SGI Canada

This is SGI Canada

SGI Activities
SGI Canada organizes a variety of activities and events, but the primary activities are the discussion and study meetings, which are generally held in members' homes. These meetings generate a warm and informal atmosphere where ideas can be freely exchanged and people learn together. Friends and family members are welcomed and opportunities for asking questions are always available.

Introductory seminars, public lectures and cultural events are also held in various locations. In addition, SGI Canada members participate as volunteers in a variety of community-based cultural and humanitarian activities.

Basic Philosophy
The Buddhist philosophy of Nichiren Daishonin (1222-1282) places special emphasis on the sanctity of human life and as a natural outgrowth of this, on peace.

As history has clearly shown, human life possesses the potential for both the greatest good and the greatest evil. The 20th century has been dominated by a culture of war, which has threatened the survival of humanity an even of the earth itself. Therefore, the construction of a culture of peace must become the foremost concern in the 21st century. since both war and peace originate in the human heart, it is there our attention should be focused.

Knowing this, it becomes evident that lasting peace can only be realized when human beings as individuals can successfully challenge and overcome the destructive impulse toward intolerance and violence that exists within life - in Buddhist terms the "fundamental darkness" of life.

The philosophy and practice of Nichiren Daishonin's Buddhism is aimed at enabling the individual to discover "enlightenment" or "Buddhahood," which is the essential nature of life that lies in the depths of human consciousness. This awakening becomes the basis of bringing forth a unique and positive energy that finds expression in profound insight, wisdom and compassion - in other words, the fulfilment of human potential.

The core of SGI's vision of a peaceful world is that the process of self-reformation known as "human revolution." This will result in the rejuvenation of society, beginning with the individual, and then radiating outwards to the family and the community at large.

Peace Activities
Upholding the sanctity of life and building a world of peace could be said to be the original mission of religion in society. As far back as the 1950's, Josei Toda, the second president of Soka Gakkai, was using the term "global family" to express his sense of human unity.

Since then, a crucial aspect of SGI's efforts for peace has been the fostering of a profound awareness in people of their responsibilities as global citizens, while at the same time retaining a healthy dedication to their own community and nation.

Since 1975 SGI President Ikeda has made a yearly proposal for peace, disarmament and United Nations reform. As a non-governmental organization (NGO) affliated with the United Nations, SGI has cooperated with UN agencies in promoting disarmament, human rights and humanitarian relief.

The SGI continues to sponsor international tours of various exhibitions, which serve as a means of public peace education. SGI Canada, in cooperative efforts with the United Nations, UNESCO, major Canadian universities and various levels of government has held several public exhibits, such as:

• Nuclear Arms: Threat to Our World
• The World Boys and Girls Art Exhibition
• Toward a Century of Humanity: An Overview of Human Rights in Today's World.

Cultural Exchange
The promotion of cultural activities and exchange on an international scale is an integral part of SGI's activities. Such exchanges appeal to universal human truths voiced in all cultural traditions. This awareness makes an important contribution toward going beyond mere tolerance to genuine understanding of and appreciation for our differences. This is in keeping with Buddhist philosophy, which celebrates diversity and the uniqueness of each individual and each culture.

Educational Activities
The youth of the world must shoulder the challenges of the future. A broad, humanistic education will be essential for them to succeed. SGI has been actively engaged in educational activities based on the principle that education should be holistic and international in its outlook. It should open the creative potential of each student.

Education for global citizenship - a merger of our natural love for home and nation with an awareness of global responsibilities - has been a consistent theme of SGI's activities in the sphere of education.

In addition to book donations to educational institutions throughout the world, SGI President Daisaku Ikeda has delivered lectures at the invitation of such universities as UCLA, Moscow State University, Harvard University, Institut de France, Beijing University, University of Bologna and the University of Glasgow, among others.

Dedication of SGI Members
As the millennium opens up before us, our world is facing a period of tremendous transition. The challenges facing humanity in disarmament, environmental protection and human development are without precedent. But at the same time, so are the possibilities. The members of SGI are dedicated to the task of working to create a new era based on the universal values of human equality and dignity.

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