Traveler for Peace film at the Connecticut Region Activity Center January 2, 2012
Posted by sgict in : Uncategorized , add a commentTraveler For Peace Movie in CT this weekend: Sat/Sun Jan 07-08
What is the Movie ”Traveler For Peace”?
It is a movie looking back at President Ikeda’s first trip outside of Japan in 1960. But, from a particular perspective. It combines footage of those travels with current interviews of those who participated in those events 51 years ago. It is very moving, and many who have practiced for some time will recognize those pioneers who helped them establish their own practice. Starting several years ago it has been shown at FNCC conferences. Now it will be shown in Connecticut.
Note that a special projector is used for this movie of which one is available for the entire east territory. So, this is our opportunity for the foreseeable future to have this in CT.
There will be 3 showings, all at the activity center:
Saturday, Jan 7 at 6:00 pm English version
Sunday, Jan 8 at 11:00 am English version
Sunday, Jan 8 at 1:00 pm Spanish version
Who can attend?
Everyone, plus guests
Will we do gongyo?
Yes, gongyo will be done 30 minutes before each showing.
Ikeda (center) and Soka Gakkai members before the Statue of Columbus at Coit Tower in San Francisco, California, in October 1960
Description of “Traveler for Peace” from the SGI-USA website:
“The new documentary film, ‘Traveler for Peace,’ … a history of President Ikeda’s activities in the United States, will help viewers understand the importance of President Ikeda’s philosophy and guidance as a compass for their own life and faith, and as a lighthouse for all people.
“‘Traveler for Peace’ explores President Ikeda’s first overseas trip in 1960 and examines its lasting significance through the words of disciples in America who witnessed his efforts. The work also looks at President Ikeda’s vision for the future, which he is entrusting to the youth of today, just as President Toda had entrusted it to him. More than merely a reflection on the past, the film shows how President Ikeda’s activities and guidance during his first overseas trip were the foundation for the growth of the SGI today, and the eternal model for a victorious future.”
SGI President Daisaku Ikeda’s New Year’s Message: Illuminating the World and the Future With the Great Light of Hope! December 30, 2011
Posted by sgict in : Uncategorized , add a commentSGI President Daisaku Ikeda’s New Year’s Message
Illuminating the World and the Future With the Great Light of Hope
SGI President Ikeda with exchange students from China studying at Soka University
Congratulations on the start of 2012—the Year of Developing a Youthful SGI—a year brimming with new possibilities!
Thanks to your wonderful efforts, we have entered a new age of kosen-rufu, where the SGI continues to grow as never before, with surging numbers of capable young Bodhisattvas of the Earth appearing around the globe.
Together with our fellow members in 192 countries and territories, let’s bring forth the bright sun of time without beginning in our hearts day after day, and illuminate our communities, our societies and the future with the great light of hope….
Please read the entire message here:
Men and Young Men of Connecticut Unite on September 11 October 3, 2011
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Men and Young Men of SGI Connecticut 2011
CT Region 50th Anniversary of Sensei’s First Trip to America! October 4, 2010
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Greater Connecticut Area Culture Department Friendship Meeting- October 9th September 22, 2010
Posted by sgict in : Academics, All Members, Artists, Culture Department, Educators (K-12), Healing Arts, Legal Arts, Uncategorized , add a comment
Greater Connecticut Area Culture Department Friendship Meeting
Saturday, October 9th | 1:00 to 3:00 pm
at the home of Phyllis Green | 78 Carson Road, Wethersfield CT
What is the mission of the SGI-USA Culture Department?
• To show actual proof as invaluable individuals in our respective professions and thereby gain trust and respect in our communities and American society.
• To advance side by side in harmony with fellow SGI members as we strive to study Buddhism more deeply, protect the Mystic Law, and to introduce the wisdom and humanism of Buddhism, the SGI and President Ikeda into society.
• Together with our mentor, encounter as many people as possible, engaging in warmhearted dialogue that creates heart-to-heart bonds, thereby leading to a greater expansion of the humanistic values of Nichiren Buddhism.
• Provide encouragement in faith that enables Culture Department members and youthful successors of the Culture Department to solidify the mentor disciple relationship and discover and fulfill their unique mission in society.
Find out more about the SGI-USA Culture Department.
Rock the Era in Philly July 25th: Driver Information! July 24, 2010
Posted by sgict in : Uncategorized , add a commentDISTRICT AND CHAPTER LEADERS: PLEASE COMMUNICATE THIS INFORMATION TO DRIVERS LISTED!!!
1. How do I get to the Liacouras Center where the event is being held?
2. What time should I arrive?
3. Where do I park?
4. How do I get my ticket?
5. What about food?
1. How do I get to the Liacouras Center where the event is being held?
a. Driving distance ranges from about four hours from Hartford to about 2.5 hours from Greenwich.
b. Get to the George Washington Bridge. One way of doing this is to take I-95 south. About 25 miles past Greenwich (you will be in NY State), look for signs and turn right to get to the George Washington Bridge. Here are directions from Greenwich. Start at #3 if you are on I-95 and just passing Greenwich.
