minoru Harada writes about the importance of protecting our mentor:
One of the most defining hallmarks of President Daisaku Ikeda’s greatness is that, even as he served as a mentor to countless others, he continued to live his life wholeheartedly as a disciple.
There are those who forget the teachings of their mentor and eventually succumb to arrogance. Yet, even after becoming the third president of the Soka Gakkai, President Ikeda maintained an ongoing inner dialogue with his mentor, Josei Toda. He lived each day with a spirit of continual growth and an enduring youthful spirit.
On May 3 a half-century ago, members of the young men’s and student divisions set up a group which President Ikeda named the Shin’ichi-kai (Shin’ichi Group). He taught us—his disciples of the Shin’ichi Group generation—that no matter what obstacles and devilish functions may arise in the future, it is the mission of disciples to protect their mentor. The true purpose of youthful disciples is to fulfill this mission.
In 1980, the year after he stepped down as president of the Soka Gakkai, President Ikeda joined with comrades in the Kyushu, Kansai, and Chubu regions to spearhead a bold counteroffensive against the forces that threatened the organization. On May 1, in Fukuoka, Kyushu, he passionately urged: “Never lower the banner of kosen-rufu in your hearts!” On May 3, in Osaka, he voiced his unwavering resolve: “Let’s keep writing new pages of history in our ever-victorious struggle and in life.” On May 9, in Aichi Prefecture, he proudly declared: “The Soka Gakkai will forever fight against evil!”
The complete editorial is available in the June issue of NEW CENTURY.
News
Women’s Group General Meetings - “Illuminating the Future with Hope”
Women’s Group General Meetings are being held throughout April and May by district and in small groups. This will encourage heart-to-heart dialogue for the purpose of introducing our Buddhist practice, and for mutual encouragement.
In her message to the General Meetings, SGI Canada Women’s Leader Helen Izumi-Choi quotes Ikeda Sensei’s encouragement to a women’s group pioneer in Japan:
The deeper the muddy pond, the bigger the lotus flower and fruit produced. Likewise, the harsher your problems and sufferings, the greater the happiness you will experience. Faith in the Mystic Law converts sufferings into treasures of the heart. Through practising Nichiren Buddhism, we can change poison into medicine. The time will definitely come when you can deeply appreciate this.[1]
[1] Daisaku Ikeda, The New Human Revolution, Vol. 26, p. 75.
For more information, please see the April issue of NEW CENTURY.
Report from Youth Division General Meetings
The March 16 Youth Division General Meetings across Canada were a great success with 13 meetings and a total attendance of 973. Congratulations!
Youth Division General Meeting in Québec
The theme of the meeting was “Be the Sun of Hope!”—inspired by Ikeda Sensei’s guidance:
“The courage and the actions of young people who brim with a pioneering spirit can change the times and cause the sun of hope to rise.” (March 2025 NEW CENTURY)
We shared President Harada’s message and watched, “The Spirit of Successors From March 16 to May 3” video together, deepening our shared vow. Many moving experiences were also shared.
Youth Division General Meeting Winnipeg
Earlier this year, we launched a nationwide Dialogue Campaign under the same theme: “Be the Sun of Hope!”—a yearlong effort running in four phases leading up to October 12 (SGI Canada Day).
Phase 1 (Jan 1 – March 16) focused on home visiting every youth member toward the March 16 Youth Division General Meetings.
Phase 2 (March 16 – May 3) is focused on introducing others to the practice through dialogue. So far, close to 800 dialogues have taken place nationwide!
The youth received unwavering support from the men’s and women’s divisions throughout the campaign which was crucial for its success. Their encouragement and behind-the-scenes efforts empowered the youth to take the lead and give their all!
The youth are determined to continue advancing as Suns of Hope—deepening friendships, expanding dialogues, and introducing many new youth to the practice!
SGI Canada National Youth Leaders
Article in Seikyo Shimbun newspaper
The following article appeared in the April 8, 2025, edition of the Seikyo Shimbun, under the title “Celebrating 3.16 – Friends Around the World Have a Hopeful Departure - Canada.”
SGI Canada’s Youth Division general meetings commemorating March 16 “Kosen-rufu Day” were held in various regions on March 15th and 16th. This year’s theme for the meeting was, “Be the Sun of Hope!” and the youth division made great efforts in home visiting members and expanding dialogue.
Among them, Western Region’s meeting was held on the 16th at the Vancouver Culture Centre and connected with various places online. A group of youth presented a skit on March 16 and dance and music performances added beautiful touches to the meeting.
Denise Yon and Khuushali Raja both shared their experiences about putting their faith in the centre of their lives and showing actual proof of victory.
Youth Division General Meeting in Vancouver
(“Be the Sun of Hope!” – SGI Canada’s West Region Youth Division General Meeting at the Vancouver Culture Centre.)
Real Talk: How Nichiren Buddhism Changed Our Lives
The first video of “Real Talk,” a new three-part series, has been launched on the Soka Gakkai Official YouTube channel. The series features youth members from around the world in conversation, exploring how Nichiren Buddhism and concepts like human revolution empower people to transform adversity into opportunity. You can watch the first episode here. This episode is in English, but other videos on the channel are available in other languages such as French, Spanish and Chinese.
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 May 9, 2025. See you then!