SGI Canada Newsletter, No. 86 - August 25, 2023

SGI Canada Newsletter

Issue no. 86

August 25, 2023

 

Welcome to the 86th 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.

SUBSCRIBE

 

Encouragement

SGI President Daisaku Ikeda’s editorial: “Shining Our Light as Bodhisattvas of the Earth for the Happiness of the People”

In his September editorial in the Daibyakurenge study magazine, SGI President Ikeda writes about the importance of Buddhist study: 

“Exert yourself in the two ways of practice and study” (WND-1, 386)—this is one of the eternal guidelines of the Soka Gakkai.

How highly Nichiren Daishonin, the Buddha of the Latter Day of the Law, would praise the noble efforts of all of you, my friends around the world, who are preparing for Buddhist study exams or participating in study courses with eager seeking spirit.

All that you are learning as you study Nichiren Buddhism together with fellow members—each of you taking time out of your busy schedules while dealing with all kinds of personal challenges—will be engraved deeply in your lives and become a source of immense joy, good fortune, and benefit.

In September 1950, when I was working frantically to transform the dire situation of my mentor Josei Toda’s businesses, I copied a passage from the “Medicine King” (23rd) chapter of the Lotus Sutra in my diary: “This sutra can cause all living beings to free themselves from suffering and anguish. This sutra can bring great benefits to all living beings and fulfill their desires” (LSOC23, 327–28). These words are a declaration that the Mystic Law is the supreme and ultimate teaching for relieving the sufferings of all living beings.

I felt as if I could hear the loud voice that issued from the magnificent assembly of the Lotus Sutra, calling out: “You must spread [the Lotus Sutra] abroad widely throughout Jambudvipa [the entire world] and never allow it to be cut off” (LSOC23, 330).

Retreating was not an option. I resolved to support my mentor, who was leading the propagation of the great Law, and first do everything I could to break through the immediate obstacles that stood in our path.

As Soka Gakkai members, we read the Daishonin’s writings and the Lotus Sutra, and chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo for the happiness of ourselves and others. We base our lives on the ultimate truth of the universe. When we view our problems from the vast perspective of life encompassing past, present, and future and the worlds of the ten directions, what incredible courage and wisdom and powerful life force well up within us to embrace and overcome them!  

The complete editorial will be available in the October 2023 New Century. 

News

Wildfires in B.C. and N.W.T.

Thank you for your concern about the safety of SGI Canada members in the Northwest Territories and British Columbia during the current wildfires. We can confirm that there were no members living in Yellowknife at the time of the evacuation. In Kelowna and the Okanagan Valley, some members have had to leave their homes, but everyone is safe. Local SGI Canada leaders are in close contact with all members, and chanting sessions have been organized to pray for those affected by the wildfires.

Men’s Group General Meetings

Men's group members at the SGI Canada centre in Quebec City


Men’s Group General Meetings are being held throughout August and September. Please ask your local leaders about the meeting closest to you.

In his message to the meetings, SGI Canada Men’s Group leader Ian Mattinson explains the theme:

This year, the men’s group will be continuing with the theme  of "Building Peace Through Dialogue." The senior men’s leaders across Canada agreed that this theme captures the most essential activity we can initiate going forward in this year, and on toward 2030. In the book of daily encouragement by Daisaku Ikeda For Today & Tomorrow, the entry for May 16th reads:

Day in and day out. Today and again tomorrow. Moving of one's own accord to take action, to meet with people and conduct dialogues. This is what Shakyamuni did. Herein lies the correct way of life for human beings and the path of true honour for a Buddhist. This is the rhythm of the SGI's advance—an advance founded upon the same principles practised and espoused by Shakyamuni and the original Buddha, Nichiren Daishonin.

The entire message can be found in the August 2023 New Century. 

SGI CANADA INTRODUCTORY EXAM 2023