Greenwich, CT
1. Head east on US-1 N/E Putnam Ave toward W Brother Dr 0.4 mi
2. Turn right at Indian Field Rd 0.7 mi
3. Turn right to merge onto I-95 S toward N.Y.City Entering New York 25.9 mi
4. Slight left at George Washington Bridge/Interstate 95 Upper Level S/U.S. 1 Upper Level S (signs for I-95 S/Trenton) 0.8 mi
5. Continue onto US-9 S Entering New Jersey 1.7 mi
6. Continue onto Interstate 95 Express S 2.9 mi
7. Merge onto I-95 S Partial toll road 58.1 mi
8. Continue onto New Jersey Turnpike S Partial toll road 25.9 mi
9. Take exit 4 toward NJ-73 N Toll road 0.4 mi
10. Keep right at the fork, follow signs for NJ-73 and merge onto NJ-73 N Partial toll road 4.4 mi
11. Slight left at NJ-90 W (signs for Betsy Ross Bridge) Partial toll road Entering Pennsylvania 4.3 mi
12. Take the exit onto I-95 S toward Central Phila 2.8 mi
13. Take exit 23 to merge onto E Girard Ave toward Lehigh Ave 2.2 mi
14. Turn right at N Broad St Destination will be on the left 0.6 mi
1776 N Broad St Philadelphia, PA 19121
2. What time should I arrive?
a. The doors open at 11am, so please arrive not later than 11.
3. Where do I park?
a. See the attached document, page 2. It shows the Liacouras Center, parking lots and prices for the day.
4. How do I get my ticket?
a.Once you have parked, proceed to Mitten Hall which is one block farther north of the Liacouras Center on North Broad Street (see page 2 of the attached doument).
b. Once inside, ask one of the young men or women there where the “North Zone” table is. Your name will be on a list at that table, and you will receive your ticket there.
5. What about food?
a. Outside food cannot be brought into the Liacouras Center. However, there are many restaurants nearby and, once inside, there are food concessions in the Liacouras Center.
Rock the Era in CT: info for participants travelling on the bus this Sunday July 22, 2010
Posted by sgict in : All Members, Uncategorized , add a commentDistrict and chapter leaders: please make sure this information gets to all of the participants listed. Thank you.
This message contains this information for participants travelling on the bus this Sunday:
1. What are the departure points and what time do I need to be at the departure point?
2. What time will we be getting back?
3. What should I bring with me?
4. What about food?
5. How will I get a ticket to the event?
6. What bus departure point will I be using?
1. What are the departure points and what time do I need to be at the departure point?
a. Hartford: Somerset Square shopping mall in Glastonbury, CT in the parking area behind the Starbucks:
. Be there at 5am Sunday.
. Directions:
. Heading south from north of Hartford: Take 91 south to exit 25N (Glastonbury). The road, Rte 3, passes over the Connecticut River. Take the first exit after the river. Somerset Square is directly in front of you.
. Heading north from direction of Middletown: Take 91 north to exit 25/26 (Glastonbury). The road, Rte 3, passes over the Connecticut River. Take the first exit after the river. Somerset Square is directly in front of you.
b. Orange: The Activity Center at 518 Boston Post Road in Orange.
. Be there at 5am Sunday.
c. Westport: The Park and Ride off of I-95 exit 18.
. Be there at 5:45am Sunday.
d. Greenwich: The commuter parking lot off of exit 3 in Greenwich.
. Be there at 6:15am Sunday.
2. What time will we be getting back?
These are only estimates and dependent on variables we either can’t control (traffic) or don’t know (exactly what time will the bus depart). For now, though, let’s assume that the buses will depart by 4pm, that there will be a 45 minute dinner stop and traffic will delay us by 30 minutes. In that case we could be back in Greenwich by about 8pm, in Westport by 8:30, at the activity center by 9:15 and in Hartford by 10pm. Just estimates based on those assumptions.
3. What should I bring with me?
a. Please dress comfortably for the bus.
b. You may want to bring a pillow or cushion for the bus.
c. Isolated thundershowers are forecast for Sunday in Philadelphia. A small umbrella may come in handy.
d. If we are seated early we may be waiting a bit for the show to begin. You may wish to bring something to read or music to listen to.
4. What about food?
a. Please bring food to eat on the bus.
b. We cannot bring outside food into the Liacouras center where the show will take place. The doors to the arena will open at 11am. Food concession stands will be open from that point.
c. The bus will stop on the way home for dinner. Expect a typical rest stop on an interstate highway where there is a collection of fast food restaurants.
5. How will I get my ticket to the event?
a. Tickets will be distributed on the bus.
6. What bus departure point will I be using?
In the lists below which reflect information received as of the end of the day, Tuesday, 7/20, we have made some assumptions which need to be verified by the passengers. The assumptions are:
a. Charter Oak and Gateway Chapters and Bristol and Central CT districts of Rising Star chapter: depart from Hartford
b. New Haven and New London chapters: depart from the Orange Activity Center
c. Fairfield chapter and Northwest Corner district of Rising Star chapter: depart from Westport. Note that Westport leaves later in the morning than the activity center and, on the way home, you will get dropped off earlier to start your drive home.
d. Greater Stamford chapter: depart from Greenwich.
