SGI Founding Day Tribute

26th January is the founding day of Soka Gakkai International. Over the years since its inception at Guam Island at which over 50 countries were represented at the launching function of SGI, this organization heralded an important land mark in global peace movement. That the Guam Island's proximity to Tinian island from where USA launched the atomic weapons which virtually decimated and inflicted incalculable damage to millions of people of Hiroshima and Nagasaki besides ravaging precious environmental heritage is a grim reminder  to humanity on what is in store unless these diabolical weapons of mass destruction are banned and totally given up.  It was in the fitness of things that Dr.Ikeda launched, perhaps one of the most imaginative and authentic peace mission's for human revolution leading to 'Kosen rufu in 1975 on January 26 from Guam is also a symbolic measure, reminding UNESCO's assertion  that “Since wars begin in the minds of men the defenses of peace are to be constructed there  itself.”
The Charter Soka Gakkai International adopted during the Silver Jubilee of its founding is an important landmark in man's efforts to live in peace and justice. Three important tenets such as world citizenship, the spirit of tolerance, and respect for human rights  require the urgent attention of all those who are worried about the fate of this globe and human being were identified as major thrust areas in the charter. Taking into account the aspirations of the present-day mankind and the prevailing anxieties and other general scenario it is hoped that these three tenets will constitute the essential conditions and offer necessary impetus to the emergence of a World Religion.
What is needed now is an united struggle to safeguard human dignity. It is a fact that never before in human history has anyone noticed as much human rights violation as we see all over now. The SGI rightly identified the following three principles among the most important guidelines for future activities:
(i) SGI, based on the ideal of world citizenship, shall safeguard fundamental human rights and not discriminate against any individual on any grounds;
(ii) SGI shall respect and project the freedom of religion and religious expression;
(iii) SGI shall be based on the Buddhist spirit of tolerance, respect other religious, engage in dialogue and work together with them toward the resolution of fundamental issues concerning humanity
(iv) The commitment of SGI to adhere at any cost to the core value and basic tenets of Nichiren Buddhism also shows its remarkable awareness of the importance of making religion a living force.
The SGI and the millions of members who chant with devotion, determination and dedication in over 192 countries  seem to have realized that this will be possible only by releasing religion from orthodoxy.
Only through pursuing socially beneficial activities can a movement enhance peace, culture and education.
  Dr Ikeda is emphatic that only those means will help to strengthen the fabric of solidarity throughout the world which foster a new sprit of humanism.
Let  me salute all the valiant members of SGI all over the world and wish all of you sucess and happiness as you
march forward under the inspiring leadership of Dr.Ikeda who symbolize the humanism of Gandhi, the fighting spirit of Martin Luther King (Jr.) and the reconciling spirit of Nelson Mandela.

Lead kindly Light Reflections on Dr.Daisaku Ikeda on his birthday (2 January)

 
 Lead kindly Light
Reflections on Dr.Daisaku Ikeda
on his birthday (2 January)

Today (January 2) is the birthday of Dr.Daisaku Ikeda, who is admiringly addressed as 'Ikeda Sensei'.
Buddhist Philosopher, Peace Maker, Value Creator, Educator, Founder of Soka Universities and Schools, Poet Laureate , Novelist, Environmentalist, President of Soka Gakkai International, Author of the Philosophy of Human Revolution and above all, the spiritual head and mentor of millions of Soka Gakkai peace activists all over the world, Dr.Ikeda has become a rallying point of those who are struggling to make the world free of atomic weapons.
    His world famous Dialogue series which began with
Arnold Toyenbee recreated the importance of Aristotle-Plato Dialogue tradition in bringing together humanity. Dr.Ikeda today has risen as one of the most outstanding prophets of peace and human survival in the tradition of Gandhi, Martin Luther King Junior and Nelson Mandela reminding all of us of one earth, one humanity and a common future.
    The spirit of fight, hope and optimism, Dr.Ikeda has injected into the millions of ordinary human beings all over the world,  which in turn, encouraged them to discover their potentials to grow, and how each of them emerged as a leader in his or her own right make Dr.Ikeda a global leader of distinction. He demonstrated convincingly the efficacy of the dictum that the greatness of a leader does not lie in the number of followers he creates, but how many leaders he is able to create. No doubt, humanity's march to freedom, justice, and survival has acquired a sharp focus with his leadership for peace.
    The global community on his birth day bows in respect and admiration before this great man of destiny wishing him well, long life. Each of us is reminded of the several lessons to learn from his life, struggle, vision and the legacy from his heroic efforts to knit the world together. Hence January 2 could well be considered a day of reflections, dedication and togetherness.