SGI Canada Newsletter, No. 134 - July 18, 2025
SGI Canada Newsletter
Issue no. 134
July 18, 2025
Welcome to the 134th 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
SGI President Daisaku Ikeda’s study lecture - Key Passages from “The Bodhisattva Never Disparaging” chapter
In our districts this month we are studying the last study lecture presented by President Ikeda before he passed away on November 15, 2023. In this excerpt from the lecture, President Ikeda explains how Bodhisattva Never Disparaging embodies the true spirit of Buddhism.
This passage is entitled “Engaging in Dialogue in a Spirit of Friendship and Activating the Goodness in Each Person’s Heart”:
The story of Bodhisattva Never Disparaging[1]—described in the Lotus Sutra—is one of reaching out to people day after day, talking with them and affirming the dignity and nobility of their lives. It is a tale of unwavering belief in people’s innate potential and of showing each person the deepest respect.
Bodhisattva Never Disparaging’s Buddhist practice wasn’t anything complicated; he simply continued, with pure-hearted lifelong dedication, to bow in reverence to everyone he met. And as a result, he became a towering champion of humanity who was able to lead to enlightenment even those who had formerly persecuted him.
Nichiren Daishonin, the Buddha of the Latter Day of the Law, declares that he is the votary, or genuine practitioner, of the Lotus Sutra who follows in the footsteps of Bodhisattva Never Disparaging (see WND-1, 641). Now, we of the Soka Gakkai, following in the Daishonin’s footsteps, are mirroring the actions of Bodhisattva Never Disparaging in modern times—diving in among the people and reaching out with patience and inclusive hearts to embrace all. Soka mentors and disciples believe that all people possess the Buddha nature. We engage tenaciously in dialogue to bring out the inner goodness of those we encounter.
Bodhisattva Never Disparaging would greet everyone, saying: “I have profound reverence for you, I would never dare treat you with disparagement or arrogance. Why? Because you will all practise the bodhisattva way and will then be able to attain Buddhahood” (LSOC20, 308). These words—known as the 24-character Lotus Sutra[2]—sum up the essence of the sutra’s teaching that all people have the potential for Buddhahood.
[1] Bodhisattva Never Disparaging appears in “The Bodhisattva Never Disparaging” (20th) chapter of the Lotus Sutra. This bodhisattva—Shakyamuni in a previous lifetime—appeared at the end of the Middle Day of the Law following the death of the Buddha Awesome Sound King. He would bow to everyone he met and say: “I have profound reverence for you, I would never dare treat you with disparagement or arrogance. Why? Because you will all practise the bodhisattva way and will then be able to attain Buddhahood” (LSOC20, 308). He persevered in his practice of showing respect for all people, even when he was verbally and physically attacked by arrogant monks, nuns, laymen and laywomen. The sutra explains that this practice became the cause for Bodhisattva Never Disparaging to attain Buddhahood.
[2] This passage is referred to as the 24-character Lotus Sutra because it consists of 24 characters in Kumarajiva’s Chinese translation and sums up the teaching of the Lotus Sutra that all people can attain Buddhahood.
You’ll find the complete study lecture in the June issue of New Century.
Upcoming events
Leaders’ training meetings
Many regions and areas will be holding leaders’ training meetings during July. Please contact your area or regional leaders to find out about your local activities.
Montreal area F2 leaders’ training session - July 5 2025 at the Montreal Community Centre.
Countdown to October!
There are only two months to go before the 65th anniversary of President Ikeda’s first visit to Canada. Across the country, plans are being made for commemorative meetings on Sunday October 5. Book the date! More details to come soon!
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 August 1, 2025. See you then!