SGI Canada Newsletter, No. 46 - February 18, 2022
SGI Canada Newsletter
Issue no. 46
February 18, 2022
Welcome to the 46th 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 Ikeda’s March Editorial: “We Are All Great Philosophers Embodying the Doctrine of Three Thousand Realms in a Single Moment of Life”
In his March Editorial in the Daibyakurenge (Soka Gakkai study magazine), SGI President Ikeda highlights our ability to transform our life condition instantaneously, whatever our circumstances:
As human beings, we cannot be more than human beings, nor do we need to be.
Nichiren Daishonin opened the way for all human beings, just as they are, to
shine their brightest, with supreme nobility, dignity, and humanity.
Praising Sage Nichimyo, a disciple and single mother who, amid troubled times, sincerely supported her fellow practitioners and traveled with her infant daughter to visit him at his place of exile on Sado Island, the Daishonin writes: “Just as a commoner can become a king in this present life, so can an ordinary person become a Buddha instantly. This is the heart of the doctrine of three thousand realms in a single moment of life” (WND-1, 324).
His words ring with a message of boundless compassion: “Your strong faith
means that your life state is that of a Buddha. You will not fail to become a champion of happiness. That is the purpose of Buddhism, which teaches the principle of three thousand realms in a single moment of life.”
News
SGI President Ikeda’s 2022 Peace Proposal now available online in English
SGI President Ikeda’s 40th annual peace proposal titled “Transforming Human History: The Light of Peace and Dignity,” is now available online in English at:
https://www.daisakuikeda.org/sub/resources/works/props/2022-peace-proposal.html
The proposal offers concrete ideas for tackling the climate crisis and achieving inclusive education and nuclear disarmament. The full text will be published in English this spring, and in French later in the year.
Gohonzon Conferrals to Resume This Spring
By Tony Meers
SGI Canada General Director
Thanks to the strong faith, courage and compassion of all the members of SGI Canada, we have continued to advance during the COVID-19 pandemic. Everyone’s prayers, determination and efforts to encourage each person have led to our remarkable success and growth over the last two years, despite all hardships and obstacles.
Today, it is with the greatest joy that we announce to our precious new members that you will now be able to receive the Gohonzon. Congratulations!
Most of you have joined SGI Canada during the pandemic. You have been diligently practising and joyfully introducing your friends, even though it has not been possible for you to receive the Gohonzon. The suspension of in-person activities has not discouraged you. In fact, you have encouraged everyone around you with your sincere faith and your refusal to let obstacles stand in your way. This is truly remarkable and is an inspiration to everyone. You have demonstrated the genuine spirit of Bodhisattvas of the Earth!
The national and regional leaders of SGI Canada have been working for since September 2021 on a plan to enable new members to receive the Gohonzon in a safe and respectful way, while still following our current guidelines on activities. We are very happy to announce that new members will be able to receive the Gohonzon starting in April. Your district leaders will be contacting you to discuss the procedure.
Over the next two months, new SGI Canada members who wish to receive the Gohonzon can complete their applications and set up their altars. There will be special online information meetings for new members in which we will explain how to enshrine and take care of the Gohonzon. Everyone will also receive detailed instructions in writing, including a link to an instructional video.
Joining and Gohonzon Recipients’ Celebrations will be held as part of the April 5th Kosen-rufu Meetings across Canada. At a prearranged time after these meetings, a designated Gohonzon Conferral Leader will present the Gohonzon to the new member at the entrance of the new member’s home. The Conferral Leader will be fully vaccinated and will be masked. The Conferral Leader will not enter the new member’s home in order to assure safety and no worries. In cases where the new member lives in an isolated location, the Gohonzon will be securely shipped by courier directly to the new member, and they will be given extra support online.
New Gohonzon recipients will enshrine their Gohonzons themselves, with online help from leaders, and they can organize an online enshrining celebration. We want to emphasize that leaders will wholeheartedly support new members at every stage in the process as they begin this most important new chapter in their Buddhist practice on the great path of human revolution.
It is very significant that we are able to announce this new Gohonzon Conferral program at this time, on the 70th anniversary of the famous February Campaign, where Daisaku Ikeda made the vow that he would see every single member become happy through the great power and benefit of the Mystic Law.
Let’s all strive together toward the Gohonzon Conferrals, and on toward May 3, as a fresh opportunity to share with our friends the greatness of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo and the Gohonzon. As our mentor has shown us, when we set concrete goals for ourselves, chant daimoku for each person’s happiness, and work to achieve them with courage and confidence, we can share President Ikeda’s vast heart and create our own February Campaign every day toward 2030, filled with excitement, joy and benefit.
If you are applying to receive Gohonzon in April, please talk with your district leaders as soon as possible. Leaders now have all the necessary forms and will help you through every stage of the process.
Congratulations once again to our wonderful new members and your sponsors who introduced you!
SGI Canada Online Bookstore features items for guests and new members
The SGI Canada Online Bookstore carries everything that your guests and new members need – from butsudans and Nam-myoho-renge-kyo cards to gongyo books and introductory booklets. Shipping is available to any part of Canada.
You can find the Bookstore’s complete catalogue of books in English, French and other languages, as well as prayer beads, incense, Buddhist altars, accessories, gongyo books and gift items at https://sgicanada.myshopify.com/
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 March 4, 2022. See you then!