SGI Canada Newsletter, No. 109 - July 12, 2024
SGI Canada Newsletter
Issue no. 109
July 12, 2024
Welcome to the 109th 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
“Let the Flame of Truth and Justice Burn Brightly!”
In his July 2024 editorial in Daibyakurenge, Soka Gakkai President Harada recalls how President Ikeda showed the behaviour of a true mentor:
President Ikeda made every effort to ensure that the growing tide of Soka youth would be capable of shouldering full responsibility for kosen-rufu. I recall how, 50 years ago, he took time out amid his busy schedule and writing deadlines to attend student division meetings for four consecutive days in July.
He held small group discussions with the student division members and sat for commemorative photos with them. He made determined efforts to speak with and warmly encourage every member he encountered. At each meeting, he urged us to become leaders of the people who would build a century of life.
At the time, President Ikeda had just returned from his first trip to China, and he was scheduled to visit the Soviet Union in September. While encouraging and fostering young people, he was demonstrating through his own example of acts of citizen diplomacy what it means to be a leader of the people.
“In battles soldiers regard the general as their soul” (WND-1, 613). The spirit of mentor and disciple is to take the lead in speaking out for truth and justice and to pave the way for a new era. It is fostering capable individuals by our own example.
July is the month for us to renew our vow for the victory of the people. Let the flame of kosen-rufu burn brightly, and let us stir up a whirlwind of dialogue to create a path of hope for all humanity!
The complete editorial will appear in the August 2024 New Century.
News
Youth Training Course in Japan
Six SGI Canada members participated in this year’s SGI Youth Training Course in Japan from June 26 to July 2. Among other events, they took part in the 3rd Headquarters Leaders Meeting at the Toda Memorial Hall in Tokyo, and learned about President Ikeda’s deep connection with the Kanagawa Culture Centre. We look forward to hearing about the trip in the weeks to come.
SGI Canada Youth Training Course participants:
(front row, from left to right) Mai Ogushi, Suchitra Devarajan,
and Sarah Bahguin; (back row, from left to right)
Hamilton Nieh, Jovan Teo and Harold Hunter.
Participants’ determination will appear in an upcoming issue of New Century.
“Dialogue for Peace” in July
Across Canada, districts are talking this month about the power of one person to create change, as seen in the SGI exhibit “Seeds of Hope and Action” which highlights the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
Let’s take this opportunity to invite young friends and family to learn about SGI’s efforts to create a peaceful and respectful world.
To view the “Seeds of Hope and Action” exhibit:
https://www.sokaglobal.org/wp-content/uploads/pdf/seeds-of-hope-and-action-en.pdf
To find out more about the Sustainable Development Goals:
https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/
Changes to Monthly Pre-Authorized Payments (PAP) starting on October 1, 2024
If you are using monthly Pre-Authorized Payments (PAP) to pay for your publication subscriptions or to make financial contributions to SGI Canada, please note that the following changes will take effect on October 1, 2024:
- If you would like to make any changes to your Pre-Authorized Payments for subscriptions or financial contributions (including cancellations) in a particular month, SGI Canada must receive the changes no later than the 1st of that month (previously it was on the 10th of the month).
- Funds for PAP will be withdrawn on the 17th of each month (previously it was on the 28th of the month). If your Pre-Authorized Payment is drawn from a chequing account, and if the 17th falls on a weekend or statutory holiday, the bank will process the payment on the next business day.
- If your Pre-Authorized Payment is declined by your bank, you will need to pay the amount owing by either:
- using a valid credit card (this is only for a one-time clear-out of the declined payment)
- mailing a cheque to SGI Canada (at SGI Canada’s National Office in Toronto) to be received within five business days
- If the declined payment is not settled, the PAP agreement will be cancelled, and you will be invited to use your SGI Canada online portal account to continue your subscriptions and make contributions.
We thank you for your continued support and understanding.
Upcoming events
Study Exam in October
Registration for the SGI Canada Level 2 Study Exam is now open.
The exam will be held on Sunday, October 27, 2024 and will be offered in English, French and Chinese. Everyone who passed the 2019 Basics Exam or the 2023 Level 1 Introductory Exam is eligible to write the Level 2 exam in October.
You can register for the exam by completing the short form at: https://forms.gle/mBu4gexhoC6yYEyb8 or by using the QR Code below:
Anyone wishing to write the exam must first register.
More information about the exam is available on the SGI Canada website at:
https://www.sgicanada.org/activities/sgi-canada-level-2-study-exam
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 July 26, 2024. See you then!