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SGI Canada Newsletter, No. 53 - May 27, 2022

May 27, 2022

SGI Canada Newsletter

Issue no. 53

May 27, 2022

 

Welcome to the 53rd 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.

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Encouragement

SGI President Daisaku Ikeda’s Editorial: “Engaging in Confident Dialogue like Our Founding President”

In his June editorial in the Daibyakurenge study magazine, SGI President Ikeda points to the unshakable optimism and courage of Tsunesaburo Makiguchi, the founder and first president of the Soka Gakkai:

In the early days of our movement, Mr. Makiguchi called discussion meetings gatherings for “proving the way of life of great good.” Through tireless one-on-one dialogue, he gave others the courage to bravely confront even the greatest evil and misfortune in life. He led one person after another to show actual proof that practicing the Mystic Law could create value of great good in the form of happiness for both oneself and others. 

A month before the war’s outbreak, Mr. Makiguchi traveled via Kansai to Kyushu, confidently engaging in Buddhist dialogue. Later, he was imprisoned for his beliefs. Amid those harsh conditions, thinking of the Daishonin’s ordeals on Sado Island, he wrote that he had no anxieties or worries and lacked nothing. In one letter, he said: “Depending on one’s state of mind, even hell can be enjoyable,” echoing the Daishonin’s words “I feel immeasurable delight even though I am now an exile” (WND-1, 386). 

Inheriting this spirit, Mr. Makiguchi’s disciple Josei Toda and the Bodhisattvas of the Earth of Soka have opened the path of human revolution, teaching that a profound inner change in a single individual can lead to a change in the destiny of a nation, and further, in the destiny of all humankind.  

Whatever the situation, whatever the time, we of the Soka Gakkai, walking the path of mentor and disciple, have a philosophy that assures “Great evil portends the arrival of great good,” a practice that enables us to make this a reality, and a great network that champions peace, culture, and education. 

Mr. Makiguchi declared: “When we encounter a challenge or trial, we should be even more determined to press forward tenaciously and lead undefeated lives.” Let us emulate our founding president, Mr. Makiguchi, and engage in confident dialogue with even greater courage! 

The full editorial will be published in the July 2022 New Century.

 

News

U.S. University Confers Honorary Doctorate upon President Ikeda 

On May 14, the University of Minnesota (UMN) conferred the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa, upon President Ikeda for his dedication to the education and development of young people and his contribution to helping to strengthen human connections across the globe. SGI Vice President Yoshiki Tanigawa attended the ceremony and shared an acceptance message on behalf of President Ikeda. Dean of the Humphrey School of Public Affairs Nisha Botchwey introduced President Ikeda’s life and key accomplishments, including his 2022 peace proposal. 

SGI Canada Special Fund

The SGI Canada Special Fund is an opportunity to contribute directly to the kosen-rufu movement in Canada. Thank you so much for your sincere dedication and your support in every way for the advancement of kosen-rufu in Canada!

Contributions to the SGI Canada Special Fund can be made at any time by using one of the following two options:

  1. You can contribute online through the SGI Canada online portal at https://sgicinfo.org/portal/login
  2. You can also contribute by mailing a cheque, money order or bank draft to SGI Canada at: SGI Canada, 2050 Dufferin Street, Toronto, Ont. M6E 3R6

We deeply appreciate your courageous efforts to support and encourage your fellow members, families and friends at this very challenging time in the history of humankind. Thank you very much!

UPCOMING EVENTS

Nationwide Commemorative Leaders Meeting on June 5

We remind all leaders to register for the 2022 SGI Canada Nationwide Commemorative Leaders Meeting, to be held online on the evening of Sunday, June 5, 2022.

This very special meeting will commemorate the 41st anniversary of SGI President Ikeda’s second visit to Canada and the 35th anniversary of his poem “A Rainbow over Niagara.” It will be a new departure for SGI Canada toward 2030!

We hope that all leaders in SGI Canada—from group, district, chapter, area, regional and national levels—will participate in this significant event, uniting together with our mentor to initiate the next stage of Canadian kosen-rufu.

All leaders are asked to register as soon as possible. For more information, please see Advancing Together #17 or speak with your area or regional leaders.

Young Lions Group General Meetings: "The World is Yours to Change" 

The Young Lions Group will hold their third Annual General Meetings by Region or Area throughout the month of June. The theme of the meetings is, "The World is Yours to Change." Sensei says, in the book with the same title: 

It is a challenge that goes to the very heart of human civilization. And it is my sincere wish that each of you—as young people, as the rising generation—will meet this challenge with great energy and courage. There, indeed, I perceive the light of a limitless home. It is with this immense sense of hope and expectation that I share with you this thought: The world is yours to change. (The World is Yours to Change, p.5) 

We are looking forward to vibrant, cheerful meetings throughout Canada, filled with the big smiles of our young successors!  

Youth & Young Phoenix Group General Meetings in June 2022: “Shining Suns of Youthful Victory!”  

Commemoration of Ikeda Sensei’s second visit to Canada in June 1981 and the 35th anniversary of the poem A Rainbow over Niagara 

Date & Time

Purpose

Theme: ‘Shining Suns of Youthful Victory!’ 

The theme comes from Ikeda Sensei's inspiring message to the Young Phoenix Group General meeting held in June 2021: 

All of you have embraced and are learning the unparalleled Buddhist philosophy of absolute respect for the dignity of life at a young age. Your mission and good fortune are boundless and immeasurable. You are all successors of the Soka Gakkai who will shoulder the twenty-first century. You are shining suns of youthful victory who will light the way forward in the future. The more hardships and sufferings you experience, the more you can understand the struggles of others, the more you can develop your inner strength and capability, and the more you can embrace those around you with warmth and compassion.

Goals 

Structure 

*In areas without area-level youth leaders, you may opt to hold the meetings with several areas combined, or at the regional level. Another suitable date and time may be selected by an area, depending on local considerations. 

Content

Please incorporate the following national content below. All materials are forthcoming. 

 

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 June 10, 2022. See you then!

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