Connecticut Region General Meeting — Cherishing Each Precious Individual! April 13, 2010
Posted by sgict in : Uncategorized , add a commentOur General Meeting will be held this Friday at the High Plains Community Center in Orange. This venue can hold all the members who wish to attend, so please continue to encourage others to make it. The location is very close to our Activity Center. Here is the full information:
Connecticut Region General Meeting — Cherishing Each Precious Individual!
Date, Time: Friday, 16 April 2010, 7:00—8:30 PM
Venue: High Plains Community Center
525 Orange Center Road, Orange, Connecticut 06477
All members are invited to this wonderful gathering! Let’s deepen our understanding of Nichiren Buddhism and the spirit of offerings as we advance toward a state of undisputable victory deep in our lives. Our keynote speaker will be Matilda Buck, the SGI North America Women’s Vice Leader. In a recent article in the World Tribune of 2 April 2010, she writes that “taking action to express appreciation and gratitude is the cornerstone of Nichiren Buddhism.” This will be one of the key themes of her presentation.
“It is said that when the roots are deep the leaves won’t wither and that when there is a gem in a fountain its water won’t dry up. It seems to me that your faith, likewise, is deeply rooted and courageous and that you have a gem I your heart.”
– Nichiren Daishonin, “Reply to Lady Nun Kubo”
Matilda Buck at an SGI-USA Midwest meeting
===================================================
Directions to the Connecticut Region General Meeting
Friday, 16 April 2010
7:00—8:30 PM
High Plains Community Center
525 Orange Center Road
Orange, Connecticut 06477
Directions
From I-95 traveling South
Take exit 41. At the end of the ramp, turn right onto Marsh Hill Road. Follow to second traffic light, then turn left onto Route 1 (Boston Post Road). Go to the first traffic light, turn right onto Orange Center Road. Stay straight through the next traffic light. The High Plains Community Center is on the right.
From I-95 traveling North
Take exit 41. At the end of the ramp, turn left onto Marsh Hill Road. At the third traffic light, turn left onto Route 1 (Boston Post Road). Go to the first traffic light, turn right onto Orange Center Road. Stay straight through the next traffic light. The High Plains Community Center is on the right.
From the Merritt Parkway traveling North
Take exit 56. Go straight at the first light onto Old Grassy Hill road. At the second stop sign, turn right onto Orange Center Road. The High Plains Community Center is approximately 1 mile on the left.
From the Merritt Parkway South
Take exit 56. Turn right at end of ramp onto Grassy Hill Road. Then take the first left at the traffic light onto Old Grassy Hill road. At the second stop sign, turn right onto Orange Center Road. The High Plains Community Center is approximately 1 mile on the left.
From the SGI-USA Activity Center in Orange
Turn right out of the driveway onto Boston Post Road. At the first traffic light, turn left onto Orange Center Road. Stay straight through the next traffic light. The High Plains Community Center is on the right.
Sincerely,
Rishi Sen
SGI-USA Official MySpace Page April 2, 2010
Posted by sgict in : Uncategorized , 1 comment so farLast August, SGI-USA launched an official MySpace Page. It includes an RSS feed of Daily Encouragement, SGI music ringtones, SGI podcasts, suggested readings, a downloadable and printable daimoku chart and downloadable desktop wallpaper. The link has been added to our related sites list.
History of the Soka Gakkai–Part 1 March 21, 2010
Posted by sgict in : Uncategorized , add a commentThe January 2010 issue of the SGI Quarterly features the first of a four-part series examining the history of the Soka Gakkai and its efforts to revitalize Buddhism by creating a global humanistic movement which can contribute to the happiness and empowerment of all people.
![Toda, standing, and Makiguchi in 1930 [©Seikyo Shimbun]](http://www.sgiquarterly.org/assets/images/Jan2010/24a.jpg "Toda, standing, and Makiguchi in 1930 [©Seikyo Shimbun]")
On November 18, 1930, a relatively unknown Japanese elementary schoolteacher called Tsunesaburo Makiguchi published the first volume of The System of Value-Creating Pedagogy, which outlined the child-centered educational philosophy he had developed through his many years of engagement in education. The publisher was listed as the Soka Kyoiku Gakkai, and publication of the book is considered to mark the foundation of what later became the Soka Gakkai.
Tsunesaburo Makiguchi was born in 1871 in present-day Niigata Prefecture on the west coast of Japan. When he was 13, he moved to Hokkaido. Working to support himself while he studied, at 18 he gained entrance to the local teacher training college. Upon graduation he began working at the elementary school affiliated with the college. He had long been interested in the teaching of geography, and in 1903 published his first major work, The Geography of Human Life, which emphasized the vital links between human beings and their natural environment. He later served as a teacher and principal in elementary schools around Tokyo.
In 1928, at age 57, he encountered the Buddhist philosophy of Nichiren (1222-82), which he began to practice. Josei Toda, a young teacher from Hokkaido who had been working under Makiguchi since the early 1920s, also began practicing Nichiren Buddhism around this time.
The rest of the story continues here.
This year marks the 80th anniversary of the foundation of the Soka Gakkai.
