SGI Canada Newsletter, No. 118 -November 15, 2024
SGI Canada Newsletter
Issue no. 118
November 15, 2024
Welcome to the 118th 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
Stand Up with the Resolve, “I Am the Soka Gakkai!”
In his editorial in the November issue of the Daibyakurenge, the Soka Gakkai monthly study journal, Soka Gakkai President Minoru Harada describes the determination of SGI President Daisaku Ikeda to carry on the struggle for kosen rufu following the passing of his mentor, Josei Toda:
On the first anniversary of President Toda’s death, his disciple Daisaku Ikeda wrote in the Daibyakurenge: “From today, we embark upon an even more intense fight for kosen-rufu,” and with his mentor in his heart he continued his shared struggle until the very end.
Now, in the lead-up to November 15, the first anniversary of President Ikeda’s passing, as we reflect on our mentor’s legacy, let us strive to embody the same great vow for kosen-rufu. Starting from here, today, let us pledge together to repay our debt of gratitude by achieving resounding victories toward the centennial of the Soka Gakkai in 2030!
*
Forging a network of successors who will advance on the challenging path of kosen-rufu in unity with their mentor is the integral force in history, transforming the karma of humanity and enabling individuals to elevate their life state. We should also remember that this is the way we can achieve a life state of complete fulfillment.
Mr. Makiguchi always declared, “Give me a single lion over a thousand sheep!” and stated, “A single courageous person committed to great good will be able to accomplish great things.”
The Soka Gakkai is an organization of lions. Everything starts from a single individual standing up with the awareness, “I am the Soka Gakkai!” Starting anew with a fresh spirit, let us report our victories as disciples to our mentor.
This extract from President Harada's editorial is also included in the SGI Canada message for the district general meetings. The complete editorial can be found in the December 2024 issue of New Century.
News
Golden Memories on the Journey of Mentor and Disciple: Niagara Falls, Canada (Part 2)
Seikyo Shimbun is featuring a series of articles on places in the world mentioned by Ikeda Sensei in his writings. In an article which appeared on October 24 2024, Sensei’s visit to Niagara Falls is described. Here is the second part of that article:
Since Sensei’s first visit, kosen-rufu in Canada advanced steadily. When Sensei visited Canada for the second time on June 21st, 1981, some 300 members gathered at the airport in Toronto and welcomed him. Sensei was scheduled to visit the previous year, however, the trip was postponed due to his scheduled flight’s engine troubles. The members who gathered at the airport that time wiped away their tears and determined to advance even more. They solidified their unity and welcomed this day a year later with victory.
At the general meeting commemorating the 20th anniversary of the kosen-rufu movement in Canada, held the next day on the 22nd in Toronto, Sensei said, “Zero multiplied by any number, no matter how large, is zero. But the number one can grow limitlessly when multiplied” (The New Human Revolution, Vol. 30, Part 2, p. 33). He said the golden history of kosen-rufu in Canada began from one woman. He continued, “Everything starts with one person. That one person teaches others about the Mystic Law, the ultimate teaching for happiness; fosters people of courageous faith who can surpass them; and sets in motion a growing network of capable individuals. This is the principle of ‘emerging from the earth’.” (ibid.)
On the 24th, Sensei visited Niagara Falls after 21 years and gazing at nature’s magnificent scenery, he took photographs. Afterwards, Sensei visited the home of Laura Secord, a “Canadian hero,” located near the Falls. At the beginning of the 19th century during a war between Great Britain and the United States, she (Laura Secord) overheard the plan of a surprise attack by the United States. Her husband was wounded, so she travelled alone for over 30km through dangerous enemy territory toward the British headquarters, and Great Britain was able to win the war with the information she shared with them.
Deeply impressed by her story, Sensei stressed to the others with him, “It certainly is true that the actions of a single determined individual can be more effective than a force of ten thousand” (The New Human Revolution, Vol. 30, Part 2, p. 42). In the novel, The New Human Revolution, Vol. 30, Part 2, “Bells of Dawn” chapter, through the life of Laura Secord, Sensei says, “As human beings, it is important to pay attention to the essentials of daily life and lead firmly grounded lives. That’s the grassroots strength of the people. When such individuals stand up, they can change society fundamentally. Our movement for kosen-rufu is attempting to make that happen, and women’s division members are the leading players.”
(to be continued)
Upcoming events
“The Growing Danger of Nuclear War and What We Can Do To Prevent It”
The Soka Education Research Centre on Global Citizenship (SERC-GC) at the University of Guelph-Humber will hold its 7th Annual Lecture on November 18 at 7:00 pm Eastern.
The guest speaker will be Dr. Ira Helfand, co-Founder of Physicians for Social Responsibility (PSR), member of the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN), and member of the International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War (IPPNW). Dr. Helfand will speak on the topic “The Growing Danger Of Nuclear War And What We Can Do To Prevent it.”
To register and for more information, please click here.
SGI Canada Online Bookstore Closed in December for Inventory Audit
SGI Canada’s popular Online Bookstore will be closed from December 3 to January 2 for the annual inventory audit. If you are hoping to order books or other items before the end of the year, we encourage you to visit the bookstore as early as possible this month. You can visit the Online Bookstore at: https://sgicanada.myshopify.com/
Thank you for your understanding.
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 November 29, 2024. See you then!